Kapishya Sunday Morning Walk

After a bit of a chilly night, it was hard to stir out from under warm covers.  But, we did, dragging Mary with us.  We enjoyed breakfast at the Lodge.  Unfortunately, we only managed to take one photo of the interior:

The tables are set up for breakfast, and help has not yet arrived to cook.  Beyond in the bar and upstairs is the lounge (complete with television for those who can't leave it behind.)  The coffee we enjoyed is entirely grown, harvested, processed and roasted on the estate.  Milk and cream is from the farm as well.  In fact, other than a very few items, the vast majority of the foods and furnishings are locally produced.

Our first outing was the shortest, but most strenuous of all our side trips.  We walked the road from the Lodge, crossed the river, then off onto a trail and up a steep, rocky outcropping.

 Cactus!  And lots of interesting lichen, on both boulder and trees.

 Taking a break about halfway up the hill.  Quite a rugged, rocky climb.  We were following red spray painted spots, and it was sometimes a guess as to which way to turn.

 Looking out toward the farm.

 Looking down on one of the many villages, this one is the largest.

 Tom's 360 pictures from the highest point on the hill:

 Mary and me at the top of the hill.

 Now to hike down the ridge.

 This is a smaller village with small gardens.  The "posts" in the middle to the right side are two women working.

 At the bottom of the hill, and now walking through a small grove.

 This is a tree ant "hill."  Mark Harvey (our host) told us the ants create the nest, then a bird will come along, break into and eat the ants.  Then continue hollowing it out, and using it for a nest.

 Along the estate fenceline, and walking on sand.

 Back at the lodge.

Mary wanted to just relax in our chalet, so after lunch Tom and I headed out for a much longer walk to see the mini-hydro and Chusa Falls.  The hydro project meant that the lodge went "on the grid" about 7 months ago.  We learned from the guard who escorted us (silly us, we didn't know we needed a "pass" to enter the project) told us it was a huge savings for his family since they no longer needed to purchase fuel for their generator.  Just wonder how whether they can afford the electric rates.  :-/

This will be in the next post, Part 3.