Rancho La Puerta: Days 5 & 6

On Thursday I went on the "Seven-Mile Mountain Breakfast Hike." We hiked four miles into the mountains until we got to the very top of one of them to stop for breakfast. It was the most challenging hike I've experienced at Rancho La Puerta, but also one of my favourite hikes. After a breakfast of half a PB&J sandwich, cheese, and breakfast burritos, we hiked three miles back to the Ranch. For the hike they supplied us with a backpack, lots of water, and prepared breakfast items ready to stuff into our brown paper bags! It's nice how at Rancho La Puerta you are always taken care of! The following is a picture of the view from the top of the mountain we ate breakfast at! We sat on the rock in the middle of the picture.



I didn't get back from the hike until 9:30 so I missed the first tennis clinic, but I was able to go to the second clinic at 10:00. After I went to a stretch class at 11:00. It was just what I needed after a long hike and a hour of tennis! Then in the afternoon we shopped at the Mercado, which sells fitness gear, various gifts, and more, to go to their silver jewelry sale that they have on Thursdays and Fridays. Later, I had a manicure at the Beauty Salon. Now my hands are pretty! In the evening I went to the jewelry workshop again to finish off my projects. At Rancho La Puerta they have presenters come every week, and on Thursday night Suzanne Ciani, a composer, recording artist in the field of electronic music and a Grammy nominee and winner, put on a concert. Since I was at jewelry making I was not able to go to it, but my Mother and others said they enjoyed it very much! Another presenter this week was Denise Vivaldo, a celebrity chef, who was the special guest chef teaching this week at "La Cocina Que Canta," Rancho La Puerta's cooking school. I heard the meal she made everyone cook was delicous! I wish I made the time to go! The last time I was at Rancho La Puerta, which was two years ago, I went to the cooking school and had a great time! I learned the proper techniques in cooking and we all made a fantastic meal!

Today I went on the "Road Runner Trail Walk." It is a five-mile hike through the hills on Rancho La Puerta's property. I felt I needed a bit of a break since I have been doing difficult hikes this past week. I for sure do not want to go home very stiff and sore! I enjoyed the hike a lot; it covered different types of terrain and had lovely scenery. Then I played tennis with my Mother for a half an hour until 10:00 when I met three people from the tennis clinic to play doubles together until just before 11:00. At 11:00 I went to the "Release and Mobilize" class again because I always feel great after the class! At 1:00 I went back to the Gazebo to finish off my alebrije. I am happy about how my alebrije turned out! Then I went for a pedicure at 4:00. My toes are bright apple red! I love them! Soon I am going to go for dinner. On Fridays they have a special goodbye dinner and dance (since everyone comes on Saturdays and leaves on Saturdays) where all the fitness staff attend and the Ranch's legendary dancer Yuichi performs! Yuichi is around 70-80 years old and can dance like a 30 year old! I love watching his performances; they are very entertaining! Happy Travels!