LA MANZANILLA

Don’t Drive At Night

The coast road north (route 200) is bump-itty bump in places.  Every small town and village has speed bumps with shops nearby.

Last summer’s hurricane dropped a lot of water in the mountains which in turn washed the road out in a few places.  Road repairs were not completed.  The breaches had been filled with packed sand and gravel as a temporary fix.   No other signs of the hurricane were visible from the road to us.  Apparently damage was minimal.

The autopistas (toll roads) cost us about $700 Pesos all total … which isn’t bad at all.

We arrived in La Manzanilla late Thursday afternoon about 4:30 PM Central Time and are currently camped at a beachfront RV/Tent campsite just north of the La Manzanilla cemetery (also beachfront).  La Manzanilla is inhabited with lots of Canadians and they too laugh at the American horror stories.  On the beach, when we went for a walk, we met an American who is finishing his home that he started building here three years ago.  He said the locals were all honest hard workers and he gives them bonuses during the year.  Nothing to fear here.

We Found Regené

Home For Now

Our Camp

Looking South

Sunset Over The Pacific

In La Manzanilla

TO THE PACIFIC

In the morning we followed signs to Colima, Mexico staying on the autopistas most of the way.  There we began to descend out of the mountains into warmer (tropical) weather.  Palm trees (coconut) are everywhere.  The place we pulled over to cook lunch and dinner (near Manzanillo) has a stunning view over-looking Lugana Cuyutlán.



OJUELOS DE JALISCO

We stopped in the town of Ojuelos De Jalisco and bought some fruit to add to our oatmeal brunch.  From there we followed route 80 into Guadalajara a large urban city.  Our second night was also parked in a Pemex gas station; this one south of Guadalajara just inside the autopistas (route 54D).

Double Decker Roadway,

Guadalajara, Mexico



SAN LUIS POTOSI

In the morning we each had half an orange for breakfast before leaving Palmilla.  When we were  beyond Tula, Mexico we found ourselves on the newly opened autopistas (toll road) marked as route 57.  Then, after missing the San Luis Potosi by-pass we were dumped in the center of town and continued south into the mountains on the old road … route 80.   The views were breathtaking, but Dad who was driving didn't think the steep cliffs at the edge of the shoulder-less road were too great.  Yeh, we booth swallowed our stomachs a few times.



FIRST NIGHT PALMILLA

About 20 miles south of  Matamoros, Mexico we had to stop at the Aduana (Customs).  After looking in our van, seeing all our junk, Mexican paperwork, and  talking to us for a few minutes they let us proceed down the road with the warning: “Don’t drive at night”.  Apparently, because there’s lots of cows, horses, donkeys, and pot holes to avoid.  Never mind the trucks and buses in the mountains all going like hell on two lane roads that are narrow.  When cars pass each other you have to be on your toes to get out of the way. And, sometimes (on older roads) there’s no where to go.  In many places the edge of the road drops off.  So, we don’t drive at night like they suggested.

Besides, the scenery really is magnificent all the way!  My photos don’t do the beautiful scenery justice.

Mexico has been building new roads like crazy.  The tolls are not too bad and the lanes are wider.  We have traveled both.

The Route:  From Matamoros we took 180 to route 101 and up into the mountains around Victoria … wow what a beautiful city nestled at the base of the mountains.  From there we went as far as Palmilla still on route 101 where we spent the night parked in the back of a Pemex gas station surrounded by mountains.  Apparently, Pemex gas stations serve as rest areas and overnight parking.

First Overnight Stop

MATAMOROS

Before leaving Florida we were told that Matamoros means “fat cow”.  When we arrived in Brownsville, Texas just across the Rio Grande River from Matamoros Dana heard all sorts of horror stories from people trying to scare him into not going.  Stories such as … we would be killed or have our fingers chopped off, etc.

We would have none of it … we were going to go and we went.  All Dana’s life he’s heard people in the USA say don’t go to Mexico, it’s dangerous.  Why?  Yes, why?  Dangerous????

We found the city of Matamoros to be far bigger and much nicer than Brownsville, Texas …  Matamoros is vibrant and colorful.  Too bad we did not go earlier than we did!

The Roads We Traveled
Through Matamoros

MEXICAN BORDER

Tuesday, 31 January 2012, while on the way out of Brownsville we exchanged enough us Money to hopefully to get us across Mexico to the Pacific.  The rate was 12.60 pesos to the dollar.

Money Exchangers

Crossing The Bridge:  We crossed from International Blvd. and the US Customs charged us a $3 dollar toll.

Crossing Photos

On the Mexican side of the Rio Grande River the Federal Police told Dana not to take photos.  The Mexican Army was there with rifles in hand.  After Dad parked at Mexican Immigration we were immediately greeted by a man in official looking attire.  He offered to escort us telling us he worked for tips.  But, once we got inside we could tell he knew little about the paperwork and he left.

Fees:  Vehicles older than the year 2000 were charged $200 dollars plus another $43 dollars as an added tax for importing the vehicle into Mexico.  Supposedly, the $200 dollars is refundable minus an export tax at the time of departure if departure is before the 6 month expiration date.

Visas:  We both obtained a 6 month )(i.e. 180 day) visa at $23 dollars each.

When we returned to the parking lot the official looking guide wanted to get into our van to show us around the corner apparently to get more money as he asked for more.  We told him no thanks and departed.  His buddy also dressed in official looking attire acted like a police officer (but he wasn't) and told us the road (calle 6) was closed due to the military.  We almost believed him except other traffic was still being allowed to enter and exit calle 6.  When we didn't allow him to get into our vehicle he changed his story and asked for his tip.  Needless to say, he didn't get one from us.