Hiking up to the lighthouse in Mazatlán was a lovely outing. The green bus takes you right to the bottom of the hill. Of course, my friend and I didn’t know that, so we got off the bus early and walked there.
The path up the hill meanders among a mixture of arid and lush vegetation up the hill. The beginning of the hike is easy going, but it’s noticeably ascending. All along the way, there are beautiful views and opportunities to sit and rest. We saw butterflies and flowers, and birds were gliding above us in the sky. We were joking that they were waiting for someone to croak on the way up.
We took a few short breaks in the shade, taking advantage of the benches. Half way up the hill, we encountered first aid tents, just before the meandering paths changed to meandering stone steps. A sign informed us that there are 336 steps to the top. We were starting to feel the ascend, especially with the sun beating down on us.
Many small breaks later, we got to the top of the hill where the old lighthouse was, El Faro. There is a small park with trees providing much needed shade. We sat for a little while and took in the scenery. Two young raccoons came along while I took my water bottle out of my daypack. They seemed to think that I have food, so they came right up to me. As I lifted the water bottle to my mouth, one of them bit me in the elbow… I was almost speechless in my surprise, but then a few choice words tumbled out. By standing up I made myself appear big to chase them away. They stood on their hind-legs and tried to intimidate me. Cute. Well, I am bigger and made sure to chase them away. Biting is not cool and should not be tolerated. Anyway, it only left a minor scratch, and they looked healthy. If I start foaming from the mouth in a few days, at least I’ll know what is going on.
Next, we got in line for access to the cantilevered outrigger with glass floor. I had walked on a similar installation at the Grand Canyon years ago and it had been quite cool. Here in Mazatlán, the glass bridge was much smaller and the experience, in comparison, less mind-blowing. Well, the price was also much more affordable at only 30 pesos (about $2 CAD). And it was still an odd sensation to step on a transparent floor and see the rocks and foliage many meters below my feet. We spent a little time trying to capture the experience photographically, but we soon gave up.
We enjoyed an exhibition of art photography, which was hung on the exterior of the lighthouse. After we explored the small park around El Faro, and after another small seated break in the shade, we started our descend. Going down is always easier than going up. Still, we could feel this small hike in various parts of our legs.
A local had told us that it takes forty minutes to go up and thirty to walk back down. I am fairly certain that it took us longer than that in both directions since we stopped a lot. We did, however, savour the experience to the fullest.
The things that you and Joanna call fun… Lol!
Das erinnert mich an eine gemeinsame Wanderung auf Mallorca zu einem Leuchtturm
Oh my God those stairs would have done me in!! You forgot our little friends in Burnaby and how vicious they can -be. I don’t think rabies is curable!! You have to be careful.
Looks lovely though!
C
Wow love the simplistic but beautiful life you are currently experiencing, very jealous of your many experiences especially the morning walks on the beach, really enjoying your Blog keep it up