17/12/2024
My beloved Patagonia, you allowed me to fulfill one of the journeys of my life, what a dream.
A week of horseback riding between spectacular mountains and lakes accompanied by professional and warm-hearted gauchos, to which I set out without any expectations, just to be.
We went out together, a group of high-energy riders from the shores of Lake Falkner where I got to know my horse, Chewbacca, who accompanied me for the first two days, equipped with the local look, but not giving up my western riding boots.
We divided almost every day into two unique rides: one in the morning and the other into the night, after a siesta or a picnic rich in delicacies such as seafood paella or empanada, made on a local fire at the edge of the trees. Upon our return to the camp, we enjoyed our time, with a joint entertainment that is always hilarious to the point of tears, loaded with drinks and an insanely high-quality dinner at the shared "quincho" made by the talented and smiling chef Oscar and his staff.
On the third day, I changed Chewbacca with Lazarus following treatment of the hooves and with him I also finished the entire route, with pleasure and a perfect match between us.
I had concerns about my fitness following a new knee injury in front of full days of riding in which we covered 26 km! The shortest ones are about 15 km. Soon I discovered that the adrenaline that spread through my body, blurs any pain and allows my body to enjoy the full experience.
We explored the Filo Hua Hum Valley, crossed the Pass of Tears, Castillo de los Condores La Silla del OBISPO and more. We swam in the frozen waters of the lakes Lago Nuevo, Lago Trugo until we arrived for two nights to Filipe’s ranch the local gaucho, his wife Marta and her daughter Miriam (that loved to dance to my music), who hosted us on their farm with great love, as if in a parallel universe. We finished at Traful Lake where we said goodbye to the horses and released them to walk all the way back to base camp on their own. Yes alone!! (I'm sure my Lazarus led the way).
I had the pleasure of letting my soul be fully present, modestly in front of nature, to be completely for me. Enjoy reflections back inside, in such diverse and rich landscapes, smells & tastes. Thanks. I feel so grateful.
A significant thanks to my Barak, and to our independent kids we are raising together, and may we inspire them with the spirit of exploration, curiosity and passion for nature and challenges. Thanks to the wonderful team of Jakotango: Jacob, Daisy & Mateo and to RSC who helped make the dream come true and Thx to unique and diverse group of nature and horse lovers.
I wish all 101 abductees would come back home now! I didn't stop thinking about you with every blossom or yellow butterfly that accompanied me.
*A little surprise from Buenos Aires at the end
