Estancia Huechahue
Trip Start
Nov 11, 2004
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Trip End
Dec 03, 2004
San Martin de los Andes, Argentina
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
The estancia is owned by Jane, a British lady who moved out to Argentina with her husband, now sadly passed away.
My steed for the week was Migifou, a gorgeous chestnut part-Criollo pony. They are remarkably hardy and sure-footed. Migi was no exception, and he was also unbelievably cute - my best friend by the end of the trip. He did seem to have an aversion to cattle, however - not great for a cattle-driving horse!
Juan was our lead gaucho. He is half Mapuche Indian. His mum lives in the nearby reservation of San Ignacio, but Juan lives on the estancia grounds with his beloved satellite TV!
On the days we were not on the drive, we took long rides into the surrounding hills. The scenery was stunning - hills roll out to the horizon like giant pillows, only interrupted by the odd table-like plateau, on whose thermal heights condors soar.
One day we went on a fantastic trek that took us through a narrow gorge, bounded on both sides by towering pillars of basaltic rock. This was followed by a 10-minute gallop in the driving rain across the plain until we reached a sheltered hollow where lunch was already waiting - chorizo, morcilla and meat asado washed down with a mug of red wine...bliss!
