Expedition to the Edges - Page 3/4
We have hot showers and city excitement in Monterrey and a visit with the charming and knowledgable Porfirio Sosa Jimenez at his gallery and shop Carapán, where we explore a carefully selected collection of folk art from all of Mexico.
We cross a pass south of Ciudad Victoria and drive through desert areas in the rain shadow, up to a high plateau (5000 feet). Driving demands focus, as there are sheer drops just inches from our vehicle. We must back up when the road is too narrow, as trucks have the right-of-way. Up now to 7000 feet and into fog, we see our first Pinus rutis, Agave montana, Arbutus xalapensis, and a tree Nolina. Our view over the valley is vast, little villages dotting the landscape far below. We have noticed white caleche, sandstone rubble, by the roadside, but higher up we find solid limestone, host to the tenacious Agave lophantha.
Pinus rudus and Buddleia sp. Early winter fog helps to sustain this high altitude forest
Agave montana, Arbutus xalapensis, dwarf Quercus and Eupatorium sp.
Agave bracteosa clings to sheer cliffs in damp and shady canyons
Forest of Pinus rudus and Nolina sp.
Agave lophantha on a limestone outcropping.
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