SANTA CRUZ LA LAGUNA–The trail between Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, Tzununa and San Marcos is a fairly hard and spectacular trek. It is also the site of numerous robberies. The owners of La Iguana Perdida hostal have always had dogs, and good dogs at that, protective of guests, regulars and staff, unwelcoming to everyone else. But now there is Balto. I am not sure what breed of dog Balto might be, some German Shepherd, maybe some Akita, but with two traveling girls who hiked the trail the day after we did he went with them every step of the way. Then took the boat back with them. Legend has it Balto sometimes takes water taxis on his own, is gone for several days, and then returns to Santa Cruz by boat or overland, off on only Dog knows what canine adventures.
Without prompting, he followed Juan Carlos, Addie and me when we hiked the trail. He followed us as far as Jaibalito where he chased off a hissing black cat that was about to cross our path. With us he went no farther. His job was done and our hike continued in peace.
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