New Year's Day

Let me tell you a story about a boy and a girl and trip to NYC.  They had known each other 4 months and were headed to NYC for a friend's 30th birthday party. Obviously this story takes place a long time ago in a galaxy far, far, away...  It was a party.  She wore 4 inch heels.  He apparently did not know about the fabulous NYC taxi system, and insisted, "We can walk.  It's only a couple of blocks."  This became the mantra of the night, and by the end of it, he was carrying her.  Yes, literally carrying her through the streets of NYC.  Even when her feet were swollen and blistered, he preferred to carry her than get a taxi. That's dedication - to what I am not sure.  The girl in the story learned two things that night: 1) always pack walking shoes, and 2) if you want a taxi, flag it yourself. He can walk if he feels like it!

Whenever Jon and I travel there is going to be hiking involved.  We have hiked the most advanced trail in Cinque Terre, Italy (while in recovery from a very late evening, I might add).  Yellowstone (fresh as daisies). And too many urban and suburban hikes to mention.  Unless you're writing a blog about Mexico! Then you mention them.  But first, the parade.

                 

                

It started years ago to soften animosities between two neighborhoods in Ajijic.  They would have a fun, outrageous parade with home made floats.  Now many neighborhoods enter their floats to be a part of the zaniness.  It travels a 4 block loop and heads to the malecon (boardwalk on the lake), where there are vendors and open spaces to BBQ, play soccer, walk, socialize, and generally hang out.  The parade is quick and cute and worth the watch if you're here.  We walked the malecon, and watched soccer while munching on homemade potato chips. 

                 

Good times, but I knew what was coming...

Jon had already researched the hike to Las Cruces.  We live in a valley surrounded by mountains.  Think hills to get anywhere.  We had this in Puerto Rico too.  I don't mind it, because it keeps me eating chips and salsa and drinking margaritas.  Apparently, that's not enough for Jon.  He needs completely vertical trails.  Gravely, dusty, slip and fall down a mountain trails.  I was ready for it.  We had water.  I had good shoes and appropriate clothes, and off we went. 

There are two noteworthy points on the trail: Las Cruces and the Chapel.  I made it a little beyond the Chapel, because we are a mile above sea level, I am 5 feet tall, and I was done! Jon trekked on.  He did not make it all the way to Las Cruces.  Instead he found a treacherous ledge for me to stand on in front of a CACTUS (great place to fall), so he could take a pic. 

The views are awesome, but the hike is no joke.  It is slippery.  It is vertical.  It is hugging the mountain.  And if you're up to it, it's worth it. 

“Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white.” – Mark Jenkins

 

 

 

 

POST SCRIPT:

NOTE: as I sat home and wrote, Jon attempted the hike to the summit. I am happy to report: VICTORY!

He fell, skinned his leg, wounded his hand,

and got a little lost on the way back. 

But he made it!!