Returning From Puerto Penasco (Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017)

It's hard to think about leaving this morning because we've had such a great time, but we have to pack up and leave our beautiful piece of paradise in Puerto Penasco, Mexico.  

We all enjoyed our coffee by the ocean for the last time, and then slowly started tearing our camp down.  We were on the road by about 9:00 am, not knowing how long it would take to get though the border crossing in San Luis Rio Colorado.  We purchased our RV insurance on April 27th at 2:30, for four days, so we have to be back across the border today by 2:30.  

We are traveling home a different way than we came, just to check it out.  It's always better to explore something new in two's than all by yourself!  We will have to drive a lot further in Mexico this way, but it will take the same amount of time overall.    Our path home will be west along the Sea of Cortez, and then north and back across the border in San Luis Rio Colorado, which is very close to Yuma, AZ.

Highway 3 ran along the Sea of Cortez, but was far enough back that we really didn't  have any ocean views as we drove.  There were a lot of turn offs for small communities along the coast, but they were all small dirt roads leading south.  This route took us through an area of sand dunes the entire way.

There were a lot of tidal flats that run under or across the road in this area.  This one was an actual salt flat, which was kind of fun to see.

The roads, again, were very good, but it was definitely a desolate stretch of highway.  As we drove, we kept thinking that we were glad there were two of us in case one of us had any problems.  I think we only saw about 3 other cars then entire time we were on this road.  There were no emergency phone number signs, no "No hassle" signs, and no cars with American license plates on this road.

As we got a little further along on Highway 3, we began to see glimpses of the sea, which was nice. I'm really enjoying the challenge of the roadside signs.  I try to understand what each of them says.  A great way to keep learning Spanish a little at a time.

A short portion of the trip took us through some canyon lands as we approached the Gulf of Santa Clara.

When we got to the Gulf of Santa Clara, we turned right at the Restaurant El Delfin.

A short time later, we went through a security checkpoint, where we had to get out of our vehicles while they were searched by young Mexican soldiers.  

But in addition to being searched, they provided very primitive restrooms.  They had clean toilets, but no water.  You had to take water from the barrels outside the stalls to rinse the toilet when you were done.  It reminded me a lot of south east Asia, where you have to do that quite often.  It was an interesting rest area for sure!

The last stretch of our journey through Mexico was a toll road, which cost $14 for a motorhome (219 pesos) or about $7 (110 pesos) for a car.

It was nice to see a sign for the USA!

As we came into the city of San Luis, we could see the border wall one block to the right of us.  Turn right and get on that road, it leads to the border crossing.  

As we waited in line at the border crossing, I ran back in the motor home and made us some veggie wraps for lunch.  It was perfect timing and gave us a chance to eat while we were just sitting.




If you are in an RV, use the left of the two lanes because as you get to the border crossing, RV's have to use island 6, which is wider than all of the other islands.  It's really tight if you go through a regular island.  We know from experience! : ).

We got in line at marker 7 at 12:11, and were through the border crossing by 12:50.  Not bad at all.  This picture shows the traffic at the crossing.  It was pretty busy!

As we crossed, we asked the border agent if we could have brought fresh seafood back.  He said we could have brought 10 lbs of shrimp or fish.  Good to know for next time.

Once we were across the border, there was a large gas station where we could fill up before heading north to Lake Havasu.  This station didn't take credit cards, which was interesting, only cash or debit cards.  I guess you have to be prepared for anything!

It always feels good to be back in the good ole US of A after being in a different country, but there are always things that we really miss once we are home.  For this trip, it will be the sound of the waves in the middle of the night, the friendly people of Puerto Penasco and of course the fresh seafood!  Adios Mexico!  We hope to see you again very soon!