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29-Dec-2007 -- We left Puebla, Mexico, our hometown, around 8 AM on December 29th. On a beautiful and sunny day, we traveled East towards the gulf of Mexico and the state of Veracruz, taking Mexico highway 150. We descended from the Valley of Puebla, located at almost 7,000 feet above sea level, descending rapidly to the lower towns of Orizaba and Cordoba, at 4,000 feet above sea level, descending about 3,000 feet in a matter of 10 kilometers!

We then took highway 95, beating south-east, until we reached the town of Acayucan, Veracruz, located 250 feet above sea level. Up to this point the highways had been four lanes, with a condition going from good to acceptable. At this point, we took highway 185, going south towards the Tehuantepec isthmus, at this pint the road was a 2-lane, undivided road, which was under heavy construction on several points. We needed around 3 hours to travel these final 70 miles.

For the final approach, we took an unpaved, unmarked ranch road, connecting to the main highway at 16 59' 32"N, 95 0' 57"W. After traveling one mile, we arrived at an unwelcome sight: a closed, locked gate, located at 17 0' 0.83"N, 95 0' 13.71"W, too far away from the confluence to mark a successful visit!

After much yelling and clanking on the metallic gate, to no avail, I decided to make a run for it, going along while Jose-Luis stayed with the young members of our expedition. Passing through the gate, I walked around 80 yards , to find another gate (this one barbed wire and stakes), which was easily unlocked. I was still almost 400 yards to confluence, so it was no stopping me! I kept waking, and had to jump over a final barbed wire fence, separating the property to the neighbor's. This final fence was at 17 N, 95 0' 03"W. After a final walk of around 130 feet, I arrived at the confluence point! Took required pictures, including one of the GPS reading, and then hurried back to the vehicle. On our way back on the unpaved road, going to the main highway, we encountered an individual coming to the gate, wielding a machete! of course, we did not stop to talk, and joined the main road.

After another 7 hours, we arrived safe and sound to Puebla. Weary but happy to have made it!