Sunday 23 February 2014

Walk to La Punta


On our two previous visits to Puerto Escondido we have made the effort to complete the long trek from one end of the town’s beaches to the other.  

Yesterday we were up early and joined Rita and Mike to do it again.  It is about 8 kilometers of varied terrain.  The route is comprised of approximately one-quarter road, one-quarter rocky pathway and the rest is sandy beach.  The distance is less challenging than the surfaces walked.  By the end of 4 kilometers of soft sand, lunch and a taxi ride home are extremely welcomed.

My Turn To Carry The Purse



We set out at 9am to avoid the mid day heat.  It is usually around 28 degrees Celsius in the early afternoon.  We passed by Playas Carrizalillo, Angelito, and Manzanillo by road and then descended to the Rocky path along 3A Poniente to the ocean.  

Watch Your Step!


Waves Take Their Toll on the Path





Looking Back



The Rocky path is part rock and part concrete, with many pieces missing of each. Steel rebar disappears pretty quickly while submerged in salt water and the path can be a little treacherous if you are not paying attention to next steps.

We passed many fishermen along the way.  They were either spear fishing or casting nets while standing on the rocks.  We passed by one family's makeshift home nestled in the rocks.  They had to simply step across the path to catch fish for food.

Morning's Catch



Mike Always Has Treats For The Puppies!



We also passed some boys diving off the rocks just for fun.  They waited until the waves were just right before making their plunges.  Typical boys, we saw more than one push the other off before it was time but no real harm done.

Each One Trying To Outdo the Other Each Dive



When we arrived at Playa Principal it was already humming with the locals swimming or more so, rolling in the surf having a welcomed weekend break from work.

Playa Principal




The surf was up on Zicatela.  It was the largest surf Rita and Mike have seen since their arrival in PE in early December.  It was fascinating to watch the surfers waiting patiently for just the right wave to catch and then after a good ride, to watch them fight through 10 foot crashing waves trying to get back out to the surf line.

We Guesstimated 10 Foot Waves






Little Kids - Big Waters


La Punta Light Marks End of Trek




The effort to walk on the soft sand was beginning to take its toll when we finally arrived at our end-of-beach destination.  We touched the rocks and gazed back to our beginning point across the bay.

End of the Line


We Started From the Distant Point Across the Bay



We had lunch in La Punta.  We all had fresh squeezed juice of various kinds.  All reported that theirs was the best.  When we got up from the table we all experienced some seizing of the legs and welcomed the first sign of a taxi for the ride home.

Downtown La Punta


Lunch at the Cafeole

Back Home - Cleaned Up - Ready for Concert in the Evening