Living the good Life in Xilitla!

Wow, I can’t believe it is Dec 1^st already.  So many cool things are happening here in Xilitla we just don’t find much time for the computer.  Now, more than ever I think I’d love to have an internet ready smartphone just to keep connected.

Living here at the Finca Santa Monica...

we’ve met some really special people.

Each weekend brings new explorers on different paths.

Some young and some old.  Some arrive by bike and others come in familiar campers.

Here to experience the Huasteca Culture and see the waterfalls, the caves, the swallows, the Castle of Sir Edward James and more.

And then it is just the two of us living a good life.

 We hope you all are too!

The Mirador Walk

On this particular day we decide to walk a small road up from Las Posas.  After a few switchbacks we begin to see some views of Xilitla.  Higher up we have great panoramic miradors of town and the surrounding mountains.  On this clear day one realizes how beautiful this place is.  

Eventually we meet two old men in front of a palapa.  After talking awhile, Carmelo, a 75 year old, one armed man insists we follow him down an old trail of stones.   Carmelo leads the way down the very scenic trail past small houses of wood and cob.

By the time we reach the road at the bottom, he is gone.

Xilitla, SLP

November 6th and and we can´t leave Xilitla! We´ve been camped now for a week at a 90 acre coffee plantation walking distance to town.
Visited the surrealistic gardens of Edward James...

 

 The waterfalls and pools are as impressive as the concrete artwork. Great place for a dip!

San Luis Potosi

 The state of San Luis Potosi is proving to be place gushing with water.  We lucked out because the rainy season just ended the week before we arrived.  Near the town of Rio Verde we camped near an enormous thermal spring.  Cool days and warm water make it difficult to move on down the road......

...to Tamasopo, a place in the mountain valley where the days are warm and the water cold.  But not too cold for swimming.  At this camp spot we had our own private waterfalls.

The land of adventure...we had a beautiful hike to this waterfall.  Unfortunately, swimming was prohibited because of the high water levels during our visit.  Next time!

This is truly a special place if you like water!

And of course we always enjoy the metalwork.....

.....the people we meet

....and the history of Mexico!

Into La Huasteca

After two nights above 9,000 ft in the Altiplano town of Real de Catorce we have found ourselves in La Huasteca region of San Luis Potosi. Now in the town of Rio Verde at a nice little hotel we will figure out which outdoor adventure we'll tackle first...to be continued......
Heading here for a swim tomorrow....

Real de Catorce

Well it's decided! Jane and I are going to head up to Real de Catorce (Royal of Fourteen) tomorrow morning (Saturday the 17th). Its a village near Matehaula that requires a drive of up to 9,000 ft.!

There's a 1.5 mile tunnel (one way tunnel),

and a 17 mile cobblestone road (yep, 17 miles!). Imagine the work put into that!

You can get more info on it here...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_de_Catorce
We are very excited about this excursion. It is a growing tourist spot but we are early in the season so there wont be crowds. I look forward to meeting some Huichol people as they are among the best artists in the world. I wouldn't mind trying the peyote either! Hopefully we can find a nice spot to camp in the van under the incredible stars there.
L8R G8R


Update:  A Burro taking a break from his daily chores amongst the ruins of the old mining village.

 Still a very tranquil place in the high desert....

where the views are incredible......

 ....and someone or something is always looking for a refreshing drink.

Bienvenidos a Mexico!

Wow! What a drive! We spent the last two nights camping at a great state park right in Laredo Tx. Its called Lake Casablanca s.p. the weather was cool and crisp. Got caught up on some last minute paperwork for the border crossing this morning, and spent some time around Laredo. Its actually allot nicer than we thought. Had some killer mexican/mayan food at Kekas restaurant. Our camp spot had some great trees including the Mesquite and was right on the lake.

Many Great-Tailed Grackles were all around as well sounding off with their awesome calls. We had a good time at this park and would recommend it to anyone....but maybe not in the summer when its baking hot!
We took off at ten this morning from Laredo. The border crossing went smooth and it helped that we'd been here before. It can be very confusing. We had luck too with the vanagator, we got the 10 year RV permit this time so we dont have to drive out of the country for 10 years! (This means we can fly out or take a bus if we want.)
The 340 mile drive from Laredo Tx to Matehuala Mx (where we're staying for a few days, nice hotel- $18 a night) was incredible and the best stretch so far. The scenery at this time of year is great because its the end of the rainy season and cool. The desert is GREEN!

The Geiger trees are everywhere and in full bloom along with all the wildflowers. For miles there are these incredible Yucca forests that are around 20' tall! Millions of them....

Here's a different species at a gas station....

In no time we hit the mountains and up to 3,000 ft before Monterrey where they are now capturing power from the wind.

Here in Matehuala its about 5,200 ft in elevation and cool around 70 degrees. Its good to be back in Mexico.....Catch you all L8R G8R!

Goliad Texas

Hey All, We've been camping in Goliad, Texas the last couple nights. What a great Texas Town!

and has a beautiful courthouse...

and Museum...

The restored Mission is a site...

 and the Fort nearby was birthplace of the Mexican General Zaragoza of the Cinco de Mayo fame. This is great history here, you must check it out.
At the library now (Libraries are a usual stop for us- free Wi-Fi, etc...) catching up on work and emails, then off to Laredo and camping at Casablanca State park there before heading into MEXICO! We're exited now! The vanagator is running great.
p.s. Here's a shot at a parked-quick-lunch prepared by Jane at another Library somewhere in Texas (notice the wildflowers!)

L8TR G8TR

Sam Houston Jones SP

We arrived at Sam Houston Jones SP near Lake Charles, LA after two beautiful travel days.  Fried up some huge catfish steaks (from the Atchafalaya River) and sweet potatoes.  Might stay here tomorrow night as well, if possible. Friday's can be booked solid at state parks with this reserve america bullshit. But hey, we have deer right outside the van and wi-fi baby! Last night at the rest stop in Mississippi was pretty nice too, I'll get some pics on here soon.
TAKE CARE ALL!

Had a great night of camping up here in north Florida.

A place called three rivers, on Lake Seminole. Now at the Marianna library to check emails, etc. then heading towards Pensacola and onward!

Finally Off

Hey All, We're finally off on our way. Heading to N. Fla this morning. Maybe camp at Ochlockonee River S.P.

Redbay ambrosia beetle

So, something interesting is happening round here....everywhere all the Redbay trees are dying. I decided to post this on my Blog to all those of you who may have them growing nearby. I know this wood because of the nice board I got from a friend, from which I've made numerous door handles. It's great wood. Where ever I go they are all dead (leaves still on, so very recent) but evidently they will be wiped out across their range because of this Asian beetle, The Redbay ambrosia beetle. What a bummer!!!!!

Sun Oven to go with us

On the countdown now so getting things ready around here for the trip. Only so much space in the Vanagator so we need to pick and choose. I'll be taking the new/old Sun Oven (Thanks to my good friend Barry)....

Its a great little oven that will be useful in the tropics with no electric! Or of course to save on electrical use. Check out the adjustable legs to keep it in line with the sun.

Had it up to 275 degrees F in about 35 minutes and it re-heated a sweet potato and some salmon in almost no time!

Also put on another coat of Unique-shield to the bamboo dock railings for another couple years of protection....

Of course some more Palm tree trimming...

OK all, till the next Post!
L8RG8R

Time of departure

Big news.......We have an approximate time of departure...first week of October 2014. A little later than expected but hey, It will be a much more pleasant drive across Texas in October than August.
L8R G8R...

To the beach

Well its Friday and all this preparation has been wearing on us a little soooo....we're going to the beach. Headin to Anna Maria island to swim and soak!

Gearing up the Vanagator for a second trip to Mexico...

Greeting all, As many of you know Jane and I

are gearing up to hit the road again back to.......Mexico! Its been two years since our last 2-year-trek-round-the-USA-Mexico-Guatamala-Belize tour and we've been itchin to get outa Florida like the mosquito on the back of my neck.....So...Meet the Vanagator...

Our 1986 VW Vanagon camper. She eats a gallon for every 20 miles but we can live in her

and glide down the road like a gator gliding the Glades. We put about 25,000 miles on her on the last trip so she's up to 265,000 now! Put in the new auxiliary battery today which is a deep cycle wheelchair battery. This will run our juicer and immersion blender, coffee grinder, fans, etc. She also has a newly rebuilt transmission, a new clock, another fan (she gets hot!) and soon we'll be loading her up for the trip.
We'll most likely be keeping this blog throughout this next journey to the unknown for those of you who want to follow along. So check back when you can. As of now, we could be leaving as soon as the first week in September 2014. Bye for now... Kevin and Jane