Canopy River Hike
We’ve been a tad inactive and couch-potato-ish lately so we decided to go on a hike in the mountains (Sierra Madre Occidental) last Wednesday. We forewent the thrilling zip-lining and ATV tours despite the conflicting information as to whether it was a 12km or 8km long hike. To date the longest hike we’ve done is about 4kms.
We walked across the Jorullo Bridge (470m long) and 150m high above the Cuale River. Our lovely guide, Raphael, set off at a cracking pace up and down narrow, dusty, mountain paths, up and down again … and again … and again. I have a sneaking suspicion he’s done this before! After one particularly asthma-inducing climb, Raphael looked at me huffing and puffing and ever so politely asked “How old ARE you?” I think his 68 year old mum who lives on a farm and has 16 children is probably in better shape than me 🙂
We felt that this hike is probably more scenic in summer when the rivers are flowing, things a tad greener and perhaps more creatures about. We did however see lots of cows and one Coatimundi (raccoon family) but that was about it in terms of fauna.
We were able to take a quick break at a beautiful waterfall where we also met up with the people on the ATVs and RZRs – ie: the LAZY people 🙂 However, only two brave Americans, Rob and James (who we met on the bus out to the mountains) were game enough to take a dip in the somewhat chilly water.
Anyway, we finished the 8km hike in two hours and relaxed overlooking the pool with Rob and James before heading off for some Tequila tasting and the ride back to Puerto Vallarta.
A very enjoyable outing despite the muscle pain the following day.
“Note to self – speak ENGLISH (not Spanish) into Google translate when trying to book tour when gent who speaks no English hands you his iPhone!”
Menopausal-Mother
8 Comments
Lynda
I could never manage a hike like that, looks a lot like Natal, still very pretty even though it’s not summer. Don’t know if I could have walked over that bridge.
Bailey
Oooh loving the hyperlink. Looks like a lovely trail.
Sandy
Sooo … either you haven’t been following the blog or … you haven’t noticed the hyperlinks before?? 🙂
Rob and James
Beautiful pictures! We loved meeting you two. A very fun part of our trip. Thanks for mentioning us in your story and thanks for the picture of us jumping into the waterfall! We had jumped in about 4 years ago so it was meaningful to have the same picture replicated for the memory!
Sandy
Hi Rob & James – hope you had a great fiesta week, look forward to hearing all about it. We debated posting the (epic) pic of your jump at the waterfall on the blog, but figured you may not want that, so we left it off. See you in Texas!
Sandy
Yeah, didn’t realise that – very much like Natal/Valley of a Thousand Hills. Got a slight fear of heights?
Patricia Forner
Dear Mujeres:
What a great trip and adventure you are having. I am jealous. Glad you had the bridge walk across the valley below and saw your one native coti! Wish I was along for the ride! Viva las Mujeres!
Sandy
Thanks Pat – having a wonderful time. Arrived in the US last night – picking the motorhome up tomorrow.