We are back in Mexico and in the BajaCalifornia . The RV was waiting for us at the San Diego KOA with a flat battery. The storage manager was lovely and helped us no end to get us back up and running. Note to ourselves, have time to disconnect the battery before flying out. With no time to waste, one day preparing we were over the Tijuana border, the busist border in the world, in about 20 minutes. The first night we spent just outside Ensenanda at Punta Banda, Mi Refugio overlooking the estuary. The fish market at Ensenada was impressive and our fridge is now stocked with large prawns and fish. The next day up early (jet lag has been hard to shake off) and headed down to San Quintin, Fidel's El Pabellon, miles of deserted beach. We stayed here for 2 nights and was nice to see the beach was full of sand dollars. Not that it is warm up enough to spend too long on the beach. A long 7 hour drive to Guerrero Negro and unmemorable RV park, Malarrimo RV Park and then up early to get to the Sea of Cortez on the East Coast. The drive down was spectacular and the Bahia Conception, just outside Mulege, provides pictursque beach camping with so many bays to choose from. We stayed at Playa Santispac and then El Requeson, but have been driven off the beaches due to the strong northerly winds (and lack of water in our tanks!). At the moment we are in the oldest settlement on the Baja, Loreto at Rivera Del Mar RV Park which is within walking distance to old quaint town. The Baja so far is more remote than we expected but the Mexicans have had more exposure to the Americans and therefore prices are very much higher than mainland Mexico. Tomorrow we head further South to look for a good spot for Christmas. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! X X
Born to be wild!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Utah National Parks, Vegas then UK
We have be hiking and cycling around pretty much all the National Parks in Utah. Capitol Reef was very strenuous, made worse by the lack of Jan's map reading without her glasses turning a hour walk into a 3 mountain peak expedition with only a litre of water each. Kodachrome NP was a small area but had great mountain bike trail, great fun especially with no back brakes!
The highlight for all the NP’s is Bryce Canyon, it is stunning scenery and camping at 7000 ft in the forest. Loved it!
We have just spent 4 nights at Zion NP, moving camp sites most days as it was so busy for Labor Day. So well organised there, easy to get into the little town of Springdale, sweet place with restaurants and trinket shops and then you hop on the shuttle bus to all the walks.
A 5 day trip to Las Vegas was a surprise, what a good fun place and you can survive on a budget. Then a brief stopover in San Diego before heading back to the UK for 3 weeks.
ThelmaandLousie is having a well earned rest in San Diego KOA!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Monument Valley, Canyonlands, Moab - 10th Aug - 20th Aug
Too many highlights this week! Monument Valley, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park and Moab.....our last day in Arizona was spent on the cliff overlooking Monument Valley,incredible view, on the Navajo Indian reservation. It is shocking what happened to the native Indians here and the land they were allocated is so barren and harsh but very dramatic. It brought back all the images of the Western movies we watched as a kid and now we are in that scenery. We passed on the 78 dollar each drive trip into the valley and opted to walk some of it instead. How can families afford that! We had the campfire going watching the sunset and u early to watch the sunrise.
Then on to Utah. We spent 2 days in Canyonlands NP, we rode our bikes on the scenic road to go for a 5 mile hike,
then the lock would not open so had to trudge miles back to campsite with little water...it's nearing 100 deg F at the moment. The park ranger went out with bolt cutters and eventually brought the bikes back. Wed 17 Aug arrived in Moab, really cute touristy bless morman town (Utah is Morman country), luckily the liquor laws have just been relaxed so that can serve beer without you having to buy a meal....there are 2 microbreweries here which we are going to try out. We camped next to the Colarado River and headed to Arches NP early morning for a 8 mile very demanding hike. The amount of people heading out at midday on this hike with hardly any water was madness, my face was bright red after....it was hard...but my leg is getting stronger.
We did get to camp in the Arches NP got in on a cancellation (school holidays, great time to be touring!). Staying in Moab at the moment, in private RV park so we can get Internet and watch a bit of Tv. It's our once a week treat.
Then on to Utah. We spent 2 days in Canyonlands NP, we rode our bikes on the scenic road to go for a 5 mile hike,
then the lock would not open so had to trudge miles back to campsite with little water...it's nearing 100 deg F at the moment. The park ranger went out with bolt cutters and eventually brought the bikes back. Wed 17 Aug arrived in Moab, really cute touristy bless morman town (Utah is Morman country), luckily the liquor laws have just been relaxed so that can serve beer without you having to buy a meal....there are 2 microbreweries here which we are going to try out. We camped next to the Colarado River and headed to Arches NP early morning for a 8 mile very demanding hike. The amount of people heading out at midday on this hike with hardly any water was madness, my face was bright red after....it was hard...but my leg is getting stronger.
We did get to camp in the Arches NP got in on a cancellation (school holidays, great time to be touring!). Staying in Moab at the moment, in private RV park so we can get Internet and watch a bit of Tv. It's our once a week treat.
Friday, August 12, 2011
ARIZONA STATE PARKS - 5th - 10th August ($16/£10 per night)
If any of our family and friends reading this like camping, hiking and the bush you would love the Arizona State Parks. Amazing scenery, no electricity so no excuse to not enjoy the sunsets, open fire and cook on the fire and look at the stars. We managed to get in on a cancellation at the Grand Canyon (its school holiday...thats not good planning!) and ticked a box, to see the Grand Canyon in person, there are so many pictures of this and seeing it for yourself gives such a good panaroma that the pictures you take yourself just do not do it justice.We are ejoying all the other National Parks as well and the road journeys are very scenic.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
ARIZONA - NOGALES- MOUNTAIN VIEW RV PARK (4th August 11)
We finally have torn ourselves away from Mexico and made the 800 mile trip up the West Coast via Huatahampito & San Carlos - the latter was very Greek island like but extremely hot, arid with dry heat. Over the border no problems, hid all the contraband in the settee storage and sat on the thing while the customs agents looked around. We were in Mexico exactly the amount of time allowed on a visitors VISA - 6 months. Now we start the Canyon tour of Utah and Arizona, Grand Canyon included. Back on American soil and taxes added on everything, paying $31 for a very cramped unintersting site....hope we haven't been too spoilt. Move on tomorrow to Flagstaff.
Monday, July 11, 2011
MAZATLAN - VILLA TRANQUILA
4th July - 11th July 11
After a very hard negoitiation the owner let us have the 2 bed 3 bathroom beach house for a third of the normal price. We did have to cook him a meal the one night though in return for him denoating some fish. This week has all been about cycling and spoiling Adele with some great food to celebrate her 45th birthday. We went to the workshop everyday to visit Thelma&Louise, a minimum of 15 miles, we have also been sorting out our teeth and found a very good dentist. We leave the Villa tomorrow and go back to the RV park, we have enjoyed being in a house for a little while but looking forward to sleeping in my own bed. No photos to show you yet as have "killed" my pc with a water spill, keeping everything crossed that drying it for a week is going to do the trick.
After a very hard negoitiation the owner let us have the 2 bed 3 bathroom beach house for a third of the normal price. We did have to cook him a meal the one night though in return for him denoating some fish. This week has all been about cycling and spoiling Adele with some great food to celebrate her 45th birthday. We went to the workshop everyday to visit Thelma&Louise, a minimum of 15 miles, we have also been sorting out our teeth and found a very good dentist. We leave the Villa tomorrow and go back to the RV park, we have enjoyed being in a house for a little while but looking forward to sleeping in my own bed. No photos to show you yet as have "killed" my pc with a water spill, keeping everything crossed that drying it for a week is going to do the trick.
MAZATLAN - PUNTA CERRITOS RV PARK
21st June - 4th July 11
As soon as we pulled into Mazatlan we instantly liked it. It has an old colonial town, tourist strip, marina, the RV park is the other end of town on the point overlooking sea from two ways. Its a great spot, and have been socialsing with some of the longterm RVers at the campground. They are all older than us, US and Canadian they are intersting, friendly folk. Most have sold up assets and now live at the RV park permantely, what is great about this park is that they allow you to personalise your space, with palapas, outside kithens etc. We had few nights out with an interesting guy from Oregan, 75, Lyle, he really seemed impressed that 2 women were doing this trip, we have done almost 7000 miles since we bought the RV. Most of our days have been spent trying to get some local to quote to do some repairs on the RV and finally have a quote we are happy with. This will mean 7 days in the workshp so found a nice beach house to rent for a week.
As soon as we pulled into Mazatlan we instantly liked it. It has an old colonial town, tourist strip, marina, the RV park is the other end of town on the point overlooking sea from two ways. Its a great spot, and have been socialsing with some of the longterm RVers at the campground. They are all older than us, US and Canadian they are intersting, friendly folk. Most have sold up assets and now live at the RV park permantely, what is great about this park is that they allow you to personalise your space, with palapas, outside kithens etc. We had few nights out with an interesting guy from Oregan, 75, Lyle, he really seemed impressed that 2 women were doing this trip, we have done almost 7000 miles since we bought the RV. Most of our days have been spent trying to get some local to quote to do some repairs on the RV and finally have a quote we are happy with. This will mean 7 days in the workshp so found a nice beach house to rent for a week.
Journey To Mazatan
21st June 2011
We left Lo De Marcos in a bit of hurry, a hurricane was about to hit the West Coast. It was raining and have now learnt that a place normally safe to stop in the dry is certainly not the case in the wet. We pulled over and Thelma&Louise just sank in the red mud. 2 hours later, 2 tow trucks later we were finally out.We arrived in Mazatlan 6 hours later, a little red faced, and caked in red mud.
We left Lo De Marcos in a bit of hurry, a hurricane was about to hit the West Coast. It was raining and have now learnt that a place normally safe to stop in the dry is certainly not the case in the wet. We pulled over and Thelma&Louise just sank in the red mud. 2 hours later, 2 tow trucks later we were finally out.We arrived in Mazatlan 6 hours later, a little red faced, and caked in red mud.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Lo De Marcos, Mexico West Coast
Dear all, been some time since I last blogged due to poor connections. We are now on our last leg of Mexico trip and in a small resort on the West Coast, 50 miles from Puerto Vallarta. From Pie De La Cuesta we stayed a couple of nights at Ixtapa and then went inland to Lake Chapala, biggest lake in Mexico. On the way, hit a roadblock, burnt out cars and armed men which was our scariest moment so far driving. We turned around sharpish and found another route. Before leaving Pie De La Cuesta we went to the Paella Festival in Acapulco, we were on the British Consulate table, most couples were Brits with Mexican wifes who now have South Welsh accents and the like. It was great fun and toasted the Queen and the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, no singing of the National anthem though..... After we went to Kathy's place, what a magnificent home, overlooking the Acapulco bay, we rounded off a great day with champers in the pool with the best veiw.
We have just spent 3 nights in Guadalajara, old colonial city, very impressive and clean. The big city's here have been a very pleasant surprise. Then on the way to the coast we visited Tequila, well you have to..."when in Rome"!! There are agave plants everywhere and had a try at getting to the pineapple like "fruit" which they steam for the juices to create tequila. Everywhere you can taste different tequilas and we did a few, learnt the process and have started to gain some appreciation of the different tequilas. For the drink to be called tequila the agave plant has to be grown in the state of Jalisco. You never know pub quizers, that could be some useless information for you.
We have just spent 3 nights in Guadalajara, old colonial city, very impressive and clean. The big city's here have been a very pleasant surprise. Then on the way to the coast we visited Tequila, well you have to..."when in Rome"!! There are agave plants everywhere and had a try at getting to the pineapple like "fruit" which they steam for the juices to create tequila. Everywhere you can taste different tequilas and we did a few, learnt the process and have started to gain some appreciation of the different tequilas. For the drink to be called tequila the agave plant has to be grown in the state of Jalisco. You never know pub quizers, that could be some useless information for you.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
FANTASTIC MEXICO CITY!
18th May - 24th May - MEXICO CITY
We have spent 6 amazing days in Mexico City, it is one of the best cities we have ever visited. Surprisingly clean, a very European feeling, wide boulevards, plazas, great cafes/restaurants, bars, museums with a lot of historic buildings and very peaceful for a city with 20 million people. We caught the coach from Acapulco, 5 hours drive with magnificent mountain views and we were conveniently dropped us at the metro station which made it very easy to get into the centre for 3 pesos a journey (30p/R2.5). We were in the city for 45 minutes before getting our haircut, the 80s mullets are at last history!
Our hotel was in Zona Rosa, the “pink” area which made partying very easy as there were lots of bars and clubs around. The street eating in Mexico is one of the highlights too…. fresh fruit salads cut fresh for 50p (R4), fresh juice (50p), hamburgers (50p), tacos, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches…everything seems to be 10 pesos. We had some great Argentinean steak too in a very smart restaurant area, Condessa, and also ate some great meals with Adele’s friend in an area called Coyacoan, where Frida Kahlo lived, her house and museum was well worth the visit.
Transportation was very easy, good Metro system and the taxis were cheap. The one night we were “dragged” into one of the clubs, we did not want to pay the entrance fee as we only wanted to have night cap then the manager chased us down the road to ask why we were not coming into his club. He then frog marched us back to the front of the queue, stamped the hand and let us in for free….it was packed and we had a great time and many night caps! Don’t think that would happen in London!
Now we are heading back to our RV, left in Pie De La Cuesta, hoping all is well and looking forward to a much needed rest, the high altitude of Mexico City has taken its toll although it was a lot cooler up there.
8th May - 18th May- PUERTO ESCONDIDO/ PIE DE LA CUESTA (Acapulco)
A 7 hour drive from Puerto Escondido, which was another surf beach gem, we hit the outskirts of Acapulco and negotiated a stay in a beach side restaurant for one night. We are getting the hang of this boon docking! Then we made our way through Acapulco, got stopped by the police who obviously was looking for a bribe. They accused us of going over a fly over…AND…!!! After we pointed out all the other heavy vehicles going the same route they gave up on getting a peso from us. Pie De La Cuesta is 10 kms outside Acapulco, miles of deserted beach with a lagoon on the other side. We found a great campsite, right on the beach, with individual camp site pools, which we are dipping in naked. The roar of the sea can get a bit scary during the night, it seems so close. We have dusted off the fishing rod but only caught small fishes we are using for bait so far. This is a great spot.
We have spent 6 amazing days in Mexico City, it is one of the best cities we have ever visited. Surprisingly clean, a very European feeling, wide boulevards, plazas, great cafes/restaurants, bars, museums with a lot of historic buildings and very peaceful for a city with 20 million people. We caught the coach from Acapulco, 5 hours drive with magnificent mountain views and we were conveniently dropped us at the metro station which made it very easy to get into the centre for 3 pesos a journey (30p/R2.5). We were in the city for 45 minutes before getting our haircut, the 80s mullets are at last history!
Our hotel was in Zona Rosa, the “pink” area which made partying very easy as there were lots of bars and clubs around. The street eating in Mexico is one of the highlights too…. fresh fruit salads cut fresh for 50p (R4), fresh juice (50p), hamburgers (50p), tacos, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches…everything seems to be 10 pesos. We had some great Argentinean steak too in a very smart restaurant area, Condessa, and also ate some great meals with Adele’s friend in an area called Coyacoan, where Frida Kahlo lived, her house and museum was well worth the visit.
Transportation was very easy, good Metro system and the taxis were cheap. The one night we were “dragged” into one of the clubs, we did not want to pay the entrance fee as we only wanted to have night cap then the manager chased us down the road to ask why we were not coming into his club. He then frog marched us back to the front of the queue, stamped the hand and let us in for free….it was packed and we had a great time and many night caps! Don’t think that would happen in London!
Now we are heading back to our RV, left in Pie De La Cuesta, hoping all is well and looking forward to a much needed rest, the high altitude of Mexico City has taken its toll although it was a lot cooler up there.
8th May - 18th May- PUERTO ESCONDIDO/ PIE DE LA CUESTA (Acapulco)
A 7 hour drive from Puerto Escondido, which was another surf beach gem, we hit the outskirts of Acapulco and negotiated a stay in a beach side restaurant for one night. We are getting the hang of this boon docking! Then we made our way through Acapulco, got stopped by the police who obviously was looking for a bribe. They accused us of going over a fly over…AND…!!! After we pointed out all the other heavy vehicles going the same route they gave up on getting a peso from us. Pie De La Cuesta is 10 kms outside Acapulco, miles of deserted beach with a lagoon on the other side. We found a great campsite, right on the beach, with individual camp site pools, which we are dipping in naked. The roar of the sea can get a bit scary during the night, it seems so close. We have dusted off the fishing rod but only caught small fishes we are using for bait so far. This is a great spot.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
To the West Coast of Mexico.
24th April - 26th April - PELANQUE - CHIAPAS - Mayabell (£8/night)
Another very famous Maya ruin in Pelanque, this one set in the jungle, more preserved than the others. The Mexican are very different this side, more indigenous Indians. Got talking to a couple of locals at a restaurant but did not appreciate it when she puked at her table, through drinking beer, and then continued to drink! It is famous area for Magic Mushrooms, which we tried, and it basically just sent me to the toilet.
26th April - AGUA DULCE - Ranch Hemanos Graham (£5/night)
A stop off on the way to Oaxaca Coast, but a nice surprise as it was a campsite in a nice shaded wooded area but gosh its getting hot!
27th April - TEHANTEPEC - Pemex Garage (FREE)
Another stop over required, this time we pulled into the truck parking in the garage. It was bit noisy but fine.
OAXACA COAST
At last beach and sea again, the West coastal road is extremely hilly but dramatic scenery, enjoying the coastal breeze again. We are now on the Pacific side of Mexico.
28th - 29th April - BAHIAS DE HUATULCO - Club Playa Tangolunda (£5/night)
This was a very tranquil campground, surrounded by all inclusive hotels, the beach was okay but the sea was very rough. When we arrived Adele went to explore the beach, in the meantime a Mexican guy came to the RV and came out with a story that he was a student studying reflexology. He needed to have some more “practical” sessions in particularly with foreigners to practice his English. Anyway niave Meylan fell for this story and agreed for him to massage the feet. By the time Adele came back to the RV, I was getting comfy for my massage by setting up the chair outside etc. she was very suspicious anyway (something for free? And to be filmed?) especially as she spotted that he had a huge tent in his shorts!! He obviously enjoyed his work and was very much wanting to get his hands or something, on my feet!! Once alerted he was sent off with not so much of a touch of a big toe. He came back 2 more times BEGGING for us to have a massage…it was time to move on….
30th - April - 4th May - ZIPOLITE - Ferannado’s La Pamera (£6.25/night)
Laid back, un-commercial, hippy vibe, surfers, good cheap restaurants, lovely bay and wild seas….this is heaven! Our first glimpse of the bay there were dolphins, we walk the 1 mile bay back and forth twice a day and we are enjoying being beach bums. When we arrived met a couple from Finland who roped all the bar into celebrating their National day, we had Finnish songs and streamers, stories about Finland, was a good laugh. They passed out by 7pm, all those vodka’s! We love this place and can see why many foreigners park of here and just don’t go home…There is just the start of commercialism ruining this place, there is one apartment block just being finished, how long can the beach shack owners hold on for. I hope it wont go the Goa route, similar places there are now like the Costa Del Sol.We are hoping to spend another 2 nights here then to the next coastal town, Puerto Escondido.
Another very famous Maya ruin in Pelanque, this one set in the jungle, more preserved than the others. The Mexican are very different this side, more indigenous Indians. Got talking to a couple of locals at a restaurant but did not appreciate it when she puked at her table, through drinking beer, and then continued to drink! It is famous area for Magic Mushrooms, which we tried, and it basically just sent me to the toilet.
26th April - AGUA DULCE - Ranch Hemanos Graham (£5/night)
A stop off on the way to Oaxaca Coast, but a nice surprise as it was a campsite in a nice shaded wooded area but gosh its getting hot!
27th April - TEHANTEPEC - Pemex Garage (FREE)
Another stop over required, this time we pulled into the truck parking in the garage. It was bit noisy but fine.
OAXACA COAST
At last beach and sea again, the West coastal road is extremely hilly but dramatic scenery, enjoying the coastal breeze again. We are now on the Pacific side of Mexico.
28th - 29th April - BAHIAS DE HUATULCO - Club Playa Tangolunda (£5/night)
This was a very tranquil campground, surrounded by all inclusive hotels, the beach was okay but the sea was very rough. When we arrived Adele went to explore the beach, in the meantime a Mexican guy came to the RV and came out with a story that he was a student studying reflexology. He needed to have some more “practical” sessions in particularly with foreigners to practice his English. Anyway niave Meylan fell for this story and agreed for him to massage the feet. By the time Adele came back to the RV, I was getting comfy for my massage by setting up the chair outside etc. she was very suspicious anyway (something for free? And to be filmed?) especially as she spotted that he had a huge tent in his shorts!! He obviously enjoyed his work and was very much wanting to get his hands or something, on my feet!! Once alerted he was sent off with not so much of a touch of a big toe. He came back 2 more times BEGGING for us to have a massage…it was time to move on….
30th - April - 4th May - ZIPOLITE - Ferannado’s La Pamera (£6.25/night)
Laid back, un-commercial, hippy vibe, surfers, good cheap restaurants, lovely bay and wild seas….this is heaven! Our first glimpse of the bay there were dolphins, we walk the 1 mile bay back and forth twice a day and we are enjoying being beach bums. When we arrived met a couple from Finland who roped all the bar into celebrating their National day, we had Finnish songs and streamers, stories about Finland, was a good laugh. They passed out by 7pm, all those vodka’s! We love this place and can see why many foreigners park of here and just don’t go home…There is just the start of commercialism ruining this place, there is one apartment block just being finished, how long can the beach shack owners hold on for. I hope it wont go the Goa route, similar places there are now like the Costa Del Sol.We are hoping to spend another 2 nights here then to the next coastal town, Puerto Escondido.
Friday, April 22, 2011
LIMPING TO CAMPECHE
20th - 22nd April 2011- Campeche - Nautico Club - (£17.50 per night)
After Cancun, we drove 3 hours to a place called Valladolid, an inland town, famous for its sausage! We stayed in a place that had its own ceynote, a cave with a natural swimming pool with a ole for light in the roof. It was eerie in there with bats but so cool and the water clear and cold. Later we went into the town to sample the sausage, spicy and thin, enjoyed it.
The next day we drove to Merida and then South towards Campeche. About halfway in between the 2 cities we heard a massive bang, our two back tyres on the passenger rear had exploded and were in tatters. Interesting, we only had one spare! Also our levelling jacks had stopped working and we had no other jacks. Luckily not too long after a Canadian RV passed us and stopped. Bear in mind, this is only the 2nd RV we have seen on the road in Mexico. He promised to stop at the nearest place and send help. This was on a very busy road, but only 2 lanes, no hard shoulder and the trucks were flying past us…we had no cones and had to tie a “flag” to the stepladders in the end to stop the cars and trucks hitting us. It was so hot on that road I was getting redder and redder and Adele’s flip flops were melting, oh and they hadn’t long burnt the bracked on the side so we were black from the ash. About 45 minutes later a man came with cones, a jack and tools but still took him about 3 hours to get the tyres off and the only spare on. We then went to his garage. He did not have another tyre of the right size so he fitted a slightly smaller one with our good spare. So we hit the road again but by this time it was getting dark, There was funny noise coming from the tyres so eventually we decided to stop at a little restaurant. Our spare tyre was just about to burst, it had no tread on at all, gosh if that blew again in the dark…we were I the middle of nowhere and we would have had to leave the RV. Anyway luckily the man had a tyre “garage” thing next to it. He had old tyres and tools for getting rims off etc. He let us stay there and the next morning rang the police who rode around the local area looking for tyres for us. (All this by the way, no one spoke English but we managed). They found one tyre so we limped into Campeche, driving 15 miles an hour and then found a Continental dealer who had the right tyre in stock. We have realised that we play Good Cop Bad Cop very well and reduced the price of the new tyres by 600 pesos each (£30). Me amiga (that’s Adele) wants check precio) and then he caves. We have now replaced all the tyres on the RV since we bought it and now have 2 spares, not taking any chances.
We are now in a very upmarket resort with the wealthy Mexican’s, enjoying Semana Santa, overlooking the Mexican Gulf by the infinity pool. All is good again and the levelling jacks are working again and new tyres for our journey to Pelanque.
Happy Easter everyone!
After Cancun, we drove 3 hours to a place called Valladolid, an inland town, famous for its sausage! We stayed in a place that had its own ceynote, a cave with a natural swimming pool with a ole for light in the roof. It was eerie in there with bats but so cool and the water clear and cold. Later we went into the town to sample the sausage, spicy and thin, enjoyed it.
The next day we drove to Merida and then South towards Campeche. About halfway in between the 2 cities we heard a massive bang, our two back tyres on the passenger rear had exploded and were in tatters. Interesting, we only had one spare! Also our levelling jacks had stopped working and we had no other jacks. Luckily not too long after a Canadian RV passed us and stopped. Bear in mind, this is only the 2nd RV we have seen on the road in Mexico. He promised to stop at the nearest place and send help. This was on a very busy road, but only 2 lanes, no hard shoulder and the trucks were flying past us…we had no cones and had to tie a “flag” to the stepladders in the end to stop the cars and trucks hitting us. It was so hot on that road I was getting redder and redder and Adele’s flip flops were melting, oh and they hadn’t long burnt the bracked on the side so we were black from the ash. About 45 minutes later a man came with cones, a jack and tools but still took him about 3 hours to get the tyres off and the only spare on. We then went to his garage. He did not have another tyre of the right size so he fitted a slightly smaller one with our good spare. So we hit the road again but by this time it was getting dark, There was funny noise coming from the tyres so eventually we decided to stop at a little restaurant. Our spare tyre was just about to burst, it had no tread on at all, gosh if that blew again in the dark…we were I the middle of nowhere and we would have had to leave the RV. Anyway luckily the man had a tyre “garage” thing next to it. He had old tyres and tools for getting rims off etc. He let us stay there and the next morning rang the police who rode around the local area looking for tyres for us. (All this by the way, no one spoke English but we managed). They found one tyre so we limped into Campeche, driving 15 miles an hour and then found a Continental dealer who had the right tyre in stock. We have realised that we play Good Cop Bad Cop very well and reduced the price of the new tyres by 600 pesos each (£30). Me amiga (that’s Adele) wants check precio) and then he caves. We have now replaced all the tyres on the RV since we bought it and now have 2 spares, not taking any chances.
We are now in a very upmarket resort with the wealthy Mexican’s, enjoying Semana Santa, overlooking the Mexican Gulf by the infinity pool. All is good again and the levelling jacks are working again and new tyres for our journey to Pelanque.
Happy Easter everyone!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Leaving the Caribbean.
29th March - 19th April 2011 - Cancun - El Mecoloco - £10 per night
With a little tear in our eye we are leaving the Caribbean behind and heading out of the Yutacan and to the other side of Mexico. Cancun was a bit of a surprise, in a good way, we stayed in the “Mexican” area near Puerto Jaurez, and by a local beach with seafood restaurants within easy walking distance. We took a ferry from here to Isla Majueres, 30 minute boat ride, spent the day with a Canadian girl we met, Lisa, and we had really enjoyable day, good company , seafood and a few beers. We have met some really great people here and will keep in touch. Katie, a mad Scottish lass was a real hoot.
We spent the last weekend at the Zona Hotelera, miles of big, beach front hotels, it is commercially obscene but we can see why people come. It must be one of the nicest sand and clearest bright turquoise seas in the World. There is everything here in Cancun, most people speak English to the detriment of our Spanish, living here would be relatively easy. Have a feeling we will be back some day for another visit.
With a little tear in our eye we are leaving the Caribbean behind and heading out of the Yutacan and to the other side of Mexico. Cancun was a bit of a surprise, in a good way, we stayed in the “Mexican” area near Puerto Jaurez, and by a local beach with seafood restaurants within easy walking distance. We took a ferry from here to Isla Majueres, 30 minute boat ride, spent the day with a Canadian girl we met, Lisa, and we had really enjoyable day, good company , seafood and a few beers. We have met some really great people here and will keep in touch. Katie, a mad Scottish lass was a real hoot.
We spent the last weekend at the Zona Hotelera, miles of big, beach front hotels, it is commercially obscene but we can see why people come. It must be one of the nicest sand and clearest bright turquoise seas in the World. There is everything here in Cancun, most people speak English to the detriment of our Spanish, living here would be relatively easy. Have a feeling we will be back some day for another visit.
Friday, April 1, 2011
More Beautiful Mexican Beaches
Tulum - 25th March - beach road - (FREE + £2 tip)
We parked overnight on the Tulum beach road, in front of a little Mexican man’s yard so gave him a tip to watch things. We wanted to be close to the famous Mayan ruins here and we were knocking on the gates at opening time to avoid heat and crowds. It was not as impressive as other ruins we have seen but at least we had very few Americans in our photos.
Xpu-Ha Camp site- 26th - 29th March- (£10 per night)
Guys, more gorgeous beachy spots I’m afraid, this is the best yet. A spot 20 miles South of Playa Del Carmen, parked on the beach, not a lot there a bar/restaurant, couple of small resort hotels and best bay we have come across in Mexico so far. We are considering coming back here but have been warned sea, sand and Easter = hordes of Mexican families. Now to Cancun…..
We parked overnight on the Tulum beach road, in front of a little Mexican man’s yard so gave him a tip to watch things. We wanted to be close to the famous Mayan ruins here and we were knocking on the gates at opening time to avoid heat and crowds. It was not as impressive as other ruins we have seen but at least we had very few Americans in our photos.
Xpu-Ha Camp site- 26th - 29th March- (£10 per night)
Guys, more gorgeous beachy spots I’m afraid, this is the best yet. A spot 20 miles South of Playa Del Carmen, parked on the beach, not a lot there a bar/restaurant, couple of small resort hotels and best bay we have come across in Mexico so far. We are considering coming back here but have been warned sea, sand and Easter = hordes of Mexican families. Now to Cancun…..
Thursday, March 24, 2011
CHETAMUL - YAX-HA RESORT (£12/night)
20th March - 26th March - we are camping in one of the best RV parks so far, grassy site overlooking the Chetamul bay. Went over to the duty free shopping area in Belize yesterday, easy to get to by bus (Mexico public transport is very good) but not nuch to buy. It was full of Chinese copy clothing and Chinese restaurants, we are being taken over! We have decided not to go to the Belize Cays and as we have plenty of time are going to head back up to Cancun. More to see there like Tulum and Cozumel so heading up there tomorrow...after we have listenend to the South Africa v New Zealand cricket game.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Matahual/Xcalak - 12th March - to date (FREE)
We are camping right on the beach in Matahual not far from Belize. Matahual is a bizarre place, a very laid back place with paradise like beaches and bright blue seas, has a hippy cummunity,chilled. Then the Cruise ships arrive Tues - Friday and then it becomes the touristy resort, madness for 8 hours and kicks into life, beaches packed, donkeys rides for $5! Get the picture.Then everyone leaves and it is empty again.... We are already seeming to know every one in town and they all know that the girls in the motor home are camping behind the lighthouse. A developer guy has given us permission to camp on his land and is very private and a view to die for. When we arrived it was the day of their carnival so there was procession and dancing. We have been making fire virtually every night apart from the time we visited the next town down Xcalak, nothing there, small local restaurants. Then a brilliant find, Little Palapa, which had the most fantastic international cuisine, run by 2 ladies from Canada. It was so good we stayed there right by the beach to go the following night but to our disappointment was shut when we arrived…d’oh! Today Adele goes on another scuba dive. It is going to be hard to tear ourselves away from here but have had no electricity now for many days and the batteries are running down. We do have to go to Chetamul over the next few days so maybe can last until Sunday.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Goodbye to Puerto Morelos
11th March 11 - We awake to a Tsunami warning today, luckily was on the Pacific coast of Mexico as we are stilll in Puerto Morelos, right on the beach. We have enjoyed the quaint town (2.5km bike ride) and the promimity to the beach. Was a great fruit and vegatable market 5kms away and we brought fresh fish from the town, we saw the boat coming in, eyed up the one we wanted and within a couple of hours was on our plate. Tomorrow we leave and heading 200 miles South to Xcalac, right on the Belize border.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
AT LAST AT THE BEACH.
2nd - 3rd March - Puerto Morelos, Cancun -Acumaya Cabanas ($33)
At last we have hit the beach, and now we know where all the tourists are, here in Cancun. The massive hotels run all the way down the coast to beyond Plays Del Carmen, except our little cabana and RV park which looks lost surrounded by the big hotels. The town of Puerto Morelos is sweet. It has been so hot over the last few days, 105 deg, that it is a joy to be near the sea breeze and easy for a dip. Adele has just been snorkelling as saw a massive stingray, over 5ft long. She is going on a wreck scuba diva tomorrow. The prices here are high so we are going to try and park the van besdies someones property for a couple of nights. Then we are heading down to towards the Belize border. Great scuba diving down there too.
1st March - Chitchen Itza -Pyramide Inn (£7)
A very well preserved Mayan site and full of tourists coached in from Cancun. It was a bit of shock to see so many Westerners, especially the Australian woman with white cowboy boots, and Australian T shirt and hat, what style and in this heat!! It was a sight to behold and we could not help people watch more than checking out the ruins. Adele is now convinced that the idea of the game Harry Potter came from the game palyed within the Maya culture, the losers being sacrificed. I will try and upload a photo but it involves getting the ball into a ring.
At last we have hit the beach, and now we know where all the tourists are, here in Cancun. The massive hotels run all the way down the coast to beyond Plays Del Carmen, except our little cabana and RV park which looks lost surrounded by the big hotels. The town of Puerto Morelos is sweet. It has been so hot over the last few days, 105 deg, that it is a joy to be near the sea breeze and easy for a dip. Adele has just been snorkelling as saw a massive stingray, over 5ft long. She is going on a wreck scuba diva tomorrow. The prices here are high so we are going to try and park the van besdies someones property for a couple of nights. Then we are heading down to towards the Belize border. Great scuba diving down there too.
1st March - Chitchen Itza -Pyramide Inn (£7)
A very well preserved Mayan site and full of tourists coached in from Cancun. It was a bit of shock to see so many Westerners, especially the Australian woman with white cowboy boots, and Australian T shirt and hat, what style and in this heat!! It was a sight to behold and we could not help people watch more than checking out the ruins. Adele is now convinced that the idea of the game Harry Potter came from the game palyed within the Maya culture, the losers being sacrificed. I will try and upload a photo but it involves getting the ball into a ring.
Monday, February 28, 2011
MERIDA, YUTICAN
26th - 28th Feb - MERIDA - Rainbow RV Resort - (£13)
The Rainbow RV park is like a park in the middle of the city, could be that the 50 site RV park has only us in it. This time last year it was full, swine flu, recession and drug wars have taken its toll. Located perfectly to bus it into el centro and opposite a shopping mall called “Liverpool”and a cinema which we have made the most of. We saw SANCTUM and BLACK SWAN, was great to cross the road and be in the cinema. Merida looks quite wealthy, clean streets, colonial Spanish, safe and home to a lot of the Mexicans who have the Mayan indigenous bloodline and they are so kind, friendly and…VERY short. Adele looks like a giant or like she is the parent with her kids around her. (They keep asking whether she is German!) The town is famous for hammocks and panama hats to which we are now proud owners. Sunday afternoon the Meridians go to town and hang out in the main plaza where there is a market, free music and then they dance. It is so sweet to see the old couples dance salsa together. It is incredibly hot here around 32 deg, should be hitting the beach and coast within the next 2/3 days.
The Rainbow RV park is like a park in the middle of the city, could be that the 50 site RV park has only us in it. This time last year it was full, swine flu, recession and drug wars have taken its toll. Located perfectly to bus it into el centro and opposite a shopping mall called “Liverpool”and a cinema which we have made the most of. We saw SANCTUM and BLACK SWAN, was great to cross the road and be in the cinema. Merida looks quite wealthy, clean streets, colonial Spanish, safe and home to a lot of the Mexicans who have the Mayan indigenous bloodline and they are so kind, friendly and…VERY short. Adele looks like a giant or like she is the parent with her kids around her. (They keep asking whether she is German!) The town is famous for hammocks and panama hats to which we are now proud owners. Sunday afternoon the Meridians go to town and hang out in the main plaza where there is a market, free music and then they dance. It is so sweet to see the old couples dance salsa together. It is incredibly hot here around 32 deg, should be hitting the beach and coast within the next 2/3 days.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Arrived in the Yutacan Penisula
25th Feb - UXMAL SITE - (£6)
We are camping in a car park at one of the most important Maya sites in Mexico and going to the Light & Sound show tonight. Its not bad here, no other RV's so private and has internet! We have just hung up our washing so looking a bit like gypsies. This area is famous for Maya ruins and have been wandering around the sites today the Pommie's face getting redder and redder (its very hot here now). These ruins are impressive but full of iguanas and big ones too.
24th Feb - CAMPECHE - HA KIN AQUATIC PARK (£8)
Campeche is a really charming old quaint colonial Spanish town, narrow streets, buildings painted different colours. We went to for a beer at a bar where they filmed Original Sin (Anthony Banderos). Easy to get in on the bus and had a really good experience. The people in Mexico are just so friendly and cute (they are so short).
23rd Feb - VILLAHERMOSA
Just a stop over in Vilahermosa but we got an oil change and fuel filter change on the way. Result, all for £5, we supplied the parts.
18th Feb - 23rd Feb - LAke CATEMACO - El Mirandor (£5)
We really loved Catemaco, an easy small town to be in and the lake view...amazing. Our neighbour, Silva,
took us out to waterfalls, no touristsand into the jungle for 2 hours. On the way back we were invited into a Mexican ladies home for food, what a pleasure to see and experince the locals way of life if only briefly. They sat us straight away at the kitchen table and then brought out of the food cooked on fire. Rice, tortillas with cheese, spicy hot vegtable salad and black beans. Her daughter sat opposite and stared at the white people.
It was very cool. Silva is a mechanic so got him busy on our RV checking out a few things.
We both got haircuts in Catemaco, Jan's a bit 80's in style but it will soon grow!!
We are camping in a car park at one of the most important Maya sites in Mexico and going to the Light & Sound show tonight. Its not bad here, no other RV's so private and has internet! We have just hung up our washing so looking a bit like gypsies. This area is famous for Maya ruins and have been wandering around the sites today the Pommie's face getting redder and redder (its very hot here now). These ruins are impressive but full of iguanas and big ones too.
24th Feb - CAMPECHE - HA KIN AQUATIC PARK (£8)
Campeche is a really charming old quaint colonial Spanish town, narrow streets, buildings painted different colours. We went to for a beer at a bar where they filmed Original Sin (Anthony Banderos). Easy to get in on the bus and had a really good experience. The people in Mexico are just so friendly and cute (they are so short).
23rd Feb - VILLAHERMOSA
Just a stop over in Vilahermosa but we got an oil change and fuel filter change on the way. Result, all for £5, we supplied the parts.
18th Feb - 23rd Feb - LAke CATEMACO - El Mirandor (£5)
We really loved Catemaco, an easy small town to be in and the lake view...amazing. Our neighbour, Silva,
took us out to waterfalls, no touristsand into the jungle for 2 hours. On the way back we were invited into a Mexican ladies home for food, what a pleasure to see and experince the locals way of life if only briefly. They sat us straight away at the kitchen table and then brought out of the food cooked on fire. Rice, tortillas with cheese, spicy hot vegtable salad and black beans. Her daughter sat opposite and stared at the white people.
It was very cool. Silva is a mechanic so got him busy on our RV checking out a few things.
We both got haircuts in Catemaco, Jan's a bit 80's in style but it will soon grow!!
Friday, February 18, 2011
18th FEB - LAKE CATEMACO - EL MIRANDOR (£5/NIGHT)
Still in Lake Catemaco, moving to another campsite which has stunning views of the lake, a little out of town and remote but behind a really nice restaurant. There is one other RV there, belongs to a Canadian guy who is staying there for 6 months. Its easy access to the lake so hopefully have a chance to dangle the rod. Will have no internet access for the next 4 or 5 days until we move on.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Lake Catemaco
14th Feb - to Date - Lake Catemaco, Tepetepan RV Park (£12.50/night)
We had a really enjoyable night on Friday with the "snowbird"s and our hosts, Dave & Bev, they grew up in Durban so Adele reminicing about SA and gave us some good tips about Mexico.A brief stop over in Vera Cruz andn ow in Lake Catemaco. Having toruble downloading photos to this blog page, but it is very picturesque, quaint town by the lake and our campsite is easy walking distance. We have the veg and fruit market, butchers and bakery easy to go to and restaurants overlooking the lake or basillica. Our Spanish perhaps not going so well. Take our first night here, we ordered in our best Spanish, fillet steak and chips and even looked up medium rare in the dictionary. Adele's food came first, fish wrapped in a tortilla with rice and salad, then mine, fish (the thinnest piece ever) with 3 bits of cucumber. Ok so I fancied meat but fish will be ok...I waited a good 5 mins for the rest of my food which never came! I was so disappointed....and hungry!! How could we get it so wrong? Have found a little man (they are all small here) to fix my bike so we are going cycling around the lake.
We had a really enjoyable night on Friday with the "snowbird"s and our hosts, Dave & Bev, they grew up in Durban so Adele reminicing about SA and gave us some good tips about Mexico.A brief stop over in Vera Cruz andn ow in Lake Catemaco. Having toruble downloading photos to this blog page, but it is very picturesque, quaint town by the lake and our campsite is easy walking distance. We have the veg and fruit market, butchers and bakery easy to go to and restaurants overlooking the lake or basillica. Our Spanish perhaps not going so well. Take our first night here, we ordered in our best Spanish, fillet steak and chips and even looked up medium rare in the dictionary. Adele's food came first, fish wrapped in a tortilla with rice and salad, then mine, fish (the thinnest piece ever) with 3 bits of cucumber. Ok so I fancied meat but fish will be ok...I waited a good 5 mins for the rest of my food which never came! I was so disappointed....and hungry!! How could we get it so wrong? Have found a little man (they are all small here) to fix my bike so we are going cycling around the lake.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Costa Esmeralda, Mexico
9th Feb - 11th Feb - Costa Esmeralda, Gulf coast, Mexico - De Alba RV Park (£7.50/$12)
3 day of hectic travelling to get to the Coast and to the area a little safer than the North. This is normally a big area for RV’ers and we have seen 4 other rigs. This is very sad that the recent drug wars have put tourists off by this extent. Until now we had not seen any other RV and only a handful of tourists at El Tajin - an archaeological ruins by Poza Rica. The drive from Matehaula to Ciudad Valle (7th Feb) was mountainous and slow, but magnificent scenery. We then stayed one night at El Banito Balneario at the grassy back, it had a natural hot spring swimming pool. I managed to negotiate the price down in Spanish (this is essential) and paid only £5 per night. The journey from Ciudad Valle to Poza Rica (8th Feb) short cut was so slow, but it was interesting to see the villages and buy fresh juice, we must have gone over 100 topes (speed bumps) and the pot holes were horrendous. Our golden rule of not driving at night went out the window., we had no choice and was very relieved when we got to the campground, Condado Western Auto Hotel (£5) although we had to park in the field by the road. On the way to Costa Esmeralda we were stopped by police and our lack of Spanish I think held in good stead, we just looked blankly at them. They did mention they wanted coca cola so we thought it best to give them a bottle we had, rather than then coming in the van and asking for money. Eating out at the moment is somewhat of a surprise with our lack of knowledge of culinary words in Spanish. Really there are so few people who speak English you just have to try and make yourself understood. The Mexican people so far have been so friendly and we have also been invited out for a spag bol night by one of the American RV long termers here, he use to leave in SA and every Friday a group of people take it in turns to cook. (it was suppose to be Fish & Chip night…d’oh!). Tomorrow, up early and we continue to Vera Cruz.
3 day of hectic travelling to get to the Coast and to the area a little safer than the North. This is normally a big area for RV’ers and we have seen 4 other rigs. This is very sad that the recent drug wars have put tourists off by this extent. Until now we had not seen any other RV and only a handful of tourists at El Tajin - an archaeological ruins by Poza Rica. The drive from Matehaula to Ciudad Valle (7th Feb) was mountainous and slow, but magnificent scenery. We then stayed one night at El Banito Balneario at the grassy back, it had a natural hot spring swimming pool. I managed to negotiate the price down in Spanish (this is essential) and paid only £5 per night. The journey from Ciudad Valle to Poza Rica (8th Feb) short cut was so slow, but it was interesting to see the villages and buy fresh juice, we must have gone over 100 topes (speed bumps) and the pot holes were horrendous. Our golden rule of not driving at night went out the window., we had no choice and was very relieved when we got to the campground, Condado Western Auto Hotel (£5) although we had to park in the field by the road. On the way to Costa Esmeralda we were stopped by police and our lack of Spanish I think held in good stead, we just looked blankly at them. They did mention they wanted coca cola so we thought it best to give them a bottle we had, rather than then coming in the van and asking for money. Eating out at the moment is somewhat of a surprise with our lack of knowledge of culinary words in Spanish. Really there are so few people who speak English you just have to try and make yourself understood. The Mexican people so far have been so friendly and we have also been invited out for a spag bol night by one of the American RV long termers here, he use to leave in SA and every Friday a group of people take it in turns to cook. (it was suppose to be Fish & Chip night…d’oh!). Tomorrow, up early and we continue to Vera Cruz.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Laredo to Matahaula
2nd Feb - 6th Feb - Laredo - Costa Blanca State Park ($23)
Our 4 nights in Laredo have been the coldest so far this winter. Freezing winds & ice, the coldest temperatures in Texas for 49 years! We spent time doing our last bit of preparation for Mexico. We did realise we were staying in the most dangerous border town in the US when the police chief got murdered but we did not venture out after dark. This place already starting to feel different and bit more like the wild west.
6th Feb - Matehuala - MEXICO - Las Plamas Hotel & RV park (£13)
Early start and at the Colombia border crossing for 8am, very quiet and a good experience getting the Vehicle
Temp Importation Card but could not seem to "check out" of America. Now we have checked into Mexico so not sure of our immigation status as far as US is concerned. We had a brief seach by the military but nothing major. We then stepped on the gas and hit the toll roads down to Monterrey & Saltillo. We must be the only tourist to volantarily stop at a police block, a wave of the hand we mistook as a STOP was actually a slowdown. So they came to ask why we stopped and then had a look around anyway but were firendly and did not ask for money. They seemed intrigued what an RV was like inside. We have driven about 350 miles, did not see another RV at all and we are in the campsite alone, but seems safe behind the hotel. We ventured out to a lovely restaurant opposite and great steak. People seem very friendly and are very kind towards our crap Spanish. We are trying to learn quickly. Oh and I think we have had our first gas station rip off which they are infamous for...Grrrr! But the most important thing is its WARM!!! Another day or so travelling and then we are out of the most dangerous areas. Think we are going to love Mexico. (More photos soon).
Our 4 nights in Laredo have been the coldest so far this winter. Freezing winds & ice, the coldest temperatures in Texas for 49 years! We spent time doing our last bit of preparation for Mexico. We did realise we were staying in the most dangerous border town in the US when the police chief got murdered but we did not venture out after dark. This place already starting to feel different and bit more like the wild west.
6th Feb - Matehuala - MEXICO - Las Plamas Hotel & RV park (£13)
Early start and at the Colombia border crossing for 8am, very quiet and a good experience getting the Vehicle
Temp Importation Card but could not seem to "check out" of America. Now we have checked into Mexico so not sure of our immigation status as far as US is concerned. We had a brief seach by the military but nothing major. We then stepped on the gas and hit the toll roads down to Monterrey & Saltillo. We must be the only tourist to volantarily stop at a police block, a wave of the hand we mistook as a STOP was actually a slowdown. So they came to ask why we stopped and then had a look around anyway but were firendly and did not ask for money. They seemed intrigued what an RV was like inside. We have driven about 350 miles, did not see another RV at all and we are in the campsite alone, but seems safe behind the hotel. We ventured out to a lovely restaurant opposite and great steak. People seem very friendly and are very kind towards our crap Spanish. We are trying to learn quickly. Oh and I think we have had our first gas station rip off which they are infamous for...Grrrr! But the most important thing is its WARM!!! Another day or so travelling and then we are out of the most dangerous areas. Think we are going to love Mexico. (More photos soon).
Monday, January 31, 2011
New Orleans and another year older.
24th Jan - Ocean Springs State Park, Mississippi ($16) -
We have left Florida and Alabama behind and now in our 3rd State. This area famous for its casinos but we did not venture, although was tempting. Refection on Florida, many highlights include Everglades, sunsets on the Keys, Key Lime Milkshakes, some really picturesque State Parks, the Panhandle Coast which had most fantastic beaches.
The negatives, some cold temps, nosee’ems (small flies that seemed to take a liking to Adele), public transport (lack of)
25th Jan - Riverboat RV Park - New Orleans, Louisiana ($27)
We drove early to New Orleans and found the RV park closest to town. A very dodgy area but caught the bus fine and the streetcar to the French Quarter. The city does seem desolate in some areas and can still see the damage caused by Katrina, there is a lot of poverty and the city does have that edgy feel. We both kept tapping our pockets to make sure we hadn’t been robbed! The famous Bourbon Street which is filled with bars and jazz clubs was tacky and was disappointed.
26th Jan - 27th Jan - Sam Houston Jones SP, ($16), Lake Charles, LA
Another long driving day, hoped to make Texas but stopped at Camping World and bought some RV necessities. (Always something to buy to make life a little more comfortable). Drove through lots of swamp areas and a bridge over 30 miles with swamp either side. In this park Jan finally christened the fishing rod, did not catch anything but a nice state park, with swamps.
28th Jan - to date - Mustang Island State Park ($20), Port Aransas, Corpus Christi, Texas
We drove 350 miles today and had to catch the ferry to Port Aransas. This place is full of snowbirds, not the feathery type, but the grey haired retirees from up North & Canada. Jan is another year older, celebrated on Saturday by a couple of nice bottles of wine. This did not help the 8 mile walk on the beach on Sunday with no water. The camp is right on the beach although the sand dunes are blocking the view of the sea. Another day here and then on Tuesday go to get the slide out fixed in Rockport before heading to Laredo, a Mexican border town.
We have left Florida and Alabama behind and now in our 3rd State. This area famous for its casinos but we did not venture, although was tempting. Refection on Florida, many highlights include Everglades, sunsets on the Keys, Key Lime Milkshakes, some really picturesque State Parks, the Panhandle Coast which had most fantastic beaches.
The negatives, some cold temps, nosee’ems (small flies that seemed to take a liking to Adele), public transport (lack of)
25th Jan - Riverboat RV Park - New Orleans, Louisiana ($27)
We drove early to New Orleans and found the RV park closest to town. A very dodgy area but caught the bus fine and the streetcar to the French Quarter. The city does seem desolate in some areas and can still see the damage caused by Katrina, there is a lot of poverty and the city does have that edgy feel. We both kept tapping our pockets to make sure we hadn’t been robbed! The famous Bourbon Street which is filled with bars and jazz clubs was tacky and was disappointed.
26th Jan - 27th Jan - Sam Houston Jones SP, ($16), Lake Charles, LA
Another long driving day, hoped to make Texas but stopped at Camping World and bought some RV necessities. (Always something to buy to make life a little more comfortable). Drove through lots of swamp areas and a bridge over 30 miles with swamp either side. In this park Jan finally christened the fishing rod, did not catch anything but a nice state park, with swamps.
28th Jan - to date - Mustang Island State Park ($20), Port Aransas, Corpus Christi, Texas
We drove 350 miles today and had to catch the ferry to Port Aransas. This place is full of snowbirds, not the feathery type, but the grey haired retirees from up North & Canada. Jan is another year older, celebrated on Saturday by a couple of nice bottles of wine. This did not help the 8 mile walk on the beach on Sunday with no water. The camp is right on the beach although the sand dunes are blocking the view of the sea. Another day here and then on Tuesday go to get the slide out fixed in Rockport before heading to Laredo, a Mexican border town.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Zooming through Florida.
18th Jan - Everglades RV park ($16), Cypress Tree after a long drive from the Keys we missed the Gator Park and had to stay in another part of the Everglades, a nice park around a lake which was full of alligators!! We decided to miss Miami, the RV parks were so far out of the city with no public transport that it all seemed so difficult. Besides we are feeling we have a good feel of what Florida is about and gives a good excuse to come back to Miami one day.
19th Jan - Lake Manatee State Park, Brendenden ($24) - have you ever wanted to cuddle an alligator? Well it has been one of my ambitions (see photo)! Another long drive on the West Coast through Naples, lots of money here...and then up to park 40 miles from Tampa, struggled to get in anywhere near Sarasota so had to miss it.
20th Jan - Codys Rv Park ($28), Weeki Wachee - We were going to stay in Tampa but then we drove through it and thought better of it. Rough!! Cody's is a trailer park but for its short comings has internet. Have already booked into Little Manatee River State Park, 150 miles up the West Coast of Florida. They are obsessed with manatees, many people even have statues of them outside holding their post box!
21st - 22nd Jan - Little Manatee River, Chief land ($22) - It is freezing, we were so cold that we had to make big camp fire and needed to try out our newly acquired table top gas barbeque anyway (worked like a bomb). We did manage to venture out on our bikes, although we had to put on gloves and jackets and cycled to Chiefland, 16 mile round trip. Its times like this we wish we were towing a car like most of the RV ers.
23rd Jan - St Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach ($31) - A long driving day as it is cold, again saying it’s the coldest Winter in Florida on record! Have had our Spanish lessons on though so keeps us occupied and spotting good petrol prices becoming the obsession, best today $3.06 per gallon. Very pretty drive around the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf Coast. Must be a Summer destination as all holiday homes shut up or for sale. (Don’t believe the news if say otherwise, the States are in trouble!). Nice RV park, overlooking the bay and many bambi’s wandering around coming up to the van but we must press on to Meh-I-co.
19th Jan - Lake Manatee State Park, Brendenden ($24) - have you ever wanted to cuddle an alligator? Well it has been one of my ambitions (see photo)! Another long drive on the West Coast through Naples, lots of money here...and then up to park 40 miles from Tampa, struggled to get in anywhere near Sarasota so had to miss it.
20th Jan - Codys Rv Park ($28), Weeki Wachee - We were going to stay in Tampa but then we drove through it and thought better of it. Rough!! Cody's is a trailer park but for its short comings has internet. Have already booked into Little Manatee River State Park, 150 miles up the West Coast of Florida. They are obsessed with manatees, many people even have statues of them outside holding their post box!
21st - 22nd Jan - Little Manatee River, Chief land ($22) - It is freezing, we were so cold that we had to make big camp fire and needed to try out our newly acquired table top gas barbeque anyway (worked like a bomb). We did manage to venture out on our bikes, although we had to put on gloves and jackets and cycled to Chiefland, 16 mile round trip. Its times like this we wish we were towing a car like most of the RV ers.
23rd Jan - St Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach ($31) - A long driving day as it is cold, again saying it’s the coldest Winter in Florida on record! Have had our Spanish lessons on though so keeps us occupied and spotting good petrol prices becoming the obsession, best today $3.06 per gallon. Very pretty drive around the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf Coast. Must be a Summer destination as all holiday homes shut up or for sale. (Don’t believe the news if say otherwise, the States are in trouble!). Nice RV park, overlooking the bay and many bambi’s wandering around coming up to the van but we must press on to Meh-I-co.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Bye to the Keys.
18th Jan - We are packing up and leaving the Flroida Keys, just waiting for books to be delivered - RVing in Mexico - and then we are off. We have a treval buddie lined up for Mexico but he wants to leave on 26th Jan, with repairs to the slide out room required really do not think that is going to be possible. Its a shame because this guy looks big and intermidating. Anyway we are heading to a place West of Miami today, Gator Park and then we need to reassess the schedule and where we can get the slide out cylinder changed. This problem was probably caused by the RV siting in storage, they really do not like it. Met a nice couple from Ohio, they had a beautiful motor yacht which they live on but do have a house in Ohio and invited us to stay there in the Summer.
Friday, January 14, 2011
THE FLORIDA KEYS
4th Jan Siesta Key ($57) - We arrived on the Keys and found an RV campground right on the water.
They do pack them in though on these private parks you not exactly secluded. The sunset was to die for (see picture).
5th - 7th Jan - Long Pine State Park ($43) - This campsite is right on the Atlantic Ocean protected by a reef so shallow, flat water. We went tandem kayaking and I have discovered I (Jan) am great at going in circles. Adele kept us on the straight and narrow. Great views and lazy days right on the sea.
7th Jan - to date - Bahia Honda State Park ($43) - Lucky to get into this state park, it is always full. This has the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Atlantic on the other. Went on a 20 mike bike ride to No Name Key, that was a test with a headwind on the way back. I have discovered I have a phobia of bridges which isn’t good on the Keys. I am okay as long as I keep my head down and don’t look down at the water. Have a 7 day bus pass to Key West. Our first trip took in the main drag, Duval Street and the harbour area, great margaritas and 2 for 1 deals. So many bars and restaurants, great people watching etc and the bus crowd were interesting too. Some previous felons so was hard not to eavesdrop. Apart from the locals, the Keys are full of Americans on holiday fleeing the Winter in most the other states, not many other Nationalities around apart from Canadian. The Keys seem to be busy whereas some of the other places in Florida seem to be a bit rundown, closed shops, recession hit basically. The amount of Latinos here is astounding, did not think the US had such an immigrant problem. Spanish will be the most prominent language in US by 2035! We are trying to pick some up, dos cerveza wont get us to far in Mexico. Anyway we are off to Key West again and then off to a Seafood festival in one of the parks in Key West on Sat.
They do pack them in though on these private parks you not exactly secluded. The sunset was to die for (see picture).
5th - 7th Jan - Long Pine State Park ($43) - This campsite is right on the Atlantic Ocean protected by a reef so shallow, flat water. We went tandem kayaking and I have discovered I (Jan) am great at going in circles. Adele kept us on the straight and narrow. Great views and lazy days right on the sea.
7th Jan - to date - Bahia Honda State Park ($43) - Lucky to get into this state park, it is always full. This has the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Atlantic on the other. Went on a 20 mike bike ride to No Name Key, that was a test with a headwind on the way back. I have discovered I have a phobia of bridges which isn’t good on the Keys. I am okay as long as I keep my head down and don’t look down at the water. Have a 7 day bus pass to Key West. Our first trip took in the main drag, Duval Street and the harbour area, great margaritas and 2 for 1 deals. So many bars and restaurants, great people watching etc and the bus crowd were interesting too. Some previous felons so was hard not to eavesdrop. Apart from the locals, the Keys are full of Americans on holiday fleeing the Winter in most the other states, not many other Nationalities around apart from Canadian. The Keys seem to be busy whereas some of the other places in Florida seem to be a bit rundown, closed shops, recession hit basically. The amount of Latinos here is astounding, did not think the US had such an immigrant problem. Spanish will be the most prominent language in US by 2035! We are trying to pick some up, dos cerveza wont get us to far in Mexico. Anyway we are off to Key West again and then off to a Seafood festival in one of the parks in Key West on Sat.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Everglades - Xmas and New Year 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!! HOPE YOU HAVE A FANTASTIC 2011.
Our blog has been at a standstill as we have been in the middle of the Everglades National Park and was lucky to get mobile signal. So apologies if we have been crap at wishing all the best for Xmas and New Year.
23rd Dec - 27th Dec - Long Pine Key State Park - Everglades ($16/night, no hookups)
This was our first taste of camping without any campground hook ups, the campgrounds electricity and water feed. Although we did have a place to dump and take on fresh water. This is great practice for proper “boon docking” which means that you are completely self sufficient and have to be very careful of every drop of water you use and battery life on the RV. When the water has run out of the water tanks of full you have to move which when you are in a special place in the middle of nowhere would be a pain.
The campground was by a lake in the middle of pinelands and had a few nights of cooking outside on the pine cones and coal, they make tremendous firelighters. Our Xmas was warm and had drinks and music outside before tucking into out ham and sprouts.
Our first long bike trip in the Everglades of 12 miles ended in another puncture for Adele and had a trip with the sheriff back to camp. The bird watching is amazing and cannot fail to be interested in spotting all different types.
The cold weather returned and biting winds meant we did not venture too far in the last 2 days in this campground, the coldest ever recorded in December in Florida by the way. Global warming has just gone crazy this year.What a time to run out of LP gas, (no heating) and discover the meter level is not working…
Just while I am writing this I can see one of our fellow Rvers taking her cat out for some fresh air! The cat is eying the turkey vultures which are abundant and vile, they attack the tyres on the RV and bikes. How bizarre taking the cat in the motor home!!
27th Dec - 2nd Jan - Flamingo State Park, Everglades ($16/night, no hookups)
A trip in to town to fill up on LP gas to Florida City and more supplies then headed to Flamingo State Park deeper into the Everglades overlooking Florida Bay. Even more birds to spot and 15 mile bike ride which was taxing through mangrove forests and wetland prairie. The mozzies here are infamous, the US mozzie repellent companies test their products here. Luckily there are not too many this time of year, the ones that are living have still had a nice feat. Can we just say to anyone that wants to visit Everglades in Summer….don’t do it!!! you will be munched alive! Nice warm days again and on lots of cycling, we did not take the camera and of course spotted American crocadiles (3 big ones), ospreys nesting, red shoulder hawks, kinfishers....the wildlife here is something special.
Looking forward to the Florida Keys next.
Our blog has been at a standstill as we have been in the middle of the Everglades National Park and was lucky to get mobile signal. So apologies if we have been crap at wishing all the best for Xmas and New Year.
23rd Dec - 27th Dec - Long Pine Key State Park - Everglades ($16/night, no hookups)
This was our first taste of camping without any campground hook ups, the campgrounds electricity and water feed. Although we did have a place to dump and take on fresh water. This is great practice for proper “boon docking” which means that you are completely self sufficient and have to be very careful of every drop of water you use and battery life on the RV. When the water has run out of the water tanks of full you have to move which when you are in a special place in the middle of nowhere would be a pain.
The campground was by a lake in the middle of pinelands and had a few nights of cooking outside on the pine cones and coal, they make tremendous firelighters. Our Xmas was warm and had drinks and music outside before tucking into out ham and sprouts.
Our first long bike trip in the Everglades of 12 miles ended in another puncture for Adele and had a trip with the sheriff back to camp. The bird watching is amazing and cannot fail to be interested in spotting all different types.
The cold weather returned and biting winds meant we did not venture too far in the last 2 days in this campground, the coldest ever recorded in December in Florida by the way. Global warming has just gone crazy this year.What a time to run out of LP gas, (no heating) and discover the meter level is not working…
Just while I am writing this I can see one of our fellow Rvers taking her cat out for some fresh air! The cat is eying the turkey vultures which are abundant and vile, they attack the tyres on the RV and bikes. How bizarre taking the cat in the motor home!!
27th Dec - 2nd Jan - Flamingo State Park, Everglades ($16/night, no hookups)
A trip in to town to fill up on LP gas to Florida City and more supplies then headed to Flamingo State Park deeper into the Everglades overlooking Florida Bay. Even more birds to spot and 15 mile bike ride which was taxing through mangrove forests and wetland prairie. The mozzies here are infamous, the US mozzie repellent companies test their products here. Luckily there are not too many this time of year, the ones that are living have still had a nice feat. Can we just say to anyone that wants to visit Everglades in Summer….don’t do it!!! you will be munched alive! Nice warm days again and on lots of cycling, we did not take the camera and of course spotted American crocadiles (3 big ones), ospreys nesting, red shoulder hawks, kinfishers....the wildlife here is something special.
Looking forward to the Florida Keys next.
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