Nov. 24, 2011
We left the Hickiwan RV park in Why, AZ at about 9:20 this morning. We passed into Mexico over the border without a check of anything in the rig or even showing our passports. On to the Immigration/Vehicle Importation at San Amarito about 22 km from the border. When we got close there were about 100 trucks stopped in line along the edge of the road so we passed through down the middle. As we got close there was a truck repacking his load blocking the way into the parking lot and as we couldn’t get between him and the other trucks we pulled around him. At this point the drop off from the pavement onto the gravel was huge and Eric thought we might roll over if we went down. I think they have put another lift of pavement on the highway and they don’t build up the pavement below so it drops about 2 feet. Eric pulled forward on the pavement and we parked to get our paperwork. A nice young Mexican man did the Visas and even wished Eric a happy birthday when he saw his birthday was two days ago. We finished the Visas up and then did the vehicle importation. Again another young efficient Mexican man who completed everything quickly and efficiently. It is true that you must post a bond for your vehicles based on their age. Our 2005 pick-up was $300.00 and the 2009 Harley was $400.00!! You will have this returned to you when you leave the country as long as you do not stay over 180 days in which case you would loose your money. These fees are in addition to the usual fees so make sure you have room on your credit card. I don’t know what they are doing with motor homes with a ten year permit. When we were done we were told we would have to turn the rig around and go down the big drop off and through the usual way. We pulled across the highway onto the dirt and then crossed over the highway and down the drop off. The truck bottomed out as we went down because we had to cross at 90 degrees and when the 5th wheel came over the bump two axels were hanging from the frame (air born) and all the weight was on the third axel. Not good. Everything seems okay though. So make sure you get down at the easiest point. If you had a small convoy of RV’s you would plug up the parking lot and the lanes that everyone must pass through. Not well thought out at all.
We stopped for fuel at the first Pemex coming into Caborca and had lunch in the rig. It feels really good to be back in Mexico and this time we can read the signs and also know where we are going so it is not the big deal it was in the past.
The Customs check point between Caborca and Altar that has been under construction is now open. It is a very convoluted entry and maze of roads that are confusing so we just followed a little car that was buzzing through ahead of us. You must watch out as you go through as there is an arced roof that you have to stay in the centre of or you could hit it’s lower outside edges. It is not marked for height. They did nothing and checked nothing as we passed through.
We continued on and the south bound lanes to Santa Ana are getting more and more bumpy from the trucks. The north bound lanes are now concrete.
We arrived at Edgar and Anna’s Punta Vista RV park in Santa Ana at about 3pm and are now parked for the night. The sky is dark and rain is threatening.
Also to note there is construction in Hermisillo which has a detour. We understand that it is well marked so I will comment on that when we get to the Hotel Playa de Cortes in Miramar (Guaymas.)
Once again the new Yagi antenna is proving it’s worth as a good purchase. Without it there were three wifi sites and with it about 15!! We have it propped on an empty beer case in the bedroom window and I am hooked up to the net on an unsecured site. Life is good.
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