MULES ROCK MY WORLD!!!!!
During the several days of bbblllooooggggg silence, the group "treked" (reality is we HIKED) up the mountain. After approximately 30 minutes we see the first couple of mules and donkeys go bye. I am initially shocked and surprised by how easy they manage to go up the mountain. Much easier then I can. After about three and a half hours of hiking, four bottles of water, and my chest starting to ache, Alex and I stop and decide to wait for two mules to come and get us. I was completely exhausted (this was my first ever hike) and quickly running out of water. As the rest of the group carried on, Alex and I slowly made our way from shady tree to shady tree. Eventually we saw one mule coming down the mountain after passing through the pass at the top. Alex gives a joyous exclamation that we are saved and waves to the man on the donkey. I ask him why they brought only one donkey when we asked for two. I then claim that it probably is not our donkey/mule. Once the donkey is near, Alex deflates and admits that indeed, it is not our mule. We return to our tree and wait another 45 minutes before the mule and donkey arrived along with a huge bottle of water which is greatly needed. I am helped onto the mule and start up the mountain. As the beloved mule climbs up the steep and slippery slope I hold onto the reins and rural saddle for dear life. I think to myself "hold on, lean forward" as the mule jumps and lurches onto the next rock. "Please do not slip" I pray as I look down at the abyss below. I then become engrossed in watching the mule pick its way through the rocks and up the slope. I see it eye one rock pivet and climb up the next. Once Alex and I reach the top we join the others for lunch, arriving to everyone's applause. I dismount, not very gracefully, and converse with my mother who took the mule up after the first mule train. She and I both agree that we have discovered our new favorite animal and have a great respect for it. Mules are our friends. Mules ROCK!