Mexico - Mainland Pacific Coast - July 9 to 26

[viatierra]

I am leaving tomorrow for just over 2 weeks of traveling south of the border. There are 4 phases of the trip:

1. Get down there. I'm going to cross in El Paso and continue on Mex 45 all the way to Guanajuto. The hope is to get this done in 2 days... So I don't plan on any diversions. It will be interesting to pass the Zona de Silencio, and I'm ready to escape the AZ heat for awhile!

2. One week in Guanajuato. I'll be taking language classes, living with a family and enjoying what the town has to offer.

3. Exploring Jalisco. Next is 5 days of roaming around this state. There is clearly more here than 5 days of action, but I'll stay busy playing at the beaches, in the jungle, on a volcano... and wherever else we find.

4. Return home. I'll zip up Mex 15 from Mazatlan to Nogales. Again, the goal is 2 days.

The schedule is flexable so the curve balls can be delt with. I'll post the progress and a few pictures here as time and technology permit.

 

[kcowyo]

You're gonna miss the debut of your niece? For Mexico??

Mark is gonna be sooooo jealous - :sport_box

 

[CAPTAIN COORS]

just returned from Puerto Vallarta via mex 15, roads are divided and are very good if you stay on the toll roads (roads marked "CUOTA"), toll about $85 mazatlan to nogales, make sure you slow down at all TOPES (speed bumps)they can be very server

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

Congratulations!

I am very interested to see what your pictures and write -up on the Volcano turns out!:arabia:

If you have any questions please let me know!

 

[viatierra]

You're gonna miss the debut of your niece? For Mexico??

Mark is gonna be sooooo jealous - :sport_box

I've been poking Brooke for the past week trying to get her kickstarted. At risk of having her tear my arms off... all I can hope for now is that she waits until I return (goes 2 weeks overdue). There was no chance of my Maggiolina & rack being ready, so they are letting my use their EasyAwn. They will be with me in spirit.

just returned from Puerto Vallarta via mex 15

I really appreciate the info... Damn the tolls, Damn the topes.

I am very interested to see what your pictures and write -up on the Volcano turns out!

I picked up a nice map of Jalisco that shows the backroad. I'll scope out the permit situation once I'm down there. Should make a nice day climb from the end of the road at 11,500 to the top 14,000+. Thanks for the great info.

Well, my shotgun seat is suddenly empty! My travel partner backed out within 24 hours of departure. I'll be fine, but it sure is a mental hurdle to suddenly be doing a big undertaking solo. Good to know the Expo is here if I need a lifeline for advice...

Tomorrow's Goal: Camp within attack range of El Paso.

 

[flyingwil]

Well, my shotgun seat is suddenly empty! My travel partner backed out within 24 hours of departure. I'll be fine, but it sure is a mental hurdle to suddenly be doing a big undertaking solo. Good to know the Expo is here if I need a lifeline for advice...

Tomorrow's Goal: Camp within attack range of El Paso.

Keep us posted!

 

[cruiser guy]

4. Return home. I'll zip up Mex 15 from Mazatlan to Nogales. Again, the goal is 2 days.

Not a problem in two days. I've done it in one long day (6:00AM till midnight) from Mazatlan to Phoenix with a tranny that only had 3rd and 4th.

You can save a little on tolls if you take the libre road north of Mazatlan. It's nearly as fast as the toll road and best of all, it's free!! The only potential problem is finding your way through Culiacan. If time is of the essence though stay on the toll roads.

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

Well, my shotgun seat is suddenly empty! My travel partner backed out within 24 hours of departure. I'll be fine, but it sure is a mental hurdle to suddenly be doing a big undertaking solo. Good to know the Expo is here if I need a lifeline for advice...

Tomorrow's Goal: Camp within attack range of El Paso.

If your plan is to make it in 2 days to Guanajuato, I suggest you spend the night at Delicias or Camargo, other then Chihuahua, plus you will save some money on hotel, expect to pay 25.00 to 35.00 for a very clean secure location on Delicias or Camargo, plus they are off-the hwy easy on -easy off!
Also if you are interested in spending a good night sleep in your truck, there is a very nice secure rest area just after Jimenez toll booth!However this will put you on a long 13 hour day aproximately if you are departing from Phoenix - Jimenez.

I which i could take the time off- to be your driving partner, however i just took some time off,

 

[viatierra]

Road Report 7-9-07

So far it has been a great start. Since I am traveling solo, my main concerns for the trip were all the initial border requirements at the border: the crossing, handling all the official paperwork for myself and the Tacoma, translating, navigating the streets and signs. All that can be a bit intense, particularly at the border. I admit being a bit edgy about it. Turns out that it was all a piece of cake! In fact, 1200 miles into the journey and everything has been remarkably... simple. Every Mexican authority I talked to regarding permits & paperwork spoke English. Each was more than happy to play along with my Spanish and fill the gaps when needed.

Monday night I camped at a convenient spot a few miles west of Las Cruces, NM.

 

[viatierra]

Road Report 7-10-07

Tuesday morning I crossed over in El Paso. Once across there is no need to stop, just continue to km 30 where there is the tourist office. I´m still shocked at how easy it was. Then I just did a straight route on MEX 45 for the next 2 days. I made great time and easily covered the necessary mileage. Tuesday night I poached a campsite at an abandoned adobe ranch outside the Zona de Silencio.

 

[viatierra]

Road Report 7-11-07

Since I was easily on schedule, Wednesday morning I made the extra excursion to the Zona de Silencio. The area is actually a wildlife preserve with a museum. It would be a fun place to explore all the trails. Just the dirt road back to the museum was interesting because it was rocky and washed out. At the museum, I learned about the wildlife preserve and the magnetic field that alters wave signals that pass through.

Wednesday, I finished off the drive into Guanajuato. Apparently Aguascalientes has some nice four wheeling and supports quite a 4x4 community. Just driving through town, I couldn´t help but notice 30-40 nicely set up vehicles (ARB bumpers, Rubicon racks, etc.). Mostly Wranglers & CJs, but I saw others as well. Future destination for exploration??

Once in town, I located a friend from last summer who let me sleep on an extra bed. This morning I secured a family to stay with. The big bonus is the carport with extra space for my truck. I received a parking citation last night… I´d forgotten how wonderful this town is. Guanajuato is an experience you´ll never forget. It is truly a special place.

More later…

 

[seth_js]

Right on Greg, nice pics.

I somehow missed your buildup thread before, but you are building my next truck almost exactly, color and everything. I must say I'm a little jealous.

In your buildup you have the Maggiolina, but in these pics Eezi Awn. What's the deal?

 

[Ursidae69]

Cool trip so far. Thanks for the pictures. What was the parking citation all about?

 

[BajaTaco]

Nothing like a little crumbling adobe to stir the soul.

Greg, this is great that you are checking in and sharing the adventure with us. I love looking at all of the photos! You are taking some really cool shots. Keep 'em coming.

That Eezi-Awn looks way too cool on your Tacoma... I bet you try to give them the Maggiolina when you get back

In your buildup you have the Maggiolina, but in these pics Eezi Awn. What's the deal?

> click here <

 

[viatierra]

Right on Greg, nice pics.

I somehow missed your buildup thread before, but you are building my next truck almost exactly, color and everything. I must say I'm a little jealous.

In your buildup you have the Maggiolina, but in these pics Eezi Awn. What's the deal?

I&#180;m having a rack made to mount the Maggiolina at the roofline... but it wasn&#180;t ready in time. Mark loaned me his EasyAwn since he&#180;s scheduled to be spending time in the materity ward.

I bet you try to give them the Maggiolina when you get back

Hmmm. This tent is super sweet for sure, but I&#180;m pretty pumped about getting the other one out of the garage and on my truck. The guy who sold it to me is sick because I&#180;m not using it.

What was the parking citation all about?

Okay, this place is really compressed for space and parking is a serious premium. I thought I had scored an awesome space, there were cars on both sides of me... but apparently it was a bus stop. Now, you thinking... Big deal! Skate on paying the ticket. The problem is the authorities took my license plate as a guarantee. I&#180;m off to pay it now and firm up plans for this weekend.