Portena

JSM says on Jan 3, 09:55:

Hey. I did the trek maybe a few weeks ago. You can book through Miramar with Turcol BUT: They lie about how many people are going. They have tons of experience b/c they have been doing it for years but the guy told us there were 7 people on the trek. We ultimately didn't go with him but while we were on the trek we did meet up with them and there were 28 people in the group. WAY TOO MANY!

There is now another group that goes called Sierra Tours. You can book through Casa Familiar right down the street from Miramar. They are the same price as the other group so you're not losing there. They give you a packing list but you should know more: It rains, bring a poncho. The bugs are intense so bring a repellent you trust. It was insanely muddy so be prepared. The guides all wear wellington boots. Not totally necessary but it gives you an idea. Everyday your feet will get wet (lots of river-creek crossing), so maybe water sock type shoes would help? It gets chilly at night, bring warm pants and sweater to sleep in for cold and to protect you from bugs (oh and socks, I forgot those)
Its a difficult hike. Even if you love adventure and hiking just know it is hard. I went with my BF who eats this stuff for breakfast and he thought it had its moments of really hard. If you know ahead of time (at least with Sierra Tours) that the guides say 'we leave at 8' and you won't leave till 8:45 or if they say 'it's four hours more' and it's really 5 or six, as long as you know that ahead of time you will feel better prepared.
There are places to shower and freshen up so just a bar of soap and a small towel and sarong might work. feel free to post back in you have any questions.
i posted on my blog about the trek. if you're interested in reading it let me know. i'll just warn you that I'm not an avid hiker so it has a sarcastic annoyed tone to it but if you ignore that it might give you an idea of what each day is like at least!

scarby558 says on Mar 17, 17:42:

Hey Portena. Thank you for the comment and it is good to have you as a friend. To answer your question, no I do not have a degree. I have been focusing on traveling and exploring different fields and possibilities for careers. Since the cost of education is so high in the states, I wanted to make sure that I made the correct choice. I have been looking for employment in Colombia, specifically Bucaramanga. I have a background in teaching so I thought it would be appropriate. Luckily, I just found a job and I start in 2 weeks!! :)
And what about you? Where do you live in the USA? What do you do? Any recommendations for places to visit in Colombia?

Portena says on Mar 30, 00:08:

Hi to all my friends here at PBH!

I feel better! I can smile at it now, I feel better. Ohhhh, better! Gnarls Barkley

MaFe says on Apr 14, 08:14:

Hi Portena, just wanted to say hello.

"No comment" is a splendid expression. I am using it again and again." -Winston Churchill

MaFe says on Apr 15, 14:42:

Hola Portena, gracias por el mensaje, y suerte con las clases de Espanol.

In regards to education...I think it's so important to help people that want to better themselves but don't have the means....and family is very important to me.

"No comment" is a splendid expression. I am using it again and again." -Winston Churchill

CatGirl says on Apr 23, 13:23:

Portena....is that you in the pic? If so...good for you! Nice to see your smiling face

ooops! ....Did I say that?

Portena says on Apr 23, 21:53:

Sí, es yo en la fotografía. It was taken at Monserrate near the cable car station.

That photo of you with the lion was pretty cool, by the way! I like cats too, but I only hang out with the much smaller, domesticated types.

I feel better! I can smile at it now, I feel better. Ohhhh, better! Gnarls Barkley

CatGirl says on Apr 26, 17:22:

Thanks Portena :). I have been told that if I was an animal, I would be an Ocelot (personality). Ocelots are the smallest of the wild cats and can hold their ground when needed, in addition to being monogamous. Ironic they are predominantly found in South America. I had no fear back when I took that pic on the Lion, guess I am still the same ;)

ooops! ....Did I say that?

CatGirl says on May 10, 08:25:

jajaja...yes Ragdolls are a large Pedigree and sooo loveable. They are called Ragdolls because they go limp when you carry or lift them. A newer cross breed of Birman and Turkish Angora - Purrr

ooops! ....Did I say that?