Welcome to Notes From The Road, a monthly recap of where we’ve been and what we’ve been up over the last 30 days.
And just like that, it’s November (insert wide-eyed emoji here). It’s been a busy year for us but October took the cake, disappearing on us like a thief in the night. Between photographing weddings and portrait sessions around Colorado, spending time with friends and family, and building our truck out for our winter travels, we had a very full and exciting month.
Prepping for winter in Mexico
While October was quite full with various projects and commitments, I think the most notable thing about the month is the effort that has gone into preparing ourselves and the truck for 4-5 months in Mexico. This year is going to be entirely different in that we’re not taking our utility trailer with us, we’re extending our time in Mexico by 1-2 months, and our truck has been reconfigured with a new bed and boxes. What gear we bring and where everything goes used to be fairly dialed in but this year it feels like we’re starting over. And when you’re planning on traveling thousands of miles through another country for months on end, getting it right (remembering everything you need while also not overdoing it to the point the camper is busting at the seams) is crucial. Not to mention, with plans to go deeper into Mexico and possibly Central America, Mark has been dedicated to addressing every possible maintenance need on the truck before we start heading south.
Once preparations are finally complete and we’re on our way to Mexico, we’ll share a full write-up on everything that’s been done to the truck and camper in the last few months.
The value of having a homebase
This time of year is when we feel immense gratitude for our property in Western Colorado. Even though we don’t have a house, just having a piece of dirt to call our own has numerous benefits. It is quite difficult, if not impossible, to tend to vehicle maintenance and camper projects while living on the road. Not to mention also difficult to receive parcels and packages. We’re able to accomplish so much while at our property (as well as catch up on life stuff such as doctor’s appointments) which allows us to feel ready and refreshed for the next phase of our travels.
I wrote more about the value of having a home base in the A-Z guide which you can find at the link below:
Scenes from DeBeque
While September is my favorite month in Colorado’s high country, October is my favorite month here on the Western Slope. The warmer temps linger a bit longer and the sunsets never disappoint. We also love sticking around for the first snow storm, it’s always such a magical scene, but it’s also our cue that it’s getting to be time to make our way south. Here are a few photos from life around our property in October.
A highlight of October was quality time with our dear friends Josh, Darci & Hannah who spent a few days with us before beginning their journey south on the Pan-American highway. Our fingers and toes are crossed we’ll see them again soon in Mexico. 
The first snow of the season fell last week, bringing 5-6″ before quickly melting away. 
Baja Camping Guide coming soon
The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Baja, a 52 page guide filled with tips and insights, will be ready this week! Stay tuned.
Podcast interview
If you missed last week’s post, I was recently interviewed for the Journey with Jake podcast. I had such a great conversation with Jake and loved talking about the backstory of what inspired Mark and I to take to life on the road. You can listen to the full episode at the link below.
Ask us anything – a Call for questions!
I’ve delayed the release of our “Ask Us Anything” post as we seem to be having some technical difficulties with your ability to leave a comment. If you would like to submit a question for our Ask Us Anything post (which will automatically enter you in a giveaway to receive a signed copy of our latest book!) please use the form below. We’re excited to answer any and all questions in a post in the coming weeks!
Media we’ve enjoyed this month
Podcast:
Elizabeth Gilbert on The Tim Ferriss Show – How to set strong boundaries, overcome purpose anxiety and find your inner voice
Podcast:
Caroline Paul on The Rich Roll Podcast – The five pillars of fulfilling aging, chasing risk after 60 and why age is just a mindset
Book:
Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking―How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age by Caroline Paul
YouTube video:
Kara & Nate Overlanding Iceland
Article:
Traveling the Pan-Am highway with an infant – an inspiring article about a family that is redefining what’s possible for families interested in living on the road
In case you missed it, these are the posts that we shared in October
- Overlanding vs. RV-ing vs. Vanlife: what’s the difference
- 10 things I’ve learned about life from my daily photo taking practice
- I’m on the Journey with Jake podcast this week
- Ask us anything (+ a giveaway)!
That’s all for October! We can’t wait to get back on the road and share all that’s yet to be discovered in Mexico this winter.
Thanks so much for being here.
Cheers,
Mark & Michele
I guess I better order those Iceco chairs or we’re really gonna throw off the aesthetic of those fireside chats! Very excited for the full write up on the truck!
Haha, we sure know how to spend each other’s money!
Sounds like a wonderful and productive month! We can’t wait to see you guys! ❤️
I really enjoyed your podcast with Jake! And I’m looking forward to the truck build out write up. Safe travels and best wishes!
Thanks so much for listening Rick!
I love the pictures of your property. So beautiful! Also the picture with Hannah. She has grown! Such a cutie! Can’t wait to see the finished product with the truck. Mark has been very busy.
Yes, there’s been a lot going on around here! We can’t wait to share the finished product too. Fingers crossed that will be soon!