Therefore we turned east into the mountains and headed into the Mexican desert towards Durango. A very long drive of almost 450km before we located a wild camp spot up some dirt track, camped at the top of a hill under some power lines.

     Up early the next morning we continued again the very slow mountain drive east to Durango, where they have an old Wild West film set that was used by John Wayne among other famous western actors. We arrived for the afternoon cowboy show, all in Spanish and we were the only 2 (OBVIOUS) Gringos among the 50 or so audience. In true Mexican style it was a bit of chaos with guns not going off when they are supposed to and Mic's not working. We had a superb time and followed the whole story from start to finish.

     Hitting the road again we found a gorgeous picnic spot just outside a small town about 4km off the main road. Surrounded by huge willow trees, we camped on the banks of a small mirror river. We were unfortunately not alone as 4 locals spent the evening and next morning Bass fishing, catching loads of fish but they left us alone.

     Our next intended brief stop was at Sierra de los Organos (Mountains of Organs as in musical organs). Apparently in this National Park many Western movies have been filmed as it is typical Wild West country side with hundreds of cacti and these beautiful rock formations. As it was still Easter Week, it was packed with partying and picnicking locals, all with radios turned full on, all playing different music. Very Mexican!! After driving around the park for 10 min we decided to spend the rest of the day and night camped there. Kerry could not have got James out anyway as he found a nesting pair of Peregrine Falcons and Prairie Falcons right near each other near the camp ground. He was over the moon.

     After parking at the back of the park out the way, we prepared lunch. We still had our share of admirers, who would walk up to and around the car, take photos of the car, and us and then walk off nodding approvingly. We were part of the attraction now! We had one local guy who engaged us in conversation and then invited us for lunch with them. After declining as we had just eaten, he asked us to hold on and he would bring his "small family" over to us. Mmm. So as two cars pulled up overflowing with people from Granny to cousins and various other immediate family we were now part of a Angel and Romans family of about 15 Mexicans.

     We had a great time socialising and eating with the whole family, whom welcomed us as one of their close friends, the hospitality was overwhelming and we have not quite got to grips how friendly this race of people really are. The following day after packing up early we continued North West to the large Industrial city of Saltillo. After locating a camping spot in the car park of the local Best Western Hotel, we settled in for the weekend. A clean and quiet camp spot which was a nice break from all the staring we had been encountering the whole holiday period.

     Our one attraction here was a visit to the Museo de Las Aves, the BIRD MUSEUM. A large impressive display of Mexican mounted birds, we were able to learn more about what and where species are found etc etc so had a very pleasant morning walking around the taxidermy display. Monday morning we had planned to go to the Landrover dealer in Monterrey to see if they could assist with our oil leak. Fortunately we phoned ahead and were told in no uncertain terms that they do not deal with Defenders and do not carry spares so could be of no help at all!! Excellent!! So no fixing the Landrover here then!!

     We also phoned a Falconry contact James had in Monterrey whom said he was free that afternoon and would be more than happy to show us around his breeding birds. Unfortunately out of hunting season no birds were flying. After the 100km drive to the huge city of Monterrey we met up with Rodrigo and were taken to lunch at his house. We then proceeded to the local show jumping club where he keeps his falcons and were walked around some very impressive and well maintained grounds and aviaries. The highlight of the collection was a large female Ornate Hawk-Eagle in a massive aviary. Rodrigo could not have been more helpful if he tried.

     We then made a late run for Potrero Chico (www.elpotrerochico.com) about 30km North West of Monterrey. Potrero Chico is a limestone mountainous area with some of the best sport rock climbing in the world. The area has over 500 recognised routes with almost 75% of them bolted routes. Many of the routes are multi-pitch including the 11 pitch SpaceBoyz. This area is a magnet for North American and Canadian climbers in the winter. Fortunately we were in off-season so had many routes to ourselves.

     We spent 3 days climbing all day and had a great time socialising with the other climbers. As we did not have all the kit we climbed with and were lent some kit by HP and Christina so thanks guys!! Climbing buddies back in the UK, this is the place to be!!

     Grudgingly, we left before the weekend as we were on our final leg out of Mexico into the big old US of A and made the final 210km run for the Mexican border with Texas. Our final day in Mexico was uneventful apart from our shock of having to pay USD42 to leave the country. Border formalities were a breeze and we bid farewell to Latin America.

     Our 2 months in Mexico was very memorable. Our initial expectations were as usual surpassed. Mexico is not just a few nice beaches and lots of desert. From the azul beaches of Cancun and the Caribbean to the dry arable farmlands of the Yucatan, from the tropical jungles of the Chiapas and Palenque to the mountainous colonial city of San Cristobel, from the hundreds of km's of surf beaches on the Pacific to the gourmet meals in Oaxaca and from the cliff divers in Acapulco to the cowboy desert of Durango, Mexico is a colourful country with extremely friendly people. The food is the best in Central America and a food lovers dream.

     Our memories of Mexico as usual will all be good.
 
Muchas gracias and adios!!