Mexico Day 43: A quiet day in the forest


La Gran Reserve, Coahuila //

The night is blissfully silent here in the Sierra Madre forest.  When Darci asks this morning if we’ve discussed whether or not we’re staying or leaving today, I quickly respond that you’d have to drag me out of this forest if you want to leave today.  I didn’t mean for my response to sound so harsh.  My reaction is an indication of just how badly I’m ready for our pace to slow down.  

Everyone is in agreement that we’ll stay and I’m giddy about all the things I’ll get to do that go ignored when our days are dedicated to driving.  A morning workout leaves me feeling better than any anti-depressant ever could and then the hermit in me enjoys several uninterrupted hours of catching up on work at my computer.  The last thing I feel like doing today is researching our route for the coming days and so I’m extremely appreciative of Mark when he takes on that task.  

This place is peaceful and free and feels safe, I could easily stay several days.  Unfortunately the weather has other plans for us.  We’re at 8,000’ in elevation and a low pressure system is about to settle in.  Temps are going to drop below freezing, the wind is forecasted to rage, and so it only makes sense to move on in the morning.  

While on a walk with Mark we talk about whether or not we think we’ll get used to all the factors at play while traveling around Mexico that have become a part of our everyday dialogue.  Military checkpoints, gas station scams, cartel.  Or will we be exhausted and over it by the time we return to the States in the spring?  In near synchronicity we say to each other that it will all depend on the risk vs. the reward.  We hardly give the hurdles and headaches in Baja a second thought, the payoff is always entirely worth it.  Here on the mainland though, that has yet to be determined.  Tomorrow we’ll get back on the road and be one day closer to the answer.


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7 Comments

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  • Constantly moving would be difficult. It was nice you had a down day in such a pretty environment! I loved the forest!

  • Really very interesting reading about your day to day travel and such. Sounds uncertain and great all at the same time. The forest looks beautiful and summer like. But the weather at that altitude is something that’s not evident in the pictures. Safe and healthy travels to you all.

  • Nice that you acknowledge the ambivalence. Did I miss something or is this the first mention of gas station scams?

    • It’s likely that’s the first time I’ve mentioned it. We have yet to experience a gas station scam first hand, but we’ve come across other travelers mentioning it on the iOverlander app.

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We’re Mark & Michele, modern-day nomads perfecting the art of slow, full-time travel.  Our tiny home on wheels and slow-paced travel style allows us to minimize our expenses while maximizing our freedom.  May our unconventional way of life inspire you to design a life that you love.

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