Posted 5/16/2006
Our first day got off to a late start. Bus was supposed to arrive at 7:45 at Dr. Sargent's house, but arrived at 9:00. Finally got started toward border at about 9:15. We changed buses in Reynosa and got underway for Monterrey about 10:17. Here's group getting settled in for lots of time on the bus as we proceed into our trip to the interior.
We decided that we should head directly to Los Cavozos and have lunch before going to Horsetail Falls or "Cola de caballo." This is the state boundary marker as we crossed out of Tamaulipus and entered into Nuevo Leon, where Monterrey is located. A bit overcast sky.
The trip through Cadereyta and on to the pass through the mountains to get to Los Cavazos offered us a rarely photographed opportunity to see the east side of Saddleback Mountain, or Sierra de la Silla, the landmark for Monterrey.
An interesting natural phenomenon. A door in the moutain. We stopped for a few pix and to stretch our legs.
This lake is between two mountain ranges and is contained by a dam. Very popular place for folks from Monterrey to go on the weekends and enjoy the water. Luis Ortiz, professor from NMHU, snapped this shot.
Obligatory daily group shot. This is first one. A motley crew.
We headed to Horsetail Falls, or Cola de Caballo, as the sign says. Here we see the Garcia sisters and Georgia Ortiz with Nathan and Ethan with Jerry Garcia standing by the sign that welcomes you to the falls.
After lunch, we took a 15 minute ride up to Cola de caballo and walked off some of that huge lunch most ate. It's only a 10 minute walk to the falls, but some took the buggy, like the one you see in the background.
Joe Villa, Ruben Romero and Juan Rodriguez rented a carriage so they could arrive at the falls well rested.
Most of the group on the walkway at the base of the falls. Wave!
Same group zoomed in a bit.
Down to the business of taking pictures for reports when we get back. Ruben Ramirez, in straw hat and muscle(?) shirt, smiles for the camera.
Each day as we travel a different couple of travellers will be featured. Here we see Dr. Luis Ortiz and his wife, Georgia, with their kids. Luis is holding Nathan (5) and Georgia is holding Ethan (18 mos). Luis is a management professor at New Mexico Highlands University and is a graduate of the PhD program at U.T.-Pan American. You can expect to see lots of photos of these folks, as Luis has his digital camera and takes lots of pictures, especially of the members of his family
