Well, it has been an eventful summer and I'm looking forward to getting back to the summer heat. As most know by now, I left Len and have been living with Kahlua in my motorhome. I have had a few downs but overall it has been great. It has been a trying couple of years both at home and dealing with my grandparents and estate. Now its time to put the motorhome in storage and head south for the winter. I am a week away from leaving with a weekend stop in Vancouver to see Krystal and Marc as they have just moved into a new home. I will be leaving the island on the 25th and Vancouver on the 27th.
Yes, I will be driving down in the Jeep with Kahlua, cause well the Diva will not fly!! She does not do crates, she has separation anxiety and well she's too big to go in cabin (not to mention she would cry the whole time to get in my lap...that would make one really long annoying flight) So drive it shall be. I don't mind as then I will have my vehicle there and can come and go and explore as I please, instead of relying on Uber or drivers or having to rent a car. My friend Dana was supposed to drive down with me but some things came up and she can't leave just yet, so she will join me on December 1st. She does plan on driving back with me though and we will make a point of doing some sight seeing on the way back.
Now I know some of you are probably in a panic mode thinking about me doing this on my own. Well stop it, I will be fine. We went through all this when I took off on the bike to find Flo during the Congas. Yes this is much further and thru 2 different countries but I have my bases covered. I have done obscene amounts of research and have covered all my bases on things that can help protect me along the trip. Not to mention, I will be stopping the second night into Mexico in Queretaro to see an old friend that moved to Mexico 22 years ago and his wife and son. I will spend a day with them doing a little sight seeing in SMA - San Miguel de Allende (and it will be Dia des los muertas) and then head for the airport to pick up Ismael. Ismael is the young man who has been our caretaker for the past few years and he offered to come an meet me and drive the rest of the way with me. He is more excited then I am as he has never been on a plane or outside of his home state in Mexico, so this is a big deal for him. He has already been asking how to check in for his flight! So I will only be on my own for 2 days in Mexico and then I will have a Mexican national with me for the rest of the journey.
I have all the paperwork that I need to have with me and for Kahlua. I have installed a 4 camera(front rear and sides but can also be moved to inside, so might have video of me singing as Im driving thru Mexico) dashcam in the jeep and stickers on the side windows in English and Spanish stating as much. The Mexican federales don't much like being on camera when they try to get lunch money, so generally let you go. I also have a printed letter for them, that basically states that I know my rights and how to proceed if I have legitimately made a traffic infraction. I have put Canadian flag decals on the Jeep, so they know I'm not 'Merican, just in case they don't know where my plates are from.
I am also hoping to blog and post pictures/videos each day, so you can check in on my whereabouts and how things are going. If anyone else is worried and wants to keep a closer watch on me, (B&B) then send me a message and I will share my live location with you. I plan on doing this with Krystal, Lorie and my Mom but willing to share with anyone else that wants it.
The basic plan is for 3 days through the states and then 6 days in Mexico (with 1 being a rest day with my friends) Starting on October 27th and arriving in Progreso on November 4th.
- Vancouver to Twin Falls, Idaho
- Twin Falls to Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Albuquerque to Laredo, Texas
- Columbia Bridge Crossing (just north of Laredo) to Matehuala, San Luis Potosi
- Matehuala to Santiago de Queretaro, Queretaro - staying with friends for 2 nights.
- Picking up Ismael at the airport in Queretaro and heading to Orizaba/Cordoba, Veracruz
- Orizaba to Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche
- CdC to Progreso, Yucatan
I will have my first guests at the end of November, before Dana arrives. My fugly cousin Robyn and niece Lindsay are coming for a week from Ottawa. It will be nice to spend the time with just them and enjoy the weather.
So this is the plan and I'm looking forward to it. It is a different house this year that is closer to Progreso, not beachfront but does have a pool, fully walled and 5 bedrooms. So again, if you want to escape just give me a shout and I will let you know what is available. The most expensive part of a trip would be your flight. With that said Black Friday is coming up so may get some good prices at that time.
Until next weekend,
Wags and Wishes from Kahlua and I.
