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.