Mexico 2012 - un viaje mas grande - Day 5 December 31, 2011 Saltillo to Matehuala

We thought we would have a leisurely day today and arrive in Matehuala early enough to explore the town, maybe go out for dinner, and celebrate new years. Didn’t quite happen that way!

The drive wasn’t bad – only about three hours. We had a steep climb near Rancho San Vincente – up to about 6300 ft. There was a lot of agriculture in the area – many of the fields were covered with sunshade barrier cloth. Not sure what they were growing.
We also passed cattle ranches near Rancho La Concepcion. Near Santa Ana the cactus were very large.

It was fun to see. 

We drove on in to Matehuala and planned to stay at the Oasis Hotel & RV park. We paid, got level, and then found out their electricity and WIFI didn’t work. After we got a refund, we headed to Las Palmas Hotel and RV Park – about a mile down the road. The only problem was it was on the opposite side of a divided highway and we missed the left turn to it. After almost driving under a 3-meter bridge, backing up to get back on a road, turning down the wrong way on a one-way street, we finally got turned around and back to Las Palmas!

 
We pulled in to set up and Tobey noticed the tire we have been watching was FLAT! Off to find a tire repair shop – fortunately only about 3 blocks away. The owner was very helpful but after taking the tire off, could not find where the air was leaking from! He refilled it and put it back on. We hope it will hold.

 
After that we went to the TEL-CEL sales desk at the Walmart to get a data stick for internet and to unlock the Go-phone & get a chip for Mexico. What a bust! We spent about an hour, the salesclerk was helping to activate the data stick and said we had to come back in 2 hours (it is now 4pm) and the phone we bought in the US that is SUPPOSED to work here, doesn’t. Geez.  Okay – we decided to check out the town on the scooter until 6pm and can go back to Walmart to get the activated data stick.
With map in hand (mine), Tobey & I were zipping along heading for the cathedral – but with all the one-way streets and 5pm traffic, we could never get to it! It is actually kind of funny, NOW. Back to Walmart at 6pm and still no activation on the data stick. The girl was trying but the Tel-Cel system was overloaded and it would be at least 4 more hours – but they close at 9pm and weren’t going to open until noon tomorrow. Next to negotiate a refund! Money back, no data stick, and we head back to the RV.

 
We have neighbors tonight – folks from Equipt Expedition Outfitters. Had an enjoyable evening visiting and sharing an adult beverage while sharing stories from the road. We hope you are all having a good new year’s celebration!
23.66081°N, 100.6357°W