HORSEBACK RIDING To explore San Pedro, I wanted to do something different. It should be a surprise for Önder, It was a bit risky. I tried it. It was so tempting. I knew deep down, it would be an amazing experience: one week horseback riding in the desert! We would learn to ride properly too. We were lacking experiences even from now and then we rode on holiday. I book a 7 days horseback riding to explore the north and the south part of this area. Önder knew it only a day before starting the tour. His had mixed feelings, I could not wait! Meeting with our horses We met first with the organisers, a French-Chilean couple, the guide, and of course our horses. Önder was riding Gladys - a stubborn horse that did not let anyone before her. She was 10 years old. I had Bartholina: a young horse (7 years old) that wanted to run all the time. The guide Joachim, he knew his job, he did it almost perfectly. He learned his job when he joined the army, there was a bit of a soldier when giving instruction. It was not very talkative during the day but at night was a chatter box. He could not name the valley or places we were. He said most of the time there is no name! We had to ask for few advice how to manage the horse and hold reins. We get started for week through Atacama desert! THE FIRST FEW HOURS We spent the first few hours going out of San Pedro, and knowing our horses. We had to keep in line and be near to each other what we were not successful. Joaquim reminded us all the time and even summoned us to stay together. We passed by Pukara de Quitor without visiting the place. Well we had quite a long day, a 5 hours ride today. At noon sharp, Joaquim made a break - Lunch he shouted. We were not hungry as we had a heavy breakfast. We could not say anything. We followed the order! 15 km - the first day Riding for 5 hours was quite a bit, nothing compared to what we would experience the very day. Landscapes here were lunar, colours vary from pink, to white and grey. Flora was none except in the oasis. Fauna escaped from any danger, just left footprints. Nothing was visible, transparent. During our week tour, the Licancabour and Licantai volcanoes will be our landmarks. RIO VILAMA After a day riding, we relaxed in the vilama river. It was a salty and refreshing water. We bathed for almost 90 minutes. Then we promised to help at the camp so we set up the tent. Meanwhile our horses were fed and Joaquin prepared diner. That day we went through the Time valley, Pukara de Piquar to finish at the Vilama riverbank. Time stops here - we followed the sun rhythm. We had diner, chatted for a while, and then Joaquin went to bed. We stayed up to gaze at the stars. We were so tired and because of the cold we went to sleep. The ground was still hot at night, it kept the heat from the day. It helped while sleeping. Temperatures can drop very low. What a sensation! Being in the desert horse riding and camping! We were ready for the next day!
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