And from the Valley we begun.

I travelled to a place called el Valle, which is a valley created by an exploded volcano. After all the water left the valley, left behind was a lush valley filled with many a wonder. The place has the allure of having a much cooler temperature than Panama. That is what first attracted us here. It was nice to get away from the city after a weekend of parading, watching and participating.

My crew of Andrew, Inya and Breanne and Erika, met up with Olivia and Charlotte whom already scouted out the place. We then were joined by Michelle and Charmaine.

This is the Sleeping Woman, an easy mount if I ever did see one, she is also known as INDIA DORMIDA. the mural on the wall of our hotel also depicts the sleeping woman but with a less featured face. Notice how my image shows her in profile with her forehead on the right above the middle fence post and the rest of her head and neck protruding to the left.

We asked some locals where this lady was at.

And then we came upon a Coke stand along the way, turns out the drinks were 25 cents each, and what better refreshment than a coke before a 3 hour hike

I cant believe I am endorsing this product.

We had a blessing from this Hydro facility which also bore the image of the virgin Mary, this was one broad who needed some sleep if you know what I mean.

So On our way we were. The writing on the wall said it was going to be a great ride, cowabunga.





I dont know if it was me or what but this Petroglyph was pretty scetchy, looked fake. But all the signs said other wise.























There was a frog endemic to the area apparently, its the small yellow frog that looks like it has been airbrushed. We didnt find it but this is the look on Olivia´s face when Andy and Charlotte took a detour to go find it. She was less than impressed, and those may have been her exact words!




























the hike was pretty trecherous, we were having a hard time, it was a good thing none of us were wearing flip-flops as we tend to do in the P-dot. ANd after being lapped by some locals who seem to live amongst these hills, I think we were inspired. Needless to say we stopped for a well needed beer break before entertaining the idea of going further. This stop by the Falls was pretty relaxing as we mixed the rain with the water splashing up at us from the surrounding pools below.















Inya had a relaxing time playing with her camera and sharing an Atlas with me.







While Breanne pondered the enormity of the entire situation, but her determination failed to get the best of her. It was a WorkOut day, dammit!!!!!










This is the view that taunted us at our lowest. At this point we could see the crazy trip that lied ahead and I think we all thought about retreating. It was starting to rain and the climb was not about to get any easier.






















When we got to the top ridge, some of our group had already arrived. I couldnt get to the other side fast enough. To see what was there.

This was the city that we emmerged from, hard to believe it was so far away all of a sudden. The fog quickly came in blurring our view. For a moment we were aloft in the clouds, it was fresh and wet.





Water and sweat were dripping off of us as we championed it from the top of el Valle.






Then we boooked it home it was getting late and the rain was really starting to come down. Digital cameras went under shirts and plastic bags, hoods went up and we were off. Enough of the raw beauty we were haulin ass´.