Mexico Day 127: One day in Loreto

Agua Verde to Loreto, Baja California Sur  //

After what may have been one of the most perfect weeks we’ve ever spent in Baja, this morning we reluctantly pack up and say goodbye to our newfound friends whom I’ll always remember fondly when I think of this particular place. It’s a long, slow drive up the mountain, but the beauty of the rugged landscape means we hardly notice the ninety minutes it takes to reach pavement. Rejoining Highway 1 allows us to pick up speed, but layers of mountains continue to unfold before us all the way to the charming seaside town of Loreto.  

We’ve always loved Loreto. With somewhere around 18,000 residents, it’s easy to navigate, there are tons of great restaurants, and the downtown area has a beautiful town square. A one-night stop in Loreto is always a must for us, simply to enjoy a good meal and a walkabout town. However, this time we have an even better reason to make the visit. A few months back, one of our readers, a Loreto local, invited us to park on his property the next time we pass through town. We arrive in Loreto excited at the opportunity to meet two Americans who have made a life for themselves in Baja.  

Of course, these kinds of meet-ups are always a little nerve-wracking at first. We’ve only ever interacted with Bill online and don’t know the first thing about him and his wife, Laurie. Within two minutes of meeting them, it’s obvious that these are two incredibly kind and gracious people. They offer us showers, laundry facilities, and a place to dump our toilet. These things are what campers’ dreams are made of, and we feel completely showered in generosity. The evening is spent getting to know one another, including being treated to one of their favorite restaurants in town, just a short walk from Bill & Laurie’s home. Like-minded conversation helps us feel less and less like strangers as the day fades to night.  

I have a fair amount of disdain for how much of our modern lives are spent behind screens and for the anxiety and polarity that it’s creating in our world. However, today reminds me how amazing the internet can be in a positive way. Had I not posted something on a Four Wheel Camper Facebook group last fall, Bill probably never would have come across our website. Bill’s invitation to us total strangers feels like a representation of how much kindness there is in the world. And also reinforces the fact that Four Wheel Camper owners are pretty awesome.  

To Bill & Laurie, thanks so much for having us. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

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