Matehuala

Quite cold last night, down to 40 F, we had to use the heat. This morning we drove to Matehuala, about a 4.5 hour drive. Most of it over boring high desert. North of San Luis Potosi, it was very strange. As we passed through an area of scattered houses, we noticed Indian appearing people, many with kids beckoning to us as we drove by. About 50 or 60 scattered along the highway. They did not appear to be selling anything and we could not figure it out. We stopped to get fuel (long lineups for gas, diesel is still OK) and we were approached by beggars, one of them asking just for bread. All Indian. It dawned on us that all those people on the highway may have actually been begging at passing vehicles. I have never seen this before in Mexico. I have seen things like people in wheelchairs outside ATM's and things like that, but never people obviously desperate. We handed out some small bills, but it was disturbing. This country has a rapidly growing middle class and I have seen very little absolute poverty. Except in this area.

Anyway, we are camped at Las Palmas Hotel & RV Park. We are the only rig in here, except for  van with a Quebec couple.  It is an expensive park at about $25 Can a night and not much here. The pool is far too cold to swim in. WiFi is good and the restaurant is apparently excellent, so we will try that tonight.