Yesterday we spent probably our best day so far in Argentina. We spent the day at the Estancia de Los Dos Hermanos run by Ana and Pancho Pena and their family, located about 50 miles outside of Buenos Aires in the town of Zarate. We were picked up by a car that took us to the Estancia with two other pasengers from New York City. When we arrived after about an hour drive we were met by Anna and other family members with a breakfast of coffee, tea, mate, juices and Argentine pastries. We were then matched up with horses according to riding ability and set out for a two hour ride. The day itself was one of the most beautiful we have had so far, sunny, low 50's, almost no clouds and a light breeze. My kind of perfect day. We took off with a group of about ten people, 5 guests and 5 family members. The better riders, like me, broke off with a group to gallop with their horses the others trotted at their own pace behind us. My horse Sargento was a great horse that was patient with me and allowed me time to get in rhythm with his gallop. It was tremendous fun horseback riding in this beautiful setting. There is an incredible sense of freedom between you, your horse and the open Pampas. After a couple of hours we headed back to the Estancia for an outdoor Parillada lunch of empanadas, chorizo, steaks, salad, bread pudding, beer and wine. This was a classic Argentine meal that was fortified by the open air, the good company and the hunger that we had built-up after riding on the open trails. After a short rest and after our meal we headed back out for a longer three and a half hour ride. We all felt more comfortable with our riding ability and and our horses and we opened it up a little more with our galloping. After about an hour of galloping my body was beginning to really feel it. I slowed it down a bit and stayed with Bridget the rest of the way who was enjoying her afternoon ride. We all took in the late afternoon breezes that were settling in and soaked up the remaining sun in this gorgeous countryside. Coffee, tea and cake were waiting for us when we got back as soon as we were able to get our sore bodies and butts off the horse. We got home and crashed immediately. What a great day with wonderful company and hospitality.