Back to Orizaba

Its now May 2015 and we've decided to return to Orizaba, Veracruz to enjoy the mountains and cool air for awhile. We were there back in January and found that we liked the tropical coolness of the area. It's at an elevation of 4,100 ft. so it doesn't get really too hot nor too cold. There are pine trees and coconut palms growing together here. It's a fertile area close to Pico de Orizaba, the 3rd highest mountain in North America at 18,491ft (5,636 m). This post will show some of the highlights of our trip from Quintana Roo westward to Veracruz......

One nice thing about driving across Mexico is the roadside fruit....here we have a nice selection of mamey sapote and mango ataulfos...

Shooting across the Yucatan peninsula in the '86 Vanagator we decide to spend the night along the shores of a small town called Isla Aguada on the Gulf of Mexico in the state of Campeche. We find a nice quiet spot on the water to call home for the night.....

Crossing into the very tropical state of Veracruz its pineapple central...

with miles of fields...

truckloads...

 

Then, from trucks of pineapples, it's trucks of sugar cane....

Here's one driving thru a grove of oil palms....

The highway of fruit continues for hours with bananas.....

But the ultimate fruit for us is most likely Jackfruit, these guys are truly fruit-giants. I think they are the largest tree-fruits on earth....and the taste can't be beat with a cross between mango, apple and pineapple. Some are over 100 lbs but this one here must be around 25lbs....

With all the stopping to check out fruit and road construction it was a long, slow driving day.We were not sure, again, where we would be staying the night, when we came across a little city named Acayucan in the state of Veracruz. Not only did we score a nice hotel, but it was Carnival too. We partied hard at the central bar and the parades on the main street were great. Here's a video of the Kings partying on.....

 

We like the place so decide to hang out for a couple of days. Here's a shot of one of the churches of Acayucan....

Up early after two nights of carnival and it's upward & onward to Orizaba. We finally pull into the city later the same day and find a Hotel to stay in while we search for an apartment. We end up there for two night before deciding on a townhouse rental for 3 months. It's right near the Alameda, a large park named after the big Sycamore trees here.It is furnished and includes cable TV and WI-Fi internet! 

We'll be settling in here for awhile surrounded by the mountains and enjoying the cool summer breezes. Stay tuned for upcoming life in Orizaba!
Be well,
KnJ

Belize back to Quintana Roo Mexico

Well its the end of April and we have crossed the border into Belize today and headed into Corozal town. Corozal reminds me a bit of the Bahamas with the small colorful wooden houses. After searching awhile for a place to park the Vanagator for the night we happen to come across an old large hotel that's been out of service. It was called the Inn at Corozal Bay. Of course we have to pull in to check it out!

Well its been rented to a Donna, a Canadian woman who's been working hard to get it back in shape. She has a small crew of Belizeans helping her. Donna and the gang are really great and we are able to stay in the van on the property in exchange for some electrical and plumbing help. What a deal!
We're invited that night to shoot the shit and drink some rum. Over the next week we get the toilets flowing again and get some light too. Donna, Danke, Mark, Eric and the rest of the gang are what this place needs to get back up and running.

Look like she'll change the name to Lost Paradise or something like that, so look it up next time you visit Corozal Town. Thanks again Donna and keep in touch!




After a great week in Corozal town we head back into Mexico and the lake to get our plants we left behind. Glad to see they are doing ok. Its the weekend here and so the place will be hoppin with Mexican locals coming to enjoy the excellent water. Jane sets up some of her sale items like handmade bags and extra clothes and things we don't need....

Since we've returned from Belize the local thatch-roofer has made good progress on the new bathrooms here. This palapa roof will have about 5,000 Sabal Yapa palm leaves, carefully tied onto it.

One reason we like this area so much is because of the incredible fresh water rivers and lakes.
They are perfect for swimming.....

No crocs and truly better than swimming pools....

 Here's a video....

Here's a typical Mayan palapa we came across as we were searching for the river....

Its off on the Mercurio tricycle to get more water.....go KT go!

See you on the next Post.....