La Malinche is the volcano that towers over Tlaxcala, at 14,636 it is the 6th highest peak in Mexico and the highest either of us have ever been. It has been dormant for over 3000 years so we thought it was a safe bet. We started the climb on two wheels, cycling through the seemingly never ending suburbs of Tlaxcala accompanied by open staring from most local people we passed, but the occasional shout of encouragement restored our faith as we continued upwards. Several roads turned into grassy paths….how were we to know when they are marked as roads like any other on the map?! We eventually escaped the stares and popped out on a beautifully smooth road heading up through the pine forest…at last we had found the peace and quiet we had been craving. Quiet apart from our heavy breathing and the tyres turning on the tarmac. It was hard going, the slope was relentless and very steep in places, it felt like we were pulling lead weights and had to stop every half a mile to catch our breath and look at each other in vague dis belief. It was a long 16miles but 3000ft of climbing later we emerged sweating and breathless at the campsite. It was large, civilised and fairly empty…perfect.
After a chilly night in the tent we set off upwards again, this time on foot. We went through pine forests on steep dirt tracks, with the snowy peak popping into view as we emerged from the tree line. The volcano only has snow on it for a couple of weeks a year…and it happens to be when we are climbing it. The snow made things interesting. The already steep face became a never ending slippery trudge, each step a little more unsure than the last. Our already tired legs were burning and Sam became very short of breath near the top but the views were spectacular and to know we had reached the summit entirely on man power (or woman power) was incredibly satisfying. The way down was also an interesting experience, we often sank up to our knees in snow and spent a lot of time on our bottoms, but we were also highly aware that if we slipped too far we may end up involuntarily at the foot of the mountain in rather a sorry state…
But we made it, unscathed apart from severely aching limbs and rather sunburnt faces. Back down the mountain to Puebla and a few days rest and recovery.
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Out for a Spin 
Excellent! Good for you! x Looks well worth the effort.
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That beard’s looking more hedge-like by the day, Sam! You sure you haven’t got anything nesting in it?
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I have to check there isn’t anything nesting in the beard Dave…it’s a full time job…and a job that I feel might become harder as it grows, I will keep you updated X
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Wow! What an achievement! The harder the work, the more satisfying. I’m sure there’s a suitable quote for this, but don’t know what it is…? Great pics, and good to see Laura ahead of Sam for a change!
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Snow in Mexico , bet there’s not many people who have seen or even walked in that.
That volcano from the road looks huge.
So , I think you might be 3 rd in the Snell/ Deave height achievement
I am pretty sure that Ben still leads with wherever it was in Bolivia – can’t remember
Then Grandpa in Nepal
But actually , Emma got to 16 or 17 000 ft up Kenya so you are currently in fourth place !!
We have been to 13500 ft in Himalayas and even there , plodding slowly and not carrying anything got quite out of breath
See if you can get your bikes up the Bolivian Peak – no one will ever beat you then.
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Ok challenge on then…beat Ben to the highest point!
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Brilliant, what a great sense of achievement. Hope your legs have/are recovering and that the route down was smooth, topes-free with a warm welcome.
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What an amazing adventure Laura! Love reading your blog 😊 Take care
Claire (Monday night Pilates)
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Thanks Claire, always so nice to hear that people at home are following us and enjoying our adventure too!
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Excellent you made it, and nice pictures. I am surprised that you had this wonderful view from the summit. Down in puebla same day, it was hard to identify this volcano.
CONGRATS from Radko and Anja 😉
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Makes me want to jump on my bike and try to find you guys! Great pictures!!
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This is very belated. Brilliant you both. Email following.
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