Nov 26, 2012
Forgive me ~ please!!
I left you hanging back in San Carlos. We have had so much happen in the past few days that it seems like weeks ago. I will fill you in best as I can…
We had some trouble with the airbags filling as we tried to leave Totonaka but finally after a few attempts, jacks up and down and up again the bags filled and we were off. No problems driving thru C. Obregon nor Navajoa which we drove right thu the city. The detour around the city does not apply to RV's from what we have gathered the past few years. We did get questioned 3 times during the stretch of road that transitioned from Sonora to Sinaloa. The last time by 2 guards in a PGR uniform wanting details of where we were going. At the end he put his hand up and asked for Christmas Pesos, he wad no collecting container or can, just his hand. We gave him a few pesos and moved on. I do wonder who those pesos will be for??
We continued on south with no difficulties, the roads were in decent shape and the miles were flying by. Just before Culican we came upon some new construction around a new toll booth.
There has been a more direct road constructed to get from just North of Culican to the Autopista to Mazatlan. It only saves you 6 miles but you do save time by skirting the city totally. There is a toll at both ends, for us, for both the RV and the toad it came to 145 pesos. I think it was worth the time saved.
The only difficulty I can see is that you are also bypassing the numerous Pemex stations found along the road in Culiacan. The new toll road does come out at Pemex 4006 which is where we planned to spend the night. This station seemed to be even busier than before. We arrived at 4:50PM and had to line up for diesel.
Here we are, blocked in for the night.
Colin found the security guard ( actually now there are 2 of them, both carrying machine guns ) and asked them to keep an eye on us during the night. He gave them 50 pesos. He also told them we were waiting for Maestro Heriberto and Isela to arrive shortly for a visit. So when Heriberto went up to the guards a while later and asked for the Canadians he was surprised to be greeted as the guitarist and escorted over to our coach.
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We hadn't had time to have dinner and they brought pizza so it was perfect. Lots of talking, laughing and music. Caeli remembered Isela and never left her side.
A while later I noticed the guards standing outside our rig and I invited them in. I do have to say it is the first time we have had machine guns inside.
Our friends played and sang for the guards. They stayed for just the one song and said they had to get back to work. They were very touched and indicated so in many ways. It was an experience they will never forget and I am certain we were royally guarded that night.
Then the Margarita Diablas did a song.
The last note!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The compadres!
….and about 10:15PM they left as we were tired. We had driven 366 miles and it was bedtime.
The next day we were heading to the Isla.
Only 140 miles to go.
Tune in soon for the rest of the story. Plus we have a big surprise to reveal. Thanks for all your support and comments. What blogger doesn't like comments?
Looking forward to a sunset picture. How blessed you are to have traveled so safely over so many miles. Little problems, I know, but just that – little problems.
Sandy……your wish is my command!!
Marty….please do post it on Facebook. Anything I put on my blog is public. Mexico is safe.
Jean….I plan to.
Cat….glad you arrived safely, you travelled fast. Got your photos.
Danshula….mille gracias, very kind of you.
George…it was the guards that got the first royal treatment.
Longdogs….it was great and we will see them at least 2 more times I hope.
Elaine….it was a lot of fun.
Chris..no major problems….so good to be home here on the Isla….good luck with your preparations.
TnT..never thought of it that way but of course only you would think of that!
If you don’t mind I am sharing this post on Facebook for all my friends to see that it is safe to travel in Mexico. Glad you got home to the Isla!
Very happy to see you made it safe and sound. Enjoy and know I truly enjoy following you blog all winter long.
Blessing to you from your other home. 🙂
Cheryl
So glad you got there with no more trouble. Now i hope you can relax and enjoy the sun
You sura are making the most out of life, still I want to wish you to do all the things you wanted to do but had no time till now.
Glad to hear you are traveling safely and without any big problems. Sounds like a fun get-together with your friends.
I’ll bet you slept very well..and were guarded…I’ve heard of singing for your supper but singing for security??? lol
I’m glad to see you guys made it home without a hitch. What a cool trip you had coming down and your friends you met up with along the way. We’re delayed a week but we are ready to roll.
Only you and Colin could have that much fun in a parking lot … LOL.
It must be such a relief to be at your destination, and with such good friends.
Looking forward to your beach photos …. take care …. TnT
I’m so happy you two are almost there. Mexico is just as beautiful as you said it would be maybe even more. Jim and i arrived safely In Paamul on Sat.
Nice that you got the royal treatment and the guards enjoyed it as well.