Took A Hike Up A Mountain

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Coati

We decided over the weekend to make a trek up the great symbol of Monterrey, Cerro de la Silla or Saddleback Mountain.  Unfortunately, we are at home until the 14th of March.  One of Juan's nieces who lived in Dallas was killed in an accident.  She was hit by a car crossing the street.  They want to return her ashes to Monterrey and the funeral will be on the 11th.

Park entrance

Rayados Soccer Stadium

We headed out early this morning.  We will have temperature highs of 43C this week so it was important to get a head start.  We left the house at 6:45 arriving at the bottom of the trail at 7:30.  The street that runs through the neighborhood is unbelievably steep so that was the first hurdle.   The wind was picking up and even though it was early it was hot air.  We were afraid they would close the trail with the drought and high winds.  Forest fires are inevitable right now and we are surprised we haven't had anything major. 

The climb is considered moderate by online trail guides but there is no zigzagging and the 90% of the trail is a direct climb.  It's hard on the lungs and we weren't in the minority.  Of course, one 150 year old fart was running up the trail.  There's always one!

Nice views of the city.  In fact, this is the view we had from our house when we lived in the city.

We were in shade most of the hike up and down.  As the winds continued the smog began to lift over the city.  We made it to the platform (the old cable car which used to run up the mountain and is now out of service) and did some picture-taking.  They have installed a solar charging station for cell phones and cameras.  Pretty cool.

Going down wasn't that easy.  The trail is mostly rock and very slippery.  I took one fall as did many other people.  I could feel it in my arches but we were well prepared.  We had all the essentials with us in the backpack for just in case situations.  

On the way home we stopped and picked up a couple of well-deserved tacos.