Jake Greenbaum
photo by Chris Baer
The last stop on our Mexico mission was the town of Jalcomulco. Once we got to town we headed to the rafting company that we heard might have information on some of the good kayak runs in the area. After discussing different possibilities and figuring out logistics we decided to try and get on the Rio Texolo.
The 40-50 footer on the Texolo
photo by Chris Baer
Previous to our trip I had done some research on river in Mexico, and the Texolo was one that I had interest in. The only information I had on it I got from Evan Garcia's blog, and the photos and description sounded good. Which is exactly what the Texolo was. It was good.
Chris Baer running the 40-50 footer blind
photo by John McConville
When we got to the put in the water levels looked like they were on the low side of good, but we decided it would be a good flow for a first time run. We were right, the flow was low and most of the rapids in the first mile or so were pretty boney. Luckily this wasn't anything abnormal for some boaters from the Southeast, we are used to boney low flows.
photo by John McConville
After a mile or so of boney rapids the river began to constrict and the rapids got better. It wasn't long before we came to a rapid that led into a steep walled gorge. At the end of the gorge was a big horizon line, and we all figured this must be the big waterfall. So we hooked me up to a rope and I waded up to the edge where I could climb up to scout the drop. Luckily it was only about waist deep and we were all able to scout the drop, but like most of the trip Chris opted out of scouting for the chance to run a big waterfall blind. So, with descriptions from both John and I, Chris probed the drop without even looking at it.
Davis Gove about to plug in
photo by Chris Baer
Chris's line looked good from the top and the rest of the group began to follow. Jake Greenbaum second, me third, followed by Davis Gove and then John McConville. The results of this waterfall were kinda funny. Chris had a little angle and his line looked good, but his skirt imploded. Jake over pitched and had no problems and a soft impact. I landed at about 45 and although it might have looked painful it was soft. Then both Davis and John seemed to plug it perfectly, but both of them broke their paddles and Davis's skirt imploded.
John McConville
photo by Chris Baer
After some quick first aid on Davis hand (fiberglass paddles are sharp when broken) we took out some breakdown paddles and headed on down river. There are several more good rapids after the waterfall before the take out. Be careful not to miss the take out on this run, because it is right before a 100+ foot waterfall (Note: This waterfall has been run by Tyler Bradt). The take out is about a 45 minute uphill hike to the small village where you can park a car.
The perfect boof ramp
photo by Chris Baer
John McConville
photo by Chris Baer
This was the last river we ran in Mexico (atleast in kayaks that is). On our way back to the US we stopped once again in Ciudad Valles to spend Christmas with our good friends Aaron and Marjie of Kayak Huasteca. Me, John, and Chris spent Christmas running the Cascadas Micos in inner-tubes and jumping off the waterfalls various times.
The take out for the Rio Texolo
photo by John McConville
We learned a few things on our trip to Mexico and thought we might share a few helpful tips for anyone else traveling to this great paddling country.
1. Don't stop in boarder towns or big cities!!!
2. Don't drink the water!
3. Tacos in America are WAY over priced. $.99 in Mexico buys you a plate of 5!
4. Bring a car with high clearance.
5. Tequila is both tasty and good for killing any possible bacteria in your stomach.
6. If you don't like spicy food before mexico, you will after
7. If you don't want random people on the street washing your window then use your wipers right before they get to your car.
8. 2 lane roads can actually fit 4 cars wide (this includes semi trucks!)
9. Bring extra paddles
10. Plugging a big waterfall might not always be the best way to run it.
