Sometimes a Sunday drive is just what the doctor ordered. Though when in Oaxaca, one can’t assume the course will run smooth.
After being blocked by bloqueos a couple of times last week, blogger buddy Chris and I were in the midst of congratulating ourselves when our leisurely drive south on Hwy. 190 came to a halt as we attempted to turn west at San Dionisio Ocotepec. At least ten men and a few trucks were positioned across the turnoff. Oh, no, not again… another protest?
No, a bike race had closed the road. Seeing our disappointment, we were directed to make a U-turn, backtrack a mile (or so), and turn onto the dirt road that skirted the hillside, in order to bypass the race. It was easier said than done, but after a few fits and starts, gullies and rocky outcroppings, and inquiries of all manner of vehicles coming from the opposite direction, we eventually wound up back on the paved road — right where we wanted to be!
We weren’t the only ones westward bound. These guys, while not part of the race, were also enjoying a Sunday ride. We passed them on our way to San Baltazar Chichicapam.
And, why were we going to Chichicapam? To fill up our 5 liter “gas” canisters with some of our favorite mezcal made from locally grown agave, of course! Muy suave…
Sunday or not, a campesino’s work is never done. Cattle, burros, and herds of goats were a common sight as we continued our Sunday drive. And, speaking of goats… By the time we turned north at Ocotlán de Morelos, we were starving. Lucky for us, Los Huamuches, our “go to” roadside restaurant between Santo Tomás Jalieza and San Martín Tilcajete, wasn’t far away.
What can I say? Mild temperatures, spectacular scenery, good company, and barbacoa muy sabrosa — the “doctor” was right!
I close my eyes and I am there…To my disappointment I had to cancel my Dios de Los Muertos trip this year…but hope to make it way south…of the border…for a spring trip…Oaxaca. San Cristobal and San Augustinillo to get my fill of Art, Music, Architecture, food (Mezcal) and people watching.
Would you care to share your Chicachicapam Mezcal connection? Thanks John
Sorry you had to cancel your Muertos trip. However, Semana Santa is also a wonderful time to visit. As for the Chichicapam connection… his name is Faustino. Alas, more than that, I don’t know.
What a fun day you had! It’s all part of the adventure, isn’t it?
Yep, all part of the adventure… that’s definitely our mantra!
[…] a good thing too, because traffic, even without the bloqueos (blockades), has gotten much worse. I mentioned last Sunday we had to detour due to a bike race and passed these spandex warriors, out for a Sunday […]