Lago del Cristal

Sunday morning we had planned to accompany Henry's family to Lago del Cristal, a hosteria on the other side of Giron. While waiting for Henry to pick us up, we were on the terrace and suddenly saw hundreds of people walking down the street. At first we didn't know if it was a protest, fund raiser, or what. It was actually an annual requirement by the University of Cuenca. All students enrolled in a PE course must participate in the walk to promote excercise.

What better place to sell ice cream!

Before we arrived in Giron, there was another march of some sort, involving a particular local company. They were marching to the church.

Anytime you drive outside Cuenca, the views are spectacular. The drive to Giron is lovely, but from Giron to go to the hosteria, the elevation ascends to 9300 ft.

A point of interest at the hosteria was this swing that goes out over the hillside. This would be a field day for OSHA.

Here's the group: Henry, Mick, Henry's mother, Narcissa, Kathy, in back are Henry's brother and sister, Andres and Paula

There was a zip line that traveled over the fishing pond. Everybody took turns, with the exception of Mick and me. Because of our weight, we were afraid that we'd drag the bottom of the pond.

There were llamas on the hillside.

We had lunch in the beautiful dining room that began with a delicious chicken soup.

This is the main house. There are stables, trails, and fishing.

Henry's family was going to visit with his grandparents in Giron and we were returning to Cuenca. Henry took his family down to the main road to catch the bus to Giron. Mick said that we would walk and meet Henry farther down the mountain. We had gone about a quarter mile when the fog rolled in with its heavy mist. With the higher altitude, it was already cooler, also, the extra 1000 feet made a difference in our breathing. The mist turned to rain. We sought shelter under the trees which didn't help much. We were cold, Nick was shaking in his shoulder pouch. Mick swore that we would be found later, lost and frozen. We had just spotted a shed down the rode and as we approached it, we saw Henry's car coming up the road. We were saved.

It was a lovely trip and we always have fun with Henry's family. The setting for the hosteria is beautiful. We returned to Cuenca. The Evans came over for chili and cards. It was another great Ecuadorian Sunday.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy