The south end of the beach at Hua Hin, Thailand.
Where are Kevin and Ruth now? Hua Hin, Thailand.

Where are Kevin and Ruth going next? Maldives on March 23rd.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Potrero Chico (day 4)

After I posted yesterday’s blog, we headed off to find the trailhead for the hike up the mountain. We walked along the arroyo (dried up river bed) about a half an hour until we came to a cairn that marked the entrance to the trail.

Considering this is a Mexican park, the trail was fairly well marked. We only had to stop a couple of times to double check that we were taking the correct route. But it was a tough trail. Lots of cactus and thorny bushes to try and get around without getting scratched too badly, and we both ended up with thorn pricks quite a few times. Whiskey would not have enjoyed this hike and we knew this ahead of time so she stayed behind to guard Sherman.

View of the valley before the sun got on us.

A funny looking bug along the way

About when we decided to turn around.

However, we only made it about half way. We had been told that it was about 3 hours to the top, and that’s if you keep up a pretty good pace. But one hour into it the sun was on us and it was really hot, especially with a steep uphill climb. Sweating like a pig, and drinking lots of water! We had brought about 3 litres and we figured that when the first two were gone it was time to turn around. So that’s what we did. That left one bottle between us to get back down which was, of course, much less strenuous than going up.

Heading back towards Sherman who is waiting on the other side of the gap between the mountains.

So we still managed a nice view of the valley even though we didn’t make it to the top. We think the only way to do that hike at this time of year would be to leave at about 5:00am and do most of your climb in the dark.

Ruth in the pool...except it's only about half full!

We relaxed by the pool for the afternoon. There is only one other group here, 4 young guys who are climbers and they were gone most of the day. The pool water was cold and refreshing, but it was still only about half full yesterday. This morning, I can see that it is full! So I think this will be another relax by the pool type of day!

14 comments:

  1. Love that picture of the two of you overlooking the valley. Did you get someone to take the picture or was it a delay shot? Great camera either way. Get ready for a big temperature change when you are here. 80's (F) in the day and cool enough at night for a blanket. Great snuggling sleepng weather. See you soon! Drive careful.

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  2. The pool looks like it's going to be awesome when full (like, right now?). Have fun!

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  3. I can definitely tell I'm not a hiker at heart. Fighting cactus and thorns is just not my idea of a good time. But I am so happy you guys do it because I get to enjoy the beautiful pictures. Loved the strange lookin' bug.

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  4. Whew! I'm sweating just looking at all that exposed trail. Great view though!
    -Ish

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  5. It certainly was a good hike, but nice to get back and relax by the pool thou.

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  6. I think if God intended I see the top of that mountain he would have the trail paved, and a golf cart pulling a beer wagon at the bottom waiting for me.Looks like you guys are in your element thought and having fun, keep the pictures coming. Give Whiskey a pet from all of us at the Weeb Ranch. AND Be safe out there.. Sam & Donna....

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  7. OMG! I can't believe you did it! Congrats. Great pictures.

    chris

    www.livingboondockingmexico.blogspot.com

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  8. Good hike and a soak in the pool. That's the life!!

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  9. I am so impressed that you got half way. Great job under the conditions. Keep enjoying....

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  10. What a beautiful hike! Looks like a great time. Enjoy the pool.

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  11. looks like a great hike and thorns are only natures way of telling you that you have to earn the great views from the mountain... the strange lookin' bug is a Leaf Legged Bug.

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  12. Barb and Sal...Thanks, we are pretty happy with the picture too! Kevin used the time delay and placed the camera on a rock. The weather you are describing is what we consider to be the perfect weather. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Bob...It was wonderful and it was full yesterday morning.

    Jim and Sandie...Can't say we enjoyed the thorny bushes but we sure did enjoy the view.

    Kenny and Angela...The pool felt great.

    Ish...We were dripping at times, sure felt good to come back and jump in the half filled pool.

    George and Suzie...We felt a little discouraged that we didn't make all the way but we know when to quit and we were still able to get a great view anyway. The pool felt great afterward.

    Sam and Donna...Haha, that was good! Unfortunately there was no beer cart at the bottom. We are having a great time.

    Chuck and Anneke...It was great but we will have to come here again when it is cooler sometime and try again to get to the top.

    Chris...Thanks for the congratulations but we didn't make it to the top we wanted to get up there and take a picture of Sherman and Whiskey. We did get some beautiful views of the valley though.

    Janie and John...Life is good, that's for sure.

    Contessa...Thanks we were too! We were trying to take our time and I think if we had more water with us and we didn't have Whiskey waiting back in Sherman for us we may have continued on.

    pweaver...Thanks, it was a great day.

    heyduke50...You have that right. Thanks for identifying that bug for us.

    Kevin, Ruth and Whiskey

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