Tuesday morning we woke up with a mission. Breakfast and drive. The problem is, the tequila, and beer, and other libations consumed in the Magdalena sofa lobby the night before. Thank god we were the only guests in the hotel, it was probably a roar of political incorrectness. Even I had trouble falling asleep in a 3-ft long sofa. I'm sure there are pictures and maybe video. But I needed a nappy nap.
So bright and early maybe 10:00 we headed down for breakfast. Turned into ice cream and Dorito Frito pies right next door. We loaded up the crash truck after a quick maintenance session from Chad. He probably saved my butt. He said a gallon low on oil and a gallon or two low on coolant and a quart low on transmission fluid we're pretty much the norm for LS engines. But much more than that and we be flirting with disaster.
Since we're used to riding in motorcycles and because there were four of us in the van, why not perform some minor surgery on an injured rider. Justine, firefighter EMT extraordinaire, took over.
Our next stop was the fabulous tunnel entrance to Real de Catorce. We had fun with pictures, getting chased and run into by drones, and making our way into this fabulous little city.
Once there we settle into Salu's cozy little guesthouse, and I proceeded to take a bit of a nappy nap with a happy tabby cat. Anyone paying attention, please ignore the fact that I WhatsApp in my sleep.
While I nap the rest of the crew went horseback riding. I've been doing enough on my butt to feel fine taking a couple hours off. When I woke up it was time for the time honored tradition of trekking to the sunset point for sunset. Even just a blocks walk in Real can be enchanting.
Arriving near sunset point I was informed that there was a great new restaurant, with glass deck, overlooking the valley. And as with all places Mexican, a zip line. Wondering what it was all about and making a beeline I was slightly distracted by another cool truck.
And there it was in the distance, a new fancy under construction multi-story glass and metal building tower. A sign of progress in Mexico. I wanted to hate it, I really did, I love the RD14 I discovered in the late '90s. I love the Real where I peed in a cowboy bar in a toilet at the end of the bar and later watched the Astros defeat the dodgers for the world series with Curtis, with a crowd of rough and tumble cowboys and dodgers jerseys. But no one can stand in the way of progress. And as I've said before, your kids will never see the Mexico that we see. Better get on board quick!
A half hour more of watching the most beautiful sunset you can possibly imagine, and a couple of nice mixology drinks, and we were happy, and warm, and ready for dinner.
I tried, I just couldn't bring myself to hate this new place. Some places need a glass patio with glass floor to enjoy the best sunsets this earth has to offer.
L to R: Kevin, Alex, Jae, Pedro, Palmer, Chad!
Funny story abou Alex posing as a prop to a maddly giggling Mexi girl. Too cute, no photo tho.
Hands up for Curtis!
I swear the sunset went on for an hour or more. Even after we were done with our drinks and half hour after clapping for the sunset it was still a golden red sky. Amazing. Alex and I spread our wings and took flight!
The walk back to town was only a few blocks.
But in those short blocks we saw something absolutely frightening, terrifying, and we had no where to run. Yes, MarkdaShark...
We were overtaken by a pack...
Of...
Horses!
(Inside joke here)
Trinket shopping and some of the coolest stores in Mexico, and Alex made a new friend. Apparently, according to Palmer, someone with his particular looks is very prone to make new friends all over Mexico. Both four and two-legged varieties.
I think I can say this with certainty now after my 5th or 6th time meeting there, but the Mason Del Abundencia restaurant has the best food I've ever eaten anywhere in my entire life. Something about it speaks to me. Speak so loudly that usually when I'm done eating I can't move. Tonight was no exception.
Eventually after much huffing and puffing we made it to the rooftop of the guest house for a few glamor shots.
After a great day, I too felt glamorous.
Pedro Del Norte no judgement zone!