"On the Trail"

The Journals from the Road

March 18:   A Zig-zag Climb & a Heavenly Shower - Cintalapa, Chiapas

I awoke early and after inhaling most of a pineapple for breakfast I started the climb out of Arriaga, heading north toward Tuxla, the capital. I pedaled and pedaled at about 6 kms per hour (walking speed basically) for 4 and a half hours. However, I did get a lot of encouragement along the zig-zag path, from locals helping with directions to many motor-propelled travelers giving me a cheer, whistle, or thumbs up.

About 2 pm, after I had reached a plateau, I stopped for some liquid refreshment. I discussed politics with a fellow out on the porch and let the orange juice sooth my parched throat. Well, parched may be an overstatement but I was thirsty.

It looked like rain all of a sudden and the wind picked up. I wanted to get a little farther and rain didn't sound too bad in this heat.

I hopped on my bike and rode toward the rain cloud. I did pull my laundry off the back of my bike because it was dry and ready for tomorrow.

The drops came down. Hard and cold. I felt like a king with my showerbearers following me around. The lightning and thunder played the background music and I rode on, enjoying the moment. Soon the road glistened and streams assembled themselves along its edges and ruts.

I was in such a reverant state I actually enjoyed the bonus mist from the passing trucks. Are you wondering if this bactrium is a hallucinogen? No, I was just High on life and the rain after the sun.

Speaking of the sun, it came out again and I was all dry in 45 minutes, well except for my shoes.

I stopped in Cintalapa, had some boiled corn and, with the help from the corn man, found Hotel Betty. Cheapest Hotel yet at 10 pesos! I was a bit nervous about my stuff at such bargain prices so I introduced myself to everyone staying at the hotel before I went out for dinner. I thought it would be tougher to steal from a guy who just shook your hand.

I didn't want to fenagel any more vegi dishes out of the meat only cooks in most of the local restaurants so my dinner consisted of a bag of microwave popcorn (with microwave out on the street), a jug of drinkable yogurt, a shebert of 'some fruit' icecream, and bottled water. In the process I chatted with three families and sign-uped a PeaceBike Penpal.

Came back to the hotel just before they closed their doors and all my gear was near.

PeaceBike Confuscius says: Swallow malaria pills slowly without water.

Pay the price for hours with rancid cucumber taste in mouth.

Peace(Bike),