Monday, 31 December 2018
MX Trip # 31 Rain and Cold (Sunday )
The weather forecast promised a cold front along with rain for most of Sunday and they were true to forum. About 2 AM on Sunday we were awaken by the "pitter patter" of rain on our roof and then it intensified to a down pour. The rain lasted until 8 AM however the temp stayed at 15 C along with gusting wind for most of the day.
Amazing enough, it did not stop the Mexicans from hitting the beach as it was once again wall to wall people. There were very few Gringos on the beach. It was somewhat comical as the wind gust would toss the beach umbrellas all around and once the wind died down they would set them up and another gust would re-arrange then all over again. The Mexican sure have patience.
We gringos where are dressed in blue jeans and jackets while the Mexicans sat on the beach with jack shirt and bathing suites. The water must have been warm because there were many people in swimming.
Our friends Dave and Joanne had just returned from their trip back to BC for Christmas on Sat evening so they called on us on Sunday morning to go for breakfast, which we accepted. This time we went to a " better " restaurant and there was no problem with language as our waiter was a teenage that spoke fluent English. He was probably educated in the US and his dad owns the restaurant.
Dave and Joanne are hosting the New Years party and their MH which is right on the beach so I helped Dave install his Sun Screens which will protect us ( the party goers ) from the wind during the party if it still windy and cool by then. The forecast is sunny and warm tomorrow.
We had our wind jackets on most of the day and last evening we actually turn the furnace on for 10 minutes to take away the chill. One cool day in MX is acceptable. cheers
Sunday, 30 December 2018
MX Trip # 30 Busy Day ( Saturday )
We decided to go out for breakfast and one of the park residence suggested a "hole in the wall" located in another RV Park which was a "Stone Throw " from our park. It was hailed as excellent food at a good price but in my estimation it was acceptable food at the going price. Again we had a language barrier with our order: our fault, we should have learned a little Spanish. Not our favorite restaurant.
After breakfast we went to Lo De Marco, a town 20 minutes away to find a jeweler who made a ring for Carroll 4 years ago because she now wanted matching ear rings. We found the place but there is a lack of parking in " Lo De " so I let Carroll off near the store and found a parking spot . Just as I went to get out of the car a Motor cycle cop pulled up to my door and said in plain English, Mr , you can not park on this side of the street. Even thought several others where parked along that side of the street, I immediately moved and found a legal parking spot. Carroll always says to park anywhere but if I lose my license she can't drive in MX so I like to be careful.
Carroll ordered her ear rings and then we were off to La Penta as Carroll wanted to check out the " Material " store which actually sells mostly table cloth material. She picked up 5 metres of material for 2 table cloth at a cost of 38.00 Cdn. They have great materials and a vast array of patterns.
Our next issue was to find the TelCel store but we happen to walk by a sidewalk store with rotisserie chickens so Carroll decided that the chickens look a lot like supper so we stopped to discuss the options: will I cook supper or buy it right here. Obvious answer.
When you buy these chickens you can get a complete meal as they come with potatoes, rice, cold slaw, a pepper, hot sauce and tortillas. Since the chicken man spoke fluent English we ask for directions to the TelCel store.
Then we headed for the TelCel store because our cell card runs out on the 8 Jan so we wanted to confirm that we could buy another month at that store and we can. The prices are 100 P ( 7.00 Cdn) for 28 days, unlimited Talk and Text and 1 GB or 200 P for 56 days with unlimited Talk and Text and 2 GB. With these prices you can understand why every Mexicans has a cell phone.
On the way back to the park we wanted to stop at the fruit and veggie store ( Fruitiera) and there was no parking space in the area so I pulled a Mexican; I double parked along with several other along the street. Now I'm feel Mexican. Cheers
After breakfast we went to Lo De Marco, a town 20 minutes away to find a jeweler who made a ring for Carroll 4 years ago because she now wanted matching ear rings. We found the place but there is a lack of parking in " Lo De " so I let Carroll off near the store and found a parking spot . Just as I went to get out of the car a Motor cycle cop pulled up to my door and said in plain English, Mr , you can not park on this side of the street. Even thought several others where parked along that side of the street, I immediately moved and found a legal parking spot. Carroll always says to park anywhere but if I lose my license she can't drive in MX so I like to be careful.
Carroll ordered her ear rings and then we were off to La Penta as Carroll wanted to check out the " Material " store which actually sells mostly table cloth material. She picked up 5 metres of material for 2 table cloth at a cost of 38.00 Cdn. They have great materials and a vast array of patterns.
Our next issue was to find the TelCel store but we happen to walk by a sidewalk store with rotisserie chickens so Carroll decided that the chickens look a lot like supper so we stopped to discuss the options: will I cook supper or buy it right here. Obvious answer.
When you buy these chickens you can get a complete meal as they come with potatoes, rice, cold slaw, a pepper, hot sauce and tortillas. Since the chicken man spoke fluent English we ask for directions to the TelCel store.
Then we headed for the TelCel store because our cell card runs out on the 8 Jan so we wanted to confirm that we could buy another month at that store and we can. The prices are 100 P ( 7.00 Cdn) for 28 days, unlimited Talk and Text and 1 GB or 200 P for 56 days with unlimited Talk and Text and 2 GB. With these prices you can understand why every Mexicans has a cell phone.
On the way back to the park we wanted to stop at the fruit and veggie store ( Fruitiera) and there was no parking space in the area so I pulled a Mexican; I double parked along with several other along the street. Now I'm feel Mexican. Cheers
MX # 29 Tow Bar Problem ( Friday )
A week or so ago I explained that my Tow bars go bent on the trip down and that the local machine shop did a good job on the repairs. As it turns out the locking method was not repaired properly. However, it was our fault as we did not explain how the tow bars operated and it definite was confused due to the language.
Anyhow we took the tow bar back and explained the locking method and they assure us they it would make the repairs and that it would be done by tomorrow.
The rest of the day was pretty well a nothing day which is people watching and reading. cheers
Anyhow we took the tow bar back and explained the locking method and they assure us they it would make the repairs and that it would be done by tomorrow.
The rest of the day was pretty well a nothing day which is people watching and reading. cheers
MX Trip # 28 Two things that Never Change ( Thursday )
Our park is located on a busy street with several hotels and we are against a 12 foot wall that borders the street so it can be noisy in the evenings from the music at the hotel bars. The music usually stops around 10 PM.
However there are two things that never change. They are garbage pickup at 3 AM and a rooster crowing at 4 AM.
I'm sure the garbage is picked up at 3 AM because they could never get down the street during the day. And most garbage is brought to the street or in a bin that borders the street. All garbage is handle by hand with the 2 " load masters " hanging on the back of the truck. Also the truck has to back down the street as it is a dead end with no turn around so we get to hear the roar of the engine and that constant nagging Beep Beep. Believe it or not we must get use to it because most morning we never hear it.
The second item is a rooster that crows every morning. It seems that he does a warm up around 4 AM and then once he has his voice in tune he continues until 5. I'm guessing that by 5 he has everybody attention so then he goes back to sleep because we never hear him again. Now this noise I do hear.
Today is Market Day because every Thursday is Market day and we forgot to go to the market. It not that we needed much but it becomes a "religion" and when we do go to the market we normally go for a Taco lunch and a beer if for no other reason to meet people. Oh well, there is always next week. Cheers
MX Trip #27 Morning Call (Wedesday)
Normally, each morning around 7 AM, several of the men ( and sometime a lady with join in ) grab a coffee and meet on the patio at the beach area of the park. Of course the discussion is about the politic of yesterday and how to solve the world's problems. We also watch as the beach comes alive, as some venders start to set up early , probably to get the prime spot, or maybe it is so they are near the beach entrance.
However, the Pineapple lady has 2 boys, one is probably 2 and the other is around 10 years old and we call him the water boy. Every morning he comes into our park to fill 2 water jugs that appear to be the size of 4 gallons. He carries both jugs to his Mom's stand. Then he gets 2 more jugs and carries then to another stand about 200 feet further down the beach. However, even thought he is built like a fire hydrant he has to stop and rest for a few minutes before he gets to the second vender. During the rest of the day he tries to watch his baby brother as the 2 year old does wander away. He seems to have lots of patience when chasing after his brother. Even thought there are 1000's of people on the beach I'm sure most venders know who the 2 year old belongs to so I doubt he would get lost.
Since the beach was crowded and it will be until after New Years, we just people watched and read a book from the patio. Many park residence go for a walk along the water's edge as walking on the beach is nearly impossible. cheers
Thursday, 27 December 2018
MX Trip # 26 Christmas Day ( Tuesday )
So what do you do on Christmas Day in Guayabitos, MX. Well, around noon you join the group to set up the patio for Christmas Dinner which will be a Pot Luck affair for 37 people.
Earlier in the morning , we mostly walked around with our coffee wishing everyone a Merry Christmas or in case of our Mexican friends, and the condo was mainly Mexicans, you wish them Feliz Navidad. One lady actually delivered a rose to each RV along with a Merry Christmas wish.
Well ; the day whiled away until 4 PM when we all delivered our potluck dish to the patio and the deserts where over the top. There were two families of Mexicans invited and all the staff that was working that day where invited to have dinner but they prefer to eat in their own lunch area. so they just fill their plate and eat elsewhere.
The park owner ( 95 years old) and the grandson who runs the park, normally join the park residents for christmas dinner but this year they went to Leon to have Christmas with the son/father and family. Do you understand; Grandfather, son and grandson.
Our dish for the potluck was an apple pie so we had it made at a local restaurant which are known for their pies.
Suffice to say, the dinner was a success and everyone had the same compliant; I ate too much. cheers
Earlier in the morning , we mostly walked around with our coffee wishing everyone a Merry Christmas or in case of our Mexican friends, and the condo was mainly Mexicans, you wish them Feliz Navidad. One lady actually delivered a rose to each RV along with a Merry Christmas wish.
Well ; the day whiled away until 4 PM when we all delivered our potluck dish to the patio and the deserts where over the top. There were two families of Mexicans invited and all the staff that was working that day where invited to have dinner but they prefer to eat in their own lunch area. so they just fill their plate and eat elsewhere.
The park owner ( 95 years old) and the grandson who runs the park, normally join the park residents for christmas dinner but this year they went to Leon to have Christmas with the son/father and family. Do you understand; Grandfather, son and grandson.
Our dish for the potluck was an apple pie so we had it made at a local restaurant which are known for their pies.
Suffice to say, the dinner was a success and everyone had the same compliant; I ate too much. cheers
MX Trip #25 Art Market Day ( Monday )
We were not too busy today and the beach was crowded due to the holiday so went to the Art market in the town park and we invited our new neighbors to join us. Besides Carroll, apparently needs another MX table cloth which we got at a reasonable price. However, we did find out that we overpaid for the table cloth we bought at the Thursday market. Oh well, you win some; you lose some and some get rained out.
On the way home we stopped at a small grocery store that " has everything " because in MX you always need something. What a GD calamity. The isle are so narrow that they are only wide enough for one person so if you are going one and someone is coming the other, one of you has to back out. It was obvious that the narrow isles allow for more stock but it didn't take long for me to get the heck out of there.
The rest of the day was a reading day on the patio by the beach along with some people watching. Cheers
On the way home we stopped at a small grocery store that " has everything " because in MX you always need something. What a GD calamity. The isle are so narrow that they are only wide enough for one person so if you are going one and someone is coming the other, one of you has to back out. It was obvious that the narrow isles allow for more stock but it didn't take long for me to get the heck out of there.
The rest of the day was a reading day on the patio by the beach along with some people watching. Cheers
Wednesday, 26 December 2018
MX Trip #24 ( Sunday ) Finally hit the Beach
The beach was a mass of humanity but there is always room for 2 more chairs and that was us. There is not many Gringo tourist on the beach from 22 to the 26 because it is the time that Mexicans who live inland, flock to the beaches and you sometimes get crowded out of your spot. The Mexican don,t really mean to be nasty; it is just that they seem to spread out as the day progresses.
A crowded beach also draws a ton of vendors ( peddlers ) selling every thing from shirt , dresses and tattoos to many types of food stuff both cooked and raw fruit. Well, Carroll just had to have the pineapple drink where they slice the side of the pineapple ,mush up the inside then stuff it with pieces of water melon, slices of pineapple, jicama and cucumber and sprinkled with hot pepper and the cost was 4.80 cdn. When you consider it was a whole pineapple the price was too bad.
After soaking up the Sun for a few hours to burnish our tan we return to the MH and had Happy hour with our friends next door.
Temperature today was 27 C. If I haven,t mentioned it before gas is 1.43 cdn a litre. Cheers
A crowded beach also draws a ton of vendors ( peddlers ) selling every thing from shirt , dresses and tattoos to many types of food stuff both cooked and raw fruit. Well, Carroll just had to have the pineapple drink where they slice the side of the pineapple ,mush up the inside then stuff it with pieces of water melon, slices of pineapple, jicama and cucumber and sprinkled with hot pepper and the cost was 4.80 cdn. When you consider it was a whole pineapple the price was too bad.
After soaking up the Sun for a few hours to burnish our tan we return to the MH and had Happy hour with our friends next door.
Temperature today was 27 C. If I haven,t mentioned it before gas is 1.43 cdn a litre. Cheers
Monday, 24 December 2018
MX Trip # 23 Laundry / Visit Friends ( Saturday )
Today was laundry day which means we would take our laundry to the Laundriao ( I'm not sure that is a word ) but it is where they do your laundry for a price. We have to separated it and they weighed and give you a ticket and in most cases you pre-pay. However, the husband was running the show today and we know that we have to separate into whites, colored and dark so he just look at the 3 bags and wrote down 50 P per bag which is 3.50 per bag. When you consider 1.50 a load to wash and 1.25 a load to dry plus the soap it is not a bad deal.
Our laundry would not be done until 3 PM so we decided to visit friends ( Ron and Joy Miller ) who are from Black Diamond. They are in a park 20 miles away in a small town called Lo de Marco. This town has 1/2 dozen Parks, most of them on the water but you can not go swimming as it is too rough. We also went there to see a Jeweler about making ear rings for Carroll to match her ring that she got 4 years ago. We did not realize that the jeweler closed at 2 pm and we did not get there until 2:30 so no luck. We are not yet in tune with Mexican hours but we will go back another day.
While we visiting with the Millers I/ we heard a loud shriek or a whistle which kind of startle me. I said; what hell was that and Joy said, oh that is the man who sharpens our knife. That is how he ask permission to enter the park so she beckoned him in. He has a hand driven grinding wheel and he sharpens knife and scissors and sits on a little stool about 10 inches high. Several people brought their knives and scissors over to Joy's place. One lady had a inch and half pair of scissor and one other person had the circular wheels for cutting material. I said can you sharpen them and he replied I can sharpen anything. He said he never went to school and that is all he knows. The cost was 1.60 an item. He probably made 25 or 30 dollars.
Since the jeweler was closed we spotted a restaurant next door so we enjoyed a shrimp taco for our late lunch. A couple ( our age from Toronto ) where sitting at the next table and they inquired where we from and where we are staying in the area. They are staying in condo in this small town which they found on line. The web site had beautiful pictures of the condo, the beach and the local restaurant so they took it "site on seen" and they are disappointed. They had never heard of Guayabitos, where we are located so we explained how to get a bus and that the bus would drop them off at Guayabitos and where to look for a hotel and that the beach was great. So they took our advise and said they would check it out.
Then home to pick up our laundry and spend a happy hour with friends. Cheers.
Our laundry would not be done until 3 PM so we decided to visit friends ( Ron and Joy Miller ) who are from Black Diamond. They are in a park 20 miles away in a small town called Lo de Marco. This town has 1/2 dozen Parks, most of them on the water but you can not go swimming as it is too rough. We also went there to see a Jeweler about making ear rings for Carroll to match her ring that she got 4 years ago. We did not realize that the jeweler closed at 2 pm and we did not get there until 2:30 so no luck. We are not yet in tune with Mexican hours but we will go back another day.
While we visiting with the Millers I/ we heard a loud shriek or a whistle which kind of startle me. I said; what hell was that and Joy said, oh that is the man who sharpens our knife. That is how he ask permission to enter the park so she beckoned him in. He has a hand driven grinding wheel and he sharpens knife and scissors and sits on a little stool about 10 inches high. Several people brought their knives and scissors over to Joy's place. One lady had a inch and half pair of scissor and one other person had the circular wheels for cutting material. I said can you sharpen them and he replied I can sharpen anything. He said he never went to school and that is all he knows. The cost was 1.60 an item. He probably made 25 or 30 dollars.
Since the jeweler was closed we spotted a restaurant next door so we enjoyed a shrimp taco for our late lunch. A couple ( our age from Toronto ) where sitting at the next table and they inquired where we from and where we are staying in the area. They are staying in condo in this small town which they found on line. The web site had beautiful pictures of the condo, the beach and the local restaurant so they took it "site on seen" and they are disappointed. They had never heard of Guayabitos, where we are located so we explained how to get a bus and that the bus would drop them off at Guayabitos and where to look for a hotel and that the beach was great. So they took our advise and said they would check it out.
Then home to pick up our laundry and spend a happy hour with friends. Cheers.
Saturday, 22 December 2018
MX Trip #22 Nothing Day ( Friday )
Some days you just seem to do nothing and before you know it's bedtime. Where did the day go when you're in paradise?
Our friends Dave and Joanne flew home to BC, first to have Christmas with G/Kids and secondly to restart their health insurance. They have group insurance with their business and they get 90 days of coverage for our of country heath coverage. We wish we had that option.
We spend most of the day sitting by the beach observing the "zillion " of Mexicans enjoying this exception beach. The beach was wall to wall people and will be until after Christmas. We actually sat on our side of the fence reading a book rather than sitting on the sand. As we say, let the MX have there day.
We had happy hour with our new neighbors from Brandon and afterwards they invited us to go out for supper again. We must put a stop to this as Carroll may forget to cook. Cheers
Our friends Dave and Joanne flew home to BC, first to have Christmas with G/Kids and secondly to restart their health insurance. They have group insurance with their business and they get 90 days of coverage for our of country heath coverage. We wish we had that option.
We spend most of the day sitting by the beach observing the "zillion " of Mexicans enjoying this exception beach. The beach was wall to wall people and will be until after Christmas. We actually sat on our side of the fence reading a book rather than sitting on the sand. As we say, let the MX have there day.
We had happy hour with our new neighbors from Brandon and afterwards they invited us to go out for supper again. We must put a stop to this as Carroll may forget to cook. Cheers
MX Trip # 21 Market Day/ Tow bar (Thursday )
Well, no more bad mouthing Mexicans about using the word Manana because when the Machine shop said Manana he meant it. He called this morning and said to pick up the Tow Bar and so myself and Bob jumped in the car and picked it up. The cost was 50.00 Cdn. I would guess a minimum of 2 hours labour plus parts in Canada would have been a 400.00 bill.
Since today is Market Day in the nearby town of La Penita we ventured there to pick up some fruit and vegetable. As usually there are a throng of people, which included many of us Gringos looking for a bargain. Beside the fruits and veggies Carroll purchased an oversize table cloth for our daughter in law ( there table is 55 X 100 ) and I'm not sure it was a bargain.
After shopping in the hot sun for an hour and a half it was time to meet our friends at one of the local "Watering Hole" of which there are many. However the place was full and there was no room at our friends table due to the crowd so I found a table that only had a couple sitting at it so we invited ourselves to join them. They were a "younger" couple from Kakabeka Falls ON near Thunder Bay whom were in Guayabitos for 3 week as they still work to pay for our pensions. Actually it was nice to talk to other people and swap stories over a beer or in Carroll's case; over a Lemonade.
To close out the day we hosted a happy hour for our new friends from Brandon ( D and D ) and Dave and Joanne dropped by as they had a supper date after our happy hour. Cheers
Since today is Market Day in the nearby town of La Penita we ventured there to pick up some fruit and vegetable. As usually there are a throng of people, which included many of us Gringos looking for a bargain. Beside the fruits and veggies Carroll purchased an oversize table cloth for our daughter in law ( there table is 55 X 100 ) and I'm not sure it was a bargain.
After shopping in the hot sun for an hour and a half it was time to meet our friends at one of the local "Watering Hole" of which there are many. However the place was full and there was no room at our friends table due to the crowd so I found a table that only had a couple sitting at it so we invited ourselves to join them. They were a "younger" couple from Kakabeka Falls ON near Thunder Bay whom were in Guayabitos for 3 week as they still work to pay for our pensions. Actually it was nice to talk to other people and swap stories over a beer or in Carroll's case; over a Lemonade.
To close out the day we hosted a happy hour for our new friends from Brandon ( D and D ) and Dave and Joanne dropped by as they had a supper date after our happy hour. Cheers
Friday, 21 December 2018
MX Trip #20 The last site is now filled ( Wednesday )
The last site in our park is now occupied and it happens to be the one next to us. The couple are well travel retired farmers ( Don and Denise ) from Brandon MB so it goes without saying they are very nice folks.
They are also friends of Dave and Joanne whom we have mentioned earlier as our friends. D and J are leaving Friday to go home for Christmas so we invited them to go our for supper. Since D and D had just arrived around 4 PM they gladly accepted an invitation to join the 4 of us. It was also a great way to get to meet them and swap travel stories. They prefer to travel with Caravans, in MX or other countries around the world. I had 30 years of someone making my travel decisions so I prefer to make my own decisions, therefore Caravans are too expensive and not my cup of tea.
There are lots of fresh fruit in MX and we tasted some a few days ago so we went back to the Fruiteria to get fresh raspberries and strawberries. These strawberries are local and smaller but
sweeter than the tasteless, partly ripe and overpriced ones your get at Costco. Also when they say it is ripe they mean it, not like the
" dork "in Super Store who thinks that if it is in the store it must be ripe.
My friend Bob ( who speaks some Spanish ) and I went to the machine shop to see if my Tow Bars where ready. They were not ready as the owner did not want to try to straighten the bent bars, but wanted my permission to replace the bars which I whole hardly agreed. However, Bob wasn't sure what he was trying to explain so the owner called his son ( somewhere in MX ) and the son translated to Bob and Bob to me and we both agreed to replace the bars. The owner said they would be ready Manana and we said OK. As we walked away I looked at Bob and I said "he means eventually not tomorrow" and Bob smiled and nodded yes. Cheers
They are also friends of Dave and Joanne whom we have mentioned earlier as our friends. D and J are leaving Friday to go home for Christmas so we invited them to go our for supper. Since D and D had just arrived around 4 PM they gladly accepted an invitation to join the 4 of us. It was also a great way to get to meet them and swap travel stories. They prefer to travel with Caravans, in MX or other countries around the world. I had 30 years of someone making my travel decisions so I prefer to make my own decisions, therefore Caravans are too expensive and not my cup of tea.
There are lots of fresh fruit in MX and we tasted some a few days ago so we went back to the Fruiteria to get fresh raspberries and strawberries. These strawberries are local and smaller but
sweeter than the tasteless, partly ripe and overpriced ones your get at Costco. Also when they say it is ripe they mean it, not like the
" dork "in Super Store who thinks that if it is in the store it must be ripe.
My friend Bob ( who speaks some Spanish ) and I went to the machine shop to see if my Tow Bars where ready. They were not ready as the owner did not want to try to straighten the bent bars, but wanted my permission to replace the bars which I whole hardly agreed. However, Bob wasn't sure what he was trying to explain so the owner called his son ( somewhere in MX ) and the son translated to Bob and Bob to me and we both agreed to replace the bars. The owner said they would be ready Manana and we said OK. As we walked away I looked at Bob and I said "he means eventually not tomorrow" and Bob smiled and nodded yes. Cheers
Thursday, 20 December 2018
MX Trip # 19 The Wall Came down ( Tuesday )
Our RV Park borders another RV Park that has been abandon for many years, however there is a 12 foot brick wall the entire length of our Park. Our park owner built 1/2 of the wall but the other 1/2 was built by the other park owner. This wall was constructed before we ever came here in 2003 so it has been here long time.
Recently, some investors purchased the abandon property , probably to built condos or a hotel because it is prime property and of course beach front. Over the years it has been a dumping ground for everybody's junk so now they are removing the garbage and tearing down the other 1/2 of the wall. Unfortunately our owner was not given any warning. About 8 years ago our owner removed several camp sites and built a 3 story, 30 unit holiday suites ( more money in suites ) and he had to revamp the utilities and in doing so he install the power on and along the entire wall. Also several of theses 200,000.00 MH are back up within a foot of the wall. And without notice a backhoe started to remove the wall with pieces falling precariously close to the MH so needless to say panic set in.
The MH owners had to quickly disconnect their utilities and move their MH forward about 10 ft and some even had to protect there rig with a tarp. Because the power was install on the wall the power had to be shut off to most of the camp ( including yours truly ) for most of the day. The power was back on by 5 PM so I assume they run some temporary power to those who lost it. This did cause some panic for most of the day.
Several campers are going home for Christmas; some to be with family and other to restart their insurance. One lady flew out today but her husband was still here so I ask why so, and he says the dog could not endure a flight so he is staying to mind it. And they would probably say that the dog does not run their life. Cheers
Recently, some investors purchased the abandon property , probably to built condos or a hotel because it is prime property and of course beach front. Over the years it has been a dumping ground for everybody's junk so now they are removing the garbage and tearing down the other 1/2 of the wall. Unfortunately our owner was not given any warning. About 8 years ago our owner removed several camp sites and built a 3 story, 30 unit holiday suites ( more money in suites ) and he had to revamp the utilities and in doing so he install the power on and along the entire wall. Also several of theses 200,000.00 MH are back up within a foot of the wall. And without notice a backhoe started to remove the wall with pieces falling precariously close to the MH so needless to say panic set in.
The MH owners had to quickly disconnect their utilities and move their MH forward about 10 ft and some even had to protect there rig with a tarp. Because the power was install on the wall the power had to be shut off to most of the camp ( including yours truly ) for most of the day. The power was back on by 5 PM so I assume they run some temporary power to those who lost it. This did cause some panic for most of the day.
Several campers are going home for Christmas; some to be with family and other to restart their insurance. One lady flew out today but her husband was still here so I ask why so, and he says the dog could not endure a flight so he is staying to mind it. And they would probably say that the dog does not run their life. Cheers
Wednesday, 19 December 2018
MX Trio # 18 Repair Tow Bar ( Monday )
As mentioned earlier , I bent the tow bar when I hit a bump which I did not see and it was not marked. My neighbor, Bob said he would take it to a machine shop, which he has used before and besides Bob speaks some Spanish as he was a resident in 2012. This is great for me as I don't want to tow the car with 2 bent rods. I'm convinced the MX tradesmen can make the repairs.
The city/town of Guayobitos has a large park in the town centre with an area where they host a "Artsy" market every Monday. They venders mainly sell jewelry, tee shirts, table clothes, and pottery etc but they do not sell vegetables.The veggie market is in another town on Thursday.
Carroll had a ring made in this area 4 years ago and now wants ear rings to match so she thought she might find the the Jeweler at this market even thought his shop and store is in another town about 10 miles away. She explain to one Jeweler that she was looking for the one who made her ring and by looking at the ring he knew the Jeweler and pointed to his booth. The Jeweler's wife was there so she suggested that we come to their shop in Lo de Marco to get an estimate for the Jeweler, which we will do next week.
We had a 1 PM appointment to have the MH washed and waxed in the park. So we headed back to the park but did a quick stop at the Fruitateria where we picked up some fresh raspberries, a cantelope, a few oranges and a cumber for 5.50. Since the meat market was across the street I picked up 2 pork chops. We intend to do a bigger grocery list on Thursday at the market.
The Martinez crew arrived to wash and wax the MH right on schedule ; at 3 PM; 2 hours late in MX is actually on time. I don't believe the Mexicans have a watch nor do they care about a schedule. I'm convinced " Manana " means eventual. The Martinez crew did a great job as the MH looks better than new. The cost was 55.00 Cdn so I gave them a 6.00 tip.
As a point of interest, I read in the Globe that our 3 Phone companies in Canada are going to sell their users and one additional GB for 30.00 on top of your cell bill. Telcel sold me a package of unlimited phone and text for North America and 10 GB for 26.00 USD. Don't you just love the generosity of our Canadian Cell companies. cheers
.
The city/town of Guayobitos has a large park in the town centre with an area where they host a "Artsy" market every Monday. They venders mainly sell jewelry, tee shirts, table clothes, and pottery etc but they do not sell vegetables.The veggie market is in another town on Thursday.
Carroll had a ring made in this area 4 years ago and now wants ear rings to match so she thought she might find the the Jeweler at this market even thought his shop and store is in another town about 10 miles away. She explain to one Jeweler that she was looking for the one who made her ring and by looking at the ring he knew the Jeweler and pointed to his booth. The Jeweler's wife was there so she suggested that we come to their shop in Lo de Marco to get an estimate for the Jeweler, which we will do next week.
We had a 1 PM appointment to have the MH washed and waxed in the park. So we headed back to the park but did a quick stop at the Fruitateria where we picked up some fresh raspberries, a cantelope, a few oranges and a cumber for 5.50. Since the meat market was across the street I picked up 2 pork chops. We intend to do a bigger grocery list on Thursday at the market.
The Martinez crew arrived to wash and wax the MH right on schedule ; at 3 PM; 2 hours late in MX is actually on time. I don't believe the Mexicans have a watch nor do they care about a schedule. I'm convinced " Manana " means eventual. The Martinez crew did a great job as the MH looks better than new. The cost was 55.00 Cdn so I gave them a 6.00 tip.
As a point of interest, I read in the Globe that our 3 Phone companies in Canada are going to sell their users and one additional GB for 30.00 on top of your cell bill. Telcel sold me a package of unlimited phone and text for North America and 10 GB for 26.00 USD. Don't you just love the generosity of our Canadian Cell companies. cheers
.
Monday, 17 December 2018
MX Trip # 17 Getting Introduced to other campers ( Sunday )
Today we finished setting up our MH and got out all the " stuff " I packed: chairs, table,swimming noddles and Bar-B-Q etc out of the MH. It take a long time to set up because other campers walk by and stop to talk and introduce themselves. There are 5 couples who live in Med Hat or use to live in Med Hat so when they stop by it the old question; do you know so and so.
One couple, Dave and Joanne, who circled the country with us in 2004 dropped by so we had plenty of stories to re-hash. They spend every winter at this park so they know the "ropes " so to speak. I ask Dave if he knew someone to wash and wax our MH and he grabbed his phone and spoke in broken Spanish to someone and then said Martinez and crew will be here to wash and wax your Rig at 1 PM tomorrow. Now that is service.
Then we had a ton of laundry so we inquired about launderette that did laundry and it was a block away so we deliver our two bags of dirty clothes to the Launderette at 11.00 and it was done by 2 PM. It was wash, dried, folded and placed into bags of like items all for 14.00
We are about 200 feet from the ocean and the beaches are some of the best in MX. However we decided to hit the pool in lieu of the beach because on Sunday the beaches in this area are wall to wall with people. The people come by the bus loads on Friday and leave on Monday so we elected to hit the pool with a couple of friends and let the Mexicans have their beach.
Dave is a Bar-B-Q " Aficionado " so he Bar-B-Q 6 chickens; 3 for the camp staff for their staff party, one for another couple and 2 for himself. Then Dave and Joanne invited us for supper which was a great way to complete our day. cheers
One couple, Dave and Joanne, who circled the country with us in 2004 dropped by so we had plenty of stories to re-hash. They spend every winter at this park so they know the "ropes " so to speak. I ask Dave if he knew someone to wash and wax our MH and he grabbed his phone and spoke in broken Spanish to someone and then said Martinez and crew will be here to wash and wax your Rig at 1 PM tomorrow. Now that is service.
Then we had a ton of laundry so we inquired about launderette that did laundry and it was a block away so we deliver our two bags of dirty clothes to the Launderette at 11.00 and it was done by 2 PM. It was wash, dried, folded and placed into bags of like items all for 14.00
We are about 200 feet from the ocean and the beaches are some of the best in MX. However we decided to hit the pool in lieu of the beach because on Sunday the beaches in this area are wall to wall with people. The people come by the bus loads on Friday and leave on Monday so we elected to hit the pool with a couple of friends and let the Mexicans have their beach.
Dave is a Bar-B-Q " Aficionado " so he Bar-B-Q 6 chickens; 3 for the camp staff for their staff party, one for another couple and 2 for himself. Then Dave and Joanne invited us for supper which was a great way to complete our day. cheers
Sunday, 16 December 2018
MX Trip # 16 Saturday 2/3 Highway
We arrived in Guayobitos around 4 PM but it was the drive that was interesting. A few years ago the MX government build a new toll road from Mazatlan to Guadalajara as this is a highly traveled road especially with trucks and Buses. One would think that this road would call for a 4 lane highway. I'm not sure if this highway had a funding problem or if it was designed on purpose but since it is not the only road build this way.
So what is the difference from most highways, This a 2 lane highway but it has 6 ft shoulders on each side therefore it becomes a 3 lane highway. The shoulders are marked on both sides with broken lines in area where you are expected to merge over a few feet allowing the guy behind you to pass much like a Suicide lane. At first it seems scary but once you see it working everyone seem quite comfortable. I even tried it myself several times once I seen it in action.
I may have mention in an earlier blog that I bent a tow bar shaft when I hit 2 bumps in Hermosillo. When we arrived at the Park in Guayobitios I expected to find it difficult to disconnect the tow bar because of the bent shaft. What I did not realize was the both shafts were bent and therefore I could not disconnect the car. So now I had to disconnect the tow bar from the MH and back up the car to pull the tow bar free from the MH. Now I will have to find a machine shop who can straighten the two bar. One of the guys in the park says he will take me to a machine shop next week and he is sure they can do the job.
We are now at our destination and we will settle in for a month.We did the basic setup and will do the rest tomorrow, cheers
MX Trip # 15 To Mazatlan ( Friday )
We left our Truck Stop camping spot ( near Los Mochas ) around 8 AM which our usual launch time and headed to Mazatlan to met our long time traveling companions, Otto and Edna. This leg of the trip , according to the GPS should take about 4 hours. However, Mr GPS never actually traveled on these "god for saking road" in MX or they never would had suggested a travel time. I , liking this stretch of road to mimmic a plowed field. There is so much broken and patched asphalt that you can not avoid the bumps and pot holes. The Mexicans seem to think if you drive real fast you will skim the tops of the bumps because they were flying past us.
We arrived at our camp site in the early afternoon and the owner was waiting for us just inside the gate so Otto must have told him about our arrival time. Otto and Edna had gone to check out a town about 50 KM away that was disseminated by the hurricane in Nov. The camp site is situated on a boulevarded 4 lane street therefore I had to pass the camp site and go to a "Returno" which is a legal U-Turn to be able to enter the gate. The owner said you missed the Returno and said no I didn't; I needed a different Returno with more room but the owner has never had a MH so doesn't understand how much room we need.
Then after I signed in I got a real shocker when he hit me with the price, 48.00 CDN for 1 night and the wifi is the shits, the grounds are poorly maintain and the property is either construction or destruction on all 3 sides. They start at 6 AM and work to dark. One lady said it was so loud that they had to wear ear plugs. Furthermore, you have to walk at least a block to the beach.
I can assure you that I will never return to this shit box of a place.
We did get to visit with Otto and Edna for a few hour so we got caught on their happening for the past 3 years. We don't think Mazatlan is the place for as we prefer to have a waterfront park and there a many better places in MX. cheers
We are all mature, until someone pulls out some bubble wrap
MX Trip #14 Heading for Mazatlan ( Thursday )
We left San Carlos and headed for Mazatlan, since it is a good 12 hour drive to Maz and 12 hours on the MX roads are not in our driving budget so we knew we would have to stop at a truck stop along the way. Our friends, Otto and Edna where already in Mazatlan so they advised us to stop at a "Smart Gas" truck stop just a few KM out of Los Mochas. However we were looking for a Number ( all gas station/truck stops have a 4 digit number ) but we missed it so now we had to find another further down the road. Since these are toll roads you can,t exit for miles so onward we went.
Note: MX now allows other Oil companies to built gas station to compete with Pemex. We seen Gulf , Conoco and Shell.
About an hour down the road, near Guasave we found a brand new Pemex truck stop and it was so new tthat only the gas pumps were operating, as the Diesel pumps were not ready yet. No diesel, no trucks, so after we filled up I ask about parking overnight and he pointed to the entire lot as if to say help yourself. We were the only ones there all night but all Pemex that close during the evening have a guard on duty during the quiet hours so we always feel safe.
The MX government is really spending money to upgrade their toll roads and most roads are concrete as apposed to asphalt. As a result we end up driving on some really bad roads and occasionally we get shifted to the new roads which is great. Cheers
I think there is something missing in my life: like 2 or 3 million dollars
Note: MX now allows other Oil companies to built gas station to compete with Pemex. We seen Gulf , Conoco and Shell.
About an hour down the road, near Guasave we found a brand new Pemex truck stop and it was so new tthat only the gas pumps were operating, as the Diesel pumps were not ready yet. No diesel, no trucks, so after we filled up I ask about parking overnight and he pointed to the entire lot as if to say help yourself. We were the only ones there all night but all Pemex that close during the evening have a guard on duty during the quiet hours so we always feel safe.
The MX government is really spending money to upgrade their toll roads and most roads are concrete as apposed to asphalt. As a result we end up driving on some really bad roads and occasionally we get shifted to the new roads which is great. Cheers
I think there is something missing in my life: like 2 or 3 million dollars
Thursday, 13 December 2018
MX Trip # 13 Nogales to San Carlos ( Wed )
We got up around 7 AM and I scanned the Home Depot parking lot to see if Jackson had arrived during the night. No Luck. Being a bit of a skeptic I assumed he had gone without us.
Since we did not want to cross the border in the darkness we waited until 8 AM and then headed to the border. There are two border crossing in Nogales . One is for cars only, however small RV's can get thru and the others crossing is for truck and RVs although anyone can use this entrance. Of course we took the truck crossing, however about 1/2 KM from the border you have the choice of two lanes and they are not mark in any fashion. But once you enter a lane you are "barricaded" in until you reached the actual border. I chose the lane with several trucks and they take forever to get checked thru. After 20 minutes I finally got to an opening in the barricade and a truck driver directed me to the other lane.
When I got to the inspection Kisok, which barely provides enough room for a Class A MH, I clipped a camera and turned my Mirror so I could not see from it. Nobody said anything so I kept on going. Then we were pulled over to have our documents verify. A young lady who spoke English verified the documents and that the vehicle VIN numbers matched and then sent us on our way. It is unlikely that we will be stopped again because the Federal Police can see that we have the stickers on the windshield.
We had seen two RVs behind us at the border so we knew that we would be playing leap frog with them all day. We actually seen they fueling up so we stopped to say hello and as it turns out we are all going the same camp site in San Carlos tonight.
When we got close to the city of Hermosillo we recalled there was a bypass ( perifico ) and if you don't get in the proper lane you are in "dodo". We both remembered it was a left turn but was there a sign and if so should we be in the left lane or the outside left lane. Just a we approached the city the 2 RVers following us passed us so we said great, we'll just watch what they do. They got in the outside left lane so we followed suite. As we approached the intersection the lead guy ran a caution light and the 2 nd guy ran a red light but there was no way I was going to run a red in MX. Since we stopped and we never seen them again until we got to San Carlos. While on the bypass I hit two really, really bad bumps or dips ( wherever ) and when I stopped 1/2 hour later to check what was left of the car I noticed that I had bend a bar on the tow bar. However, thinking back on it, I may have bent it coming thru the border inspection station because I did have to make 2 very sharp turns. However it is still bent and it doesn't seem to be a problem yet but will I be able to hook up the car once I disconnect it? That's a problem I will try to solve once I get to Quayabitos.
Just as you exit Herosillo you again have to get on to the Freeway ( of a sort ) or toll road from the right lane and I knew this. However a Truck without his trailer was ahead of us but he was having engine trouble and was traveling at a very low speed so I decided to go around him but before I could ( safely ) move into the right lane 3 Mexican had pulled in so I could not move over. Mexican drivers are not known to be courteous. Since my entrance to the toll road was fast approaching I just turn on my right signal and a lady let me in. Thank you Lady. From here on it was clear sailing right to San Carlos.
The RV park at San Carlos are back in only and I knew that. However, I also knew that the main road into the park is extra wide so RVers like us who are only staying overnight can park in the lane way, with full hookups and not interfere with people coming and going. ( Not my first Rodeo ) The power cable, water hose and sewer lines are on the sidewalk, but, hell this is MX, who cares. When I went to connect the water line there was no water so I went to the owners and he said , sorry but we haven't had water for 3 days because the city has a problem. So I paid for power, water, sewer and wifi and I get water: hell of a deal
So a resident seen my water hose and came over to explain the water problem and said they get water about 3 days a week so they have to top up whenever it is on. So I thinking : OK, its' about 20 C during the day, its' windy, its' cool at night , there is limited water supply and the wifi is hit and miss; What the hell are doing spending a winter here. I did ask around and the reason is that you don't have to get the Import Stickers for your vehicle because this state of Sonora is considered a Free Zone. People i spoke to think it is too much hassle to get the Stickers but it is not . They just need your insurance, vehicle registration, drivers licence and of course you "wallet". Cash or Visa will do.
The camper across from me noticed my Veteran plate and said I see you are Vet. Yeh, how about you and he said yes, Air Force and as I got closer, I said " we know each other and he said yes I think so ". I ask his trade and as soon as he said Fire Fighter I said Edmonton in 1970 and Comox in 1986. "Game On}. He later invite us over for a beer and we swapped stories for an hour. Small World.
Now about Jackson: We finally got wifi around 8 PM so we pulled up FB and there was a message from Jackson. On his way to meet with us he got hit by a 18 wheeler near Tucson and it demolition his trailer. Luckily he survived the crash but our only means of communication was thru FB and I'm not a real fan of FB but luckily Carroll checked with FB. He send pictures of what is left of his trailer. I'm glad he contacted us because was thinking he left us.cheers
Since we did not want to cross the border in the darkness we waited until 8 AM and then headed to the border. There are two border crossing in Nogales . One is for cars only, however small RV's can get thru and the others crossing is for truck and RVs although anyone can use this entrance. Of course we took the truck crossing, however about 1/2 KM from the border you have the choice of two lanes and they are not mark in any fashion. But once you enter a lane you are "barricaded" in until you reached the actual border. I chose the lane with several trucks and they take forever to get checked thru. After 20 minutes I finally got to an opening in the barricade and a truck driver directed me to the other lane.
When I got to the inspection Kisok, which barely provides enough room for a Class A MH, I clipped a camera and turned my Mirror so I could not see from it. Nobody said anything so I kept on going. Then we were pulled over to have our documents verify. A young lady who spoke English verified the documents and that the vehicle VIN numbers matched and then sent us on our way. It is unlikely that we will be stopped again because the Federal Police can see that we have the stickers on the windshield.
We had seen two RVs behind us at the border so we knew that we would be playing leap frog with them all day. We actually seen they fueling up so we stopped to say hello and as it turns out we are all going the same camp site in San Carlos tonight.
When we got close to the city of Hermosillo we recalled there was a bypass ( perifico ) and if you don't get in the proper lane you are in "dodo". We both remembered it was a left turn but was there a sign and if so should we be in the left lane or the outside left lane. Just a we approached the city the 2 RVers following us passed us so we said great, we'll just watch what they do. They got in the outside left lane so we followed suite. As we approached the intersection the lead guy ran a caution light and the 2 nd guy ran a red light but there was no way I was going to run a red in MX. Since we stopped and we never seen them again until we got to San Carlos. While on the bypass I hit two really, really bad bumps or dips ( wherever ) and when I stopped 1/2 hour later to check what was left of the car I noticed that I had bend a bar on the tow bar. However, thinking back on it, I may have bent it coming thru the border inspection station because I did have to make 2 very sharp turns. However it is still bent and it doesn't seem to be a problem yet but will I be able to hook up the car once I disconnect it? That's a problem I will try to solve once I get to Quayabitos.
Just as you exit Herosillo you again have to get on to the Freeway ( of a sort ) or toll road from the right lane and I knew this. However a Truck without his trailer was ahead of us but he was having engine trouble and was traveling at a very low speed so I decided to go around him but before I could ( safely ) move into the right lane 3 Mexican had pulled in so I could not move over. Mexican drivers are not known to be courteous. Since my entrance to the toll road was fast approaching I just turn on my right signal and a lady let me in. Thank you Lady. From here on it was clear sailing right to San Carlos.
The RV park at San Carlos are back in only and I knew that. However, I also knew that the main road into the park is extra wide so RVers like us who are only staying overnight can park in the lane way, with full hookups and not interfere with people coming and going. ( Not my first Rodeo ) The power cable, water hose and sewer lines are on the sidewalk, but, hell this is MX, who cares. When I went to connect the water line there was no water so I went to the owners and he said , sorry but we haven't had water for 3 days because the city has a problem. So I paid for power, water, sewer and wifi and I get water: hell of a deal
So a resident seen my water hose and came over to explain the water problem and said they get water about 3 days a week so they have to top up whenever it is on. So I thinking : OK, its' about 20 C during the day, its' windy, its' cool at night , there is limited water supply and the wifi is hit and miss; What the hell are doing spending a winter here. I did ask around and the reason is that you don't have to get the Import Stickers for your vehicle because this state of Sonora is considered a Free Zone. People i spoke to think it is too much hassle to get the Stickers but it is not . They just need your insurance, vehicle registration, drivers licence and of course you "wallet". Cash or Visa will do.
The camper across from me noticed my Veteran plate and said I see you are Vet. Yeh, how about you and he said yes, Air Force and as I got closer, I said " we know each other and he said yes I think so ". I ask his trade and as soon as he said Fire Fighter I said Edmonton in 1970 and Comox in 1986. "Game On}. He later invite us over for a beer and we swapped stories for an hour. Small World.
Now about Jackson: We finally got wifi around 8 PM so we pulled up FB and there was a message from Jackson. On his way to meet with us he got hit by a 18 wheeler near Tucson and it demolition his trailer. Luckily he survived the crash but our only means of communication was thru FB and I'm not a real fan of FB but luckily Carroll checked with FB. He send pictures of what is left of his trailer. I'm glad he contacted us because was thinking he left us.cheers
Wednesday, 12 December 2018
MX Trip #12 Yuma to Nogales ( Tuesday )
We left Yuma on schedule at 9 AM and we expected to be in Nogales around 3 PM since our GPS said it would take 5 hours. When you throw in couple of Pit stops and a lunch break 6 hours was a good guess. Well, we arrived at 3:15 PM and headed to the Home Depot which was our meeting place with our traveling companion, I W Jackson. Jackson was the guy we met only thru Messenger on FB. Our plan was to stay at the Home Depot parking lot overnight and Jackson was going to Bar-B-Q chicken and we would provide the sides.
When we arrived at the Home Depot; No Jackson.
Well maybe we were early so we waited until 5 PM and then went to Wal-mart, which is about 100 M away, to pick up a few items that we decided we needed before getting to MX. By 7 PM still no Jackson so it was obvious he would not be coming and we thought that we driven 6 hours for nothing. If we were traveling alone we would not have come to Nogales.
First we thought he stood us up, but why would. They we send of two messages and he did not answer. Then we thought he might have had an accident and could not answer. But I really thought that he met another Rig going to MX and went a day early.
No sense losing any sleep over it as we have travel around MX alone before and we have done this particular trip several times. Beside we knew we would meet several RVers on the road and if nec we would tag along. So we went to bed knowing we would be traveling alone. cheers
When we arrived at the Home Depot; No Jackson.
Well maybe we were early so we waited until 5 PM and then went to Wal-mart, which is about 100 M away, to pick up a few items that we decided we needed before getting to MX. By 7 PM still no Jackson so it was obvious he would not be coming and we thought that we driven 6 hours for nothing. If we were traveling alone we would not have come to Nogales.
First we thought he stood us up, but why would. They we send of two messages and he did not answer. Then we thought he might have had an accident and could not answer. But I really thought that he met another Rig going to MX and went a day early.
No sense losing any sleep over it as we have travel around MX alone before and we have done this particular trip several times. Beside we knew we would meet several RVers on the road and if nec we would tag along. So we went to bed knowing we would be traveling alone. cheers
MX Trip # 11 Horse Races
Yes, we went to the Horse Races but more about that later. We are leaving Tuesday for Nogales to meet our Travel Buddies so we had to do some last minute grocery shopping. Since we had the morning to kill we dropped in to pay a visit to friend we met years ago on our travel. As it turns , at about the same time they had dropped into see us so we missed each other. Then Carroll suggested we visit her favorite clothing store ( Bon Worth ) just to look and see what’s on sale. Apparently 4 items were on sale and 75.00 later we headed home.
I like to have most things done the day before we leave, like top of the water, drain the tanks and put away the chairs but that seldom happens. Why, because it is now 1:30 and the horse races start at 3:30 ( cocktails at 3:00 ) and our friends that were here earlier dropped in for a visit which lasted an hour. Hence nothing got done and it will be dark after horse races.
Now for the Horse Races which are held in the Club House. There are 6 horse in each race and the club house floor is laid out 1 ft tiles. There are 2 dice thrown, one for the horse number and one for the numbers that horse can move. You can bet but you draw a blind horse number and the limit is 2 horse per races. The cost is 25 cents per horse so as not to contravene the gambling law. Carroll and I broke even.
After the race there is steak Bar-B-Q with all the trimmings, including a bake potato. It was a fun night with our friends but all the work I was going to do in the afternoon will be done in the morning before we leave for Nogales . Cheers
I like to have most things done the day before we leave, like top of the water, drain the tanks and put away the chairs but that seldom happens. Why, because it is now 1:30 and the horse races start at 3:30 ( cocktails at 3:00 ) and our friends that were here earlier dropped in for a visit which lasted an hour. Hence nothing got done and it will be dark after horse races.
Now for the Horse Races which are held in the Club House. There are 6 horse in each race and the club house floor is laid out 1 ft tiles. There are 2 dice thrown, one for the horse number and one for the numbers that horse can move. You can bet but you draw a blind horse number and the limit is 2 horse per races. The cost is 25 cents per horse so as not to contravene the gambling law. Carroll and I broke even.
After the race there is steak Bar-B-Q with all the trimmings, including a bake potato. It was a fun night with our friends but all the work I was going to do in the afternoon will be done in the morning before we leave for Nogales . Cheers
Monday, 10 December 2018
MX Trip # 10 Driving around the area
Sunday was not a busy day so we joined our friends, Vince and Lynda from Sask and Barb and Dick from Minnesota as we took a driving trip around the area as we have done before. This area is basically a dessert but some places kind of resemble a moonscape. There are miles of hills that kind of remind one of volcano ash. Because of the hills there are many gun/shooting range because these hills are ready made so there is no need to built any shooting Butts.
Our friend Dick is a gun enthusiast and he goes shooting several days a week, much like some folks go golfing. There are many different Ranges in this area , depending on the type of gun you prefer. There is one range for the Police, another for the Border Patrol because they are too proud to share a Range. There is also another for " cowboy shooting " which is a 25 yard range where they have competitions. First you fire a pistol, then move to a rifle and then a shotgun. This is a timing game and the fastest person get to be cowboy champion ( I guess ). The rifles cost over 1000.00 and when we ask one shooter the price of his rifle he said he was ashamed to admit the cost. Oh yes; they also dress up like Wyatt Earp and Annie Oakley. I believe there were 6 different ranges include an Archery range.
Then we continued on our journey and drove by the military training base when they do Sky Diving, Tank Training and a Bombing Range. Also they have mock ups of 2 small towns that resemble a typical town in Afaganastan so the troop will be able to train so then can have some idea of what they will face when they get to these places.
We then continued to Martinez Lake which is located on the Lower Colorado River. This area has a subdivision built on the lake near the Colorado river. This a summer home for people who like to boat or fish in this lake. Most of the housing is trailer type home however in one area the house are built homes that probably reach several 100,000.00. We are told that one house is valved at over 1 Million dollars and the owner only frequent it 2 or 3 times a year. Apparently she has had many offers but will not sell it.
Finally, on the route home we dropped into a place for an ice cream. The young guy that served us was quite interested in Canada and our politic and we were surprised how much he knew about Canada and our politics. It not often the an American has a clue about Canada. Cheers
tank training and a Bombing Range.
We then continued to Martinez Lake which is located on the Lower Colorado River. This area has a subdivision built on the lake near the Colorado river. This a summer home for people who like to boat or fish in this lake. Most of the housing is trailer type home however in one area the house are built homes that probably reach several 100,000.00. We are told that one house is valved at over 1 Million dollars and the owner only frequent it 2 or 3 times a year. Apparently she has had many offers but will not sell it.
Finally, on the route home we dropped into a place for an ice cream. The young guy that served us was quite interested in Canada and our politic and we were surprised how much he knew about Canada and our politics. It not often the an American has a clue about Canada. Cheers
tank training and a Bombing Range.
Sunday, 9 December 2018
MX Trip # 9 Parade of Lights
Saturday's are breakfast at the Rec Hall and our Sask friends insisted that we join them. The menu was scrambled eggs, sausage, juice, coffee and crepes for 5.00 which we thought was a bargain and it was great. Before breakfast we threw our laundry into the washers, so when breakfast was done so was our laundry.
It doesn't matter how many times you go shopping there is always something you need and since we are going to MX we must make sure we have all the nec items because they may have our needs in MX but it doesn't mean we can find them where we camp.
Our first stop was the dollar store( where else ) because we needed a shoe horn. With the MH we seem to removing or putting on our shoe more often then at home. Of course, once in the dollar store there is no end to items that you feel need. Wouldn't you know it; they never had a shoe horn but it still cost us 15.00.
Then it was off to Wal-Mart where we plan to buy a small vacuum that I could store in the MH because storage is at a premium. And surely Wal-Mart would have a shoe horn. Wrong, they are on back order. Really, do you thing that shoe horns are that big of demand.
We did get a vacuum for 39.00 that suited us but the bill was 65.00 before we got out of the store.
Our friends were going to the Yuma City Light Parade ( Christmas Parade ) and convinced us it was the parade of the century so we joined them. Although the Parade started at 6 PM we had to set up along the street by shortly after 5 PM or we would not get a good advantage point. I was skeptical but I was wrong. The streets were lined with thongs of people so we ended up in the 2 nd row which was ideal.
I'm not sure what I expected because I have not frequented many, if any Christmas Parade but this was definite not a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. There were High School Marching Bands which were great, but the majority were funny cars, dental, doctor, car dealers and farm floats which number over 100 floats. We lasted until number 95 and we where cold and hungry so we left. However, the Yuma area is known for growing vegetables and Lettuce is the main vegetable, so most of the floats theme was
Lettuce put a smile your face; Lettuce provide your health care; Lettuce be your home care provider and Lettuce show you the best deal on a vehicle.
Suffice to say I/we have been at this Parade twice; first and last. cheers
"There are no short cuts to any place worth going"
Saturday, 8 December 2018
MX Trip Entry # 8 Friday ... Rain followed by Sun
Late Thursday evening and all during the night the rain just poured and it never stopped until around 8 AM. Some of the residents ( but not us ) where surrounded by a mini moat and the odd part is the that it seldom rains in Yuma. We rec slightly over one inch.
In fact the veggie farmers pray that it never rains because they can control the amount of water thru irrigation but the rain disrupts the irrigation process and in most cases ruins their corps.
Although the day started our cloudy, by noon the Sun came thru and it was a gorgeous day with temperatures around 22 C. Carroll and I went grocery shopping knowing full well that the all those "dam" seniors would be doing the same and they did not disappoint. We decided that after an hour fighting the crowd we returned to base.
I could not find the TV satellite signal so we have had no TV to date. However we have been too busy to watch TV so it not an issue yet. We have been out for supper twice and we took in a show ( Behind the Green Door ) another evening. So today I got serious about setting up the satellite dish and I did find the satellite so now we have TV except I don't have all the HD channel but I'm not trying to tweet the dish since we are leaving on Tuesday and I can get the hockey game; so life is great. Cheers
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing
In fact the veggie farmers pray that it never rains because they can control the amount of water thru irrigation but the rain disrupts the irrigation process and in most cases ruins their corps.
Although the day started our cloudy, by noon the Sun came thru and it was a gorgeous day with temperatures around 22 C. Carroll and I went grocery shopping knowing full well that the all those "dam" seniors would be doing the same and they did not disappoint. We decided that after an hour fighting the crowd we returned to base.
I could not find the TV satellite signal so we have had no TV to date. However we have been too busy to watch TV so it not an issue yet. We have been out for supper twice and we took in a show ( Behind the Green Door ) another evening. So today I got serious about setting up the satellite dish and I did find the satellite so now we have TV except I don't have all the HD channel but I'm not trying to tweet the dish since we are leaving on Tuesday and I can get the hockey game; so life is great. Cheers
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing
Friday, 7 December 2018
MX Trip Entry # 7 To San Luis for Docs
We delivered the MH to the Sun Screen place by 8 AM and they guaranteed it would be ready by 4 PM.
Then we were off to San Luis , MX about 25 miles down the road from Yuma to get our Tourist Visa and the Temporary Vehicle Importation Permits ( TIP ).
Crossing into MX is no different then walking into Wal-Mart. A young lady was sitting in the entrance but just said good morning as she was busy on her cell. We then went to an office to get our Tourist Visa which we have done before so we didn't need directions. There was no line up so this took about 15 minutes as they need your Passport to complete a form which is in Spanish and which we " blindly " sign. Then we take that document to another office a pay for the Visa and then return all the docs to the same office where someone else verifies that we paid and he stamps our Passports and gives us the Visa.
Now it is on to another office ( 100 ft away ) to get the permits for the MH and Car. Since Carroll had all the docs ( passport, vehicle registration, MX Insurance and drivers licence in duplicate) this saves time and money because it cost about a dollar a page for Zerox. In addition to the cost of the permits you have to pay a fee of 400.00 for your car but it is refundable when you and your car exit MX. The MH gets a 10 years permit but if you sell it in MX it is unlikely that you can every get another RV into MX. When you leave MX you MUST check in with MX immigration so they can check you out.
While in San Luis we ask immigration about a TelCel store so we could get a MX Sim card but nobody knew of a store nearby. On our way out, about a block from the immigration office was a TelCel store. How did they not know ???. Anyway we dropped into the store and they agreed to sell us a Sim . The young lady did not speak good English so she phoned her boss and he explained the package to us over the phone. We clerk tried to activate the Sim card she advised us that the phone was locked. I thought " Dam it " no phone for 3 months unless we bought another one. So I ask if it can be unlocked and she said Maybe. Well maybe is better than No. She called someone and she said he would be here in 1/2 an hour. I thought, oh yeh a Mexican 1/2 hour... we'll be here all day. I ask if the store owner was coming to unlock my phone and she said no; it is my husband. Go figure!!!
He arrived in 1/2 an hour so I ask if he could unlock it and he said probably. He worked on his compute and my phone for 10 minutes and said I need your password for Apple ID. Good Frigging luck that I would remember that password since I never use the Apple ID. I thought I would have to return to our MH in Yuma and get my Password book so I said can we reset the password. He yes but we only have one shot at it and if it fails you will have to get me your password so I said give a shot. The reset was successful but it cost 25.00 to unlock the phone.
Finally we got the phone activated and we have unlimited calling and text in North America with 10 GB of Data and a personal Hot spot for 25.00 per month. Tell that to Bell; Telus and Rogers who are gouging us.
Before we went to San Luis some folks in our camp warn us that there would be a long line up due to the security about the Trump Caravan. Actually. we were first at the Pre-check on the return and second at the finally Custom check. Obvious the people with all the scare stories never have visited MX and they are listening to the Fake news.
We returned to the shop that was doing the Sun Screen for our MH and it was finished. I paid the bill and Carroll took the car back to the camp. I had checked the tire pressure on the MH in Mesquite and one tire was at 90 Lbs and the rest at 95 and I wanted all the tires at 100 lbs. So I went to a gas station to use that air pumps that charges 1.50 for about 5 minutes. After trying to pump up the 1 st tire I realized there wasn,t enough pressure so now I had to find a tire shop since the tire pressure had in fact dropped to 85 lbs.
Luckily there was a tire shop on my way home so I pulled in and ask the manage if I could inflate my tires. He said I will, have a man on it shortly. The tire man put new extenders on all the valve stems and then inflated tires to 100 PSI at no charge. I gave the tire mechanic 5.00 for his effort.
One block from the camp there was a real bad vehicle accident so I was re-routed on a 10 mile detour. I thought this day would never end. I got to the camp at 2 minutes after 4 PM so Carroll had to direct me into our space because the " back up director " doesn,t work after 4 PM. Actually Carroll is much better at giving direction the " back up director". Cheers
Before we went to San Luis some folks in our camp warn us that there would be a long line up due to the security about the Trump Caravan. Actually. we were first at the Pre-check on the return and second at the finally Custom check. Obvious the people with all the scare stories never have visited MX and they are listening to the Fake news.
We returned to the shop that was doing the Sun Screen for our MH and it was finished. I paid the bill and Carroll took the car back to the camp. I had checked the tire pressure on the MH in Mesquite and one tire was at 90 Lbs and the rest at 95 and I wanted all the tires at 100 lbs. So I went to a gas station to use that air pumps that charges 1.50 for about 5 minutes. After trying to pump up the 1 st tire I realized there wasn,t enough pressure so now I had to find a tire shop since the tire pressure had in fact dropped to 85 lbs.
Luckily there was a tire shop on my way home so I pulled in and ask the manage if I could inflate my tires. He said I will, have a man on it shortly. The tire man put new extenders on all the valve stems and then inflated tires to 100 PSI at no charge. I gave the tire mechanic 5.00 for his effort.
One block from the camp there was a real bad vehicle accident so I was re-routed on a 10 mile detour. I thought this day would never end. I got to the camp at 2 minutes after 4 PM so Carroll had to direct me into our space because the " back up director " doesn,t work after 4 PM. Actually Carroll is much better at giving direction the " back up director". Cheers
MX Trip Entry # 6 Setting up for a week ( Wed )
We have now set up in our site at Benita Mesa in Yuma,AZ. The park policy is that they have to be marshaled ( directed ) into your site because 25 years of backing into a site does qualify me to park without help but the guy who directs me has never own an RV nor a MH so apparently he is more qualified me. Anyway the "back up director " gets free rent for doing this job so good for him.
Incidental the rent for a week was 250.00 USD.
Now we have to plan for the next 6 days and we have a lot on our plate. We need to get a Sun Shade made for the windshield which will block out 80 % of the sun's heat when sitting in MX.
Then we need to go to San Luis MX, 20 miles away, to get our Tourist Visa and our transportation sticker for the vehicles.
Then we need to get the MH washed by Sergio and since he is busy at this time of year I will have to kiss some butt to get it done by Monday.
While in San Luis on Thursday we hope to get a phone package for our cell phone from TelCel as they have a special on right now.We still have grocery shopping on our list but that can wait until the weekend if nec.
So ;we went to visit the company to make our sun screen and they agree to do it tomorrow but they want our MH in their yard by 8 AM. As they said; first come first served and it will be done by 5 PM. This a family business run by a Mexican ( American ) family. All business is done in Spanish except when the talk to customers.
We then completed setting up but we are having trouble setting up the TV as I can't seem to find the satellite. I probably spent 2 hours before giving up. I'II try again when I have more time.
Our friends must feel sorry for us as they invited us for lunch and supper. Super people.
We then went to Wal-Mart ( where else ) to buy a few items, one being a coffee pot because I thought I blew ours up. I turned it on without water, then I add water when it was hot and this added a lot of steam to the MH. I later found out the the ON button was Red and the OFF button was green. Seems odd to me but it now works so the other one goes back to Wal-Mart.
We then went to another small grocery store that is somewhat between a Giant Tiger and a market and their vegetables are much cheaper that a grocery store. Seniors are the biggest customers.
base but trust a senior to find a bargain.
Then we need to go to San Luis MX, 20 miles away, to get our Tourist Visa and our transportation sticker for the vehicles.
Then we need to get the MH washed by Sergio and since he is busy at this time of year I will have to kiss some butt to get it done by Monday.
While in San Luis on Thursday we hope to get a phone package for our cell phone from TelCel as they have a special on right now.We still have grocery shopping on our list but that can wait until the weekend if nec.
So ;we went to visit the company to make our sun screen and they agree to do it tomorrow but they want our MH in their yard by 8 AM. As they said; first come first served and it will be done by 5 PM. This a family business run by a Mexican ( American ) family. All business is done in Spanish except when the talk to customers.
We then completed setting up but we are having trouble setting up the TV as I can't seem to find the satellite. I probably spent 2 hours before giving up. I'II try again when I have more time.
Our friends must feel sorry for us as they invited us for lunch and supper. Super people.
We then went to Wal-Mart ( where else ) to buy a few items, one being a coffee pot because I thought I blew ours up. I turned it on without water, then I add water when it was hot and this added a lot of steam to the MH. I later found out the the ON button was Red and the OFF button was green. Seems odd to me but it now works so the other one goes back to Wal-Mart.
We then went to another small grocery store that is somewhat between a Giant Tiger and a market and their vegetables are much cheaper that a grocery store. Seniors are the biggest customers.
base but trust a senior to find a bargain.
Wednesday, 5 December 2018
MX Trip entry #5 Mesquite to Yuma Esler's Follies
We pulled out of Mesquite around 10 AM, AZ time ( NV time was 9 AM ) and since we are heading for AZ the NV time is irrelevant.
The GPS said it was a 5 hour drive which would mean a causal 6 1/2 hours for us as we do not drive at " Indy " speed. After asking the GPS about speed and hours to reach a destination I also say, "Good Luck " with that info.
To start with we had a strong cross wind so 60 MPH is our max and since it is all up hill from Mesquite to Las Vegas it is hard to maintain 60 MPH. We also got stuck behind a few truck on the long steep hills. Also once you hit north Vegas you have to chose the correct lane to catch 515 and since there are 8 lane to chose from it becomes a gamble. My navigator got me into the lane for Phoenix since the other choice was Los Angelo's and we knew that was wrong.
Finally we got thru Vegas onto 95 south and with 4 lanes and very light traffic I laid back and prepared for a 4 hour cruise. However this was short lived as we seen the dreaded sign that said " Road work ahead for 30 miles" speed limit 45 MPH. We had to drive on the left lane with the left wheels on the area between the rumple strip and the edge of the shoulder which had slight drop off. So much for my casual cruise.
Instead of going to Laughlin and into AZ I decided ( not Carroll )to stay on California 95. What a mistake that was : the speed limit is 55, there are trucks , there was a train and there was 2 Agriculture check points and there dips in the road then you can imagine, plus the curves would break a snakes back which all adds to a slow trip.
Finally ( We ) decided that we had enough of the CA roads so we took a left turn and got into AZ at Parker.
Now Parker normally has cheap gas so we intended to fuel up, however the first 3 gas stations were 2.85 so I intend to try Quartsite which is only 44 miles away as I already had 1/2 a tank.
Then Carroll spotted a gas station for 2.35 ( what a bargain ) but I was in the wrong lane so after several right /left turn I managed to get turned around. Of course the gas station was full with people filling up on the cheap fuel. When I pulled in I barely got off the street with the car and MH. In fact we did encounter a few horn hoking so I move up another foot but that was all the room I had. In fact I blocked the Tanker truck who had just dump his load of fuel.
The guy in front of me was fueling up but was B.S.ing with a guy on a Motor Cycle so I ask what the holdup was as I was blocking the fuel truck. Here is what happened.
Apparently there was very low pressure at the pumps , in fact it took 36 minutes for the guy in front of me to fill his tank and because there was no pressure coming from the pumps the only way the pump would shut off is from the back pressure once the tank was full. If you pull the nozzle from your vehicle and hung it up it would continue to pump fuel. I was told that two guys tried it and the pump spewed fuel all over the lot so the had re-insert the nozzle back into their tank until it was full. I would have thought that the station would have just shutoff the power to the pumps but those people at the pump just stay there waiting until their tanks filled up and the back pressure shut off the pump. I never heard of such problem in life.
Finally the guy in from of me moved and between me and the tanker we both manage to squeeze by each other. There goes another 1/2 hour out of my life I won't get back. Besides we where trying to reach Yuma before dark but that idea was shot to hell.
Just as we were about to depart Parker, Carroll spotted another station with fuel for 2.56 and of course I was thinking; will I or won't I. Since I noticed an empty pump I did a quick turn and pulled in for the cheapest fuel I have seen since we left home.
Next stop was Quartzite where we stopped for Propane at 2.30 a gallon which once again was the cheapest we have seen in the US.
We arrived in Yuma around 5;30 and of course the office was closed. However they have a couple of sites for late arrivals so we took a spot. Luckily our friends had just arrived home from golfing so they help us to park as it was getting dark and some assistance was required. After we parked our friends invited us to go out for supper which was an excellent idea.
Finally we landed and we can now settle in for a week before heading to MX.
I always say " If you are going thru Hell , keep going"
MX Trip Enrty #4
I have neglect to provide the high price of gas. Montana was 2.74 at most places which I thought was high until we hit Idaho where some Truck stop had it advertised at 2.99. I did get it for 2.74 in Idaho Falls.
The snow stopped during the night and the temp dropped at our Truck stop haven so by morning the roads where clear so we quickly got on our way. We calculated that if I Kicked Butt we could reach Yuma,AZ by night fall albeit a long day.
As the day worn on we started to re-think why were we in such a hurry so we changed our mind and decided to stop in Mesquite, NV. We arrived around 3 PM and stayed at the Oasis Camp site which is own by a casino. We have stayed here many times when playing ball in Mesquite and it is basically a pave parking lot with hook ups but is only 20.00 which is cheap.
We stopped here so we could de-winterize the MH and get drinking water in our tank. Also the vehicles had to be washed as it was nearly impossible to get near the car. I did not wash the MH because the only one that I knew about was too had to get into and out of so it can wait until we reach Yuma. I later learned there was a new one but it was too late.
After getting setup we did some shopping and of Carroll had to hit the Casino and donate her 20.00 bucks. Around 7 PM we decided to visit the Virgin River casino and have their Prime Rib dinner for 7.99. After dinner Carroll decided that she had not donated enough to the casino profits so tried again. This time she had a profit of 17.50 so I dragged her out before she gave it back.
Gas in Mesquite was 3.14 but I got it for 3.07 for cash. If you used Debit, or Visa there was a 1.50 surcharge
The weather was good but a little cool. cheers
The snow stopped during the night and the temp dropped at our Truck stop haven so by morning the roads where clear so we quickly got on our way. We calculated that if I Kicked Butt we could reach Yuma,AZ by night fall albeit a long day.
As the day worn on we started to re-think why were we in such a hurry so we changed our mind and decided to stop in Mesquite, NV. We arrived around 3 PM and stayed at the Oasis Camp site which is own by a casino. We have stayed here many times when playing ball in Mesquite and it is basically a pave parking lot with hook ups but is only 20.00 which is cheap.
We stopped here so we could de-winterize the MH and get drinking water in our tank. Also the vehicles had to be washed as it was nearly impossible to get near the car. I did not wash the MH because the only one that I knew about was too had to get into and out of so it can wait until we reach Yuma. I later learned there was a new one but it was too late.
After getting setup we did some shopping and of Carroll had to hit the Casino and donate her 20.00 bucks. Around 7 PM we decided to visit the Virgin River casino and have their Prime Rib dinner for 7.99. After dinner Carroll decided that she had not donated enough to the casino profits so tried again. This time she had a profit of 17.50 so I dragged her out before she gave it back.
Gas in Mesquite was 3.14 but I got it for 3.07 for cash. If you used Debit, or Visa there was a 1.50 surcharge
The weather was good but a little cool. cheers
Monday, 3 December 2018
MX Trip Entry #3 / Grounded by snow
We left Dillon, MT at daybreak with a temperature of - 20 C however the roads were clear which made for good sailing. Then we hit the Minida Pass and a little snow started to fall but no road problems. As we got closer to SLC ( Salt Lake /City) we hit a light rainy snow which slow our progress as we had hope to reach Idaho Falls by evening.
Just south of SLC it began to snow harder and since it was 2 PM we decided to stop for lunch at the Cracker Barrel in Sprindale where we would ponder our plan just in case it snowed harder. Also I need to fuel up so it was two birds with one stone.
After we hit the road it was obvious from the weather and road conditions that Idaho Falls was a dream not a destination today. I decided to tuck in behind an 18 wheeler who was going my speed and we followed him for about a 1/2 hour. As we were going up a hill I felt the wheel spin slight and right there I said we are going in to the next Truck Stop because these condition where not going to get better. The 18 wheeler must have read my mind because he did the same.
As we pulled into the Truck stop we noticed a MH already parked so we pulled in beside him. As it turns our he had already been there the day before because of road condition. Suffice to say we spent the night and watch the snow fall and watch the Truckers as the peel off the Interstate for a safe haven. There were so many trucks that the ran out of stalls so they just parked at random.
About 4 AM our coach batteries died so I had to start the MH so we could have enough power for the furnace. We will solve that problem tomorrow. We hope for clear weather in the morning. cheers
Saturday, 1 December 2018
MX Trip Entry #2
We left home right on schedule; at 7:00 hours even though driving in the dark is not my strong suite. However by 7:30 is was getting daylight and the traffic was light, so not a problem.
We stopped in Taber for a Breakfast sandwich and a coffee for breakfast. This 5 min stopped took over 20 minutes and there was nobody ahead because they only had one sandwich maker while 3 teenage stood around swamping stories ( I assume ) about their boyfriends. Yep; they need a new manager.
I picked up a bottle of Gibson's finest at the duty free ( Carroll didn't want a bottle this time ) and there was about a 20 minute wait at the border. The attendant ask us 3 questions: Where you from ; Where you going; and How long you staying, followed by "have a good day".
It started to lightly snow as soon a s we crossed the border and stayed until we reached Great Falls. After that it was clear sailing with bare dry roads until we stopped overnight in Dillon , MT. We covered nearly 500 Miles.
We stopped in Shelby and Boulder for fuel and it was 2.79 a gallon. We hope it gets cheaper, as Idaho is normally less expensive then MT.
Life is 10 % what happens to you and 90 % how you react to it.
We stopped in Taber for a Breakfast sandwich and a coffee for breakfast. This 5 min stopped took over 20 minutes and there was nobody ahead because they only had one sandwich maker while 3 teenage stood around swamping stories ( I assume ) about their boyfriends. Yep; they need a new manager.
I picked up a bottle of Gibson's finest at the duty free ( Carroll didn't want a bottle this time ) and there was about a 20 minute wait at the border. The attendant ask us 3 questions: Where you from ; Where you going; and How long you staying, followed by "have a good day".
It started to lightly snow as soon a s we crossed the border and stayed until we reached Great Falls. After that it was clear sailing with bare dry roads until we stopped overnight in Dillon , MT. We covered nearly 500 Miles.
We stopped in Shelby and Boulder for fuel and it was 2.79 a gallon. We hope it gets cheaper, as Idaho is normally less expensive then MT.
Life is 10 % what happens to you and 90 % how you react to it.
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