Friday April 10…11:00pm
For some reason, it never got cold last night. I figured it would get chilly again, but I woke up in the middle of the night with too many covers on and checked the temperature and it was 23C (73F)!
We got another early start and made it to Jackson, Mississippi (pop 178,000) around 9:30am. Stopped and filled up with gas at $1.789 per gallon ($0.60 CAN per litre). Stopped at the Walmart for groceries and internet, and decided there wasn’t anything worth seeing in Jackson.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Rocky Springs Campground (day 2)
Thursday April 9…9:30pm
It was totally quiet for us last night. At one point I woke up and specifically noticed that I couldn’t hear a single thing!
I did some cleaning of the windows while Ruth was getting a picnic lunch ready for us. I have a feeling that we’ll be seeing some rain over the next several days, so I treated the front windshield with Rain-X. I was checking back, and noticed that we have not had any real rain since January 15th. I think we had a little drizzle around February 1st, but hardly enough to count as rain.
It was totally quiet for us last night. At one point I woke up and specifically noticed that I couldn’t hear a single thing!
I did some cleaning of the windows while Ruth was getting a picnic lunch ready for us. I have a feeling that we’ll be seeing some rain over the next several days, so I treated the front windshield with Rain-X. I was checking back, and noticed that we have not had any real rain since January 15th. I think we had a little drizzle around February 1st, but hardly enough to count as rain.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Rocky Springs Campground
Wednesday April 8…10:30pm
Had a good sleep at the visitor center. Left there around 9am, and made our way around the town of Natchez towards the entrance to the parkway. Our GPS unit has maps that are a few years old now, and they’ve built a new road and interchange so by following the signs we get to the new entrance to the parkway. The road itself is in brand new condition, and has a 50 mph (80 kmh) speed limit. It’s a pleasure to drive on.
Had a good sleep at the visitor center. Left there around 9am, and made our way around the town of Natchez towards the entrance to the parkway. Our GPS unit has maps that are a few years old now, and they’ve built a new road and interchange so by following the signs we get to the new entrance to the parkway. The road itself is in brand new condition, and has a 50 mph (80 kmh) speed limit. It’s a pleasure to drive on.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Natchez, Mississippi
Tuesday April 7…10:00pm
We woke up early, but stayed at the Leesville, Louisiana Walmart until about 9:00am taking advantage of a good internet connection.
Drove about 128 miles (206 kms) today, and made it across the mighty Mississippi River to Natchez, Mississippi.
We woke up early, but stayed at the Leesville, Louisiana Walmart until about 9:00am taking advantage of a good internet connection.
Drove about 128 miles (206 kms) today, and made it across the mighty Mississippi River to Natchez, Mississippi.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Leesville, Louisiana
Monday April 6…11:00pm
Had a great nights sleep at the Walmart in Livingston, Texas. Left there early and headed towards Louisiana.
We made a minor detour to the Leesville Lake Reservoir State Park in Louisiana. Actually, it was a really nice spot, and we paid the $2 US entrance fee for the day use area. Too bad it was such a windy day again, but we still managed a nice walk on their nature trails and still enjoyed a blue sky day. Found a little turtle…he sure didn’t seem like he wanted his picture taken, but at least we didn’t step on him!
Had a great nights sleep at the Walmart in Livingston, Texas. Left there early and headed towards Louisiana.
We made a minor detour to the Leesville Lake Reservoir State Park in Louisiana. Actually, it was a really nice spot, and we paid the $2 US entrance fee for the day use area. Too bad it was such a windy day again, but we still managed a nice walk on their nature trails and still enjoyed a blue sky day. Found a little turtle…he sure didn’t seem like he wanted his picture taken, but at least we didn’t step on him!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Livingston, Texas
Sunday April 5…10:30pm
Got up early and stopped for internet before leaving Victoria. When we did leave, it became fairly windy. It was a strong cross wind, and I really had to hang onto the steering wheel at times.
Very boring scenery until we got to Houston. We decided to take the toll road that rings around Houston, but even on a Sunday it was fairly busy. Reminded me again of why I will never live in a really big city like that.
Got up early and stopped for internet before leaving Victoria. When we did leave, it became fairly windy. It was a strong cross wind, and I really had to hang onto the steering wheel at times.
Very boring scenery until we got to Houston. We decided to take the toll road that rings around Houston, but even on a Sunday it was fairly busy. Reminded me again of why I will never live in a really big city like that.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Victoria, Texas
Saturday April 4…10:45pm
Well we got up in time for the sunrise this morning, but it was too cloudy on the horizon!
We got an early start, and were on the road by 7:30am. Once we got off South Padre Island, Highway 77 is 4 lanes, with a 70 mph (113 kmh) speed limit in most sections. We only do 55 mph (90 kmh) at the most though, and that’s what I had the cruise control set at for much of the day. The road surface was near perfect (especially compared to Mexican highways!), and with Sherman’s new suspension, tires, and wheel alignment it was a very comfortable drive.
Well we got up in time for the sunrise this morning, but it was too cloudy on the horizon!
We got an early start, and were on the road by 7:30am. Once we got off South Padre Island, Highway 77 is 4 lanes, with a 70 mph (113 kmh) speed limit in most sections. We only do 55 mph (90 kmh) at the most though, and that’s what I had the cruise control set at for much of the day. The road surface was near perfect (especially compared to Mexican highways!), and with Sherman’s new suspension, tires, and wheel alignment it was a very comfortable drive.
Friday, April 3, 2009
South Padre Island (day 2)
Friday April 3…10:15pm
We planned on waking up in time for the sunrise, but we missed it by ten minutes!
We walked Whiskey on the beach, and then Bill and Bonnie came over for pancakes mid morning.
We planned on waking up in time for the sunrise, but we missed it by ten minutes!
We walked Whiskey on the beach, and then Bill and Bonnie came over for pancakes mid morning.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
South Padre Island
Thursday April 2…midnight
We made it to the suspension and alignment shop at about 8:00am. They got to work right away, and we sat in the motorhome while they worked.
We made it to the suspension and alignment shop at about 8:00am. They got to work right away, and we sat in the motorhome while they worked.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Mercedes, Texas (day 3)
Wednesday April 1… 10:30pm
Made it to the Goodyear Tire Center in Weslaco, just about 7 miles from the RV park, at about 9:30am, and it was almost 1pm by the time we had two tires installed and one wheel moved from front to back. To be fair, I had said we weren’t in a rush and to look after anybody else first, and they were pretty busy.
Made it to the Goodyear Tire Center in Weslaco, just about 7 miles from the RV park, at about 9:30am, and it was almost 1pm by the time we had two tires installed and one wheel moved from front to back. To be fair, I had said we weren’t in a rush and to look after anybody else first, and they were pretty busy.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Mercedes, Texas (day 2)
Tuesday March 31…11:00pm
I spent most of the day researching my tires on the internet. The size for our motorhome is a 7.50R16, which is an oddball size that is very difficult to get. There is a comparable size in the newer metric standard, P235/85R16, but most sources mentioned that they are slightly wider and will possibly touch the sidewalls of each other on the rear. I finally found some trustworthy info that said it would be okay to use the slightly narrower P215/85R16 and the local Goodyear dealer confirmed that this is the way to go. So I have an appointment to bring it in tomorrow morning at 9:30am. Then on Thursday, I will get new springs and a wheel alignment on the front end.
I spent most of the day researching my tires on the internet. The size for our motorhome is a 7.50R16, which is an oddball size that is very difficult to get. There is a comparable size in the newer metric standard, P235/85R16, but most sources mentioned that they are slightly wider and will possibly touch the sidewalls of each other on the rear. I finally found some trustworthy info that said it would be okay to use the slightly narrower P215/85R16 and the local Goodyear dealer confirmed that this is the way to go. So I have an appointment to bring it in tomorrow morning at 9:30am. Then on Thursday, I will get new springs and a wheel alignment on the front end.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Back in the USA!
Monday March 30…11:30pm
What a day!
We left Allende at about 8am, and headed towards the border at Reynosa. Leaving Allende, we had to go north towards a toll road that would take us away from the outskirts of Monterrey. As is usual in Mexico, there is a choice between the toll road or the free road in the same basic direction.
What a day!
We left Allende at about 8am, and headed towards the border at Reynosa. Leaving Allende, we had to go north towards a toll road that would take us away from the outskirts of Monterrey. As is usual in Mexico, there is a choice between the toll road or the free road in the same basic direction.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Allende, just outside of Monterrey
Sunday March 29…9:45pm
We left Matehuala at about 8:15am, and drove north on the Mex 57 highway. This is a four lane highway, through a desert area. For the most part, it was in good condition, and we averaged 80 kmh (50 mph). Lots of truck traffic, but because it was a Sunday morning it was pretty quiet otherwise.
We left Matehuala at about 8:15am, and drove north on the Mex 57 highway. This is a four lane highway, through a desert area. For the most part, it was in good condition, and we averaged 80 kmh (50 mph). Lots of truck traffic, but because it was a Sunday morning it was pretty quiet otherwise.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Matehuala (Real de Catorce)
Saturday March 28…9:30pm
We had set the alarm for 6am, and got up at that time.
Had a quick breakfast and coffee, took Whiskey for a short stroll before leaving her in the motorhome for the day, and actually made it to the front office by 7am. There was a different person there, and we asked if he could call us a taxi. He got on the phone, and less than five minutes later, a taxi arrived. It cost 40 pesos ($3.60 CAN, $3.00 US) for the ride to the central bus terminal.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Matehuala
Friday March 27…10:00pm
We were up before 7am, and Ruth went to make sure Alejandra and her son Antonio were awake as well. They came to Sherman to have a coffee and juice with us before we left. Antonio was excited because we promised him a ride around the block in the motorhome. He has decided that his mother should sell the house and they should buy a camper!
We were up before 7am, and Ruth went to make sure Alejandra and her son Antonio were awake as well. They came to Sherman to have a coffee and juice with us before we left. Antonio was excited because we promised him a ride around the block in the motorhome. He has decided that his mother should sell the house and they should buy a camper!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Zacatecas (day 2)
Thursday March 26…9:00pm
Alejandra took us into Zacatecas on her way to work. She didn’t have to be in early this morning, so it was about 10am when we left her place. Then, she gave us a quick tour of the historical area before dropping us off at the entrance to the El Eden silver mine, which is very close to downtown.
Alejandra took us into Zacatecas on her way to work. She didn’t have to be in early this morning, so it was about 10am when we left her place. Then, she gave us a quick tour of the historical area before dropping us off at the entrance to the El Eden silver mine, which is very close to downtown.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Zacatecas
Wednesday March 25…11:30pm
We actually had a pretty good sleep parked at the Pemex gas station. We were expecting it to be a bit noisy because of the trucks that use their engine break on the hill going into town, but it wasn’t too bad at all.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Just north of Jalpa
Tuesday March 24…8:30pm
We were up early again, before 7:00am. They filled the various swimming pools with fresh water, as they do every day, and Ruth and I went for a swim. The mineral hot springs water that they fill the pools with is a constant temperature of 39C (98F). You’d think that’s too hot for swimming in Mexico, but it feels just right, and it sure is easy to get into the water.
We were up early again, before 7:00am. They filled the various swimming pools with fresh water, as they do every day, and Ruth and I went for a swim. The mineral hot springs water that they fill the pools with is a constant temperature of 39C (98F). You’d think that’s too hot for swimming in Mexico, but it feels just right, and it sure is easy to get into the water.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Villa Corona (day 2) - Guadalajara
Monday March 23…8:00pm
At about 9:30am, we walked up to the main highway to catch the local bus to Guadalajara. It’s about 50 kms (30 miles) from the town of Villa Corona to the centre of Guadalajara. The bus showed up, and it was 28 pesos ($2.41 CAN, $2.00 US) each, one way.
At about 9:30am, we walked up to the main highway to catch the local bus to Guadalajara. It’s about 50 kms (30 miles) from the town of Villa Corona to the centre of Guadalajara. The bus showed up, and it was 28 pesos ($2.41 CAN, $2.00 US) each, one way.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Villa Corona
Sunday March 22…9:45pm
We got up at about 6:30am, but it was still about 8:00am before we drove out.
We got up at about 6:30am, but it was still about 8:00am before we drove out.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Valle de Juarez (day 3)
Saturday March 21…11:00pm
Another couple here, Ryan and Joanne, just bought an old Jeep because they are staying in Mexico for a while. They invited us to go for an open air tour of the nearby mountains to a place called El Tigre.
Another couple here, Ryan and Joanne, just bought an old Jeep because they are staying in Mexico for a while. They invited us to go for an open air tour of the nearby mountains to a place called El Tigre.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Valle de Juarez (day 2)
Friday March 20…10:30pm
We had a great sleep last night, using our comforter on the sheets for the first time in weeks. Temperature in the motorhome when we got up at 7am was 11C (53F). But by the time the sun started shining in a few minutes later it only took an hour or so to warm up.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Valle de Juarez
Thursday March 19…10:30pm
We were up at 6:00am, and we left the city of Colima at 7:15am.
We were up at 6:00am, and we left the city of Colima at 7:15am.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Colima (day 2)
Wednesday March 18…8:45pm
Had a great nights sleep in the Sams Club parking lot. In fact, I woke up at one point during the night, and couldn’t believe how quiet it was outside.
Had a great nights sleep in the Sams Club parking lot. In fact, I woke up at one point during the night, and couldn’t believe how quiet it was outside.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Colima
Tuesday March 17…10:15pm
We were up before 7am, and I took Whiskey outside to do her thing. I’m standing overlooking the beach, and I see a couple of baby sea turtles making their way to the ocean.
We were up before 7am, and I took Whiskey outside to do her thing. I’m standing overlooking the beach, and I see a couple of baby sea turtles making their way to the ocean.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Maruata (day 2)
Monday March 16…9:30pm
We went for an early walk along the beach this morning before it got too hot. There were a lot of sea turtle tracks going up to the sandy area of the beach.
We went for an early walk along the beach this morning before it got too hot. There were a lot of sea turtle tracks going up to the sandy area of the beach.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Maruata
Sunday March 15…10:30pm
We were on the road at 8:45am, and only had another short distance to travel. But the road from here to Maruata is very twisty and windy.
We were on the road at 8:45am, and only had another short distance to travel. But the road from here to Maruata is very twisty and windy.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Tizupan
We planned on a short 50 km (30 mile) drive to Caleta de Campos. And we made it there in about an hour.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Playa Azul
Friday March 13…9:45pm
We were up at 6:30am, and on the road at 8:45am. It seemed to take forever to get out of Zihuatanejo…the roads are bad, and we made one wrong turn that fortunately wasn’t a disaster because we got back on track pretty quickly.
We were up at 6:30am, and on the road at 8:45am. It seemed to take forever to get out of Zihuatanejo…the roads are bad, and we made one wrong turn that fortunately wasn’t a disaster because we got back on track pretty quickly.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Zihuatanejo (day 2)
Thursday March 12…
We decided to stay put for one more night. We have what seems to be a perfect free parking spot…shade in the morning, and then just enough sun to fully charge our batteries, and then shade for late afternoon.
We decided to stay put for one more night. We have what seems to be a perfect free parking spot…shade in the morning, and then just enough sun to fully charge our batteries, and then shade for late afternoon.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Piedra de Tlacoyunque
Tuesday March 10…10:45pm
We got ready to go this morning, and left the Acapulco Trailer Park at around 9:20am.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Acapulco (day 2)
Sunday March 8…10:00pm
We left the trailer park at about 9:30am and wanted to catch a bus into Acapulco.
We left the trailer park at about 9:30am and wanted to catch a bus into Acapulco.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Playa Ventura (day 2)
Friday March 6…10:00pm
Walked with Whiskey on the beach this morning back towards town.
Walked with Whiskey on the beach this morning back towards town.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Playa Ventura
Thursday March 5…10:30pm
Sure enough, we were up at 6:30am, and we hit the road at 7:00am.
Sure enough, we were up at 6:30am, and we hit the road at 7:00am.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Playa Zicatela (day 2)
Wednesday March 4…10:30pm
We thought about leaving this morning. But by 10am, that thought had disappeared.
We thought about leaving this morning. But by 10am, that thought had disappeared.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Playa Zicatela
Tuesday March 3…10:15pm
We got up and spent some time getting Sherman ready to move. Marie and Alfredo came by and said they wanted to take us to another beach today, but they had to go into town first.
We got up and spent some time getting Sherman ready to move. Marie and Alfredo came by and said they wanted to take us to another beach today, but they had to go into town first.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Near Puerto Escondido (day 8)
Monday March 2…11:00pm
When we went over to the house this morning, the 20 chickens were already getting ready for dinner!
When we went over to the house this morning, the 20 chickens were already getting ready for dinner!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Near Puerto Escondido (day 7)
Sunday March 1…11:00pm
Marie and Alfredo made us Enchiladas for breakfast. The sauce they use is very different. It’s made with apples, bananas, garlic, jalapeno peppers and other stuff. Very spicy for breakfast!
Marie and Alfredo made us Enchiladas for breakfast. The sauce they use is very different. It’s made with apples, bananas, garlic, jalapeno peppers and other stuff. Very spicy for breakfast!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Near Puerto Escondido (day 6)
Saturday February 28…10:30pm
We took Whiskey for a long walk along the river. We have found a very nice path that goes right to the ocean and there are no other dogs or traffic, so Whiskey likes it.
We took Whiskey for a long walk along the river. We have found a very nice path that goes right to the ocean and there are no other dogs or traffic, so Whiskey likes it.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Near Puerto Escondido (day 5)
Friday February 27…8:30pm
We relaxed for the morning, and then around 11:00am Marie came by and asked if we wanted to go into town with them. We thought that maybe we could go to the market and that I could use the internet, so we agreed to go with them.
We relaxed for the morning, and then around 11:00am Marie came by and asked if we wanted to go into town with them. We thought that maybe we could go to the market and that I could use the internet, so we agreed to go with them.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Near Puerto Escondido (day 4)
Thursday February 26…10:00pm
We took Whiskey for a walk in the river this morning. The river is pretty wide, but you can cross the whole thing on foot at this time of year.
We took Whiskey for a walk in the river this morning. The river is pretty wide, but you can cross the whole thing on foot at this time of year.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Near Puerto Escondido (day 3)
Wednesday February 25…10:30pm
For some reason, Whiskey let us sleep in this morning. She must have known we got in late last night, because she didn’t wake us up until about 8:20am…this is definitely sleeping in for us!
For some reason, Whiskey let us sleep in this morning. She must have known we got in late last night, because she didn’t wake us up until about 8:20am…this is definitely sleeping in for us!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Near Puerto Escondido (day 2)
Mary came by at about 9:15am to tell us that breakfast would soon be ready. She had said yesterday that her mother in law would be making enchiladas, but that has been put off a day, so she thought we’d like to come for something else.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Near Puerto Escondido
Monday February 23…8:30pm
Glen and Steve had been parked on the next lot over from us, and they came round just before 8am to say goodbye. We do expect to see them again over the next couple of weeks, possibly as soon as tonight because they are headed the same route as we are.
Glen and Steve had been parked on the next lot over from us, and they came round just before 8am to say goodbye. We do expect to see them again over the next couple of weeks, possibly as soon as tonight because they are headed the same route as we are.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Playa Zipolite (day 5)
Sunday February 22…10:30pm
Another walk down the beach…more reading…Ruth went in to play in the waves…more reading…
Another walk down the beach…more reading…Ruth went in to play in the waves…more reading…
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Playa Zipolite (day 4)
Saturday February 21…10:00pm
Did our usual morning walk down the beach, then sat under our palapa and read. I spent hours looking for whales, and we spotted 3 or 4 throughout the day, as well as a school of dolphins in the distance, some of them even fully jumping out of the water. I wish they had been closer.
Did our usual morning walk down the beach, then sat under our palapa and read. I spent hours looking for whales, and we spotted 3 or 4 throughout the day, as well as a school of dolphins in the distance, some of them even fully jumping out of the water. I wish they had been closer.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Playa Zipolite (day 3)
Friday February 20…9:30pm
While on our morning walk, we stopped to chat with a couple from near Barrie Ontario, Clem and Barb.
While on our morning walk, we stopped to chat with a couple from near Barrie Ontario, Clem and Barb.
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