We travelled along the same dirt track we had cycled along the first day we arrived. Only this time the sun was out and the trees were dancing in a light breeze. The same breeze had also bought ash from another active Volcano 10 miles away. As a result the sky was a misty grey. The horses we were due to ride were tied to the fence when we arrived at the farm. They were already kitted out with saddles and saddle bags. The courtyard area was quaint with a large tree in the middle providing much needed shade, even at 9 in the morning. We were greeted by Hannah, a young English girl from Kent. I was feeling a little apprehensive at the prospect of riding a horse all day. It didn't help when I saw another stable hand with a broken arm. Knowing the answer to the question I asked "How did you do this?". "I fell off my horse" she said. We received brief instructions on how to ride South American style - saddled up, we were ready to go!

Gravel, rocks, mud, trees, rivers and rickety bridges - oh and there was the up the mountain and down the mountain sections... with gravel, rocks, mud and rickety bridges. This was to be the terrain for the day. I am not sure it was the easiest of starts for a novice rider like me. Julia took to riding like a natural, however she had been a few times before in adulthood. I can't remembered the last time I rode a horse. I felt as if I had ridden a horse as an adult but I definitely haven't ridden in 30 years - maybe it was a dream or had I watched too many horses trudge past our kitchen window back home? (Perhaps my sister can enlighten me?). Despite my lack of experience I seemed to instinctively pick it up quiet quickly - especially asserting my authority over the horse who wanted to naturally go where it had gone a million times before. It was at these times during the day that I could see aspects of my sisters personality come out in me as I cussed the horse and willed it to do as I wanted. I kept thinking how proud little Heidi and Nicky would be of me if they could see me now. I also wished they could have joined me and Julia on this epic ride through the mountains - it truly was a stunning ride.

The terrain was demanding but the horses more than capable. Our guide was a true horsey type and was great at instructing us. The ride up through the mountain was really tricky as the horses stumbled, panted and sweated. The flies only served to distract the horses - not a great scenario as we descended down windy little tracks with them swishing their mains around and occasionally bucking. We had at one point a difficult river crossing. I could see massive boulders and a strong current weaving between them. I could almost hear my horses brain ticking away as it tried to work out the safest route across. It did stumble and almost fell - despite this I tried to relax, hang on and let it do it's thing. The risk was worth the reward as we took in the vista on the high plain... which was beautiful. We had lunch whilst the horses had a much deserved rest. The route back was the same as we had taken in the morning, the only difference was we were much hotter and more tired but this didn't stop us breaking into a gallop along the sandy river front (a gallop - not a trot).

Highlights of the day for me was the high plain. I let out a few words 'WOW' and 'WOW' as I snapped away with the camera. The other highlight was clinging to my horses tail as it pulled me up a steep section of mountain path. It was a relief to eventually return to the farm 7 hours later. I stepped off the horse walking like John Wayne gasping for liquid refreshments (no milk though). I sat under the shady courtyard tree and nursed my sore legs and bruises. I felt satisfied at my riding achievement, in my opinion it was pretty hardcore. I will have to wait for my sister to review the videos and pictures to be the official judge as to whether it was a tough ride or not. Back at the hostel we showered packed our bags and relaxed before catching the overnight bus to Santiago. We said our goodbyes to the friends we had made during our stay there. I was feeling a little sad at having to move on from Pucon. Given our wet start to the week it has turned out to be the most memorable week in Chile, if not the trip so far. This is how I had imagined Chile to be and it fulfilled my expectations. I would recommend Pucon to anyone interested in visiting Chile. Now for the next stage in our trip... Santiago then New Zealand.