Our first week in Mexico has been an adventure! We have experienced the mountains, jungles, and beaches. Temperatures are at both ends of the scale. It makes it fun to pack for!

Our first stop after climbing the rocks at El Potero Chico was a small town called Parras de la Fuente.

We found a campsite to spend the night from our trusted companion ioverlander. This is a great tool that provides campsite information from other overland travelers.

Adam found the coordinates on his GPS, so he lead the way. After driving the tight streets of the downtown area, and being careful with low power lines, we finally came to a stop on a back road. The GPS showed the route to drive under an archway. Not going to happen! At right at 11 feet tall, our vehicles, are limited. So we found an alternate route.

It was great to find out it was pecan season  (thats “PEE CAN) for us southerners. We camped under the large trees on the orchard and watched the next morning as workers scaled the tall trees to set up for shaking the branches to drop the ripe nuts.

The next night we decided to boondock right at town square under the clock tower and in front of a large church. It was nice people watching (and being watched), as the locals sat on benches, kicked a soccer ball, and enjoyed ice cream. Some teenage boys were taking selfies with our trucks, so I decided to get in on the action.  Adam even was able to engage the young locals, by enticing them with toys. It was interesting to speak to the children in Spanish, since our level of Spanish is at their level or lower!

We found a beautiful church perched at the top of a cliff, and decided to climb to the top. The views were incredible, and the cool breeze welcome.  You could see the whole town from our vantage point.

Next we were off to take a tour of the oldest wine vinyard in the Americas. It was established in 1589. The tour was completely in Spanish, and the 6 of us were the only attendees. Nothing like total immersion to brush up on the Spanish comprehension.

Next we found a quiet little gem just outside of Durango Mexico. It was a Baleanario, or hot pool. This campsite was not on ioverlander so we added it. It featured grassy sites, with power and a pavilion with grills. The best part was the 8 hot pools heated by the Volcano’s in the area. The kids pool also had water slides. The 2 kids were in heaven! This has been the most expensive camping fee so far. It was 400 pesos or $21.00 US for the first night, which included 2 days of access to the pools and grounds. Each additional night was $200 pesos or $11.00 US/night. Amazing prices!

We stayed two nights. It was so amazing getting up at about 7 in the morning, making our way through the 45 degree temps to step into the large 105 degree pools! The fog rolled off the top and exposed a spectacular sunrise each time.

While we were there, Ashley found a cool little spot. Just 12 miles North of Durango is an abandoned Western film set. In the little village of Chupederos Mexico, is the main street to many films, including 7 of John Waynes movies! Ill do a seperate post on that visit!

Next post: Cowboy up!