Sierra Norte, Pueblos Mancomunidados

Day 374.

After venturing out of Oaxaca City for a few days it seemed we had the taste for the countryside all of a sudden. Limbster decided we would head up to the Sierra Norte for a 5 day trek after reading about warm cabin fires and amazing views, I don't think having yet considering the trekking part too thoroughly.

The plan looked to be halted early on, after catching a bus out to a fairly remote roadside we needed someone to take us up the mountain, the problem was nobody was going. It was the first time we've taken to hitchhiking on this trip but it was our only choice it seemed, limbster was nominated for this job on account of her more friendly face. Fortunately we were picked up by a lovely couple in no time (on a one hour vacation) and taken to the closest town.

Once there however things were just as tricky, it was an hour dirt track up into the hills and apparently nothing was running that day, the police offered us a ride but for an extortionate amount of cash (nice of them!)

After a long wait a lovely old lady arrived at our same street corner, and she was going up to the mountains! We were in luck, if a local is waiting there had to be a way up today, and as if by magic a collectivo jeep pulled up a mere 30 minutes later - we were off.

Turns out the mountains were cold, quickly rising to 2800 metres meant we were right up in the clouds, and therefore the weather could turn from baking hot to freezing in no time at all. We were quick to hunt down a local Tienda ran by a lovely lady and her mum, not only making us the best bowls of hot chocolate to keep us warm but incredible quesidillas to keep us fed, the rooftop mountain views were simply a bonus.

We were to be bunked up in our first cabin with Hans, a lovely 70 year old Danish gent. Generously we let him take the double bed and opted for the bunks ourselves, besides we would be closer to the fire that night. Enjoyed some Mezcal over the campfire with our new American freinds, this couple alone managing to entirely change our opinion on travelling Americans and we didn't stop laughing all evening.

It was an early night, us and Hans all tucked up by 8.30 on account of the cold, the huge fireplace in the cabin couldn't have been cosier and drifting asleep with the fire crackling away was a real treat. Turns out however Hans snores, need to bare in mind when obtaining next cabin.

We woke the second day to find ourselves well and truly in a cloud, not only could we not see the mountains we could barely see our hands in front of us. Never less we began the first leg of our trek, still wondering if opting out of taking a guide (after being strongly recommended one) was a bad move. It turns out however our navigation skills were on point that day and we arrived safe and sound.

After last night with Hans we decided to splash out on a private cabin nestled on the hill top. Having our own cabin was a real luxury, come nightfall we were quick to relocate the double bed right in front of the open fire, (arguably too close for the sake of the sheets). Once it got started it was perfect, we also got to use the bamboo chopsticks I've lugged around everyday for the first time - as perfect marshmallow skewers. It was a night to remember.

Day 3 was a slightly longer trail, thus there was an increased chance of us making a navigation error. Fortunately thanks to the Mexican peso we made our way through to Latuvi safe and sound. Come the pm the clouds swooped in once again, blanketing our cabins, luckily limbster had planned this trip because there were lots of exciting activities to be had here, aka in bed at 2pm with Hans once again..

The final day of trekking had come around quickly, today we wisely held back and waited for the clouds to clear, and it paid off - 15km of hiking through picturesque valleys wouldn't have quite been the same with clouds. This day was tough, and certainly 500ml of water between the 2 of us wasn't our smartest move, we tried to not entertain the thought of what would happen if we actually got lost. Even though there were a couple of snappy turtles / enojado elfos we successfully made it to our final clifftop destination, and proceeded to spend some of that money saved on guides on two well earned cervezas!

As it was our final night it was only right we indulged in a private cabin once again. Couldn't resist that double bed and open fire combo. However this night was slightly different and saw us putting out our own fire for fear of our own safety, that being said we will certainly miss this cabin lifestyle when we're back in a 16 bed dorm tomorrow...

This trip saw some cracking outfits from Limbster, they won't be shared here but will forever be in my mind.Baca lagi