Rural Mexico has a lot in common with many other countries I have traveled in to climb mountains – rugged terrane, wide open spaces, dusty roads and poverty. And big smiles, hard workers and friendly faces. We arrived in Tlachichuca an hour after sunset and entered the walled compound of Senior Reyes. He is a surgeon at the local hospital AND runs a climber hostel. The compound was a soap factory for almost 100 years run by his Great and Grandfathers and Father. It is a unique building with a living room next to the old boiler (made in Titusville PA in 1930s) . Upstairs is the bunk room with bunk beds for 50 or more.
The drive from Mexico City was uneventful except for the hazy views of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl – two other famous Mexican volcanoes. The frst views of Orizaba were near sunset thus casting a soft glow on our objective:
Once in Tlachichuca, we had a nice dinner courtesy of Senior Reyes then an early bed. Today we enjoyed a hearty breakfast. A gear check was next before we journeyed into the town center ( a 2 minute walk) to see the local “art” market. Let me just leave it that it was not the Louvre. All of this is part of a day here to adjust to the 8000′ altitude.
Tomorrow we take a 1950 Ford utility 4×4 to the hut at 13,600′. So far so good.
Remember: Memories are Everything
Climb On!
This is Alan