The beauty of Mexico is breathtaking and thus far, driving and camping through this country is quickly becoming one of my favorite [or most unique] adventures.
Flashbacks of the road trips with my grandparents [touring the United States in their RV as a child] have resurfaced several times; as we arrive to a campground, quick to meet the other travelers to share stories or highlight the day's completed route in the atlas.
I am learning to dispel many of my own fears and those placed before me by others; not always easy, as you sleep in a tent at an isolated campground or drive down a deserted highway in a foreign country.
The following road log is a quick summary of where we have been....more detailed stories of each location will be posted in the future.
Flashbacks of the road trips with my grandparents [touring the United States in their RV as a child] have resurfaced several times; as we arrive to a campground, quick to meet the other travelers to share stories or highlight the day's completed route in the atlas.
I am learning to dispel many of my own fears and those placed before me by others; not always easy, as you sleep in a tent at an isolated campground or drive down a deserted highway in a foreign country.
The following road log is a quick summary of where we have been....more detailed stories of each location will be posted in the future.
Day One~ June 27, 2014
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle to Tequila
States Traveled: Nayarit & Jalisco
High 74, low 54 degrees
4131 ft. above sea level
Population: 26,809
Hotel at La Gran Senora
Our trip began with a rainy drive; the ocean at our backs, lava rocks and blue agave plants surrounding the roadside. Our first roadside lunch of 'backpackers' ceviche [tuna packet, lime, onion, avocado, tomato on a tostada] underneath a large tree in the agave filled hillsides. We enjoyed an evening of tequila tasting at our favorite distillery, La Cofradia. By far my favorite tequila sampled, Carlos Santa's Casa Noble anejo [$2,000 pesos per bottle]. Just before bed, we spent the evening sitting in the main plaza listening to the famous 9:00 church bells. Traditionally everyone in town stops during this time. I do think the roar of the talking voices and children playing quieted down for a brief moment.
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle to Tequila
States Traveled: Nayarit & Jalisco
High 74, low 54 degrees
4131 ft. above sea level
Population: 26,809
Hotel at La Gran Senora
Our trip began with a rainy drive; the ocean at our backs, lava rocks and blue agave plants surrounding the roadside. Our first roadside lunch of 'backpackers' ceviche [tuna packet, lime, onion, avocado, tomato on a tostada] underneath a large tree in the agave filled hillsides. We enjoyed an evening of tequila tasting at our favorite distillery, La Cofradia. By far my favorite tequila sampled, Carlos Santa's Casa Noble anejo [$2,000 pesos per bottle]. Just before bed, we spent the evening sitting in the main plaza listening to the famous 9:00 church bells. Traditionally everyone in town stops during this time. I do think the roar of the talking voices and children playing quieted down for a brief moment.
Day Two
Tequila to Miguel de Allende
States Traveled: Jalisco & Guanajato
High 71, low 57 degrees
6650 ft. above sea level
Population: 62,034
Campsite: San Miguel Weber Hacienda [Weber Tennis Courts]
Windy, narrow road high above the cliffs led us from the city of Guanajato to San Miguel de Allende. Driving through San Miguel de Allende earns me a first class ticket to hell for all the curse words used trying to navigate the maze of one way cobblestone streets. Once on foot, the town is quaint and lovely. We met the authors, Terri and Mike Church; famous for their camping Mexico guidebooks, exchanging stories during a rainy happy hour cocktail at the campsite.
Tequila to Miguel de Allende
States Traveled: Jalisco & Guanajato
High 71, low 57 degrees
6650 ft. above sea level
Population: 62,034
Campsite: San Miguel Weber Hacienda [Weber Tennis Courts]
Windy, narrow road high above the cliffs led us from the city of Guanajato to San Miguel de Allende. Driving through San Miguel de Allende earns me a first class ticket to hell for all the curse words used trying to navigate the maze of one way cobblestone streets. Once on foot, the town is quaint and lovely. We met the authors, Terri and Mike Church; famous for their camping Mexico guidebooks, exchanging stories during a rainy happy hour cocktail at the campsite.
Day Three
San Miguel de Allende
We spent the day touring the town. The colonial buildings are my favorite attractions. I forced myself to ignore the plethora of boutiques of goodies, knowing the costs were not tailored to my peso earning salary nor is there an abundance of space in our car, so I must choose my souvenirs wisely. We watched the heartbreaking Mexico vs. Netherlands world cup game in a small French cafe. The owners pampered the dogs with treats, gave everyone beers when Mexico scored and helped consul us after their loss. Highlight of the day was finding a gem of a green space for the dogs to run free of their leash; where Sancho released some of his demons.
San Miguel de Allende
We spent the day touring the town. The colonial buildings are my favorite attractions. I forced myself to ignore the plethora of boutiques of goodies, knowing the costs were not tailored to my peso earning salary nor is there an abundance of space in our car, so I must choose my souvenirs wisely. We watched the heartbreaking Mexico vs. Netherlands world cup game in a small French cafe. The owners pampered the dogs with treats, gave everyone beers when Mexico scored and helped consul us after their loss. Highlight of the day was finding a gem of a green space for the dogs to run free of their leash; where Sancho released some of his demons.
Day Four
Dolores Hidalgo
[Day Trip from San Miguel de Allende]
High 72, low 57 degrees
6237 ft. above sea level
Population: 54, 853
The famous cry for independence happened in Dolores Hidalgo. After exploring the main plaza we ventured into the alley ways for some food; immediately obvious it is not everyday foreigners pull up a seat for lunch. Apre-lunch, we shopped the endless local handmade ceramic shops on 'Avenida de Ceramicas'; searching for talavera style tiles for our staircase at home [so many designs, it was hard to pick]. Hoping to have time on the way back home to buy.
Dolores Hidalgo
[Day Trip from San Miguel de Allende]
High 72, low 57 degrees
6237 ft. above sea level
Population: 54, 853
The famous cry for independence happened in Dolores Hidalgo. After exploring the main plaza we ventured into the alley ways for some food; immediately obvious it is not everyday foreigners pull up a seat for lunch. Apre-lunch, we shopped the endless local handmade ceramic shops on 'Avenida de Ceramicas'; searching for talavera style tiles for our staircase at home [so many designs, it was hard to pick]. Hoping to have time on the way back home to buy.
Day Five
San Miguel de Allende to Bernal
States Traveled: Guanajato & Queretaro
High 86, low 75 degrees
1516 ft. above sea level
Population: 2,909
Hotel Feregrino
After an interesting roadside event [belly issues], we hiked halfway up the world's [recently named] tallest monolith rock; thought to have healing positive energy. The dogs were psyched to accompany us [off leash] and stretch their legs. We didn't know of a camping site in the area and decided to get a 'babysitter' for the dogs [a hotel] so we could roam free through the main plaza and watch the USA vs. Belgium world cup game. Love this town's charm and lack of tourism. I could spend many-ah-lazy mornings sipping coffee and wandering the cobblestone streets.
San Miguel de Allende to Bernal
States Traveled: Guanajato & Queretaro
High 86, low 75 degrees
1516 ft. above sea level
Population: 2,909
Hotel Feregrino
After an interesting roadside event [belly issues], we hiked halfway up the world's [recently named] tallest monolith rock; thought to have healing positive energy. The dogs were psyched to accompany us [off leash] and stretch their legs. We didn't know of a camping site in the area and decided to get a 'babysitter' for the dogs [a hotel] so we could roam free through the main plaza and watch the USA vs. Belgium world cup game. Love this town's charm and lack of tourism. I could spend many-ah-lazy mornings sipping coffee and wandering the cobblestone streets.
