Mar 10

 Today, we are scheduled for a hike in the Sierra de la Laguna. This is a hike Avi recommended. Expensive at $160 per person but we went for it. The hike didn't start until 2 pm so we had some time. I went and bought a coffee at Starbucks. We still hadn't figured out our error on the conversion rate and I thought I paid $25 for the worst cup of coffee ever. I finally googled the number of pesos I spent on the coffee and realized our error. The real price was $6.70. Still high but what you would expect. 

After we were up and showered, we headed towards town and found a lovely place to eat breakfast right on the water. With the gentle tropical breeze blowing and the beautiful ocean, it felt a bit like a dreamland. Matt got on his knees to take a picture of me. A table nearby thought we were so cute (again) that she took a picture of Matt on his knees. I laughed. Told him I could really throw the kids off if I sent them that picture. Not sure what I would do if Matt asked me to marry him. Mostly I'd be shocked. But the only answer would be yes. 

After our breakfast which for me was a very traditional eggs, toast and potatoes (Matt ate Mexican), we walked on the sand over to the Marina. So nice to just be together. We stopped at Walmart and picked up a few groceries for our room. 

We headed back in time for the shuttle to pick us up in front of the hotel at 2 pm. Little did I know that we had two hours in the car ahead of us. Good thing I didn't because I wouldn't have done it and it would have been sad to miss this day. We picked up people at two other stops and then headed to the reserve where we would hike. Lots of time in the car and I fell asleep again. Making up for a lot of lost sleep. We stopped along the way at an ice cream stand that is pretty indescribable. A couple of walls with a thatch roof and characters made out of tires to decorate. But the ice cream was incredible with flavors you've never heard of before. No dairy or sugar. It is made with coconut cream and monkfruit. Absolutely delicious. 

Back on the road with one more stop for viewing Santiago and the original area of the mission there. A good photo op as well and they took pictures of all of us. On our way to the reserve. Finally arrived and after bathroom stops, we headed out to hike. We had only gone about 1/3 of a mile and arrived at the waterfall. This is a small waterfall but beautiful and we were given the opportunity to swim. One woman from our group took advantage but Matt and I didn't think hiking in wet clothes sounded good. And it wasn't warm enough to want to be wet. After the waterfall stop, the guide asked us if we had good climbing skills. We thought so. So off we went to do rock climbing unlike anything I've ever done. I mostly had trouble when the handholds were very small and all the strength had to be in my legs. But we got it done! One woman had to bow out but the rest of us kept going. We hiked up the river bed over rocks and streams for about a mile. The guide talked to us a lot about the area and the plants. It was very beautiful in such a unique way. We started our way back looping so we were on a different trail. Fortunately, we were offered protein bars. I was started to feel the lack of food. It was getting dark now and so we were provided headlamps. Focus was critical! Keep your eyes on your feet. More rock hopping and climbing but not as intense as earlier. Finally arrived back at the trail head and were provided an authentic Mexican dinner of pork, beans and tortillas. SO GOOD! After dinner, we headed to the roof to look at the stars and learn the names of all the constellations in the sky that were visible. Of course, Matt already knows this stuff and I'm learning. :)

Back in the van to head home. It was a long two hours but this day was worth every minute. We got back to the hotel at about 10:30 and headed right to bed. Almost 20,000 steps today. And we are feeling it.