December 26, 2012

A break in the weather caused us to pack up a day early and take off.  It took Scott about 10 feet across the snow-covered driveway before he decided we should load the bike into the back of Jake’s truck and have Ben and Matt drive us down to Redlands.

In Big Bear, loading the bike into Jake’s truck

It was dark when we got down to Redlands and off-loaded the bike at In-N-Out.  Had to have some dinner, of course, before we headed to the hotel in Colton.

December 27, 2012

We were up and on the road early.  The skies were clear, but it was a bit chilly – low 40s.  Our new motoport gear is warm – we were wishing that we had it for our Alaska trip!

Driving through the desert

Arizona border!

Long day of riding, but we made it to Tucson just after dark.  So good to see our friends, Kyle, Jessica and their family!!!!

Kyle and Jessica

Playing hell, of course!

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Left Tucson at 7:30 am — it was a brisk 37 degrees.  I thought Arizona was always warm….?!!  We drove south from Tucson to the border crossing at Nogales.

Welcome to Mexico!

Headed south on the toll road 15 toward Hermasillo.  The toll road – two lanes each direction  – had  quite a bit of construction activity that took it down to one lane each direction off and on, but the road is good and not too much traffic.  One toll booth charged 12 pesos, the second 32 pesos for the moto.

W pulled into Hermasillo about 2:30 and found an ATM – all set with pesos for now.  Decided to stay the night.  Checked one hotel that wasn’t up to par – they directed Scott to the “best” one in town and that is where we are – The Siesta.  The room is very nice, clean, flat screen, tv and wifi.  All for around $50.

Had dinner at the hotel restaurant – enchiladas and a chimichanga.  We were the only people in this beautiful restaurant – had the whole place to ourselves!

December 30, 2012

Started our day with a run – our new running shoes (Thank you Jessica!) that we bought in Tucson at Fleetfeet are great.  Scott is running with me (as my body guard ha!).  It seems like everyone here stays up really really late and gets up really really late!  We saw just a few people when we were out running.  Check out at our hotel isn’t until 1:00 pm.  Had breakfast at the hotel restaurant.  We had a little trouble ordering orange juice – I know we will get the hang of this eventually!  I had the most delicious bowl of yogurt, granola and fruit.  Scott ordered chorizo and eggs – the waiter looked at him a little perplexed when he asked for potatoes.  Scott said he would be happy to pay extra, he just wanted potatoes with his chorizo.  We were almost done with breakfast when the waiter brings Scott a plate of french fries and ketchup.  Hmm…..

Driving on the toll road

Continued down the toll road through 3 or 4 more toll booths.  About 1:30 pm decided to take a break and stop for lunch.  This little chicken stand looked promising…

Lunch at Ricos – a little stand on the side of the toll road

Grilled chicken, tortillas, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and salsa – yum!

Lots to watch as we ate lunch

We rode off the toll road about 20 minutes to see if we could find some missionaries from the Packinghouse that live in Alamos.  We found Rancho Maranatha, but it was abandoned.  Disappointing – it used to be an orphanage and school.

Rancho Maranatha

Dominos delivers!

Not sure which town this was, but there is a Dominos in most towns we are passing through.

Our hotel tonight 🙂

Our hotel tonight is just outside of the town of Los Mochis.  We decided to stop here because they have a restaurant, and it looks pretty new.  It is a “rendezvous” hotel – seriously!  It’s amenities are amusing  to say the least.

Los Mochis sunset

Got hit with a few hours of rain, so we are warming up in the hotel restaurant, eating chips and mariscos while using the internet.  Tomorrow we should be in Mazatlan for New Years.  Good night y’all!  or I guess it really should be Buenos Noches amigos!