A short report on our quarterly trip south.
Nothing unusual to report at the Tecate crossing. Took the highway 3 and stopped off at the CETTO winery and was able to watch a full-on bull-fight while we enjoyed some of the local flavor. Also some nice borrego on the menu at MUSTAFAs' restaurant.
The road is in pretty good shape and gas was not a problem. Spent the night at AGUAS CALIENTE. The restaurant is not open but the pools were and there were a few people there for the weekend. The road through the Valle de Trinidad is still not too good. Some improvement around Ojos Negros.
Spent one night camping by the creek at MIKE'S SKY RANCH. The drive took about 2 hours from the highway, (we were travelling in a VW bus) and was really beautiful. Stopped for a night at our places in Puertecitos.
The road crew has gotten to the SANTA MARIA area, so the drive is becoming more reasonable. The road south of Puertecitos is still rough and slow. Took us about 2 hours to Huerfenito. A stop at CINCO ISLAS .... Delfina does serve food and drink there. Camped at Alfonsinas. No problem getting gas. The tire repair shop is fully operational ....
The drive to COCO'S CORNER took about 2 hours. The heat is on!!! The outside temp gauge peaked at 109. Didn't run in to any military checkpoints. Coco is doing fine ... each book gets more graphic I think. He's done some remodeling and said he has recovered from previous health problems.
Cooled down a bit over Laguna Chapala. Lots of places with TECATE signs aren't selling cerveza because of the government license problems. No problem from Cocos to the pavement (about 1 1/2 hours). No gasoline until Villa Jesus Maria (didn't turn off to Bahia de Los Angeles).
Really cool on the pacific side. Stayed one night in Guerrero Negro. July 1st returned via El Tomatal (left hwy at km 69) down the beach to Santa Rosalillita and back to the hwy at km 38. Took about 4 hours but what a beautiful ride.!
Never was asked for tourist cards, although we have FM-3s, and didn't hear anything from people we met on the road.
Also took the road over to Erendira and north thru Punta Cabras, out at Santo Tomas .... about 4 hours. Again, some really incredible country. The road is a little desolate after you leave the coast ... Erendira did have gasoline.
Nice stay at the EL PALOMAR in Santa Tomas. Stopped by Uruapan and sat in the agua termales.
Anyway, no horror stories or much new info. Just too short as always.
Word in San Diego this weekend is that TJ-Ensenada-Tecate-Mexicali-San Felipe-Algodones is exempt from the fee if you are there less than 72 hours. There is an immigration office in San Felipe at the glorietta as you enter town. Also, the newscast stated that you can pay at any bank ..... mas tardes ..... cowpatty@cts.net