The night in “the barn” as BBBoy called it was surprisingly comfortable. The beds had so many layers of blankets we were all toasty warm except for my midnight trip to the toilet block.

A double bonus… the breakfast was much more satisfying than the previous day. Eggs, bread, pancakes, meat, fruits, jams, and drinkable coffee! Fully restored from the previous days early start and with full tummies we set off on what the guide described as “the easy day on Peru flat”.

This basically meant a fun morning of up and downs along the canyon floor to our next stop. Along the way we learnt about different plants and their uses and about the lives of those that call the canyon their home.

We arrived at the “oasis”, our accommodation for the night around mid day. It was just warm enough to enjoy the swimming pool fed from a natural spring. The water was “fresh” but still the boys managed an hour or so splashing, jumping and being their usual cheeky selves before the cold and lure of lunch got them out.

Lunch is again a simple affair but saiting regardless. After lunch we followed the guide down to explore the river bed, at least we thought we all followed. On arrival to the river , the husband asked where Middle Man was?

Now we have lost him a few times in his short life… actually scrap that…. He has lost us a few times in his short life. I often joke that if I get him to 18 it will be a miracle.

Cursing under his breath the husband headed back up the path we had come shouting Middle Man’s name. No matter how many times we lose him I still panic, worst case scenarios passing through my mind. After a couple of panicked minutes hearing the shouts get further and further away I hear a distant shout of “got him”. Relief flooding in!

It turns out he had found a cute puppy and followed that instead of the guide or his family 🫣. Once reunited he quickly runs off to join his brothers playing at the waters edge. BBBoy blue settles in to chatting with the guide and other two members of the group. The husband joins Boy Blue and Middle man jumping from rock to rock and I spend a peaceful few minutes watching the water just down stream of everyone else. A little bit of calm and meditation. That was until two boys presented me with wet socks and boots 🤦‍♀️. Great just before our 3 hour climb out of the canyon tomorrow!