Further up the river the jungle opens out to a beautiful sandy clearing near a deep pool. The water rushing down over huge boulders forms a natural jacuzzi for those who wish to cool off. Continuing my ride, my horse disturbs a myriad of small multi-colored butterflies clustered along the wet shore. Next we come to a small gate at the entrance to an arroyo. I dismount and leave my horse in a small corral for a rest.
Dense vegetation covers the steep hillside.
I walk a short distance among the trees and marvel at the many wild Poinsettias blooming along the path. Also Orchids and bromeliads adorn the overhanging branches. I could hear parrots squawking and glimpse them as they flocked to a tree and then flew on higher into the jungle. I stroll back to remount my horse that had busied himself eating grass. We retrace our steps and then as we reach a bend in the trail, my horse stops abruptly, his ears pricked.