Pictures, People, Places - Entry 12a - Columbia - So far, still great - Minca

To escape the relentless and unforgiving sun we headed to the hills of Minca. We hoped to find not only shade but also walk and watch some of the 300 species of bird and maybe swim in a waterfall or two. We did indeed see some stunning birds on an epic walk with a young Colombian guide who was very accomplished.  His name is Markos and you should find him for tours if you ever go to Minca. Although the green beaked Toucan remained elusive we still managed to see and hear a Carpintero (wood pecker), some bright red tanagers and the majestic blue crowned Mot Mot.

His youth also brought some rather insane waterfall action and we scaled the slippery rock face to witness its power first hand. The force of the falls on your skin and the deafening noise all around was like glimpsing the true power of nature. He also found a vine to practice our Tarzan moves.


We left a lot of our stuff in Bogota and were not expecting a few nights outside in a hammock. We were ill prepared for the cold that comes just before the dawn. To be rudely awakened by jack frost himself is even less preferable than your Mum on a school day. We shivered back to our rooms and sought refuge in Michelin man layers and a few blankets. Sally on the other hand was as snug as a bug in a rug in her arctic ready roll.  The second night was not much better for me but Chan had more appropriate cloths so slept well. It was not until the third night after meeting a french Knight called Tristen who although did not have any shining armour he did have a sleeping bag which saved the day. 


We all slept happily ever after.