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Sunday March 6, 2016
45 years ago today I married Patricia Luszcz and we celebrated 25 years of marriage before she passed away from cancer 20 years ago. She will always be remembered for the great gal that she was.
The Herederos de Paseo de Cuenca (my biker gang) called for a day ride at 8:30am to explore Gualaceo and area. I contacted LT and Jeff, who have joined me on day rides before and we were at the meeting area at the appointed time. Only 3 of the Cuencano Herederos showed up, which was disappointing, but, on the other hand, a small group is much better for this kind of trip.... Actually it was perfect.
We made it to Gualaceo and immediately went to a local Mercado and purchased hornado (roast pork pulled right from the pig, with trimmings) and went across the river to a lovely park to enjoy our brunch.
The park was full of dogs and there was a gazebo where they actually had a horse walking in circles to grind sugar cane. It appeared that they were making sugar drinks to sell to the expected crowds later on. Another family was also putting out handmade clothing for sale.
2 of the Cuencanos then begged off to go home for lunch with their families, leaving us with the President, Paul, to lead us.
We didn't explore any more of Gualaceo unfortunately but instead went up to the main square in Chordeleg, just up the next hill. The church was packed for Sunday Mass and it was quite busy everywhere.
Paul asked if we wanted to see a gorgeous vista of Cuenca on our way back and, of course, we were all agreeable, so we turned south at Ucubamba and climbed to Paccha. From Paccha we went to the top of the mountain where there is a huge white cross and, sure enough, there was an expansive view of all of Cuenca. I took a few pano photos, and stitched these together poorly once I got home....
I also made a quick video of the panorama and put it on YouTube:
I barely got the video done before a quick squall came up the pass behind us. We hurried back to the bikes and put on our jackets and carefully made our way back down the mountainside gravel road. Naturally we got pretty soaked but that did not dampen our spirits. By the time we got back to Cuenca the streets were bone dry and we were anxious to rest after 5 hours of riding. This was a fun day that I hope they will repeat soon to another nice spot.
I hope you enjoy the photos. That was the day's
excitement, Cheers,
Al
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| Waiting for more riders to show up. One more did. |
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| Buying hornado in a Gualaceo mercado |
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| 6 of us in a Gualaceo riverside park to enjoy our brunch |
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| Going round and round to squish juice out of the sugar cane |
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| Setting up for the expected crowds of afternoon |
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| A lovely Gualaceo setting under iffy skies |
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| The main Chordeleg church |
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| Sunday Mass was at full capacity |
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| A view back down towards Gualaceo |
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| 2 youngsters in the main square |
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| Another view towards Gualaceo |
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| The spire of the church |
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| Pretty-colored hibiscus |
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| The church at Paccha |
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| On the mountaintop looking east (rain coming) |
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| This critter was scurrying around (about 2.5 ins. long) |
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| Far left pano shot of Cuenca |
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| Center pano shot of Cuenca |
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| Far right pano shot of Cuenca |
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| And my poor job at stitching the 3 shots together. Too small to be much good. |
