Day 10

Thursday!! We knew it was going to be a good day when we arrived at breakfast to find that there were eggs for us to eat in addition to the beans and bread served daily, of course. It then proceeded to get better upon departure from the mission, when we boarded a quaint little boat. It was a refreshing hour-long boat ride to the other side of the lake…refreshing in the sense that we were showered by the contaminated water.

Once we docked the boat and climbed ashore we were delighted to hear that we would finally be able to ride on the Tuk-Tuk’s up the mountain to the zip-lining site. The driver explained that the Tuk-Tuk’s were actually motor taxis but then nicknamed Tuk-Tuk’s mimicking the sound they make when driving with passengers in them. The Tuk-Tuk fortunate enough to carry Dr. Northrup and Nate up the mountain almost didn’t make it to the top.
Once we arrived, we had to get suited up in very flattering harnesses that made some look as if they were about to run inside a burning building to rescue people. Then it was further up the mountain we went, this time by foot. By the time we were a third the way up, everyone was drenched in sweat and it was time for a rest. We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some wild monkeys in the tree as well. Finally, we arrived to the top of the trail all out of breath and ready to catch some wind on the way down. The first guide attached himself to the line and lunged out of sight to get to the other side to tell us when to slow down. We all stood in awe as the second guide called us over for our turn. Lindsay was the closest to the line and therefore volunteered herself to be the first across. She made it safely and we all breathed a sigh of relief. We each in turn traversed the first line and were taken aback by the beautiful view. Each line was shorter but faster than the next and made for a thrilling time. The longest was about 1,100 feet long and about 300 to 400 feet high. Fun was had by all. It was a relaxing and peaceful time until the suspended bridge. We then put on a show of typical American athleticism and made a nice showing to all the people watching, giving them a good laugh. It was then back to the Tuk-Tuk’s for another ride back in to the city. This time it was downhill so instead of the smell of the clutch and transmission, brake fumes filled the air and accosted the nostrils. We finally made it back and found our way through the sea of the most aggressive maître-des just begging for our business in their restaurants. We found our way to our desired eatery and sat down ready to indulge in the offered cuisine. We all had a nice chat as we waited for our food while being approached by the random necklace or scarf and shirt salesperson that wandered in to see the group of “gringos”. The food came and we devoured our respected meals and laughed heartedly at the stories of the days past. The women of the group went out to do shopping things as the guys stayed behind at the restaurant to enjoy a cold beverage. The shopping was wrapped up and we headed to another little town located along the steep banks of the lake. Once off the boat we made our way through the little kids up to the shops where the bidding wars began. No one was seriously injured and we regrouped back on the boat and made our way through the pea soup fog to the San Lucas shore. The night then played out as usual with some dinner, some wi-fi and some fun. Not bad for the last full day in San Lucas.

Authors: Christine and Nate