Let's start with a few facts. It is located in the Sierra de las Cruces mountain range west of the center of the city. The area was used as a retreat for a religious group hence the name Desierto (Desert) meaning not populated. The "Leones" part doesn't refer to the animal, lions, but to the original landlord's last name. It is a national park. It is covered with many pines, firs and oaks, as well as, brooks, ravines and waterfalls. The weather stays cool and damp. There is a Carmelite monastery situated in the center. You can walk through the monastery for a mere $10 pesos. The gardens are breathtaking.
How did we get there? We always start with the metro, typically. We took the M.A.Quevado train to Baldaras, hopped off there and then took the brown line to Tacubaya. We exited the station and went looking for a collectivo (small bus) headed towards the park. After asking, we got on a collectivo heading towards La Marquesa (you can take one going towards Acopilco too.) It was $6 pesos/person. It took longer then I thought it would. The traffic here is horrendous and I'm so glad that I don't have to drive here. The thought of driving is terrifying. I believe it took over an hour to get to our destination. The driver dropped us off at a pedestrian bridge. We were definately in the mountain area and it was cold and damp. At first, we were like, is this right? He told us to walk across the bridge and that it was right there. Yep, he was right. Thank goodness. A short walk and we were in a small town. Apparently, there is a small area to wait for a taxi to ride up the 2.5 mile road that leads to the park entrance. There wasn't a taxi and it was starting to rain. Like idiots, we just started walking. We didn't get far when the rain really started to pour. (And seriously, how far was Olivia going to get before we had to carry her?) Fortunately, Ariana brought her rain poncho and we were able to flag a taxi down. It was $30 pesos. The driver drove like a speed demon. The road was curvy and wet. I was a bit nervous and a little perturbed. We made it safely though. It was still raining and cold. Olivia didn't have a jacket. Justin noticed one of the stalls selling these really cute sweater hoodies. We ended up getting one for her. She really likes it. The rain finally lets up to a minor sprinkling and we found where the monastery was so decided to go check that out.
Such a beautiful and peaceful place. I understood why people retreated here. Here's the entrance to the monastery.
Some photos inside the monastery. I've been shooting in B&W mode lately too. Which has made me miss shooting with B&W film.
Justin and Olivia, with her new sweater.
A hallway, in color and B&W with silhouettes of Justin and Olivia.
The hallway led to this awesome garden and the back view of the monastery.
There was another part to the garden area. Walking down a tree lined path, we reached a building called the Chapel of Secrets.
We decided to eat some lunch here. Ariana was sitting and studying the tuna (prickly pear) she was eating.
Heading back towards the monastery. I saw these Hens and Chickens. I've always liked those plants.
Another garden on the side of the building.
There was a tunnel that ran underneath one of the buildings. It was the basement area. It was built to allow water from nearby springs to flow underneath and was used for watering the gardens and cleaning.
Justin and Olivia in front of the tunnel entrance.
Walking through the tunnel.
It was dark and hard to see but it wasn't a long walk. We reached a small open room. Here's a view of the tunnel from the room.
Photo of one of the rooms the monks would stay in. They were very small.
After the monastery, we decided to hike around for a bit. There was a playground here and once Olivia saw it she didn't want to go hiking. Meltdown time! Again! She had one in the monastery too. There was a woman selling snacks and candy and she wanted something. Justin had to carry her out of the building screaming. Ariana was nice enough to watch Olivia at the playground while we hiked for a little bit. Thanks again Ariana!
The trail we went on had some buildings along it. They are called hermitages and there are ten of them located throughout the park. I was getting out of breath and was like, what the hell? I shouldn't be out of breath we haven't even gone that far. Mexico City is already 7350 ft. above sea level. Then I realized we were in the mountains and apparently this place is around 10,000 feet above sea level. It takes some getting used to, at least it did for me.
Some photos of our short hiking trip.
Justin took these.
We didn't want to be gone too long so we decided to head back. On the way, I spotted these cool mushrooms.
A neat lean-to with Justin posing under it.
Dew drops and pine leaves.
Walking back towards the playground.
Olivia wasn't done playing so we chilled for a little while.
We took a taxi back down to the small town. He drove like a speed demon as well. I guess that is just how they all drive. I don't get it though. This place was so nice. It was a much needed break from the city. The air actually smelled fresh. It reminded us of northern California and it made us want to go back there. I hope we can soon. We will definitely be going back to this place.
Next blog: A Jaunt to an Archive
that's freakin awesome. gorgeous!
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