Polo today

The weather has changed!  We've gone from +30 to 7 degrees!  I didn't pack for this cool weather.  Trying to make use of a poncho however it doesn't look great with capris!  It's due to warm up by the weekend.  Back up to +30 but in the meantime the rain is very much needed.

Here we are at a polo match.  Gorgeous horses.

Getting them ready for the next match.

A friend of Ginny's, Tomas Gibelli, just finished his game.  Unfortunately they lost this match but it was close.  Tomas has ridden since he was a child.

Off to Junin de Los Andes

On Monday morning we loaded up the truck and Cedar, Jorge, Ginny and I headed off to Junin de Los Andes for the State Fair.  It was quite a process as quite a few supplies were needed for Ginny's care.

It took about 8 hours to drive there and along the way was some amazing scenery.

We stopped half way for a "tailgate lunch" and so that Ginny could rest and have Mate.  The old Patagonia winds were howling so the lunch was quick.

Once we arrived at Hosteria Chimehuin we settled in.  The next day, Jorge (senior) came from San Martin de Los Andes and joined us for lunch.  This afternoon we are headed to watch the Polo matches.

The property of the hotel is very pretty.

Hiking the hills

Cedar and I decided to do a little hiking in the hills behind the ranch.  We set out around 8:30 to try and beat the heat but by the time we returned a couple of hours later it was hot.  Great views and there was a nice breeze which was wonderful.  There are some very prickly and sharp plants on our hike so I was glad I work my long pants.

Cedar is only 22 and very fit.  She does a fair bit of hiking so I don't think she even broke a sweat!

After we reached the top of this hill I was done so Cedar went for a run to the next hill and along the ridge.

On the way down we discovered a group of goats.  They seemed very at home in this environment.

And that was the end of our adventure for today.  We are leaving tomorrow morning for Junin de Los Andes for the State Fair.  Stay tuned....

Hot date for Cedar!

Jorge invited Cedar to his parents home for the main meal of the day.  They were having a BBQ or as referred to in Argentina, an Asado.  No horses on this trip.....just horsepower!

Sky heading back to Buta Mallin

Sky (Ginny's daughter) arrived for a couple of days.  She and Jorge drove a few horses down to a paddock by Ginny's place where someone will be picking them up for the slaughter house.  They are all around 30 years old and are no longer useful.  Just an expense to keep fed.  This is life on the ranch.  So sad.  I would have taken any of them home.  They're beautiful!

Sky driving the horses forward to the field they will stay in overnight.

After two of the mares were bred to the stallion, Tornado, Sky takes one back with her to Buta Mallin.  Sky is a real gaucho.  Perhaps if you are a woman and a gaucho it should be gaucha but either way she is amazing.  One very strong, smart woman.

Sky enjoying a Mate with her mom before mounting up.

And off they go!

Another great sunset.

At last!!!

Finally I have had the opportunity to ride Maguante.  It was wonderful.  Just the right size for me...

And off we go down the drive....

Mate! The drink of Argentina...

Mate is very much a part of everyone's day in Argentina.  There is quite a ritual in the preparation and serving of Mate.  It's a social thing.  Time to relax and share the drink with conversation.  You can add mint or a little sugar or whatever to alter the flavour.  I didn't realize that when I passed on having Mate it was rude of me!  It's difficult to keep up with the customs and cultures when you're travelling.