Lost in Mexico - Last edition....until the next journey!!

 Baker City, Oregon to Vancouver and Qualicum Beach BC

So this is the last edition of the trip, I'm going to combine the 2 days togeather as the trip up island isn't that exciting.  So, I didn't rush to leave as it was a relatively short trip besides the question of possible snow in the pass.  It was damn cold in the morning up in the mountains but I got us organized and found a sunny spot to stand in while Kahlua did her thing and then we hit the road.  I got to drive through the rest  of this quaint little town and would love to check it out more on another trip.

Yet again the google maps route decided to send me on all kinds of back country roads to get to Yakima and I was starting to wonder where the hell I was going.  But as in the past it may have steered me wrong but I still got to where I intended and got to see more of the country.  I got to Yakima in no time and stopped for gas and a dog break and then it was time for the home stretch over the pass and thru Seattle traffic.

Away I went and thankfully there was no snow on this trip over the pass and I actually got to see it (instead of in darkness and a snowstorm).  At the summit, it did start to spittle a bit and then turned into a light rain but nothing to worry about.  It is very pretty up there and was actually a lot more to see then I thought.  Of course on the decent, traffic became heavier and I knew that I was getting closer to the city.  Being mid day, I was able to get out of Seattle and head up the I5 without any issues.  As I was driving, Krystal called asking me about medication and if I can get anything stronger down there.  My clumsy daughter decided to drop a 45 pound weight on her big toe and break it in 2 places as well as having a fracture blister on top of her toe that was oozing.  I told her I would stop at a pharmacy and ask but I believe that they are basically the same as us and that I would not be able to even get T1's there as they have also been taken off the shelves in Canada.  So instead of blasting up the interstate to the border, I end up pulling off at Bellingham for gas and the pharmacy.  Sure enough I was correct and I was only able to get her some extra strength acetaminophen for tension headaches.  I have some and they work way better for pain then extra strength tylenol.  I also picked her up some tegaderm with a guaze pad that she could wrap around her toe and protect it as well as let it breathe.  As I finish up, I realize I am just down the road from Hobby Lobby and I just so happen to need to head that way to make a U turn to get back to the highway.  Off I go to spend more money and see how much I can cram into the back of the jeep.  Not to mention possibly get inspected at the border.

Hobby Lobby is like Michael's but waaaayyyy better.  I could get lost in there for days and they have so much stuff beyond basic craft supplies.  Heck, I could have bought a 5 foot flamingo to sit out front of the motorhome and remind me of my trip.  So, I get in there and head for the stuff I'm interested in and end up with a ton of new paper and then into the sublimation supplies and grabbed quite a few things there and then I saw a gold star for selling in Mexico.  They had sublimation blanks of a pickleball racket and cover.  I only bought one set and Im going to search online to see if I can find them in bulk.  Pickleball is big in Progreso and one of the bars even has courts there.  So these would go over big time down there with the enthusiasts.  I definitely want to get more of them to take down and have a few done but also open to custom orders with names or what have you.  I was so excited about these.  I then called Lorie and went to the bead section to see if there was anything that she wanted.  Well I ended up getting her a ton of new stuff while I was at it.  In the end I walked out with 4 bags full and about $360USD lighter.

I stuffed everything in the back of the Jeep, took the dog for another break and got back on the highway.  I was about an hour away from Krystal's house besides the border stop.  I always take the truck crossing over the Peace Arch and I sailed right up with just one car ahead of me.  I flash my card and pull up and a few normal questions later I breezed right through.  Not quite as simple as the way 

down with just and "OK" but just as simple none the less.  Off I went to Surrey to find my daughter.  I called her when I was a few minutes out so she could hobble outside to meet us.  I started asking Kahlua if we were going to find Krystal and where is she.  Kahlua was standing up looking out the windows and when we turned the corner and she spotted her the tail turned into a helicopter rotor and her whole body was wiggling.  She couldn't wait to get out of the car.  When I was parked I asked Krystal if the road was free of traffic (as she was across the street now) and I opened the door and let the hound loose.  She ran across the street and jumped into Krystal's arms, so happy to see her again.

We grabbed the gear and headed into the house, Krystal carrying Kahlua the whole way.  She put her down when we got in the house to meet Luna, Krystal's new English Bulldog (she is a rescue from Mexico that was hit twice in one day by a car and motorcycle and ended up with a broken jaw)  Needless to say the grumpy old girl wanted no part of playing with or being near Luna.  We started with the gifts for the animals.  I got a Mexican collar for El Gato (yes that is his name) and for Luna, a collar with matching leash (that she cant get out of now), a Nike ball cap and a Mexican blanket jacket.  Of course Krystal had to put everything on her and Luna was none too happy about it all.

I had a quick beer, then into the shower and Krystal put all my clothes from the week into the wash for me.  I resorted to pj's but I was content with that.  Krystal opened up all her gifts and tried them on.  She loved the Cuban crochet dress I got in Progreso and the other outfit from Merida that was black embroidered shorts and a matching bandeau style top with sheer sleeves.  That looked amazing on her and she really liked it.  The last was disappointing.  I got her another Catrina doll that is solid black when I was in San Miguel de Allende for Dia des la Muertas.  They had wrapped it up well with some kind of padding and outer plastic wrap and then in a bag.  It was placed safely in the car both ways and lived in my closet for 6 months.  When she opened it, it was broken.  I was so upset, but thanks to Hobby Lobby, I had picked up some amazing craft glue that should hold the clay togeather.  Krystal glued her back togeather and put her up on a shelf with pride.  Marc went out for the evening and Krystal ordered us Sushi for dinner.  I booked my ferry for the next morning, messaged my nieces that I would be there around noon and finished off the beers, I had with me and then pretty much called it a night.  I was done.

It was nice spending time with my girl again.  She sent me a message the next afternoon stating " I really like spending time with you in my big girl house and that you are comfy here too."  Of course I sent her back 100 hearts.

I got ready in the morning and headed to the ferry.  Traffic was pretty good considering it was the morning commute, but I was also going the opposite way.  I made the ferry with time to spare and stayed in the car once boarded and had another nap.  I fought through the traffic in Sidney and headed to Langford to see my other girls and give my niece and griece their dresses.  Matilda was so excited to see "a puppy" but we had to keep reminding her to be quiet and make slow movements as Kahlua is old and grumpy and not use to little people.  Eventually Tilly took the leash from Morgan and was walking her all around the house.  She thought it was the best thing ever.  She looked so cute in the mini Cuban dress and when I gave Taylor hers she loved it and decided she was wearing it that day when she went out with family.  I spent a few hours with them and then got moving again.  I still had to move the motorhome to my summer spot and unpack a few things.

As I got to Duncan, I called the other bestie and told her to get in gear to meet me in Parksville for the move and to drive the Jeep.  All of a sudden she went from down and lonely to OMG, my bestie has returned.  I don't think she did but it wouldn't have surprised me if she drove so fast that she passed me on the highway.  I got a permit for the motorhome and went to meet Lorie and batten it down for transport.  I got everything all ready to go and was about to lift the jacks when they would not turn on.  Ah shit, here we go again.  I checked the manual and it said check fuses.  Well that is easier said then done.  I turned into a pretzel to get under the dash  in front of the drivers seat to get at them.  In the end they were all good, then I realized the battery disconnect button.  So turned that on and tested the outside steps (as that was last years issue) and they worked, so I turned the ignition on again and the lights lit up, jacks retracted and I was ready to rock and roll.

We rolled into the RV park later then planned but I knew my site number and just pulled in and parked.  Got to setting things up for the night so we could both have a drink or 2 and then relax.  The next day we organized, cleaned and put things away.  I picked up some planters of flowers to make things homey.  Lorie stayed for a few days then back home to work for a day before coming back up for the weekend to help with more organizing.

Monday rolled around and I had to attend the FCE testing in Nanaimo for LTD.  After 2 days of exhausting tests the OT came to the conclusion that I am unable to work.  So now I wait to hear back from the insurance company on whether I will be getting early retirement or not.

Well that is the extent of the last couple days home and first few days in my summer home.  Hope things all pan out the way I want things to go and I can say hasta luego to Canada and start my new adventures.

Bromista y Deseos

from Kahlua and I

Day 6 Moab to Baker City, Oregon

 

I forgot to included this last night of Kahlua looking at me asking what's for dinner.  Not sure what was up with her ear but it stayed like that for awhile.

We left around 830 this morning to sun and decent temperature.  I love the area around Moab and would like to spend more then overnight there, to explore some of the area.  As I headed to higher elevations it started raining pretty heavy on the way into Provo.  The interstate is 80MPH and heading between Provo and Salt Lake City was hard to see at times.  I slowed down but it sure didn't stop others.  It finally cleared up at the north end of SLC and I was able to pick up speed again.

Well I got my workout in as I was in high plains and the winds were extremely strong and it was like this to west of Boise.  Its great fun controlling a rolling box that's getting slammed with heavy gusts and the same time trying to pass a semi and not slam into it.

I ended up hitting Boise at rush hour so it took awhile to get through town.  Between the traffic and construction.  I stopped for gas and then locked in for the last 100+ miles to Baker City.  It is a great area to drive through, similiar to the foothills heading for Calgary.  I just cruised along at 70 enjoying the view.

I got to Baker City and it is a cute town.  You wouldn't even know it was there as it is down off the side of the highway out of sight.  The motel is right along the side of a river and has a dog play area.  I have been thinking about pizza for a few days and since I arrived early, I asked where I might be able to get one.  She recommended a local restaurant and boy it was hopping for a Monday night.  The pizza was great and of course I have leftovers for tomorrow.

I have about 7 hours to get to the border tomorrow and then will be spending the night with Krystal before heading back to the island.  I've got a bag full of presents for Krystal and her pets.

Well until the next entry,

Bromistas y Deseos

From Kahlua and I

Day 5 - Fort Stockton, Texas to Moab, Utah

 I woke up around 7ish and decided to just get on the road instead of procrastinating.  Took the dog for a morning walk, got ready and packed the car and hit the road.  Well by 9, I was pulling into Carlsbad, NM and for some reason I thought the time zone had changed as I got there so quickly.  I was wrong, guess I just drove fast.  Oops.  Filled the tank and stopped for a breakfast sandwich for me and the dog.  She happily enjoyed the sausage and cheese bread before going off to sleep again.

I carried on and had a morning convo with my girl on her way to work, she is my entertainment and calls morning and night while Im driving and she is driving to work.  Besides filler conversation she told me about how she broke her big toe in 2 places and needs an air boot and possibly surgery in 3 weeks.

I got to Roswell and again looked around as I drove thru and found the town unremarkable except for the occasional alien statue in front of businesses or space themed names.  I was stopped at a light and there was a UFO Museum that looked like an old movie theatre.

Now my next gas stop was in Vaughn, which was where I stayed on my way down and had the weird red lights and noise that sounded like choppers.  Well in the daylight my next guess was right.  There were train tracks nearby and the lights were from windmills.  Now for some reason the GPS maps decided to change the route on the way back.  When I came along this road it was after going around Albuquerque.  Today it sent me to Santa Fe and the some backroad route to connect back into the highway at Monticello.  I had no idea where I was but was blindly trusting the maps to get mee where I wanded.

I got to Durango and filled up and son of a bitch it was cold.  I was definitely underdressed for 8 degree weather.  I want to know who turned off the heat and the sun, cause at this point it was cold and gray trying to rain.  I left Durango and had to go over a small mountain pass and sure enough it was trying to snow on me.  Shall I say not amused!  The snow stopped but there was small episodes of rain but nothing serious.  I managed to outrun the rain clouds and the sun was out again and I was able to breeze along the last stretch of the trip.  I was getting tired but I said I was going to Moab and be damned if I didn't do it.  I have to remember to save some video files from the dashcam of the scenery coming into town.  It is amazing.  There was one rock formation in the middle of nothing that looked like a giant tit.  I hope the camera got it.

Moab is a super cool little town and is a haven for Jeeps and other 4 wheel vehicles.  I think I passed 20 Jeeps on their way out of town as I was coming in, never mind the ones in town.  And as I said there was a Jeep Jamboree or something when I came thru in October.

All in I travelled about 800 miles or 1300 kilometers today.

Well that's about all of the excitement for today.  I think I may end up in Idaho tomorrow.

Bromistas y Deseos

From Kahlua and I

Day 5 Monterey to Fort Stockton Texas

 Well as I said, I was going to try and have a leisurely morning but I didn't.  I woke at about 7ish and still felt tired but instead of rolling over, I got up and went and had a super hot, high pressure shower to ease the aches and pains and to wake up.  I have to say it felt fabulous!  Now that I was semi invigorated, I got stuff packed up and ushered the dog and bags downstairs.  I hailed the Jeep from valet while I took Kahlua to do her morning business.  Came back and loaded the car and realized I left my water bottle in the room, so back I went before leaving.

Leaving town was a shit show.  I swear when I checked the map location of the hotel it was right off the highway but just as last night, again I had to drive all through town to get to the highway.  I think I saw every barrio in Monterey.

I finally got on the highway and away we went to the border.  I totally forgot about this on the way down in the blog but remembered this time and got a picture.  I managed to get a picture of one of the signs on Carretera 85D but not the other.

If you can't read the picture it says "Migracion de Mariposa Monarca"  in English, the Monarch Butterfly Migration Route.  The second sign states to slow to 60kms in the presence of the butterflies. I gushed when I saw the signs on the way down and one of these days I do plan to go see them in their natural habitat in Mexico.  Its hard to believe those little wings flapping to fly all that way.

I got to the border and most of my time was wasted on returning my TIP, Temporary Import Permit for the car and getting my refund.  I had to stop at one booth and she checked the papers and the VIN and took photos.  She then gave me new papers to take to the main building for the refund.  I had to go there anyways to get my stamp in my passport for leaving as a resident.  Then I had to stand in line and wait to exchange the paperwork for my refund of $400.  It took a while but got it done.  Took the dog for a quick walk as she was antsy and of course she took a shit in front of a National Guard.  LMAO  We got in the car and got in line to cross the border.  They only had one lane going in that divided to two but it only took maybe 15 minutes.  As I drove up I showed and scanned my Nexus card and when I got to the booth, I gave the agent my card.  She asked, where I was going, roll down the back window and do I have any meat products.  Canada, ok and no and I was on my way! Easy peasy for all you US naysayers.

I headed out and had to backtrack a little towards Laredo to get gas and then I was off.  Once I got onto highway 90 I was boogying at about 140kms.  Not much to see along this stretch of road but it was in better shape then 6 months ago.

As I was driving along, there was a fly that kept buzzing around and landing on the windshield.  Well all of a sudden a spider comes out of nowhere and he is chasing the fly.  This was quite amusing since my copilot doesn't talk to me.  As I was driving I watched this insect dance several times with the spider losing and the fly spending more time on the side window.  Next thing the spider is now on the side window and the chase resumes.  Wouldn't you know but this little spider makes a jump at the fly and catches him and the fly is not bothering me anymore.  So all of you afraid of spiders, leave them the hell alone as they have a job to do and get rid of the real pests!

Anyways, I made it to the destination I had in mind.  I would have liked to have gone further but the delay at the border put a stop to that.  So I will try and do my best to put in a full day tomorrow.  I haven't check the distance yet but I'm thinking about Moab.  We will see what happens.

Until then,

Bromistas y Deseos,

From Kahlua and I

Day 4 Day from Hell Matehuala to Monterey

 Okay, well the day started off great.  I had a relaxing morning getting ready and then went off to the Vet to get the certificate required for the states.  Of course Kahlua wanted no part of being poked at but we got it done.  It took about an hour to get it all done and we were on our way around noon.

Kahlua was happy to be away from the vet and just napped out in the car.  As we pulled out of the hotel a herd of goats all came running down the driveway to eat the grass.  I also saw an old style horse and plow with the man holding the plow as the horse pulled.  As well as a horse and cart going down the street.

The drive started out okay but there was a ton of construction along the way.  We would go for a short distance and then be backed up and then go again to be backed up at the toll booth.  This went on for several hours until finally I hit a dead stop at 3 pm with 10kms to go to my turnoff.  While this turned into a 6.5 hour wait to traverse the 10kms.  Needless to say, I was not amused.

I cancelled my reservation in Texas and booked a new one in Monterey as that would be as far as I could go tonight.  I finally got free from the traffic jam and got on the move but it was dark, unfamiliar roads so I wasn't racing along as fast as normal.  I got into Monterey and missed my exit about 3 times trying to get to the hotel.  Well I have to say it was one of the cheapest deals but its pretty nice.  Im at the Wyndamn with a king size bed and valet parking.

I got checked in, then grabbed my bags and put them in a secure space while I took Kahlua for a walk.  I may just take a little extra time in the morning to shower and relax.

Hope tomorrows better

Bromistas y Deseos,

from Kahlua and I

Day 3 Orizaba to Matehuala, San Luis Potosi

 I was up early and instead of messing around on my phone, I got things packed up, took the dog for a walk and after one last pic of the mountains pulled out for the long drive ahead of me.

I filled up with gas and then headed into the mountains, with tons of switchbacks and curves and friggin trucks blocking the fast lane.  Fun, none the lest and different from when I drove down as the highway is divided but on different mountains.  The one going down had tunnels but none going up.  The views were breathtaking and I wish there had of been a pullout to take some pics.

There were some rough patches but the Arco Norte was not as bad as going down.  I got thru the mountains, Puebla and Mexico City and was on my way to passing by Queretaro in no time.  All along the route I saw cows, horses, goats just grazing at the side of the road.  I even saw a woman carrying her chicken into her house.  It is so very different seeing the different landscapes and how each are beautiful in their own way.  Right now I'm in the highlands and it is more of an arid landscape.  The tress are some kind of stunted palm tree that actually looked a little phallic.  I kind of chuckled to myself at all these trees.

I have not encountered any checkpoints just clear sailing.  Lets continue to manifest the good vibes.  I have mixed feelings every time I see a return route, I would love to turn back and stay but responsibilities are sending me home.  So now it is just get there as quick as I can.

In the morning, we have a Vet appointment for another money grab for pets entering the states and then hopefully I can make it to the border and be in Texas tomorrow night.  It is a pretty easy drive to the border, so shouldn't be any problems.

Well unlike the princess who slept all day and is sleeping now, its my turn to get some rest.  So until tomorrow.

Bromistas y Deseos

From Kahlua and I

Day 2 CD del Carmen to Orizaba, Veracruz

 I had a great sleep, the bed was so comfortable compared to the one I have had while in Progreso.  I got up and took Kahlua out then went back to pack up things and get ready to go.  I had a quick look at their buffet but it wasn't anything to write home about so I settled with my usual yogurt, which of course I had to share.  I got the car loaded and took her for one last walk and off we went.

The next part of the journey would be through the state of Tabasco and that was where we had the shakedown on the way there.  Well no problem at all this time.  I did my usual only English, showed my card and off I went.  A little ways down the road there were pilons set up again and a few vehicles on the side, one with flashing lights but was unmarked.  The guy in the road was not dressed in uniform and was waving a flashlight to stop.  I did but only lowered the window part way.  Again I said English and he responded to me, asking where I was going to and if everything was okay.  This all seemed a bit sketchy to me but a bunch more vehicles were lining up behind me.  He waved me through and as I went I saw a bunch more people in a shelter with uniforms.  Not sure if it was training or what but not like any others I have been through.  The rest of the trip through Tabasco was uneventful except for the long ass lines at the toll booth and inspection stop at the state line.  I think I wasted an hour waiting in line to get going again.

Past into Veracruz which is a beautiful state.  Reminds me of a rainforest, with the start of mountains and valleys.  They were doing a lot of burning of fields so it was quite hazy and had to drive through the smoke several times.  Again, uneventful except for the state of the highway, I caught a few good potholes, but the Ruby just kept eating up the miles.  I've stopped in Orizaba for the night and it is surrounded by small mountains.

Somewhere along the way I saw a herd of cows taking themselves for a stroll over a bridge.  I thought it kind of odd but maybe they were just out looking for a better field to eat in and of course by taking the bridge, they didn't have to try and cross the Autopista.  I haven't seen any more pig trucks but lots of chicken trucks.  The things I do to entertain myself.  I do have my copilot but she is not much good at conversation and when I start singing she looks at me like I've lost my mind.  Mostly she just sleeps, the thing she does best besides eating.  Here I caught her cuddling with her flamingo.

Well I'm hoping to push tomorrow and get to Matehuala.  That is where the cute little resort townhouse hotel was on my way down.  Then hopefully the following morning I can get Kahlua in for a vet appointment for screwworm certification.  Just another hoop to jump thru in the states.  Murphy's law says that if I dont get it, is when they will ask for it.  If that all pans out the way it is in my head, then after the vet, I could make the run for the border and be in the US on Friday night.

Until tomorrow

Bromistas y Deseos,

from Kahlua and I