Rancho Altarose (day 5)

Well, I said we would be busy here, and we have been. Took us a little while to get going yesterday morning, but then we packed a few snacks and headed out on the 4 wheel drive ATV's up into the hills with Gary.

I think you would have to meet Gary to understand his love for the hills and backcountry around this area. He moved here from Alberta, Canada five years ago, and hasn't been back to Canada! I can't say I blame him.

Gary and Ruth taking a break from the ATV's.

Gary said "we'll go up into the hills for an hour or two" and by the time we got back to the campground it had been almost 4 1/2 hours! The trails go forever, and I think we could have gone all the way to Sayulita through the hills!

I measured our trip back and we went about 12 kms (7.4 miles) each way. The dogs ran along with us the whole way. Couldn't believe it, they just keep going and going. They find water along the way, and if it's deep enough they sit down in it and cool off for a minute before loping along beside us. I thought we wore them out on our walk yesterday, but Gary says they just love running. Even at the end, they still had the energy to go chase some cattle. Amazing.

One of the trails we were following way up in the hills.

Having fun through a riverbed.

It was about 3pm by the time we got back to the RV park. Most people who come to this area never get to see a place like this because it's not on the beach. What fun those people are missing! We sure were dirty and dusty, but did we ever have a great time.

Back at the ranch, we noticed this growing on the property...

It was the sweetest, juiciest pineapple I have ever tasted. I think I could get used to the idea of growing my own pineapple in my yard, and this is probably another reason Gary hasn't been back to Canada!

This morning, heading to visit the town of San Sebastien. Up early, and taking the bus. Should be another fun and interesting day!