La Cañada, Querétaro //
When I step outside this morning, bright golden light is streaming in through the trees. It’s another cold morning but nothing we can’t tolerate once we all find our own little sliver of sunlight to sit in. The morning’s conversation among the four of us revolves around where we’re headed next.
For weeks we’ve had our sights set on Oaxaca, a state and a city that we’ve heard numerous people rave about. But it’s still a long ways off, seeing as it’s one of the southernmost states in Mexico. The time has come to chat more seriously about whether or not we want to invest the time and effort into getting that deep into the country.
So far travel in mainland Mexico has proven to be quite different from what we’re used to in Baja. Campsites are harder to find, the driving is hectic, and little to no English is spoken. We very intentionally came here for the challenge, for the opportunity to stretch our comfort zones, but we’re feeling just that…uncomfortable. Feeling uncomfortable while knowing you asked for it is a test of grit. The moment you realize you got what you asked for and yet you don’t like it is the moment you arrive at a crossroads. I had to ask myself today Am I going to allow the discomfort and the opportunity to discover what lies on the other side or am I going to run from it and risk the potential for regret. I’ve made my fair share of jokes the last few weeks about going back to Baja and yet when the rubber meets the road, my gut tells me I don’t want to be sitting on a beach in Baja wondering what the rest of Mexico may have had to show us and teach us.
By the end of the day I resolve to lean into the discomfort. Allowing all the feelings I’m having rather than resisting them changes my attitude entirely. It allows for more wonder and less stress.
That sense of wonder makes its way back to me almost immediately when Mark and I go for a walk to the village down the road. I see how little is available to the people living here in the rugged and expansive Sierra Gorda mountain range and can’t help but think about the copious amount of possessions that us Americans think we need. Walking back home towards camp I feel grateful for the fact that we are so happy living in 40 sq ft and awe for the fact that we can be home literally anywhere the truck can go. I may still be adjusting to the culture and all the unknowns that come with it, but it doesn’t make me any less appreciative for the opportunity to be here. Thanks to our truck camper, today I get to call the mountains of Querétaro home. Tomorrow somewhere new.
…
From camp we could see the nearby village of Cuatro Palos. 
An afternoon walk took us through the village of Cuatro Palos. 
Our campsite in the backyard of the Eden family. 
An aerial view of the mountain community we camped in.
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It looks like a bit of a primitive lifestyle for the locals. A more remote area. Definitely different than Baja. I like the picture showing the village on the mountain top!
It is quite different and exceptionally beautiful.
I’m new to your blog and am enjoying some vicarious warmth and wanderings as the cold, wet Seattle winds blow outside. I went to Oaxaca years ago with some friends. We really enjoyed it’s charm, food..and warmth. Much has changed globally since then. I’m curious what you’ll find on your journey. Safe travels.
Thanks for reading and for your kind words Matt! The blog is about two weeks back-dated. We just got to Oaxaca a couple of days ago and are loving it so far. I look forward to sharing all about it on the blog.
M & M,
Why’re campsites harder to find? Are there no roads? Is all the land privately owned?
This is called Boondocking,but you just don’t know who owns the property so you do alot of asking safer that way!
Be careful I know you guys don’t have papers to read Our new President is sending all the illegal imigrants back to Mexico! The border is awar Zone. You guys are futher down but the Cartel is not getting friendly to Americans!