Feb 19 – Today’s plan is to hike a mile up the mountain to see the local waterfall, Pozo Azul (blue pool). After a fine coffee, scrambled egg, fruit, and pancake breakfast provided by our hostess Aura, we set out early in an attempt to beat the heat.

No such luck. Have I mentioned that it is HOT? Even in the morning when the thermometer reads 75, the real feel is already 90.

While a mile of walking is nothing for us, a mile uphill in the heat was enough for me to acquiesce to the two moto drivers who offered to take us to the top. The drivers were very solicitous, taking the corners slowly and not trying to scare the bejeezus out of me. Helmets? Who needs helmets?

They dropped us off where we paid the entrance fee for Pozo Azul. From there, it was another mile walk down to the waterfall, jostling and bumping with the tide of humanity all headed for a dip in the water.

There was a tent where you could buy insurance before going down to the water – do people die doing this?

After admiring the view (I never got close enough to the water to stick a toe in), we started back across the rocks. I was startled to see a man carrying an old woman on his back, her legs dangling limply in the air. Behind him were two family members carrying Granny’s wheelchair! I wondered where they would find space to set her down, and I guess we’ll never know.

The walk back was pretty solitary – I guess folks go for the whole day – and before too long we were back in Minca.

We had another lunch that couldn’t be beat, in a riverside restaurant that featured a large parrot.

A dip in the pool completed our afternoon.

And another lovely sunset completed our day.

So long, Minca – it’s been grand!