Cajas National Park

     

"El Cajas", National Park about 20 miles from home. Right on the Andes mountain range, with over 200 lakes and beautiful valleys. Camping out there its an adventure and our group of 10 was ready for it! It took 2 hours horseback riding and walking to get to the lake we all wanted to be at. Walking at over 15000 feet its not an easy thing to do, specially since all our lives we have been at sea level.

Ready for Adventure!?!

This is the fourth lake where we are staying the night.

Temperature drops to low 30s at night. We did a good job at keeping warm with a nice wood fire and canelazo. This spiced drink originates in the Sierra of Ecuador and Peru where, the high altitude means nights are chilly.

We also had marshmallows, told stories and played cards. It was a rough cold night, with un-wanted visitors sniffing around our camping site all night. Among them were wild horses, lamas, and i think even a speckled mountain bear. Fortunately, we made it through the night!

Fishing truchas for dinner

                                                                          

Canelazo recipe:

Ingredients for canelazo:

3 cups water
1/2 cup dark rum
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup brown sugar
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp cloves
5 cinnamon sticks
Pinch of salt

1. Mix together the water and lime juice and add the cinnamon, cloves, sugar and salt. Bring the mixture to the boil over a medium heat.
2. Simmer for 5-10 minutes then remove from the heat and add the orange juice and the rum (to taste).
3. Reheat gently, but do not allow it to boil - the alcohol will evaporate.
4. Strain and serve (enjoy it!)