Drive Chavo Drive! Diminish Your Velocity!

 
After another long drive we arrived at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. At last we were warm and able to camp in Chavo. This campground is great for many reasons, solar showers, awnings, nice trails and the best reason..a night ranger! The night ranger gave a talk on the sun and we sat outside with a bunch of other grey haired folks and marveled at the stars. 

Lukeville Border Crossing

Our first Mexican rest stop...

The next morning we took off and headed a few miles south to the border. It was a smooth crossing and just like that we were on the road in Mexico. I then began my job as co-pilot as Tom drove. My job as co-pilot was translating signs and managing the music. Our language reached new depths as we got accustomed to the Mexican way of driving. Passing is a way of life..and we learned that we needed to get out of the way of oncoming cars (or semi trucks!! ) 

As for translating signs..my favorite translation was "diminish your velocity." I kept telling Tom that there was devastation ahead..but after awhile figured out that it meant that there was a diversion ahead. This was not good since it meant that the road became a two lane highway. But, eventually we made it to San Carlos.

I must say I had a nice play list as we tried to avoid potholes and oncoming semi-trucks. I played: Leon Bridges, Leonard Cohen, Tin Hat Trio, World Music, and of course Santana to get us in the mood. 


 San Carlos is a sleepy little town close to Guaymas. It is full of expats and we were able to hook up with Meryl Lingard and Dave Brandt who live here half the year (the rest of the year they live in Boise) We had never met them, which is pretty crazy since we share many of the same friends. We parked in their back yard and had a great day walking on the beach and exploring this groovy town. I can see why they love it here. 

Walking on the beach..at last Ruthie was free!

When we finished our brief exploration we headed to the Mexican market and loaded up with supplies for our next few days..carne, salsa, beans, corn tortillas, papaya, and some limes and vegetables. We are heading out early in the morning and going to a new camping spot north of somewhere..Tom knows where and I will once again resume co-pilot duties. 

Meryl and Dave at their favorite beach restaurant..the Soggy Peso