Maz, San Carlos & AZ (Mar 24 to 26)

Well, lots to say. I know. I always have lots to say. Weirdly enough, that's what my elementary school teachers said too!

We left Mazatlan bright and early (like 6:15 am). Yes, we can do it if we have to.

Honest, that is the sunrise!

Raphael, caretaker extraordinaire at Las Jaibas

Anyone who has stayed here will agree.

Superb human being who would give you the shirt off his back.

One of the reasons we keep coming back here.

Coffee and "these" from the local Kiosko store.

Doug thought that they tasted like straw cookies

I told him they were good for him. He didn't believe me.

So, we knew this would be a 9 hr plus driving day. What we didn't and couldn't account for was a total highway closure about 100 kms south of Culiacan. Military everywhere and just pointed us off the road eastbound (we were going northbound). We found our way to the Hwy 15 "free road" and had to proceed for over 100 kms on that. Remember what I said the other day about always traveling on the cuota or toll highways? Best laid plans of mice and men. Then, about 2 hours north, the military had closed the Cuidad Obregon bypass highway off as well. The semi trucks were all lined up on the ramps and there had to be about 100 military personnel there. Obviously something was amiss or was "coming down". We never did find out but this second detour right through the busy city of Cuidad Obregon was enough that it added more time to our day. UGH!!! Oh well, not much you can do. So, that 9 hr driving day turned into 12 hrs. We got to San Carlos about 6 PM.

Celebrated with a Quattro Queso (4 cheese) pizza and wine.

Parked at Totonaka RV Park in the overnighters spot

Looks like a Walmart doesn't it?

We left San Carlos early again, although not until 7:45 AM. shorter driving day. We cross at Lukeville AZ/Sonoyta MX crossing which is about 5 hours from San Carlos. Nice and quiet. Not nearly as busy as the Nogales crossing where the majority of travelers pass through.

Just some road pictures along the way. 

Future overpass

Last toll booth. Not sure how they got this

oversized piece through.

The buildings on the left, at the bottom of this picture, are where we turned in our TIP (Temporary Import Permit). Very professional folks here, military around (of course). This is San Emeterio, about 27 kms from the US border.

Very beautiful scenery

Last picture of Eurii in Mexico. Sitting on the roadside while we turn in our FMM (tourist visas and get stamped out of MX).

We had a very easy border crossing. After turning in our FMM's, we literally drove about one block from here and spoke to some very nice US Customs officers. Not even a secondary inspection. Super simple.

We drove about 15 minutes and decided to stop at a roadside pull-out for left-over pizza. We were heading to Sonoran Skies campground (where we stayed on the way down in January) in Why AZ, which is about 30 minutes from the Lukeville border crossing but Joyce was full up! Yikes, didn't even think of making reservations but we were glad she is busy. Next time. We headed about 1 hr northeast to Gila Bend. 

Organ Pipe Cactus Nat'l Park

"Don't back up Doug!!"

Getting water in Why AZ.

Arrived at Sonoran Desert RV Park in Gila Bend AZ.

Look them up. super nice place. 

It wasn't dark when we arrived, 

just didn't get the picture taken in time.

Remember that Mazatlan picture of me BBQ'ng?

Just burning off the grill.

So that brings us all to today, Sunday, March 26. We have really enjoyed a day off of driving after some very long days.

Eurii gets a much deserved day off

Enjoying the 90 degree pool, all by ourselves

Not a sign one sees often

Whoosh, now you know everything that I know and you are all caught up. Tomorrow, Monday March 27th, it's an oil change for Eurii and then the B-I-G push to get home. Once you decide it's time to be home it just is. Talk soon!

Peace out friends!

Thought for the Day: Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith.