Samaipata Hike

September 9-11, 2016

15+ teachers decided to go for a weekend getaway to Samaipata. I took Flauta and my drone for the adventure. I was excited for Fluata to have two other puppy playmates for her trip as well. The 3 ½ hour drive was memorable because I really got to know Ana and her husband, Ismael. Even though we all work together, we hardly see each other because the campus is so large so you only really see your grade level teachers. So this was a much needed trip to get to know the new teachers.

Samaipata is known for its small town charm and peaceful vibe. I haven’t visited in a year, which is was too long since it’s such a beautiful place. The weather there is much cooler than in Santa Cruz and it’s a sweet place to go check out waterfalls and ancient ruins of el fuerte. I recommend getting a guide for that since the history is rich with information.

 These ferns grow a cm a year.

Saturday morning we headed out on a hike up along the border of Parque Nacional Amboro. We had stunning views at both lookout points. Flauta had a blast leading the group and checking up with me to make sure I could hack. We rested at the top of the mountain and had snacks while we waited for the condors to pass above us. Our guide shared how a female condor lays two eggs but only one is fertilized so when the baby hatches it eats the protein of the 2^nd egg. We were there for an hour and he expressed since condors only have a baby every 5 years they are becoming rarer to see. He had lost hope that we’d see one, but I was still determined and I’m glad I waited because I saw it in the distance. It took it’s time to glide over us and I embraced that moment with the joy of knowing I saw something completely beautiful.

It’s good luck to see a condor. I have so much to be thankful for because every day is a blessing and an adventure waiting to unfold. I hope you join me on future discoveries.