Since I had a little bit of free time tonight I decided to create a YouTube account and load a video. The video is one of many that we took during our recent trip to Mexico.

On Tuesday October 2, 2007 we woke up to another sunny but brisk morning in El Chorro. (On Google Maps El Chorro is not mapped but it is to the southwest of Milpillas and northeast of Valparaiso). After the cows were milked and another wonderful breakfast of fresh cheese, beans and tortillas we decided to take a hike up and behind the ranch. The first part of the hike was steep as we meandered our way through the granite rock but once we hit the plateau it wasn’t too bad… even while carrying little Triztan at nearly 1 year old (and 20+ lbs).

The sun did seem to beat down on us but as Triztan enjoyed the ride, and on occasion a little siesta, we made our way through the grazing land that my great uncle owns. Antonio, my dad’s cousin, took his cell phone along to make a call. Apparently there is an area right dead in the middle of the cow pastures that his cell phone will pick up signals (if I recall correctly it is around 8000 ft in elevation) and he can make a call. In a country of inconsistencies this certainly boggled my mind. There is no electricity or running water at the ranch but Antonio can hike less than a mile up the remote hill side and he can pretty much call anyone… as long as he has time remaining on his card.

Anyway, after a little more walking David, Antonio, Jennifer, Triztan and I found the area that Antonio clears to lay feed to draw the wild turkeys in the winter. (He has a side business in the winter… he and his wife board hunters and then takes them out on turkey and deer hunts. ) The area was covered with oak trees so it provided a nice cover from the sun. We sat and just enjoyed a few minutes of the sounds of nature. Nothing to worry about. No errands to run. No cars whizzing by. No phones ringing (we were out of range from Antonio’s special spot). Just the five of us in a field with miles and miles of open sky and fresh air. It was relaxing.

As David and Antonio sat and lounged Jen and I enjoyed a few minutes of just watching our son play in the grass and learn his surroundings. Nothing monumental… just a few peaceful moments for two parents to enjoy and watch their son.

It was great.

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Check out the photos of the hike. Photos 143 to 177.