From Esteli, Sara and I made our way south towards Granada. Over 100 kms separate the two towns as the roads stretch straight as an arrow. After my tour of the local cigar factories in Esteli, I had to ride out looking like Fidel Castro circa 1958.
“Are you excited to see your mom,” Sara asked as we made our way out of town.
The answer to her question was, “Yes!” After almost 2 years without seeing the woman who birthed me, my mother was flying to Nicaragua to meet me. Not only to be a part of Journey America, but most importantly to celebrate our birthdays. I couldn’t wait to give her a big hug, but first I had to ride there.
Our 8 day trek took us through rice plantations, cattle ranches and dairy farms. With one joke following the next, Sara and I kept our spirits up.
“You’re such a baby, this trip is so easy I don’t get what your always complaining about,” Sara said as we approached Granada.
“Says the girl who has been riding for less than a month to the guy who has been doing it for over a year,” I said back as we laughed.
On a windy morning, as we climbed a small hill, we began to see exotic birds for sale on both sides of the road. It made me so sad, but nothing prepared us for what we were about to witness.
“Does that lady have a baby monkey around her arm,” I asked Sara as we approached what looked like another seller.
“Oh that’s so sad,” Sara said as we stopped our ponies in front of the lady.
“How about you take a new friend for your horses, only $200 dollars,” a small built lady said with a devilish grim on her face.
She put the monkey on top of Deedee’s head (Sara’s mare) as the poor thing held on for dear life. I was heartbroken when I held him in my hand. When we made eye contact I saw so much fear in his eyes.
This White faced-capuchin is just one of many exotic animals captured and sold in the illegal wildlife trade everyday. This is such a horrible reality that must change!
By the time we arrived in the beautiful city of Granada we were all ready for a nice rest. Arthuro Solorzano offered his beautiful ranch for the ponies to rest while Sara and I celebrated our ride from Tegucigalpa to Granada!
I cant say how thankful I am for Sara’s company. She is a very knowledgable horsewoman with a heart of gold! Saying goodbye to her, Luigi, and Deedee sucked.
