2014 trip to Mexico

We have been to Mexico before but only on a short trip. I have been planning it for a long time to go further south on the Baja and now I could take enough time off to go for a month. Left on the 18th of January on an unusually warm day. Did not hurry at all, made it down south to California, even more sun, taking more pictures. Since I also work for a trucking magazine we stopped at many Truck Stops just for taking pictures. Spent a few nights at Truck Stops, Walmarts, also one night at Dana Pt. State Park in California because it cost us over 3 hours to drive trough LA and it was late & dark when we got to the coast.

 

Left home on a nice and sunny day on the 18th of January.

 

That's going to be home for a month.

 

The first shock after we entered California: I have seen Shasta Lake many times before but never so low. Hundreds of houseboats in drydock.

 

Spent a few nights at Truck Stops just for taking pictures and use the RV facilities.

 

 

Have you seen a church with truck parking?  Probably not that's why a Truck Stop provides a Chapel for the Big Rig drivers. (Flying J Bakersfield,  California)

 

 

In Castaic just north of LA we always stop for a very good taco.

 

Dana Pt. State Park California. At 33 $/night we wont be regulars there but it's a night place.

 

Not bad for January 23.

 

Last campsite ( Potrero Park) in California before we cross the Mexican border. It's only 6 miles from the border so you can go the day before you cross, get your paperwork done, ( tourist card, insurance,) and the next morning it's a smooth sailing into Mexico.

Viva Mexico

Algodones is booming because of Snowbirds and dentists. For the winter months about 300 Mexican dentists are moving to the little town and work there. The service is much cheaper than in the US or Canada, its good so customers are coming all winter every day by the thousands, business is booming. There is a huge pay-parking lot on the US side, and almost everybody just walks across the border. I was surprised, I did not see a single Mexican uniform while crossing the border, it was like a walk in the park and you are in Mexico. (Not so when you are coming back)
Once you are in Mexico, after the dentist appointment you can shop 'till you drop in the 4 block area, souvenir shops, folk art, cheap liquor, good food and of course a bunch of junk. We had the best fish and shrimp tacos in Algodones, those courtyard restaurants are simply awesome. Before we headed back we did buy a 1,5 litre bottle of Margarita for 3,50 US and a big bottle of Kahlua for 8,50 US. Coming back to the US side is was a bit more than an hour waiting in line but its good business for some locals. There are rickshaw like bicycle taxis, can carry 4 passengers and for 8 bucks you get a ride across the border. This way you can bypass the long line because you cross the border on a "vehicle" and business is booming. We had a good time and will visit again when we are in the area. The only thing bothering my eye is to see those really nice blankets and all kind of native art next to the baseball and hockey shirts but I understand that everybody wants to make a living.

She is making T shirts right in front of the store. She explains to my wife how to decorate it with beads.

Amigo the beadmaker.

Window in Algodones.

4 square blocks of Dentists Offices, Pharmacies, shops and restaurants, that's Algodones.

Mariachi band at the restaurant.

The courtyard restaurants are my favorites.

Coming back was an hour waiting in line.