With the Panamanian door literally slammed in my face, I was left winded and searching for a new plan of action. I felt so hopeless. So scared. And I feared the worst: having to leave Frenchie, Bruiser and Dude – my 3 kids – behind.
A few days after receiving the devastating news I found a truck to trailer the ponies to San Jose – Costa Rica’s capital. At that point our only hope lay in the international airport: flying from Central America into South America was the only way we would finish our Long Ride home.
After weeks of meetings and phone calls with embassies, logistics companies, airlines, politicians, and my vet Dr. Solorzano, we still didn’t have a plan. Airlines that fly live animals are few and far between, and the ones that do, don’t fly everywhere.
Weeks quickly turned into months and I began to lose hope. I cried, I screamed and I spent many sleepless nights starring at the ceiling wondering how I would get my kids home. Luckily they were staying at an amazing ranch just outside of San Jose in a small town called Colon. Chumin – a legendary cattleman – welcomed us like family. Alongside his beautiful wife and two gorgeous kids, he gave me great strength and support during this period. I can’t thank Chumin and his family enough for all of their help!
At the lowest point, when I couldn’t take another disappointing phone call, the universe finally joined forces in my favor.
“Filipe, Peru will give you an in-transit permit so the horses can continue on to Brasil, and Avianca can fly them there” Dr. Solorzano told me over the phone.
I yelled at the top of my lungs like I had just won the lottery. The tears began to flow down my cheeks immediately. Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel!
Unfortunately the suffering wasn’t over yet. One cloudy Friday, the day I had been dreaming of finally arrived – the day Frenchie, Bruiser and Dude were going to fly over the clouds and into South America. I woke up early and began getting the boys ready for their big flight. After packing up everything we owned, giving the ponies a proper bath and groom, we were ready to head to the airport.
“Goodbye Chumin, thank you so much for everything you have done for us.” I said as the truck drove away.
As we arrived at the airport I could hardly contain my emotions. I was so excited to finally load up the boys into an airplane and continue our Long Ride home. As we pulled into the parking lot I immediately noticed something wasn’t right. Dr. Solorzano, the Avianca representative, and my logistics agent were pale. They looked like they were at a funeral. As I got out of the truck I got the news that our nightmare was not yet over.
“Filipe, Avianca forgot to apply for a special permit for the horses to stay in Miami for two hours during a layover and we will not be able to board tonight” Dr. Solorzano told me.
Time stood still. I simply crouched down and looked up at Frenchie, Bruiser and Dude in that truck all ready to go. I just wanted to cry. Why me? Why was this happening to me? We worked so hard to get this far. We suffered so much. Why more suffering? I just couldn’t understand.
Just as fast as we had arrived at the airport we were forced to return to the ranch in Colon. I apologized to Chumin for returning, but he assured me it was no problem.
“Everything happens for a reason Filipe. God will know when the right time for you to go is, and until then you and your horses have your home here”, he said as we unloaded the ponies.
One more week we were left biting our nails waiting for Friday to come. Making sure everything was ready to go. Every permit. Every exam.
Then finally the day I had long envisioned and yearned for so intensely arrived. On a chilly friday night Frenchie, Bruiser and Dude were loaded up into an Avianca cargo plane. We stood watching the plane for hours as more and more cargo was loaded on.
Avianca requires a Veterinarian to fly with all horses due to safety, so Dr Solorzano was on board with my ponies as I waited on the sidelines. “Filipe the horses are extremely calm in their stalls. Don’t worry I will take care of them until we meet again in Lima my friend” Dr Solorzano told me over the phone.
Just before 2am the plane slowly made its way to the runway. We drove to the end of the airport and parked the car. Just as we stepped out of the vehicle the airplane turned its nose towards us. I felt like I was dreaming. Like a rocket, the plane’s bright lights began advancing towards us. And just like that, my three kids flew over my head and I yelled “I love you guys!” at the top of my lungs, hoping they could somehow hear me.
Beurocracy almost ended our Long Ride, but the kindness of people set us free. I need to thank Chumin and his family for hosting the horses, free of charge, at his ranch. Mellohawk Logistics for giving me daily advice and important connections during this process. OutWildTV – who never stopped believing in Journey America. And finally, Os Independentes in Barretos, Brasil… MUITO OBRIGADO AOS INDEPENDENTES!
