Mexico 5: Wild Animals (snake, coati, iguana, jellyfish), Domestic-ish Animals (Max)

The next morning was the most anticipated (dreaded) by the kids: hiking Monkey Mountain.  The four mile round trip earned us all plenty of whining from a few but it stopped after the first mile for the most part.

Owen and a few others saw a snake.  We spotted our second iguana.  We also saw this very cool tree that looked like a snake!

It was so warm and humid and reminded me that hiking in dry weather is so much easier.

Zachary immediately climbed a tree at the vista and captured the views with multiple phones.  Airdrop is just too complicated.

Does Kate look stoked?  She is actually stressed out.  When we reached the top, we spotted a coati--a mammal that looks like a raccoon but is native to Mexico.  We were quiet and tried to help the whole group see it before it scampered off.

When we reached the top, we realized there was more than one and they were not scared of us.  (But Kate was most certainly scared of them.)

Open a bag a chips and suddenly there is more than one and they are right up on you!  Suddenly, none of us wanted any chips.

They look so cute until they get aggressive and territorial.  They screamed and swatted at each other.  None of us wanted to get caught in the cross hairs.  At one point, as Brady swatted at it with a stick and his backpack, Owen wailed, "DAD, DON'T FIGHT IT!"

 Brady and I went down with Kate and Owen who were absolutely terrified and crying.  Several of them tailed us for another 200 meters.

After getting away from the coati den, we all relaxed.  Zachary found us vines to test.

When we first arrived at the trailhead, a few people needed a bathroom, and the man renting time on these trampolines graciously led the way.  Kristen rented some time for Owen to backflip in the return.  They looked quite a bit less reliable than trampolines he's been on, but he was plenty willing to jump in.

 

After sitting in the shade to eat lunch, we were off to the San Pacho town and beach.

These waves were a party although Elise and Sariah were stung by jellyfish early on.

The highlight of the afternoon was our friend we named Max.  He was the cutest stray, happy to catch handfuls of sand and eager to give and receive love.

We told Brett and Shireen to take him home, but apparently they have enough dogs.

It was overcast but warm.  Zac and I watched the waves constantly, wondering if we should paddle out.  I was happy to play with everyone rather than surf again, and Zac seemed plenty happy to body surf.

A couple mama/daughter shots:

Dinner that night in the street that has cars parked along it by day, but turns into a major taco spot by night.  Taqueria Las Arbolitos were some of our best and the salsa bar was delicious and so spicy!

Pool time for the kids, which Elise rated in the top 3 parts of the trip.  Meanwhile, Brady and I spent hours looking at tile for our home.  Loved the laughter, splashes, and togetherness.