January 30

We’ve left San Felipe around noon, the 10 mile construction on Hwy Mex 5 was much better, it was dry now. When we got to the border I couldn’t believe my eyes: a 2 hrs line up and it was exactly 2 hrs bumper to bumper along the wall. Local vendors selling just about everything for the travelers from religious paintings and statues of Jesus to refreshment. The most unbelievable thing: about 200 yards from the border crossing full of guards young kids are throwing big plastic bags over the fence and then run. Just guess what could be in those bags. Finally got out at 5 pm; did some grocery shopping and parked it in Calexico.
10 miles of dirt road


2 hrs bumper to bumper at the border-the tall fence on the right is the wall

.
A cross saying "unidentified" remembers those who died here while trying to climb the wall.

January 29

We had to do laundry today and were surprised how this part of Mexico is Americanized. Washers and dryers are taking US quarters only; the water wending machine takes quarters only and in the bakery the prices are listed in US. We have seen lots of locals driving around on quads and buggies, looks like it’s the favorite vehicle here in the desert. In the evening we said Good Bye to our neighbors and the very friendly staff at the restaurant, including the DJ. We are planning to leave tomorrow morning, cross the border at Mexicali and spend a few more days in the desert.


Loundry in Mexico that takes US quarters only

Favorite vehicle of the locals


Said Good Bye to our DJ

January 28

We had to fill up propane today, it’s a bit different here. No propane at gas stations, you have to go to the local distributor to fill up. Quick service; nice and friendly people. After that we drove south of town, wanted to see it because real estate is booming there, lots of new houses, condos, time shares. Talked to a local realtor, he said he has offerings from 5-6000 for a lot in the desert to an oceanfront house up to 700 K. Out of my budget. The best place in town: the beach in downtown: fishermen just coming back from the sea and selling their catch right off the boat. Guaranteed fresh and the price is right. Bought 2 lbs of shrimp and put it on the BBQ for dinner. (life is good here)


The south side of San Felipe


Real Estate is booming (new oceanfront condos here)


Local fishermen selling fresh seafood right off the boat



1 lbs of shrimp for dinner

January 27

Today was very quiet; just a few locals came down to the beach to relax. Local vendors are coming now every day selling “souvenirs.” Planning to have tacos for dinner; it is today’s special in the campsite’s restaurant (0.50C/piece) nobody can beat that price. Weather could not be better, nice and sunny but not too hot.

the turn off to our campsite

A few locals came to relax to the beach

Those are locals too.

January 26

Today we had to go and get some fuel and water. Surprise: Mexican fuel is only 0.71 cent (US) a liter. At the gas station we talked to another VW owner; his van was a "bit older" than ours. He and his girlfriend came from Belgium and were on the road to Argentina. They have been north of the Polar Circle in Canada and now in Mexico headed south. He shipped his van over from Europe and will take it back to Europe he said. (VW owners just love their rig) The van was very good equipped for the trip; lots of spare tires; lots of extra fuel.



Improved my Spanish skills today: Palapa=Palm shade; Tecate=Local beer. The 2 of them mix very well.

So much white sand left at high tide.

January 25

Gabriel & Charlotte from England to Mexico City on a bike

Treasures from beachcombing

Room with a view

Another wonderful day at the beach. We went for beachcombing and found lots of beautiful corals at low tide. Had a chat with the young English couple; they are headed to Mexico City then they will decide what to do next. Interesting people; interesting story. And just to prove how small the world is: 2 couples drove by today right here on the beach, both from Cobble Hill BC; about 10 minutes from our home. They are staying here ‘till April. Steak on the barbeque for dinner with a few local beers. (Life is good here)

January 24

Today was the first day we did not have to drive at all. Campsite is almost empty but still has a bunch of nice people, one couple is from Edmonton and the guy is flying a motorized paraglider every day; it’s really cool! Tonight a young couple came in from England on a motorcycle; they have been on the road for 10 months, rode the bike trough Russia, Mongolia, Canada, US and Mexico.
Entrance of the capmground.

The beach in San Felipe

Guy from Alberta with his cool paraglider