I've crossed the border several times. It's always been quicker southbound, just kind of roll on right through. I too have a Mexican plated car so maybe that helps.
Good breakdown on the trip, Mike. And glad all turned out well. Now we need some dog pics.
p.s. I've used Waze, an app for getting yourself from A to B. But I've only used it in big cities that I don't know well like Guadalajara. It really helped, but not sure how it would be for cross country.
Mike, you drove it like a champ—an "In n Out Burger." And good instructions on tolls, necessary cash, all important stuff including possible errors in Google maps and best to follow local road signs. Bienvenidos, again!
One thing kinda, sorta, bothers me: "Mexico was a nothing burger... I just drove through without ever coming to a full stop." With the arms flowing into the country, I'd hope there was some sort of more than every 100th vehicle or whatever inspection. Of course, maybe it's some electronic thingy you go thru.
I was really quite surprised - I started in thinking that I would for sure get searched at the border crossing with all the emphasis on increased military presences and - like you said - the influx of illegal arms into the country. Instead, and concerningly, I found the border station largely un-staffed. I will note that on my way out of Mexico, I could see the inbound side of the border station and I say many cars being pulled over - this contributed to my expectation that such a thing would happen to me.
I have never even heard of Apple maps! One place they don't dominate... I might suggest Waze but it's taken me off road more times than my tires were happy about!
Oh yeah, Google has taken me to some amazing places I hope never to have to visit again! I'm not surprised that you've never heard of Apple Maps - I'm guessing it is only a thing in the U.S. (Apple engineers maybe haven't heard that there are other places in the world...)
Welcome back! I have been thinking about trying Waze down here, and maybe I shall, and then report back. As for where the military are, my guess would be Sinaloa....we saw tons of them there on our last road trip.
Yes, lots of military in Sinaloa. I even saw a contingent of marines staking out a gas station. Also many military machine gun nests with sandbag barricades along the highway. They are making their presence known.
Looking forward to hearing how Waze works out for you!
I was looking forward to Part 2 - The Return. Thanks. I appreciate additional insights and learnings even though I do not have any plans for a long trip through Mexico. The last long road trip was a couple of years ago. I stayed away from the significant USA interstate highways. You are right. There are many more beautiful sights to see. "Apple Mapping" reminds me of my younger days when I attempted to sound like I knew something about something.
Regarding the Mexican Military presence or lack thereof ... I think they were disguised as food and trinket vendors, Mike. I do not know you, Mike, but for some reason, when I read, "or my innocent demeanor spared me that fate", I laughed so hard and long that I woke my cat from his deep late morning slumber. He is miffed at me now. Writing of human companions, please share about your pup's new life in Mexico.
Post Data: "The crossing into Mexico was a nothing burger ..." I am stealing this analogy!
lol, Elva! Sorry my article startled your cat into waking up; I'll try to be more even-keeled and predictable in the future 😆. Let sleeping cats lie - is that a thing?
I've crossed the border several times. It's always been quicker southbound, just kind of roll on right through. I too have a Mexican plated car so maybe that helps.
Good breakdown on the trip, Mike. And glad all turned out well. Now we need some dog pics.
p.s. I've used Waze, an app for getting yourself from A to B. But I've only used it in big cities that I don't know well like Guadalajara. It really helped, but not sure how it would be for cross country.
Thanks, Victor. I've used Waze a bit too, for those kinds of short hops. It is a bit more straightforward than Google Maps, less to fuss with.
I'll see if I can come up with some dog-story angles, but Lola the Dog Lady probably has me beat there 😆
Mike, you drove it like a champ—an "In n Out Burger." And good instructions on tolls, necessary cash, all important stuff including possible errors in Google maps and best to follow local road signs. Bienvenidos, again!
Thanks Jeanine. I'm pretty happy with how things turned out on this roundtrip; uneventful, and no car trouble - knock on wood!
One thing kinda, sorta, bothers me: "Mexico was a nothing burger... I just drove through without ever coming to a full stop." With the arms flowing into the country, I'd hope there was some sort of more than every 100th vehicle or whatever inspection. Of course, maybe it's some electronic thingy you go thru.
I was really quite surprised - I started in thinking that I would for sure get searched at the border crossing with all the emphasis on increased military presences and - like you said - the influx of illegal arms into the country. Instead, and concerningly, I found the border station largely un-staffed. I will note that on my way out of Mexico, I could see the inbound side of the border station and I say many cars being pulled over - this contributed to my expectation that such a thing would happen to me.
I have never even heard of Apple maps! One place they don't dominate... I might suggest Waze but it's taken me off road more times than my tires were happy about!
Oh yeah, Google has taken me to some amazing places I hope never to have to visit again! I'm not surprised that you've never heard of Apple Maps - I'm guessing it is only a thing in the U.S. (Apple engineers maybe haven't heard that there are other places in the world...)
We must let those engineers know there are roads south of the border 😆😂
And across the ocean
Welcome back! I have been thinking about trying Waze down here, and maybe I shall, and then report back. As for where the military are, my guess would be Sinaloa....we saw tons of them there on our last road trip.
Yes, lots of military in Sinaloa. I even saw a contingent of marines staking out a gas station. Also many military machine gun nests with sandbag barricades along the highway. They are making their presence known.
Looking forward to hearing how Waze works out for you!
I was looking forward to Part 2 - The Return. Thanks. I appreciate additional insights and learnings even though I do not have any plans for a long trip through Mexico. The last long road trip was a couple of years ago. I stayed away from the significant USA interstate highways. You are right. There are many more beautiful sights to see. "Apple Mapping" reminds me of my younger days when I attempted to sound like I knew something about something.
Regarding the Mexican Military presence or lack thereof ... I think they were disguised as food and trinket vendors, Mike. I do not know you, Mike, but for some reason, when I read, "or my innocent demeanor spared me that fate", I laughed so hard and long that I woke my cat from his deep late morning slumber. He is miffed at me now. Writing of human companions, please share about your pup's new life in Mexico.
Post Data: "The crossing into Mexico was a nothing burger ..." I am stealing this analogy!
lol, Elva! Sorry my article startled your cat into waking up; I'll try to be more even-keeled and predictable in the future 😆. Let sleeping cats lie - is that a thing?