Day 18: Tuesday, 1/12/10: The Mule Ride

We woke up and I was feeling much better. I was able to put down an energy bar for breakfast and the water tasted good. My biggest problem now appeared to be my lips and face as they had ballooned up. I didn't want anything to do with the sun. My T-shirt was wrapped around my face to protect it from the sun like a desert ninja. I rested a bit and then we awaited the arrival of the Mules from Grajales. They got there around noonish. I was probably capable to hike out, but I had a feeling this would be worth it. Jason hopped on his own mule, while mine was latched on to the muleteer. It was definitely a sight to be seen for those on their approach hike in.


It was amazing to get over some of the more technical sections where the trail felt like it was only a foot wide and covered in loose rock. The route was beautiful and we really got to enjoy it. We reached the trail head around 15:30ish. Grajales was waiting for us and took us back to Los Penitentes. The "Rocket Scientists" were waiting for us so we could all share a shuttle back to Mendoza. I gorged on ice cream bars and coke. The five of us were about as messy a group of guys you could ever come across. My face was swollen, and I was covered in filth and puke as we rolled into the lobby of the Executive Hotel.


Jason got to enjoy the first shower because I needed to find some clothes and lotion for my lips and face in town. On three separate occasions, little girls clung to their mother's legs as I walked by. I got the sense I didn't look to friendly. Once I got my turn in the shower, it was surreal. I repeated the process three times and turned into a prune. We met up with the "Rocket Scientists" and headed to a long-awaited steak dinner at El Patio de Jesus Maria. It was similar to a Brazilian Steak House and the meat just kept on coming. My digestive system might not have been ready, but it tasted great. I had to push the food through the swollen lips. The wine burned like acid, but at least I got to enjoy some Malbec in Mendoza. We stayed out until after midnight and I had to call it a night. It hurt to smile and I just wanted to hit that bed. On the walk home, my ice cream craving came back and we endulged in some more at the local shop.

Day 17     Trip Report Index     Day 19