Putting the Van to the test

After our tour of the volcano, we all headed to a small lake called Zirahuen even further inland. We had no idea where we´d be staying for the night and after a partial tour around the rough lake road, all decided to head back to a small campground back in town, even tho it wasn´t too much more than a grass lot. While we were looking at maps and possibly thinking about heading for the coast, back the other direction, that same day, we were approached by a man we came to know as ´The Godfather´. It seemed he had mangaged to get his jeep stuck partially in the mud and partially in the lake while trying to pull his boat out...I have never seen a car so stuck, but Blake was right in there with the van and had it pulled out within just a couple minutes. For our help, The Godfather and his family insisted that we join them for the evening at their house, just up the road from the lake. It happened to be Good Friday, so the family was so happy to welcome us into their home. They proceeded to feed us the BEST Mexican meal we've had yet, complete with the freshest tamales, a fish soup, a cactus salad, shrimp ceviche. To top it off, they served chocolate cake and apple pie for dessert. Felt like Mexican Thanksgiving!!

Here is the view of the lake and our caravan from the fifth floor of their house...

'The Godfather" insisted on taking us for a backroads ride in his jeep that started it all. He took us to his avocado farm on top of the hill overlooking the entire village...

A shot of their 'vacation" home. We ended up camping on the street just in front of their house, which also turned out to be in front of a chicken roost as well. I don't know who said that roosters only crow at sunrise because that is very far from the truth...They crow ALL night long!!

And here is a shot of the entire Familia...