San Antonio Texas to Sabinas Mexico-Sept 14 12

 

Up at 5 am…wanted an early start to reach the Mexican border and avoid the rush hour traffic…..traffic was bad…especially as it was raining…..did I say I hate riding on interstates in the rain…. Pedro, almost ready this am.

Arrived at Eagles Pass just ahead of noon……Walmart stop so Pedro could stock up tooth paste……I stood guard by the bikes in the rain. Next we had to purchase insurance for Mexico…liability for 32 days was $158.00 for 6 months $ 147.00…go figure 

You can see Mexico over the bridge 

We were told by the agent to take Hwy 57 to Allente about 45 minutes away…it took 1 1/2 hours…..crazy slow speed limits in the middle of nowhere……arrived in the small town and what do I see but a 1999 Kawasaki…..same as the one I wrecked on the Alaska trek. Big bikes in Mexico are not the norm. Stopped a police officer who spoke no English and moi no Espanol …so you can see how my question for directions to the Customs office and bank went…..we were successfull in both by luck….the bank was in the hardware store at the back. While Pedro was exchanging currencies, I was astonnished to see the army coming up the street with a turret humvie  going around and for a moment I was facing the barrel of a machine gun. They stopped at a grocery store across from me and the soldiers fanned out. I asked a passerby what was going on and he said a cash drop. The area was dangerous a couple years ago with the Cartel burning 25 houses…etc.   click on the pics to enlarge

We left there for the migracion and audauna, spelling is incorrect but we had a fairly easy check through 5837.50 plus 248.00 pesos and 2 american dollars we were let loose. Drove around the corner of the building where we were stopped and ask for the papers we had just purchased…then we once again free to roam….I had asked for a 30 day permit but he said I am giving you 6 months for bike and self…enjoy your stay…Gracious Amigo. Our Checkers

Tonight we are in The Hotel EL Dorado in the town of Sabinas….  

It was suggested that we eat across the street and around the corner..what a great atmosphere. We were given the royal treatment, wonderful people. We had asked for directions back on Hwy 57 for a place to stay…..the chap who sent us into town from a few miles away came by to see if we were okay and asked us to stay off the streets at night….how is that for “ Welcome to My Country “ In the pic above our bikes are in a secure courtyard outside the door with a security guard.

 

Pedro getting ready for bed our room