mOOners in Mexico

by Kris

We've been "home" one month. I'd like to blame my blogging absence on something other than my own lack of discipline -- would you believe my dog ate my computer?? Would you believe we've been having too much fun catching up with friends and family and building a deck and working on the boat?
Bingo.

But leave Mexico we did and here's a bit of the story...

                                                        
When to leave the tranquility of Maruata was a major decision. Our kick-back month on the beach in the sleepy fishing village (it really exists!) was truly a highlight among many in our six months South of the Border.

Home sweet home mOOn'er style 

The Mexican government assisted our planning (mOOners plan? HA!) by limiting the duration of our South of the Border escape with a 180 day tourist card. Not sure what happens if you arrive at the border on the 181st day but it doesn't seem prudent to tempt fate at the hands of the Mexican authorities..

A few days prior to our departure, our beach buddies, back-packing bus-riding Canadian newlyweds Steve and Danielle, departed for Acapulco and the flight to their B.C. home. Danielle had to run back from the bus stop and "return" our favorite beach pooch, Amos.

Leaving our girls, Lupita and Wendy, was just plain sad. They are adorable, affectionate (important to grandparents missing kiddles) and much-o fun-o. Our last afternoon we played in the surf and made plans for our next visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One semi-planned option was to stop in Jocotepec on Lake Chapala and re-group before the push to the border. Joco is special and, from our three months in the area, familiar. Joco is also the hometown of my special hair styling ladies, Mary de Lu y Yolanda, with the $28 US coloring and cutting deal of the century. Both señoras are taking English speaking lessons so we have muy interesante conversations. I think.

 
Most importantly on this return to civilization trip, Joco is home of the fastest and cheapest laundry imaginable. Dirty Duffie the dirty laundry watch-dog aside, we had three huge bags of clothes, towels, and bedding washed and folded in three hours for $7 dollars. Bless the laundry lady and may she prosper.

Tacos al pastor, a regional specialty, rated another tasting and was found to be as delicious as remembered. Love when that happens - also love a $6 US dining experience for three.

The improvements to the malecón of Jocotepec continue; since we left in February the colorful mosaic fish chairs are finished, the "beach" area's built up and graded, and the palm trees are planted and thriving.

This lake-front park is the jewel of Lago de Chapala and a model for the other Lakeside communities. We love our morning walk here almost as much as starting our day on the beach. Almost.

Down time became prep time; the truck got a much needed shower and all systems were checked and tanks were filled and emptied as necessary. Sometimes dumping is way more important than filling...end of discussion.

 Adios a Jocotepec. Our starting route led us through another "t.b.e.l." (aka to be explored later) the ex-hacienda area of Jalisco.  Our time to stop for the day worked for an overnight visit to Laguna Santa Maria, a volcanic lake in the mountains southeast of Tepic. (ed. note...I will always be able to identify unknown pictures - if there's smoke it's Mexico!)

Next stop was the amazing coastal city of Mazatlán. Ok, that was nice. Unfortunately we did a touch 'n go (old pilot talk) and didn't get the opportunity to contact my Countdown to Mexico (see link at side) blogging amiga, Nancy, and her husband, Paul. The on-going adventures of their move to Mexico are entertaining, informative, and inspiring. Particularly inspirational is Nancy's near daily blog entry. My hero. Next trip we'll have that cold Pacífico.

Ah, San Carlos. We arrived in time for a splendid sunset viewed from the camper as our heads hit the pillows. We beach camped and took time the next morning to appreciate the desert beauty of this Sea of Cortez city.

Agate Beach in Oregon has nothing on this stretch of sand.

Miles and miles of miles and miles.....desert brush and mountains and damn nice four lane highway all the really long way to the border toward Nogales. Speaking of long...in the rear view mirror I attempted to capture the trucks backed up at a checkpoint near the Sonora/Sinaloa state line. Who would be crankier? The truckers or the military guys who have to check them all??

We chose to experience a different border crossing; not that I hold a grudge against the US official in Nogales who told me, "move your dog before my dog eats it." Heck no. We decided to drive in Mexico as long as possible before crossing to take advantage of the wonderful beautiful exceptional - all things good - lower than low fuel prices. Driving in Mexico at $2.10 US/gal for diesel was almost like driving for free! We paralled the US/Mexico border west on Mex 2 to the town of San Luis Rio Colorado. Not to draw the wrath of anyone (like say my gov't) but seriously, is there a need for a fence here?

As border crossings go, this was a piece of cake. The only glitch was mine....I handed our tourist papers to the Mexican official and he said they were nicely in order but three years old! OOPS. With Ken's eyes (lovingly but imploringly) boring a hole in my back, I walked back to the camper (praying for a miracle of not only finding the correct forms but finding them QUICKLY!)  To my amazement and I'm sure to Ken's, I opened my other travel bag and VOILA! a miracle and another border tragedy (to say nothing of marital distress) avoided. The US border people were gentle and mellow. We have found our route into and out of Mexico.

Five fast months of fun at home with family and friends and we're there.

mOOners