It’s been a few days since I posted anything on this site.  Just a case of not being around a hot-spot and busy doing maintenance on the car.  I wonder where Hotel-6 minded me rotating tires, changing oil and spark plugs in their parking lot.  I had to get the brakes bled in Yuma, where everyone is gearing up fro Thanksgiving, and not many were interesting in doing any work.  This is the SHORT version.  I finally got it done, with two new brake drums as well, and high-tailed it to Nogales, Arizona, which is less than a mile from the Mexican border.

Tomorrow, I have to go to Sanbornes, a place that sells insurance for vehicles travelling into Mexico, and then it well be off to the border.  The closer you get to the border on the States side, the more patrols you see.  On the TV there are daily news articles depicting the border patrols as ‘vigilant’ and ‘all encompassing’.  I’m sure in an effort towards intimidation to those on the other side thinking about ‘the jump’ as they call it down here.

Approaching Yuma, you pass mile upon mile of crops being tended by groups of Mexicans, and the accompanying WHITE VAN.  It’s quite surreal.  We are so far away from this issue, yet it is the going concern down here and only a taste of the obvious disparity to come.

I had a supper down the street from my motel and for the first time was completely surrounded by Spanish.  My ears were perked listening for words I could pick out and for those I would have to look up later.  It feels like when I was in Panama last and, whereas for the last few days I have been a little hesitant, now I am full of anticipation and can’t wait to dive in.

I would have to guess at the temperature, but I am walking around outside with a t-shirt on at 11 p.m.  I’d say 20 C,  Also, the road signs have returned to KM. now.  A welcome sight.

Here are the remaining pics of Vegas.

And a few shots along the road to Yuma, Arizona.  I was always keeping my eye out for Wile E. Coyote.

The picture below has got to be one of my favourite pictures of Twogunz, in her natural habitat.

Ok, so that ought to get you up to date a little.

This leg of the tour had been mostly getting used to having a different bed every night and managing the logistics of everyday ‘life’ as it now exists.  Goofing around and checking out what is in my way.  From now on it will all be from Spanish-land, and the remaining two thirds of this trip.  Mostly goofing around and checking out what’s along the way.  By the way, the odometer sits at 6242 km today.  Glad I did the oil change.