Tree climbing at James' - Micro Post

 I took up tree climbing a couple years ago as a way to manage my own trees and for the sport of it. Its a great pastime and helps you keep fit. Remembering how to tie the knots is also good for the brain. Here's just a micro post to show you all some of the pictures of the tree-work we did at my buddy James' in Florida.

 Nice view from up here....

Oaxaca - Part one

After the hot November trip to Florida, its nice to be back in Ixtac in the cool mountains......
I know you've most likely seen the Pico de Orizaba peak on this bolg before - But I can't resist adding another pic. This one is a rooftop view......allot more snow on her now....(Click the pics to enlarge)

So for our winter solstice vacation we decided to head to the state of Oaxaca. The drive from Orizaba was spectacular....

We spent a little time in Oaxaca city but weren't very impressed. There were some really nice larger-than-life sculptures of indigenous peoples, this one on top of a fountain.

 To be fair, the city does have a great Zocalo and some beautiful old buildings, but the real beauty of Oaxaca lies outside the city.


For the solstice and through xmas day we camped out at Overlander Oasis in the great little town of Santa Maria del Tule. Its owned by a chic yet practical Canadian couple who are excellent hosts. From the '57 greyhound bus parked in their living room, right down to their recycle bins, they are a refreshing blast of inspiration.
(If you happen to need any work done on your rig - Calvin's your man!) Leanne's a great cook as well! I'm still drooling over the coconut date pie....Oh yeah- christmas dinner won't soon be forgotten.

If you have a small RV, Overlander Oasis is a really nice spot to chill out and check out the town of Tule. From here you can take advantage of local transportation to experience the many surrounding attractions. Thanks Calvin and Leanne....

Of course the town is known for the Tule tree. From what I found it is has the stoutest trunk in the world and is the 3rd largest tree by volume (behind the #2 Lost Monarch Coast Redwood and #1 the General Sherman Giant Sequoia. Its an awesome sight.....

Oaxaca is home for Mezcal.....and it's great to be here.
We had to take the obligatory mezcal tour and all, so here are some pics of the amazing process...

Things to remember when buying Mezcal; The best is clear as water and typically no worm in the bottle. They serve it with this strange but tasty mix of chili, salt and ground up grasshoppers...Its the perfect match! Saludos....


 Another specialty of Oaxaca is the very tasty, big crunchy baked tortilla, topped with beans, avocado, lettuce, tomato, salsa and Oaxaca cheese---it's the TLAYUDA! They're yummy and almost vegetarian. Here's Jane about to try one of the best....

It's practically a Mexican pizza!

So we'll leave you now as we're catchin' the bus to  Teotitlan del Valle....

we hope you stay tuned for our upcoming Part Two of Oaxaca.
Greetings to all....
Kevin and Jane