Monday, the 10h of May 2010

In the morning before breakfast me and Pia checked out the farm and the scenery. 

We had our breakfast, our guide Luis showed us where we were going to ride, and informed us about security rules. Then it was time to get our horse. I got a beautiful, but very thin mare called Paloma which was quite new to the herd I was told. She had lost weight last week when it had been raining very cold... She was chestnut and appreciated me being gentle with ears, putting on gear, and so forth - well you know "the type". The type of horse I usually get - by some reason . Pia got a white gelding. The tour went through both woods and beautiful flat country. We had picnic at a lovely green meadow close to the Besalu medieval village. Some went for a short walk to get some coffee.  

Later that afternoon we came to a farm where we were greeted by a handsome stallion. All was all was prepared for the horses. Mini-outside-boxes created with electric fence, food and water prepared and bear for us! Then we went back to Can Jou with mini-vans. A shower was nice, and me and Pia went for a mini-walk before dinner. We have a lovely group with socially mature relaxed people from Germany, Finland, Switzerland, USA, Sweden and England.

Tuesday, the 11th of May 2010

We put our luggage in the mini-vans in the morning since were riding to another hotel this evening - a Spa hotel. I had already booked my massage for the evening. I had a vague feeling of that I would be needing it, after all it has been "some time" since I was in the saddle last time...

The morning was lovely with some climbing. Close to lunch we were climbing downwards on a winding narrow trail. We were supposed to walk in front of the horses, and they should follow behind us. Paloma struggled hard, and needed support in how to put her feet, and she had troubles controlling her body. I fully understand that, I wouldn't have done this with any of my horses, even though they were used to trails. BUT the other hoses managed just fine, experienced as they were.

We had lovely lunch/picnic at a deserted farm. A lovely place with nice green grass for the horses, and nice Spanish cold cuts for us. With wine, of course, AND water.

After lunch I had to support Paloma frequently, but I thought that was normal - that she wasn't so experienced when it came to this kind of uneven ground. But then I noticed that she was really tired, and at one point she stumbled hard, almost falling to the ground. So when Louis stepped off his horse when we were climbing up and down towards the end of the day - I did so too. That was good for Paloma, but also good for human legs, I noticed . I'm happy she got a lot of water and food when we arrived to the horses "spot" that evening.

Luis is a good guide. Safety comes first, and then he knows a lot about the history and generally about the area and is happy to share his knowledge.

We arrived to a wonderful hotel "in the middle of nowhere", well it was La Central located at Panta de Boadella, ...and me and Pia got a lovely huge room (for a family) with TWO bathrooms! We went to the saunas, and jacuzzi area where also Don, Phoebe, Beate, Pia (German), Carina and Linda spent some relaxing time. As usual I left early since I can not stand the warmth of a sauna... Then we strutted around in our bath-robes and morning-slippers until it was our turn to get massage. After that, it was time for supper, Spanish time. There were lot's of food, wine and Cava. These people are really great, such a great mix. Me and Pia just had a lovely evening with our new friends. O I almost forgot, I got access to the Internet...eee...

By the way, my boots got wrecked, they are old, but so loved...I had to let them go... tough but true.