The long way home from Hierve...

The long way home from Hierve el Agua
On the way back, we decided to take the alternate way home. This is a new road the residents of San Isidro built to avoid going through San Lorrenz...

Beginning the ascent. (DSC00317)

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The first view down on Hierve el Agua & San Isidro. (DSC00313)

Erika and Robert, excited about our adventure... (DSC00314)

We continue climbing... (DSC00319)

and climbing... (DSC00320)

around bend, (DSC00321)

after bend. (DSC00322)

Still it gets steeper and bumpier... (DSC00323)

and Robert and Erika are feeling a little less thrilled. (DSC00315)

The views are stunning however. (DSC00324)

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Looking back down the road. (DSC00326)

Construction up ahead. (DSC00328)

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Finally, we get to the crest, (DSC00333)

and catch our first welcome glimpse of the valley of Oaxaca. (DSC00335)

But our relief is short lived as we start our decent. (DSC00338)

Homes might seem reassuring, (DSC00341)

if they weren't perched on steep mountainsides. (DSC00342)

Fidencio reassures us, "no hay un problema." (DSC00343)

More views of the valley and Mitla below. (DSC00346)

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Is that a bicyclist? (DSC00347)

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Indeed, it's the tour de México... (DSC00349)

Finally, 1.5 hours later, we reach the level ground of the valley. (DSC00353)

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Erika decides she must have her picture with los burros... (DSC00365)

...nice burrow... (DSC00368)

but the burrow doesn't want her to leave. (DSC00369)

So Robert joins in. (DSC00370)

And his pants apparently smell.... (DSC00371)

...and taste very good. (DSC00373)

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Fidencio rounds us into the car and bids farewell to the burrow. (DSC00375)

After our long ride, the red roofs of Mitla are a welcome site. (DSC00380)