Toa Vaca’s house was heralded by the crowing of fighting cocks that were nestled in numerous cages behind the house. The rosters served as everyone’s alarm clock. The day dawned in dense fog typical of higher elevations in the Sierra Madre Oriental during the rainy season. The temperature was about 45 degrees Fahrenheit. By the time the Toa Vacas treated the geologists to an enjoyable breakfast, Miller could hear the sound of the pack animals in front of the house. There were two mules and two burros. Miller decided that he would ride one of the mules down the winding trail to the bottom of the canyon. It was a good thing that he had been trained well by Roberto Mendez at Taman. He suggested that Arturo also ride the other mule. However, Arturo would have no part of it, so the mule and the remaining animals were used to carry the camping and field equipment as well as the food. Miller boarded one of the mules in front of Dr. Toa Vaca’s house. Arturo chose to walk with the two graduate students.
