27 March 2017
9:25 Left Friendly RV Park under cloudy skies. According to the internet we have a reasonable chance of getting over the passes before freezing sets in.
11:10; 15 minute pee break at the Rogue River Rest Area, I-5 Oregon
1:10 20 minute Fuel at Rice Hill I-5 exit 148. Lunch was Snacking as we drove
3:00 PM we arrived at Blue OX RV Park in Albany, OR. A nice park just off the I-5. We could have gone on for another hour or two to an I-5 Rest area but we know that tomorrow could see us in Port Angeles at a reasonable time.
RV service and Mechanic note: McKay Truck is just another exit north, full RVservice: heavy duty diesel mechanics and RV Techs. Over night is allowed outside the gate. Sani dump as well. We have had excellent service here over the years.
28 March 2017
8:50 on the road north.
11:35 Rest Area @ MM 91 I-5 WN 25 minute doggy stop.
1:35 Lunch stop at the Goeduck Restaurant at Brinnon on the 101 up the Olympic Peninsula, Puget Sound area. We were just able to park on the roadside. Food was excellent. Back driving again at 2:10.
Entering Port Angeles we stopped on the main street heading into town to disconnect the Jeep. We then carried on to the Port Angeles Safeway for fuel wanting to arrive home with a full tank of inexpensive American Diesel.
4:00 PM we were parked on the street in the ferry line up for the night. Here we don't put the slides out or level the rig. Not too far off level for the fridge.
We usually find somewhere for dinner here rather than cook in the rig. In previous years we have looked forward to Bella Italia for great Italian food and an extensive wine list. The past few years we have found the food has deteriorated somewhat from excellent/ superb to very good/fine. This year we decided to try Michael's across the street from Bella Italia. Wow, what a treat! Even a flight of three single malt whiskys for $15.00 US. to perk Art up a bit. Gillian enjoyed a flight of wines also at an excellent price.
No notes in the log as to bed time. :)
29 March 2017
Up early, entered the Ferry lot at 6:50 AM
10:25 clear Canada Customs in Victoria, Gillian headed directly home in the Jeep with Prana while Art detoured to Fort Royal RV Park to empty the holding tanks and fill up the fresh water tanks before carrying on home.
12:35 Arrived home, our mobile Emergency Kit ready with full fuel and water, near full propane and empty holding tanks. 11,804 kilometers after leaving last October.
Thursday 21 September 2017
Homeward through the USA, Ajo AZ to Weed, CA
We take various routes home to Victoria BC Canada, this was this years, others can be seen in previous blog posts. The posts are based on log book entries which records starts and stops.
24 March 2017 Departed AJO AZ at 9:40, heading home hopefully via Nevada, Susanville CA and to the I-5 at Mount Shasta. A lot depends on weather. The forecast on leaving Ajo appeared favourable.
12:25 One hour lunch stop at roadside pullout on Highway 93AZ
3:00 Tried Flying J Exit 53 on I40 in Kiingman, much difficulty finding RV entrance--poor signage. Gave up and a 15:15 began fueling at the TA across the street, difficult access.
3:30 on the road again towards Las Vegas. Very heavy traffic at Boulder City, much road construction. Boulder City RV Park full. carried on towards Las Vegas.
6:00 PM arrived at Duck Creek RV Park in Henderson/Las Vegas. Nice park
25 March 9:10 AM on the road through Las Vegas heading towards Tonopah. A quick pee break for the dog at noon and at 1:30 stopped at a rest area after passing through Tonopah. On the road again in 50 minutes
3:45 stopped at Hawthorne for groceries and an hour later were parked at Whisky Flats RV Park next door. This in a nice clean park, we stayed here once before when howling winds forced a stop in the middle of the day.
26 March, 8:45 on the road to Fallon where at 10:00 we stopped for 30 minutes fuel and a pee break.
12:40 Lunch stop at a rest area on the CA 395, on the road again at 1:25. Cloudy weather through Susanville and at the junction of the 36 and 44 west of Susanville we ran into the first drops of rain that we had seen for months. Keeping fingers crossed. Clouds ahead beginning to look ugly.
At 3:36 we got a good wack on windshield from a rock thrown up by an on-coming truck. Nice sized star. Hopefully repairable. At 4:00 PM, about 5 Km from the I-5 it began to snow.
By 4:15 we had arrived at the Friendly RV Park in Weed. We had been here last year, nice little park but a bit tight sometimes for a big rig. The rig that arrive later as was parked behind us had been told that we were leaving early (What Us? Leave early?) They were eventually able to back up and go around after the rig beside us left.
24 March 2017 Departed AJO AZ at 9:40, heading home hopefully via Nevada, Susanville CA and to the I-5 at Mount Shasta. A lot depends on weather. The forecast on leaving Ajo appeared favourable.
12:25 One hour lunch stop at roadside pullout on Highway 93AZ
3:00 Tried Flying J Exit 53 on I40 in Kiingman, much difficulty finding RV entrance--poor signage. Gave up and a 15:15 began fueling at the TA across the street, difficult access.
3:30 on the road again towards Las Vegas. Very heavy traffic at Boulder City, much road construction. Boulder City RV Park full. carried on towards Las Vegas.
6:00 PM arrived at Duck Creek RV Park in Henderson/Las Vegas. Nice park
25 March 9:10 AM on the road through Las Vegas heading towards Tonopah. A quick pee break for the dog at noon and at 1:30 stopped at a rest area after passing through Tonopah. On the road again in 50 minutes
3:45 stopped at Hawthorne for groceries and an hour later were parked at Whisky Flats RV Park next door. This in a nice clean park, we stayed here once before when howling winds forced a stop in the middle of the day.
26 March, 8:45 on the road to Fallon where at 10:00 we stopped for 30 minutes fuel and a pee break.
12:40 Lunch stop at a rest area on the CA 395, on the road again at 1:25. Cloudy weather through Susanville and at the junction of the 36 and 44 west of Susanville we ran into the first drops of rain that we had seen for months. Keeping fingers crossed. Clouds ahead beginning to look ugly.
At 3:36 we got a good wack on windshield from a rock thrown up by an on-coming truck. Nice sized star. Hopefully repairable. At 4:00 PM, about 5 Km from the I-5 it began to snow.
By 4:15 we had arrived at the Friendly RV Park in Weed. We had been here last year, nice little park but a bit tight sometimes for a big rig. The rig that arrive later as was parked behind us had been told that we were leaving early (What Us? Leave early?) They were eventually able to back up and go around after the rig beside us left.
Wednesday 20 September 2017
The run home:
For those searching blogs for driving routes and info I'll briefly outline our route and times from PV
19 March 2017 Left Puerto Vallarta at 8:10; 15 minute stop for fuel in Compostella at 10:00 then grinding up the hill to Tepic and on to a one hour lunch break at the Toll Booth at Estacion Ruiz at 11:50
Several toll booths later we arrived at San Fernando RV Park in Mazatlan at 3:45., the new Toll Highway bypassing most of Mazatlan saves a lot of time and stress driving through Mazatlan from the south.
Note however, that south bound through Maz, the Left Turn to the road for San Fernando is not permitted. We had to continue several kilometres south to the roundabout and return north to make a right.
21 March Departed San Fernando at 7;37, fuel and lunch in Los Mochis at 12:15 (At La Pilarica Pemex just before the bridge entering the city of Los Mochis.)
Looking for La Pilarica? we left Caseta de Cobro (toll booth) Puente Sinaloa, Guasave, at 11:23, odometer 129799 kilometers, arrived La Pilarica at 12:15, odometer 129868 (at the pump)
Note the unusual early starts--heading home we tend to do long drives especially if there are no really great stopping spots enroute. We'd rather spend an extra day somewhere comfortable.
For an overnight stop La Pilarica is an option. There is a truck "Pension" behind the station, fenced with a security guard. A tip to the security guard is appropriate. Otherwise no charge.
Carrying on at 13:28 and 5 tolls later, we arrived at La Totonaka RV Park in San Carlos at 18:40--just getting dark. Note that on the Guymas bypass at this time of evening you will have the setting sun right in your eyes. A clean windshield is a must! We stayed here 2 nights, had a good visit with friends.
Off again on the 23rd at 8:15 heading north.
If you are using this as a route map, from Totonaka to the right turn in Hermasillo onto the bypass is 132 kilometers. Entering Hermasillo get in the right lane as soon as possible, the right turn is only a few blocks, immediately past the San Sebastion Hotel. (our time, 1 hour 50 minutes)
Watch the speed limits in Hermasillo, particularly the never ending 60 Km/H limit leaving the city.
At Santa Ana, we turn left. Many others continue north and cross the US border at Nogales.
12:35 Just through Santa Ana we stopped for fuel and a lunch break at a roomy Pemex for one hour.
2:30 Banjercito near Pitiquito where we must stop to cancel the vehicle permit. Note this large building is just past the railroad crossing and is on the other side of the road. There IS NO ENTRANCE FOR NORTH BOUND TRAFFIC! There is (or used to be) an access blocked of with orange cones, between the south bound exit and the south bound entrance. Go in here, stop as soon as you can with out blocking other traffic (don't drive up to the inspection booths) and one of you walk to the office for an official. One will come when convenient to remove the decal. To leave, make a U-turn (we went through a vacant inspection booth to our left) and exit the way you came in. Continue on north (rather West) bound until you come to another customs stop. Again on the left side of the highway. Park on the shoulder and walk across to get you passport exit stamp and return your tourist card (FMM). Note: This immigration office closes at 4:00 PM. If you miss it, you can take care of this in Sonoyta right at the border but there is almost NO parking.
We got away from the banjercito at 2:50
The good news there are no more toll booths before the border! Bad news, between Puerto Vallarta and before the banjercito we paid 2,633 pesos for the motorhome and the jeep.
4:41 through US customs/immigration only 5 minutes--no ag inspection this year.
5:50 Arrived at Belly Acres in Ajo AZ (north end of town beside the Napa Auto parts--also a good heavy duty mechanic.
Many options on routes home depending on where you live! I may try to outline out route home this year. Previous post (years) will detail some of our previous routes.
19 March 2017 Left Puerto Vallarta at 8:10; 15 minute stop for fuel in Compostella at 10:00 then grinding up the hill to Tepic and on to a one hour lunch break at the Toll Booth at Estacion Ruiz at 11:50
Several toll booths later we arrived at San Fernando RV Park in Mazatlan at 3:45., the new Toll Highway bypassing most of Mazatlan saves a lot of time and stress driving through Mazatlan from the south.
Note however, that south bound through Maz, the Left Turn to the road for San Fernando is not permitted. We had to continue several kilometres south to the roundabout and return north to make a right.
21 March Departed San Fernando at 7;37, fuel and lunch in Los Mochis at 12:15 (At La Pilarica Pemex just before the bridge entering the city of Los Mochis.)
Looking for La Pilarica? we left Caseta de Cobro (toll booth) Puente Sinaloa, Guasave, at 11:23, odometer 129799 kilometers, arrived La Pilarica at 12:15, odometer 129868 (at the pump)
Note the unusual early starts--heading home we tend to do long drives especially if there are no really great stopping spots enroute. We'd rather spend an extra day somewhere comfortable.
For an overnight stop La Pilarica is an option. There is a truck "Pension" behind the station, fenced with a security guard. A tip to the security guard is appropriate. Otherwise no charge.
Carrying on at 13:28 and 5 tolls later, we arrived at La Totonaka RV Park in San Carlos at 18:40--just getting dark. Note that on the Guymas bypass at this time of evening you will have the setting sun right in your eyes. A clean windshield is a must! We stayed here 2 nights, had a good visit with friends.
Off again on the 23rd at 8:15 heading north.
If you are using this as a route map, from Totonaka to the right turn in Hermasillo onto the bypass is 132 kilometers. Entering Hermasillo get in the right lane as soon as possible, the right turn is only a few blocks, immediately past the San Sebastion Hotel. (our time, 1 hour 50 minutes)
Watch the speed limits in Hermasillo, particularly the never ending 60 Km/H limit leaving the city.
At Santa Ana, we turn left. Many others continue north and cross the US border at Nogales.
12:35 Just through Santa Ana we stopped for fuel and a lunch break at a roomy Pemex for one hour.
2:30 Banjercito near Pitiquito where we must stop to cancel the vehicle permit. Note this large building is just past the railroad crossing and is on the other side of the road. There IS NO ENTRANCE FOR NORTH BOUND TRAFFIC! There is (or used to be) an access blocked of with orange cones, between the south bound exit and the south bound entrance. Go in here, stop as soon as you can with out blocking other traffic (don't drive up to the inspection booths) and one of you walk to the office for an official. One will come when convenient to remove the decal. To leave, make a U-turn (we went through a vacant inspection booth to our left) and exit the way you came in. Continue on north (rather West) bound until you come to another customs stop. Again on the left side of the highway. Park on the shoulder and walk across to get you passport exit stamp and return your tourist card (FMM). Note: This immigration office closes at 4:00 PM. If you miss it, you can take care of this in Sonoyta right at the border but there is almost NO parking.
We got away from the banjercito at 2:50
The good news there are no more toll booths before the border! Bad news, between Puerto Vallarta and before the banjercito we paid 2,633 pesos for the motorhome and the jeep.
4:41 through US customs/immigration only 5 minutes--no ag inspection this year.
5:50 Arrived at Belly Acres in Ajo AZ (north end of town beside the Napa Auto parts--also a good heavy duty mechanic.
Many options on routes home depending on where you live! I may try to outline out route home this year. Previous post (years) will detail some of our previous routes.
Yes we made it to PV (and later, home.)
I knew we ("I" to be truthful) hadn't posted much on the way home but I didn't realise that I had left you all (both?) hanging with the mirror saga incomplete.
February 2017:
Uneventful run up the Michoacan Coast, (Yes Again!) passing the Jeep Hijack spot uneventfully this time. First stop was in the little village of Cuyutlàn just north of Tecoman.
Spent two nights at Coconutz RV Park, joining one of Gillian's friends from home along with the friends friends at a local burger joint in the village. Next day we drove several kilometers south on the beach front road to join many of them again at a house party. Great time, many new friends.
Friday morning (17th February) we managed to get rolling before 9:00 AM--8:58 to be exact. I'm still trying to figure out how we did that!
About an hour north Art noticed that the electrical / battery bay door kept swinging open. At the first safe area we pulled off the road to investigate. We were luck not having to wait too long--these places are few and far between on this stretch of the 200. A couple of new holes drilled, he was able to reset the bracket a bit closer to the latch and we were good to go. For insurance he also added a screw to which he hooked a small bungee cord. (In retrospect, the bungee wasn't needed.) Having foregone a lunch stop, though we snacked a bit on apples etc. en route, we arrived at the Puerto Vallarta Trailer Park at 3:15.
Here we would stay a month, Art and Gillian both taking Spanish classes at our friends language school: http://spanishschoolvallarta.com/ Art took Level 2 (for at least the third time) while Gillian did Level 3. This meant that at least one of us was home with Prana during the heat of the day. We really need to do our Spanish classed at the beginning of our Mexican stay instead of at the end!
We also contacted Velvac to order a new mirror glass. We should have time to get one shipped from the USA and install it. No fun driving with that little convex mirror.
Art was pleased when the package arrived from Velvac. Until he opened the package to find that they had sent the wrong glass, we got a new convex mirror glass, with the mounting bracket for the rectangular glass. A quick phone call and the correct glass was sent by expedited shipping at no cost to us. It was easy to install, we were ready to move on.
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