SAN CARLOS

The first thing we had to do our second day in Mexico was to get gas. We were pretty much riding on fumes when we arrived into Santa Ana. Not one of our better moments. Not having picked up pesos and not driving through many towns meant that we didn't get gas along the way. Something to do much differently next time.

Anyway, getting gas is no big deal - usually - but in Mexico at the Pemex stations we had been warned about the possibility of the station attendant finding a way to make a bit of extra cash. They MIGHT do this by either not zeroing the pump or claiming you didn't give them the amount of pesos that you did. 

The trouble for us is that Derek is easily distracted - VERY EASILY distracted. A PERFECT target. So, we decided that our plan would be for both of us to get out - lock our doors of course - and both stand watch at the pump. 

I know, it sounds like a bit of an ordeal - right?! Well, the first time went just fine and so have the times since. In the end it was all about getting over the hurdle of the FIRST Pemex station visit. 

Nothing special about a Pemex station they are everywhere down here - this just happened to be the first one we visited on this here our first trip to Mexico.

Of course we were thrilled with the price of gas! 82 cents a litre! That's about $3.10 a gallon.

The plan for our second day in Mexico was continuing our trek south. At Santa Ana we got on the number 15 south - a toll highway. Our destination was San Carlos - approximately 310 kms (193 miles).

Much of this stretch is under construction making the roads at times fairly dicey and VERY narrow. Hard to see - so I added lines for you - but for about 100 kms Derek had to make very sure that he didn't go to far to the right - the drop offs were HUGE!

We went through our second toll booth just north of Hermosillo - the cost for us - thankfully treated as an automobile, was 65 pesos, so about $5.00.

Sorry! Only one picture going through Hermosillo. 

Since this was our first large city to drive through we were holding our breaths a bit. I didn't take many pictures as I was navigating. Thankfully we also have the Bell's West Coast Road Log from On the Road in Mexico - it gives step by step directions on how to get around the city. 

The only problem was ME - I'll tell you that before Derek does. At one point I had my head so far into the road log and not reading the signs that I almost sent us right into the downtown!!! Thankfully Derek was still reading the signs and expertly maneuvered us into the lane we needed.

Note to Self: Look UP once in a while!

We did it!!! Now south of Hermosillo continuing towards Guaymas and San Carlos.

A crash course on driving on narrow roads.  Not much room to spare! 

And everyone says that Baja roads are narrow!

Now it's our turn to pass.

Just before Guaymas we turned off at the 133 km marker heading west. 

We had decided to spend the night at the Totonaka RV Park. It seems to be THE place to overnight on the way south. Thankfully the Church's Mexican Camping book also provides directions to the RV parks listed in their book.

Sorry - I forgot to take a picture of the entrance!

We were parked towards the back....

..... and right beside the washrooms and SHOWERS! yaaaaa for showers!

The park was still fairly quiet but quite a few large rigs. Funny - we are small but fairly intimidated driving through Mexico. But you drive into an RV Park such as this and see all the LARGE rigs and you wonder what are WE worried about!

It was a fairly overcast day but warm. Our site at Totonaka was 300 pesos - about $24.00. A bit steep but we knew that going in, at least it was only for one night. 

It didn't take us long to get to the beach! Our first beach walk since last January in Texas. 

Unfortunately the beach is fairly rocky and the flies were the worst!

Cassia still managed to have some beach fun.

Obviously I have to work on my picture taking. I realize now that I missed some stuff. We decided to go out for dinner that night at the restaurant beside the park. The words - free margaritas - MAY have had something to do with that. We enjoyed a nice dinner listening to music - three fellows singing and playing their instruments. Derek had marlin tostadas and I had the chile rellenos. 

It was a good day - we were starting to settle in a bit on the roads and were again happy with ourselves and each other that we had managed to reach our destination once again. 

Totonaka RV Park is located before San Carlos, which we didn't actually visit. After the long drive we were happy to be parked and the next morning we headed straight back to the toll road. I suppose we should have toured a bit but in the end we didn't. Itchy feet I guess.

Hasta luego!

Teresa

TODAY'S INTERESTING LINK: We don't have a house nor can we collect stuff, but that doesn't mean I don't like to look! For all you home bodies at there and those that LOVE to look at super cool stuff - Brit + Co is for you! 

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