We were up early this morning and ready to be on the road. Getting out of the RV park and onto the street was quite the adventure. One of the park’s employees and I guided Tobey through the gate and back onto the street. That’s when it got hairy! We made it halfway up the block – and it is only one block until we needed to turn onto a main street – before we were stuck! There was a truck parked on one side and we were too wide to pass by. The very first traffic person we have seen magically appeared and she sent someone to find the owner of the truck so he could move it. In the meantime, cars were lining up behind us! He quickly arrived, moved his truck, we guided Tobey to the corner, and I quickly jumped in. We waved out thanks and headed out of town by 9:30.
This was to be a SLOW travel day. Our route took us southeast on MX57D (toll road) to San Juan del Rio where we turned northeast on MX120. We arrived at El Oasis, just north of Tequisquiapan, shortly after noon. We had originally planned to stay here, but it didn’t appear to be the hot springs pools we were expecting, but a rather large water park. We opted to just have some lunch and travel on.
There were several vineyards in the area and the elevation began to climb and the roads began to be VERY WINDING! 
We began to feel like we were on a roller coaster! San Miguel 6300’, San Juan del Rio 7232’, Tequisquiapan 4000’, Bucareli 8000’, the middle of nowhere 8655’, then we dropped back to 2400’ in Talpan! We passed many little villages that weren’t even on our map – this one had art on the side of the mountain!
We are about 31 miles from our intended stop, but after driving 7-1/2 hours to go only 200 miles, Tobey was beat. I am a wimp and do not want to drive on this road so we are parked along side the road, across from a PEMEX gas station.
After dinner we decided to watch a movie when Tobey noticed the federales setting up a roadblock just outside our windows! Two troop carriers with about 15 soldiers armed with machine guns and dogs were stopping and searching all vehicles traveling south on MX120. One walked over, checked our license plate, and looked into our RV. We were surprised they didn’t knock on our door to investigate us, but we didn’t make any attempt to go outside, either! Two hours later, they packed up and were gone. While it seemed creepy to have them there, Tobey joked that at least we are safe!
No charge for parking, we’ll see if we can sleep!
GPS coordinates are 21.27924°N,99.24904°W
5 comments:
I got on Google Earth and see your location. It seems like you went off the main road. I don't see any road that looks like a "straight" route. It looks like you will be twisting and turning for a few days. Does your communication stick have unlimited minutes or do you need to "recharge" it? I wonder if you get to see any of the R Presidential Debates. They are in NH now. It was interesting tonight. Safe journey. Phil
I redid Google Earth with better road parameters. You are on a good road. You should smell some sweet ocean air tomorrow or next day! Phil
We bought a Tel-Cel Banta stick and it came with 6gb for the first month. We will have to recharge for $500 pesos or about $40USD for each additional month with 3gb. Roads have been winding - and lots of topes (Speedbumps) - would never fly in the US. Ocean air a few days off.
Hi Sue and Tobey, I just checked into your blog for the first time since you have started your trip...and it is January 12th! My goodness ! Your trip has been quite an adventure! I guess I thought you would be driving along the roads slowly and your days would be calm and peaceful. I also didn't realize how big your camper is...Sue I do not think you are a wimp cuz you don't want to drive.. you are both very courageous! Your pics are beautiful and it is so nice of you to take time to share your trip via this blog. Sue you said your blog would assure me of your safe ty ! Driving down some of those roads, having armed police coming into your home on wheels w/o even knocking! that is scarry! I've never commented on a blog before and am not sure if there is a limit on words. so I best end. I will keep you in my prayers and continue to check youur blog. be safe...it is good to see you smiling in all of the pics. Patsy Manning
Patsy - Our home on wheels isn't that big - 24' long. The soldiers have always asked us to let them in - of course, we don't plan to say no because they carry big guns. We have absolutely nothing to hide, so it isn't a problem. It is an adventure, that is for sure!
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