Phase One Of Website Complete

I have completed the first phase of our website. The next phase is to be completed once the rooms are available to rent. Please check it out and let us know what you think. I would love all the fed back I can get good or bad, bad is only taken constructively. Again thank you to all those who write to me about this blog your comments, advice, and love are all appreciated.

Check it out: www.elsollavida.com

Another Day Of Work

Isn't he so handsome? I love you!

Jazz helping Brad

Adding lots of colour and fresh herbs to our garden.

Officially Legal

Last week we lined up at the immigration office with our number to wait in hand, 012. Slowly the numbers were being called, ocho....nueve....diez....once....yeahhhhhh doce that's us!!!! This part was great because they spoke Spanish we spoke Spanglish, so really we had no clue what we were signing our names to. We were than ask to place our left and right thumb in ink and transfer a print on to several pieces of paper, again though we were certain we were safe and everything was just procedure as we watched the people ahead of us go through the same process but a thought did come to mind we could be signing a legal document that states we committed a crime, thumb prints taken to book us, mug shots already taken, and now we owe this much money for bail. Thankfully we were able to celebrate as in hand we held our laminated FM3 cards that legal allow us to stay in country with out returning home after 6 months.

Next we had to get our tax numbers, this was an even longer wait time but after 2 hours and playing charades with the clerks who were doing up our forms (this is how we all translated, like 4 year olds busting up laughing with each mimed movement) we left with our tax numbers, ready to open up our bank accounts.

To open up a bank account is an easy process but a long one as they need to process lots of your information after several hours we had successfully accomplished task three of planting our roots here in Mazatlan.

Now not only can we play, we can live, work, and build a new future for ourselves.

El Sol La Vida.... Is Coming To Life!

 TaDaaaa! Sign is up on the front gates and on our beach gates. We have had a lot of response from beach walkers who all expressed interest in staying at our place. Others have expressed how excited they are for the Cafe especially locals. Lots of good vibes make Brad and I very happy and egger to get started. 

El Sol (The Sun) La Vida (The Life)

Really doesn't that just sum everything up?

Pigs Feet & Traditional Mexican Dance

Today we went to a little town called El Quelite about 20 minute drive from our home. It's a charming Colonial town with famous architecture, brightly coloured painted buildings and home to the historic sport of ulama known in English as hip ball. This sport involves a great deal of athletics and strength as men use their hips to bounce an eight pound rubber ball in a dirt field to the opposing team. The object of the game is to keep the ball in play without going out of the marked boundary lines. The team will score a point when a player from the opposing side hits the ball out of bounds, touches it with another part of their body other than their hip, if it touches another team mate, or if the ball hits the ground and stops moving before the centre line. It’s an impressive game to watch especially when the only wear a deer skinned skirt, which I am sure they don’t call a skirt.

There is a neat restaurant called El Mesond Los Laureanos known for its cuisine. They serve traditional mexican food, and thus I was able to sample a dish made with pigs feet. I can only say I was pleasantly surprised, the taste and texture was eatable. I am not so sure I would be ordering it every feast out, but I can say

 I tried it and liked it. 

After our lunch we watched a small show the restaurant put on of traditional Mexican dance from the Mayans and Aztecs. I always enjoy these kind of shows mainly for the way their feet move as they dance. The costumes are always fascinating especially as they rattle and shake in beat with their movements. 

On our way home we stopped to have a photo op at the 
Tropico de Cancer I guess the next photo will need to be taken at the equator.... Next road trip!

This seemed like a good idea until after I climbed the hill and noticed large holes in the ground, hmmmm could they be homes for rattle snakes? Possibly!

Who Knew You Could Catch A Cold In The Sun?

Where Are My Manners

How rude of me to have not kept you up to date on the ins and outs that have been going on here in Mazatlan, but you will have to excuse me as the days seem to blur in to one. It's hard when the sun, sand and sea all beacon you all day long. So, here I am inside away from the sun that calls my name, far from the sand that wants to take hold of my feet, and even further from the ocean that  lunges each wave closer to shore in hopes to find me. 

Hard to believe but we are not even a full month here yet. I surely thought it had been but we entered the Mexican boarder on March 12th. Five days away from being a full month of living in Mexico and I couldn't be happier. 

For all those who hear on the news or read in papers that Mexico is a "War Zone" it's not! Yes there are criminal activity taken place, yes bad guys are killing bad guys, but it's no different than any big city even our precious Vancouver is a so called "War Zone" Don't fear vacationing in Mexico, the people are lovely,  the area is beautiful, and its rooted with history. 

Since being here, Brad and I have been settling in meeting new people, going to the gym, exploring the area, and working where work is needed to get the business off the ground. Construction is still going on so we are not ready to open just yet but its all coming together really nice. I am happy with the process, and can feel the energy that is flowing around the place. 

To be honest we have not done a lot of stuff since being here. After unpacking what little we did bring our main goal was to relax and settled in. We did go ATVing with family which was lots of fun, went out on the town once, and headed to a really cool place that have Petroglyphs about 30 mins from our house. 

Most days are spent cleaning the pool deck before the sun rises, sipping back a coffee before doing a mornings day of chores, walking the dogs along the beach a few times a day, a swim here and there, in between gardening or several chapters of a book. 

The toughest part of my days are when I have to do research, for example I would like to offer relaxing spa treatments here at our Boutique Resort so I need to go and get treatments from different spa companies that go mobile to see which one I like best. This is very exhausting as the other day I had and hour and half body massage, I mean that takes up a lot of my busy day up, but I have to do it. It's all part of the ins and out of a business. Pedicure here, back rub there, tequila tasting in between, combing the beaches for the best spots to surf its really all so exhausting, that at the end of a day I just chill out.

Speaking From The Heart!

Now, before I update you on what we have been doing, I must get a little deep and real with you, as being here striving forward with our adventure, allowing a dream to unfold, it has allowed my emotions to flow.

Have you ever had a dream or vision that you shared with

someone only to be told all the different reasons that they don't think you will succeed? Or they get really excited for you, but know that it is just a pipe dream that will never be followed through? I believe our friends and family mean no harm by it, but it is easier for them to be on the passive side than the optimistic side. Face it, we have been programmed by fear! Fear holds us back from achieving all our life's endeavours. Those who break through that boundary of fear we read about in newspapers, magazines and books. We marvel in their experiences as we live vicariously through them, but never thinking for once that we too can achieve the unknowns. We want to be encouraged, we want to pursue all the things that ignite our soul. To feel that sense of freedom to think and do; not fear failure, or disappointment by those we love and admire. Most of us never see our dreams come true, we have only become really good dreamers caught often daydreaming over our morning cup of coffee, afternoon work break, or evening drive home. Society has formed a mould that each one of us is expected to live by and when one slips through that mould they are first frowned upon but after they have succeeded they are heros, mentors, admired, respected!

Through my youth I have never been a follower, always a standout leader. I don't like to conform, or be patronized, nor told what I can and can't do. I don't believe anyone in this world has authority over me and I certainly don't see that as a fault or a bad personality trait. My parents did a great job of raising me, although I am sure there are certain characteristics that drive them crazy but would never be able to change and possible not what to. What they gave me was freedom. Freedom to think, speak, create and love. With this responsibility of freedom comes a life of being laid back and not stressing out over every little detail. It allows me to think openly, speak honestly, create my visions, and love unconditionally. So, you can understand when someone tries to tame this beloved freedom, my world grows dark and unmanageable. Who knows maybe some of you reading this understand what I am talking about but live in a life of darkness, looking for an escape. If this is true my advice to you is not to blame anyone around you for the life you lead we all have the power to be who we want to be and it is up to us to strive forward and make that difference big or small. Do something for yourself, change what needs to be changed and if this is in your opinion not possible that learn to adapt and love the situation your in so life can be that much better.


I know right? Two paragraphs of intense deep speech, well not done yet.... you know better!

If we listen to external voices, then we allow our dreams to be hijacked. At some point, other people will place limitations on us by doubting our abilities. Be strong and strive ahead letting go those that hold you back. Disappointment comes and goes in life, this is an emotion we have expressed since being born, just now we can verbalize it a lot better.

There is high expectation and than there is reality, and all of us have encountered the two hand in hand. Failure is a necessary and natural part of life, but if we’re going to attain our dreams, we have to summon the courage to deal with what we have failed or quit in the past to strive forward.

Face it, were all expected to be average, its a safe place to be. Being exceptional demands a lot of work and effort to sustain and exceed our goals. Like gravity, life’s circumstances constantly pull on our dreams, tugging us down to mediocrity. Some, like being average, others prefer it, but if your that person who can't stand it and just wants to break free.... DO IT!

"We may start out inspired, but through time we fatigue. Although never intending to abandon our dreams, we begin to make concessions here and there. Through time, our lives become mundane, and our dreams slip away." Someone else once wrote this and it is the truth of life, we allow excuses to become our norm. We all need self-cofidence, we all need to believe in what we have the power to achieve. Look at how fast the world has revolutionized, all the inventions that have gone on to create the world we live in today are from people like you and I who looked outside the box to discover possibilities.

"Many of us play small because we do not allow ourselves to dream. We trap ourselves in reality and never dare to go beyond what we can see with our eyes. Imagination lifts us beyond average by giving us a vision of life that surpasses what we are experiencing currently."

Dreams, goals, visions, hopes, how ever you define it, they are what energize our soul and provide us with a sense of wellbeing. Without them we would not aspire to greatness! I could plug in quotes from all the great leaders, inventors and poets here but its all the lines we have read once before but I will leave you with this:

When one door closes another opens, but were to busy looking at the one that closed to ever noticed the one that sits open. Forget the past memories are wonderful things to look back on, not be stuck in!


So, what's your dream?

One Week In!

This time last week we were on the road leaving the Sonora Region heading for Mazatlan. Today to celebrate our week here we will be bathing around the pool, soaking up some sun, reading a good book, and taking a few cat naps.

The rooms are coming along great and will be open to rent out for April. The Cafe bar looks amazing unreal, my dad is a true artist, as he has created a master piece. Once its 100% complete I will post photos.

6 nights in Mazatlan

I was waiting for something to talk about since being here before I wrote again, but what can I say with out sounding like a bragging brat. The ocean is warm, the sun is hot, the sand is golden, the food is tasty, the sun set and rises are out of this world, the people ever so friendly, the company (family) is wonderful! I will post a little more after my chores. I still have those to do but now they consist of new methods and involve a lot of sunshine!

xo Home Sweet Home xo

Hola Mazatlan!

Sunrise To Sunset And We Made It!


After a long day of driving, our sore bodies can finally stretch out as we have made it to our new home, our new life, our new beginning! 


The sun is just about to set, we can see, smell and hear the ocean. It's so glorious! The sky crimson orange over powering the tranquilic blue. The final stretch the house can be seen from afar. We did it! We made it with little hassle and lots of positive enthusiasm. 


In four nights and five days we drove from Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island, to Mazatlan, Mexico. 


Truly AWESOME!


Stay tuned for more updates on life in Mexico!


xo

Day 5 and only Six Hours Away

The hotel we stayed the night in Hermosillo was nice and the people extremely friendly. They liked our dogs a lot but as we have experienced Mexicans seem to really admire them especially Jazz, but fear them. This is ok it keeps the dogs image and our safety intact. 


We are so close to our final destination and we both can not wait to see my parents, the ocean, the house, to let the dogs frolic on the beach, and to sleep in a clean bed! 

Scam Number 4

One to always be on the look out for gas station attendants. Only hours before I was telling Brad about the known scams that are played when fueling up. First always make sure the gas meter reads $0.00, second always check the meter before paying, third always make sure how much money you hand over and keep an eye on it if you need change, or this could happen to you. When it was time to pay, Brad had left to go take the dogs for a pee, so the guy was dealing with ‘Little Miss Blondie’ here and probably thinking ‘easy target’ but was he ever wrong! The pump read 5300.50 (remember this is in Pesos) I gave him 700.00 Pesos, one 500.00 bill and one 200.00 bill. He instantly and very quickly slipped the 500.00 bill into his pocket and showed me the 200 and a 50 bill saying not enough money in Spanish. I said in English “No I gave you enough, you owe me!” He continued to argue saying I owed him more money, I kept saying no I saw you! Brad than came back and I was trying to explain to him the situation when the guy gave me the 50 peso bill and kept saying change, change, change, than got his buddy to give him some change which he passed on to me. Than they walked away, well this confused me which was there point so I was not going to move the truck until I figured it out. Brad went to the bathroom thinking everything was ok. Instantly after he left I worked it out that the gas guy still owed me 100 pesos. I looked at the guys who had been watching me the whole time with a very angry “Little Miss Blondie” face, which if anyone has ever been in a boxing ring with me would know this face. Brad came back and I said very loudly this is wrong no bien (no good). They were watching and they eyed up Brad’s size, my face and our two dogs, before Brad could even turn around one of the guys and not the guy that pulled the scam came over and quickly gave me the 100 Pesos and scurried off. Haha think you can pull a fast one on us!

Scam Number 3

Little ninos (boys) who swarm you for money. These guys are the best hustlers, and in my opinion should do it as much as they can while they are young and cute cause any foreigner will readily hand over change to them. One of the boys did wash our windows, so we gave him 20 pesos which is about $2US. This upset all the other boys so needless to say all my Peso change and even my Canadian change was gone by the time we left the gas station. 

Scam Number 2

As we were heading to our hotel in the capital of Sonora, Hermosillo flashing blue and red lights lit up behind us and tailed our trailer. There was no where to pull over so Brad kept driving until the nearest turn off or gas station. Thankfully a busy gas station was just up ahead. As soon as Brad saw Municipal Police he said “Fuck! how much money do you have?” I didn’t have a lot left after our whole permit issue and my nerves where already short wired. The two officers proceeded to tell Brad that he ran a red light, I out loud by mistake said “Bullshit!” Brad turned looked at me and I got the hard shhhhhhh. He told Brad we would have to go down to the station and we both know this old gag so Brad asked “how much is this going to cost?” the officer took his pretty time eyed up our vehicle and trailer looked at his partner than said “800 pesos” this is roughly $80US. My blood was boiling especially after he told us this he left his partner with us and went in to the gas station to get something to eat and drink. I slipped into Brad’s wallet 200 pesos and a few american ones, when the officer came back out Brad should him how much he had and said “can we make a deal?” The officer looked at his partner took the money and said “thank you, be safe!” .... Great, ‘be safe’ whats that suppose to imply?

Scam Number 1

We crossed through yet another pay toll, and pulled over to figure out which exit we needed to take. Not the best of idea as a guy who spoke perfect English came up to Brad’s side and started rambling off about how he needs to get to Tucson and he needs $55US to get through this toll to be able to get home. He tried to pretend he was crying yet the colour of his eyes never changed, and he insisted we could call his mother to prove his story was correct. His acting skills alone were well practiced and I was not having any of it. Brad told him that we have no cash only cards he dropped the acted and walked away, but not back to his car to the middle of the street with the other street vendors. 

Driving Through Mexico - What Really Could Happen?

The scenery looked the same as it did in Arizona lots of cactus, sand, and dry shrubbery. We drove tolls roads. skipping most of the major cities and bigger towns in the Sonora region but this also meant we missed lots of places to eat, so yet again our bellies starved, however our determination to keep driving was hungrier than our stomaches.

We really want to get to Mazatlan in two days only having to stop once to stay the night plus we will be stopping before the sun goes down thus every km we clock is imperative to sticking to our goal. This next blog section I will write wont be a play by play of our drive through Mexico but more of all the scams you hear of and how we experienced several of them.

Easy To Give Me A Flippin Headache!

This is so surreal, here we are four days later in Mexico heading to our new lives. I am not really sure where my emotions are right now. A lot has taken place for us to here right now in this country together. Happiness is one emotion I am able to make sense of, happy to be here with Brad and our dogs. The last step is to hit the vehicle permit station its like a mini boarder crossing about 30mins into Sonora which is the region we just entered. To bring vehicles in to the country you have to buy a permit this allows you to drive legally within all of Mexico. If you get pulled over you must have proof of a permit or you will be in lots of trouble and very broke quite soon. 

This next stage should be the simplest of them all, I mean hell we just made it across the boarder and customs getting the permit would seem easy, well think again. It would have been easy if the truck and the trailer were all in one name, but they aren’t. The truck is in Brad’s name and the trailer is in my name. For what ever reason we could not understand they are unable to write up two permits one for truck and one for trailer. They said it had to be in both names or we had to be married and have proof or certificate. Now there is only one way to change the insurance papers and thats to go back to canada and do a transfer, that was not going to happen not even an option. The second option we had was to go back to the boarder town and get married. So guess what? That’s right we didn’t go ahead with that option either. I would be lying if I said it didn’t cross my mind because if our third option did not luckily become one I would have. The third option was we went to the office next door to talk to immigrations and customs. They too could not understand why we could not purchase two permits, so one of the head guys in customs came to talk to the permit guy. The end result was that the customs guy told the permit guy he would sign a document giving his permission to allow us to take the truck and trailer in as one vehicle. So after two hours of this back and forth we are all good to go. We have been cleared now we just have to pay for the permits hurray! 

I spoke too soon. I went to pay for the permits with my Visa and the permit guy said no it has to be in his name. “Sorry WHAT?” “Si credit or debit needs to be in owners name.” I was thinking every curse word at this point and could no longer contain my ‘miss nice smile’. This is bullshit....buuuuuullllllllshhhhiiiiittt! What are our other options? Oh that’s right he wanted us to go back to town as I did not have enough AMERICAN cash on me to pay the permit deposit. So here is a little info on how the permits work:

To cross in to Mexico with an RV or vehicle you need to leave a deposit and pay a small fee for the permit. When you exit Mexico you must go back to one of these check points to return your permit and collect your deposit. This way they know that you are not selling the vehicle or leaving it in the country. Because our truck is newer we had to leave $400US as a deposit. Of course I don’t have that much US as I am Canadian in Mexico, so we had to drive back to the boarder, I had to pull pesos out of the ATM and than go to a money exchange to get US. I don’t even know how much I lost on that transaction but whatever, I have the money and I just want to get through!

So back to the permit guy give him the cash, go next door get our immigration slip, go back to the permit guy show him get stamp and were done! Now we just have to drive through customs which is set up like the one at the boarder red for stop, green for your free! We got green, but still got stopped. The customs guys was curious why we sat the for so long, what issues we were having. Brad got out to show him what was in the trailer and when he got back inside he said the guy just wanted to talk, practice his English. Thank goodness, now lets get far far away from here.

Green Light - Red Light

If you have never flown to Mexico before, one of the customary traits is to pick up your luggage and upon exiting that sector you have to press a button if you get a green light you keep on walking with no hassle unless suspected, but if you get a red light no matter what you get inspected. Your bags get re-searched and so do you. It is the same when driving across if you get the green you keep driving unless the border officers feel the need to pull you over and check you out. I had a feeling that no matter what we were going to get pulled over have the trailer towed behind us. I was right! We both had no clue what we were getting ourselves in to when crossing, time wise, money, hassle and stress. A very nice lady came to speak to us while other officers went looking around the trailer and truck. The officer ask us for our papers and for us to unlock the trailer. Brad got out and I got the requested paper work together. After about 20 mins we were free to go and all we had to do was pay 500 pesos on the contents in the trailer as they were possessions not coming back out of the country. I was shocked, when Brad told me that is all he had to pay and that we were free to go. No hassle, no stress, nice people who were doing there job as I would be worried if they didn’t care to inspect the trailer, little money, and hardly any time taken up. Our first thing to do was get gas, buy a map and exchange our american for mexican pesos. 

At The Mexican Border

Ok here we go approaching border, my nerves are high but so is my excitement. Brad is calm and cool as ever with a big goofy kid like grin on his face. There are only three cars ahead of us and it is just past 8am. 

Ajo to Why

We were up at 5am and out the door by 6am as the border opened at 8am and we want to be early incase we have any issues that hold us up. Our goal is to get to Mazatlan in two days once across the boarder. 

We just drove through a town called Ajo and though its an older town with lots of run down features it was still a sweet little place. It was strictly a drive through town and the real attraction was the town called Why. No I wasn’t asking a question, that is the towns name. If it is a town all three houses and a wreaking yard. I as hoping for a ‘Welcome to Why’ sign to take a silly photo next too but none was found.

Sniff Test In Hotel Room Failed!

 It was about 11:30pm when Brad pulled in to the KnightsInn in a town called Giles Bend. From the outside it looks old and a bit run down but nothing compared to what the inside was like. The other two places we stay the night in had bad smells, horrible beds, and lots of stains this one had all of the above plus a few bonus features like brown stained pillows, and a bed that felt broken in the middle. My guess is that the rooms at this Inn get rented out monthly, weekly, as well as daily. The outside area reeked of pot but not good smelling pot, very skunky. It was the worst out of the three hotels/motels we had stayed at and the most expansive especially since the guy gave us a deal on the room because all they had left were rooms with 2 double beds which cost more. The dogs did their sniff test in the room and the first thing Ben did was sniff the beds. He stood in between the two smelt on smelt the other made a sour face, went back to re sniff, sneezed than walked away to move his bed to the other side of the room. Great, what does he know that we can’t see?

Good Old Country Grub!

We probably should have stopped before the border of Arizona and ate in Blythe as once again these smaller towns left very little options. We just continue to drive hoping the next town will provide good food and decent accommodation. Our goal now is Buckeye right on Hwy 85 which is where we need to turn and go down to reach the border in Lukesville. This drive seemed endless, I could feel all my muscles start to tighten and release, charlie horses throughout my quads and calfs. Brad feeling it in his back arms and eyes straining to stay focus as night falls upon us. 

As we were fueling up we noticed a DaysInn and at the next exit there was a restaurant called the Cracker Barrel, so we filled up and headed for some grub, and grub is what it was, but I mean the old fashion country fare. I had chicken ‘n dumplings with coleslaw, corn, and grits. Brad had a sampler with meatloaf, chicken ‘n dumplings and sugar cured roast ham. Both meals served with corn bread and biscuits. This was by far the cheapest for value meal. It was not the best meal but it filled our bellies and only cost us $20us 

Back to the hotel as it is the only one in the area and guess what? NO Vacancy! We couldn’t believe it as it is in the middle of no where and we saw no signs saying there was a carnival or something in town. Now the reason we were going to stay in a hotel in this town was because the road to the border is single lane, small, and dark, plus the towns along the road are very small and old so any place you would stay in wont have been updated. The locals also assured us of this and told us not to do the drive stay in town, but that was before the No Vacancy. 

We drove further in to the town of Buckeye and I am not insulting the town as my opinion is from the outlook of the night and it could very well be a cute country town with lots to offer; but as we drove further in to the town on our search for a hotel or motel we or I started to feel my anxiety build the place was eery, twilight zone sort of place and strangers lurking in the shadows watching you. This provoked us to turn around and get out and chance our luck heading for the border.

Cali to Arizona

Hurray! Were out of California and in to Arizona not only has the accents changed, the food and the towns the temperature has risen a few degrees and it is now 5pm. 

Joshua Tree National Park

Now for the National Park, if you are ever in this area and thinking of by passing The Joshua Tree National Park, think again as its worth the time to explore it. 

If we had more time to spend here and were properly equipped with gear we would have hiked throughout the whole area and camped out. We drove through stopping at some of the main focal points and thankful we took the extra time to do so. 

The vast spread of landscape is an artists dream. Whether you paint, draw, sketch, or partake in photography you will find such an array of colours, angles and contrasts that have lots of dimensions. Of course I snapped off a few hundred photos. It would have been nice to be there to watch the sunrise, and set as it would give your art lots of features. 

After sightseeing it took us just over an hour to drive through the park, and along the road the topography is endless and always changing. 

Palm Springs to Yucca Valley

We stopped in Palm Springs but nothing much there to see or do, I was looking for a Fred Myer to purchase a professional grade mixer for baking (cheaper in the states than in Canada.... much cheaper) but nothing that big exists in the area you have to drive to Palm Dessert to reach a Walmart. We were heading in the other direction up to Yucca Valley towards Twentynine Palms to enter the Joshua Tree National Park. It took a few hours to get in this region and the fruit smoothie is no longer doing the job of filling our bellies. Food is now priority as we both are feeling extremely low energy and our patience is becoming short fused. We stopped at the Walmart in Yucca Valley, and you know the website ‘The People of Walmart’? well I have seen it first hand. I could have snapped off a dozen award winning photos. 

Stomaches now having a personal boxing match with my insides it was time to stop as soon as we can even if fast food was are only option. Brad’s blood sugar low and headache started to really pound. Not left with many options we spotted a tiny cafe on the corner of a street that read healthy home made food. Done! I ordered a large salad as it was garden greens with sprouts, beats, red cabbage, chick peas, cucumbers and tomatoes. Brad had a club sandwich with potato salad. I heard the accents as we came in Palm Springs but now it seems a lot more noticeable. I have to say every where we have gone all our servers, gas attendants, store clerks etc... have all been very nice and helpful, nothing like your typical American tourist who are loud annoying and obnoxious. I have really enjoyed driving through the States makes me want to venture out more through this country. 

After being stuck in traffic due to a small accident on the freeway going around LA we have lost a good hour or so on our travels. We haven’t eaten anything since we woke up and now our bellys are making more noise than the tapping of a hollow barrel. We stop in at Upland searching for a Starbucks s it was all commercial buildings like Lowes, Home Depot, Costco etc.... I was in need of a caffeine boost for my lack of sleep and passenger driving was weighing on me. We came across a Jambo Juice which is identical to Jugo Juice back home. The sun was beating down sitting at 24 degrees and feeling so good compliments the cold fruit smoothie we sucked back fast enough to produce a brain freeze. 

While stuck in traffic we noticed an old lady driving a red Corvette  rocking it out in style.

Day Three- Is that Sun?

March 11th 2011

Oh my gosh, the sun is shinning! The temperature is about 17 degrees at 9am, was not prepared for the warm weather so quickly as the past few days were cold, windy and wet. 

Yes we are delighted by the sun and will continue to embrace it, but our thoughts are heavy as we have just learned about the earthquake in Japan and the on going aftershocks and tsunamis that follow. Hard to believe that such devastation has just happened when we are on our way to a new life, a dream, our own personal paradise. Our thoughts are with all the people in hopes that the tragedy of lost lives is not astronomical. May Red Cross be able to get there soon and bring some aid to all those in need. 

Now on route in shorts and a tank-top heading around LA on our way to Joshua Tree National Park. It’s amazing how much the sun makes you smile!

Day Two Complete

By midnight Brad safely got us to Castaic a town just outside of Santa Clarita. The Hotels were run down as you entered the town not giving us a lot of hope for a place to rest our heads. Thankfully towards the end of the town we found a DaysInn and $60 later we had retired to our room that reeked of mould and had more stains than I could count. Good Night!

Mothballs to Prime Rib Steak

Our next stop was for dinner. We had been driving for hours and hadn’t eaten since Mr. Pickles. We stopped to get gas and noticed there was a dinner called The Apricot Tree. The exterior looked fine and it was a rest stop area so you can’t expect too much. The second you open the door to enter all you smelt was stale moth balls. The entrance leads you through a gift shop which had dust layering merchandise. I think at this point Brad and I were both thinking “No, not going to happen” but going to the bathroom took over priority than stating the obvious. Now I have been to many events where Porto-potties are commonly used and at times the stench is unbearable but with a deep breath you can do what you need to do and get out. I was not prepared for this bathroom either was Brad as his experience was just as throat chocking as mine. The stench was so vile I could feel what was left in my digestion of Mr Pickles rise. 

I couldn’t even hold my breath because the smell invaded my nostrils when I walked in that I could not escape it. I first thought grab some toilet paper and pee outside, but than thought fuck it your here just getter done. I covered my face in my scarf gagging as the stench not only stunk of the most rankis shit but it was covered up by the worst kind of air freshener which was not doing its job of making the air fresh. After washing my hands I bolted for the door gagging and coughing trying to take in deep breaths of non bathroom air to only inhale mothballs I took one look at Brad and he said “yep lets go!” 

Thankfully there was an overpass and on the other side was a large hotel called Harris Ranch and attached to it was a large pub and family restaurant. By this time it was past 7pm and we had to make some decisions about how much longer we wanted to drive as we were still a few hours away from Los Angeles, and had hoped to have been on the other side. Harris Ranch is known for there cattle so its only fitting for them to have a steak house. They serve Reserved Beef plus a wide variety of other tantalizing selections. 

I was so sleepy after all that steak and glass of Napa Valley Merlot  I was once again thankful Brad was driving for I felt my eyes instantly get heavy. The hotel that was there was out of our price range and not suitable for dogs. Brad at this point got a second wind and wanted to hit the road before he lost his surprising burst of energy. I on the other hand was past out before we left the parking lot! I would open my eyes now and than and say a few words as to let Brad know that I was not sleeping to only close my eyes and my head go limp swaying side to side. (I think he knew) When I did open my eyes and try and sit up straight the Hwy was busy with large big rigs. The cars which were far and few in between looked out of place. Monsters of the Hwy were prevalent and I admired Brad for his determination to reach our next destination of Santa Clarita. 

Dawn To Dusk And So Many Miles To Travel

After a few more pit stops we made it half way through California, that is when I first realized how big the state of California was. I am starting to think our goal of Arizona may not be doable.


The sun was starting to set, and we turned off at a look out point to stretch out our legs and witness the sun descend past the mountain range spraying colours of orange and golden yellows just below the cloud line, illuminating the blue sky before it turns to darkness.

Mr Pickles

Redding was a very quaint, older, religious, country town. As we merged off the Hwy we saw a Starbucks and a sandwich place called Mr. Pickles. We decided to a drive through the town and noticed at the main intersection a young man holding a Mr.Pickles sign, headphones in just rocking out to his music and shaking his sign to the beat of his music. I had to smile and he smiled back with a hint of laughter. Needless to say we were sold on Mr. Pickles by his performance and its accessible parking made it an agreeable choice. The sandwiches were huge! It was like a Subway meets Quizno. Walking away after our lunch took effort as we were both so full. Sitting in a truck for extended period of time and eating big meals makes for a soft bum and jiggly belly, with sore back muscles. The beach at our new home is calling my name begging me to go for a run! 

Yreka!

Entering in to the town of Yreka brought back old memories of Brad and I’s last big road trip through Europe. The scenery was lovely. Due to the rain, fog, rocky grass lands, and rolling hills it reminded us a lot of Scotland. 

Now entering Weeds, this is the state in California where the state allows people to grow small amounts of marijuana but due to federal law its illegal. 

The weather is awful, rain is coming down hard and heavy making it difficult to see ahead. The Hwy through Weeds is not that great lots of water pooling making hydroplaning very easy. Next big town is Redding. It is noon so our goal is to make it there for lunch, should take about two hours. It would be great to get through California into Arizona by the end of the day.

Rain To Snow - Fantastic!

The climb through the mountain range between Oregon and California was not the nicest drive, we hit a light snow fall that coated the trees like icing sugar but once we descended down the mountain the cold air became warmer, heavily unloading rain making it hard to see. The wind picked up and was blowing us from one side to another, probably the first time I felt the trailer towing behind us. 

Day Two On The Road - Needing Caffeine Fix

Roseburg was first seen at night but to see it in daylight was quite sweet. The topography was an instant change from what we had just driven through. Nice rolling hills, with sweeping tree lines and cows out in pastures. The colour of green so vividly bright even the rain couldn’t spoil it. 

I can feel the bags under my eyes sink deep in to the skin creating a large crator showing off to the world two small black holes surrounding my eyes. Brad would ensure me if I asked that this is not the case, but I can feel the puffiness as my skin looks tired. It’s a woman thing for sure. My sleep was was hit and miss last night and as we enter in to Medford I am happy to see a Starbucks. Call me a yuppie but gas station coffee doesn’t taste anywhere as good as a ‘Shot in the Dark’ dark, smooth espresso in a cup of coffee. (Thanks to Sophie and Vince I used my Starbucks card!)

It's Raining, It's Pouring, Were Certainly No Longer Snoring!

March 10th, 2011

The rain is falling fast and heavy. Rain drops like mini explosives that will get you if missed from the sky they are sure to soak you from below. This is the weather that makes me strive towards Mexico. Oh how I long for the Sinaola sun to warm my body as it kisses my skin; For the oceans waves to rock me to sleep after a day in the sand which has tickled my toes. 

7:04am we are up and ready for a brand new day of making it down to the Mexican border. Let’s get this show on the road!

First Day Completed

Made it to Salem for our second rest stop where we fueled up and had some dinner at Newport Seafood Restaurant. The food was decent. We started off with New England Clam Chowder which was very tasty and had lots of hearty chunks of seafood and potatoes to it. Than we had calamari as I always have this temptation to try calamari where ever we go. 


It came in a cone wrapped in paper but the pieces were all tiny though they were very tender and the batter was light I have to admit I like big chunks of calamari. We also shared the main dish which was two crab legs on top of a bed of rice with thai chili sauce, scallops, mushrooms, peppers, and bok choy. Though the sauce tasted good the dish was soaked in it which didn't make the meal overly enjoyable. The service was great and it was nice just to stop and chat face to face instead of side to side. After dinner we hit the road and two hours later made it to Roseburg where we are staying at Americas Best Value Inn. Total for the room is $46 and you pay for what you get. If this is considered America's "Best" than I hate to see what the others along are trip will be like. There is a very strong smell of chlorine or bleach which could be a good thing as it tells you its clean or a bad thing as it tells you they needed to really bleach the room out from the previous guests. 

Our first day has been a success as I am very happy with the miles we covered. Tomorrow will be an early start as we want to reach Joshua National Park.  It would be a great opportunity for me to practicing using my new camera which is a bit beyond my level. It’s 10:52pm and I shall now tuck away in to this unknown bed praying that there are no bed bugs, to get some much needed rest as we were up at 5:20am. Good night!

Lunch Time

Just stopped in Mason Country - Shelton at Denny’s as our options were short listed and had a quick bite to eat as we want to try to make it to the border of Oregon and California. 

Every now and than I will start to giggle to myself as I grin gleefully, I just cannot believe that this is happening. We are on our way to Mazatlan Mexico to live, with our lives in a trailer. Commitment is a bigger player in this life altering change. Commitment to each other and to our future. 

3:42pm and we are now on the I-5 heading to Olympia. Good big open three lane Hwy for a smooth drive. Have some good 80’s tunes pumping, energy is high, and feeling good!