Moving into Northern Mexico

March 21/06

Yesterday and today again we put in a long day. The coastal roads are nice scenic winding roads but we are all looking forward to our own beds and some home cooked meals. Guess you could say that we are weary travellers at this point.

We pushed on past Puerto Vallarta back to the smaller resort / surfing town of Sayulita. It is not as busy here but still quite touristy. Spanish is not essential here. We have settled into a nice camping spot for a couple of days.

This is our second stop in Sayulita. It a nice place. Much like Puerto Vallarta was 25 years ago. Laid back, nice beach, good surfing. It has that typical half completed, half abandoned, Mexican appearance. Dirt streets, dogs and garbage in abundance, street vendors and temporary food kiosks mixed in with some very good hotels, campsites and restaurants.

We stayed at the Sayulita RV & Trailer Park. Bungalows, with or without kitchenettes are also available. It is a great place. Locate on the beach. Mexican architecture with Germen sensibilities. (Thanks to the nationality of the owner.)

March 23/06

The longest day (in distance covered) on the trip. We decided to take the pay roads when available and covered 900 kilometres from Sayulita to Hermosillo. Considering that it took us 3 hours to cover the first 100K we were surprised to cover the planned distance. There was a major accident on the highway between Sayulita and Tepic. With the bikes we were able to get through the ditch passed a jack knifed semi.

The toll roads in Mexico allow you to make good time but they are expensive. The rate for cars and motorcycles is 1 peso per kilometre ( approx. 10 cents)