“If I could do anything, I’d ride horses all day.” B. J. Armstrong, American basketball player

Wouldn’t that be a dream come true? Yet last Saturday it came to be. You’ve heard me extoll before on the joys of riding. It’s a wonderful privilege and allows for a healthy dose of the great outdoors. It’s me, Negrita and my fellow cowgirls, “The Pu**y Posse”; sometimes following my lead, sometimes not …

Napo, the stable owner, planned a very different day for us. The horses were transported out by trailer to the small village of La Cañada, about 25 minutes north of Chapala (approx. 11 miles). From there we set out on a most unforgettable, beautiful scenic ride ~ a three hour/seven mile journey to the tiny pueblo of Las Trojes (pop. 683).

We rode past small ranches with beautiful and rustic grounds and horse barns (don’t tell David, but if we hit the lotto, we’re buying one!). Everywhere you looked bountiful cornfields reached up to the skies; growing way up the terraced mountains.

Prior to our ride, a necessary quick stop to stock up at the local abarrotes (small convenience store) for ice, sparkling mineral water, coke and ​Tequila​; by quarter-to-ten the bottle was opened and then it was “happy time in Rome”. Riding horseback requires balance and dexterity; especially when mixing up drinks. You learn fast. Who knew that tequila, sparkling mineral water with a dash of coke made such a tasty combination. Combine it with an amazing landscape and … ¡Pura vida!

Spurred on … oh, btw, I’ve become a genuine cowboy – my outfit complete now with spurs attached. What a difference they make in controlling Negrita more effortlessly. Riding through this small valley sandwiched between cordilleras (mountain ranges), we came upon a riverbank with a magnificent, tall oak grove. Perfect time and place for the horses to stop and quench their thirst (and continuing ours). For future reference, this would make an excellent spot to fire up the BBQ.

Onto our final destination – the small, rural agricultural town of Las Trojes, tucked in at the end of this spectacular hidden valley. It’s a typical cowpoke town where there’s more horses parked on the streets than cars. And incredibly, if you threw a stone crookedly way over the mountaintop, it would land directly on our terrace!

In these tiny pueblos, the “restaurants” are usually found in someone’s home, either in front or on their patio. Inquiries led us to an unassuming orange colored abode where lonches (Jalisco sandwiches) were being served. The selections: jamón/ham, hamburguesa/burger or carne asada/skirt steak. This left me with few options as a “situational ethics vegetarian”. I opted for the asada – simply thin steak, bread, tomatoes and a fiery hot sauce, bursting with flavor. Each bite was a revelation in freshness of ingredients. The cost? A ridiculous 30 pesos ($1.40).

The return trip, with the scenery in reverse, was even more beautiful as the hills wildly changed colors in all the various shades of green. The afternoon skies were bright with magnificent puffy clouds overhead playfully shadowing upon the landscape. It was breathtaking.

Riding along, pretty much at near exhaustion, I kept asking myself if I’ll be able to muster enough energy upon returning back to the trailers to drive home. This incredible ride out in nature, with such good horsey friends, made for a most exceptional, memorable day.

It was a longer day than usual; nine hours, beginning with an early start. Back at home with David asking, “What took you so long?!” Luckily, with some foresight, dinner was already prepped and ready to go ~ another great Pati Jinich recipe ~ chicken that was braised in a piquant sauce: tomatillos, onions, chipotle and pilóncillo (Mexican raw brown sugar). I have to say the chicken was remarkably moist, tender and flavorful ~ the recipe’s a keeper, for sure. ​¡Qué​ ​sabor!​

​On the Menu​ … Chicken Milanesa with mashed potatoes; a pot o’veggie soup accentuated with sweet corn, scallops and Chinese-style flat noodles. David’s sweet treat: Sheet Pan Sugar Cookies decorated with all types of festive toppings; they were butter sweet and melted in your mouth. Some made it over to our friend, Sheridan’s, for an intimate, impromptu birthday celebration.