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

Lost in Mexico - On my Way Home

 Well I have to say it is bitter sweet.  I don't really want to have to head back but I knew it was coming.  I have had such a great time and met so many new friends that have all embraced me.  I hope everything works out and my next trip will be permanently.

I have to give a big shout out to Andria and Martin, Tacos and Brats and AJ (for helping me get loaded up and ready to go)

I stored a bunch of stuff that I don't need in the motorhome at my new home in Progreso.  So it made a lot more room in the Jeep for the return trip.  My amazing new landlady is taking care of it for me and has my space open for me as soon as I want to return.  She is a kickass Chingona and that is probably why we get along so well.  I can't wait for the trouble we will get into.

I ran around this morning sweating my ass off to get the last things packed and ready to go and then proceeded on my way out of town with my partner in crime. (even if all she did was sleep.).

  I think I'm glad I only had to say goodbye to 2 people face to face.  I did get messages from others to have a safe trip and to keep in touch.

I got on the highway and all was smooth.  No checkpoint stops or problems.  I got to just outside of Champoton and had to pull over, one for the dog to have a break and 2 the view, water was extraordinary.  I hit the side of the road where there was a little pull out and the point had a swing in a tree right on the waters edge.  The water was a beautiful turquoise.  It was breathtaking.  Yes I saw it before on my way down but seeing it again was still amazing.

I wandered my way along the coast for an easy 5 hour drive and found my hotel for the night.  I got checked in and then took Kahlua for a wander.  She slept almost the whole drive.  I had time enough to have a quick shower and clean up and then I had a zoom with my Spanish teacher then 2 hours on a video call with Lorie.  I think she has missed me.  

I took Kahlua out for another walk and watched some baseball, then went to have a bite to eat.  Well that turned into a shitshow.  The waiter never paid any attention to me and what I ordered, I would never eat, so finally when I called him over I was able to send it back and I was not charged for anything.

Otherwise the hotel is not to bad, decent room, good view and allows pets.

I will be up in the morning and making an 8 hour trek to Orizaba, Veracruz.  I will try to remember to do checkins along my way, so you all can see my progress and also know that I am safe.

Bromistas y Deseos,

From Kahlua and I

Lost in Mexico - Final Monthly Edition

 Well April is here and the clock is ticking down rapidly.  For some reason we have been busier then a two peckered owl.

I have had more tattoo work done and will be getting the final touches tomorrow.  It has already been 2 appointments put it is going to be amazing when it is finished.  Dana wanted to get another but time did not allow it.

My friend Tara decided she needed a birthday vacation at the last minute again, so I got her booked and away she flew.  She is loving our little village and wants to come back again next year.  We had an impromptu birthday party for her at one of the bars. 

The owner got a DJ in and we invited all out friends to come party.  The owner even went and got her a birthday slice of cake.  Dana and I ended up partying way too hard for her, as we sent her home as she was so tired.  In the process of the evening we received some Cuban dance lessons from one of our favorite local waiters who came out to party with us.  Guess I did okay as we have been in constant communication since.  I guess I have a very good friend now!  Maybe more when I return.  The lessons continued at home where we kept the party going and got Tara out of bed.  Well she actually locked us out so we had to wake her up.  The next morning I was supposed to take Dana for a tattoo and the Jeep for service before the return trip.  Well we both woke up late, got dressed and ran to the car.  Wouldn't you know it the Jeep would not start.  The battery was dead.  Shit, Damn, Fuck, probably a good thing as I may have still been drunk.  I made a few calls and was able to get a battery charger, hooked it up and went for a nap in the hammock and then back to bed.  When it showed it was charged I tried to start it and still no luck.  I found a mechanic who could come to the house the next morning and he jumped the car and said it was the battery.  He took me to the store and got a new battery installed.  The next day he did a service for me and everything is right as rain again.  Glad it crapped out now instead of the middle of nowhere.

The girls went to Merida for a day with new friends Henry and Sandra, aka Tacos and Brats.  They showed them all around some of their favorite haunts in Merida and had an amazing day.   A few days later we had them over for an afternoon swim and charcuterie, heck I even made salami roses for the platter. (keep that to yourself, as I don't want it to get out that I can actually cook)

We took Tara to do the rest of her souvenir shopping and a walk down the Malecon.  Well every time we turned around, she was missing.  We needed to keep her on the dog leash so we didn't loose her.  We finished with a few margaritas at Barloventos and then went to Baileys for a free sampling of new signature drinks.  After we went home and I made one of Danas new favorite meals, tuna steak burgers.  Tara had never had it but enjoyed every bite of it.

I've seen the doctor again and she requested more tests, which I again will receive the same day. It amazes me how quick and painless getting medical assistance is here.  Hopefully she will be able to do a quick zoom with me and discuss results before I leave.

I have found my house for the next season and have entered a long term lease for it.  It is smaller but everything is included and way closer to town.  We can easily walk to all of our haunts.  I can't wait to get back and I haven't left yet.

I guess Dana has successfully cleared the shelves of her favorite tequila as we had to go to several stores to find her some to take home.  She lucked out and got the last 2 bottles at the 4th store.  She also bought herself a 1 of 2 original prints of Frida for her new place that I will be bringing back as it is so large.  I actually thought about it myself but not having a place to put it kind of changed my mind.

Today, the girls have been cleaning and packing.  Tara is leaving today and Dana leaves tomorrow.  We will be taking Tara to the airport at 5 and then going for Danas last night out at Baileys with our friends coming to wish her well.

I don't know where the time has gone but it is time to return.  I will leave on the 21st and am basically doing the reverse route back but maybe one less stop thru Mexico.  I need to stop up north and get Kahlua checked for screwworm to enter the states.  Just another cash grab really, as the reports I have read, the border guards don't even ask for it.  Better safe then sorry, Murphy's law say if I don't have, then they will and she will end up quarantined and my schedule will be shot to hell.  I am guessing I will arrive in Vancouver around the 28th or 29th, have a visit with my girl and then catch the ferry home possibly via Victoria so I can see my nieces and griece (SusieQ's girls).  When I get to Parksville, I will be able to move the motorhome to my new pad for the summer, just need to catch a ride back to my car.  I will be at Parkridge by the Horne Lake exit until its time for the next excursion.  

So until I start nightly ramblings of my return trip,

Bromistas and Deseos,

From Kahlua and I

Lost in Mexico - March Madness

Hard to believe that I'm in the home stretch now and what a whirlwind it has been.  The first week of March was full of appointments, doctors, nails, other beauty appointments, (I have eyebrows, eyelashes and lips now!)  CT scan, and Dana had dental appointments but we will get to some of the details a little later.

Dana and I took a drive so she could see even more of the coastal communities and we went out to Telchac Puerto.  Its another small community on the Gulf and she was amazed at how big the area actually is.  As we passed through the village, sure enough she spotted a liquor store so I had to circle the block and come back.  I waited in the Jeep and she went in.  It took her a bit to come back so I knew she must have succeeded in finding what she was looking for.  She had successfully bought out all her preferred wine in and around Progreso and had not been able to find more.  Sure enough I see her heading for the trunk with a box in her arms.  She bought a case to bring home and I was laughing my ass off at her.  She gets in the Jeep proclaiming "don't judge" and I said "I'm not, I'm laughing, did you leave any for the locals?"  She did but probably not much.  Just so she doesn't sound wine dependent, the stock in our town is not that great, so you need to get it while you can.  It has been a running joke that she is emptying the shelves.  On the way back we stopped at the pink salt flats so that Dana could see it.  She was amazed with the colour of the water and how they collected the salt from the small lakes.  It was cooking out so we didn't wander around long and headed home so she could enjoy her wine.

We went to a surprise birthday party for our friend and new landlady Andria.  The night started out great and she was surprised.  Typically you can't get anything past her but her husband did this time.  They had a live band that was amazing and food, just bring your own drinks.  Shortly after dinner  the mumbling started and we were watching the lightening in the distance.  Sure enough, the skies opened up and most of the people bailed and went home but the diehards stayed and continued to party under a couple of the pop up gazebos.  Most were huddled under the larger one but a few moved to the back one where the food had been.  This one was not in the best of shape and we had to keep pushing the water off the top causing huge splashes everywhere and everyone was getting wet anyways.  Eventually it collapsed and everyone was under one.  The street flooded, the patio was soaked and our feet were drenched also.  There were water fights going on between folks and I ended up in one of them with one of the local waiters.  By the time we called an Uber to get home,  my purse, feet and pants were soaked and I looked like a drowned rat.  When I went to get in the Uber, my pants stuck to the seat and they ripped.  I was pissed as I really liked those pants although Dana is going to try and repair them when she can find some matching thread.

We got the electric bill for the past 2 months and just about had a heart attack.  It was $7000 pesos roughly $550 CDN and we barely use any.  I'm the only one with AC in my room and I barely use it, we don't put any lights on until dark and then it would only be the patio light where we sat.  It really didn't make much sense.  I contacted the house owner to see if she could look into it as the bill that arrived when I first got here and the house was empty was even more.  There wasn't much she could do so we were stuck paying it.

I had a fight with my Wise card and it would not work for me.  I finally contacted them and was told it was locked as I entered the wrong PIN too many times.  It may have been once as some of their POS machines scramble the numbers on the keypad but I know I only might have screwed up once.  It was an easy fix thou, I just had to go to an ATM and ask for a balance check and it was good to go.

So on to the appointments.  I went in to get my legs waxed and Dana was with me.  Somehow we convinced her to get her lip waxed instead of tweezing it.  She saw me laying there with no reaction so she figured she could handle it.  Well we got her on the bed when I was finished and Gaby went to work.  she started on the first side and when she pulled the strip off Dana exclaimed "SON OF A BITCH!!"  extremely loud.  Gaby and I both broke out in laughter.  Dana didnt have much choice but to let her finish.  When she pulled the second half off Gaby put her hand over Dana's mouth, both to keep her quiet and to soothe the burn.  Dana refuses to ever do that again.

I went to see a doctor to both have a skin tag removed from the back of my leg and to see if she had any insight into my disability.  The skin tag was quick and relatively painless.  As for the long covid, she sent me for a CT Scan, wrote a script for some more natural alternatives and made some other suggestions to follow up with.  I did go back to see her for the results of the scan and she has given more suggestions going forward.  I will follow up with her on my return.  As for the CT Scan, I contacted the radiologist for an appointment, went in and had it done, paid $180 and I had the full results report and images within 7 hours.  The system here is way better then home and I can't wait to return to see if they can actually help improve my situation.

We had a new tattoo artist come to the house and Dana had one done and then he fixed the mess of my right leg.  He came for a follow up and filled in the back of my leg.  The coverup is not perfect but it is way better then it was and having the back completed it is way better.

So I have been keeping quiet but I have been going on dates with locals.  I went into Merida the night before Danas family were to arrive.  I was almost home and a text pops up from Dana but I did not listen to it.  As I was pulling into Progreso, I get a call from Greg and Michele (my parents friends that were here for 2 months)  I answered it and Greg fills me in that I'm needed immediately at home.  Dana is having a meltdown as her family missed their flight.  Shit!  How to ruin a good evening.  Their flight was scheduled to leave at 1215am on the 18th.  Her daughter thought it was midnight on the 18th.  Okay, semantics, but they were 20 hours late for their flight and all the flights the next day were already full.  I got in the door, told Dana to get me some wine while I changed and I would be back to help get them organized.  I managed to get them on a flight with flair to Cancun the next evening, it would just mean that we would have to leave at 5am to get there to pick them up and approximately 8 hours of driving for me.  Well this turned into a bit of a shitastrophe.  Cancun is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours away.  I have done the drive in around 3.  Their flight was arriving around 715am, but with deplaning, customs and baggage, I figure we had an extra hour before they were out of the airport.  So leaving at 5 should get us there by 830, in perfect time.  When I got up that morning and woke Dana, I realized I had forgot the time zone change between states and that it was actually 6am there.  Well pedal down and I drove better then the Mexicans and pulled it off in 2.5 hours.  The highway was quiet and no checkpoints to deal with and the Ruby turned into a sportscar.  Their reunion was great and we started their adventures in the Yucatan when we left the airport.  They all crashed for the hour drive to Valladolid to get something to eat. 

We then went to some ruins that are not as touristy as Chichen Itza.  We went to Ek Balam and it was amazing.  Even thou my legs would allow me to walk up the ruins and Dana didn't have the energy, her granddaughter did go to the top of the main pyramid.  It was amazing to see the history within the ruins.  Her youngest granddaughter kept asking to go home to the pool and i finally snapped and warned her that if she asked again she would not be allowed.  not even 5 minutes later the words start to come out of her mouth and Dana and I (in one of our all too frequent same track thoughts or verbal comments - sorry LJ, D and I are way too close now) at the same time start to shush her and her oldest goes into a full blown panic, dancing, swatting and freaking out (thinking something fell from the trees) and in a delayed reaction the youngest turns tail and runs a few hundred feet thinking something attacked her sister.  Dana and I laughed so hard, we could not explain what was going on.  It was so funny.  We left the ruins and took the scenic way back instead of the highway.  The girls all napped out again on the way.

Kahlua had her first encounter with an iguana.  A couple of them were on the wall and fell onto the patio.  One of them made a bolt for it but the other sat there for a minute, until Kahlua figured it out and the chase was on.  Damn those suckers can move and gave Kahlua a run for her money.  That little lizard made a beeline across the patio and yard and up the side of the house with Kahlua hot on its tail.  The iguana ran up the side of the house and scaled the metal gate (covered in chicken wire) and was clinging to the side of the corner of the house.  The house was smooth so not sure what he was holding on to, but then he dropped and fell into the neighbours yard.

On our return trip to take Danas family to Cancun airport we came across an accident and traffic was moving slowly in the left lane.  As we got closer, Dana said there is a car in the ditch, then we see a semi on its side in the ditch.  There is vehicles lined up on the side of the road and on the side road that runs along the highway, cars, tuk tuks and bikes everywhere.  People on the side of the road, the highway and in the middle trying to cross the median.  As we see the semi, a man emerges from the ditch with a pig carcass on his shoulder, then we see a pile of pork on the side of the road.  Well wouldn't you know but the pig truck crashed and the grapevine has gone into full swing.  The whole community has come out to get them a free side of pork!!!  Well needles to say the pig jokes start flying and we laughed for miles about it.  We thought we should have stopped and strapped one to the roof rack!  

We got to Cancun and spent the night and dropped the girls off early the next morning for our return trip to the beaches.

We have both been taking Spanish lessons and I'm getting pretty good.  Maybe I will become conversational.

I will try and get one more post in about the month of April.  I will be leaving on the 21st and returning on my own (with Kahlua of course) and I will do my best to blog each night of my trip back.  I have an rv pad booked and paid for when I get there and already have appointments stacking up.  I have a 2 day cognitive and functional assessment for LTD at the beginning of the month.

Anyways until the next edition,

Bromistas y Deseos,

from Kahlua and I