As we set off for the town Osocingo and the neighboring Tonina ruins, everything was going according to plan and we were making pretty good time, except for the thousand billion trillion (topes) speed bumps which always seemed to plant themselves on our descents. This was only enhanced by a few kids that have devised a clever way of making traffic stop and increase their chances of a quick sell of fruit, water and pop. By attaching a rope with small flags to a tree on one side of the road and then pulling the rope from the other side, they definitely command our attention as we come barrelling around a corner. Once in Osocingo, we quickly found some accommodations, navigated our bike into our room and set off to the Tonina ruins. These ruins were really nice, no vendors to avoid, very few people and beautiful grounds. This was a very relaxing and scenic way of finishing a full morning of cycling.
Well except a certain someone losing our hotel key.
It is worth noting that this imposing temple complex brought mighty Palenque to it´s knees and Palenque was our next destination.
Tonina Ruins
In exchange for three hours labor, we were able to spend a night in the jungle, share a terrific lunch together and have an unexpected guest in the evening.
The next we talked ourselves into the museum which was free but only with a valid entry ticket, ours was for the previous day. While strolling through the many displays, we spotted an unusual bag, something that might attach itself to handlebars. You guessed it more cyclists. After walking through the museo de sitio together and having a great old time chatting away, we realized we hadn´t seen or read a thing and had to go through a second time. We hope to meet up with Pete and Dylan further down the road as they are bypassing the Yucatan.
Palenque Ruins
Uxmal Ruins
We spend the better part of a day in Celestun, a nearby beach town that is known for it's flamingo viewing opportunities. We jumped on a boat and got to see these rosy birds and was surprised to see how long and flexible their necks are. The tour also went through some mangroves and we got to have a dunk in water with some fish too.
We ended up staying four nights in Merida and it was hard to leave such good company, however Yapur made our exit a little easier by cycling out of this relatively large city with us. THANK YOU!
Crib Score
Roland 128
Belinda 77
Things we've seen on the side of the road
+ Body building competition on the beach
+ Police on Segways patrolling the Campeche waferfront
+ Burning (could see flames) milk truck
+ Monkeys and Iguanas
+ Baby bag with ID so handed in to officials
+ A cowboy hat that Roland gave to a guy on a bike taxi (these are abundant here in the Yucatán)
+ Small fires burning rubbish and vegetation (everywhere!)
+ Bus stop after bus stop after bus stop (which is awesome for us in this intensive heat and sun)
+ Trucks selling gas around suburban streets get attention by dragging a chain and metal rings under the truck.