Monterrey was a great way to spend our last days in Mexico. Between the Chipinque Hotel looking over the city and my friend Chuy’s hospitality at his adventure center, IBO, we could not have had a better time. The Monterroco Hostel was also a splendid place to stay for a few days. Overall, things really went right while we spent out last days in Mexico before returning to the USA.
Category Archives: Accomodation Reviews
Nels’ Notes: Nomadic Wandering Shenanigans June 5-12, 2009
June 13, 2009 – 6:30 am
Perseverance is defined as a steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement, and that is exactly what we had to do to make the voyage on the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. To reach the farthest north point on the Pan-American highway we had to take the 1,000 mile roundtrip, mostly gravel road, that really put our driving skills and minds to the test. It is a desolate highway that doesn’t see many tourists, usually just semi-trucks making their trek north. We endured and made it to Dead Horse, and to tell the truth, it felt beyond bizarre and kind of empty. We had driven for the better part of a day, on a terrible road, coupled with the never-setting sun, and in the cold and came to an oil field in the middle of the tundra.
The Bad Kitties of Colfax
June 7, 2009 – 8:14 am
Being on the road isn’t exactly becoming for a girl… or a guy, for that matter. One loses sight of their appearance, not necessarily by choice, but by diversion. We have Nels with a mop on his head resembling that of a bum, a whole crew full of split ends, and a lack of style that would make any hairdresser scoff. Luckily for the crew, two wonderful ladies, Laura and Lolly at The Bad Kittie Salon, located just off Colfax in the Blue Bird District, helped us find our way out of the style dungeon the road put us in. At first glance the ladies didn’t think they had much of a challenge ahead of them. After the wash and a couple of snips, the women needed a drink. Lolly filled her cup, rolled up her sleeves and took on the madness of Nels and Steel’s rats nest. Laura, manning the other chair, went about the task of the never-ending head of hair on top of my head. I’m pretty sure she was sore the next day.
A slice of heaven
June 6, 2009 – 8:00 am
Since leaving Denver we have been camping about 75% of the time and cannot complain, the surroundings are beautiful, the wildlife is plentiful, and the temperature is a mild 50-75 degrees Fahrenheit with the constant light outside. It is nice to wake up to the fresh air, cook delicious meals and go to sleep after relaxing by the campfire. While the air is fresh our stinky butts are not with some runs putting us 3-4 days or more between showers, sporting a perfume reminiscent of campfire, body odor and camp kitchen.
Nels’ Notes: Nomadic Wandering Shenanigans May 26–June 5, 2009
June 5, 2009 – 3:50 am
We put some miles behind us this week, that is for sure. We took off from the wonderful home of Rosel and Wilf at their bed and breakfast in Prince George and headed north. Again, their hospitality was incredible, and it was a pleasure for all of us to sit at their table to have breakfast with them.
Nels’ Notes: Nomadic Wandering Shenanigans May 21-29, 2009
May 29, 2009 – 8:41 pm
We ride again. After over a month hiatus off the road we returned to the highway for our voyage north to Alaska. We’d, again, like to thank all of those that supported us in our fundraising efforts that enabled us to finish the expedition. It means a lot to us, and is greatly appreciated.
From Denver, Steve, Celeste and Craig ventured north to Loveland to stay at Steve’s Mom, Judy’s, place, while I headed to Rocky Mountain National Park with an amazing female for one last adventure in Colorado. We met up the following morning for a delicious breakfast prepared by Judy and her husband, Tom, said our goodbyes, and got on I-25 North headed to Bozeman, Montana.
Must Visit Hostels in Central America and Mexico
May 24, 2009 – 1:17 am
We have been very fortunate to have been accommodated by some great hostels as we traveled through Central America and Mexico. These amazing places showed immense hospitality, had incredible services, thoughtful staffs, and were a great place to rest our travel-tired heads as we ventured across their countries.
luna1 A stay at Luna’s Castle was the beginning of my part of the expedition, and I couldn’t have asked for a better start. This hostel, in a beautiful, three-story colonial home has an aesthetically pleasing interior, creative artwork covering the walls, and balconies that give a stellar, immediate view of the Casco Viejo neighborhood with the downtown skyline across in the distance. The chill and peaceful atmosphere give the hostel a great feel, and the helpful staff make you feel right at home. The community kitchen is perfect for cooking meals, the commons area is a great place to eat and talk with other travels, and the “chill rooms†give a person a chance to relax, chat, or just have a thought. Rooms are reasonably priced, and their variety of services make it a perfect stop for travelers. The movie theatre in the bottom level is top notch, and their plans for a bar in the back patio will really add to the already incredible hostel. Do us a favor and stop in to say “hi†to Daniel and his crew for us. Luna’s Castle is a special place in Panama City, and you won’t be disappointed.
Special Thanks: Austin & Santa Fe
May 8, 2009 – 12:01 am
If you are a follower of The World by Road or have checked the website lately, maybe you’ve noticed our pleas for help and our upcoming fundraiser in order to raise money to finish the expedition. In reality, to make it back to Denver, we had to rely upon a few special places and people to help us get back to home base. What’s great is that these people and establishments are not only providing us with a much needed place to stay, but also that they are genuinely interested in our project and are happy to do their part to help us.
Safelite AutoGlass: Nation’s Leading Auto Glass Team
May 4, 2009 – 11:50 am
This expedition has had the privilege to work with many fine sponsors, and we able to see firsthand the incredible work of another great sponsor, Safelite AutoGlass.
A journey that spans over 26 months, through 6 continents and close to 70,000 miles is going to take its toll on the vehicles, and that was definitely the case for the windshields on the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia. Length of the windshield cracks found their place at eye level on each vehicle, along with numerous chips, scratches and nicks.
Monterrey… Be Back Soon!
May 2, 2009 – 12:01 am
While all of the crew thoroughly enjoyed everywhere we stopped in Mexico, Monterrey proved to be a great final destination in a wonderful country. We also were blessed with some great hosts during our stay. Monterrey is located in the Mexican State of Nuevo Leon, about 3.5 hours drive from the Mexico/Texas border towns of Matamoros/Brownville, respectively. The city contains nearly 4 million people making it the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Mexico.
