Nov 13, 2018
Safe and successful crossing into Mexico
This year we chose to cross the border into Mexico later than normal. We thought that by being later there would be other RV’s crossing and there might be less attention on us. After all we have two precious cargoes with us, the AC units being more important than the wine 😕
For the very first time ever we had our direct route into Mexico @ Nogales blocked. We cautiously went in via the lane marked CLOSED and were able to get back to the lane that went to the extreme right of the US customs area.
Not speed bumps but HUMPS.
Thus far the toll booths in Sonora have been taken over by groups protesting the government or what have you, we have no idea. So you don’t have to pay the toll but I suggest that you consider making a token 20 pesos donation as you pass through. Support the cause 🙂
Just after the first toll booth comes the inspection station. Unlike last year where we were very thoroughly checked this year the border agent’s duty appeared to be to simply check the VIN number against your registration papers. Be sure to have your vehicle(s) papers ready along with your passport. As you can see we would be third in line. It is clearly marked to cross over to the far right marked autobus. Our VIN for the RV is in a bedroom closet so the agent had to come in. However he was not interested in what we had inside the RV, not the alcohol nor food contents, etc. He checked the Jeep VIN but unlike last year did not ask to see what lay under the blankets (my garden soil ). I believe that going in a little later worked to our advantage.
For those coming behind us please note that due to construction the turn off to KM 21 is off on to a gravel road. It is easy to miss, so be alert. The exit is not more that ten minutes past the VIN inspection station. Very quiet here and our paperwork was completed in under thirty minutes, a new record for us.
Saw about five of these military units pass us by at top speed.
Good news for us wine drinkers, Sonora is growing grapes.
No traffic. The roads have been great, very little back and forth and mostly new roads. Hermosillo requires the usual slow speeds but all is well.
We drove 290 miles today and all with mostly great roads and no issues and no tolls to pay 😀 We made great time traveling just below the speed limit and got to Totonaka RV park in San Carlos by 4:25PM. There are a lot of confusing construction detours around here but the signs are very clear, so stay alert ( to those coming behind us ). Two things surprised us here in San Carlos. The first being how very quiet the RV park was, we were the only ones parked on the road. The second, as to how very cool the temperature was. Last year it was 85F when we arrived and today at 5:45PM is was only 69F. There was a cool breeze as well.
Last year in an effort to change our routine based on the girls we went out to Charly’s Rock for dinner and it was beyond wonderful. So we went back tonight.
This year it was great but certainly not over the top. We will look for another place next season.
We still had a wonderful meal and it was good to get out of the RV and do something different. Before we went for dinner we met a fellow who is here for the winter. Turns out that he is from our RV Park back in Kelowna, small world. Being as it is so cool out and with a slight breeze I know that I am going to have a very good rest tonight.
Adios all. Stay tuned for the next chapter.
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Yay, I can go to bed now that you’ve posted. 😉
Glad you had a painless crossing!
Gracias and thanks for your concern.
SO GLAD EVERYTHING WENT SMOOTHER THAN EVEN EXPECTED. WONDER IF THE MILITARY ARE ON THEIR WAY TO STOP THE MIGRANTS. THE MEXICAN PRESIDENT WAS THREATENED/BULLIED BY YOU KNOW WHO THAT IF HE DIDN’T STOP THEM, MEXICO WOULD BE IN BIG TROUBLE.
HAD A WONDERFUL DINNER TONIGHT. THANK YOU.
Glad you enjoyed your meal. More for you next time. It went smooth because they were only checking the VIN numbers and not looking for anything else.
Nice that had a nice easy crossing. We have a lot pf speed humps back home too.
We enjoyed Charleys Rock when we were there too and enjoyed it.
We are having a great few travel days here in Mexico.
So glad to hear you had an easy crossing. Hopefully the temps will warm up as you go further south.
I am happy with the temps as they are. Once we get to the Isla the humidity will kick in and more heat.
Weather cooled down over the last couple of days…north wind from Canada?
Yeas even here tonight 75KM North of Culiacan we are cool at 74F. We will sleep well tonight.
So glad your crossing went smoothly – finally in Mexico again!
Yeah, life is good.