San Carlos to Mazatlan Mexico
Oct. 29th, 2007 We left San Carlos, Mexico in groups of five or six this morning and although the park we were in had adequate power and we ran the A/C through the night we were anxious to get on down the road. Our destination for the day was to be Los Mochis, Mexico some 400 kilometers down the road. We were forewarned by our group leaders that the park we were headed for was probably one of the poorest ones in Mexico but in the Los Mochis area there just wasn’t much to choose from. They said we would have a hard time getting the larger coaches (that’s us) into the park as the turns were tight and the spaces narrow, and oh, yes, the power was probably going to be deplorable.
We arrived at about 3:00 and entered the park one at a time. What we did not know in advance of arriving was that there was a large caravan already in the park as they were headed for the copper canyon and had arrived yesterday. They were parked in such a manner as to make it even more difficult for our group to get to any of the sites. Cool heads prevailed and with lots of help and guidance we all got in a site. At first there was no electric and it took a while for that to get fixed. Actually as I look at the voltage situation now it is very good steady power, holding right on 120 volts. That to me is amazing as the park is nearly full and some do have their A/C running. Both guys on either side of me have a dangerous situation with the polarity reversed on their outlets, mine is correct. My old neighbor, Paul, in Stoddard would have a heart attack if he were to check out this situation.
When were first arrived here, there was so much confusion and running around trying to get electricity, that Kathleen and I started our generator, turned on both roof A/C units, drew the shades, and fell fast asleep. Two hours later when all was calm and sorted out I went out to find the electric working and the polarity correct.
It is currently 7:30 p.m. and has been dark for a couple hours. When we arrived the sun was hot and it was 103 degree’s outside. With the night air cooling we are showing 89 at the moment outside and 82 in the coach. Remember now, this is dry desert air, and to one who does not like the heat, I can tell you that it is quite comfortable. We will no doubt need a blanket tonight.
Our team leader stopped by to inform us that we were going to start pulling out at 6:30 in the a.m. He said we should pull out individually when we felt we could navigate the space to do so. We would then regroup at the Pemex gas station at the edge of town. Regardless, I think I will be able to navigate my way out at about 9:00 a.m. Our destination will be Mazatlan and a very nice park for two nights. 6:30 seems just a bit early to this retiree!
Oct. 31st, 2007 We made Mazatlan about 2:00 p.m. yesterday and are now well in to our second day. We will have tonight yet and then will leave for La Penita out destination for at least the month of November. Our drive from San Carlos to Mazatlan was interesting from a picturesque sense. Started out as desert, reminded me a lot of what it used to look like when I trucked from Las Vegas to L.A. Then as we got closer to Mazatlan and crossed the Tropic of Cancer it became much more like a jungle atmosphere.
The park that we are in has electrical power that comes and goes. When it is on it is quite good and steady. The WiFi for computing is about the same. One has to walk to the office area, sit out under a palapa for shade and hope that the dude in the office has his computer on so you can jump the signal.
Our site is rather nice as we are under some palms and do get a little shade. We are also positioned so that in the heat of the day our coach provides the shade and it is quite nice sitting out under the awning.
We went out in a group of 12 last evening for dinner and rode the open air cabs in to the down town district of Mazatlan. We had a great meal with our new friends, lots of laughter, stories flowed freely, and the margaritas were good! Our open air cab ride back was a little noisy as our cab driver cranked up the rock and roll music and we made a complete circle through the entire RV park before bidding our cabbie adios. We figure the twelve of us will have to stick together as we are not likely to have many friends come morning.
We made a run to Walmart in the open air cabs this afternoon and found it very much like shopping at home except they do many things quite differently. What one needs to do is just stand back and see how or what the locals are doing and then just copy them. For example in the large bakery area everything is out in the open for display but there are no bags or boxes to put the rolls or bread or whatever in. We soon learned that you picked up a large silver tray and a pair of tongs and then picked out what you wanted. Then take the tray to the counter and it was individually packaged and priced for you. We are learning.
This afternoon at 5:00 we are meeting under the palms in the center of the RV park as our Team leaders are supplying the hamburger patties and condiments and we all are bringing a dish to pass for a good ole’ barbeque. Should be fun. We will hit the hay early as the drive tomorrow will be interesting and long.
La Penita here we come!
