Laying over on the Emerald Coast

The Emerald Coast 100 or so miles north of the historic city of Veracruz, is  normally a rest stop for Snow Birds headed south to Cancun.  In fact in the few days we have been here there has been a parade of rigs stopping over for 1 or 2 nights on their run to the resort areas south of us.  What a shame for there is a lot to explore here.  Before the rains started we spent a wonderful day at the mystical ruins of El Tajin.  We have visited these  ruins many times before but this is the first time we have seen them when the sun was shinning!

Ron took this over view of just one portion of the site.  This city was built around 100AD and abandoned in 1200 AD.  The overgrown city was discovered by the Spaniards in the 18th century.

The Temple of the Niches is the signature photo for El Tajin.  There are rows of niches top to bottom and all the way around the temple.  Reportedly, one for every day of the year, but we didn't count!.  What  their purpose was depends on which guide you are talking to.

Totonac Valadores, also known as the Papantla Fliers

 perform this ancient fertility rite by twisting rope around a very tall pole then  jumping off and slowly descending to the ground as the ropes unwind, bringing with them the sun and the rain thus ensuring a successful harvest.

After a day of climbing pyramids soaking ones feet in the surf certaintly feels good!