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!

Driving The 101

Driving along the 101 south was a scenic route with several camping and RV spots to park up, must be a great place to come in the summer. Saw numerous little towns that with a blink of an eye you would miss them. One of the places we stopped at to let the dogs out to pee and have a drink of water did have any gas and wouldn’t for another week or so. (Secretly I am happy to be taking the Dodge, as if the Scout broke down any where along this Hwy it would really suck!) Oysters are a big thing around these parts as it seems most of the little towns have some claim to fame for their seafood and featuring oysters. Curious to stop in and try one of the places a try but they do look a little bit run down and it may be to early in the game for my gut to work over time with the journey that we have ahead of us.

Thumbs Up!

 Driving through Port Angeles Brad and I just looked at each other and let out a shrill of excitement as we clasped hands and gave one another a great big kiss. We made it past the first road block now its just the Mexican border we have to pass. 

    

Port Angeles Border Crossing - Fingers Crossed!!!!

Docking in to Port Angeles, the marked Vampire territory expecting a very dark cloudy town but pleasantly surprised to see the sun waiting for us and greeting our faces with a warm embrace.

This was a good sign, I felt relieved and ready for the long trip ahead. As we drove off the ferry we saw the border officials roaming around the cars and trucks with the dogs out in full force. Not knowing what we were going to be facing once it was our turn to speak to the boarder control officer I could feel my face hurting by my oversized smile I had extended from ear to ear. 

              Ben our Doberman popped his head out the window and the officer beamed a bright smile, and called to his partner to take a look, that’s when Jazz our Rotti extended her head out too and the other officer lit up just as the first did. This was a good sign! He asked some routine questions which Brad answered without a shiver in his voice while I was in the passenger seat hoping they were not going to ask us to unload our trailer. We made some small talk and next thing I heard was Hasta La Vista folks, have a good trip. WOW! Did that just happen? Was that as easy as it just seemed? 

Victoria To Port Angeles

The Empress in front of the Victoria Downtown Waterfront Marina

9:24am and we are waiting for the Coho Ferry to dock. We cleared the first stage of customs with ease. Asked a few basic questions about our travels, and who we are, what we do, etc... Brad just needed to flash the woman his charming smile, and make a joke with the officer on guard and all is good! 

The ferry leaves at 10:30, and its about 90 minute sailing. We have been told it can be a rough crossing which for Brad and I who are prone to motion sickness might not be such a great mix. Lets hope its a smooth sailing or the gravol kicks in fast!

I feel a sense of freedom now that we have left the Island and are in mid sea on our way to Port Angeles. If we can only pass the second stage of customs with as much ease on the Canadian side I will be happily smiling knowing that I have escaped the Island. Don’t get me wrong its an amazing beautiful place, and I am ever so thankful for having growing up in the Cowichan Valley but over the past few years just too much bad luck has crossed my path and I feel this is a new start to something bigger and greater.

Excited that we are finally on the road. Now the adventure can truly begin!

Made It Past The Malahat!

The sky a very lackluster colour with many shades of grey contrasting from light to dark. It’s air is fresh, but moist with stop and go rain falls. Another normal winter day on Vancouver Island. 

Good news so far is we made it past our original checkpoint of where we broke down last Friday as we tried to embark on this very journey with the Scout. Glad we are taking the truck and I think Ben our Doberman is especially happy to be in the truck as he found the Scout to be a tad too cold for him. Currently both dogs Ben and Jazz who is our Rottweiler are sound asleep in the back of the trucks cab.

From the Scout to a Dodge

NOW

This is our temporary transportation as we needed something to get us and the trailer to Mexico. The Scout will come with us when we head back to Vancouver Island for a visit. Although I am liking the Dodge might end up keeping it too, but if not anyone interested in buying it? Only has 84000 km on it and in great condition.

Scout No Longer On This Journey

Before

(This is our 1967 International Scout that we were taking down to Mexico hauling our Trailer Blaze cargo trailer. Due to some recent mechanical problems we have had to leave the Scout behind but not to delay our trip more than it has we have a back up truck. Now taking our 2005 Dodge Ram which is in tip top shape. Our dear Scout will come down to live with us in Mexico but will have to wait a few months as she rehabilitates.)

Tomorrow is our new date of departure as we are heading for the Coho Ferry in Victoria to Port Angeles. We were going to do the scenic drive down along the 101 but as we are now a week behind we will be heading straight for Mazatlan heading along the I-5.

Let the ADVENTURE begin!

Mission Failed!

Well folks, were still on the Island! Yes, that's correct we made it as far as Langford and had to drive the Scout to the mechanics to get looked at. Go figure.... I guess having a 44 year old vehicle is not the most reliable ride to be taking to Mexico as I know most of you have already thought of or considering now; but needless to say its the vehicle I love. Basically we need to get the rear end replaced and than.... the Scout will be good as a senior with a new hip replacement.


Looks like we will be camping out for a few more days while the work is being done. I tell you and those who know me well will understand this, but the Island will not let me leave. So the day we cross over to the States I will be smiling ear to ear just knowing I have finally left the Island and there is no return.


So no border crossing story to tell just yet but stayed tune mid next week and hopefully there will be one posted.

6am and finally our journey begins

After setting back our departure date a few times, I am very happy we did so. Not only because I got to see more of my family and friends but I feel very relaxed and rested for long days of driving ahead.


We are heading for the Coho Ferry catching the 10:30 boat which I had to make reservations for. This will take us to Port Angeles where we will head through Washington before heading along the 101.


Really our route could change several times depending on our mood, weather, and scenery.


However the Scout and trailer and fully packed dogs are aboard and we are ready to hit the road. Talk to you  all once we enter the states. Lets hope for no drama at the border, though it would make a good blog story but I would rather see a happy smiling border guard just wave us on through. What do you think our chances are?


until next time....
catch you on the flip side of life

Mexico EH!

The time has finally come for us to embark on this life changing adventure, leaving all that is comfortable behind, and head for our new home in Mazatlan Mexico.
We have loaded up our 6 x10 trailer (with motorbikes) attached it to our 1967 International Scout, ready to hit the open road heading to USA. We will drive down Hwy 101 along the coast until we reach our border crossing destination in to Mexico. We have no set date to enter Mexico but will probably take a week to do the entire trip to our final destination.


It's amazing how much work goes in to moving especially when its out of country. We have had to purge  most of our possessions and store the important things with family. The hardest thing about getting rid of  stuff is realizing how much crap one collects that has no value in life. All this materialistic stuff that we just hide in cupboards and closets in case we will use it, when really out of sight out of mind. This new adventure and life style that we are aiming for will be one lived with minimal possessions and less materialistic consumption.


I am excited for this, I have no clue what to expect and though everyone around us is worried about what we are about to embark on ( which is appreciated) but life is all about living and risks are needed to keep our souls alive. I have never done well with the mundane daily routine of life. I like change, crave adventures, and really enjoy meeting new people, learning about their culture.


Together Brad and I work well and have always been able to adapt to change. Were a good team and this is just one of many adventures we will share together. So please join us vicariously on our trip down to Mexico. Message us if you have questions, advice, or comments.




We are so thankful to our family and friends for all their support and love.

Adios