Cloud Trek to Pescadero

15th April 2008, team C loaded up 3 horses, 1 for supplies, 2 for riding, and set off in the driving rain to Pescadero. 2 hours uphill, we set off as a rag-tag brigade of travellers delivering medical care to an outlying community. A ways into the trek, we realize the horses are having trouble with the mud, and few people will make the walk to see us. We have people following up with us though, so Don Fidel decides we should press on. One uphill is followed by another, and as we crest one hill, a view opens up to our left of palm trees awash in fog. Here the wind picks up, adding a touch of chill to the rain. We are walking among the clouds, and visibility musn't be more than 30 yards on either side of us. Mid-morning we arrive at Pescadero. A child unlocks the school-house for us, and we set up clinic before devouring PBJ sandwiches. About 15 patients show up, most with important complaints, many who have not had their meds refilled in months, including necessary blood pressure controls. By two pm, we have seen everyone, and so set off on the long downhill climb back to San Jose. Randy and Suzanne ride. Randy's horse is stubborn, but with his experience he is able to control it. The walk is hard on our knees, but we make it back in about 1 h 40 min. At night, after discussing interesting cases, including seizures in a teenage girl, the team descends into several games of mafia... -Zeb