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The Cruise--Details

I didn't include more details in the prior "The Cruise" post for two reasons. 1)  I didn't think anyone would be interested; and 2)  This trip didn't include much of the normal topics:  good beer, good coffee or John-style travel. But there are details, which may be useful to some people contemplating how such a trip is put together. On the first day of the trip, we drove three hours to pick up my mother in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  At 85, she isn't comfortable driving for long distances and hadn't flown for many years. We then drove 3 1/2 more hours to Chicago, where we checked into the Wyndham, where you can get a room that includes the cost of parking for up to 12 days.   We were up early on the hotel shuttle to O'Hare, where we then boarded the a non-stop American Airlines flight to New Orleans. Here, we checked into a Hampton Inn near the port.  My mother was pretty tired, so Julia and I went out for a Cajun dinner and live music.   Rememberi...

It's All Good

My wife Julia was pretty worried about this trip.  Friends, family and acquaintances warned her not to go.  What about the cartel?  What about the corrupt police?  Don't get me wrong.  Those things exist in Mexico, but they also exist in the United States.  There's always the chance of being in the wrong time at the wrong place wherever you are, but I wasn't worried.  I admit to being a little stressed by Julia being worried.  

We spent a restful night at the Hotel Ibis in Torreon, ate an early breakfast at the hotel, and headed out around 7:30 a.m.  


Unlike the day before the route today was almost entirely on Toll Roads.  We only had one short police stop during which I was asked for ID and for my destination.  Other than that, it was smooth going.  And I mean the roads were very smooth for the most part, compared to the previous day.  


We cruised past our originally planned stop at Durango and headed for our eventual destination:  Mazatlan.  The scenery on the way was gorgeous.  



There were mountains, lakes, and pines at the high elevations.  During the last couple of hours, there must have been a dozen tunnels blasted through the mountains--most short, but several very long.  



Driving on the two lane roads with an invisible middle third lane was even more challenging in mountains and tunnels.  There were often double yellow lines indicated no passing, but that didn't seem to bother most people.   I stayed alert and moved to the shoulder quickly whenever someone was passing from behind or in front.


We changed into mountain time today and arrived at our hotel in Mazatlan at about 1 p.m, two hours before check-in.  

Are We Almost There?

Fortunately, our room was ready, and we were able to unload our stuff and take a long walk around the Marina. 

We ate a light dinner at a restaurant down the street and headed back to the room early.  Julia has a Zoom call tonight with her weavers' guild back home, so I'm quietly blogging during her call.

Tomorrow, we move to our Airbnb which we have rented on an extended basis.  It was still booked tonight so no early check-in.

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