tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87203098542710941862024-03-16T00:25:08.443-07:00Living and Boondocking in MexicoOh, the good life, full of fun seems to be the ideal,It's the good life to be free and explore the unknown. That's living and boondocking in Mexico.
Come on in!living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.comBlogger1850125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-61530322639034527762024-03-09T10:40:00.000-08:002024-03-09T10:40:13.745-08:00A Hike Through The Canyon - El Charco <div style="text-align: justify;">living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Back home again in Monterrey. My allergies were really affected during this trip to SMA. The altitude, the lack of rain, pollen at its highest, and the added 30C degree temperatures. A lot of locals are affected as well. You see men walking to work in the morning with a Kleenex waded up in their noses. One of our friends had a bloody nose a couple of times during our visit.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Our friends Gail and Bill are also staying in San Miguel for a while right down the street from us. Gail's nephew Jared came to visit for a week. We invited him to go on a hike with us. A young EMT with lots of energy but we were able to keep up with him. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I had planned to go down to Jalpa where Les took us on our last trip. I got to thinking though, and with a group of gringos and a Mexican all packed into a car and crossing farm fences we might run into cartel guys out in the middle of nowhere. (Here in Monterrey last week they cut off a guy's hands for stealing from them and with the increase in tourist kidnappings I didn't want to be responsible for a Canadian getting into a mess).</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We chose to go to El Charco del Ingenio the botanical garden on the road to Queretaro. Once you get inside you can venture down past the dam and hike into the canyon. Not easy in some parts, big boulders and a lot of space in between them.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Juan takes a short walk through the duck blind located on the edge of the reservoir. A short video.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IoYuc1Cp69A" width="320" youtube-src-id="IoYuc1Cp69A"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>This is a blooming huizache tree. More pollen in the air but Mother Nature is hard at work!</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmgL3BqkZK6J1MQZkM53xqQnQozWaO_FtyUlwwVAh4vidxI75GP1_mXwxF2XuPGmb8X7bFYywKm_MNfidg04IvSbLHQbVK9SvWX9VTp27iyDEnFf8fLcMY6zefT_A_yBtR0HjX0pkHov1vhNWSplzJtSwRKuRFoUwocLNMYC42m9mHirOnWG5Hgp5AZrM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="287" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmgL3BqkZK6J1MQZkM53xqQnQozWaO_FtyUlwwVAh4vidxI75GP1_mXwxF2XuPGmb8X7bFYywKm_MNfidg04IvSbLHQbVK9SvWX9VTp27iyDEnFf8fLcMY6zefT_A_yBtR0HjX0pkHov1vhNWSplzJtSwRKuRFoUwocLNMYC42m9mHirOnWG5Hgp5AZrM=w403-h640" width="403" /></a></div><b><div><b><br /></b></div>Approaching the edge of the canyon you can see just how immense it is although it is quite walkable down to the bottom.</b><br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLqo4X9zaCG-7w1-ARtJEd4MpWM7vX82P9E4lr7mjXjE7rDBy8IxNu2Az09kRc90a7Nd-BTik0ahQrYVj8Di3hqtvAfN2JtZoA1iv-5kxGjoS-BC47q0fULqGYjedmZu2desGMV0Kx8adW7BBOI8OxhddtXWYq29jEw3k_rJVyJfmmlaCmWlgClMGHSqk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="281" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLqo4X9zaCG-7w1-ARtJEd4MpWM7vX82P9E4lr7mjXjE7rDBy8IxNu2Az09kRc90a7Nd-BTik0ahQrYVj8Di3hqtvAfN2JtZoA1iv-5kxGjoS-BC47q0fULqGYjedmZu2desGMV0Kx8adW7BBOI8OxhddtXWYq29jEw3k_rJVyJfmmlaCmWlgClMGHSqk=w368-h640" width="368" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Down in the canyon looking up at the dam that holds the water back in the reservoir. </b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKgwb9LC4Pry7llehNHCK0qWS5No64OqPrazsw8mLxifc-_7LCqpXeh8prvVbSZ4B7vz0cXr7yNJxqqzCTKuwbYg-NmULNzJkR90lweSH9pQ2EtpQP7RqCVgK5AR0_Lxvbjk7gOD5B37qVpoGJ7rJuNwh2TOkyl6jDHc0TTdHoSLhkrQIwg-t-n0Mg3cY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="283" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKgwb9LC4Pry7llehNHCK0qWS5No64OqPrazsw8mLxifc-_7LCqpXeh8prvVbSZ4B7vz0cXr7yNJxqqzCTKuwbYg-NmULNzJkR90lweSH9pQ2EtpQP7RqCVgK5AR0_Lxvbjk7gOD5B37qVpoGJ7rJuNwh2TOkyl6jDHc0TTdHoSLhkrQIwg-t-n0Mg3cY=w373-h640" width="373" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>On the other side of the dam, there are a few abandoned structures. I couldn't get this picture without the sun glaring on the camera.</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpxqmT1cDXQ16OqU7iVwXtLTE3-1bXrCpBANqCwh7VHveW5I1NlFu5DXO1qEqK6ZTpP2XcYblFBcW4Yc91KCsfGzrsG7g4UCgQ44V-TKjQrzMdgQEbveL-Z8bKi2LcvWKyah6j136d2A3lzrK9HB0o5kzx9rrqFfEy89b8b8VUo5XjoI_joawagxPh0uE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpxqmT1cDXQ16OqU7iVwXtLTE3-1bXrCpBANqCwh7VHveW5I1NlFu5DXO1qEqK6ZTpP2XcYblFBcW4Yc91KCsfGzrsG7g4UCgQ44V-TKjQrzMdgQEbveL-Z8bKi2LcvWKyah6j136d2A3lzrK9HB0o5kzx9rrqFfEy89b8b8VUo5XjoI_joawagxPh0uE=w419-h640" width="419" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Prince's plume is in bloom! It's poisonous to cattle but local indigenous people use it for rheumatoid arthritis. Not sure how they prepare the seeds but I assume it is a topical pomade.</b></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXz0f2ExjxOVRo6aQmntuejbGT9uvPQj7Hdb-JipfiiVfKHI9rjKma06XqWpl5Qzlli9cX5JK6N1WKKPG_6DxGOkTSugdeRTxdkTFXT6J54GwgGdJ2zrt3gZx__6rMAUi-_sRihYnBIq7pAAPSxmBUpW40dvNXH9IsWKcGsW1wJQ_gskVUEYnyxakXGVc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="279" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXz0f2ExjxOVRo6aQmntuejbGT9uvPQj7Hdb-JipfiiVfKHI9rjKma06XqWpl5Qzlli9cX5JK6N1WKKPG_6DxGOkTSugdeRTxdkTFXT6J54GwgGdJ2zrt3gZx__6rMAUi-_sRihYnBIq7pAAPSxmBUpW40dvNXH9IsWKcGsW1wJQ_gskVUEYnyxakXGVc=w384-h640" width="384" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Everyone likes to leave their mark. Some of these are so old they can lo longer be read.</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAHvRdlmnNDl0cOl38KKfaY7979omx27BDbcak2_3KI7QMzWrMEWeOzj7nNr9s0C3fKuDqoYdsaHNZM6EXpDcaJCt5zlxmh8p0c10GG-x3O2iDAezCM_uh2ECYqqMTtQ5aKMWEIwhl1MelH0LfXf5I9XZwGcRim799l72OzyJtXI8P3Gx0Dz_ULBx5RSM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1351" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAHvRdlmnNDl0cOl38KKfaY7979omx27BDbcak2_3KI7QMzWrMEWeOzj7nNr9s0C3fKuDqoYdsaHNZM6EXpDcaJCt5zlxmh8p0c10GG-x3O2iDAezCM_uh2ECYqqMTtQ5aKMWEIwhl1MelH0LfXf5I9XZwGcRim799l72OzyJtXI8P3Gx0Dz_ULBx5RSM=w640-h284" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>Lichens are a fungus but have a mutual relationship. One is a fungus and the other an alga that by chance meet up and for this beautiful fungus-like spore. So you probably see them everywhere on rocks and sometimes on trees telling us that the air is full of microscopic objects constantly floating around us. It makes you think about viruses and the possibility that my allergy symptoms could actually be a variant of COVID-19. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5dciUPYF0Exs_LPlfkdzI6YdG1poxITgGvlvkaVul5XriLgUNJIahOMp7G-n7FPFCx4de-UwDsmzbxVvPL1TsxswBjtyE_bKX8Pyp7y0UvKtEXXPzCZ1ShzVBlYRlD20N83MW604u1LVy3E5bxshm4G2SDnLEziHnrdkUuHifMEbAXGYrKM1dvpHYD_4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="351" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5dciUPYF0Exs_LPlfkdzI6YdG1poxITgGvlvkaVul5XriLgUNJIahOMp7G-n7FPFCx4de-UwDsmzbxVvPL1TsxswBjtyE_bKX8Pyp7y0UvKtEXXPzCZ1ShzVBlYRlD20N83MW604u1LVy3E5bxshm4G2SDnLEziHnrdkUuHifMEbAXGYrKM1dvpHYD_4=w405-h640" width="405" /></a></div><br /> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>I spotted this golden-yellow lichen across the canyon and zoomed in on it. It is so bright.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3qzDaFIfUldntB9pal1QL73OCpEXE7ZOPYnsWr0A-4Uz-CEzu3nc_uuRPWKxuHmhPKpD9j9rrl8GhuFd7vMSP_Muk84GdxWFHdveLgPqmE0MJWnxRgwNM_dcrgaB-vF2Zr10NvavWIDWN-rAX-rckiB30URqHHjGr3yZwp6hoYE5RCVeBqawzSEGe7r8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="285" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3qzDaFIfUldntB9pal1QL73OCpEXE7ZOPYnsWr0A-4Uz-CEzu3nc_uuRPWKxuHmhPKpD9j9rrl8GhuFd7vMSP_Muk84GdxWFHdveLgPqmE0MJWnxRgwNM_dcrgaB-vF2Zr10NvavWIDWN-rAX-rckiB30URqHHjGr3yZwp6hoYE5RCVeBqawzSEGe7r8=w365-h640" width="365" /></a></div><br /><b>You can tell it hasn't rained for a very long time and when it has it didn't do much. The water in the pools (charcos) is green and full of algae.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhADic6LZO2WTP8mtXynmn2BiEfScxmxM1kjRaIWsN1wZqdLp3-JkRiSoH026_SnXw4UDGM24OA5kn8FFr9mM2iQuapvd5G5Oo40G50Ty_G86izscxrVHN5Js7iFA6fBmx7OYDQc4yDHEqz79UvIQKyBsW2wQFcsc26YMFtGqXzppMMi-95beXdA-qeoK0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1355" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhADic6LZO2WTP8mtXynmn2BiEfScxmxM1kjRaIWsN1wZqdLp3-JkRiSoH026_SnXw4UDGM24OA5kn8FFr9mM2iQuapvd5G5Oo40G50Ty_G86izscxrVHN5Js7iFA6fBmx7OYDQc4yDHEqz79UvIQKyBsW2wQFcsc26YMFtGqXzppMMi-95beXdA-qeoK0=w640-h284" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I wish I could figure this out. I'm sure that there are some interesting things scrawled on here.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIFvGjsyT_inRwoYQpZdQLsbKQ_F78QOCNGnLSrXyjjIxHGXc5PLC1Bcr0jnwDJ9lANIjAxn7tPWivujr1KgTQXTyBgWR82XCCxjEEv8M_AXAJBbZOXCCCoiwxPQx95zFjkwVGy0sZrRshvURsiWYDOzI1414L05Hkg6hbBWJCkhO_yJHvEMVUjnecbUY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="1131" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIFvGjsyT_inRwoYQpZdQLsbKQ_F78QOCNGnLSrXyjjIxHGXc5PLC1Bcr0jnwDJ9lANIjAxn7tPWivujr1KgTQXTyBgWR82XCCxjEEv8M_AXAJBbZOXCCCoiwxPQx95zFjkwVGy0sZrRshvURsiWYDOzI1414L05Hkg6hbBWJCkhO_yJHvEMVUjnecbUY=w640-h348" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>I mentioned before that we may move the rv to a Texas storage place temporarily. I'm just not comfortable anymore driving it around rural areas and we're not that much into rv parks or staying at buggy beaches. It will be cheaper to drive to the border not paying tolls for the rv, the long inspection times, extra fuel, and the storage is relatively cheap. Time to enjoy other things besides just Mexico.</b></div><div><br /></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-34683809304974648302024-02-28T08:50:00.000-08:002024-02-28T08:50:16.026-08:00San Miguel de Allende Great Weather - The Surprise Party Was A Success<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We've been here for almost a week and really haven't accomplished much. We've been visiting rvers who have flown to Mexico again this year. Two couples are renting very close to our house, both within a couple of blocks, and that makes getting together very easy. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The weather has been hotter than usual with daily highs around 30C but nights are cool and the house never seems to get hot. Morning exercise in the cool air makes for a great workout. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>On our trip down, we stayed at an Airbnb in Matehuala to break up the trip. I found what I thought was a jewel at a bargain price of 580 pesos. Well, Airbnb hasn't been doing a good job lately and it is obvious in the pictures below. What you see and what you get aren't always the same thing. This unit is very well located, has bus service at the front door, and a garage with a locked garage door. That was the seller for us. We could take the bus into centro and leave our car at the Airbnb. Well, the next set of pictures are a bit disturbing.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhg-AwY67SIcUqT6OVOF7GZPraETiYEx-Kv6Hw0XWOuYqGixg3ki3XG4CwoRitOwqgaJO_pzRIwBKYQG3KSdDxJMSpaeu6MEWfD-MIlbCvhKKcx_22T0CzKLzvipibrBNL6g7kXeX6_XW3dlaj_0wOn-v_Mu7C7VTPjTPvTI3Jzt8O8rbK2Y-zi_6yNDU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="830" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhg-AwY67SIcUqT6OVOF7GZPraETiYEx-Kv6Hw0XWOuYqGixg3ki3XG4CwoRitOwqgaJO_pzRIwBKYQG3KSdDxJMSpaeu6MEWfD-MIlbCvhKKcx_22T0CzKLzvipibrBNL6g7kXeX6_XW3dlaj_0wOn-v_Mu7C7VTPjTPvTI3Jzt8O8rbK2Y-zi_6yNDU=w640-h224" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>For starters, the apartment is for four people with two bedrooms. The walls are pretty marked up and could use repainting, the beds were okay but the pillows were like Kleenex. This pic shows the complete set of cutlery. There are no knives or utensils for food prep. There are no glasses, napkins, or coffee filters.</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3ZzyJjubgh4tgJTAqvxE4kvNJNC9oN1ZPtunz_WUB8OjJtZ3a1e5_KoeO8_rXrzQebL4b46npIXIHvcMbCMGx0M4Krv5e3jHLHl1RlYfNRs8wM-KGxFAC3Iv6NB42jkUJH0hJwtrmBpKAmIMGaW2-4rYWuHzFYOLeaa-FU5EBVbM4MmrY6wS040jvpyI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="741" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3ZzyJjubgh4tgJTAqvxE4kvNJNC9oN1ZPtunz_WUB8OjJtZ3a1e5_KoeO8_rXrzQebL4b46npIXIHvcMbCMGx0M4Krv5e3jHLHl1RlYfNRs8wM-KGxFAC3Iv6NB42jkUJH0hJwtrmBpKAmIMGaW2-4rYWuHzFYOLeaa-FU5EBVbM4MmrY6wS040jvpyI=w640-h364" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I got up the next morning and because the hot water is heated via solar, I thought I should turn on the faucet while I put together my things for shaving and shower. First off, it turns out there isn't any hot water in the bathroom or kitchen sinks. I came back and the bathroom was flooding. The sink was stopped up. Juan took off the sink stopper and began digging out all the crud in the sink. What a mess.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgckBRyB-G5WG1X4IciOFhIQtilBAFcRScBV8jtZLADeX74oMrldkAZO47kIo9nPIcbeA4ohiCDPbAFvmpMaQxroNDADSENbTB1fofkzV57z4-9Ss48G38EUSAvT7S7Ejjr6nQRu7-11kLo_cMT-mVmP_L_Cor1wm5NKdWUGIzNu7z0DBvrpFnMGMLsh58" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="804" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgckBRyB-G5WG1X4IciOFhIQtilBAFcRScBV8jtZLADeX74oMrldkAZO47kIo9nPIcbeA4ohiCDPbAFvmpMaQxroNDADSENbTB1fofkzV57z4-9Ss48G38EUSAvT7S7Ejjr6nQRu7-11kLo_cMT-mVmP_L_Cor1wm5NKdWUGIzNu7z0DBvrpFnMGMLsh58=w640-h326" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>I'm glad we had decided early on to go out to Las Palmas for dinner. I wouldn't cook on this stove.</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5Z9RCblcY3ID0vAjnFki1w7_GL6yZXa9vyZChtRuRFl1cmSk36IioVBR60YjQwnsStW04heFca7xg0suLjG6lFygPx9tOy39zXqQ9tba4nQhSrLKB8Q_gKdD6BnZTlHkMqVEd_hZfTJ74RWz0Lg5hlKcgERb2McOKCei0eZB0evfvmiZmn5RmC1P05dA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="878" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5Z9RCblcY3ID0vAjnFki1w7_GL6yZXa9vyZChtRuRFl1cmSk36IioVBR60YjQwnsStW04heFca7xg0suLjG6lFygPx9tOy39zXqQ9tba4nQhSrLKB8Q_gKdD6BnZTlHkMqVEd_hZfTJ74RWz0Lg5hlKcgERb2McOKCei0eZB0evfvmiZmn5RmC1P05dA=w640-h294" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Because we are good renters, we stopped by Walmart and bought two glasses, napkins, and coffee filters which we left behind for the next guy. We almost always pick up an inexpensive item that is missing but would be useful and leave it in the Airbnb.</b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidPWD7oyokzn4eSBy2fC2mAGY3tJ1KFgSYLIPYLppX5YvOzvZ1yDJm6560EYKSsd2qygl6Y9xYkSJLtGMm9ON8UItihvruPq87Kob22ALpjAFuXw4oNYmgU_BMa8zPF0yhmOjyDGttrHx2Qwa_wRNY-0X4Ifg85K-xHmxuT88JT1JRvDq8qGQzhIPyvP4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="760" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidPWD7oyokzn4eSBy2fC2mAGY3tJ1KFgSYLIPYLppX5YvOzvZ1yDJm6560EYKSsd2qygl6Y9xYkSJLtGMm9ON8UItihvruPq87Kob22ALpjAFuXw4oNYmgU_BMa8zPF0yhmOjyDGttrHx2Qwa_wRNY-0X4Ifg85K-xHmxuT88JT1JRvDq8qGQzhIPyvP4=w640-h348" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Our dinner out at the Las Palmas Motel and Rv Park. After dinner, we drove around the back to the rv park and the lot was empty. Sad. We use the Hotel Oasis across the street with 30 amps, water, and wifi for 150 pesos. Works great for an overnighter but this is sad not to see not even one rv at Las Palmas.</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCu2wpANO5ky5Z-qT0JmKXX1OVmb6fLKOndjgiUQ5fEiB-jNU2XSk2VzEuwdo6OZrHFdUZCjJmJNuKrSvu2VTqYKEe1WpYcHr8yA6cCgEfJdVZsyuiaj3GDw02BpS0KsNt8Jpp8dRQuJiB7aoqqtDOUrlFEoY-C63YKxaiXGVX40cm4yN1jVVIFGzDsII" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="925" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCu2wpANO5ky5Z-qT0JmKXX1OVmb6fLKOndjgiUQ5fEiB-jNU2XSk2VzEuwdo6OZrHFdUZCjJmJNuKrSvu2VTqYKEe1WpYcHr8yA6cCgEfJdVZsyuiaj3GDw02BpS0KsNt8Jpp8dRQuJiB7aoqqtDOUrlFEoY-C63YKxaiXGVX40cm4yN1jVVIFGzDsII=w640-h282" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The hike we took the other day was really a walk. Several locals offer tour services, some expensive some for donation only. We met at the train station. The group was 90% women and 90% were over 75 years old. All very nice but not the most exciting bunch to hang out with. We wanted to introduce our friend to some of the local walking/hiking groups as she will be here for another two months. This was a 2-mile walk to the old San Miguel de Allende chapel built over 400 years ago. We met here at the train station. The train station no longer has passenger service but cargo does go by at least once a day. It was built in the 1800s. If the current president has his way, he will force rail companies to provide passenger service on all rails. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEianY1MLhCkKTeP4JjBxrDW_-iQi6FGWiqEeUPIIxNc1O1kSOiBLGVwaun2-DssPMq8tllzF_64Yr-O4PXCEZXkRmqg1_zR3yVveTBg0T1yck4hIFl80yUyIRUaqFELIeQli_8YYwpI_EMJtLx4zeDRECu0pXSMyFN1_Egp5vhCPabXsamjYnPMrZzsOFw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="412" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEianY1MLhCkKTeP4JjBxrDW_-iQi6FGWiqEeUPIIxNc1O1kSOiBLGVwaun2-DssPMq8tllzF_64Yr-O4PXCEZXkRmqg1_zR3yVveTBg0T1yck4hIFl80yUyIRUaqFELIeQli_8YYwpI_EMJtLx4zeDRECu0pXSMyFN1_Egp5vhCPabXsamjYnPMrZzsOFw=w640-h306" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPfyyeJPZqpowxUGM5OayOSGoclxOYX_D2Im-z2Y31ABsm8m1eWmVzryTts3FVHmbL-Mpcg154EA_uSim8_0_r5Zou9JJZeFw2YmeNYyBj9Xrr9xFbEMpEZ00E-eq6ngMfNbERhuE4jTpnuP9m6KHWBCdm35rqGrsDUs80XYvoj8qXqnZSmuMZC5U7W1U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="797" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPfyyeJPZqpowxUGM5OayOSGoclxOYX_D2Im-z2Y31ABsm8m1eWmVzryTts3FVHmbL-Mpcg154EA_uSim8_0_r5Zou9JJZeFw2YmeNYyBj9Xrr9xFbEMpEZ00E-eq6ngMfNbERhuE4jTpnuP9m6KHWBCdm35rqGrsDUs80XYvoj8qXqnZSmuMZC5U7W1U=w640-h310" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiihonfQH8g84N6O5OW-mVnVVo8FtYfa8ega_HkyNWP9BFh13y4bLR5xd4z9Pz_4Q8nUvz7NY-AAk9HYW7VczTKucSRq1OrmH8ZY4mIrzdEyyq2nCTU93CSX05-W1KpFJ3vHyQ6S4Eqp48qHcAfWIXnOF2NRe_dVFFT_43tZn-M7f1iYEEKzfV1FYCswBU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="858" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiihonfQH8g84N6O5OW-mVnVVo8FtYfa8ega_HkyNWP9BFh13y4bLR5xd4z9Pz_4Q8nUvz7NY-AAk9HYW7VczTKucSRq1OrmH8ZY4mIrzdEyyq2nCTU93CSX05-W1KpFJ3vHyQ6S4Eqp48qHcAfWIXnOF2NRe_dVFFT_43tZn-M7f1iYEEKzfV1FYCswBU=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The fort below was built by friars when they arrived in the 1600s. It was a fort to protect those friars living there during the conversion of the Chichimecas to Christianity. Funny you have to force people to convert.</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5knvfpR5Wcugx0SnwPoVKRVCibbWAIZBjJ0fYRuYUJsRuC7ULxdYhDbXOFAGZNK2t1a8BxweEVdm9zJAsZjqCMAgB4zbjM9G7zDGUP2YfMqWBddJ3hTTPueiIsCwJrhGqvv9ke41OaJKcEVN-qzSstTMIdiJvDNgfttg3Q9mKNnxl2fxBToI3IGlCzV0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="882" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5knvfpR5Wcugx0SnwPoVKRVCibbWAIZBjJ0fYRuYUJsRuC7ULxdYhDbXOFAGZNK2t1a8BxweEVdm9zJAsZjqCMAgB4zbjM9G7zDGUP2YfMqWBddJ3hTTPueiIsCwJrhGqvv9ke41OaJKcEVN-qzSstTMIdiJvDNgfttg3Q9mKNnxl2fxBToI3IGlCzV0=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>A maguey field that no longer produces tequila or pulque. The owner of the ranch keeps it more for show.</b></div><div><b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-ZMUKYLuEidOrMvz7EY2LWdNJleXDqk51ANYsRwjBWwu0B221caxWjXzimZMnUvnLjnJbDM9g2cxVCtsiFKOVwfjWKH8fKvJA_PsDV9gwicLy4jJMXQJW7zO4cZ5khlWG9LKK9W_nkRMHyT9Pohf85he-ggX2J1dU9_7I9XD6dWBOKrIZl2PQMK4SQnE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="319" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-ZMUKYLuEidOrMvz7EY2LWdNJleXDqk51ANYsRwjBWwu0B221caxWjXzimZMnUvnLjnJbDM9g2cxVCtsiFKOVwfjWKH8fKvJA_PsDV9gwicLy4jJMXQJW7zO4cZ5khlWG9LKK9W_nkRMHyT9Pohf85he-ggX2J1dU9_7I9XD6dWBOKrIZl2PQMK4SQnE=w528-h640" width="528" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The chapel was our final destination. We're not allowed by the locals to enter without permission and there was no one around that could do that. I'm not an expert but I do quite a bit of research. The tour guide, who is bilingual, did a great job but there was some misinformation. One important point was the floral designs around the doors and windows. They flowers but they are actually peyote buttons used in rituals. I think they just liked to get high like many people today.</b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizmiqtFbd6ZeZK-UHYeNyyfkf1WjUf-iwj_zBbVWPF8SVx4kxQkqe9l-D5iqWEbP0vG7jPP6Cye0xrnj7L0njVjEWm1WABYoJIpUYQE0fEU1SoJVCvVlBbT2Df3-7-SCiq8iLmPv6sSHDJikkSKH0eFZp7cTTLkj5QC08MTNhLWG6X0RqMPXOV8uOffdU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="219" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizmiqtFbd6ZeZK-UHYeNyyfkf1WjUf-iwj_zBbVWPF8SVx4kxQkqe9l-D5iqWEbP0vG7jPP6Cye0xrnj7L0njVjEWm1WABYoJIpUYQE0fEU1SoJVCvVlBbT2Df3-7-SCiq8iLmPv6sSHDJikkSKH0eFZp7cTTLkj5QC08MTNhLWG6X0RqMPXOV8uOffdU=w411-h640" width="411" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>Last Friday was Juan's birthday. Number 66 and still quite young. It's very hard to plan a party when the person is always there with you. I ordered a cake from a woman who makes cakes. I posted on a local Facebook group. I received over 25 different offers and settled on Daniela. She and her husband have a small restaurant that has a few tables. She was easy to work with and I liked the work she showed me. The cake was red velvet with buttercream frosting. The joke that night was that when I picked up the cake it said "Jose Manuel" not "Juan Manuel". I told everyone to say Jose that night and he couldn't figure it out until I told him the story. The name was changed when I picked it up so no one really would have known but it was funny anyway.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiygHW0UqJcnVL_nWi13egcQmRtJoAN6YxRVu9yBOCzRtJxJqCXmOmCumkJt4CFdDuZIfYRkeonYn7trUTTsTIp6kPMGhDGgugFSsccmSbzCfN9kzl0Q8OTCwpULSIzi9IbHBulimSCJhL1nod7xmTe3hBRo597ll5uwKL-5jrPy5LfnOR-6B77uikN3uk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="795" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiygHW0UqJcnVL_nWi13egcQmRtJoAN6YxRVu9yBOCzRtJxJqCXmOmCumkJt4CFdDuZIfYRkeonYn7trUTTsTIp6kPMGhDGgugFSsccmSbzCfN9kzl0Q8OTCwpULSIzi9IbHBulimSCJhL1nod7xmTe3hBRo597ll5uwKL-5jrPy5LfnOR-6B77uikN3uk=w640-h334" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We had quite a group, Paula and Jerry, Gail and Bill, Jared, Terri and Mike, Cheryl, Christine, Sarah, and Stephanie. A great time was had by all! He was surprised because he thought it was just the two of us for dinner and was not happy about that. Surprise!!!!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOZEH370XbQgNZTYamygArESt5d_R39NhouQQFc_V6MJbuq7z119sGspFCLYVtfuiNXGbwKXMD4phLQfzh0lgC24gZe6KkTPIKraqhXKIQdWydt7hJl2a2iJ0-iy0ibuOWrlu2whvAAL-uig0Ghl1EzKEnVEsR_b_SsjpY_Ap4u9WZeRP1ZRbmezHC07s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="862" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOZEH370XbQgNZTYamygArESt5d_R39NhouQQFc_V6MJbuq7z119sGspFCLYVtfuiNXGbwKXMD4phLQfzh0lgC24gZe6KkTPIKraqhXKIQdWydt7hJl2a2iJ0-iy0ibuOWrlu2whvAAL-uig0Ghl1EzKEnVEsR_b_SsjpY_Ap4u9WZeRP1ZRbmezHC07s=w640-h312" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-61700868080235770662024-02-16T12:28:00.000-08:002024-02-16T12:28:07.417-08:00A National March - Heading South - Helping A Friendliving.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com<div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Photo of the march last year to protect Mexico's National Electoral Institute to ensure fair elections.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYHnUDpO1C6Sn6vMM0w2N1V655WSzp9d165R3A-T_6TmkwviCwmAT3e1rF80irqBUUZkRCdKaPrtkoReAwZEduPh3rKEW_CYWBF20vzeusezKwVSeHknA2dnpBMd1f4M6bFaheOZ90Oj-ZegDx3fcf-5WOXUKa2ZmVv3BWgCfJi0iKAoWAYQlhG1mkRZ0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="575" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYHnUDpO1C6Sn6vMM0w2N1V655WSzp9d165R3A-T_6TmkwviCwmAT3e1rF80irqBUUZkRCdKaPrtkoReAwZEduPh3rKEW_CYWBF20vzeusezKwVSeHknA2dnpBMd1f4M6bFaheOZ90Oj-ZegDx3fcf-5WOXUKa2ZmVv3BWgCfJi0iKAoWAYQlhG1mkRZ0=w640-h422" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gearing up for the national elections in June, the country is choosing sides and looking for ways to defeat their opponents. This week alone the truckers across Mexico had a national strike blocking major highways, and intersections and shutting down border crossings. They are fed up with the number of truck drivers being murdered, kidnapped and extorted. The day before the railroad engineers shut down the railways and blocked intersections unhappy with their union. On Sunday there will be marches in 106 cities throughout Mexico to demand fair and honest elections and to protect Mexican democracy. We will be downtown bright and early.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Our president is on the attack since the claim came out that he accepted 2 million dollars from the cartels in his 2006 campaign. He has talked about it every day this week in his three-hour morning talk show. Well, yesterday afternoon a cartel leader was interviewed by a very famous news outlet and he confirmed that it is true. The Catholic diocese in the state of Guerrero attempted to have talks and negotiate with the cartels this week but to no avail. They are determined to take over local and state governmental positions. Thanks to Abrazos no Balazos.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>We're leaving on Monday and heading to Matehuala. We found a great Airbnb at a super good price to break up our trip. I want to see if it's something we may want to do from time to time if we are going to stay for longer periods in SMA. It would be nice to take a break on the six or seven-hour trip down. I like driving but I'm not the only one in the car. We did the drive for years to San Antonio every few weeks and I wish we had stopped somewhere on the trip. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>The weather here in Monterrey has not been the best. It's been cool and clouder bordering on cold in the mornings. It doesn't stop me from my exercise though. It actually makes it better than in the hot summers. It's drizzling and chilly now and the temps will drop tonight and over the weekend.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>On a somber note, a Canadian friend who blogs about Mexico had some not-so-good news. Her daughter's family suffered a severe house fire. A good portion of the house was burned and the rest had heavy smoke and water damage. Some of their beloved pets didn't make it out but the family is fine and looking to overcome this tragedy.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Here is a short reel or video taken at the time of the fire. </b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1059604388671241">House Fire</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kathy's sister has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for expenses while their home is being rebuilt. There are so many causes and GoFundMe pages but I am passing this one on. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-my-niece-and-family-rebuild">Help My Niece and Family Rebuild</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-66632863716859180702024-02-10T17:45:00.000-08:002024-02-10T17:45:49.688-08:00House Is Painted - Weekend Trip To San Luis Potosi - Back Home Again living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com<div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Great views from the rooftop!</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLRYm2HvJnpUr-PWqM5nh-cLMff0h_1eBF8-O9N-_m7ED36sDUXvPjVdLK57iH1tnXnpeO12azBclpmxnPj3FWSZ3kjGtWKYst_3Zw4Q6Yw42J_90NNuIHzrH9LiJ95_Ra3C81hzYoIWcTFHR4BRv1S_ExvBELBlxdqf08t_Gfoxv4gDaVR8-nA2eGd7k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="940" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLRYm2HvJnpUr-PWqM5nh-cLMff0h_1eBF8-O9N-_m7ED36sDUXvPjVdLK57iH1tnXnpeO12azBclpmxnPj3FWSZ3kjGtWKYst_3Zw4Q6Yw42J_90NNuIHzrH9LiJ95_Ra3C81hzYoIWcTFHR4BRv1S_ExvBELBlxdqf08t_Gfoxv4gDaVR8-nA2eGd7k=w640-h274" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Finally got the house painted. We had bought the paint on the last trip and made the appointment. It took for days and three guys painting the walls, trim, and the bars on the windows. The previous colors were like the townhouse to the right. I didn't like the red and that was the original paint from 12 years ago.</b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglmuy2CZIkV49IRtYLPn1SEbc2QbQ4tBluY7NHHMA3TPjLgHgF6Pw5Jzc-ZQw8omfDyI-LmqSIiXsp_KZV6oGjwC1c9-7yxIQUa7cQNRtLu45-ER5X9jbF_JJnAz11ohpEYSUnA0S1yAmebUU4REybSULPFmnbCF7in8FE0tiRTVndUb_E68FLDocyvbo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="931" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglmuy2CZIkV49IRtYLPn1SEbc2QbQ4tBluY7NHHMA3TPjLgHgF6Pw5Jzc-ZQw8omfDyI-LmqSIiXsp_KZV6oGjwC1c9-7yxIQUa7cQNRtLu45-ER5X9jbF_JJnAz11ohpEYSUnA0S1yAmebUU4REybSULPFmnbCF7in8FE0tiRTVndUb_E68FLDocyvbo" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>My walks/runs take me on new routes now to break up the exercise. This corner shop has no name but it has the best quiche in town. In fact, the quiche they sell comes from a baker who distributes them to many restaurants. A full pie at one particular upscale place goes for 1100 pesos. The last one we purchased at this place was 450 pesos. Talk about price gouging but people buy them. They also sell individual pies and a great one that is like a semi-hard chocolate with a fantastic pie crust.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPpqNcl1oFb8P17Xo25g_IsloLQeIM3md0yfZwj76NOvXVMLwgFmUdQLBgJ_gevTkm1Fgip_7Xym5UVOq5IOQ7uINT-RXKwF4VzCqfXdff_qTc-2MMHqnmBHA22PsRzWL1xytibYlrJ-RIzx6kNnThPps-lx9RQTyVMDUFLLf1dCBDCB7Na79GpfiUQYA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPpqNcl1oFb8P17Xo25g_IsloLQeIM3md0yfZwj76NOvXVMLwgFmUdQLBgJ_gevTkm1Fgip_7Xym5UVOq5IOQ7uINT-RXKwF4VzCqfXdff_qTc-2MMHqnmBHA22PsRzWL1xytibYlrJ-RIzx6kNnThPps-lx9RQTyVMDUFLLf1dCBDCB7Na79GpfiUQYA=w371-h640" width="371" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Coming down through the Aldea there are some pretty cool and detailed murals. These are just two examples. Murals are becoming more common and keeps the graffiti guys at bay.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzvEq8yZHA_i6kX2HEz01gwywSXfQ-mqmIQ2zmsOTVkMmzE2FF-QMm9mbxJ7jAz9aE5uDaBIJWPglG_lRpiL6M8Vc2vYV5J3V7pwT91vl8zf-VWHvMs1CTPzOD3s2gf7Ewxaor-RLmvDSSUpHoHI3pGsGqqY8RdZnVK5_xkDMvuHFzrfNQtF84WnIc1uk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="321" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzvEq8yZHA_i6kX2HEz01gwywSXfQ-mqmIQ2zmsOTVkMmzE2FF-QMm9mbxJ7jAz9aE5uDaBIJWPglG_lRpiL6M8Vc2vYV5J3V7pwT91vl8zf-VWHvMs1CTPzOD3s2gf7Ewxaor-RLmvDSSUpHoHI3pGsGqqY8RdZnVK5_xkDMvuHFzrfNQtF84WnIc1uk=w424-h640" width="424" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu0V562Yrfev10fHt0Q8MdYTMpEyoesCB3NXEwOQ1o9-2CXAZFLWtUqTHL5g-YFVpXOvPIBGwOn_vou2GjBaHxcEq_hC-9HNc82_2-5tJc2DS_sz238vSvnU11XStdB1MmfkQzxWUq-dhCjCKP4R0PMXtUXEWgTy0leJOCE1P9HsCnQy1vR4IRYNLmGbo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="291" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu0V562Yrfev10fHt0Q8MdYTMpEyoesCB3NXEwOQ1o9-2CXAZFLWtUqTHL5g-YFVpXOvPIBGwOn_vou2GjBaHxcEq_hC-9HNc82_2-5tJc2DS_sz238vSvnU11XStdB1MmfkQzxWUq-dhCjCKP4R0PMXtUXEWgTy0leJOCE1P9HsCnQy1vR4IRYNLmGbo=w392-h640" width="392" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><b>I've taken quite a few pictures over the years of places in Mexico that I know are several hundred years old and turning them into black and white or sepia. It helps me imagine what it might have looked like in a photo from the 1800s. </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgQyoAimn8s8lnTfbtXBgJfLTHe5nUro4nXrH6dXNjZ5w8tJhYp4oKpvzO65a_QRmxaw1v79bJHYQAdapgcGIFlgRppOAr3Q8OHrDjX_AfPCjXrJxwqxazdAJGIpiVwANWxj71HFOy_QrKgkWjneRtd9Boi2xvV0dt8hCVXPHyP_UQZGyWdnYDn5mlyiY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="313" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgQyoAimn8s8lnTfbtXBgJfLTHe5nUro4nXrH6dXNjZ5w8tJhYp4oKpvzO65a_QRmxaw1v79bJHYQAdapgcGIFlgRppOAr3Q8OHrDjX_AfPCjXrJxwqxazdAJGIpiVwANWxj71HFOy_QrKgkWjneRtd9Boi2xvV0dt8hCVXPHyP_UQZGyWdnYDn5mlyiY=w408-h640" width="408" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We left SMA on Friday morning. Monday was a holiday and truckers were planning a national closure of highways. Too many have been killed and robbed by cartels and they are fed up. They are getting no help from "Abrazos no Balazos". They canceled the strike later Sunday evening and are having a national highway blockage on February 15th. We headed for San Luis Potosi and spent the weekend with friends Paula and Jerry. They have a nice Airbnb with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. We had a blast catching up and also having some good laughs. </b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We took off for home on Tuesday morning with no issues and missed the holiday rush. Back home all is well and the weather has been great. I've been consistent with my exercise routine and even take my weights to San Miguel. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I had what I thought was a recent issue with a bridge. Juan's brother is a dentist and he took a look and said the gums on the bottom have receded over the last 22 years since it was installed. The gold cap underneath is well seated in the gums and presents no problems for now and there is no movement in the bridge. His advice is to let sleeping dogs lie (mas vale dejarlo estar). I was happy when he said I have excellent oral hygiene. I had dental issues since I was a small child to the point where all my teeth were capped to keep them from breaking. </b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-31237980655416980262024-01-23T09:38:00.000-08:002024-01-23T09:38:10.245-08:00The Worst Head Cold Ever - Back in San Miguel de Allende<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I'm just coming off of the worst head cold ever. Wednesday will be two weeks. The first week I stayed at home. The weather was bad anyway so I couldn't go out. I did go out and tried walking and it was okay. A walking friend was on the road so that helped me to finish. The next day I blew it off and then the next. I went out after that and the heavy mist or almost light rain turned me around after about 20 minutes. I've been back to my weights at home. Some days are easier than others. I'm not weak, it's just hard to breathe and the constant buzzing in my ears. That has all subsided. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Three phases of the storm we passed through on our way down to San Miguel de Allende.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBAk4HY774JN1gCyn2TAV-o_d0bYDY8RCA5od0wKwXKdQFVscNDWMpFb4lBkcjcfYALlFR8rcx4HMRH0ObUFI4s7gx_bruePS_bFvYoVJlV9imkKRtI9yqSSmulbgAKJzNC9GFIUW5GB23QS1DvlUOLUsL1obyN0UF5NFerZmFz9SIwaIU-mWLUrszeY4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="951" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBAk4HY774JN1gCyn2TAV-o_d0bYDY8RCA5od0wKwXKdQFVscNDWMpFb4lBkcjcfYALlFR8rcx4HMRH0ObUFI4s7gx_bruePS_bFvYoVJlV9imkKRtI9yqSSmulbgAKJzNC9GFIUW5GB23QS1DvlUOLUsL1obyN0UF5NFerZmFz9SIwaIU-mWLUrszeY4=w640-h286" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqD0ch7JHNjo7ZTj9RYJi-Xdyuubp9qhP96uEZh4K9PXhUM8w4HiReqnoyyig-llUUAJxpcvLUAe9qGlSPymTwS_8ZolGAKPPD4XGclF-x6-KeNl3qPRNzCyHzElnMZUkiC3lDHDEDs6-18DNWdkl1udn94xM3HF7eDlsUjenGmnp0g3XMDToRK1o1Cmk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="953" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqD0ch7JHNjo7ZTj9RYJi-Xdyuubp9qhP96uEZh4K9PXhUM8w4HiReqnoyyig-llUUAJxpcvLUAe9qGlSPymTwS_8ZolGAKPPD4XGclF-x6-KeNl3qPRNzCyHzElnMZUkiC3lDHDEDs6-18DNWdkl1udn94xM3HF7eDlsUjenGmnp0g3XMDToRK1o1Cmk=w640-h284" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBhk6afTSRPY3JAab9jSAiWeOWnk4CUf0lk5Ozf04lWuJtQrykVb4cRpS0uHj3mUW_GQYOkybjUlpbmt8J7X9wCZcsrD7I3Zr5jmcdzQ6fSLP8gPqLXkzcrKD-D5cbeqAM3-7743KONSGRhong4V9EOcK8FzgDJ-c4AByUyYJzPm2J0jICvkTqt6HIqF8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="947" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBhk6afTSRPY3JAab9jSAiWeOWnk4CUf0lk5Ozf04lWuJtQrykVb4cRpS0uHj3mUW_GQYOkybjUlpbmt8J7X9wCZcsrD7I3Zr5jmcdzQ6fSLP8gPqLXkzcrKD-D5cbeqAM3-7743KONSGRhong4V9EOcK8FzgDJ-c4AByUyYJzPm2J0jICvkTqt6HIqF8=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Sunday we drove down to San Miguel for a couple of weeks. The house painter is coming. We made the arrangements the last trip and bought the paint. It's the exterior only and the painter says two days. We made the trip down in record time. Sunday is now our drive down day and Monday our drive day back. Sunday truckers are off the road for the most part and people are heading back north. Monday it's reversed. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Juan is in the 3rd stage of the cold. His is worse. We went to the ISSSTE clinic here in SMA. They took him in right away and said he has a mild infection in his throat. They prescribed the usual, dose of antibiotics. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Today we hung out and ran some basic errands but it's still downtime.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I created a firestorm on Facebook yesterday on a local SMA group. I wanted to share the simple fact that expats who are PRs have the right to collect the old age pension which is now 3000 pesos per month. I posted a brochure and all the requirements with the idea that they can spread the word to those in the campo. So many people do good work helping the poor but require funds. What better way than to solicit the stipend and then use it to help the poor. In addition, also encourage those Mexicans over 65 to enroll and collect the money. Believe me, if both husband and wife collect the stipend that is 6000 pesos a month. That is more than most Mexicans make in a month. It is truly a help to the population. I do want to add that even though the current president has increased the amount, the program has been in existence for more than 20 years.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>On the FB post, Mexicans said expats shouldn't have the right to claim the stipend and also some expats said that, but they overlooked the purpose of my post. Helping the poor. We have more poor in Mexico today than five years ago. So, I found the constitutional reform that states that Mexicans, nationals, and permanent residents who reside in the country have the right to collect the stipend. That shut down a lot of people. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>This comes direct from the DOF (Diario Oficial de la Federación) which they publishes all changes to laws including taxes, reforms, and constitutionality. </b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnBPnicy-xnG5ohN3i_UJizGT75UB3kvD_xn5YIp2PG7S_52rleB3kDpfu-7eBeABX2De4n8z-JUrdiv4D6Joyiud6sArFAGHndm7-yt5AtUODUAuCHb2n_DN27-VF02nId-C58DioQxEu-KZR-X9ouukU-QagLcgTR4yG1YGAv_zF6ghFaP2qBFiQ-ag" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="636" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnBPnicy-xnG5ohN3i_UJizGT75UB3kvD_xn5YIp2PG7S_52rleB3kDpfu-7eBeABX2De4n8z-JUrdiv4D6Joyiud6sArFAGHndm7-yt5AtUODUAuCHb2n_DN27-VF02nId-C58DioQxEu-KZR-X9ouukU-QagLcgTR4yG1YGAv_zF6ghFaP2qBFiQ-ag=w640-h158" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>As for Mexican politics, the president's plan of Abrazos no Balazos has had quite an effect. The cartels are now charging homeowners extortion to live in their houses. First, it was tortillerias, then tire shops, small stores, and the list goes on. In one state alone, 30 communities have been forced to leave their homes as they have no more money to pay. Along the U.S./Mexico border cartels are shutting down highways and setting up checkpoints of their own. Most recently, on the road from the Colombia Bridge to Hwy 85 rvers have been stopped, robbed, asked to make videos saying they were not harmed and then left to go on their way. The murder rate has skyrocketed and each day more and more innocent bystanders are being killed in the crossfire. The rest you can read in the news but it's important to point out what is happening. </b></div></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-56753690197167618532024-01-15T15:21:00.000-08:002024-01-15T15:21:15.251-08:00Quite A Few Things Happeningliving.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOyzuS8aB5csMgYOQxsQUOlIk5zOa5w-6KYWOnje2bE53oJBaVyJrkJQgLik82jUHAPO6LW9UkF19yiJqGc3KRWw4Yryhho68rqVVBnk1bpgJIRIIfqF8JgVx4ZK1b5Jt_6_5GDqOTTo3K6jMWPKxSlwHA8X7OhmIEictDNzI4eRCLqrOUOEdV0WtvJc4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="979" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOyzuS8aB5csMgYOQxsQUOlIk5zOa5w-6KYWOnje2bE53oJBaVyJrkJQgLik82jUHAPO6LW9UkF19yiJqGc3KRWw4Yryhho68rqVVBnk1bpgJIRIIfqF8JgVx4ZK1b5Jt_6_5GDqOTTo3K6jMWPKxSlwHA8X7OhmIEictDNzI4eRCLqrOUOEdV0WtvJc4=w640-h266" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b style="text-align: justify;">I wanted to tell a story about our return trip from Texas in December. When we rolled into the toll booth south of Reynosa, the taker looked at me and said nothing. I asked her how much it was and we started a conversation. She wanted to know where I was from and I told her Kansas City. She asked why I spoke Spanish and I told her I had lived here for a long time. She went on about how most foreigners come and do a lot of pointing and speaking in English. She doesn't speak a word of English. By chance, she said, a couple earlier that day began to scream and yell at her and she never figured out why. She said they held up the line for 15 minutes. I told her that many gringos believe they will get screwed because they are foreigners and have an RV. I said, "They think you have a magic button in there you can push to change the prices". She said there is no way they can change the price. There may be some doubt about how they charge and some concessions can be different. There is no way she can take money off the top as everything is computerized and she has to cash out just like any cashier where the system has to match the ticket sales. </b></div><div><b style="text-align: justify;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Another great-great nephew!</b></div><div><b style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvFe0E9FjciJpQVmg1COm-lYk4vOGsQxbd2xACxUnNXfbH83GVUKIAq4I4HupStVkqWVfFRCM8PwqiPuhEizWEMOk1lT84bom4G6eBlhtKWX9oEJrzj_OuTQdOsAy7ihal7P_AyCAiPHvJOD91JZ2OP76metN6LciE-GxmLM3zAH1rjqxDk2CfM04Vo8Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="197" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvFe0E9FjciJpQVmg1COm-lYk4vOGsQxbd2xACxUnNXfbH83GVUKIAq4I4HupStVkqWVfFRCM8PwqiPuhEizWEMOk1lT84bom4G6eBlhtKWX9oEJrzj_OuTQdOsAy7ihal7P_AyCAiPHvJOD91JZ2OP76metN6LciE-GxmLM3zAH1rjqxDk2CfM04Vo8Q=w440-h640" width="440" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I ordered the decals for the travel trailer and it is cleaned and ready to be sold. We've started looking at vans and it's a matter of having cash in hand. It will be hard to let it go but time to move on to something else. We're putting our two lots up for sale at the resort. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I had several tests done before our vacation. The results are in and in March I will have an endoscopy and a colonoscopy. I just hope they don't attempt to do both simultaneously 😄 What a great system we are in with the state. It appears I may have to have surgery to correct a hiatal hernia. It's an overnight thing and I am anxious to get it done. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>On my morning exercise one group waiting for their treats.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7pWEpfIYLyaguTxaH77ddGoM4lO09cj0IO6fk4OMV4pYgzmcLSxhSe4NcLU1FmXctSEbLXSQHhdQwCpKb5_XW1V8ukruBfGjodlbiSQz3zjsy20nkNqIBCy3m1plBx8rxS1FNtD5xPTVvkwkrmhxhdNe4D0VhVOyiyjJj8e2Xq9oia8kXNns5d-LlQ-U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="195" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7pWEpfIYLyaguTxaH77ddGoM4lO09cj0IO6fk4OMV4pYgzmcLSxhSe4NcLU1FmXctSEbLXSQHhdQwCpKb5_XW1V8ukruBfGjodlbiSQz3zjsy20nkNqIBCy3m1plBx8rxS1FNtD5xPTVvkwkrmhxhdNe4D0VhVOyiyjJj8e2Xq9oia8kXNns5d-LlQ-U=w448-h640" width="448" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The cold weather is setting in and this weekend, like most of North America, we will have freezing temps but no precipitation. Boo hoo, I'd love to have some snow.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>When we got home, I noticed the ceiling in the palapa was sagging on one side. It's so hard to get people to repair things. If we were to ask for a new sheetrock ceiling, they'd be here yesterday. However, the caretaker who works for a neighbor around the corner was looking for extra work. He did a great job and any materials he needed we went and sourced them himself. He has since repaired many other things around here. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We'll be heading to SMA around the 20th. I'm ready to roll now. I can't be in one place to long. Our France trip will wait until my surgery and then I'll begin looking for tickets. I guess we could go before, we'll </b>wait and see.</div></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-24313138283011046352023-12-30T15:50:00.000-08:002023-12-30T15:50:18.413-08:00The Trip Back Home Winter 2023living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Our trip was a success, we had a good time escaping everyday things. We enjoyed the cold at night with Buddy heater glowing and the electric blanket running with or without connection. The solar worked extremely well as did all things rv related. However, I was concerned over the two and a half weeks about the SUV. With 500,000 km on the odometer, it still runs great but you can tell it's getting tired. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>On our way home we backtracked a bit. We left Davis Mountains State Park and drove to Seminole Canyon State Park. We have stayed there several times over the years but have never taken the tour to see the Pictographs. That was a bust although we did it and what we saw we enjoyed. We put it off for years because they charge to take the tour and you can't see them any other way. Now with a senior discount, it wasn't so bad but the tour guide didn't have much to share other than his personal opinion and hearsay. It was fun though to reminisce about our past stays there. It's like your first date, car, or special experience, buying and using your RV is something special. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We've always wanted to take this picture. It's at the Pecos River Outlook where we stayed last year. We drove up, took river pics and I dropped Juan off. I drove down, went across the bridge, turned around and went back for him. Lucky guy!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjG0PgJ_xfCTV942hehjLQhGRIY61IEvJRodEp7WaxN_Eeg4tODWClotVtGaDnxRqSyJ5JGSJhOy4faoEt9FwgiXE24vgAWafOTGTkkMBA693ZENQeXqKseT1nMz_00mhA8C3p1ItfZrKpPYCEJ72dbbF8VkVWqmq1rVV9LtIhgdgb8C-3BJXnCOrSMEq0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="490" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjG0PgJ_xfCTV942hehjLQhGRIY61IEvJRodEp7WaxN_Eeg4tODWClotVtGaDnxRqSyJ5JGSJhOy4faoEt9FwgiXE24vgAWafOTGTkkMBA693ZENQeXqKseT1nMz_00mhA8C3p1ItfZrKpPYCEJ72dbbF8VkVWqmq1rVV9LtIhgdgb8C-3BJXnCOrSMEq0=w640-h470" width="640" /></b></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The walk down from the visitor's center to the caves where the pictographs are located. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4LL-NlyuIe029S7A5H6MAphFRGV3C9heoktRmZOzSFtudDrYJo9KD4QWicmV-b9ce66Q27uG9pr9zyWdroflXI8I70PqsLL2qPnMiKTlstyFlJAq-IraCI_nn4teVZtodsXBfvH21U9mysTLrfghBgMjfbvpAttS1JqAz80bojObbiwCQb8N2VbFIvO8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="826" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4LL-NlyuIe029S7A5H6MAphFRGV3C9heoktRmZOzSFtudDrYJo9KD4QWicmV-b9ce66Q27uG9pr9zyWdroflXI8I70PqsLL2qPnMiKTlstyFlJAq-IraCI_nn4teVZtodsXBfvH21U9mysTLrfghBgMjfbvpAttS1JqAz80bojObbiwCQb8N2VbFIvO8=w640-h276" width="640" /></b></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPNf-kmGpnAO2IHYJpMaipTiF168LdHKN58s0d5h_r40xBqbCmAq1DMV4f0k6Ky8y-LhjoTU5rz8qFBjIItx06ZYpjoTe9Fdu_IO7oFeMY5-UAqQNSivUGUOT3FKtBqp9JwhSPKY0FBZ2_m-d3BnNEONGJEtqSMVgvL44QSxpvjg4s_ZG8lSolx63C_H4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="788" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPNf-kmGpnAO2IHYJpMaipTiF168LdHKN58s0d5h_r40xBqbCmAq1DMV4f0k6Ky8y-LhjoTU5rz8qFBjIItx06ZYpjoTe9Fdu_IO7oFeMY5-UAqQNSivUGUOT3FKtBqp9JwhSPKY0FBZ2_m-d3BnNEONGJEtqSMVgvL44QSxpvjg4s_ZG8lSolx63C_H4" width="640" /></b></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaJrAgpFasa2FDXmX1wQ1-xfvGERMwndqWplEqwYyqiIwgMuhK0Yz602Pe49UmwkwLOV1O0zGtqDLDwAdNcYanv8q0j1uKqy4XkqzlUDAQSB51XJVSiqAdpoY6C8uBZdKwNaJ8ygC93b6npw7eZv0c1YB0TvUsKkwj_J7uQ8VZINiDyFEYhJNw9JJZTT0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="663" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaJrAgpFasa2FDXmX1wQ1-xfvGERMwndqWplEqwYyqiIwgMuhK0Yz602Pe49UmwkwLOV1O0zGtqDLDwAdNcYanv8q0j1uKqy4XkqzlUDAQSB51XJVSiqAdpoY6C8uBZdKwNaJ8ygC93b6npw7eZv0c1YB0TvUsKkwj_J7uQ8VZINiDyFEYhJNw9JJZTT0=w640-h360" width="640" /></b></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Each day we moved closer to home. We left Seminole Canyon and headed for the Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass. It's located on the Kickapoo reservation and that spreads to both sides of the border. There are plenty of border patrol but the Kickapoo move back and forth at will maintaining dual citizenship granted by both the U.S. and Mexico. They own the largest casino in Texas. Before the agreement that allows them to move back and forth, many lived under the international bridge between Piedras Negras and Eagle Pass. A pretty interesting story. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQmJB3t_H5-rMItcGZuaVvzmCm9pj_lYSs-k59PoyJPF9KycMCtRBINqHgWQfw7Vat1JL0NY0xCZ9E4-htp7pvxvb0K0xkqoGPFWbcXX3onLk-XbRyL7_Hho3BJMh0EIUKsTkS-L1bkvUj5ZSa1r75sV58LUt5rfRW7RO1Orq0KbuLJCVqJ0YEaKHZDoI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="544" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQmJB3t_H5-rMItcGZuaVvzmCm9pj_lYSs-k59PoyJPF9KycMCtRBINqHgWQfw7Vat1JL0NY0xCZ9E4-htp7pvxvb0K0xkqoGPFWbcXX3onLk-XbRyL7_Hho3BJMh0EIUKsTkS-L1bkvUj5ZSa1r75sV58LUt5rfRW7RO1Orq0KbuLJCVqJ0YEaKHZDoI=w640-h472" width="640" /></b></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIaDteWimWqNCUMR_9A2S-hs__vapInO9_-BJsW5ONEii85HikW5ou02UJBEwKwQ0bZ0E73Iqe0L46QUKodVZriesYiHmtZDAjBj_v8Gb-0ZmZanQfs5xrDzhC6Pm3xq2k3zlYu1qCIU1fBP3zedA530ycOAH2uFdhxzuxF8WSe3Azh2Pz7xDnWklb-1U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="604" height="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIaDteWimWqNCUMR_9A2S-hs__vapInO9_-BJsW5ONEii85HikW5ou02UJBEwKwQ0bZ0E73Iqe0L46QUKodVZriesYiHmtZDAjBj_v8Gb-0ZmZanQfs5xrDzhC6Pm3xq2k3zlYu1qCIU1fBP3zedA530ycOAH2uFdhxzuxF8WSe3Azh2Pz7xDnWklb-1U=w640-h485" width="640" /></b></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRAPRtYpEM5KYgr9JAzwjLbmjBxZrHRWtaO46hTtDLWVzev0QzmXwwyfG_DByI9HIyupiNq6ePDngBhXeQbBq8h143l0g55MTEZoVaxQHsTkQ_J314q7uon-u8X26COh_dDxWLLOjS4AuTVo-QoeWeAmHx0wBxml2GQ3s9xjDXtf-lHpHfavXv_9PcclU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="609" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRAPRtYpEM5KYgr9JAzwjLbmjBxZrHRWtaO46hTtDLWVzev0QzmXwwyfG_DByI9HIyupiNq6ePDngBhXeQbBq8h143l0g55MTEZoVaxQHsTkQ_J314q7uon-u8X26COh_dDxWLLOjS4AuTVo-QoeWeAmHx0wBxml2GQ3s9xjDXtf-lHpHfavXv_9PcclU=w640-h476" width="640" /></b></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The casino is pretty large and has a nice hotel, RV park, and several good restaurants although expensive. Being members, we both received a benefit when we arrived. I got $5 to play with and Juan received a voucher worth 25% off all food and drinks. We turned the $5 into $32 and that paid for our RV stay along with the 25% discount it also included dinner that we split after we played. I'm not a gambler and we don't play cards but it was an hour's worth of fun. The RV park is a small green park with pads and services. It's a short walk from the casino entrance but far enough there is no noise at night. In the past, we have parked in the south parking area and boondocked for free. Too cold this time.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Coming back from the park office I started to open the door to the trailer and I about fell off the step. Across the road was a cat watching me. It was an almost identical match to Little Bit. I followed him for a few minutes and he would stop and look back at me. Little booger will haunt me for the rest of my life!</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvnG5HR1yrYIQ286F5eNqExrSZ6MHaj2RFbk9NV8zQDAqf2oiUXllS050ahSqjC_zVbIRcH9zX2L1rJ0vw3A3l3yFPVDIQbHrYS8Q3imZ2MLUDGnaOiNhAIr0R4bUuzzVoXU5WLKGIHtxo4THu2fXdHG0gVt2eH7RF6eAcNhVKnpLHatCx0S4FXC0PG-4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="286" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvnG5HR1yrYIQ286F5eNqExrSZ6MHaj2RFbk9NV8zQDAqf2oiUXllS050ahSqjC_zVbIRcH9zX2L1rJ0vw3A3l3yFPVDIQbHrYS8Q3imZ2MLUDGnaOiNhAIr0R4bUuzzVoXU5WLKGIHtxo4THu2fXdHG0gVt2eH7RF6eAcNhVKnpLHatCx0S4FXC0PG-4=w461-h640" width="461" /></b></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We left there with a good memory and headed to Falcon Lake again. We used our Passport America and had a nice spot at a good price. It was a short two-and-a-half-hour drive from the casino so we chatted with some of the winter group, actually two women in separate rvs that travel together from Minnesota each year. The sunset was pretty amazing and we watched a movie before bedtime.</b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioA1GFfI1j9tYEWwpvrPo4-OMyggHJDFvbRzGSRUYXpuxhH6mnjG5A4Y4qgvUYYj86cRM8YT2OYW2CSPNvhTrvikxsmTF7sP9g6fYNg61EB1hAahdNMoetGovxT0cvIOfeaV2uXhvS7PTQTaW8GTiUxka-fwNcK3fBuqHkyIWhMSQC5fAZLjIqNAYsWQE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="719" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioA1GFfI1j9tYEWwpvrPo4-OMyggHJDFvbRzGSRUYXpuxhH6mnjG5A4Y4qgvUYYj86cRM8YT2OYW2CSPNvhTrvikxsmTF7sP9g6fYNg61EB1hAahdNMoetGovxT0cvIOfeaV2uXhvS7PTQTaW8GTiUxka-fwNcK3fBuqHkyIWhMSQC5fAZLjIqNAYsWQE" width="640" /></b></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Our last stop was McAllen and again we used the Passport America at the RV park in Mission. We used to stay there over 20 years ago. It was winter Texans until about three years ago and now it is labeled a family community park. Although the rigs are new, the place is filled with families with small kids. They have a pool, playground, and all the amenities but at $350 a month, it's not going to stay in great shape for long. There is a need for housing in the RVG and this fits the bill for many young families. However, the rules are few and it is getting trashed. For $20 a night with wifi, cable, pool, and jacuzzi (adults only) it was worth the money. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>So the final day takes us across the border via the Anzalduas Bridge. I was holding my breath as we crossed to the Mexican side. There have been many reports of the new Guardia Nacional asking rvers for $300 U.S. and up. The paisanos have been taken to the cleaners so often that this year, with a sharp rise in cartel activity in Nuevo Laredo and Reynosa, they formed a 400-car-long caravan escorted by state police and seven different mayors from municipalities from the state of San Luis Potosi. What a mess. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl5wNbH9ptqKeVki9XDyZw-Cp0KJPSIvGbFMnOCJapdndii7oDSE_SClW-9BiZ2duXAasc4JDc4zbfHS9AvQdxnsTEFNpc4sqHYBvN4d1tykGRoVel2KP7smk5bFsOMj06knCwsmtTncXtteAqKuuC77eHOxHJAcCzTEl5PaQBUQPiiHo5oaw_gnUqgGI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="496" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl5wNbH9ptqKeVki9XDyZw-Cp0KJPSIvGbFMnOCJapdndii7oDSE_SClW-9BiZ2duXAasc4JDc4zbfHS9AvQdxnsTEFNpc4sqHYBvN4d1tykGRoVel2KP7smk5bFsOMj06knCwsmtTncXtteAqKuuC77eHOxHJAcCzTEl5PaQBUQPiiHo5oaw_gnUqgGI=w640-h478" width="640" /></b></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I was sure we were going to get a shakedown. As we crossed the bridge we passed through the semaforo and we got a green light. We still need to pull over and have the trailer inspected and show proof of importation and plates. As you pass the semaforo, there are bays to pull into for inspection. There were eight Guardia Nacionales stationed and ready for the attack. As I headed their way, low and behold, they waved us to keep moving. I thought that there must be another checkpoint but we drove right out of the Aduana, onto Hwy 2 and five minutes later we were on Hwy 85 to Monterrey. Not a hitch all the way home. After not using the RV for so long, I had problems backing it into the driveway. Flailing arms, an angry driver but after 15 minutes it was parked and we were home. A good trip with nary an issue. It was fun and I hope soon we have something to travel in for another adventure. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-23964908779856257562023-12-22T17:03:00.000-08:002023-12-22T17:03:53.225-08:00Day Hike With Great Views Through Davis Mountains - Memories of A Past Hike<b>living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>The desert mountain views are incredible. Our first trip to Davis Mountains State Park was back in 2003 with our 1999 Trailmanor 3326. It was a blast.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdz2t1DFXEAwIk9xU1rGKrXvgj6xM97oEJkzYEdhla_pGaFF1o_xBNvI-17OAzUjzvzuBlLu6Y7J0ZjU-0Ejmoaiv-9jOgothcfXVVsjfuaawI30kOXuhXRxygHi0N_wA11K5blWjQM_CbVFP8Az7jAFWGrGk60984acBbB6zfpfiWKZdg0SktYhd72zo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="941" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdz2t1DFXEAwIk9xU1rGKrXvgj6xM97oEJkzYEdhla_pGaFF1o_xBNvI-17OAzUjzvzuBlLu6Y7J0ZjU-0Ejmoaiv-9jOgothcfXVVsjfuaawI30kOXuhXRxygHi0N_wA11K5blWjQM_CbVFP8Az7jAFWGrGk60984acBbB6zfpfiWKZdg0SktYhd72zo=w640-h354" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Christmas time, I baked and stuffed a chicken in the RV oven.</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1UsWvai0aurt3uEvGKao0Y30il0hO0jzowZLDhWhNgCRDj8bERb7oScR8h3PLkiwdR1i2_Lz3gLb81d5Bk7FFI7sfZT4qGFJm7pSQ_uzHvE9mzM0VyY2vXsvluRHaJWH59uYjz7TISueJ_xY_O3Hq_Rhk1JP_pAdx6SiOmJfWVO0JS5JnthXRjRcicyY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="297" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1UsWvai0aurt3uEvGKao0Y30il0hO0jzowZLDhWhNgCRDj8bERb7oScR8h3PLkiwdR1i2_Lz3gLb81d5Bk7FFI7sfZT4qGFJm7pSQ_uzHvE9mzM0VyY2vXsvluRHaJWH59uYjz7TISueJ_xY_O3Hq_Rhk1JP_pAdx6SiOmJfWVO0JS5JnthXRjRcicyY=w411-h640" width="411" /></a></div><br /><b>We had tortillas outside on the fire ring heating up. Each time we went out to give them a turn, they were gone. Then we discovered the culprits.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6qgQQXV4lOqEB-OM7jzH5VNTkomS5IciR6keb3Sh2BvMCG6lIXoomhQ8Xc0odhWgDoN6jYJWzbcxoGfkxbqaSTEl8CdDC1N_lObzXf5J51hriJPotzolWuiRxX3y8m5zLxSalmCT6Uhj2I7r0dOGux-kFHuwx3zqGxz9ihMcztA6h6UwtNK0RG1R8XUM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img alt="" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="679" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6qgQQXV4lOqEB-OM7jzH5VNTkomS5IciR6keb3Sh2BvMCG6lIXoomhQ8Xc0odhWgDoN6jYJWzbcxoGfkxbqaSTEl8CdDC1N_lObzXf5J51hriJPotzolWuiRxX3y8m5zLxSalmCT6Uhj2I7r0dOGux-kFHuwx3zqGxz9ihMcztA6h6UwtNK0RG1R8XUM=w640-h422" width="640" /></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We took our first hike in the Davis Mountains back then. The trails are great and wintertime is the best. The winds are high and the skies are clear. Summertime is too hot for good hiking as the temperatures can climb to over 40C.</b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>This time around with Juan's knee issue we drove part way and walked the rest. The climb isn't difficult at all and well worth it</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnDOYxtoDI8O5ltaNyhJNj4TLXaZIu0pYJQeXSXL8kHrzhi6GrwUGfFVO9-nFvVV0AJ2OW1YHm2NJiuYYqxChbDIplDTrozOSLCHhI-U57FhtTZ34xwVC1N5j8YJNrvh6EgGGE4iDqTRjo3-cUVdMzh5LNt2evBf9ufpIXT73Yph3p_RkqrP-koiwHcOc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="1264" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnDOYxtoDI8O5ltaNyhJNj4TLXaZIu0pYJQeXSXL8kHrzhi6GrwUGfFVO9-nFvVV0AJ2OW1YHm2NJiuYYqxChbDIplDTrozOSLCHhI-U57FhtTZ34xwVC1N5j8YJNrvh6EgGGE4iDqTRjo3-cUVdMzh5LNt2evBf9ufpIXT73Yph3p_RkqrP-koiwHcOc=w640-h226" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHCavSfZiW0LLN38MNfLW_0dDBDzZ-cgWUWZgFXdVcaN4zRAK10t7x99Sb8mElamB2C17u3YKAVYWmtngMbrGUuU3k1nbqNU6FVcBcVLjaO0ZFQBLkUSv9nFjHH46-Fo46eLHX5ndJBJB8ceGtP_wq8rFtuBWTcELhOFRkuQ1SQddXluFvauBUIVcEeY4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="803" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHCavSfZiW0LLN38MNfLW_0dDBDzZ-cgWUWZgFXdVcaN4zRAK10t7x99Sb8mElamB2C17u3YKAVYWmtngMbrGUuU3k1nbqNU6FVcBcVLjaO0ZFQBLkUSv9nFjHH46-Fo46eLHX5ndJBJB8ceGtP_wq8rFtuBWTcELhOFRkuQ1SQddXluFvauBUIVcEeY4" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0qTLltmLFiuz8-cZqtzKxYbrb4FDTWqL-yOL2f5zuykMuXM0_Be-70Xz-4EzzUJ1BcRv2GWKz1pBJauy8RxkZK2JC83-OC4LjNS4PvZ_ui56GbHLRqbM0zJIGchuJyq8S8L1bWBraoiJ5HOap59YNupCOVnHJI82g48fGZNg9dWLKLmWTtZU7D-GDkjc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="802" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0qTLltmLFiuz8-cZqtzKxYbrb4FDTWqL-yOL2f5zuykMuXM0_Be-70Xz-4EzzUJ1BcRv2GWKz1pBJauy8RxkZK2JC83-OC4LjNS4PvZ_ui56GbHLRqbM0zJIGchuJyq8S8L1bWBraoiJ5HOap59YNupCOVnHJI82g48fGZNg9dWLKLmWTtZU7D-GDkjc=w640-h300" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>As I said, very cold and a lot of wind. Below is a picture of our other little critter who left us after 15 years back in 2005. He was a real traveler. We headed back to the RV where it was warm. After, a walk around the campground to look at the few rvs that were there. We saw a Scamp, a Casita, and a couple of pickup truck popup tents. These guys were freezing to death. One couple with two kids had a great setup. A Coleman popup camper with nice picture windows and Christmas lights. They were up and out early every morning. Dinner was a delicious bowl of chili I had made that morning. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>This picture of Gum (Gumersindo) was taken in 2003 in the same spot we stopped to take pictures on the trail. He was a real character. He started reading when he was 2 years old. He ate the bindings off of the encyclopedias from A to K before he gave it up. Semi-illiterate, he was one hell of a great mascot! Protector, bed warmer and companion. RIP </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheCDnr3Q9TTL5DFNMI1oM8KoyXhh94-E_lpnZ1MpUjDFGWt-y5u6Nz3z3uFz3OsPn7gB0YRqRiNFy_1Gx3YCxHhN6OZtpGXHAcPb4ARlZy9rMe_ffCPvpg3eeO4xmYpjFO1lFeGRp8BRT0T9DCwoLMJjMui6otSg7z_eE84mXG8vxLAhaK-SbKR9Tig9c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="503" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheCDnr3Q9TTL5DFNMI1oM8KoyXhh94-E_lpnZ1MpUjDFGWt-y5u6Nz3z3uFz3OsPn7gB0YRqRiNFy_1Gx3YCxHhN6OZtpGXHAcPb4ARlZy9rMe_ffCPvpg3eeO4xmYpjFO1lFeGRp8BRT0T9DCwoLMJjMui6otSg7z_eE84mXG8vxLAhaK-SbKR9Tig9c=w640-h404" width="640" /></a></div><br />Speaking of pets, in the next post I'll share a bit of reincarnation 😀 Overall, this was a good trip. It's time to start looking for a new SUV. With 500,000 km, the Durango has done its job. It's a matter of deciding whether to sell the travel trailer and move on to class B of some kind. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><br /><br /><br /></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-86791697293264922972023-12-16T09:58:00.000-08:002023-12-16T09:58:26.453-08:00A Hike In The Hills And A Visit To "The Desk"living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com<div><br /></div><div><b>A collage of murals painted by local artists. They have created a walking tour of alleys and businesses. It was great weather for a day out. Still cool at 16C but the sun was shining.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb7HNb_AGcux5yz94Xl1jqd0-sfkgMQ5DKqNBPFPB0lKL8vTS7JB1_rOOhVVkDo2hp4bvrXrXeoYm33Q8mY3EfBhsaaQJyyfoMyR6JSnH0-smjDcjZQIA7tE4hL5kZhLA8LSbss3or1m9yZFbrr5O-_-2_YPqlImMREqFHZfEXWMJ5rWMnwuaVCjP9E6k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="801" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb7HNb_AGcux5yz94Xl1jqd0-sfkgMQ5DKqNBPFPB0lKL8vTS7JB1_rOOhVVkDo2hp4bvrXrXeoYm33Q8mY3EfBhsaaQJyyfoMyR6JSnH0-smjDcjZQIA7tE4hL5kZhLA8LSbss3or1m9yZFbrr5O-_-2_YPqlImMREqFHZfEXWMJ5rWMnwuaVCjP9E6k=w640-h362" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We did a little Christmas decorating in the trailer. A great indoor activity and made for a great happy hour!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBhg5txzrfJ82s7ijzO0iBnjg0XBeqk6k52I0P016IuMqq92lE_p3N8z7ClYDF2UFZ7jE2WhhzgTw3u10NHhVIMLux5G_wiSJAVp9zf_9eOg8owN4lGmocXrWVARJSMxtKht0SCkFl4FhqYccPM5394kWkEouJ_doLFO5-fVAUiSjx60FTT6l8h9QH_Xo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="545" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBhg5txzrfJ82s7ijzO0iBnjg0XBeqk6k52I0P016IuMqq92lE_p3N8z7ClYDF2UFZ7jE2WhhzgTw3u10NHhVIMLux5G_wiSJAVp9zf_9eOg8owN4lGmocXrWVARJSMxtKht0SCkFl4FhqYccPM5394kWkEouJ_doLFO5-fVAUiSjx60FTT6l8h9QH_Xo=w640-h394" width="640" /></a></div><br />Enjoying an afternoon cup of coffee while doing some Facebook and reading.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhD69XBYcuO3Cm8rI-EB0LgYjSO8gTZVbtw6p_zBaqCskRyGcJrfKl-AxMXFYwmtG8f2wyOJIEITeU9tJp_oy0Mv8XSF1aZ6xQJTqgecM_sG1RvRa3fR3TRuMHG9fQ9N5U9Kwo3PiMTasvzY8aMaAMfHrd0D39JHCmc--bJU2bX5pm3ZUeIby62gIbj0fU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="753" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhD69XBYcuO3Cm8rI-EB0LgYjSO8gTZVbtw6p_zBaqCskRyGcJrfKl-AxMXFYwmtG8f2wyOJIEITeU9tJp_oy0Mv8XSF1aZ6xQJTqgecM_sG1RvRa3fR3TRuMHG9fQ9N5U9Kwo3PiMTasvzY8aMaAMfHrd0D39JHCmc--bJU2bX5pm3ZUeIby62gIbj0fU=w640-h294" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-weight: bold;">This is our site, number 45. I think it is one of the best and the most secluded from other campsites.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjztRucOjGu42kSjXeIYJSws4-iKteU9NjAhP1zPSLg6EO-N0y7qyY9u2cAJXB8KsLJhQ6RIEFR9uqygXQ5ogo2fKncdTPnYUCBPQ2xNthcNIi8K_DC3SCXKYRjBQmeHxfVovpelI8KJYsS1-VtjV1NH79M__Tl1iWY6Z2RspEYx-3OB-XISFZ0hFhZlvc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="1245" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjztRucOjGu42kSjXeIYJSws4-iKteU9NjAhP1zPSLg6EO-N0y7qyY9u2cAJXB8KsLJhQ6RIEFR9uqygXQ5ogo2fKncdTPnYUCBPQ2xNthcNIi8K_DC3SCXKYRjBQmeHxfVovpelI8KJYsS1-VtjV1NH79M__Tl1iWY6Z2RspEYx-3OB-XISFZ0hFhZlvc=w640-h260" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We took a hike in the hills around Alpine. An interesting marker sits on top of a mountain outside of the university. It is called, "The Desk". In 1981, three students tired of all the noise and commotion in the dorms decided to haul a desk up to the top creating a quiet and peaceful place to study. It has remained there as a landmark ever since. In the desk drawers are notebooks for visitors to sign. The notebooks are replaced by someone when they are full. One person wrote that they left their cell phone on the desk and five days later when they returned to look for it, it was still there. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoVGGm4boQJ9I6fj6Mng56e5RhPb8R_l5Rffu2QVK3kxPqfx1Mk-IzpumQDovrmZQGH12xaevnKLTRLXsDa32t-X_5aQkYmekLuAwZt2d7XMe22Eaesyv96g7EPr0k3uTKzM58cVS4VXN90sY6RMjIU8I-aH6pDkVLXmycaeHNLaU9mtoqpTLtS-LJx5s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="798" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoVGGm4boQJ9I6fj6Mng56e5RhPb8R_l5Rffu2QVK3kxPqfx1Mk-IzpumQDovrmZQGH12xaevnKLTRLXsDa32t-X_5aQkYmekLuAwZt2d7XMe22Eaesyv96g7EPr0k3uTKzM58cVS4VXN90sY6RMjIU8I-aH6pDkVLXmycaeHNLaU9mtoqpTLtS-LJx5s=w640-h280" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">The Desk!</div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwKbi5WCEQNKm8OWqdMt8-t19MRFwKI1lsPKWxKhFOKvJ0iwmCQYy0TKiz2aV-F7gApYQR-XSoIuu3RPxHvba3TZ7O-9s-rl9Zt0qG_T7lSF4axoyIPafgDLebTQ7e7ityiEwdexbIaFwQXJHfVAdPkn8TfraBL2iTVIEDkxgp5tYGohiZ1wsPJiYby8I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="279" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwKbi5WCEQNKm8OWqdMt8-t19MRFwKI1lsPKWxKhFOKvJ0iwmCQYy0TKiz2aV-F7gApYQR-XSoIuu3RPxHvba3TZ7O-9s-rl9Zt0qG_T7lSF4axoyIPafgDLebTQ7e7ityiEwdexbIaFwQXJHfVAdPkn8TfraBL2iTVIEDkxgp5tYGohiZ1wsPJiYby8I=w357-h640" width="357" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Teacher!</b></div></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghnbaqJTwfQkzaMsycHd10-AAJdaRpwGbSm8OSewxKxMyBOAwA0QjGTLrztVspPyETC1-qEUMehjScuBPRXAzoFEeKpfVu4-S1lTae6E6qFecv8EJQlWsXS2AJJCUiRZJMO0PlFI_baNL4DFZ_KpjkpHc57NX6_YoP43lksNH-aWdiC-mt_zxru6PDJu4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="285" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghnbaqJTwfQkzaMsycHd10-AAJdaRpwGbSm8OSewxKxMyBOAwA0QjGTLrztVspPyETC1-qEUMehjScuBPRXAzoFEeKpfVu4-S1lTae6E6qFecv8EJQlWsXS2AJJCUiRZJMO0PlFI_baNL4DFZ_KpjkpHc57NX6_YoP43lksNH-aWdiC-mt_zxru6PDJu4=w403-h640" width="403" /></a></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">The city of Alpine, Texas below.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-GYvxNS3Cqk_M81jXspdPcLEbBJvvJ6NJh6i1HIgfAOnnzIDUsIOqAQOze8mhdqrpsb1ZHAeQX19l0bsbRWB0irn6sdEmrJhNYXXTodtsNnSrWT510v7wXikDV-UMG3orcRjFQDHAsWa39XDwOuPhv4VckfIeiWnfkW4LeVaAuFN512BYT_oXy939Tns" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1275" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-GYvxNS3Cqk_M81jXspdPcLEbBJvvJ6NJh6i1HIgfAOnnzIDUsIOqAQOze8mhdqrpsb1ZHAeQX19l0bsbRWB0irn6sdEmrJhNYXXTodtsNnSrWT510v7wXikDV-UMG3orcRjFQDHAsWa39XDwOuPhv4VckfIeiWnfkW4LeVaAuFN512BYT_oXy939Tns=w640-h250" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The views are incredible, no smog, just fresh air.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLyFJLEfOK_ZUBNQnemo19gNS1X7MMkt1OVD6_zP3FBzfPDfaCBTmt1n9j8zSUsMvNc8OY31wbRh0KKdeZ7t2mbUGaGwcVrX1SgU6ALnlEr_JWk31_ApPslFrAzmOaQX0BrkpfM8X3810cOccZzW6-RqXVpXVBkJp-ZTBj7Ce14TNlgdIM-4YhXl9KBP8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="1240" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLyFJLEfOK_ZUBNQnemo19gNS1X7MMkt1OVD6_zP3FBzfPDfaCBTmt1n9j8zSUsMvNc8OY31wbRh0KKdeZ7t2mbUGaGwcVrX1SgU6ALnlEr_JWk31_ApPslFrAzmOaQX0BrkpfM8X3810cOccZzW6-RqXVpXVBkJp-ZTBj7Ce14TNlgdIM-4YhXl9KBP8=w640-h196" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>Getting closer to the top. The trail is rocky and a bit slippery. A lot of flora to be found and it is fun to try and identify the plants and flowers. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />Agave Havardiana (and an old pair of Flexi shoes)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhLH8rdfPcaWlxi5fS5AkEUGZ5JICxmCNXfrqa-MYXCE0HVNDrV11pgstw7nClXpMRmxRWot6MbI2gpTaogjTPG_mC0kWqjrUzWshosTWfQszjT9ZTE8xrYjqyVcHfptErd12q_kC8_ya0Rn9ibbVkz0IevfBOGD5sxYs0apa66upJtILq-1ey0y0Hcvg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="148" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhLH8rdfPcaWlxi5fS5AkEUGZ5JICxmCNXfrqa-MYXCE0HVNDrV11pgstw7nClXpMRmxRWot6MbI2gpTaogjTPG_mC0kWqjrUzWshosTWfQszjT9ZTE8xrYjqyVcHfptErd12q_kC8_ya0Rn9ibbVkz0IevfBOGD5sxYs0apa66upJtILq-1ey0y0Hcvg=w277-h640" width="277" /></a></div><br />Verbena and Bahiopsis</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4jlwlFN8c_9wKS5A7jItB2_a7aXjKkBIr1oLweV7RPXoqGUbgXrboDrfyvPUP_fB03BslyKi6KVdrDAYS2C_A7p9lyHEEoV3oQcuDIIkUJpCh_S3YYKZv_zWDdecxwFKf0HPz474OTq3bpfGdNg0E_WP8tM4tprsi8ZPwoEwzbVtzmha8fWhBpEQVYlc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="148" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4jlwlFN8c_9wKS5A7jItB2_a7aXjKkBIr1oLweV7RPXoqGUbgXrboDrfyvPUP_fB03BslyKi6KVdrDAYS2C_A7p9lyHEEoV3oQcuDIIkUJpCh_S3YYKZv_zWDdecxwFKf0HPz474OTq3bpfGdNg0E_WP8tM4tprsi8ZPwoEwzbVtzmha8fWhBpEQVYlc=w283-h640" width="283" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I don't know if I have ever mentioned it before, but one of my many nieces, Dr. Melissa Islam, is a botanist and is a biodiversity researcher at the Denver Botanic Gardens. As she always says, "There's no such thing as a weed!"</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></b></div></div><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-10530134094020285402023-12-14T08:24:00.000-08:002023-12-14T08:24:09.827-08:00West Texas Mountains - Davis Mountains State Parkliving.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFDwPjOL2FX8fGRSBOng1iJWYvTX-1HK8q1xcaI9_UPVafkJqHwePS_fKJNDtjEQJU5Nnva6VicupyXINidh2aLaEUOl9rkEuRfe_Uykxhs-pZf6xwCkBeaTdg-DFIBLEWrtnuYnsSSyhJ_AYnlJ7GI2J6iA6OCKQnXVnuJDj6sAA6lIv_GmidHLnFbao" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="492" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFDwPjOL2FX8fGRSBOng1iJWYvTX-1HK8q1xcaI9_UPVafkJqHwePS_fKJNDtjEQJU5Nnva6VicupyXINidh2aLaEUOl9rkEuRfe_Uykxhs-pZf6xwCkBeaTdg-DFIBLEWrtnuYnsSSyhJ_AYnlJ7GI2J6iA6OCKQnXVnuJDj6sAA6lIv_GmidHLnFbao=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s been very cold this last week but we continue onward and
westward. Days are much warmer and the
highs are around 15C. Some nights have
been down to 1C. It’s fun to be inside at night
reading and looking out at the night skies.
The night skies are truly amazing.
We’re not sure now if we will make it to Hueco Tanks State Park. The further west we go and up towards El Paso
the nights are in the -3C. I think that’s
too cold to have any fun but we will see. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The drought is affecting everyone. The levels here at Amistad are some of the lowest ever.</b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg93A0kP82RTBFvhMnAz_X3RHw8I2xcLuWeeI3WGZx40BTHioJA8aVAI9R_Xcm7Y0dgEaNrjrvTCcvSGLSqKOszoOwu9I5gaR0ucqE5OmVEhQFVrhLamloLd64Q67NlNsFAg7-Fkdy4bDoPSKGbmE24bPvF7q2mF2X-9Pc6-jC953TVhqtexkzZrJB9geE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="488" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg93A0kP82RTBFvhMnAz_X3RHw8I2xcLuWeeI3WGZx40BTHioJA8aVAI9R_Xcm7Y0dgEaNrjrvTCcvSGLSqKOszoOwu9I5gaR0ucqE5OmVEhQFVrhLamloLd64Q67NlNsFAg7-Fkdy4bDoPSKGbmE24bPvF7q2mF2X-9Pc6-jC953TVhqtexkzZrJB9geE=w640-h406" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyy84ME96jRQPa9WzvhBLJsz3LhNHh-GTGHdlbxNy1I8LjCv5nqWXPzc5JNbzfBV76fZPkK58Zrk-qKwrp4sPzJ2sMYvDLcHS_ylvBap6oRQO_WsJEzUhcVK2cN98zAPq72cYqlr8aRUgvcM2A7aVN6f_8r0Nk9O5SvUJo1olNlbMaq5p_MczunZA0FPU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="484" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyy84ME96jRQPa9WzvhBLJsz3LhNHh-GTGHdlbxNy1I8LjCv5nqWXPzc5JNbzfBV76fZPkK58Zrk-qKwrp4sPzJ2sMYvDLcHS_ylvBap6oRQO_WsJEzUhcVK2cN98zAPq72cYqlr8aRUgvcM2A7aVN6f_8r0Nk9O5SvUJo1olNlbMaq5p_MczunZA0FPU=w640-h342" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">It was a nice drive yesterday and we passed many memorable places along the highway; Seminole Canyon, Pecos River Bridge lookout, Sanderson, Marathon, and Alpine. Nary a car to be seen on the road. We did, however, see a major accident. A road closer caused by a semi carrying a load of steel beams. It was a mess and we are hoping the driver made it out safely. Road crews, forklifts, and one-directional caravans took time. I wonder who pays for all of this?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Crossing the Pecos River</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYE0LqJGvNSMCXSRIrLVnJWfWWdN7kSqqyqAEezlQyzAsOYiEA8bCYAumdTCN8fiTKfiVczQB85s_X7xoPSdZauiM_fnx35Hc6m-ujOxCMK6JdNdORFgiQ2KKhy9s5Aw2_o3mHuiR2yqhtVwEmIgydXlY6c01E2rj_9hqhBihIZb4rl2D9y7YZzI248Ck" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="491" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYE0LqJGvNSMCXSRIrLVnJWfWWdN7kSqqyqAEezlQyzAsOYiEA8bCYAumdTCN8fiTKfiVczQB85s_X7xoPSdZauiM_fnx35Hc6m-ujOxCMK6JdNdORFgiQ2KKhy9s5Aw2_o3mHuiR2yqhtVwEmIgydXlY6c01E2rj_9hqhBihIZb4rl2D9y7YZzI248Ck=w640-h432" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>An unbelievable mess. I feel for the driver. Clean-up must have taken all day.</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifdDrcyO29TAWLwem8i0ze-dFYpjPVAjrw_7Pv8Q3Ez9HjuEQRshIhwTE57OahauUeN8-2gSoVKE8R09U629nRmFRaSwYdZP7R-CSUUQUAl2Aejpb0PJ7Opoma8n5Rg5vG9hBauQXVyD4yB3nnXrj9-yvu4N9s4I_Oj8Z1nYYHPH1tXohlwcqGTmMUxaI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="493" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifdDrcyO29TAWLwem8i0ze-dFYpjPVAjrw_7Pv8Q3Ez9HjuEQRshIhwTE57OahauUeN8-2gSoVKE8R09U629nRmFRaSwYdZP7R-CSUUQUAl2Aejpb0PJ7Opoma8n5Rg5vG9hBauQXVyD4yB3nnXrj9-yvu4N9s4I_Oj8Z1nYYHPH1tXohlwcqGTmMUxaI=w640-h476" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We are now at Davis Mountains State Park.
Yep, we love to boondock but having electricity in the winter is a luxury
we both like. It’s 5:00 a.m. and I’m
sitting here writing this blog with the heat on. The jet engine Suburan furnace no longer
works. I disconnected it years ago. Mr. Heater is doing a good job of keeping
this end of the trailer warm while the bedroom door is closed and the ceramic
heater is running in there.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The drive was about four hours.
Gas prices were great up to Del Rio around $2.49 a gallon. As we passed through Alpine it was up to
$3.38 a gallon. We’ll never see good gas
mileage with the trailer but we attempt to make the best of it staying around
55 to 60 mph. There used to be an art
display of a Strada women’s accessories store near Marathon. Now, it’s the world’s smallest Buc Cee’s. A little roadside entertainment.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4Dm2qagMZQ_Wo2Y1XmPglQeaa6Yt3gsI-uRJLYHGvIsjEogK_7RsKciSxHxUyIP-VdOSfknw1jsA9OdvdpB8kh75GOx0-JqQ4nt18fxA8tm-1kwNDtXFwuryOd4tgHS5__-7bk_j4mU2NlLs_lQZBMN2cWdK0O0fvtFWTkWK8PudiHgyzUbgx4lcN8KU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="499" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4Dm2qagMZQ_Wo2Y1XmPglQeaa6Yt3gsI-uRJLYHGvIsjEogK_7RsKciSxHxUyIP-VdOSfknw1jsA9OdvdpB8kh75GOx0-JqQ4nt18fxA8tm-1kwNDtXFwuryOd4tgHS5__-7bk_j4mU2NlLs_lQZBMN2cWdK0O0fvtFWTkWK8PudiHgyzUbgx4lcN8KU=w640-h474" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Pulling into the ranger's station!</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgjeC3N0PyYGB4qqB1yBCBOop0BvErv--zYirGOFXGgPdvYgxPmFJz7cCs-QY4RCylSnvbNH7-qF1BOq--TpR21m47W0H_tQlj2ewklulJmSx5cuFYnPRxtYni-8k9JoJUKsdcC9kdjMisi3wbbEx4hZAB3gE5qSG0gXICG8ylGN681G2woEUHnHdzm-I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="483" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgjeC3N0PyYGB4qqB1yBCBOop0BvErv--zYirGOFXGgPdvYgxPmFJz7cCs-QY4RCylSnvbNH7-qF1BOq--TpR21m47W0H_tQlj2ewklulJmSx5cuFYnPRxtYni-8k9JoJUKsdcC9kdjMisi3wbbEx4hZAB3gE5qSG0gXICG8ylGN681G2woEUHnHdzm-I=w640-h483" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We pulled into the park around 1:30. The rangers at the station aren’t
the friendliest. State parks use Reserve
America. What POS website that is. I gave up after an hour and a half making the
reservation and decided they could figure it out when we got there and they
did. I booked a site way too small and
one ranger, a very nice woman, gave us a huge site nestled away from everyone
on a very small culdesac. The minute we
found the site at least eight deer were passing through. After a good nap came a walk and happy
hour. Not a sound all afternoon but the
birds and a slight breeze passing through the tree. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA--0zpVdTT_v9rEAivavIc8K8lEBh7xYcJKAdFLa6UPaFsEqc5SwNeV_pPxwg5jD0_yaJV_z3riiYMSuMJIDlCKxcu-FRhn0KLsqhUaxUpGatgWYnG_Hh7Sms3cZ0vnwlnZEANHTIeYJLbXm23SFpkYs0z_qzJsu0TbNiXp_AjBNiS4VPHoxb1WjEAxg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="953" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA--0zpVdTT_v9rEAivavIc8K8lEBh7xYcJKAdFLa6UPaFsEqc5SwNeV_pPxwg5jD0_yaJV_z3riiYMSuMJIDlCKxcu-FRhn0KLsqhUaxUpGatgWYnG_Hh7Sms3cZ0vnwlnZEANHTIeYJLbXm23SFpkYs0z_qzJsu0TbNiXp_AjBNiS4VPHoxb1WjEAxg=w640-h392" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Today we will go for a hike and a stop in Fort Davis or Alpine to upload
the blog and Facebook pics. We’ll be
here until Saturday and after I’m not sure.
We may make our way slowly back to the RGV. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgt72yuUDCH_we1UAGcLdyT4K0zEIJX72BhtLZJxLClBFP6zDr5G9lcoKD1JhqvRJKJDZfssvh7_Smabux0jwXaHkHr48h6aOVh2fbbdMTrDxoR-GQNa7EJehKS53WWxY6OMb5UlstEhU_qnEmYisE3L0Cd4jzRVLjs-Q8WOQbf94m3SY9QQwr_MOHtsJs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="663" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgt72yuUDCH_we1UAGcLdyT4K0zEIJX72BhtLZJxLClBFP6zDr5G9lcoKD1JhqvRJKJDZfssvh7_Smabux0jwXaHkHr48h6aOVh2fbbdMTrDxoR-GQNa7EJehKS53WWxY6OMb5UlstEhU_qnEmYisE3L0Cd4jzRVLjs-Q8WOQbf94m3SY9QQwr_MOHtsJs=w640-h392" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /><br /></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqdrr8CP_PEMFTg81sTCtBkc0IDqRm4eB9vsrHeHkSQRjSPAsW0XcW4pVGjBaUgdh57Q7CQ_9JfNSFX7y1OQToO-z8dR_rV3zwVOnKEB9N-YvKkiXeetcMkQKVohvR1M2DgVZ7-rzYcyh0pNLW_T8kkaWn58u-n_LJHpsOwwAezAGsTako--IVONhj0hE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="364" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqdrr8CP_PEMFTg81sTCtBkc0IDqRm4eB9vsrHeHkSQRjSPAsW0XcW4pVGjBaUgdh57Q7CQ_9JfNSFX7y1OQToO-z8dR_rV3zwVOnKEB9N-YvKkiXeetcMkQKVohvR1M2DgVZ7-rzYcyh0pNLW_T8kkaWn58u-n_LJHpsOwwAezAGsTako--IVONhj0hE=w429-h640" width="429" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’ve been looking at motorhome rentals in France. The company has hundreds of reviews and the
majority are very good. However, the bad
reviews are very bad so we’re still up in the air about it. Christmas holidays make it slow for real
estate so we aren’t getting any showings this month on the house. No rush, when it happens it happens. As I said before, I think it is priced way
too high but the broker says it’s a real deal and like everything else in
Mexico, things take time. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-5864369323653605222023-12-10T11:01:00.000-08:002023-12-10T11:01:06.133-08:00What A Week - McAllen, Falcon Lake, Carrizo Springs, And Now Lake Amistad<div style="text-align: justify;">l<b>iving.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Here's how it went down. As you know we haven't had an rv trip since April 2022. Not a huge mistake but I have learned that just like the body, without exercise things start to fall apart. i had uncovered the rv washed it, watched the solar do its duty and cleaned the inside as well. There were some strange things going on with one of the rear taillights as well as the rear running lights on top. I found that the inline fuse had a bad connection. It is exposed to the elements although it is in a waterproof case. I replaced it and things seem to work well.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tuesday morning, we wer ready to roll. I was concerned about getting outof the driveway now that the neighbor in front had dropped seven dump truck loadsof cement block on hte road. He had it crushed and spread We made it out fine and off we went down the road. Someone, I don't know who reported it to the city and the neighbor was fined. It's a mess. Neighbors complained and someone had to do something about it.We made it to Reynosa and decided to take the Anzalduas Bridge. Yes, we are headed to West Texas again but I refuse to go through Laredo. Rvers are getting hit on by thugs and asked to pay large bribes and some have been able to out run them. Many people have sent me messages but I'm not sure why they don't go public. Maybe out of embarrassment or something. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Exclusive lane for travel trailers.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3BiUttRQxvVbv3vNPVPGG7tmtSXhLF48pRF6logQu2THg5Ni1ZM4lIi2h7XKNlAJSmmfiAa2UqNawZYU5IINkgQ0ymwWDmkskhUF8Q3G9S1ECtgqEGPq_4NTcJp3YBVTMvGsbj72Lymlk6ZC5LrzFbepDcKlFCTZm_JO6zZEaG_yozLtIFGCvnts56Ag" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3BiUttRQxvVbv3vNPVPGG7tmtSXhLF48pRF6logQu2THg5Ni1ZM4lIi2h7XKNlAJSmmfiAa2UqNawZYU5IINkgQ0ymwWDmkskhUF8Q3G9S1ECtgqEGPq_4NTcJp3YBVTMvGsbj72Lymlk6ZC5LrzFbepDcKlFCTZm_JO6zZEaG_yozLtIFGCvnts56Ag" width="640" /></a></div></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Anzalduas was a breeze. We took the long way around and avoided the problem altogether. We left Hwy 40 and connected with Hwy 2 before entering Reynosa. They even have a lane just for travel trailers. In and out with inspection and Juan's visa permit in less than 15 minutes. No waiting in line.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2nAYveKMoongp7rrE8s14tH6urwLuGSCdIMCuLwfnsjzwRVB8NFBPIh_ISTQ1hmsYibvUmY-LiVzwe0AzBGqfRQADXXJh1f-O9PyWGJoFwr8-0gphX_4V3npKA2DzO0xH9y2dYft6XnurwISiRYQ_dpAXQ1BXdTUk4zLnsxJpvN0bStybmt45v1UNcp8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2nAYveKMoongp7rrE8s14tH6urwLuGSCdIMCuLwfnsjzwRVB8NFBPIh_ISTQ1hmsYibvUmY-LiVzwe0AzBGqfRQADXXJh1f-O9PyWGJoFwr8-0gphX_4V3npKA2DzO0xH9y2dYft6XnurwISiRYQ_dpAXQ1BXdTUk4zLnsxJpvN0bStybmt45v1UNcp8" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We spent the first night in an rv park. What a trip. Not only expensive but they only have 50 amp which we weren't told about. There was no wifi because they could never seem to get it to work. One good thing is that they only charge $200 a mnonth for six-month stayand you can leave your rv there in storage the rest of the year at no charge. We were lucky and the manager had a 50/30 amp adapter. We used to have one, loaned it out and never got it back. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Cracker Barrel in McAllen</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3wV_j4Y1MTXy0UlT7KbOO0bRflHqz7xDn52LgcLw7ZT-0QvrMEmd9OmULGsBkuYcfgz5ddsZuoElXvycMhAxA6ZqtU4jXyNwbvQ6Y1gxHYmhuOQ2r34xnurvtKGtxP-TLwEStsP8oGhkc-IEeIr495XWjRwyZpkQdcALJ2St3gkUDyyhkxNe0J6e4RsY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3wV_j4Y1MTXy0UlT7KbOO0bRflHqz7xDn52LgcLw7ZT-0QvrMEmd9OmULGsBkuYcfgz5ddsZuoElXvycMhAxA6ZqtU4jXyNwbvQ6Y1gxHYmhuOQ2r34xnurvtKGtxP-TLwEStsP8oGhkc-IEeIr495XWjRwyZpkQdcALJ2St3gkUDyyhkxNe0J6e4RsY" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The next night we stayed at a Cracker Barrel in McAllen. You're probably wondering why we were spending two nights in McAllen, well someone wanted to do some shopping and it wasn't me. The </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>place was okay, noisy at night with highway traffic andd trains but it was free and we slept fairly.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We moved on the next day to Falcon Lake on the southside of Laredo, Tx. The rv park was close to the water and it is used by fishermen in the summer. It was okay and inexpensive using Passport America pass. The manager is worthless and the park is emmpty buty did have good wifi and electric so it served its purpose. Electrical problems continued but I knew in the back of my head what the issue was. I called in a shaman and he blew smoke around the batteries and waved feathers and said some things I didn't understand. I burned incense and we both put on grass skirts and danced around the trailer. It was to no avail and now I understand why there are so many disbelievers in the world of religion. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-3GAREOdB_y1HHZwPXHh8ndTnwl_W5wO-1FqEGj1VtcpcfEST6HY-kbT7Or6Oa7exJ0CtRlijL6W9a286baq44cwJ50GWyi3lcdNrR6mfaOg4qgocYCpN28fifyW-UsxNDLpKc4NQyNIoE4AFhREbj-75tBcplvd6BMoZJY_TnU4HAlvlYvj1e00mg18" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="1156" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-3GAREOdB_y1HHZwPXHh8ndTnwl_W5wO-1FqEGj1VtcpcfEST6HY-kbT7Or6Oa7exJ0CtRlijL6W9a286baq44cwJ50GWyi3lcdNrR6mfaOg4qgocYCpN28fifyW-UsxNDLpKc4NQyNIoE4AFhREbj-75tBcplvd6BMoZJY_TnU4HAlvlYvj1e00mg18=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYAUOdQSd1_rtV1hPTHBzKvlFMCbPt-WflUPP6pXR31V8Bb3BMvLXJcmYPcShxqCBbqm9Um1sBwI_KqYBfeO_A09NPROXmjcA-vK6tNpSZrdWae6tNZ_Ym63M5k7x6KwG5aOnWvgrTH-GZC-IcaXiWXOFd40yNb4DjCQp1ieO3AU9ogSdevTAUymX3hDI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="1156" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYAUOdQSd1_rtV1hPTHBzKvlFMCbPt-WflUPP6pXR31V8Bb3BMvLXJcmYPcShxqCBbqm9Um1sBwI_KqYBfeO_A09NPROXmjcA-vK6tNpSZrdWae6tNZ_Ym63M5k7x6KwG5aOnWvgrTH-GZC-IcaXiWXOFd40yNb4DjCQp1ieO3AU9ogSdevTAUymX3hDI" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Moving on I found a great spot via iOverlander outside of Carrizo Springs. I'm not a big fan of iOverlander having never found anything usefull outside of gas stations. It is a picnic area that is far back from the highway with lots of old mesquite trees and a river, pretty stagnant with the currentNot a car pulled inafter our arrival at 4 p.m. It was so dark that night I was able to take a video of the starry sky. Morning fog rolled in and that made for a great wake up and coffee. We headed to the Autozone and found out that one battery was dead and the other limping. They were fiv</b><b>e years old. The shaman was a bust. 😀</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiihBFLRjYKUvWadfC_lvYgRkvnWN65GM33lWr5EtEf8tU_TNSaBP3YzA-j1WRt8wiShUxLxwUC8Jpkwxzx4eVJefkBX5mU8sCSJ9LILfvewDc1s3puTadjay022E1w83RCWPEiNBToF6g4AxbgLxK0Qg-Z1P3tNfW4R7Kz_pOhXtjZsPQGtLkAFpJbMYs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="1156" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiihBFLRjYKUvWadfC_lvYgRkvnWN65GM33lWr5EtEf8tU_TNSaBP3YzA-j1WRt8wiShUxLxwUC8Jpkwxzx4eVJefkBX5mU8sCSJ9LILfvewDc1s3puTadjay022E1w83RCWPEiNBToF6g4AxbgLxK0Qg-Z1P3tNfW4R7Kz_pOhXtjZsPQGtLkAFpJbMYs=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b><b>No batteries there so we headed to Del Rio and were fixed up in less than 15 minutes and on our way to Lake Amistad. It's cold as I write this but the radiant heater is keeping us warm and toasty and tonight the electric blanket will continue the process! We really enjoy it here and will stay for a few days taking wlks and getting some good reading in. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We're hoping our final destination is Hueco Tanks State Park. It is a jewel in the state parks system requiring that campers wanting hike and explore the area take an orientation followed by a short test on how to preserve the area and the petroglyphs. I had been there in 2004 on a trip to Colorado with our dog Gum. Juan was teaching a summer course in Arkansas at the time. It was a trip I'll never forget so I want to share this with him.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We will head west to the Pecos River outlook on Tuesday even though it is right around the corner. We're not in any hurry to get anywhere. </b></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-84672113418162908432023-11-11T06:12:00.001-08:002023-11-11T06:12:10.490-08:00You Never Know Who You'll Run Intoliving.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com<div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Very few people out before 8 a.m. Much different than in the north of Mexico.</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbqf9LexxMTKvXFG0go5Yo7MfbAeHPNfVtJmxmaPlieh0VLKl2aig1IU-GBKS5Zs1eMMMLTmXmq2IZ5QfVMQrvIevVJs366tJv-xRFBUqZS4ZvTsxgYunaxr711q7sNMXEr7-UmLZpq3xmj-muiYq1AZvrN9cFOAoC5_hCDniswqKLkv21SowXquP0vXI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="834" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbqf9LexxMTKvXFG0go5Yo7MfbAeHPNfVtJmxmaPlieh0VLKl2aig1IU-GBKS5Zs1eMMMLTmXmq2IZ5QfVMQrvIevVJs366tJv-xRFBUqZS4ZvTsxgYunaxr711q7sNMXEr7-UmLZpq3xmj-muiYq1AZvrN9cFOAoC5_hCDniswqKLkv21SowXquP0vXI=w640-h282" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We made a dinner date with Les and Mike and Terri. I told Croft we would be having dinner and he said to say hell to everyone. I also told him I would take a picture but we were being kicked out before we knew it as we had spent over two hours chatting. They closed up and we all said our goodbyes until January and headed home.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The funny part of it all was that we had finished dinner when a woman walked up to the table and said, "You probably don't remember me but my name is Wanda and you helped me out when I was in trouble". Well, I do remember Wanda very well. Back in 2011, she sent me an email saying she was on her way to SMA and her Westfalia had broken down by the municipal airport in Monterrey. She was safe, her VW towed and she was staying in a hotel. She wanted to know what would be a good gift to show appreciation to the gentlemen who helped get her towed and repaired her van. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Such a small way of helping and she still visits the blog occasionally. It does your heart good to know you have helped someone. We always wanted to make that our vision for rving in Mexico. We have considered several times over the years to offer a service of helping newcomers to rving in Mexico processing papers at the border leading them down around Monterrey to our area and giving them an orientation to rving here. I guess we did find it in some way by belonging to Boondockers Welcome/Harvest Host. We get a couple of rvers every year and most are new to all of this. In the end, we get a kick out of showing people around and that there is a lot to see in northern Mexico apart from beating feet across the border. </b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Coming back from my walk I passed the church and this mama was basking in the early morning sun.</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4J0WV57YIK-Ov-NdWyeXrQDsBrzdrjKdU8XOO3MhuIi3gOEEdUJIWat3b9ziVuqs8G-I_YC2e8lKfOAPHpaKoR9mDf0bUwZGLAT5xVXf9Bb-XBGM2ekQdF-L3dmaVOGu2274tH8M2C9xwfILLQGYZV0kUMVBAMWgFquEUT3EmaR2xNwTJY-LyAjEMfXQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="830" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4J0WV57YIK-Ov-NdWyeXrQDsBrzdrjKdU8XOO3MhuIi3gOEEdUJIWat3b9ziVuqs8G-I_YC2e8lKfOAPHpaKoR9mDf0bUwZGLAT5xVXf9Bb-XBGM2ekQdF-L3dmaVOGu2274tH8M2C9xwfILLQGYZV0kUMVBAMWgFquEUT3EmaR2xNwTJY-LyAjEMfXQ=w640-h270" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The rains have come this week which is nice. We have spent the last three days with estimates for painting the front of the house. After all this, you sit back and say, "does it really need painting?" or is it something that just makes it more your own and puts a mark on your territory?</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Our friends Christine and Robert are in SMA now and are doing a great job of getting around and seeing the sights. They are going all over the place. Good for them! Christine will be prepared for her solo and Robert has taught her some essential Spanish.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Bitcoin machines are now popping up around San Miguel and most of Mexico!</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFEUHQaLQeDGuvvcnmpBkgIO4q1utgslIw8U4I46TlVNhIm1QDdStUFBBMHj_fsaltT5R9QZDguxQohDynA0wsDr22kibOmAm2-jveqRqAxzSBGfQYQ6JJEGBKWzcJXQB7QEf7DipTR-EtGXJRQq4lUV6Ab32rdYEjl59e4ynxZO9Jr3kCuROpmRSO0aA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="166" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFEUHQaLQeDGuvvcnmpBkgIO4q1utgslIw8U4I46TlVNhIm1QDdStUFBBMHj_fsaltT5R9QZDguxQohDynA0wsDr22kibOmAm2-jveqRqAxzSBGfQYQ6JJEGBKWzcJXQB7QEf7DipTR-EtGXJRQq4lUV6Ab32rdYEjl59e4ynxZO9Jr3kCuROpmRSO0aA=w285-h640" width="285" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A daily occurrence, these riders pass by the house every afternoon around 6 p.m.</b> </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTX1tyRosVYly9XwGOD8mLYRZLEO4rT0A0DFgtFBdwELOcsMqd9tV2pzyTI_0Km2ynBCQiCl8ugJncZrZrufEFJDidv0BjyJTKD1hEgTCNu4GggnJ8izalTHQoAM7Zh92H23OGNxJ_4DYaWP6ziGSrtuNATGAkaL_gx6YJTn_0XCr5zDElknn2240SmAU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="686" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTX1tyRosVYly9XwGOD8mLYRZLEO4rT0A0DFgtFBdwELOcsMqd9tV2pzyTI_0Km2ynBCQiCl8ugJncZrZrufEFJDidv0BjyJTKD1hEgTCNu4GggnJ8izalTHQoAM7Zh92H23OGNxJ_4DYaWP6ziGSrtuNATGAkaL_gx6YJTn_0XCr5zDElknn2240SmAU=w640-h342" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-32112686765461202022023-11-07T06:55:00.002-08:002023-11-07T10:03:20.509-08:00Day Of The Dead - San Miguel de Allendeliving.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Having just arrived the night before, we were a bit discombobulated and still trying to get our morning coffee. We had errands to run and pay the phone bill. It was a holiday, and most businesses were closed. We were hoping Telmex was open. Traffic on the Ancha de San Antonio was busy with pilgrims and family going to the cemetery across the street from the office. We parked in the Telmex lot with the pretext that we were paying our bill. We did a quick walk through the cemetery. Lines were formed outside and everyone carried paint, brushes, and flowers, and some even brought a mariachi or a musician.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2lxz2M_StRGsz92xaFntRKmRdkPBQMM-0dwf8DD3r-W0qGG92aF3TpdBaU7ZAD8TrUaguGuB62g697OxRfgZRIMQvRwy-81E6XFaEAEVHR7HO2139mJGIDEN58ofhckRFBsNSVaClXAJUs5l0mwD6_4Y-SZ3K3mAtOmO2sqxRceWtRiQAmOphILUMJIo" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="249" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2lxz2M_StRGsz92xaFntRKmRdkPBQMM-0dwf8DD3r-W0qGG92aF3TpdBaU7ZAD8TrUaguGuB62g697OxRfgZRIMQvRwy-81E6XFaEAEVHR7HO2139mJGIDEN58ofhckRFBsNSVaClXAJUs5l0mwD6_4Y-SZ3K3mAtOmO2sqxRceWtRiQAmOphILUMJIo=w349-h640" width="349" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>On the road outside the cemetery (it runs parallel to Ancha San Antonio) vendors set up their flower stands. Always willing to negotiate their prices, people find it easier to buy from them when they arrive at the cemetery.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZoJJ51BKKW2tXVQAY-NmTowkMZQJoS4CmqobDcuL70FSVZt3nbxU8pcpaAhHzfCJw6DLLgd1X-NapuhIH_k2brT7XeItSSuGS2Mu9z7CqpONd8VIEjja7JK6qqX8mOx5ubJN1yunz20k4dZ6kmf-OrR_-jLXAHmjIwAClKcNjY7HPcdkU0NY7antKyMk" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="143" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZoJJ51BKKW2tXVQAY-NmTowkMZQJoS4CmqobDcuL70FSVZt3nbxU8pcpaAhHzfCJw6DLLgd1X-NapuhIH_k2brT7XeItSSuGS2Mu9z7CqpONd8VIEjja7JK6qqX8mOx5ubJN1yunz20k4dZ6kmf-OrR_-jLXAHmjIwAClKcNjY7HPcdkU0NY7antKyMk=w312-h640" width="312" /></a></div><b>Artificial flowers have become very popular. Among those are some made from tin and painted. You could see people leaving the cemetery and taking some home for decoration.</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio8X_J8Hmail2fnjQRJXPQiypDseZxJS89vTtJEljsAzufgy9KszdMPiyhFBf1ahA_NjXk38T3XjPenBvdz_dlo530dJCB_WbJw1OYrdg4ZgPc3BcRKqQ8OUeEfyZDJ-8VMfTIVq_AmKfc7fRhnNn8BRrsigMrdmSwk_3NzXmbOzM3f0VSyG1Msd3FXIk" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="145" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio8X_J8Hmail2fnjQRJXPQiypDseZxJS89vTtJEljsAzufgy9KszdMPiyhFBf1ahA_NjXk38T3XjPenBvdz_dlo530dJCB_WbJw1OYrdg4ZgPc3BcRKqQ8OUeEfyZDJ-8VMfTIVq_AmKfc7fRhnNn8BRrsigMrdmSwk_3NzXmbOzM3f0VSyG1Msd3FXIk=w355-h640" width="355" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOJrZ0h15I8_S481enPWbTbA0-ogLWFaWpXivw3s6siv5r0kONaMamSjRa9m4iW1zbs3kK_WJPjRmgIWa0CEOFj91ieXt5m6kAzNQDpApNXa65R1UMhxOrYaXZKw4zWY-Pw14bUdTdTROjM1tqSTDtnCRwYYiF-I4f3l3LWY-Dw2qJT2kXYbzVbsvxJ3E" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="169" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOJrZ0h15I8_S481enPWbTbA0-ogLWFaWpXivw3s6siv5r0kONaMamSjRa9m4iW1zbs3kK_WJPjRmgIWa0CEOFj91ieXt5m6kAzNQDpApNXa65R1UMhxOrYaXZKw4zWY-Pw14bUdTdTROjM1tqSTDtnCRwYYiF-I4f3l3LWY-Dw2qJT2kXYbzVbsvxJ3E=w339-h640" width="339" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHRk5hqnQSQKDBIumQtEb9iO6az0peLZPx-xu1YJFuweWxFVw4dRAxmrSDrjvRDkwOUpSFyJKqx8J3Ln56W3YM0fIKaIs2NL0-uXIAbvi1tEYd3SdsEbvLjcLBfV0xKpNCzJ8sjTcA8f18dvsX5OrQqfsUxlWCKP-EGauNRQkPARpLad-K4TkOE09AvHo" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="169" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHRk5hqnQSQKDBIumQtEb9iO6az0peLZPx-xu1YJFuweWxFVw4dRAxmrSDrjvRDkwOUpSFyJKqx8J3Ln56W3YM0fIKaIs2NL0-uXIAbvi1tEYd3SdsEbvLjcLBfV0xKpNCzJ8sjTcA8f18dvsX5OrQqfsUxlWCKP-EGauNRQkPARpLad-K4TkOE09AvHo=w301-h640" width="301" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>What good would a visit to the cemetery be without something to snack on in addition to the offering you have brought. Vendors were selling churros, chips with salsa, cream, and cheese. I've never eaten that and I don't think it is very healthy but it has become a big seller. Slice open the bag of Tostitos or chips and lather on the toppings. You then eat it with a spoon. Similar to when you buy a cup of corn on the street.</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjp1pcWN0btRHzyqnTICZN1ppjHupMl8YK8e5Ja06yJueOQqHrFzjpkQAWWasslzP41qAOX458Fv058FRwud1N84rYM2yzea2CBeTvTSu86NCH5qrTHynjftvKkcJiQMIAwpO2_XkobgM-kv9mOguassZ1xq8awsIfg1oYhYKZ167rWKcx0F86j_IdMqxo" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="168" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjp1pcWN0btRHzyqnTICZN1ppjHupMl8YK8e5Ja06yJueOQqHrFzjpkQAWWasslzP41qAOX458Fv058FRwud1N84rYM2yzea2CBeTvTSu86NCH5qrTHynjftvKkcJiQMIAwpO2_XkobgM-kv9mOguassZ1xq8awsIfg1oYhYKZ167rWKcx0F86j_IdMqxo=w331-h640" width="331" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Relatives and tourists alike file into the cemetery. Long lines and so many people carrying buckets for watering, food, folding chairs, and music. One woman reportedly fell into a grave as the cement covering gave way. It happens several times around the country during Dia de Los Muertos.</b></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Video Of The Cemetery</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o4__1nnEGm0" width="320" youtube-src-id="o4__1nnEGm0"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>A man painting a decorative tombstone over the grave of a family member. The large tombstone to the left says, "</b><span style="text-align: center;"><b>Señor! Don't let us lose our hope of life!"</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFUN1V4l0e8s2dwTVsEbfqiDRCC26z9bDkU5FMNdyiKr0cQrXAajc2Om4loGNx7dmvBpRiyk2idW6L3sVCEQDwJ9YP9vZMN5R1QergxnzDWjQdUih101H9-xA4MGXC8HqskTNSnGkAOkQhajyr2CQy6VJZIQyr8csTQJi2dTaB7iFOAVbSeo5m7Zz7OjM" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="823" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFUN1V4l0e8s2dwTVsEbfqiDRCC26z9bDkU5FMNdyiKr0cQrXAajc2Om4loGNx7dmvBpRiyk2idW6L3sVCEQDwJ9YP9vZMN5R1QergxnzDWjQdUih101H9-xA4MGXC8HqskTNSnGkAOkQhajyr2CQy6VJZIQyr8csTQJi2dTaB7iFOAVbSeo5m7Zz7OjM=w640-h290" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-23534765321021011312023-11-02T08:09:00.001-07:002023-11-02T08:52:44.182-07:00Rvers Are Traveling South To Mexico<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGM4vAGH_GM_UVyLspRkQAbaBoTG51R-lFf0vCsPFhFmauDyxcTvF9sHu6BcZOvaaVgJHhVYP7ssVa6GSY0BNvlmxYv9mnF1XGTlgKkbGSwdT-fM72hkPo0Sw3afEyogia607vBwCml4oGS9tPMFgDqrgc7Mzmg_uLk57oVu4TnCrmhpw_NWFtOaFdHYY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="231" data-original-width="346" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGM4vAGH_GM_UVyLspRkQAbaBoTG51R-lFf0vCsPFhFmauDyxcTvF9sHu6BcZOvaaVgJHhVYP7ssVa6GSY0BNvlmxYv9mnF1XGTlgKkbGSwdT-fM72hkPo0Sw3afEyogia607vBwCml4oGS9tPMFgDqrgc7Mzmg_uLk57oVu4TnCrmhpw_NWFtOaFdHYY=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvtKSGjCVtifsaaMiGcNwEyuwN4gOyuonl4cRk0DWaQmTTFbdK52yiIOlMw9uzLo8U7g9PSCnpTRaNyAs93JHe7GDeTNhxVJPGo555AgKFXGDODa6YK-bttfqQxYOJv05BNcX8-dj9s80iEosTmnJ1ejvEAtAqmaon8_aJz1RgfUNEyrFuk3sTbN7dVB8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="621" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvtKSGjCVtifsaaMiGcNwEyuwN4gOyuonl4cRk0DWaQmTTFbdK52yiIOlMw9uzLo8U7g9PSCnpTRaNyAs93JHe7GDeTNhxVJPGo555AgKFXGDODa6YK-bttfqQxYOJv05BNcX8-dj9s80iEosTmnJ1ejvEAtAqmaon8_aJz1RgfUNEyrFuk3sTbN7dVB8=w640-h472" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We're back in San Miguel de Allende for the Dia de los Muertos festivities and do some minor additions to the house. I purchased some aluminum miniblinds online and they were shipped to the mailbox in Monterrey. We've had good luck ordering online from a company in Mexico City. Free shipping and we save around 60%. I bought two for the bathrooms in Monterrey as well.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The drive was a drag this time. We were doing well until we got to Hwy 57 and then it was a lot of small stops for road construction. People were driving crazy and I think I p.o.'ed a trucker. He cut me off so when I did get around him I gave him one long honk. After that, the word was out and it seemed for quite a stretch others were trying to irritate me. Or at least that's what it appeared to us.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We made it though and all is safe and sound here at Aruanda II. The new door we had installed with the dust sweep really did the trick. With winds and rain, it does an excellent job of keeping the dust down. Very little to do in terms of housekeeping.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYsOLnNCBEfl57XdJSVk9mlKB2F3DX9WLiGFF8a5FRoLZnSWlWWDC8GJlQXHR6xZxvGnc71ZN0MonlvRkLsJfAUMS719W7noNPtXuwwbNtl8cS-oqCwMk4MCVpiOg-IrM-VVVcBoxKeb4Fn6iC9LaGc5FkSX0-JVun3-UEe6gTgw15s1GK0hjLF0vd8Cs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="605" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYsOLnNCBEfl57XdJSVk9mlKB2F3DX9WLiGFF8a5FRoLZnSWlWWDC8GJlQXHR6xZxvGnc71ZN0MonlvRkLsJfAUMS719W7noNPtXuwwbNtl8cS-oqCwMk4MCVpiOg-IrM-VVVcBoxKeb4Fn6iC9LaGc5FkSX0-JVun3-UEe6gTgw15s1GK0hjLF0vd8Cs=w640-h483" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivvErjQvn3bz0GWFbCCwwgRYcBG2FbGj6L7xz_9kRoYZfjKh33d56q5bBjH3nC7uMjiRhWv1FyLSyzyB-iQ-DhoOp5ughvKSQAmPidJgNn1ZDGEQ8Cqkz3HQfbyG1SphJmU8w-R_fgj8IKxeUQeQZisEEqF9UPh9xBKwKsnGXJW9Fp_Y9QLYlNUsdUBTQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="532" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivvErjQvn3bz0GWFbCCwwgRYcBG2FbGj6L7xz_9kRoYZfjKh33d56q5bBjH3nC7uMjiRhWv1FyLSyzyB-iQ-DhoOp5ughvKSQAmPidJgNn1ZDGEQ8Cqkz3HQfbyG1SphJmU8w-R_fgj8IKxeUQeQZisEEqF9UPh9xBKwKsnGXJW9Fp_Y9QLYlNUsdUBTQ=w640-h483" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I was reading the Mexico Rv Facebook page the other day and a woman posted that they were in a hotel in Monterrey while their fur kid was getting some dental work done. I sent her a message and said we live in the Monterrey area and if they needed anything to drop a line. They did! We offered our 30 amp for a night as we were leaving for San Miguel the next day. What nice people. Aren't most rvers that way? They have a 13ft Scamp and a Subaru. A great setup for Mexico. They have a dolly they can use to move the trailer around. Full bath and is pretty roomy for its size.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>So the usual, we went to Santiago for lunch and showed them around a bit. We had a great happy hour and shared information about traveling in Mexico. They are new to rving and new to driving in Mexico. They made it through and are in Santiago and will be heading down south this week. They have a cute dog, Toby! I can't remember his breed but is a mix of three he is really handsome. Such a good kid.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5ooD-DE6TqGOmaO3djO3p_UK6munqQTuKMM9LE0Mo4Q016IfgF_8ja9o1zioczknmLRp1c66j4YYiAUyaZ_-ug7LllAEMMn5oauAtsT8ZGbK7DmOPfU4DHhRcaWwm11am16EKu1zkn2OoO-Q_CKKIeX-2qpVfCiiBueJxJYtSW4My0uQrsdRatGRz1_Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="337" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5ooD-DE6TqGOmaO3djO3p_UK6munqQTuKMM9LE0Mo4Q016IfgF_8ja9o1zioczknmLRp1c66j4YYiAUyaZ_-ug7LllAEMMn5oauAtsT8ZGbK7DmOPfU4DHhRcaWwm11am16EKu1zkn2OoO-Q_CKKIeX-2qpVfCiiBueJxJYtSW4My0uQrsdRatGRz1_Q=w467-h640" width="467" /></a></div></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>After we left for SMA, Christine and Robert went to the waterfalls and did their own touristing. I recommended that they park in Los Cavazos next to the police tower. Wouldn't you know, they asked if they could stay and a merchant with a stand said to park behind his little shop. He ended up inviting them to dinner. Only in Mexico!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>They are from Minnesota and Christine is retired. Robert will be with her for the first month before he returns. She will be solo after that 21and we thought it would be a good idea for them to head to SMA stopping in Matehuala at the Oasis Hotel and the El Faro in San Luis Potosi. They are good with boondocking as well so we gave them someplace should they decide to do that. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Today, November 2nd, we will go to the cemetery, do some tourist watching, and lay low. A good day for recovery after the drive. Even though it was a bit tedious it was fun and the weather great. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Now for a surprise ending. Juan competed with his partner Cindy over the weekend at the Conarte Folkloric Dance Festival in the over 60 category. And yes, we have a winner. His second time. His competition begins in the video below at </b><b>2:31:44 minutes.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4cRwSdHPrI&t=73s">XVIII Concurso de Polka</a><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGTMI2Q8mq4XOf8XE1qI4MhhHSfJx5FBV_Fwf54uXjD0YhVJOlPMtfxA3yc0Myqn6NZFxUIxh-oNCxRPKfTcNu-m1eIz6RpEHnoobUkEmFVYWvlJngEvnzX2SpdA0hbfDcD23CGkqVULseggeVFZbEeer3vjE5NR2H2_Z2HqT7-hKIardHcamCJ6hd0Eg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="158" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGTMI2Q8mq4XOf8XE1qI4MhhHSfJx5FBV_Fwf54uXjD0YhVJOlPMtfxA3yc0Myqn6NZFxUIxh-oNCxRPKfTcNu-m1eIz6RpEHnoobUkEmFVYWvlJngEvnzX2SpdA0hbfDcD23CGkqVULseggeVFZbEeer3vjE5NR2H2_Z2HqT7-hKIardHcamCJ6hd0Eg=w419-h640" width="419" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>He was very happy and now his knees will get a long rest as we look for a possible knee replacement Too much travel coming up and we need to be able to keep moving.</b></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-77527235032653271602023-10-04T17:49:00.000-07:002023-10-04T17:49:16.671-07:00Getting Ready To Goliving.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com<div><br /></div><div><b>The reservoir near our house is now a desert. Enlarging the picture you may see a spot of blue. Presa de la Boca has supplied Monterrey with the majority of its water for over 65 years</b>. </div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvDTr0h4099jQnTvNbrAV8CmtmCX-J-VxZcJgUdnP8hos6Ix5IjV3WXdQyqaqxlU_3eGt2GIh3cWp5BjCUZ38qzyWpRETO68fMZc45E2spN9aJEFdXNKctC-UaVV_G54VC1UlA-zxwOroqbWOkl7IEnJErdRrA9AUNku2C9NUuL2MxACvxxBr12CkmcaY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="1089" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvDTr0h4099jQnTvNbrAV8CmtmCX-J-VxZcJgUdnP8hos6Ix5IjV3WXdQyqaqxlU_3eGt2GIh3cWp5BjCUZ38qzyWpRETO68fMZc45E2spN9aJEFdXNKctC-UaVV_G54VC1UlA-zxwOroqbWOkl7IEnJErdRrA9AUNku2C9NUuL2MxACvxxBr12CkmcaY=w640-h232" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>It's time for a change of pace. It's still very hot here. This week it is hovering around 35C and the early mornings 25C. We've had a shower or two in the last two weeks but it isn't helping the water situation in Monterrey. Our lake is again dry as a bone and people are driving around where the water was once 10 meters deep. The level is at 2.8%. Our new aqueduct fell short of expectations simply because there is no water. The city is back to rationing and some neighborhoods have been without water for weeks. Heavy showers will come in the next two days and I hope it brings some relief.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I ordered a few things this week. One is a new RV cover. The cheap one I bought a couple of years ago is very thin on the roof and it is now ripping. The repair kit is worthless but super glue seems to work quite well. I ordered aluminum miniblinds for the bedrooms in San Miguel de Allende and also for the bathrooms here at home. We opted to order things on line versus going to McAllen. We've had quite a bit of cartel trouble in the last couple of months and they are blocking highways and burning vehicles along with all the other things you hear about. Such a shame we have a lousy government. Socialist/Dictatorship isn't working.</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Speaking of here at home, we signed a contract for the sell of the house and it is on the market. If and when it sells we don't have a clue or where we will go. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.inmuebles24.com/propiedades/clasificado/veclqvin--el-paraiso-si-existe!-hermosa-quinta-en-venta-en-la-91475416.html">Quinta Aruanda</a> is the link for the pictures and details. We are in a housing boom so hopefully, it will sell within the contract time. My brother who recently moved from Hawaii to Missouri after 20 some years, sold his condo today. It was touch and go as it is located on Maui and very near where the fires were. <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Once the rains settle down next week I'll be getting the trailer ready for a trip in November. Most likely we will head to the southwest U.S. The state of Nuevo Leon is opening some new or extended routes via toll highways. One is from Montemorelos just south of us. It will take you all the way around the metropolitan area to Hwy 85 to Laredo, or Hwy 40 to Saltillo. The highway we take from Linares to San Roberto will now have a shorter route that will take you around some of the curvy mountain roads. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The blue line goes from Montemorelos to Galeana (El Pozo de Gavilan and the Laguna Labrador boondocking spots). This is a direct route eliminating the curvy portion from Linares. They are working pretty fast.</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The northern line takes you from Montemorelos around the city of Monterrey. Sure, they are toll roads but will eliminate a lot of problems for rvers who attempt to drive through the city. There is really quit a bit to see in the southern part of Nuevo Leon and still plenty of boondocking.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNcMVQUZHbMMhF6XP3Y8f0Dxz4EaLJFfmztV00u5ZQLBFCt5m42TsxeZx8gWy_T6TFjKn0P3UV2w526JKGOWuxbyx2LWUH5vKu7FROUvcPcsckdwEgXuZ1SXu-y4mgjnoILj6623f1wgSZMOgVHZ8KYVmzOFapxryYT-xGgbyrOZJWPlJrci07cteBcYU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="587" height="575" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNcMVQUZHbMMhF6XP3Y8f0Dxz4EaLJFfmztV00u5ZQLBFCt5m42TsxeZx8gWy_T6TFjKn0P3UV2w526JKGOWuxbyx2LWUH5vKu7FROUvcPcsckdwEgXuZ1SXu-y4mgjnoILj6623f1wgSZMOgVHZ8KYVmzOFapxryYT-xGgbyrOZJWPlJrci07cteBcYU=w640-h575" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>On a very happy note, one of our nieces has suffered from severe curvature of the spine all of her young life. Now at 16, we found a group of doctors willing to take on the task for free to relieve her of this malady. She has suffered physically as well as psychologically for years and it has affected her self-esteem not to mention the numerous treatments as well as the braces she has had to wear and endure. </b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6cQ5pdCrORF5o6bGNqGVV2OA8NvQ8aHBg-QfJyHuTrEs6jpPY4a_PEZNsxqySNI9e7I_IBTmKtHaJYb6skYcDRjbJ0g7zuyY4uXB0o4AxbAFx2B2_G2Z0-pun6uoJlQoewoKwZRuznFy3-wluVabjjrZhrkQUFRw9iNI9pFx5nuh6G0G3xDj-6ZEvO1Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="314" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6cQ5pdCrORF5o6bGNqGVV2OA8NvQ8aHBg-QfJyHuTrEs6jpPY4a_PEZNsxqySNI9e7I_IBTmKtHaJYb6skYcDRjbJ0g7zuyY4uXB0o4AxbAFx2B2_G2Z0-pun6uoJlQoewoKwZRuznFy3-wluVabjjrZhrkQUFRw9iNI9pFx5nuh6G0G3xDj-6ZEvO1Y=w488-h640" width="488" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The surgery lasted over 9 hours. She is home now and a much taller young woman who has recovered 80% of her health. She will lead a wonderful life. She's a straight-A student and is also working hard to learn English. We see a bright future for her.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-34794119672653244082023-09-15T17:44:00.000-07:002023-09-15T17:44:01.355-07:00Spain - Our Takeliving.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Happy faces as we wound up our last few days in Madrid!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0BkSQc9UiAcMK0g0BgLCGKdVFI1RUnGXfbvFGfuvu1Qp0q27ZgJ7j3J6_QKQUXtd4h_ZxVwCMLiXKNCDQVHR5lP-uIvc_3geKpVNLXoNlQpV6XnAlnDLlwxEGnpNPeUg12qYZGX-lhB0dlX1kbhO0rF7RQJil8y_rwji2vmUqvhufzAmbx4NzTYIaEFg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="726" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0BkSQc9UiAcMK0g0BgLCGKdVFI1RUnGXfbvFGfuvu1Qp0q27ZgJ7j3J6_QKQUXtd4h_ZxVwCMLiXKNCDQVHR5lP-uIvc_3geKpVNLXoNlQpV6XnAlnDLlwxEGnpNPeUg12qYZGX-lhB0dlX1kbhO0rF7RQJil8y_rwji2vmUqvhufzAmbx4NzTYIaEFg=w640-h478" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Most of you know what it's like to travel to Mexico. There always seems to be some type of delay, paperwork issue, permits, and visas. Traveling with an RV creates issues in obtaining border permits (be careful with your vehicle type, nomenclature on the registration, letters from the creditor, and more). Once you're "in" you can travel with some limited freedom depending on where you take your RV. Stay out of major cities, don't enter Mexico City, look out for transito who may hold you up for a bribe, and of course the more than ever infamous cartel activity and their abilities to really f--- things up.</b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Europe being new to me, I based my experiences on what I know from travel in the Americas. The first hurdle is always immigration. In Spain, there is no hurdle. You show your passport, they run it through the database, look at you and your picture, stamp the key, and off you go. It couldn't be easier.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTabAbZAJg6iy5wEvMVvz2EHAiXQ1GU7Qfwxe-qMZhl5XF6d-eLJ_EUseVYLOxC2f7cIimbn0KZdByfhvKtoxAUMqFmxYH_zdofmfsqboDBXNPMmzBqL7eqyzHV7X4qXBSRsbQpCJjxKC84Vn3RhTr34H7iM-pngtg7p_KXdI7dTai4CJu5YAgvfjjdFM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="769" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTabAbZAJg6iy5wEvMVvz2EHAiXQ1GU7Qfwxe-qMZhl5XF6d-eLJ_EUseVYLOxC2f7cIimbn0KZdByfhvKtoxAUMqFmxYH_zdofmfsqboDBXNPMmzBqL7eqyzHV7X4qXBSRsbQpCJjxKC84Vn3RhTr34H7iM-pngtg7p_KXdI7dTai4CJu5YAgvfjjdFM=w640-h434" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Renting a car was even easier and very inexpensive. I will post our expenses later this weekend. I had made the reservation online months in advance. We used Record Go as they had the best prices and insurance rates. I had filled out the application online and when we arrived the agent had our reservation ready and waiting. Efficient, no extras, easily explained and off we went to the car park area. It did take an extra thirty minutes to get our car as we picked it up in terminal 4 instead of terminal 1. They were driving it over when there was an accident on the street between terminals. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvh-rsl98FP2K4nVqxB6OKKEqHODDqMxcvyWeUuYolYyZKHgZou85K4eZzaSODnFcqUoru7w1J4TBTQVFJ-wdCJ4JXUH4rxqjA09A7d0LroYQjcWcD85oE48oQke764nx6mlmXDkKASiBeScrF4c-lB48ApIJfjtju9ExIJ9qe27rFGB2MWLtAQHLGCdk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="612" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvh-rsl98FP2K4nVqxB6OKKEqHODDqMxcvyWeUuYolYyZKHgZou85K4eZzaSODnFcqUoru7w1J4TBTQVFJ-wdCJ4JXUH4rxqjA09A7d0LroYQjcWcD85oE48oQke764nx6mlmXDkKASiBeScrF4c-lB48ApIJfjtju9ExIJ9qe27rFGB2MWLtAQHLGCdk=w640-h466" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b><b>After that, off we went. Our GPS worked well and there were no issues. On the return after our trip throughout the country, it was like any other rental car return at a U.S. airport. The signage is great and I pulled right in following the arrows. I dropped Juan off at the office module in the parking lot. As I pulled into a spot, an agent came over with his handheld terminal and in less than 2 minutes we were done. We took the train back to Madrid for our last few days in Spain.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>This was our least comfortable stay which was in Burgos. It was complete although a bit makeshift. Well-located in the heart of the main square. It lacked air conditioning.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQM3d6RAsDYqoRkjjnmKVmMx4LpWVpd4BXZEoxYdIrZAW7cCV90jeEJZeocil2dxmfxqU1hg0jboPfpCIji1IYsU4tIDkRT4QzaH2dg4OqEdlPKJcAnL9_NF_Cju5YonzbBsvqbYT7YKB-Te_YjTCtRMb9CrPIg2OF_Z1MqKXqCQKJi7KA7eFHevdxiJA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="796" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQM3d6RAsDYqoRkjjnmKVmMx4LpWVpd4BXZEoxYdIrZAW7cCV90jeEJZeocil2dxmfxqU1hg0jboPfpCIji1IYsU4tIDkRT4QzaH2dg4OqEdlPKJcAnL9_NF_Cju5YonzbBsvqbYT7YKB-Te_YjTCtRMb9CrPIg2OF_Z1MqKXqCQKJi7KA7eFHevdxiJA=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b><b>We used Airbnbs except for one hotel in Vidiago along the northern coast near the Spanish Alps. We used Airbnbs for many years in the U.S., Mexico, and occasionally for my work in Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. The system is very easy and we've never been overcharged. I would say that in most cases the Airbnbs are up to 60% less than hotels. It is a real savings and it takes a certain type of person to use them. You're on your own and you leave the place the way you find it. A truly bad experience we have never had. You review the unit you rent and the owner reviews you so it's fairly easy to avoid issues.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>This was by far our best, least expensive and most comfortable Airbnb stay. It was located in Oviedo and cost 700 pesos or roughly $38 USD. It was luxurious, a two-room efficiency in a high-rise tower with private access, parking, washer/dryer, smart TV, and the list goes on. Walking distance to everything. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB4rTRTdfPlRoaGKC8p8yUQAxvSS_EruavA7hq7M837byBEEIntCj7zI5KXwDaOgMOlEfvbVeICr7LxU5xI7LzdKDZcGVZ9xGbBz3iO6YCF9d3wm8zjt5yhv5OPYt0RxmCVbBUYSs9Vheqha4KTU6c5y92Ac9Mehho6f8wLpZprTB3t3Z7gUyBSR32LX0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="799" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB4rTRTdfPlRoaGKC8p8yUQAxvSS_EruavA7hq7M837byBEEIntCj7zI5KXwDaOgMOlEfvbVeICr7LxU5xI7LzdKDZcGVZ9xGbBz3iO6YCF9d3wm8zjt5yhv5OPYt0RxmCVbBUYSs9Vheqha4KTU6c5y92Ac9Mehho6f8wLpZprTB3t3Z7gUyBSR32LX0=w640-h368" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div>Had it not been August, vacation month for Spaniards, and had we planned our stays (which for us would have taken the fun out of it), we could have found many more like this.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgksesnXC34NqrT36USNueAEPUOPCpO7lAPwJ9XYavZZ5kLh5PPZssLVXBB5SskoSYNC7OgiusB0bR8-9Ul7cyDNAJksJajC7f_9rOudHic_pfM0CqmhUW3nSgMjrLjM4Hqq2bxmEnHiP6Ba0CdlXCPy03ZgWcecAYB9dASkiDQFwmskcglqzXAuS37Uhs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="799" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgksesnXC34NqrT36USNueAEPUOPCpO7lAPwJ9XYavZZ5kLh5PPZssLVXBB5SskoSYNC7OgiusB0bR8-9Ul7cyDNAJksJajC7f_9rOudHic_pfM0CqmhUW3nSgMjrLjM4Hqq2bxmEnHiP6Ba0CdlXCPy03ZgWcecAYB9dASkiDQFwmskcglqzXAuS37Uhs=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b><b>Grocery stores are everywhere. They come in very small and very large sizes and are mostly chain stores. Brand names are Corte Ingles, Dia, Mercadona, Chedarrui, Aldi, and Lidi, just to name a few. They have large supermarkets and also small convenience store-size markets. Convenience stores such as Circle K, 7Eleven, and OXXO, don't exist. Mom and pop stores are called alimentacion, and are found pretty much everywhere. One thing we liked about the downsized chain stores is they sell products in smaller packaging which were great for our travel chest and cooler. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3KT2FWSGqewYH3RL5eh8BUe-gxL7bCRYjcQ0-TaXb7wfR-40yLbOYn5CrqTLxSKGJBYmUyV8SZtEyLL8mHY7GqbTdndPvk7olq9CWLVo5T0gqfYsdW2KHd_OFtGo72z2gdhF5U20HvU7E_d3UR5aPpFLwCdOOFaczF5Kz0WoM4VYvhrykQppBfO14dek" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="915" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3KT2FWSGqewYH3RL5eh8BUe-gxL7bCRYjcQ0-TaXb7wfR-40yLbOYn5CrqTLxSKGJBYmUyV8SZtEyLL8mHY7GqbTdndPvk7olq9CWLVo5T0gqfYsdW2KHd_OFtGo72z2gdhF5U20HvU7E_d3UR5aPpFLwCdOOFaczF5Kz0WoM4VYvhrykQppBfO14dek" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div>Trash collection is made easy, especially for rvrs and Airbnbs. In each neighborhood, every couple of blocks, you find these large containers that are used for recycling. Everyone, young, old, and in between takes their trash frequently down the street. You see seniors with their little basket carts rolling down the road with their recyclables and garbage in these containers. This is one of the reasons you won't see trash or litter in addition to smaller street-size trash deposits. In Oviedo, a city of about 200,000, we stayed on a high-rise apartment building street. Wednesday night, the building put out its small containers. Thursday morning around 5 a.m. a truck passed by and emptied them out. At 6 a.m., another truck, a delivery type, passed by and picked up the containers only to return them later in the afternoon clean and ready to use. Another concept used by a city council. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>There are no potholes, or rough roads, on any of the highways we traveled or on city streets including dirt roads in rural areas. I'd show a picture but there just weren't any 😎</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>On the downside, they really aren't into green leafy vegetables. We saw very little produce or produce markets and restaurant menus for Spanish food just didn't have any vegetable side dishes. In Madrid, there are a lot of ethnic restaurants which do offer vegetable dishes. I'm glad we chose Airbnb and cooked most of our delicious meals.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">Calimari is sold everywhere even in sandwiches (tortas de calamari)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHq-GBMMiu1OUj5zCxMwl7aZAohmeerGWENee8Z2dzpoew8K9tr8PeV5BP4devZp6O7yscFZEQv309-6pkPgGrCu_iE6Wh7wOwQkOtGtIzecfxQQsqRYKMRl-wJ7DOZmTr8tyxxX6j8QvnF-35ilpEd-ZHnh_GONKboZ-v8R98w-gKZRdeetOFONuo9oc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="916" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHq-GBMMiu1OUj5zCxMwl7aZAohmeerGWENee8Z2dzpoew8K9tr8PeV5BP4devZp6O7yscFZEQv309-6pkPgGrCu_iE6Wh7wOwQkOtGtIzecfxQQsqRYKMRl-wJ7DOZmTr8tyxxX6j8QvnF-35ilpEd-ZHnh_GONKboZ-v8R98w-gKZRdeetOFONuo9oc=w640-h284" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIVHGp6OVjU5BFD_EMGOY2HSYX94G4ib1BTTVnBvhQo0n8uA3T7pQHCMu2kKNQ2KuqkftbHdq9lQweHkWymRIbHzuvH3hLj-Zi29vIpjZybKGGUq-j18gu_SGJDbovCyp6D53-pLcyo0MANzxU35rJtwaAkSB_BLpSZ9G-raIws7l6jXgvp_LTJxVKrT8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="469" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIVHGp6OVjU5BFD_EMGOY2HSYX94G4ib1BTTVnBvhQo0n8uA3T7pQHCMu2kKNQ2KuqkftbHdq9lQweHkWymRIbHzuvH3hLj-Zi29vIpjZybKGGUq-j18gu_SGJDbovCyp6D53-pLcyo0MANzxU35rJtwaAkSB_BLpSZ9G-raIws7l6jXgvp_LTJxVKrT8=w640-h436" width="640" /></a></div><br />This is a very common fair and is sold everywhere all the time. When Spaniards stop for a beer, a coffee, lunch, or dinner, this is eaten regularly. So it is a lot of preserved, salted, and dried meats. In Spain, everyone smokes and like chimneys. It's no wonder they have the highest rate of both lung and colon cancer in Europe.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">We found that housing prices are very reasonable and much less than in Mexico. Along the northern coast of the country next to France, the Asturias for example, we found many condos for less than $200,000 US. We looked at a country house not far from the coast and we really liked it. I could easily see us spending three to six months a year there but I'm sure that rving would be much more fun and a lot cheaper. After all, rvs are very popular and we found them everywhere with many boondocking opportunities.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">This was taken at a supermarket, one I forgot to mention, Eroski, which is like a Sam's Club. This was just a few of maybe 50 that were in the parking lot not to mention the two rv parks on the beach which were packed. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUXXXqHEH0eZwA20cXIB2r3xTgPmer033GJ8Bs5f_Poj7ZKP_iC_-FUY8geHgUnOZF7VBbPBnK4hvg-wAqepJwYziD7p9xOd_iL84R0ySPBmJ9MTyAWO914hvG5oI5fN9iGrBtbWNURHEAc3qGvgS7IMNMVafm8m-1beA-SVDKDrFsyjWkx4c-g69TiSQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="539" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUXXXqHEH0eZwA20cXIB2r3xTgPmer033GJ8Bs5f_Poj7ZKP_iC_-FUY8geHgUnOZF7VBbPBnK4hvg-wAqepJwYziD7p9xOd_iL84R0ySPBmJ9MTyAWO914hvG5oI5fN9iGrBtbWNURHEAc3qGvgS7IMNMVafm8m-1beA-SVDKDrFsyjWkx4c-g69TiSQ=w640-h489" width="640" /></a></div><br />We're now planning our winter trip which will be in New Mexico and Arizona and then to France renting a motorhome or traveling to Patagonia. My niece-in-law is from Argentina and we would like to meet her family. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">That's it for now, I could go no forever with pictures about our trip to Spain and I may post more later. I have several videos I'd like to share. They are all very short but interesting about life in Spain.</span></div></div></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-44784554462909208742023-08-30T06:25:00.006-07:002023-08-30T06:25:59.777-07:00Back In Madrid - El Prado Museumliving.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>As I said in the last post, we are in Madrid for the week. It's come to a close and we will head home tomorrow. Our flight leaves at 9:30 a.m. and we arrive in Mexico City at 1:15 p.m. (CST). Our bus from the airport to SMA leaves terminal 1 at 5:15 p.m. and we should be at our house before 10:30 p.m. It's a long day but the direct flight really makes a difference. We will get up at 4 a.m. so that's alright considering I'm up by 5 usually. A quick cup of coffee while watching the news, shower, and head for the subway station which is only two blocks away. The subway will get us there in an hour so we will still be quite early but we haven't booked seats yet. Let's see if we get lucky again this time. If we confirmed our flight on line we would have to purchase seats and that's just another money maker for the airlines. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We decided after all that we wanted to visit the El Prado Museum. It is one of the most famous art museums in the world. It houses paintings by such great artists as Goya, Bosch, El Greco, Rubens, Titian, Velazquez, Picasso, and Rembrandt. It's a lot to digest but we started early. Tickets are 14 Euros and a 50% discount for seniors. We were there for six hours. That didn't include our walk from the apartment to the museum and back. We also returned the next day for the free two hours to finish the top floor of the museum.</b></div><div>We ss</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAsnhh_dED273m2kzrSjgT6yHrtIeVmEIH0yWaR3PgGrmwXHMZPIwC8k9FxkResgSg0fjjGIMlYOJ3GwzTyW93_JCugDFfSK49K3LrYTNdTMaQ_eJqGHxblivBgCx1dDa_f7AhQ7VcaAR_K_MqeF1wgGxmHnJeV3VzyDmsWi3J5acc2mceTDpVgiev8-I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="980" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAsnhh_dED273m2kzrSjgT6yHrtIeVmEIH0yWaR3PgGrmwXHMZPIwC8k9FxkResgSg0fjjGIMlYOJ3GwzTyW93_JCugDFfSK49K3LrYTNdTMaQ_eJqGHxblivBgCx1dDa_f7AhQ7VcaAR_K_MqeF1wgGxmHnJeV3VzyDmsWi3J5acc2mceTDpVgiev8-I=w640-h286" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_ePTqckpRUvqWXzvNJVK-O5ze_Gc1GcqMarmGvf4lTqz45dvTzdCdtLSwqD_2GeR5mjuSt3ER7lXX8-BF3GGsLglOlscqkuGvZy1RhrrjikWpGkc-TEug0_bVpi7CuGjmq9iDNoQNQvflF7G02-ek5Rp_p8MCPtBDQx0NEZU7kx_js_DvqG6n_-m66jw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="1258" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_ePTqckpRUvqWXzvNJVK-O5ze_Gc1GcqMarmGvf4lTqz45dvTzdCdtLSwqD_2GeR5mjuSt3ER7lXX8-BF3GGsLglOlscqkuGvZy1RhrrjikWpGkc-TEug0_bVpi7CuGjmq9iDNoQNQvflF7G02-ek5Rp_p8MCPtBDQx0NEZU7kx_js_DvqG6n_-m66jw=w640-h286" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>The lines to get in are long and you can always reserve a ticket online. The lines move very quickly and we only waited about 10 minutes to get in. The free hours have literally hundreds of people waiting to get in but they seem to have the system down quite well. That line was about 30 minutes before opening the doors. You're not allowed to take pictures so I am posting some shots from Google. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkhM9RMddoOTci2MCGnt3Nh49Fk0-L-QECHA8romfcNS_Sro7fWBBgZRcmHqMG5aA2Cw5wHlSaC61_F4GxkcpEvzA1BTh5i5gKw5B1qJarzA8EWS9EE0wpHefrXX7WrW8Oy_vcqLIg08F2ijht73kDVCtgygN2ZV5kiKEAcBPlTO-z26pQlSxMfiWlogE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="656" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkhM9RMddoOTci2MCGnt3Nh49Fk0-L-QECHA8romfcNS_Sro7fWBBgZRcmHqMG5aA2Cw5wHlSaC61_F4GxkcpEvzA1BTh5i5gKw5B1qJarzA8EWS9EE0wpHefrXX7WrW8Oy_vcqLIg08F2ijht73kDVCtgygN2ZV5kiKEAcBPlTO-z26pQlSxMfiWlogE=w640-h372" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJtYPWfzoIi-UoiySO0T2RYs68J2B0wNBCnQYtAqe9ynYfi0P4SY_cb9x6OPkfeeyq_ay0OXzDkOEPhJgO0-n-GlAYgUQ4_4mbkUJUwJNKmGvAVUpaDOubNEaVCFC6748nXBVDjv46mphHijHzqRFt5kaEXYlFmJQFZpFWpZWTknmqJxpq1Rl2OKpqMCw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="575" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJtYPWfzoIi-UoiySO0T2RYs68J2B0wNBCnQYtAqe9ynYfi0P4SY_cb9x6OPkfeeyq_ay0OXzDkOEPhJgO0-n-GlAYgUQ4_4mbkUJUwJNKmGvAVUpaDOubNEaVCFC6748nXBVDjv46mphHijHzqRFt5kaEXYlFmJQFZpFWpZWTknmqJxpq1Rl2OKpqMCw=w640-h436" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVMQaiaQxEUunU4WFwRMDO2yIfux886Cydr1xkZQwBuunWs9vlTnukYcUHYWSzhndxFuog9lxhi3XuEwS7_APuoerDRhBJLCdfi2XwVkBViinZ8hL6NkJRkDAI9eoMeK7miv8o5xulor0KGtNOwTv0KAEsr3IsPYB2Vfjy9CND8tBIo3SnuufHyjC6oXg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="582" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVMQaiaQxEUunU4WFwRMDO2yIfux886Cydr1xkZQwBuunWs9vlTnukYcUHYWSzhndxFuog9lxhi3XuEwS7_APuoerDRhBJLCdfi2XwVkBViinZ8hL6NkJRkDAI9eoMeK7miv8o5xulor0KGtNOwTv0KAEsr3IsPYB2Vfjy9CND8tBIo3SnuufHyjC6oXg=w640-h422" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The museum owns or houses over 8600 works. We calculate that we saw roughly 2800 paintings and the Delfin Collection, created by the son of Luis XIV. We saw that on day two in the after during the free entrance. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpWsTzjgRiOd816jjx3dB-JTpf6mPSLSs2eiY7RgmCLEw2GmX5BGKvuDmjIZowo_Xc0nPvAcLDF0aabbMA65xKGY121OrW2o46iZ_5gkfyiPXUBSjl32mbyb8A6wiaRPyizGpgfB0vNCXURHpOzr1t9CyXvPbyDLiiYxPatwDLICFbjyshi-dZb7w5e_M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="366" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpWsTzjgRiOd816jjx3dB-JTpf6mPSLSs2eiY7RgmCLEw2GmX5BGKvuDmjIZowo_Xc0nPvAcLDF0aabbMA65xKGY121OrW2o46iZ_5gkfyiPXUBSjl32mbyb8A6wiaRPyizGpgfB0vNCXURHpOzr1t9CyXvPbyDLiiYxPatwDLICFbjyshi-dZb7w5e_M=w640-h298" width="640" /></a></div><br />The galleries go on forever. I enjoy the works but more so the stories behind the painters and the paintings. In many, they are a depiction of real-life scenes from over 500 years ago. It's very hard to grasp, similar to those who have difficulty looking at colorized pictures and films from over 150 years ago. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Some of the things that I find interesting is the symbolism in art:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Skulls appear in many paintings as a reminder that we are flesh and we all will reach an end.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Candles show that time is passing.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mirrors and the reflections that appear in them are our or their souls.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Dogs! I've seen them in many paintings but learned that they represent fidelity and faithfulness.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The majority of the art we experienced on this trip was medieval through the mid-19th century. Most of the painters and their subjects didn't live past 45 to 65 years. No wonder people married at 14 back then.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>It is a lot to take in and digest and we are still talking about some of the paintings and the research that goes along with each painter, and royal subjects. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>We went to another city on Monday, Aranjuez. It's a 45-minute train ride to the south. The 16th-century palace of the royal family is located there. Beautiful grounds and waterways that run through it. We had originally set out for a stop in between to the town of Pinto which is in route to Aranjuez. I had found the Tower of Éboli where Princess Ana de Mendoza de la Cerda y de Silva Cifuentes Duchess of Pastrana (that's a mouthful) was imprisoned by her father for murder.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Here are some street shots we took on our walk to the museum. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrAcXBs189ipclK3dEtxoSqonol8zOdKXhou-bgS1yE5_2D2SJeA_SfcKq4NFl2AOG36Rk7fKt234cfEpqYZkUSByHHcolz0zq6ADand-EJkZn8gUB2J7536I1SxG9YCUrM4JkIAevCdEjnM-T9GQ7ZXC0XDpFo9paQ172ZZflZwPvMkahl1gEGmatZ7M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="282" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrAcXBs189ipclK3dEtxoSqonol8zOdKXhou-bgS1yE5_2D2SJeA_SfcKq4NFl2AOG36Rk7fKt234cfEpqYZkUSByHHcolz0zq6ADand-EJkZn8gUB2J7536I1SxG9YCUrM4JkIAevCdEjnM-T9GQ7ZXC0XDpFo9paQ172ZZflZwPvMkahl1gEGmatZ7M=w309-h640" width="309" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnc3y9r90YNpDwK8EpD_lVTmSBezXV26tFY1JNjTpEk0PcprHveadP1IBm5Y06ejtJ15DHsrTZzgPLsOusdnQt5XpHsJNDujC7MhfooXU3KYNpb3zGkniO9VYIIcxHek4EGtT45R61XgkmpEkU1BuEuxmYn02LCXlMrwyS5vi7Gh5LrEJnvNVp8UsuuVM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="279" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnc3y9r90YNpDwK8EpD_lVTmSBezXV26tFY1JNjTpEk0PcprHveadP1IBm5Y06ejtJ15DHsrTZzgPLsOusdnQt5XpHsJNDujC7MhfooXU3KYNpb3zGkniO9VYIIcxHek4EGtT45R61XgkmpEkU1BuEuxmYn02LCXlMrwyS5vi7Gh5LrEJnvNVp8UsuuVM=w344-h640" width="344" /></a></div><br />And this is the last beer we shared today before going back to the apartment to pack. I will continue in the next weeks to post all of the towns we visited and my impressions of what we have seen and experiened.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisfFBrjkMOC4Qi0ewlmXkTAQM6JCloX0mnl6lkYNyqtJiUTMbtQR1m1SubHYy-csw5dkUcSg3LG_K7rQvrVCvBcsEws7TY2w3H2ovS-bBrgH8Js4-ruJOS69WoezeTi_wR1cyZJm5WHOUVA-Gvts2lYn6c50OcFtBAtWEp2hJGOp35XEt0Gc4NL-Vqrmk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="1173" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisfFBrjkMOC4Qi0ewlmXkTAQM6JCloX0mnl6lkYNyqtJiUTMbtQR1m1SubHYy-csw5dkUcSg3LG_K7rQvrVCvBcsEws7TY2w3H2ovS-bBrgH8Js4-ruJOS69WoezeTi_wR1cyZJm5WHOUVA-Gvts2lYn6c50OcFtBAtWEp2hJGOp35XEt0Gc4NL-Vqrmk" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div></div></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-67895511679389871512023-08-27T04:08:00.001-07:002023-08-27T04:08:20.033-07:00Leon, Spain Two-Day Stay - Saying Goodbye To A Good Friend In Avila living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We made a stopover in the small town of Avila. An excellent place for a day and a night. We actually stayed on the outskirts of the village of Vicolozano. The total population is 27 inhabitants. The big attraction is the restaurant La Venta. The owner also has the Airbnb we stayed at. </b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR1li-P1d5hgX3IsIF9kLxXe3Pasg5sqkX2h6aPa1NJZzs00US_JGyh27W3epeYOjBQbpzGKyN8Af764cTbhoYcC7Ticmv1iSRNT42wfxp2L3dCjFBWR3-_LSJjebhCBQuVPFRoQWjQGtmKNsM1H2Rtu29D3jmqYLoGG6OdJX5WlZlLsQ64KU_dWBHInk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="846" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR1li-P1d5hgX3IsIF9kLxXe3Pasg5sqkX2h6aPa1NJZzs00US_JGyh27W3epeYOjBQbpzGKyN8Af764cTbhoYcC7Ticmv1iSRNT42wfxp2L3dCjFBWR3-_LSJjebhCBQuVPFRoQWjQGtmKNsM1H2Rtu29D3jmqYLoGG6OdJX5WlZlLsQ64KU_dWBHInk=w640-h394" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b style="text-align: justify;">We made a stopover in the small town of Avila. An excellent place for a day and a night. We actually stayed on the outskirts of the village of Vicolozano. The total population is 27 inhabitants. The big attraction is the restaurant La Venta. The owner also has the Airbnb where we stayed.</b></div><div><b style="text-align: justify;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="text-align: justify;">The big attraction is this old school from the 1800s but nobody really knows much about it. We arrived around 2 p.m. and the heatwave in Spain was slowly drawing to a close. It was 39C when we arrived at and a chilly 16C in the morning before heading to the Madrid airport to turn in the car.</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXd0r-cPyo5qLeF_CJ06PkZSpwXhoag20JOBKTNe5AORZykLN3szBA4skyLyeepeLhuVe2V3NCTCDy-Dbx5dM4DWNQbKVgmz9ku--YiqiZ5eNzaCbEiaKSrn6FXXOtfaIrsdLPLE5rlt1OV4TUONrnOzeHDhSv3ZCz4Mu6ul4oYeLRF5KQNBHZ4hDH0qs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="762" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXd0r-cPyo5qLeF_CJ06PkZSpwXhoag20JOBKTNe5AORZykLN3szBA4skyLyeepeLhuVe2V3NCTCDy-Dbx5dM4DWNQbKVgmz9ku--YiqiZ5eNzaCbEiaKSrn6FXXOtfaIrsdLPLE5rlt1OV4TUONrnOzeHDhSv3ZCz4Mu6ul4oYeLRF5KQNBHZ4hDH0qs=w640-h420" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>After relaxing for a while, we headed across the road to the restaurant. We had purposely run out of food. Once we were back in Madrid we would no longer need a cooler so we finished what we had for breakfast. A wonderful egg and cheese omelet in a croissant. Just as we arrived and ordered a glass of wine, we got a message from Kevin, Ruth and Cameron asking if we were up for a video chat. We were, it's always good to be in touch with them. They're having a blast with their grandson Cameron who is there for a short summer vacation visit.</b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>With no more food in the cooler, we decided to say goodbye to our friend Neverita! This is a picture of her as we left the apartment in Vicolozano. She was good to us providing us with three weeks of storage and good eats in the car and most of our meals. She'll be missed but I'm sure she will find her way into someone else's car!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEjgjk1W29r_0SgHRhjqCNDm2B2jkWacnKdoRMIqN6C5RjplptTyUnZkv0uwS-9toDuwUC6u6WjDAEeadRqu0diR1IYR29FUbpF2688Y0E3e5cviNnhUKSbWrmbZZltRkbGytr8BVI6YbIvHjhPHKmujmiLQ6EyJsaYxSlRvCNNVDmR22dBbo3bQmmsow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="637" height="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEjgjk1W29r_0SgHRhjqCNDm2B2jkWacnKdoRMIqN6C5RjplptTyUnZkv0uwS-9toDuwUC6u6WjDAEeadRqu0diR1IYR29FUbpF2688Y0E3e5cviNnhUKSbWrmbZZltRkbGytr8BVI6YbIvHjhPHKmujmiLQ6EyJsaYxSlRvCNNVDmR22dBbo3bQmmsow=w640-h559" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Before heading to Vicolozano we had a two-night stay in Leon. We did see some interesting things and Juan took me out for my birthday on the 22nd. We had a great dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city. As we came into the restaurant a waiter said to take a seat wherever we wanted. Then, Suzy sad pants came along and said if we had no reservation we couldn't have dinner. We were allowed on the outside rooftop for drinks. That waiter knows how to pour vodka. In fact, I babied that glass for the two and a half hours we were there. It was huge. Juan snuck back inside to ask just in case there was a reservation and lo and behold we had a great table. Service was very good and Suzy changed her attitude.</b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNMkwOdpLsZSJsndYW50U5nCu23E9LEQBH7rnZDqDXzJzXjUB9YbjxJWoujyKwFaFiRYJJruvDg8y9NrmDspVlQJYGb_3YmYP5rHnfMdQTQdO6ZJ4TucRy_cPycdekgzBV4nvtqqA2iUfYbWz5yZbuRc3PbYG2_GFwCsn0vFZZxJehOp7ufVX1E01DTWk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="1248" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNMkwOdpLsZSJsndYW50U5nCu23E9LEQBH7rnZDqDXzJzXjUB9YbjxJWoujyKwFaFiRYJJruvDg8y9NrmDspVlQJYGb_3YmYP5rHnfMdQTQdO6ZJ4TucRy_cPycdekgzBV4nvtqqA2iUfYbWz5yZbuRc3PbYG2_GFwCsn0vFZZxJehOp7ufVX1E01DTWk=w640-h290" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b><b>The next day we took a tour of the city. Of course we had to visit the church and museum. What a fantastic place. We walked 15,543 steps that day, down along the river and to the center of town. The Monastery San Marcos has a museum that contains stone sarcophagi and headstones from over 1000 years ago. They have information on each one included in Latin, Spanish, and English. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The monastery/convent was used as a weigh station and hospital for those walking on the Camino a Santiago. The original structure was considered unsafe and was demolished and rebuilt in 1514 by King Ferdinand but the new construction took place under Charles I. The walk began after the discovery of Apostle Santiago Mayor's tomb in 813. A sad and disturbing part of the museum is that the monastery was used during the Spanish Civil War in 1939 to house political prisoners and pretty much was nothing more than a concentration camp. The photos from that time are much like those we see from the Holocaust. </b></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCrKTLagG5kD_h5XMLjmKVTnJDTufd6G4GMdyg_t6if1tBOPdvPtrFHtxfduQAaytiygRdC9jWhNTn369sFaJ7Fz_X-QD78QDj7JYBImz2PmNxhd28JpEhmzafnh0IqycK9DLgU6M5l-ZiqhtF2S3LV3NIcytQ0G-5ucaqASiglbSzlUWuVnEpkAH3QN4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="286" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCrKTLagG5kD_h5XMLjmKVTnJDTufd6G4GMdyg_t6if1tBOPdvPtrFHtxfduQAaytiygRdC9jWhNTn369sFaJ7Fz_X-QD78QDj7JYBImz2PmNxhd28JpEhmzafnh0IqycK9DLgU6M5l-ZiqhtF2S3LV3NIcytQ0G-5ucaqASiglbSzlUWuVnEpkAH3QN4=w371-h640" width="371" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdeFhZz-T7nAhbYDSbBMj1MLu6riXcSwne5Vo8Ps84sDo1ev3bqFG4PDsUImkaQq3g9yJriEyeeJWl7RD4X5HOUGYYwm3lWMqAew2vofFRYY4nylnxApPtlIFVnZshaqJiGo1j6rUcNHg1xCJVB577wm0_Ea-Epjhg_vTK1zTAaD5YfntbXbMWVzfk8eY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1263" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdeFhZz-T7nAhbYDSbBMj1MLu6riXcSwne5Vo8Ps84sDo1ev3bqFG4PDsUImkaQq3g9yJriEyeeJWl7RD4X5HOUGYYwm3lWMqAew2vofFRYY4nylnxApPtlIFVnZshaqJiGo1j6rUcNHg1xCJVB577wm0_Ea-Epjhg_vTK1zTAaD5YfntbXbMWVzfk8eY=w640-h286" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3ybJu8w5oEaDOPpPu5fa9Kd_F9LrGXDwxP8_TrAaRIf8XvDU6eLPSKjSh5Cs24FCYg2l512dq5hGSglYb12ONlG4l4fuV-go9l09trVrmUtuRfUvLOs-VwIuxg1VYsGY0OrFwm-itNpyJyp_jiyH6ZXZhiaHzCPSTeQmQ89c1otGlBCAnUsDIKYOzBSU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3ybJu8w5oEaDOPpPu5fa9Kd_F9LrGXDwxP8_TrAaRIf8XvDU6eLPSKjSh5Cs24FCYg2l512dq5hGSglYb12ONlG4l4fuV-go9l09trVrmUtuRfUvLOs-VwIuxg1VYsGY0OrFwm-itNpyJyp_jiyH6ZXZhiaHzCPSTeQmQ89c1otGlBCAnUsDIKYOzBSU=w328-h640" width="328" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I had a feeling he was pointing at me so I just kept walking. I did look back on several occasions.</b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXhFpA--3ftv6VI4sZKfaFs6CYIcxEe4vjOdo7iX3suDdbHJfsmFz0PEAeu846EI_kygD-SaJtMi28f7yKsyiwIggrwvC3dit0zZXzsH4pWcNqMFBiJnShZZgzN3rO19kRpPyOnJVTNzE2mihPUxwA4Nl3VWtv9_xq6hptCC_lKMPM1I2Kkod2YJUJ7EM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="286" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXhFpA--3ftv6VI4sZKfaFs6CYIcxEe4vjOdo7iX3suDdbHJfsmFz0PEAeu846EI_kygD-SaJtMi28f7yKsyiwIggrwvC3dit0zZXzsH4pWcNqMFBiJnShZZgzN3rO19kRpPyOnJVTNzE2mihPUxwA4Nl3VWtv9_xq6hptCC_lKMPM1I2Kkod2YJUJ7EM=w328-h640" width="328" /></a></div><br /><b style="text-align: center;">Grand staircase going up to the hospital and hostel rooms. It's not available for viewing.</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCkZ8TlFrMeAYjWjfnUTIfHoNt9qU9nOseEoRev35WFyd1oVOdanNBr0j7Uhn-5O4mq93qd-7q92Q96Ph3UNzg2B-MA-d5YbQa2wNIiPjDJuxdvD4yGj1UVLIhTnluJTH5mNV6kHTmON8fplKbDkULPrNbzt5vPN5uq36sLHsxdwKNYhKDMN3H093k64c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="281" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCkZ8TlFrMeAYjWjfnUTIfHoNt9qU9nOseEoRev35WFyd1oVOdanNBr0j7Uhn-5O4mq93qd-7q92Q96Ph3UNzg2B-MA-d5YbQa2wNIiPjDJuxdvD4yGj1UVLIhTnluJTH5mNV6kHTmON8fplKbDkULPrNbzt5vPN5uq36sLHsxdwKNYhKDMN3H093k64c=w328-h640" width="328" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The main chapel with a statue of the bishop praying before the altar.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitaiUA5FRImGShlfF0IEE9DuRHRaea2Ojc7tUDKjfDAAe7PGeBnmqVDQeezH_qStJebjPOj4TRSCEK7Y3me7m39enEIl7crt4rbB2a2DHzX_NqVhhiSWv873X2ywt4KhGl3FAlpugDor-WtTXo4JzlboVj1UR2mq_rEQvd2bMx6QFqeSdtQCXBtqlfceQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="282" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitaiUA5FRImGShlfF0IEE9DuRHRaea2Ojc7tUDKjfDAAe7PGeBnmqVDQeezH_qStJebjPOj4TRSCEK7Y3me7m39enEIl7crt4rbB2a2DHzX_NqVhhiSWv873X2ywt4KhGl3FAlpugDor-WtTXo4JzlboVj1UR2mq_rEQvd2bMx6QFqeSdtQCXBtqlfceQ=w293-h640" width="293" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>Leon Museum of Art. I was pooped out on museums. We did go to the main cathedral but they were charging 14 Euros for seniors. Way too much and at this point pretty much finished with museums although I am sure in Madrid we will go to the El Prado. That museum is worth the price.</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKA2vrIfy6FhY9OGGqpaB0eyEFaJtqW700oCN1h8FDrP0g9_58X5tvGzPk7Ol6-YgsD_AGV5AwqPDpiw69XjmUBpBAfXgw5zak0RtGx_nGvFKots5-Ic45O2Q9GUcFZcVEf969E99zNIo8qRyTH03oybC_nYJcFpgUs3Y_e2lQhxvsuV9OiNp0pnmrwQU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="279" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKA2vrIfy6FhY9OGGqpaB0eyEFaJtqW700oCN1h8FDrP0g9_58X5tvGzPk7Ol6-YgsD_AGV5AwqPDpiw69XjmUBpBAfXgw5zak0RtGx_nGvFKots5-Ic45O2Q9GUcFZcVEf969E99zNIo8qRyTH03oybC_nYJcFpgUs3Y_e2lQhxvsuV9OiNp0pnmrwQU=w325-h640" width="325" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>This section of town is known as el Bario Humedo or the Wet Neighborhood because of all the taverns and outdoor cafes that line the streets. As you can see, it was lunch hour so again, everything shuts down from 1 p.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. depending on the establishment. Truly amazing that it is still a strong tradition. In the two pictures below you can see the before lunch and during lunch. Imagine at night what the place must be like!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJfPAeeu6M1-FjoMYKjAfNXRAevID_IIDBFlc_siRZbaQUSg47wBth94noxuNxwo05cUDS42JF8tefK0ck2eMbxMj5JYCFIrwCAMTKXRVYo2rjcbXtYJ_ZI-tuQsDY8r1Mrqfwr3BnxlqVa96tUaF1FQhPWE5qIInwmSdnJCn5ajtkkeqhEzMGb8USt1w" style="font-weight: 400; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="277" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJfPAeeu6M1-FjoMYKjAfNXRAevID_IIDBFlc_siRZbaQUSg47wBth94noxuNxwo05cUDS42JF8tefK0ck2eMbxMj5JYCFIrwCAMTKXRVYo2rjcbXtYJ_ZI-tuQsDY8r1Mrqfwr3BnxlqVa96tUaF1FQhPWE5qIInwmSdnJCn5ajtkkeqhEzMGb8USt1w=w328-h640" width="328" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></b><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh6JMMpXicZq50NBRfUygnRtfPvprIBv-VQf4sJV_-pFOBzn2gOXa0KRMCTCAfY5ryC-NFA6MH3ihZqLgbxjf6rISwb-lbhvN-_hpwO-oiudLPaUe46sQneozx5LjaSgiQ35qhsYQePxQcJ48os5gcSb26sEI0LW3vTZuSYv-Fiha6N77_mvXfgCmmkhw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="276" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh6JMMpXicZq50NBRfUygnRtfPvprIBv-VQf4sJV_-pFOBzn2gOXa0KRMCTCAfY5ryC-NFA6MH3ihZqLgbxjf6rISwb-lbhvN-_hpwO-oiudLPaUe46sQneozx5LjaSgiQ35qhsYQePxQcJ48os5gcSb26sEI0LW3vTZuSYv-Fiha6N77_mvXfgCmmkhw=w301-h640" width="301" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The Casa Botines Gaudí Museum. Built by and named after the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYagvLqWRFbyTIBSyYRns_BPT0jKJjkLL9HMP9h0rW_z-Y5FBUzcSpZtxzwKwYPvLIaxHNvwJukUtn7ypRfa9gbGzGH674GagyuKr3wfOtKiiem5lSmLR0yHbsT2vXNBHCCRDIpPZoPH1DyKg1OvHBaYco5GdUXmXOEHJ-9s8A8xI-kq2Y3OSe8lvaLtA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="948" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYagvLqWRFbyTIBSyYRns_BPT0jKJjkLL9HMP9h0rW_z-Y5FBUzcSpZtxzwKwYPvLIaxHNvwJukUtn7ypRfa9gbGzGH674GagyuKr3wfOtKiiem5lSmLR0yHbsT2vXNBHCCRDIpPZoPH1DyKg1OvHBaYco5GdUXmXOEHJ-9s8A8xI-kq2Y3OSe8lvaLtA=w640-h390" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlWynZAQxQJiKBmRRjv_7XLDBtT3nVhtwH3Wrac_Xx1AODavI8HtjbeSm1Pw7t7N9QKGCNBH5YTiM4iCZbbBLmoTrGFTeJ_oGtp83cR8zXlu8xLeZDDlZWqkrr8diPzGy7DHhJpxplI-dnzQGmVdFTHPiFB3OOJk6ifYoAwebLd5FPgTfbFHPxYHIgJfE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="1271" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlWynZAQxQJiKBmRRjv_7XLDBtT3nVhtwH3Wrac_Xx1AODavI8HtjbeSm1Pw7t7N9QKGCNBH5YTiM4iCZbbBLmoTrGFTeJ_oGtp83cR8zXlu8xLeZDDlZWqkrr8diPzGy7DHhJpxplI-dnzQGmVdFTHPiFB3OOJk6ifYoAwebLd5FPgTfbFHPxYHIgJfE=w640-h286" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>We really enjoy being out during lunch hours. No one on the streets and very little traffic.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlwZ6bV7gcOz55vgPEktmIMrJ2jtN6YW3_zCOaCRs5RPs0Muks6T0M5LfEXA1eg6Lci753jNdSlnDWvnyevDRD27Hj5LA8RWydzrIABk9B6snV7SsFTr6DyVMj7eLxve4IIuRkYmWyUhfW-HELKBWMyHKrRvylAnPPsY4trxz4hHbKawWlyd9lHuTVI08" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="1251" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlwZ6bV7gcOz55vgPEktmIMrJ2jtN6YW3_zCOaCRs5RPs0Muks6T0M5LfEXA1eg6Lci753jNdSlnDWvnyevDRD27Hj5LA8RWydzrIABk9B6snV7SsFTr6DyVMj7eLxve4IIuRkYmWyUhfW-HELKBWMyHKrRvylAnPPsY4trxz4hHbKawWlyd9lHuTVI08=w640-h294" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Rotundas are very common in Spain and very few street lights. It makes for easy driving. I took this picture after our dinner out. It was about 10:30 at night. Spain is a very safe country. I'm not sure that I stated it in the last post but the murder rate in Spain is .63 to 100,000 versus Mexico at 26.6 per 100,000.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzDtQgN36Al-AMqy_UyGMhmM3toTPYU-Hx_hM1Qo19aOaXDIKgTu1rUyGR9yHgavF_rpzUTePvmFwXAtqCvKUVGaGd7n17upQyIAfZLCM2Jk1ouQN2AtfJQurSNfdWmc5noM_D6hW_lqhXPYFrJ6x6e31D-YNTlhLDTRfIWWcsrCom3giWcRd0jDrcBdE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="1262" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzDtQgN36Al-AMqy_UyGMhmM3toTPYU-Hx_hM1Qo19aOaXDIKgTu1rUyGR9yHgavF_rpzUTePvmFwXAtqCvKUVGaGd7n17upQyIAfZLCM2Jk1ouQN2AtfJQurSNfdWmc5noM_D6hW_lqhXPYFrJ6x6e31D-YNTlhLDTRfIWWcsrCom3giWcRd0jDrcBdE=w640-h296" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>There are so many differences between what we have seen in Spain versus my trips to Mexico, Central and South America. I will be doing a short blog on those after we return home. </b></div></div></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-18370079203540146952023-08-23T23:37:00.001-07:002023-08-23T23:37:31.350-07:00Oviedo - Heading South To Leon living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Fontan Plaza got its name from the fountain that was once there. The plaza fell into disrepair in the late 20th century but was reconstructed and now provides a space for a weekly market and cafes around its perimeter. </b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGfl8YKJ4Mkvu-eB-KkZIJlRBVzjPGTINp5zLJIU6TW8WhlNknFmWPW-lS6IYsSk1nSkoiYjzKQ3kvmh9By11kMluDXV6glrBE5Hne0R-7dQ1O1FtbEZ69ao3hi5hjSuGvyP4Fb_0aY21RrK4isxK5gD3_Q_6p10ER18Hbf6B2MH2SBKKhFbgCi0jksQw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="982" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGfl8YKJ4Mkvu-eB-KkZIJlRBVzjPGTINp5zLJIU6TW8WhlNknFmWPW-lS6IYsSk1nSkoiYjzKQ3kvmh9By11kMluDXV6glrBE5Hne0R-7dQ1O1FtbEZ69ao3hi5hjSuGvyP4Fb_0aY21RrK4isxK5gD3_Q_6p10ER18Hbf6B2MH2SBKKhFbgCi0jksQw=w640-h208" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We needed to start our trek back to Madrid. The needs to be turned in on Friday. We are still about four hours north of Madrid but I don't want to drive that all in one day. We spent the Monday night in Oviedo. I ran across what I thought was an incredible deal on Airbnb. We took the chance and it was more than we expected. It has now become our number two-ever Airbnb. It is a small efficiency apartment in a six-story building. The guy turned it into a luxury apartment. There is a small room that is considered a workspace but he installed a murphy bed and it makes for a great bedroom. If you have forgotten anything at all, he has it available. Great linens, towels, and wonderful coffee although we carry our own for when we have access to a coffeemaker.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We had investigated the town over the weekend so we were prepared to get on the move. That evening we took a walk down to the centro area which is a short 20-minute walk. </b></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We stopped for a beer and to do some people-watching. On the way back we needed to pick up some groceries. We headed for Mercadona supermarket and also a gas station. Mercadona has a great wine selection and we found several under 1.5 Euros. We made the mistake of moving the car. When we returned to the area where we were spending the night, nothing was available. Parking is a problem in Spanish cities. The concentration of people in highrise apartment buildings makes it a difficult task. We parked in what they call the blue area, the streets are marked with white for free, and blue for pay. After nine p.m. there is no charge but I had to get up and out early the next morning to move the car hoping to find a white spot. I sure did but it took me a few minutes of driving around the nearby blocks.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We went to the cathedral of San Salvador. A fabulous cathedral and museum filled with relics of saints and bishops. Amazing how we have managed as a society to preserve the past. Thanks to technology such as drones, satellites, and lasers, it is much easier to detect what is buried underground or covered with heavy vegetation and forest growth.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Relief work over the entrance to the cathedral which was built in the 9th century. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfagknk1GfkIHIgx_IbIcpoAN9zhr4iqZaokKFEUQh5x2NCpMbLlEU6924k6Wjyk8lRDgCKj0qWIoBRZAg0UVR4MZUTaAVjCpB8-f7VfEjCwCtXrG-1VkUO0pzdFYN7ua8MNqqeQKlpysLBL0NTa_wJBHpkPmadIsQtKKYuYF2P_gL_o3EBEXH7pu4YR4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="283" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfagknk1GfkIHIgx_IbIcpoAN9zhr4iqZaokKFEUQh5x2NCpMbLlEU6924k6Wjyk8lRDgCKj0qWIoBRZAg0UVR4MZUTaAVjCpB8-f7VfEjCwCtXrG-1VkUO0pzdFYN7ua8MNqqeQKlpysLBL0NTa_wJBHpkPmadIsQtKKYuYF2P_gL_o3EBEXH7pu4YR4=w296-h640" width="296" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGJtavB52JzVCIvYr4EUNeHDjL8eo8jYfr2dweiHbBSc3su8bcgS4Myb2EMK0WPWbE2wiKQHQZen30feXwUZSGdTn9v_7sG4KVzsgOkcLPnsT_1KQ40sKLeh8Lgx0v58pwy48cEokdDxKzNY0sxdenTsQ3OvbdvJU3Hm4VazMP_w4D4Ef23e6flGtWqWc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="1252" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGJtavB52JzVCIvYr4EUNeHDjL8eo8jYfr2dweiHbBSc3su8bcgS4Myb2EMK0WPWbE2wiKQHQZen30feXwUZSGdTn9v_7sG4KVzsgOkcLPnsT_1KQ40sKLeh8Lgx0v58pwy48cEokdDxKzNY0sxdenTsQ3OvbdvJU3Hm4VazMP_w4D4Ef23e6flGtWqWc=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br />The altar is considered one of the most important in Europe. The scenes depict the different phases in the life of Christ. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhz9gAcH57V6sYWn-b8HGRWoutQQETFPnyCph311kJdfnZzcz1S_qRTqDMUBSxnExtrRSI3vQPjS1RZIvTuX8yB9lHxMRZmpyQjwExD-7w5Dn2Te0pjzUd7dKvCtDqcmXImZ992R5CH0-a0dtfT9mRmOgxqU7U9KFUkq0Qh-VV064J6K2-D-SBBtd40gSs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhz9gAcH57V6sYWn-b8HGRWoutQQETFPnyCph311kJdfnZzcz1S_qRTqDMUBSxnExtrRSI3vQPjS1RZIvTuX8yB9lHxMRZmpyQjwExD-7w5Dn2Te0pjzUd7dKvCtDqcmXImZ992R5CH0-a0dtfT9mRmOgxqU7U9KFUkq0Qh-VV064J6K2-D-SBBtd40gSs=w381-h640" width="381" /></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">The Holy Chamber holds relics of Spanish saints. The cloth above the golden case is the supposed cloth used to wipe the fast of Jesus. We'll leave that up to theologians and religious experts. The Holy Chamber is also classified as a UNESCO site. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwCu1yDgUNPl2lv1GNMXLFaxhyJgBADqS8yrC6y8EUBAfEG5OKI0jj854eTlt422lBRDfqyWWFUIxwnDkf0P8HZ8vf5EOWWVpiL_qDLE2OU2GYfZtO_NRLTtGoi5B92rHZgaQMAlGG-igkUs0C3_HMxTL_kVzMQkQeGhlPYBBNntPB26dVrW_Ld7ukIhw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwCu1yDgUNPl2lv1GNMXLFaxhyJgBADqS8yrC6y8EUBAfEG5OKI0jj854eTlt422lBRDfqyWWFUIxwnDkf0P8HZ8vf5EOWWVpiL_qDLE2OU2GYfZtO_NRLTtGoi5B92rHZgaQMAlGG-igkUs0C3_HMxTL_kVzMQkQeGhlPYBBNntPB26dVrW_Ld7ukIhw=w317-h640" width="317" /></a></div><br />The hallway that leads from the church to the convent and cloister. I don't know who those people are, they just walked right into the camera. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtevkE1GiT2pF1Tm7nOKWukdBhISo67WPKVSu5NH8YfDISQ__vcLTukzp3jLUaR4TFYSuaiIJLjhm4A-_hwGUW8HsBMG2KqQcSFcJALfTyOtCtu4aUI0c3A11WRhPT5X7jmyaIudKuCemFUf8Ect_WdHQJrNYVf7gvxFFrudrV8JsBE_mc28yIaWMFj1k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="278" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtevkE1GiT2pF1Tm7nOKWukdBhISo67WPKVSu5NH8YfDISQ__vcLTukzp3jLUaR4TFYSuaiIJLjhm4A-_hwGUW8HsBMG2KqQcSFcJALfTyOtCtu4aUI0c3A11WRhPT5X7jmyaIudKuCemFUf8Ect_WdHQJrNYVf7gvxFFrudrV8JsBE_mc28yIaWMFj1k=w323-h640" width="323" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDYmhkbQYzehgL6GEqh902453j_N7TYF5_S_ZPPxK2_3R91UdCFZX9DNaOGZ8i6D03Tgxe7Jz1P1RV5prvYtD0ygqufMbtBk6jnI7-lQgF8XvVjEr_ixmwBWvwdqnOAxekuRXKNTuInv_x4g2w0rQfDampg4U3IAQkcdHoydGydPAj4uwGQ4vJK3ofuk0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="1019" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDYmhkbQYzehgL6GEqh902453j_N7TYF5_S_ZPPxK2_3R91UdCFZX9DNaOGZ8i6D03Tgxe7Jz1P1RV5prvYtD0ygqufMbtBk6jnI7-lQgF8XvVjEr_ixmwBWvwdqnOAxekuRXKNTuInv_x4g2w0rQfDampg4U3IAQkcdHoydGydPAj4uwGQ4vJK3ofuk0=w640-h356" width="640" /></a></div><br />An altar honoring the virgin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9qMr-15f1mssFVz97W20MyZXoAdOX20_XzHwRNFd1Gt70JUOozU61WZh6ifgtMaw7TAVPfNmuIsns-WzGmx4guO-oZvH84bUpQjxP7MTCXSfQw6JiI4cgtgt1uk0UzRMFabH_zvrLxTKZjmroH4qnaEhfYlzt4ZMD-vs5avLAwUC9qRdrENVnVn6j4W0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="285" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9qMr-15f1mssFVz97W20MyZXoAdOX20_XzHwRNFd1Gt70JUOozU61WZh6ifgtMaw7TAVPfNmuIsns-WzGmx4guO-oZvH84bUpQjxP7MTCXSfQw6JiI4cgtgt1uk0UzRMFabH_zvrLxTKZjmroH4qnaEhfYlzt4ZMD-vs5avLAwUC9qRdrENVnVn6j4W0=w312-h640" width="312" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">The Capilla de Rey Casto holds the remains of Spanish royalty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsnVBUQnZSCmUIlCtNkjwQz9UuIy86BKXpS7ZRCrnr4X1BTGYECLkPlNZDeHS399cweX1a-kMK-qQye6Pak2cOcfOp-AHMQdw9_pl0rbTQFCjb9y7L2MIFvvw3R250NUwFqwYO5hyMXlZz6xa-b-JThd9W6XaPKRDEd5VJMwqpSFvXanqE2lnGiF6yZkE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="840" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsnVBUQnZSCmUIlCtNkjwQz9UuIy86BKXpS7ZRCrnr4X1BTGYECLkPlNZDeHS399cweX1a-kMK-qQye6Pak2cOcfOp-AHMQdw9_pl0rbTQFCjb9y7L2MIFvvw3R250NUwFqwYO5hyMXlZz6xa-b-JThd9W6XaPKRDEd5VJMwqpSFvXanqE2lnGiF6yZkE" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The heatwave continues and the streets empty out for lunch. Everything closes except for a few sidewalk cafes. Seeing a vibrant city like Oviedo turn into a ghost town for three hours is very interesting. There are no convenience stores although some supermarket chains have express shops. We too went home for a nap and then out again after 5 p.m. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We headed up a paved but narrow mountain road that led to a monument on top. Again, it's a giant statue of Christ, the Sacred Heart. It's a winding road and reminded us of our mountain crossing from Linares to San Roberto. One section is for tourists to see the views of the city as well as the statue and then the finca owners have their land and their cows. The cows roam freely around the monument. There is a road leading the opposite way off of the mountain but it is private for landowners only. We've seen that quite a bit in rural areas as well. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>There are also hiking trails and a map that explains them as you enter the final walk up to the top. The hikes are from 7 to 10 km. They look pretty good but Juan's knee has been bothering him. I see a knee replacement coming soon. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1VFdtL0hZeFGfUSrKxFNpCQfBQl6pL1Z5nwtIv5I2TjHgzLIk3yunPcp1unkZvhF5rBd4Xx_v7AoMrEHMHB6ODHDixyw8B14tXOQvACMZ7YGzNgQzT5squp4RhcE-nnt6seO-77qf7aR9kk7W5bvUQOihbVEFTNSXwmRhzQDngRSEA3orM7VXM6d0Vbg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="1073" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1VFdtL0hZeFGfUSrKxFNpCQfBQl6pL1Z5nwtIv5I2TjHgzLIk3yunPcp1unkZvhF5rBd4Xx_v7AoMrEHMHB6ODHDixyw8B14tXOQvACMZ7YGzNgQzT5squp4RhcE-nnt6seO-77qf7aR9kk7W5bvUQOihbVEFTNSXwmRhzQDngRSEA3orM7VXM6d0Vbg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I apologize but I didn't get to post the pictures of the statue and the mountaintop. We are leaving Leon in an hour so I will have to post those later today or tomorrow. </b></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-41982688692032881422023-08-20T09:57:00.002-07:002023-08-20T09:57:40.079-07:00Impressive Trip To The Spanish Alps (Picos Europeos)<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We've been following the northern coast and visiting small towns along the way. The beaches are fabulous and this time of year it is summer vacation. 30 days for companies and 90 days for students. I wish I had been a student in Spain. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Now we are in the town of Viadago, it is pretty close to our last stop in Castro-Urdiales. We wanted to be here to stay in a nice hotel that was affordable and close to the Spanish Alps. We found the place and it is a superb location. We are minutes from the beach and several small towns are all within a 10-minute drive. The car has really come in handy and I'm glad we decided to rent it. The Alps can't be seen from here but we took a drive yesterday. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>It's a curvy two-lane highway and the speed limit never varies much from 40 to 70 km. As we rounded the passes we could see the peaks or picos of the Alps. Truly impressive as you can tell from the pictures. I haven't downloaded pics from Juan's camera but he took most of the shots. A great place for a drive and to take pictures, there are pullouts all along the route. It is an hour drive to get to the visitor's information center for the national park. All of the towns, hotels, and restaurants are located along the highway. There isn't a town with more than a couple hundred people and most are under 50 persons. It takes a lot to get supplies and goods up to the top. </b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWGzxrbZuCRyryrM5JjiG2iZskxpz--ZVCwGVOuIDUItesygsBK5V88k3nkftHvMgiZCoOL-oDATzghEN82A-SNQ3HjHbFHjA8DuWcuHJj5ckhXcF7FXVtcl10hDBaSg-8krwI2hziqfxTWMgpg6GwrQWeKxelc6rkFph7ywzXfY4S5dIqoFYHW4EYErU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="1261" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWGzxrbZuCRyryrM5JjiG2iZskxpz--ZVCwGVOuIDUItesygsBK5V88k3nkftHvMgiZCoOL-oDATzghEN82A-SNQ3HjHbFHjA8DuWcuHJj5ckhXcF7FXVtcl10hDBaSg-8krwI2hziqfxTWMgpg6GwrQWeKxelc6rkFph7ywzXfY4S5dIqoFYHW4EYErU=w640-h286" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi812QRSVrmWNLuftvQEoR3IgZWHT41rO8zMts97ZbuIs-p8PFeivHxIJ_DKpB0SkzMvZSNexxPQkEACZ8FyZ2K1x3XBd9vN-x7HPuXpEFDrdbbUASvTCNduNwzflrgT7P6R9BSxseSmgcG8Zcx7QBWgl9kehgeDeI6gBSivJidFbLnbh6e2T0C1FUDbD8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1259" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi812QRSVrmWNLuftvQEoR3IgZWHT41rO8zMts97ZbuIs-p8PFeivHxIJ_DKpB0SkzMvZSNexxPQkEACZ8FyZ2K1x3XBd9vN-x7HPuXpEFDrdbbUASvTCNduNwzflrgT7P6R9BSxseSmgcG8Zcx7QBWgl9kehgeDeI6gBSivJidFbLnbh6e2T0C1FUDbD8=w640-h284" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBD7tYnzFMU7gTTbKKz8tdAtNTBPz-NydqLxM4IQFCv3scJt5PZaV7LpIuEb0rALK-gsUTQIzc-1SLQUwoJvcVUhabfITUy0fOGp0Gi9rqJJGvF8ND9YSa0kAkB-fsVnlN7tXguLEbjWGeWvsSfrvDP1baitKHFu7E8GY2H_ptzv0Hv8h9SGSTxetoKjc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="285" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBD7tYnzFMU7gTTbKKz8tdAtNTBPz-NydqLxM4IQFCv3scJt5PZaV7LpIuEb0rALK-gsUTQIzc-1SLQUwoJvcVUhabfITUy0fOGp0Gi9rqJJGvF8ND9YSa0kAkB-fsVnlN7tXguLEbjWGeWvsSfrvDP1baitKHFu7E8GY2H_ptzv0Hv8h9SGSTxetoKjc=w328-h640" width="328" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>Like most medieval and pre-medieval towns they are all located along the rivers. Going up to the peaks the water is always along your side. In some places, there are some minor rapids and some that appear to have a small beach. Calmer waters for now allow kayakers to take their rigs and float around. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHW4GSD8XZFtwlud311cP133MIXo9rUKbSNLl0TeN1kERURpJgMpgb1P2Ceob75iLHA-90W5ujW7fpCXQgQ_a9bnURRQK9_WfWteXkVQd9K1nFx-BGjRmb57_5SDmsr2788hoBK3r4N-SmhgMKNE9bI9JiFtPHRAIZa6y_vBpPGAWegA86q47hx8ZYaDA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1156" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHW4GSD8XZFtwlud311cP133MIXo9rUKbSNLl0TeN1kERURpJgMpgb1P2Ceob75iLHA-90W5ujW7fpCXQgQ_a9bnURRQK9_WfWteXkVQd9K1nFx-BGjRmb57_5SDmsr2788hoBK3r4N-SmhgMKNE9bI9JiFtPHRAIZa6y_vBpPGAWegA86q47hx8ZYaDA=w640-h312" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT7JyVPBMYZW2ioJJeB0oI8Zk6XhlvzGj1y-WKgN91N4mgmR5DAn60do9nsrqiPR9E61uFdjCd42t5qORm2Olp_61dupjOyrOb7jFbgnPA1Yh6YsPCH9thtlkZcrFf2WmiYaWqQd27whhITTowWd8x4yOk5KoG-jpa3zZYniW-BYDrKuEZUJ7HadoAhBc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1235" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT7JyVPBMYZW2ioJJeB0oI8Zk6XhlvzGj1y-WKgN91N4mgmR5DAn60do9nsrqiPR9E61uFdjCd42t5qORm2Olp_61dupjOyrOb7jFbgnPA1Yh6YsPCH9thtlkZcrFf2WmiYaWqQd27whhITTowWd8x4yOk5KoG-jpa3zZYniW-BYDrKuEZUJ7HadoAhBc=w640-h292" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The rock is impressive and the visitor's center takes you through all the details of the area. It is a great learning experience for children and adults as well. The explanations are in both Spanish and English and describe the type of rock, flora, fauna and minerals that were extracted during the mining days up until 30 years ago when the mines were closed. We spent a good hour and a half going through the exhibits.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm_alDAc-3A7c_w6pSSa-hjFdrjf88ElXYBZOaA_Le6pG3Lr2v3stObhLoDhQdjg-nbyTCFvH2PpjN88jxyHsXOzCFb_X1M31GcNLy6xCOZ0WHRqLrALN62i4fBbyu4KQbd1YdcSKTRYbOJE2WgTWlqEIIZM2A-IWmt0xVUYViQgMAPtA3_8CGY3ASu2M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="1211" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm_alDAc-3A7c_w6pSSa-hjFdrjf88ElXYBZOaA_Le6pG3Lr2v3stObhLoDhQdjg-nbyTCFvH2PpjN88jxyHsXOzCFb_X1M31GcNLy6xCOZ0WHRqLrALN62i4fBbyu4KQbd1YdcSKTRYbOJE2WgTWlqEIIZM2A-IWmt0xVUYViQgMAPtA3_8CGY3ASu2M=w640-h306" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>This is a house in the back of the visitor's center. Imagine living and farming there. Cattle of course, are a huge source of income and at this elevation they do well with grazing on the local grasses.</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih1CEbvJyBneKmAQMrkzecduBckWWnR9PMSRwQaK6W474VtSwPxuYJeok2MjPwQNFgNbWXUlFDbTUctrR81WKG7ufOWRCZTOF0UJ9k2r9vp6Wq9QaBNq-55gZ_89o4MM334wN5tFVgZclrwEqu9khtq0lex9b--q26zs3ClLUTd2i2APMfpAjl0BIpkDo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="1042" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih1CEbvJyBneKmAQMrkzecduBckWWnR9PMSRwQaK6W474VtSwPxuYJeok2MjPwQNFgNbWXUlFDbTUctrR81WKG7ufOWRCZTOF0UJ9k2r9vp6Wq9QaBNq-55gZ_89o4MM334wN5tFVgZclrwEqu9khtq0lex9b--q26zs3ClLUTd2i2APMfpAjl0BIpkDo=w640-h324" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>This is typical of a small Spanish town in the sense that people sit around and drink coffee and eat bread. A lot, they do it all day. They stop frequently for a coffee and a chat. In fact, we stopped along the trip for a coffee and a tortilla de patata. I need to learn how to make them, they are delicious.</b></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHwwHB4cDTmKHxcA5cCDqzco6J9w_hHtZnNqpG7eYd5afOT-KpTSVY6xNiYl-Zpvxrx6lIGe9IhsuB3POixd9KwEtTgSoHyEe4iLNgaghhoQRXfNUMHsSKstVlAft1ptUU9jO5HVepJeIuOZBCkPNEFGmqwsHcgmkDWDgmmdy60W67WXiOq_9ZYKbGb40" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="281" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHwwHB4cDTmKHxcA5cCDqzco6J9w_hHtZnNqpG7eYd5afOT-KpTSVY6xNiYl-Zpvxrx6lIGe9IhsuB3POixd9KwEtTgSoHyEe4iLNgaghhoQRXfNUMHsSKstVlAft1ptUU9jO5HVepJeIuOZBCkPNEFGmqwsHcgmkDWDgmmdy60W67WXiOq_9ZYKbGb40=w325-h640" width="325" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Here in the town of Potes, we found the majority of the tourists. The place was packed but people aren't very pushy or in a hurry to see things. They do park anywhere they can and with the huge amount of rvs and RV rentals, it can get pretty complicated as well as congested. Just as in Mexico, the kiosk is the central meeting place for the townspeople. In the background, you'll always see the peaks!</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEBybIwsu66ndrzGBGFgfJSRTHuTYRew2uo6fdr-SdIf-LxHKRl0bEYfo5esVhMgEBNo6VeCGxbRsQbHL6JG-4Ceh8jZQdKEF_LM81bAFO3OEVc65Rgm-Y7eF9rEgy740tVgZH8EqA5u-0VApWtWndj2htpKSWldFxUGPlruZjcCHECqUAqtaaMlU0qiY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="1004" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEBybIwsu66ndrzGBGFgfJSRTHuTYRew2uo6fdr-SdIf-LxHKRl0bEYfo5esVhMgEBNo6VeCGxbRsQbHL6JG-4Ceh8jZQdKEF_LM81bAFO3OEVc65Rgm-Y7eF9rEgy740tVgZH8EqA5u-0VApWtWndj2htpKSWldFxUGPlruZjcCHECqUAqtaaMlU0qiY=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>Even though we have been here two weeks it still doesn't seem to sink in that some of these homes and buildings are hundreds of years old and well-preserved, and some are still in the hands of the original families that built them. In the case of most Americans, it is very hard to trace your roots back more than 150 years. </b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwLWUbWAILPRuUT7efU-4Kt8S90vRo_uHNKMaSX2opE8lrhTwzIVHWjwFqciP_8RVBQmZaDLxRT_4kAqKtin12x7LnTYVEDwRoieohcTpihR2egk753M1hJXinDmupsoEJ4J-ONPESs3B0t74BpwTvtdXrqz6L8EDRXLseWznP0PvJzbjCd-CcnscR6WM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwLWUbWAILPRuUT7efU-4Kt8S90vRo_uHNKMaSX2opE8lrhTwzIVHWjwFqciP_8RVBQmZaDLxRT_4kAqKtin12x7LnTYVEDwRoieohcTpihR2egk753M1hJXinDmupsoEJ4J-ONPESs3B0t74BpwTvtdXrqz6L8EDRXLseWznP0PvJzbjCd-CcnscR6WM=w296-h640" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>This was taken in Castro-Urdiales.</b> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNMunwNCQQkrNIyH4po5JXfzGbq-LlSmLsl79M7IGKQvNc6R-qPNSf_As7oAc0jtUl7_L0QzmD99CN3zOWh90E9kHStxyVP_gvac6mfQrIWlz8H1GKilKWYwLiN_mx49TmXaQJxv-icPoL2bwWQTCsZ0xyYNwRA5E9-6G9C6XaGqLl-gndZ0GnHVyfado" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="550" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNMunwNCQQkrNIyH4po5JXfzGbq-LlSmLsl79M7IGKQvNc6R-qPNSf_As7oAc0jtUl7_L0QzmD99CN3zOWh90E9kHStxyVP_gvac6mfQrIWlz8H1GKilKWYwLiN_mx49TmXaQJxv-icPoL2bwWQTCsZ0xyYNwRA5E9-6G9C6XaGqLl-gndZ0GnHVyfado=w640-h478" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Today is Sunday and a rest day. We made the decision to stay one more day here and do laundry and goof off. We went to Unquera, a small village about 6 minutes from the hotel. While we were there we met a very nice couple (brother and sister) and they gave us some good tips on where to visit before we head back towards Madrid at the end of this week. </b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>A woman came in to get her laundry and she joined the conversation. It turns out she is from Mexico City and moved to Spain after the last earthquake in 2017. She opened a Mexican restaurant. We are going to have dinner there this evening. We haven't had anything spicy and hot since we left home.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>In the town, they have a local policeman. Yep, just one and he strolls up and down the street stopping from shop to shop to make sure all is well. If he sees a travel bus or RV in trouble on the narrow streets, he gets out and does his thing. A very friendly guy who is willing to answer questions.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2IwFn_4BxONY39cFTuDx-a5ZSfPTHFZSEb5z51f3LlVrXwrXnee2N3aNlKWmQG_vky9MO_IUets508QVf0I1hoyN6L-WfUxmNbLUcYtJPwL_35CA8lw_oiqqCCDsRFSUM2pvVTnP61RNtU-IUq6YeEZgsV8OhfPddAiCgtPTPTlvi8Ivg5DGfMR0JUK8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="395" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2IwFn_4BxONY39cFTuDx-a5ZSfPTHFZSEb5z51f3LlVrXwrXnee2N3aNlKWmQG_vky9MO_IUets508QVf0I1hoyN6L-WfUxmNbLUcYtJPwL_35CA8lw_oiqqCCDsRFSUM2pvVTnP61RNtU-IUq6YeEZgsV8OhfPddAiCgtPTPTlvi8Ivg5DGfMR0JUK8=w640-h422" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Uploading: 802375 of 1327377 bytes uploaded." border="0" class="placeholder" height="240" id="66b1e8268d15c" src="https://www.blogger.com/img/transparent.gif" style="background-color: #d8d8d8; background-image: url('https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/i/materialiconsextended/insert_photo/v6/grey600-24dp/1x/baseline_insert_photo_grey600_24dp.png'); background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; opacity: 0.6;" width="320" /></div></div></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-18527524348064464142023-08-16T11:44:00.002-07:002023-08-16T11:44:28.981-07:00By The Sea - Castro Urdiales and Laredo, Spain<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>On our way from Burgos to Castro-Urdiales. We stopped for gas and a coffee. Our little Fiat 500 Hybrid taking a break. A motorhome was filling up its tank with freshwater. Rvs are everywhere and they park wherever they want. Boondocking galore and no one seems to say a thing. In fact, we hardly ever see police or transito. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwiWOf2xYTThMqdW1gHGmlvYKFwpPyFR8ktVhxoLAkUGLEAeRUtpu3ZTNmwODV_cUCH5k2nN9MgJb617GiWO7V4LHSQiYCUIRoxRjj4bhduT58LvfRkbow7cA4lmyZWSc3BG7D7s94fmj-j-kiJ0nUlr4B5I_tSGmeOMnakH48iQ8EQeaT0vyLAvO9VEM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="1263" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwiWOf2xYTThMqdW1gHGmlvYKFwpPyFR8ktVhxoLAkUGLEAeRUtpu3ZTNmwODV_cUCH5k2nN9MgJb617GiWO7V4LHSQiYCUIRoxRjj4bhduT58LvfRkbow7cA4lmyZWSc3BG7D7s94fmj-j-kiJ0nUlr4B5I_tSGmeOMnakH48iQ8EQeaT0vyLAvO9VEM=w640-h282" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We arrived safe and sound to our Airbnb. This is our first "room" in a house versus a complete apartment or house. Helena caters to hikers on the Camino a Santiago. She has a large house with five bedrooms. We have a bedroom with a private bath and a galley-type kitchen for shared use. We have an ice chest and a heating coil to make coffee in the mornings. Works great!</b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We're within walking distance of the beach. This was our first view after crossing the highway!</b></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmeP7ZoqaLGYN9SRmqM5rDs_eVR0lrQ2pPC85Qb3YatdUTJ59Vg6GqDkoxp2AU3qwKK1WcMmve4eURux0TrIwSB8MAq9LE43WhB4DnMVUeSwiTRY0onjCo6SCfwNuJsl_kn74nfSj4HQXA6FCd1kfRwp35SQqjdY_e_3NL7rN0lj62MdOCt4D_8BTUg0Y" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1253" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmeP7ZoqaLGYN9SRmqM5rDs_eVR0lrQ2pPC85Qb3YatdUTJ59Vg6GqDkoxp2AU3qwKK1WcMmve4eURux0TrIwSB8MAq9LE43WhB4DnMVUeSwiTRY0onjCo6SCfwNuJsl_kn74nfSj4HQXA6FCd1kfRwp35SQqjdY_e_3NL7rN0lj62MdOCt4D_8BTUg0Y=w640-h272" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><b>One thing I have to mention and it will come up again is that everywhere we go it is so clean. Yesterday was a holiday celebrating the virgin. Everyone was at the beach and it was a great time to be there. As much as I love Mexico it was nice to be in a place with a lot of people enjoying the beach; no fires, no BBQs, and most of all, no music. We watched the rowing matches before heading back to our stay.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The weather here at the coast is similar to California. Instead of the 100F temps in Madrid, here it is a cool 78F. It's a pleasure to be outside along the shore with a cool breeze. A bit of rain in the morning and clouds but it is a welcome change.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI9JMUH6coUFUaZN2j1YnTgTNNQuD78bCXoqhek3mCQiFVKlxwJC9sTqJ2zBlB2ROwwZCIm5rsCIOJtumIvWdbo16FYiNDuxzEIIUCoJqCQfOmnNqO_sj_jgp5F2j5xmfxEIHNlCOIp5qeIZlzrBq_G2z9ZgZsFNb1lfD3dn75jx3gN26JUvDXPiHGpXc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="1262" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI9JMUH6coUFUaZN2j1YnTgTNNQuD78bCXoqhek3mCQiFVKlxwJC9sTqJ2zBlB2ROwwZCIm5rsCIOJtumIvWdbo16FYiNDuxzEIIUCoJqCQfOmnNqO_sj_jgp5F2j5xmfxEIHNlCOIp5qeIZlzrBq_G2z9ZgZsFNb1lfD3dn75jx3gN26JUvDXPiHGpXc=w640-h282" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The castle of Castro - Urdiales. The castle was built in the 12 century. It was used as an escape during the French invasion of 1812. Caesar Vespasiano conquered this part of Spain in 74 A.D. The castle is also part of the Cathedral of Santa Ana. </b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBkJmeqdNrsZfRnObWEKSfQXUeyHrfnWKU4jfDWQVX2rCDMOF9RU1ViDKzV3iZJvpSso3g1YgRk6ohlPgU90z4mSl-LP_Q31sLeGNRseRYCCAghXnbgA4NpnvxoEAmYg-kYAG9PQ3x72OqZUvT4kLh3P4E223yWseJ1EI40oftDgX2o3qYDx5H_R14gWs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="1260" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBkJmeqdNrsZfRnObWEKSfQXUeyHrfnWKU4jfDWQVX2rCDMOF9RU1ViDKzV3iZJvpSso3g1YgRk6ohlPgU90z4mSl-LP_Q31sLeGNRseRYCCAghXnbgA4NpnvxoEAmYg-kYAG9PQ3x72OqZUvT4kLh3P4E223yWseJ1EI40oftDgX2o3qYDx5H_R14gWs=w640-h276" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVKA8KwTt_COnRkdPHUt_CZjGEd3xNV2B90KRjW0Ri07qiElP0hgWyiyG6S1EafgjNRzmXoqt192qWOs6toFAvYsM38mLDsGDIX5EEj6CxP7Z3-VhEM-cMzj8j9btAh9L2uQtrlrXzs6wXUhlqH3bXszc0iPnqexociffnjsoWDQJNdvEf6RNVE0Hth34" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="802" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVKA8KwTt_COnRkdPHUt_CZjGEd3xNV2B90KRjW0Ri07qiElP0hgWyiyG6S1EafgjNRzmXoqt192qWOs6toFAvYsM38mLDsGDIX5EEj6CxP7Z3-VhEM-cMzj8j9btAh9L2uQtrlrXzs6wXUhlqH3bXszc0iPnqexociffnjsoWDQJNdvEf6RNVE0Hth34=w640-h438" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The artwork and detail that went into the construction. The representation of each of the figures and what they meant, scaring off warring peoples or the threat of hell for those who didn't repent. You could study this one site for years. Unbelievable that we are standing in the spot where Caesar stood, walked and gave orders to his soldiers. </b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPGn8b3Zy711tLfjIMEhMeOdXxjtmNJMKO2sROXDf2RCFx2I7M2RCyi7YyvZRtFNU4uNzgVfrs5stPlK37wbceKnPVl63YlR5Br2gcCT3ZVF10Yc3HhvnA1PUIP-ZzNIivhTlqotfzT4PA9YuunM_XHkarrnACbZpzu0AXvuxp6M4oLg83DtD9sli99qw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="1262" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPGn8b3Zy711tLfjIMEhMeOdXxjtmNJMKO2sROXDf2RCFx2I7M2RCyi7YyvZRtFNU4uNzgVfrs5stPlK37wbceKnPVl63YlR5Br2gcCT3ZVF10Yc3HhvnA1PUIP-ZzNIivhTlqotfzT4PA9YuunM_XHkarrnACbZpzu0AXvuxp6M4oLg83DtD9sli99qw=w640-h282" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The interior of the church is even more amazing. This side chapel has a red hue around the top. This is from two very narrow, maybe 12" by 48", red pieces of glass. The thought that went into each chapel along the sides. The artist aspect was well thought out.</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKZK3_dBZQUhd5-Fd7WSz67EqESQqz_6s1v-HTxQxKIvz7uUkag9udAQpA_GXx_Jt6G0uSgDgz3iZ_3nPWBA8GBYGFKHaanu-L831mDL3wohLRQWacBIO2m4G1GvOucKBZPmsSpzQHfmeLTdn05IiVheOstvH6Q1mPsvZFsTkVEUasCRSE5qU7hOk7R60" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="257" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKZK3_dBZQUhd5-Fd7WSz67EqESQqz_6s1v-HTxQxKIvz7uUkag9udAQpA_GXx_Jt6G0uSgDgz3iZ_3nPWBA8GBYGFKHaanu-L831mDL3wohLRQWacBIO2m4G1GvOucKBZPmsSpzQHfmeLTdn05IiVheOstvH6Q1mPsvZFsTkVEUasCRSE5qU7hOk7R60=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4B5AmaSa7tquFuOYhd9AwQhGEztVJCwn-ZTfS9a3vUB_x5YLhU7OKHyNpe6c4txBO3JHUhBkcAHBJ3uOCdBgcqZ8uhIkvhVGIcPI5J4TcmHip5HUrb_PHp1LA03GQJdKuT5v9ZhiMwVIhQQtqtS2DY7AxDj78ukaOge91Q-p_tMuE8_7Ov66QOVLC3tM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="330" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4B5AmaSa7tquFuOYhd9AwQhGEztVJCwn-ZTfS9a3vUB_x5YLhU7OKHyNpe6c4txBO3JHUhBkcAHBJ3uOCdBgcqZ8uhIkvhVGIcPI5J4TcmHip5HUrb_PHp1LA03GQJdKuT5v9ZhiMwVIhQQtqtS2DY7AxDj78ukaOge91Q-p_tMuE8_7Ov66QOVLC3tM=w379-h640" width="379" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYNI-IwkvFM69mTnFPd0ZlDS-jtLRlnj5pDvJhu-dXlucaZqPGIW3nwZMjNsAm8VrtHNGqzwEM_E6vtuF3vqz34gCraIMIbHKT8xZS5FsP4TaDswR5yjkmAj2zv7DTHKOjDMqYmrhRmaOIQYUb-jfMICE67uhzx3NxlO9x8Mmj9zyBpdTdXCmAGkAcDOo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="273" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYNI-IwkvFM69mTnFPd0ZlDS-jtLRlnj5pDvJhu-dXlucaZqPGIW3nwZMjNsAm8VrtHNGqzwEM_E6vtuF3vqz34gCraIMIbHKT8xZS5FsP4TaDswR5yjkmAj2zv7DTHKOjDMqYmrhRmaOIQYUb-jfMICE67uhzx3NxlO9x8Mmj9zyBpdTdXCmAGkAcDOo=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXN-brHh698VEayRvXz-9RlJpkl6vfuqIVKhCvRrrMNHbYgtFrxfMO8Pv3CacSKE9eufsyAn-p5_4SChPXXESZ0Fwp6MCPO7weH5OMdDvXo7nPg921JUfX-r-302oo_CENS7OZQ_qkN5NJ6hr8vRjek1zWxRYjFO-rfzktTkWQNR9eRzwOEcF5RIdIg2E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="252" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXN-brHh698VEayRvXz-9RlJpkl6vfuqIVKhCvRrrMNHbYgtFrxfMO8Pv3CacSKE9eufsyAn-p5_4SChPXXESZ0Fwp6MCPO7weH5OMdDvXo7nPg921JUfX-r-302oo_CENS7OZQ_qkN5NJ6hr8vRjek1zWxRYjFO-rfzktTkWQNR9eRzwOEcF5RIdIg2E=w333-h640" width="333" /></a></div><br /><b>The lighthouse that was later added.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZsjZy6ONX8vj74qvS9kWp-5SDrhpcHbRKf_nV9I0iMiaCloHSzdcSgoKcM-C54QYqcsIAgtOUbBARmEFZzJhrpRqH6FCV6pWzP93I1ygivS8icjhcIpEiAepagtIA_wEDrwc5HMmZOH_MuM9KvPEVPwomVnL3gfLp5iI5VzlxtAUf6enxYDlUM5KBv8k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="278" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZsjZy6ONX8vj74qvS9kWp-5SDrhpcHbRKf_nV9I0iMiaCloHSzdcSgoKcM-C54QYqcsIAgtOUbBARmEFZzJhrpRqH6FCV6pWzP93I1ygivS8icjhcIpEiAepagtIA_wEDrwc5HMmZOH_MuM9KvPEVPwomVnL3gfLp5iI5VzlxtAUf6enxYDlUM5KBv8k=w301-h640" width="301" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>Back to the house this afternoon for a quick lunch and a nap. We took off for Laredo which was a short 20 minute drive. We didn't find it too exciting but we were on the hunt for something I damaged. I always carry my hot water coil. Well, we had a cup of noodles for lunch and we are accustomed to having an egg cooked in it kind of like egg drop soup. Well, it was too much for the coil and it snapped. It still works but don't check the water with your finger or you'll get a shock. We went to several places but had no luck finding a new one.</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>We did run across this parking area for rvs. Some of them are so cool!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiizfyBlbRQuEJSLzKeSD7auaBhNLNoXMqVqU-4T-2RGBQsIJ7fmoagOk1BT9qBezRMSbt6yEfkmxnzc9CNPknxQ_IepkWMbN1EvjzC8arX9cJ3olVrNjCTPAkQSnCrcR0xn_QWpLbsz2-2oKmdnMtZu3rNa37eeykGoXNq3LAUNBGOxNkz8TyQZIwHdM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="1273" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiizfyBlbRQuEJSLzKeSD7auaBhNLNoXMqVqU-4T-2RGBQsIJ7fmoagOk1BT9qBezRMSbt6yEfkmxnzc9CNPknxQ_IepkWMbN1EvjzC8arX9cJ3olVrNjCTPAkQSnCrcR0xn_QWpLbsz2-2oKmdnMtZu3rNa37eeykGoXNq3LAUNBGOxNkz8TyQZIwHdM=w640-h274" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>A shot from the hilltop over looking the coast of Laredo!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7r22N2EFZTgm3jOcWD5QUeuE-5NC-SQMdAxw4PiqR61rwqZAnuT0QXz1UUrLarYy0cnFrUGOjNEmJt28ivL5VXI8ZEa5AjBCKCzXWEhao07mhuQtPoA84YFOVJjrpVIcL333hNDPLx_Cb8Ve3ouhPiDQJqkpi4MXXTlagh6oLxZ2fG515HkZ0tiyhP_U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="1277" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7r22N2EFZTgm3jOcWD5QUeuE-5NC-SQMdAxw4PiqR61rwqZAnuT0QXz1UUrLarYy0cnFrUGOjNEmJt28ivL5VXI8ZEa5AjBCKCzXWEhao07mhuQtPoA84YFOVJjrpVIcL333hNDPLx_Cb8Ve3ouhPiDQJqkpi4MXXTlagh6oLxZ2fG515HkZ0tiyhP_U=w640-h284" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Tomorrow off to Santander for the morning and then back to Castro-Urdiales. </div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-8237880334853488132023-08-14T01:27:00.001-07:002023-08-14T13:23:45.297-07:00Hike From Sepulveda To La Hermitaliving.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>On Saturday I made some coffee in our room. I carry a small coil heater and instant coffee with us so we don't have to go anywhere. Some Airbnbs don't have coffeemakers although we try to make that one of our musts on the list of amenities.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Off we went up to the hills until we four the Hoces del Rio Duratón Park. This takes you to a hike along the cliffs overlooking the river as well as the convent off in the distance. Originally, La Hermita was a monastery and nuns took it over in the 18th century. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We left just in time. The sun has been beating down on Europe the last two weeks with more to come. During our stay, we realized that the streets, shops and plaza are deserted not only for siesta but also because of the heat. As the sun goes down behind the hills the people start to crawl out.</b></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl8JFj2SZcMKZ_c7KqmaX5e8wNC_oUgRnXegHzIUtF76otNuXIB-RG2lOwQ4h0zaaSwNk3eaF8BIwBkUz0CU4zqJtQcArc5Ij7ymahtkmZV7R4EORv99iRGnYPK3MeQ1NDl6tCDBpwzzF8hWTyq3VLJS1W9AMSzPvTRBUmvb50L_fe_MDthWzU9s_sA0k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="841" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl8JFj2SZcMKZ_c7KqmaX5e8wNC_oUgRnXegHzIUtF76otNuXIB-RG2lOwQ4h0zaaSwNk3eaF8BIwBkUz0CU4zqJtQcArc5Ij7ymahtkmZV7R4EORv99iRGnYPK3MeQ1NDl6tCDBpwzzF8hWTyq3VLJS1W9AMSzPvTRBUmvb50L_fe_MDthWzU9s_sA0k=w640-h440" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>On the map above you can see the trails we took although they do extend much further. We decided to keep going both over cliffs along the river as well as to the Hermita.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlw4kpw012sqlLowW21a1l6nXMPVNpLUdpT12S10zDhKuQcteHBlTGz8hPLkbPkVMO6QssEbkmZpMTUPJ2q8Lw5Me3nRK74IqeCHk94h-R7eTZa4nIJ6ERdo9ErgmPhrwq9lOuZFyXOaHet3HliIYvwkYbxg94cduGokbJTYZnOTrYzLQyWFVodR5TaMw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1272" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlw4kpw012sqlLowW21a1l6nXMPVNpLUdpT12S10zDhKuQcteHBlTGz8hPLkbPkVMO6QssEbkmZpMTUPJ2q8Lw5Me3nRK74IqeCHk94h-R7eTZa4nIJ6ERdo9ErgmPhrwq9lOuZFyXOaHet3HliIYvwkYbxg94cduGokbJTYZnOTrYzLQyWFVodR5TaMw=w640-h282" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwI2cW8S_rnVpvHze9efTpw-yMtB5LnRNmlVFvw1pM1_J4wg9MKNycvgZ7_SY_Ocp5eq-OZ_ZNY8XeLyd3L6lfWq78ZUEFORWSIQxUgSuFaNGER3ErXmucjjuAEdMVMzpISLAnKE_EgjTIqiej1r9P-NKSp5YPnRgM9PGz0iguGa1VbHSnhHI3JrtIxfo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="1245" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwI2cW8S_rnVpvHze9efTpw-yMtB5LnRNmlVFvw1pM1_J4wg9MKNycvgZ7_SY_Ocp5eq-OZ_ZNY8XeLyd3L6lfWq78ZUEFORWSIQxUgSuFaNGER3ErXmucjjuAEdMVMzpISLAnKE_EgjTIqiej1r9P-NKSp5YPnRgM9PGz0iguGa1VbHSnhHI3JrtIxfo=w640-h286" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhziqikaOHYdQO4tKFRJGHxIBnn9WnYEzzZIkh-yxCxP6KNgwRVafJdSWs98FzWDz96vnzq0k4eozKv2mQaJUxzvp1lNsUXB3oC0uUdTjrr2rx7eVucoyszTdaG8f2ulm1C0r5F3BBbIDdQK5YBf7d0Sc9BHSoGSvsgDD2qXrLDmmPh4g1yrk1XvSzhb28" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1227" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhziqikaOHYdQO4tKFRJGHxIBnn9WnYEzzZIkh-yxCxP6KNgwRVafJdSWs98FzWDz96vnzq0k4eozKv2mQaJUxzvp1lNsUXB3oC0uUdTjrr2rx7eVucoyszTdaG8f2ulm1C0r5F3BBbIDdQK5YBf7d0Sc9BHSoGSvsgDD2qXrLDmmPh4g1yrk1XvSzhb28=w640-h300" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeq2jHcP_ADBlrjy0zyqc3_E8ftBRzcFTBv9lkiOjN3mLdEmpTckbbkDeEoowEcwbJyF3eMRf8Tj9gG74WcaFHwGUGg_HRa69aovRh5x9PTFEdHyBKtscNlVeV_ahayVeqhTtHDOxZBV7h2QP_Ysg5JfCzadde9JvclCqlQtF1ZEw9WiNfH8Aw4jYSSWg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1249" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeq2jHcP_ADBlrjy0zyqc3_E8ftBRzcFTBv9lkiOjN3mLdEmpTckbbkDeEoowEcwbJyF3eMRf8Tj9gG74WcaFHwGUGg_HRa69aovRh5x9PTFEdHyBKtscNlVeV_ahayVeqhTtHDOxZBV7h2QP_Ysg5JfCzadde9JvclCqlQtF1ZEw9WiNfH8Aw4jYSSWg=w640-h294" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Coming to the steps of the Hermita you see the monument with the cross marking the spot where construction began.</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoDXaWhA2vb1RtU7piJbCOAlc6LtBg_Rbu8WXbqplhJny37EVLdbvm-7tJZ6F8JWWKrXtfbKJUCdsL0x4V1N0C7D5Kkveb0LdeDLkGKW4nKirQgNaeltEWphe4QFogV9670wsDbZdHXAb-mschWIjMq77Oqn9Ki2O5hnHKpfVVSPiO7dfg2XAHKZ-6iuc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="1223" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoDXaWhA2vb1RtU7piJbCOAlc6LtBg_Rbu8WXbqplhJny37EVLdbvm-7tJZ6F8JWWKrXtfbKJUCdsL0x4V1N0C7D5Kkveb0LdeDLkGKW4nKirQgNaeltEWphe4QFogV9670wsDbZdHXAb-mschWIjMq77Oqn9Ki2O5hnHKpfVVSPiO7dfg2XAHKZ-6iuc=w640-h292" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>It is amazing to think that construction was started in 1093. Since that time though, many additions were made and the place was abandoned in the late 1800s.</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFyQ94tpgTU6X-duycvMuhBx0JLOgswxBaF5HSmD_p1q1zI7ldsLt-fuJlzJyZcTsoCPums6G6m8TMvk9raiId67-f-ulVEgOv42VaYyuj8oRTzONvdjqTIpV15pq-XCn9drSbhfbKe9PdmSTRa7Opl5S8w4DltoLiGMqRE_ThDlT0uLdpYlPKqy3EmzU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1265" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFyQ94tpgTU6X-duycvMuhBx0JLOgswxBaF5HSmD_p1q1zI7ldsLt-fuJlzJyZcTsoCPums6G6m8TMvk9raiId67-f-ulVEgOv42VaYyuj8oRTzONvdjqTIpV15pq-XCn9drSbhfbKe9PdmSTRa7Opl5S8w4DltoLiGMqRE_ThDlT0uLdpYlPKqy3EmzU=w640-h284" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><b>The church was built in the early 1800s and was added to the the small chapel in the picture below.</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDrKwdAjig9rnPJlWM3nngPZHiznN1ZczZ0_4gPWMSq81150jYsd01GxT3BlneVDFR2TafTRxYml2OEqJ-nWofmFB-iKkaz2qDrMNxPVxz7DecInAO9xMWWEJNsFaK0MdymDEmkAoc_b6dEiPPk4DIf729kAsld2qXShznvupnPnKbP942NAefAqzDk8w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1240" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDrKwdAjig9rnPJlWM3nngPZHiznN1ZczZ0_4gPWMSq81150jYsd01GxT3BlneVDFR2TafTRxYml2OEqJ-nWofmFB-iKkaz2qDrMNxPVxz7DecInAO9xMWWEJNsFaK0MdymDEmkAoc_b6dEiPPk4DIf729kAsld2qXShznvupnPnKbP942NAefAqzDk8w=w640-h290" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>At the bottom of this altar you can see a door on each side. By crawling through one side and out of the other three times your petitions will come to fruition. Juan did it but I am wondering what his petition was. I told him it isn't that easy to make me disappear.</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjI4BL6FoWwKQXQG0zPbkGO57kvo4FKFU-7Gi4fcX6i79_Jfpp364eRSPg8jMY0BmAC-0ej_t_0nCA-bahazPxTTEI8uV7Lkj4nsWrjnQRlqyIQ3O1e9pZ3G5-kw2kz4BtzEsEau_3swgfRXzyamHiZnY91Z6QeupwMQV9taUvQiHOK2DK9UFeQZvC36bY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="283" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjI4BL6FoWwKQXQG0zPbkGO57kvo4FKFU-7Gi4fcX6i79_Jfpp364eRSPg8jMY0BmAC-0ej_t_0nCA-bahazPxTTEI8uV7Lkj4nsWrjnQRlqyIQ3O1e9pZ3G5-kw2kz4BtzEsEau_3swgfRXzyamHiZnY91Z6QeupwMQV9taUvQiHOK2DK9UFeQZvC36bY=w304-h640" width="304" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>The air was cool and a slight breeze made the morning hike relaxing and fun. So many pictures to share. We went back to our room and made a delicious bocadillo, a torta with hard chorizo and some cheese along with a nice hot coffee. After siesta, we sat outside and drank a small beer before heading out to the main plaza. We found some small shops that had been closed earlier in the day because of lunch and we kind of poked around them. We found some delicious cookies for a bedtime snack along with a glass of wine. Wine is very inexpensive in Spain and we are drinking it mostly instead of vodka.</b></div></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-58104336865061893202023-08-11T23:46:00.003-07:002023-08-12T00:55:39.760-07:00Sepulveda - Heading North Through Spain<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>We are really enjoying Spain!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi-SddGkY3MjlN2z5eQcS-5cH07QDmKtyvvFJO1GEI_KcU62QTMHd1df2NswAkNX-8S__ZK15Y--knKhp_5wehwPii7FaDYvQiiAvB6m2CAhg7SmW6kiDrq_r7KjVW8tt5MZJOZozqQGOodGLNDKKrk5lDlOk93JA4NrStTldZ3g3IL9BDPKU_Y4LzyKY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="731" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi-SddGkY3MjlN2z5eQcS-5cH07QDmKtyvvFJO1GEI_KcU62QTMHd1df2NswAkNX-8S__ZK15Y--knKhp_5wehwPii7FaDYvQiiAvB6m2CAhg7SmW6kiDrq_r7KjVW8tt5MZJOZozqQGOodGLNDKKrk5lDlOk93JA4NrStTldZ3g3IL9BDPKU_Y4LzyKY=w640-h468" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Palacio Cristal</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0YjeGG--ABgQmCDRSsVI6Is0wdOf5Qm3iAm3KT-upyrlLrOEQmZKTCmDOMLoqULWtl7upJ2bemIa_HLA4xtMI4GkxbVjUWK2vqrhcXEoacPnkGclUvN53n3lOz2x7mtMvDtvD2RwKGa35Zo4rvrgul8r0PGmukV2XecSm0NBa1T4hZX2UdqdIi1r4rRc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="1227" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0YjeGG--ABgQmCDRSsVI6Is0wdOf5Qm3iAm3KT-upyrlLrOEQmZKTCmDOMLoqULWtl7upJ2bemIa_HLA4xtMI4GkxbVjUWK2vqrhcXEoacPnkGclUvN53n3lOz2x7mtMvDtvD2RwKGa35Zo4rvrgul8r0PGmukV2XecSm0NBa1T4hZX2UdqdIi1r4rRc=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>We went to the Palacio de Cristal. It was a fun walk out of the downtown area on a major avenue. We stopped in a church built in 1802 where we discovered that Saint Ann was Jesus' grandmother. We looked at each other and thought the same thing. Of course, everyone has a grandmother.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9iWjl1R2GUG3XnmNsjCPiQkB16PuR5RyzRs9AwH3RLqOoP5J0lzVKW15YZFYK2wOCAPPUeT2WDFscHlsrwqlWllcKYQWAzZMXHpBdfS-ZBKNhfcc2DwvCLrM4zx18xE4VWPo5cG82JT2cvNMyoy1dUt8tKY62vKilyzm1LRuqhmvFSEmAsmMJgx99WxE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="1253" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9iWjl1R2GUG3XnmNsjCPiQkB16PuR5RyzRs9AwH3RLqOoP5J0lzVKW15YZFYK2wOCAPPUeT2WDFscHlsrwqlWllcKYQWAzZMXHpBdfS-ZBKNhfcc2DwvCLrM4zx18xE4VWPo5cG82JT2cvNMyoy1dUt8tKY62vKilyzm1LRuqhmvFSEmAsmMJgx99WxE=w640-h280" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Palacio Cristal is set in a huge park and botanical garden. What a relief to be among the green and not to mention the much cooler air. A lake sits in front of the palace which was once a huge arboretum. Beautiful construction. A lot of very friendly tourists willing to help each other take pictures. We met quite a few people and one interesting character from Huesca, Spain. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRsYqKIiBllwVy1fkhuNe6wU_qHotgdAYzlCRDCO8TqU-S7_t-mQGh4Ii7aZqpzsX8Vc7iC3qDW1ohMIkjmiqrCPyglakka4zDXrLd3ts20bokfEe51lJCitEbamV6CJVo88ndd1LB7CT1Ph5VfGv0VJ_F6UMk8FwxhGiW22dT1Rt4Kj5in27TeG8HzY8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="285" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRsYqKIiBllwVy1fkhuNe6wU_qHotgdAYzlCRDCO8TqU-S7_t-mQGh4Ii7aZqpzsX8Vc7iC3qDW1ohMIkjmiqrCPyglakka4zDXrLd3ts20bokfEe51lJCitEbamV6CJVo88ndd1LB7CT1Ph5VfGv0VJ_F6UMk8FwxhGiW22dT1Rt4Kj5in27TeG8HzY8=w349-h640" width="349" /></a></div></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>It was a long walk, a hot day but well worth it. Later in the day, we took a walk in the tourist area to look for something to eat. We passed one couple with their kids and as we looked at their table on the outside patio he told us how good the Hindu food was. Then he went on about a place called Mercado San Miguel. The name alone said it. It's like a market filled with small stands that sell tapas of all kinds imaginable. We weren't that hungry so that fit the bill. A glass of wine and a couple of tapas. We went home and called it a night.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mercado San Miguel</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQ6SON6iQZBVFWhEM149mGEBPtk-VCenl93P06v9XfJ-sosZ7-1dBbZ5vodXXRVXSpiY12K6bI5c2vCr5MIgpwetPFAVasBZANfd6NgfODRQ7deMsP9lT8ENH7PmX5CBBC8rPxKePA4HuX5SW0x36XXDHr5oPtS0jintBQSN-UM05B5sIz5qggsv8dip8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="1066" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQ6SON6iQZBVFWhEM149mGEBPtk-VCenl93P06v9XfJ-sosZ7-1dBbZ5vodXXRVXSpiY12K6bI5c2vCr5MIgpwetPFAVasBZANfd6NgfODRQ7deMsP9lT8ENH7PmX5CBBC8rPxKePA4HuX5SW0x36XXDHr5oPtS0jintBQSN-UM05B5sIz5qggsv8dip8=w640-h306" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqon5x6xCBJQ955XPwBj_HqWBNXur4ZJVJ3Tam-pySdyAXz94d6seTQrmERajtRTfL-6YLhXgIAbH76cjOxNLK5jcFLVrsHdyh0seHNMJx9grRX9TNx4OjGvaozphC20Sk3EgvNOUFbWHMgD3_b8gkS2XvUFZpTKRu0JNuQej8EsnvLcyLIWwOVYqiP70" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="894" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqon5x6xCBJQ955XPwBj_HqWBNXur4ZJVJ3Tam-pySdyAXz94d6seTQrmERajtRTfL-6YLhXgIAbH76cjOxNLK5jcFLVrsHdyh0seHNMJx9grRX9TNx4OjGvaozphC20Sk3EgvNOUFbWHMgD3_b8gkS2XvUFZpTKRu0JNuQej8EsnvLcyLIWwOVYqiP70=w640-h350" width="640" /></a></div></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We'll spend the weekend here at Sepulveda. Tomorrow and Sunday are for hiking, one semi-long and one short. The heat is really too much to stay out to long. Monday we will head for Burgos. We found a small apartment (Airbnb). We are now looking for a small styrofoam ice chest to take the rest of the trip. More on shopping later. </b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKFR9WdxftFL9HNadWxrK6x7_IUjldiKXfpNivGxOhc0FsDaxeUYDLPR8I8-p4ELR-3AL3cxxEOwKWU4o5LpWw3PuIsslpIKJVcp9BF31mUCVdBofzqe9ge10g7zhTms-nTw0r2E-1bYH7FzGid7-3QMKSq6Fuqk68JqK18vsRkreKtl1Gg7xxPEDU_R8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="1133" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKFR9WdxftFL9HNadWxrK6x7_IUjldiKXfpNivGxOhc0FsDaxeUYDLPR8I8-p4ELR-3AL3cxxEOwKWU4o5LpWw3PuIsslpIKJVcp9BF31mUCVdBofzqe9ge10g7zhTms-nTw0r2E-1bYH7FzGid7-3QMKSq6Fuqk68JqK18vsRkreKtl1Gg7xxPEDU_R8=w640-h274" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Up early we headed to the airport to pick up our car. The subway was busy but not to crowded. It was easy finding our way back and we arrived to the rental kiosk in 45 minutes. The reservation was ready and they handed us the keys to a 2022 Fiat 500, a small car but with air conditioning. That's all we need. We headed out to the highway, the airport is on the outskirts of Madrid, and off we went. It took me a couple of minutes to get the hang of the highway and people here drive fast. I mean much faster than we drive at home.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVGAE2i9HanPg1s6vGDK0seJjO03HPosT-4E5ZUpUgLZWM956Rlz_zfjKfn7pbqE09sIvhZnRNH6nSziV2nu--7FDk7RFoKuvziSQFFpB77jkxyuqBg8F9njJpQfqsN23D33Xji3W9x_9CArbcF-gNYaCSLq4c5Hc0I9fxvg_u0UUR57KyodqrPh5aRC8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="1119" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVGAE2i9HanPg1s6vGDK0seJjO03HPosT-4E5ZUpUgLZWM956Rlz_zfjKfn7pbqE09sIvhZnRNH6nSziV2nu--7FDk7RFoKuvziSQFFpB77jkxyuqBg8F9njJpQfqsN23D33Xji3W9x_9CArbcF-gNYaCSLq4c5Hc0I9fxvg_u0UUR57KyodqrPh5aRC8=w640-h280" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Off we went to our hotel in Sepulveda. A small town will a few hundred people with a church and castle built in 1093. It was hot today but we did make it up to 3000 ft so it did cool down to about 35C. Tonight, it's a cool 29C with a breeze. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>This is the town square. At night, things really liven up. I'll try to post a short video tomorrow.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEictg7sXi6scJ0bg8X9eZu1G9tHoJwTRNrKhTzApVGdW6zC0PX1l-RTW2C5jHtJlnqBnLdrzbin9zUOch7rgssxsGLzASVNYwGE3pFoXJXNH4OvNkmFhpe5Mk2biyf6qRR_G2db0bYm-ctAzgDTJUn7_BxlJetLggp5fE0vVGcqD5KIF_uNT-4clTMSgOw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="1128" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEictg7sXi6scJ0bg8X9eZu1G9tHoJwTRNrKhTzApVGdW6zC0PX1l-RTW2C5jHtJlnqBnLdrzbin9zUOch7rgssxsGLzASVNYwGE3pFoXJXNH4OvNkmFhpe5Mk2biyf6qRR_G2db0bYm-ctAzgDTJUn7_BxlJetLggp5fE0vVGcqD5KIF_uNT-4clTMSgOw=w640-h276" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>An interesting fact. I was able to figure out why it was light at 9:15 p.m. I did some quick research and back during the days of Nazism, Franco decided to align the clock to coincide with Berlin and the Hitler regime. It has never changed. Now add DST and the sunset today was at 9:16 p.m.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2u0tjQTOJ5Wu4_OjKPwZyRRIvvYDKoMyL6aiRw0spNINecLOg5Lq5Dgf0k_ex8hxKgbnvRnMCEEEPtbJCzWuaLp6iTd5jEkaauINRBf5eOYfR-wtHPTFGK-Kct2eGVUcpfH_ultODfYuj_fm7L4qG4Pe4jqZOoTztmELNN97g_DnvvLYFZLmc4iJH5KA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="243" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2u0tjQTOJ5Wu4_OjKPwZyRRIvvYDKoMyL6aiRw0spNINecLOg5Lq5Dgf0k_ex8hxKgbnvRnMCEEEPtbJCzWuaLp6iTd5jEkaauINRBf5eOYfR-wtHPTFGK-Kct2eGVUcpfH_ultODfYuj_fm7L4qG4Pe4jqZOoTztmELNN97g_DnvvLYFZLmc4iJH5KA=w341-h640" width="341" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The first order of business was to take a nap. I was beat. Yesterday we did over 19,500 steps. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Acres and acres of sunflower seeds. They produce sunflower oil and also sell the seeds for use in snacks.</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUzkDzxZDTqSF2zDOjYoak5HWIwYjZ2VHykM_cbs95thPQze_ZTv6fO_YMJKHAYMlD5r6oxSS6F0H0gVhRXdkWMjSbDEyy3J8CvQZcsZXrSyWahK4tZ4V-jaXUKJxA9F8KgziyrjG25U8h2wots-6ArDKgnRwBzKLCkh2krUBZs5KlYOKPiZuoxZnUZuI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="1137" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUzkDzxZDTqSF2zDOjYoak5HWIwYjZ2VHykM_cbs95thPQze_ZTv6fO_YMJKHAYMlD5r6oxSS6F0H0gVhRXdkWMjSbDEyy3J8CvQZcsZXrSyWahK4tZ4V-jaXUKJxA9F8KgziyrjG25U8h2wots-6ArDKgnRwBzKLCkh2krUBZs5KlYOKPiZuoxZnUZuI=w640-h272" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-53005103919272326082023-08-09T22:05:00.001-07:002023-08-09T22:05:27.003-07:00Madrid - Palacio Real de España<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Spain and most of Europe is suffering a heat wave. Temperatures all over the country are in the high 30Cs and low 40Cs. Here in Madrid, the temperatures are hovering around 39C. We have a lot of experience with those temps so they are tolerable. Lots of water and as we walk along the streets we dart in and out of department stores where the air conditioning is set on "chill". We are in the center the major tourist area and we are taking advantage of the sites. Anxious to move out of the big city and into the countryside, we return to the airport tomorrow to pick up the car for our trip north. We don't expect the weather to cool much but we will be passing through higher altitudes. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Yesterday, we took off early in the morning to form the line for the Palacio Real. A huge complex of wealth and royalty. The lines were long but moved very quickly. Three lines; groups, purchased tickets, and those without tickets. We took our chances and got in line about 15 minutes before opening without tickets. It was fast and we were in before we knew it. We took advantage of the 65 and over prices and paid 6<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">€ or half price. It was well worth it.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbJMF6amGxPG6trQzASrpoTie5ht6zfmerEbczOU9WblKxfewAGwcnL-yx_f3prHRUAuxFbYODkySf7tIVRrEZNrerrHbbLnKAzk5Ejq1y0joqDZWEqNLyhshmDlqNHeapa3LJGIytMAa0LF2sjDramLhQ4lPCYvCSuRf9RYhg-jebXDsl0Itc09KSQxE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="1079" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbJMF6amGxPG6trQzASrpoTie5ht6zfmerEbczOU9WblKxfewAGwcnL-yx_f3prHRUAuxFbYODkySf7tIVRrEZNrerrHbbLnKAzk5Ejq1y0joqDZWEqNLyhshmDlqNHeapa3LJGIytMAa0LF2sjDramLhQ4lPCYvCSuRf9RYhg-jebXDsl0Itc09KSQxE=w640-h282" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Walking through the esplanade of the palace after paying for the tickets. People-watching is the best for me in addition to walking through the covered arches along the sides of the palace. I can only imagine what life was like and how they lived. </b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-vTwFI2S_JxF5VtOyaLXlvHxLFRnf7PdliphedQvUoeLieh5orMfc8WFeGaPWkBs2VNq83WRew_-S9MAe3w5jbYArcXzzmWVsr6Q8GJXLn3KhF2uN9nDVwFkDjS1rWnTCxSnxIO7jeE0U_IkUXiFq3vRDH4BePyJfZI7prvWZzUM8Ft9bYIxy4CSWS94" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="1077" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-vTwFI2S_JxF5VtOyaLXlvHxLFRnf7PdliphedQvUoeLieh5orMfc8WFeGaPWkBs2VNq83WRew_-S9MAe3w5jbYArcXzzmWVsr6Q8GJXLn3KhF2uN9nDVwFkDjS1rWnTCxSnxIO7jeE0U_IkUXiFq3vRDH4BePyJfZI7prvWZzUM8Ft9bYIxy4CSWS94=w640-h286" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivPPBw4dBIAi0QxUTdD1oxryb-uOAo8A__Zl_KMpN6rObvkizYOMKGqypP8tw-Sy-4iPdqzPaDK-5r6esfefyH2QuqJcdCFzOVgG6iqGVUTgBzxQGyPVNoonBQTDJKlpXzq21SUZV_XYdwsbbUYJitKOBvDk7McKkFnYgSNJuIqX-xgRTPZQt6FNpo-0c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="217" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivPPBw4dBIAi0QxUTdD1oxryb-uOAo8A__Zl_KMpN6rObvkizYOMKGqypP8tw-Sy-4iPdqzPaDK-5r6esfefyH2QuqJcdCFzOVgG6iqGVUTgBzxQGyPVNoonBQTDJKlpXzq21SUZV_XYdwsbbUYJitKOBvDk7McKkFnYgSNJuIqX-xgRTPZQt6FNpo-0c=w325-h640" width="325" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The main hall and staircase take you up to the apartments where the royalty lived. If you've watched the "Crown" on Netflix it gives you a good idea of what life was like. All of the European royalty was related and the Hapsburg family played a huge roll in most throughout the 15th to the 20th centuries. </b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwhG7JfGW9BZs57SbYzAzf5txBVQxG7eu52Ffn8W_j1L7vRQ1L0C5JyxtK76H9IZOZJhDv8whLJADy87JWdNnVt6CzeHZM3xPqXOb6RJhFJu_lxPW919QYr_W_rC0LH4FI9kBfxRfaQM112hX7opL6L5ihOLmDySNEkLB0AKsKz9OMlbdVWZ02w4O53gI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="1082" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwhG7JfGW9BZs57SbYzAzf5txBVQxG7eu52Ffn8W_j1L7vRQ1L0C5JyxtK76H9IZOZJhDv8whLJADy87JWdNnVt6CzeHZM3xPqXOb6RJhFJu_lxPW919QYr_W_rC0LH4FI9kBfxRfaQM112hX7opL6L5ihOLmDySNEkLB0AKsKz9OMlbdVWZ02w4O53gI=w640-h286" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The ceilings are lined with beautifully hand-painted murals. Ceilings are mostly angels floating around above us while the tapestries that line the walls depict the daily life of rural areas and citizens. In fact, many of the tapestries were initially sketches made in the 16th century and woven 200 years later. It truly brings things to life and how people lived, worked, and even played. Unfortunately, I can't share those views. After we left the main halls cameras were forbidden. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTMe20_qKrhkPbSqyMObSpA7mKxH8c90J3vi6fD9msZit4ihJyRhDcuELRy9HmOLKn5UGZ7lo0ahjDDoy52gBsyfpn5GD0dqZ1EhppWeKZqcIpcsn64c3REIMN5HLMPqvoNdRheCT4dt7QV7jqEa4z8NF8RPbp-mKECkQyfmn_yMXm5nBZ4qiq-mrUGa0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="223" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTMe20_qKrhkPbSqyMObSpA7mKxH8c90J3vi6fD9msZit4ihJyRhDcuELRy9HmOLKn5UGZ7lo0ahjDDoy52gBsyfpn5GD0dqZ1EhppWeKZqcIpcsn64c3REIMN5HLMPqvoNdRheCT4dt7QV7jqEa4z8NF8RPbp-mKECkQyfmn_yMXm5nBZ4qiq-mrUGa0=w344-h640" width="344" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>It's funny the lengths people will go to for "forbidden" pictures. We watched as a man told his kids to "cover" for him while he took photos. Another couple, blatantly took pictures and were told twice to stop and threatened with having their phones taken away and the pictures erased. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1c0315yR8N2smALe06Nog63EqOJwqy463AYrmY3QmZutDwcEXbVAAMukowinytMEKlF1vjSdmzZgNLccwBbcjx6REJujRSWeFvWDF3FVNiOBDIRkwPnnDx2d1GXYvEssm3ZrypDu4k81z5XZITHOliKrEeFWS6QiRsLGT3ZllsVblHUjnuFkosk-yOFY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="1077" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1c0315yR8N2smALe06Nog63EqOJwqy463AYrmY3QmZutDwcEXbVAAMukowinytMEKlF1vjSdmzZgNLccwBbcjx6REJujRSWeFvWDF3FVNiOBDIRkwPnnDx2d1GXYvEssm3ZrypDu4k81z5XZITHOliKrEeFWS6QiRsLGT3ZllsVblHUjnuFkosk-yOFY=w640-h286" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy7s0VzFgMWGByvvPw5oELfB6hvXb-dfWLvg7R1sxxTFOUvL6tflowVJOY_3n4OyfRDEb57MdzekRFhwc3yz_iKJ45gsAUVVsTq0z6Y8vdDN5seIob-3fAy90OzxKmLC_q4Ife9ajyhn5y9oIvsrbQo6qpbxZEFMor41PIe6JeZNzE-ElK0fHA-K9Euf8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="1086" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy7s0VzFgMWGByvvPw5oELfB6hvXb-dfWLvg7R1sxxTFOUvL6tflowVJOY_3n4OyfRDEb57MdzekRFhwc3yz_iKJ45gsAUVVsTq0z6Y8vdDN5seIob-3fAy90OzxKmLC_q4Ife9ajyhn5y9oIvsrbQo6qpbxZEFMor41PIe6JeZNzE-ElK0fHA-K9Euf8=w640-h284" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The interior courtyard of the palace. Seeing someone walk through there (staff only) looks quite demure compared to the size and height of the palace. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzaoeE57ApQYERjRzhQrlvOGbBhaisVNNQaraOCzDFxlv-N_CxxfOB2onCOvn61DuZxH21l9EvdA8xg2e-eYZVZ0iHoj0IzeWQ7EXb9n3KoMayMqxKHfcxSrAHArTbf_C0A-uqi_JvSzDBGF7aXpLy3TUSTE-B1Mb7kR3QXm_nFTT99sJygsPMaSi0xVo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="1077" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzaoeE57ApQYERjRzhQrlvOGbBhaisVNNQaraOCzDFxlv-N_CxxfOB2onCOvn61DuZxH21l9EvdA8xg2e-eYZVZ0iHoj0IzeWQ7EXb9n3KoMayMqxKHfcxSrAHArTbf_C0A-uqi_JvSzDBGF7aXpLy3TUSTE-B1Mb7kR3QXm_nFTT99sJygsPMaSi0xVo=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The current royal family, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvWFiVoQOTYkwr9CGFgK-JcOqQF1n3BlAywPHSxWE4QaNFjp5t0S7G2CaqE62L1_ls7ai_IpTwV6Y7Xi3INzaWsH1y5-19nGARbG0-ZWwRzRMNWCPLG6zCB7Y3Oz5-SVqGBYIrs1gbMpesDNXCJpjRZRkpbgzUxiodED6hGYjopcPNzXop1SA-3sN_jyM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="1079" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvWFiVoQOTYkwr9CGFgK-JcOqQF1n3BlAywPHSxWE4QaNFjp5t0S7G2CaqE62L1_ls7ai_IpTwV6Y7Xi3INzaWsH1y5-19nGARbG0-ZWwRzRMNWCPLG6zCB7Y3Oz5-SVqGBYIrs1gbMpesDNXCJpjRZRkpbgzUxiodED6hGYjopcPNzXop1SA-3sN_jyM=w640-h280" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We're not into guided tours and groups but what we saw that we may try is the tablet tour. You receive a tablet and recorded information that takes you from room to room, painting and display. The people we saw using that were free to roam and seemed to be enjoying it quite a bit. I'm not sure about the cost but if we run across it again, we may give it a try.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Much more to share. Today we are visiting the Palacio de Cristal and the surrounding park. We will pack up this afternoon to head out early in the morning for the airport. The metro takes about 45 minutes but is easy to use. Google Maps has been a great app for us. Yesterday we were a bit turned around and used "Maps Live". You point the phone at the surroundings, signs, buildings, and streets and arrows appear on the screen directing you. </b></div></div></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8720309854271094186.post-51112152647600151502023-08-08T12:49:00.005-07:002023-08-08T12:49:37.831-07:00Spain Is Something Else<div style="text-align: justify;">l<b>iving.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We made it to Spain. The beginning of many trips to come. On the plane we were already planning our winter and spring trips. This is a quick look at our trip to Spain last night and then we are off to bed but not before having a cocktail.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We left SMA at 6:15 a.m. on Monday. No delays and we made it directly to the Mexico City airport and on time. It was a four and a half hours. Several accidents along the highways. Once at the airport, we did our check-in. We won't pay for airline seats but we did get two seats together. It was row 53 on an Airbus 350, 410 passengers. Yes, we were in the last row but right next to the kitchen and the bathrooms. Lousy food, good movies, uncomfortable seats, and turbulence for 80% of our flight. It was a blast! I'd do it again tomorrow. Well, we will be on our way home at the end of the month.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Here we are deplaning and it all went smoothly. First was immigration. Every country should take note. No B.S., just a passport, no questions, a stamp and out you go. Next, we headed to the information kiosk and asked for SIM card info (100GB plus 50GB extra for 25 Euros). Then the metro into the city and a four-block walk to the apartment. It was all so easy. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg528LBWEm8So_XScLuRuAZkUBaic1G_yPBLhCS7DlI0IX5a0XClkpC2wDv2xaZoVYw8X6i74OdaOFOJne2MEN-rWUzHjMNsqna4-wE3ctMZCi-mvn0Vvy_QWnbCs7bFVmUxTuH5S6_cRkt3kVvxq9XLKhxR9Rspa44JP5grv5U4MgTP5gESsIvCvT3cGo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="1116" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg528LBWEm8So_XScLuRuAZkUBaic1G_yPBLhCS7DlI0IX5a0XClkpC2wDv2xaZoVYw8X6i74OdaOFOJne2MEN-rWUzHjMNsqna4-wE3ctMZCi-mvn0Vvy_QWnbCs7bFVmUxTuH5S6_cRkt3kVvxq9XLKhxR9Rspa44JP5grv5U4MgTP5gESsIvCvT3cGo=w640-h270" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqMQBC6rx3j8dh3tMuPJPnief_-cvvMgHjRpa07vpNhN_H1bzDcIM9f_Qf749ja781jyxLxgXz3O8b3oZhtIF4Rovsz8iFLzDwtOd8bhAKaV4new7NQ5q1yUNht_ogpY3jIzHC8hwNRFUhEb87yRO18J9c6jXdn5Df1SuwhVSj7HMsv_URVEMBpcQPW54" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="892" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqMQBC6rx3j8dh3tMuPJPnief_-cvvMgHjRpa07vpNhN_H1bzDcIM9f_Qf749ja781jyxLxgXz3O8b3oZhtIF4Rovsz8iFLzDwtOd8bhAKaV4new7NQ5q1yUNht_ogpY3jIzHC8hwNRFUhEb87yRO18J9c6jXdn5Df1SuwhVSj7HMsv_URVEMBpcQPW54=w640-h372" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGAuNgLhErbdAMnbepgEIDD4Q4K0F9sNmB_5DaVk26-yL-1qtzbuJAoGu6eJeecN4e5_PAnpPvRWua9Oz1DvpnTSbiP-DRXjBFjXe46gNtAGu7bDcS6V-tuCU3OIskhrL45qOwRPiYTI0I0DaxTKykHp89K-Zcr_2x-qNgSBFM3SFutxOK8mgMzfOw69Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="904" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGAuNgLhErbdAMnbepgEIDD4Q4K0F9sNmB_5DaVk26-yL-1qtzbuJAoGu6eJeecN4e5_PAnpPvRWua9Oz1DvpnTSbiP-DRXjBFjXe46gNtAGu7bDcS6V-tuCU3OIskhrL45qOwRPiYTI0I0DaxTKykHp89K-Zcr_2x-qNgSBFM3SFutxOK8mgMzfOw69Y=w640-h364" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We got off the metro and walked to our apartment, opened the building door, got the key from the lock box and we were in. Then a quick one-hour nap. We went to a Corte de Ingles supermarket two blocks away and purchased the minimum for the next three days along with a bottle of vodka and a couple of brews. Very inexpensive and I was truly surprised. Similar to prices in Mexico. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5g-79ps68L2iI39x3TAQNf1Ma6IzCiZs4Tg6FtkMJI4br5VGMxz1N_aDC3gZH5UFwIjoO3HeLQDSJlveOi1uM8tzGAncRL9X7cjjwaPY3L20OFnN08XHPEuARNMEtrVnAxPPNXe9StsDNFIYla_5uDScT-UJJ8DWNODtl8O02kiuTj6XQbLklen7FnFg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="1106" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5g-79ps68L2iI39x3TAQNf1Ma6IzCiZs4Tg6FtkMJI4br5VGMxz1N_aDC3gZH5UFwIjoO3HeLQDSJlveOi1uM8tzGAncRL9X7cjjwaPY3L20OFnN08XHPEuARNMEtrVnAxPPNXe9StsDNFIYla_5uDScT-UJJ8DWNODtl8O02kiuTj6XQbLklen7FnFg=w640-h278" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>As we walked to the supermarket we found globalization everywhere. Take into account this is a tourist area so there is a Taco Bell, Burger King, Carrefour, and you said it, Tim Horton's. Les, take note.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifw7-KU7VmSHz2DWhQAubTVXurNZDZD-KFwAwmHjIHGtqPNfBB1rHpokV6wp94Tnkg9bz0vvnaEXPkblEyP_qDxwnVNrjtFWXBp4HAfIFnddde9QH0tXqCvivCzAivTyLw5-TuufxR3902d6stK05_-G4xxiolqY29TPUt1WHMFIuHMP8FElP9sqBuQF0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="1126" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifw7-KU7VmSHz2DWhQAubTVXurNZDZD-KFwAwmHjIHGtqPNfBB1rHpokV6wp94Tnkg9bz0vvnaEXPkblEyP_qDxwnVNrjtFWXBp4HAfIFnddde9QH0tXqCvivCzAivTyLw5-TuufxR3902d6stK05_-G4xxiolqY29TPUt1WHMFIuHMP8FElP9sqBuQF0=w640-h270" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>That's it for now. We will spend the next couple of days at the museums before returning to the airport to pick up our rental car. Off we will go to our first stop, only an hour away, to the town of Buitrago de Lozoya. After that, where ever the GPS takes us. We will attempt do some hiking especially when we get to the Spainish Alps.</b></div></div>living.boondockingmexicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157433834193440923noreply@blogger.com7