Living La Vida Post-Estudiantil: View from the top…

... of the saddle that is. Well – almost. So one of my goals during my time here in Mexico, aside from traveling around getting to know the “real” Mexico that is so different from the business-center of Monterrey, was to hike as many different mountains and trails that are so abundant, and well-known across the Monterrey region. I’d say I’ve done pretty well… there’s been Cola de Cabolla in Santiago, El Parque Chipinque right here in Monterrey, and the latest and greatest… “Cerro de La Silla,” also right here in Monterrey. At over 1800 meters, “Cerro de La Silla” also known as the “saddle” in English, is the landmark of the entire region – a symbol of the state! Visible from almost any point in Monterrey, it is situated on the eastern end of the city and is part of the La Silla range that runs parallel to the Sierra Madre Oriental range. It has four peaks: (from north to south): Pico Antena, Pico Norte, Pico Sur and Pico la Virgen.

So, our plane from Veracruz arrived this morning around 10:00am, and I took advantage of the “free” day in Monterrey to hike this mountain, as I know my last week here is going to be stuck in a classroom for 10hrs a day! Anyway, so equipped with water, snacks, a camera, hat and money for the cab (basically everything but sunscreen, which you will see for yourself later), I set out the climb the peak!

Now, my first mistake was probably to trust the word of experienced rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, that Pico de Antena was the “easy” trail. Umm… yeah, I guess if you hike 12 hours each weekend, part of which includes category 5 rock scrambles and propelling, then I guess yeah, this was the “easiest” peak of the 4 to climb. But, my dear readers, “easy,” is a relative term. This hike was NOT easy, by any means. Sadly my pictures just don’t do the trail justice, but it was literally straight up, and straight down. It was like Camelback in Phoenix, only 5 times higher, and slightly steeper at points.

After three hours of hiking up the peak, I was sad to realize that the “true” peak is off limits due to the Monterrey Cable channel 5 TV antennas, but then secretly happy, that I could begin the long and difficult trek back down! Now, in my opinion, going down the mountain was harder than scaling it! There were some rock falls that were literally 45 degree angles, with nothing by slippery rock and mountain edges on each side… so for these parts, I figured sliding down on my ass, would probably be the safest – albeit, not the most graceful method of getting down. In fact – I wish there was a giant slide that would take you DOWN from the mountain – now that would be awesome! Somehow, I am quite attached to the pearly whites I have, and don’t fancy having them shattered to pieces should I misstep one of the rock-falls!

Overall, the hike was amazing. It was so great to be on the trail – just me and my iPod. It was a great culmination to the end of my time here in Monterrey, and the views were spectacular (smog aside). Take a look at some of the pictures posted below, and if you’re ever in Monterrey, and are into hiking, I’d definitely recommend this trail – but, don’t forget the sunscreen!!!!

p.s.
the trail was 5.5 hours in total, with another hour up the mountain, and about 30 minutes down that I did not do. So it’s a tad more than a Sunday afternoon stroll…