Camper Travel 1974-1975

On a 13-month journey from North America through Central & South America, back to our starting point in NYC. Our means of transportation was a model 1972 VW Westfalia camper with a 1700cc engine and pop-up top. Total miles 37,492. Lue lisää

Seuraa Yhteenveto Kalenteri Valokuvat Jaa

Camper Travel 1974-1975 Matkaaja
Day 32 - Leaving Vancouver BC
1. kesäkuuta 1974, Kanada
May 31
We got up early and returned to Vancouver on the 8 AM ferry. After a late breakfast in the city, we stopped by the Swiss Consulate to pick up the forwarded mail. Then we spent the rest of the day at the Suleiman’s home and reunited with Wally.

Obviously, he had fallen in love with Vestina’s sister, Johanna. That evening we danced the night away at YMCA with all of Wally’s friends.

June 1
It was time to say goodbye to Vancouver. Wally wasn’t thrilled about it, of course. It was tough for him, and seeing him struggle with the goodbyes broke our hearts. We would have liked to give him a few more days, but we needed to move on and stick to our travel plan.

He pinned a photo of Johanna next to his bunk bed. It will probably take him a few days to get over it.

It was raining again all day. In Hope, BC, we turned onto Route #3 and found a nice campsite in Manning Provincial Park. Wally caught a few trouts, but they were all undersized, and we had to put them back.Lue lisää
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Camper Travel 1974-1975 Matkaaja
Day 33 - Washington State
3. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
We continued south on Route #97 and crossed the border into Washington State at Oroville. When we refueled in Tonasket, we noticed many American Indians in town and discovered that the Okanogan Indian Reservation was nearby.

Ursula found an opportunity to wash our clothes. As a thank-you, Wally treated her to lunch at a hamburger joint. In the afternoon, our drive continued to Omak, where we turned onto Route #155.

In Grand Coulee, we found a convenient campground for the night not far from the gigantic Columbia River dam. Here the landscape looked desolate, with bald hills and scattered arid brush. But even this landscape had charm, especially in the evening after the sun disappeared and the skies turned to color.Lue lisää
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Camper Travel 1974-1975 Matkaaja
Day 35 - Spokane
4. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
Yesterday, Wally had to work on our camper almost all day, so we didn’t get to Spokane until late last night. Even though we covered our ears, we heard roaring noises throughout the night, only to realize that we were camped next to a military airport this morning. We watched a B52 bomber take off - probably for Vietnam. How can an enormous heavy beast like that even fly?

Spokane was hosting Expo74, the first world fair on the environment, which we planned to visit. But first, we wanted to visit Mr. & Mrs. Martin, the parents of an architect friend Ursula had worked with in New York at I.M. Pei. They were happy to get to meet us.

After a welcome coffee, Mr. Martin drove us to Expo74 and gave us recommendations on key points of interest. We spent the rest of the day at the Expo, visiting several pavilions and trying to absorb as much as possible. I was especially impressed by the Australian and Washington State pavilions.

After the fireworks, Mr. Martin picked us up again, and we chatted with them at home over coffee and homemade cake until after midnight.Lue lisää
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Camper Travel 1974-1975 Matkaaja
Day 36 - Idaho - Montana
6. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
June 5th
Upon leaving the next day, Mrs. Martin gave us home-baked delicacies to take along. Ursula would have liked to see more of Spokane or even return to the Expo, but Wally and I preferred to move on. We crossed Idaho at its northern end and soon found ourselves in Montana. It was as I had imagined—mountains, green hills, and a much open, vast country.

We were at a higher elevation again, and it was colder. The locals there were complaining that there would be no summer this year! We spent the night at the Elkhorn Ranch in Clinton, which had fabulous hot showers.

June 6th
Before departing this morning, we went horseback riding. It was the first time on a horse for Wally. The horses were OK, but the trail was not so great. Besides, it started to rain, and we had to cut our excursion short. The journey continued, following the Yellowstone River toward the National Park.

At one point, we had to drive at a snail's pace behind a group of cowboys driving a cattle herd down the road in front of us, like in the old Wild West movies. Cattle dogs were running and circling the herd. We enjoyed watching this exciting spectacle.

Tonight we are camping (hiding) behind a massive boulder on the side of the road leading to the North Entrance of Yellowstone Park. It is getting cold, and Heinz has a warm fire going.Lue lisää
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Camper Travel 1974-1975 Matkaaja
Day 37 - Yellowstone
7. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
The first impressive sight in this enormous Park was the Mammoth Hot Springs. Boiling thermal water flows down a hill forming several terraces/pools and building up colored limestone deposits. The colors change depending on the minerals in the water. It could be white, creamy, yellowish, or light brown. It looked amazing and smelled like rotten eggs due to the high sulfur content.

The visiting area of the thermal springs and Geysers was well done, with good signpost explanations. The walking path was above ground like a boardwalk, leading us over bridges and bedrock to all the sights. Because it was so cold, the Geysers were visible against the sky with their clouds of steam. The evaporation descends on our heads as light snow. They erupted about every 10-15 minutes. One of them shoots as high as 60 feet up into the air. It was spectacular to watch.

Later, we cruised around the Park, looking for wildlife. Luck was on our side. We got to see Elk, Deer, Buffalo, and a Grizzly. At one point, a Black Bear was trotting comfortably on the road before us.

We spent the night at an official Park Campground. A cute, small rabbit was hopping around our camper. There are Grizzly warning signs everywhere, and probably for good reason.Lue lisää
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Day 38 - Yellowstone II
8. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
(Ursula) It took forever. But after Wally finally finished his letter to Johanna, we visited Old Faithful (the largest Geyser) near the Park’s South Exit. Old Faithful was also the landmark of Yellowstone, pictured on many brochures. It was indeed an impressive Geyser to watch. The eruptions lasted about 3 minutes, and they shot more than 100 feet in the air at their peak.

A little bit further ahead, we stopped on a bridge by Moose Falls. Heinz and Wally grabbed their fishing rods and disappeared downstream. Meanwhile, I stayed at the camper and tested my patience, photographing chipmunks. These little creatures were so cute but also quick and unpredictable in their movements. It was challenging to get good pictures. Then I read my book for a while.

The sun had already set when I noticed a black bear crossing the bridge in the twilight. Then I looked at my watch. Oh, my god! It was 9 PM, and it worried me that my men were still out. Lots of scenarios went through my head! I decided to wait another 30 minutes; then, I would drive to the Ranger Station to get help.

Thankfully, it all ended well. The boys got back a few minutes later with big smirks on their faces and a T-Shirt filled with Rainbow trout. I quickly fired up our Coleman stove and got to fry those fish. It was a late dinner but Ooh, so delicious. I was feeling relieved and grateful.Lue lisää
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Camper Travel 1974-1975 Matkaaja
Day 39 - Wyoming
9. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
(Ursula) We are in the state of Wyoming now. Drove through Gand Teton National Park and are happy about the warmer weather. The scenery was a traveler's dream: green hills and lush meadows, many lakes, with snow-covered peaks in the background. You want to stop at every lookout point and take pictures. Occasionally we saw a cattle farm but no other homes until we reached Jackson Hole.

After shopping, we visited the old part of town, preserved as a Wild West City. It was nice to see something different besides the stereotypical American towns with McDonald's, BurgerKings, DairyQueens, etc.

We put the camper through a car wash and found a nearby campground with a swimming pool where Wally & Heinz gave it a wax & polish. Now it almost looks like new again! Meanwhile, I kept busy washing clothes. It's perfect where we are; I could easily stay for a week!

I'm noticing that Wally is slowly getting to be himself again.Lue lisää
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Day 40 - Wyoming II
11. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
June 10th
The weather in Wyoming was absolutely gorgeous today—warm and sunny, so we all decided to make it a rest day. Well, calling it a “rest day” is a bit of an exaggeration because there’s always something to do with a camper, but at least we weren’t on the road. Wally got busy with an oil change and a little maintenance on the camper. Ursula worked on fixing a tear in our sleeping bag. As for me, I tackled a project I’ve been putting off—mounting the spare wheel above the front bumper and spray-painting a Swiss flag on the wheel cover. I also found a way to clear some space for the toolbox on the lower level, so now we don’t have to climb onto the roof every time we need a tool.

June 11th
I had the camper all set for an early start, but as we sat outside, we all changed our minds. Instead, we spent the morning by the pool, and honestly, it was the perfect choice for such a beautiful, warm day. Of course, our bodies were a bit of a sight—a mix of sunburns and untanned patches.

After a relaxing time at the pool, we finally hit the road after lunch, heading toward Salt Lake City. By evening, we found a lovely campsite by Bear Lake. Unfortunately, Ursula was feeling really unwell—sick with a stomach flu. She took some medicine and went straight to bed without even having dinner. I felt so bad for my Ursula. ❤️Lue lisää
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Day 41 - Bear Lake - SLC
12. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
(Ursula) I still wasn’t feeling great in the morning, so I stayed in bed until noon. But a refreshing shower slowly revived me, and by the afternoon, we were ready to hit the road again.

Before we reached Salt Lake City, we crossed a stunning mountain range, offering gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape.

Unfortunately, the only camping option in Salt Lake City turned out to be a trailer park right next to a busy highway. The weather was hot and sticky, and we all felt a bit uncomfortable. We just hoped the night would bring a bit of relief with cooler temperatures.Lue lisää
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Camper Travel 1974-1975 Matkaaja
Day 42 - Salt Lake City
13. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
(Ursula) I knew Salt Lake City was predominantly Mormon, but I had imagined they would somehow look different or stand out in some way. Turns out, I was completely wrong—they were just like regular people.

We parked the camper near the city center and explored on foot, checking out all the important landmarks.

The Mormon Temple was by far the most impressive. Inside, we were amazed by the massive pipe organ, and the sound quality was truly remarkable. Our tour guide even demonstrated its power by dropping a hairpin onto the Altar, and we could hear it clearly all the way in the back. Afterward, we visited the Utah State Capitol and Fort Douglas.

The 98-degree heat was still unbearable, so we headed to the lake to cool off. The highly saline water allowed our bodies to float effortlessly, providing a refreshing break. After a quick shower, we resumed our drive west. As far as the eye could see, we were surrounded by dry salt flats on both sides of the highway.

Once we crossed into Nevada, the landscape quickly turned into a sandy desert, which was neither fascinating nor enjoyable in the extreme heat. By late afternoon, we needed to find a place to camp, but camping in the Nevada Desert? No thanks!

We decided to veer off the main highway after Wells, following a narrow dirt road toward the mountains. The road began to climb, and soon we found ourselves in a State Park with a small, tranquil lake. At 11,000 feet, it was wonderfully cool up there.

The campground had drinking water and restrooms, and by the south shore, the lake was still frozen, with patches of snow visible on the surrounding slopes. The night was short but blissfully cool and peaceful.Lue lisää
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Camper Travel 1974-1975 Matkaaja
Day 43 - Reno - Sacramento - SF
15. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
June 15th
(Ursula) As we drove from Reno to Sacramento, the landscape gradually transformed from the bald, dry terrain to gentle hills dotted with cedars. Soon, we entered a mountain range filled with pine forests, creating a stunning contrast against the clear blue sky. In Sacramento, we visited the California State Capitol and its surrounding parks. For the first time, we saw orange trees bursting with almost ripe fruits—I couldn’t help but wish I could pick some!

The city felt clean, well-kept, and almost like a garden. The palm trees reminded me of the Caribbean.

June 16th
A few hours south, we finally caught our first glimpse of San Francisco. We drove over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and the view was simply breathtaking! The drive along the harbor, with sailboats dotting the Bay and Spanish-inspired buildings lining the road, was a true pleasure.

We headed to Fisherman’s Wharf, where the streets were bustling with Sunday strollers and tourists. Stands were selling fresh crabs, shrimp, and fish. We couldn’t resist eating at a fish restaurant and enjoyed delicious Filets de Sol.

Afterward, we explored the famous hills of the city. Some of them were so steep it seemed impossible for cars to stay put. It was fascinating to see how they park cars at an angle—and somehow, it works!

We climbed Telegraph Hill, which offered a perfect vantage point of the city. Along the way, we noticed some unusually dressed people—barefoot with long hair. It looked like they were dressed for a carnival, but I had no idea what trend they were following. San Francisco certainly has its own unique vibe!Lue lisää
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Day 47 - San Francisco
17. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
June 17th
(Ursula) We saw quite a bit of San Francisco, but there was still so much more to explore. Unfortunately, we had to remind ourselves that we were on a journey and just passing through—which, at times, was hard for me to accept.

When we visited the Swiss Consulate to pick up our mail, the gentleman there acted a little smug. He asked for my ID, and I couldn’t help but think he was being a typical “bünzli” Swiss. However, his cautious approach was quickly justified when we opened a small package (insured for $150) that contained Heinz’s lost Bulova watch. It was a mystery who found it and sent it here, but Heinz was thrilled to have it back.

Next, we took a quick trip through the Bay Area and dropped off our films at Kodak in Palo Alto. On our way back, we stumbled upon a lovely campsite on the Pacific coast, which was the perfect spot to settle in for the night.

June 18th
(Ursula) Unfortunately, it was raining in the morning, but we didn’t let that stop us. We visited Golden Gate Park, where we particularly enjoyed the Japanese Tea Garden and Greenhouse. The grounds were beautifully manicured and serene. Then we parked downtown and walked past City Hall to Union Square.

One of the highlights was taking the elevator up to the 32nd floor of the San Francisco Hotel. This elevator was unique, with glass walls all around, mounted to the outside of the building. It was both exhilarating and a bit scary! By the second ride, that funny feeling in my stomach was gone.

For lunch, we headed to Cliff House Restaurant, where we had the hard task of choosing from 40 different omelets. We enjoyed the magnificent view of the Pacific surf and surfers braving the cold water.

June 19th
(Ursula) The sun was shining again! We started the day by visiting the Mission San Francisco de Asís, then took a leisurely drive along the Pacific coast, snapping some beautiful photos along the way.

In the afternoon, we made our way back to the town center and visited the Bank of America building, designed by Skidmore. It was my favorite structure in San Francisco—modern, sleek, and awe-inspiring. We ended the day with a delicious dinner at the famous Chinese Empress Restaurant, which was the perfect icing on the cake for such a wonderful day!Lue lisää
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Camper Travel 1974-1975 Matkaaja
Day 50 - Sequoya National Park
20. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
June 20th
(Ursula) We said our goodbyes to San Francisco and set off for Sequoia National Park, passing through Fresno on the way. The park is famous for its massive and towering Sequoia trees, some of which are over 3,500 years old! These giants have endured countless fires, and their bark can grow up to 23 inches thick, offering them protection.

One tree, hollow at the base and looking partially burned, was still thriving—tall, healthy, and crowned with a lush green canopy. Standing among these incredible trees, we couldn’t help but feel so small in comparison to their age and grandeur.

We camped overnight in the park and enjoyed a refreshing dip in the cold mountain creek, the perfect way to cool off after a day of awe-inspiring exploration. Tomorrow, we’ll be heading to Las Vegas, ready for the next adventure!Lue lisää
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Day 51 - Bakersfield
21. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
June 21st
(Ursula) The sun beat down relentlessly as we left Sequoia National Park and drove towards Bakersfield. It was hard to believe anything could thrive in this heat, but we passed mile after mile of orange, lemon, apricot, and peach orchards. The sight of these lush plantations was a surprising contrast to the dry, scorching landscape.

I couldn’t resist picking up some fresh oranges and nectarines from one of the orchards. I chopped them up and mixed them with cereal and yogurt, creating a refreshing, light dinner that hit the spot after a hot day.

Tonight, we’re staying in a trailer park, taking advantage of the laundry facilities and getting some chores done. The perfect way to unwind before continuing our journey!Lue lisää
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Day 52 - Las Vegas, Boulder Beach
22. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
June 22nd
(Ursula) The heat was unbearable even in the morning as we hit the road toward Las Vegas. Along the way, we picked up a couple of hitchhikers heading to the same destination. With no AC in our camper, we kept the windows cracked, hoping to create a slight draft to cool us down.

By the time we arrived in Las Vegas, the temperature was so intense that sightseeing was out of the question. The air was like a blast from a hairdryer—hot and dry. All we could think of was finding water to escape the heat. So, we made a beeline for Lake Mead, where we camped at the Boulder Beach Campground.

We spent as much time as we could submerged in the lake, staying up to our necks in the water, just trying to shield ourselves from the 125-degree heatwave.

Even after the sun set, the temperature didn’t drop much. So, we ended up sleeping outside on top of camping tables, covered in wet beach towels. It was uncomfortable, but at least it was cooler than being inside the camper. Oh, man—what a night!Lue lisää
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Dat 53 - Grand Canyons
23. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
June 23rd
(Ursula) The extreme heat in Las Vegas was relentless, and we were both done with it. Maybe we’ll return to the city at another time in our lives, but for now, we were eager to escape. So, we set our sights on Grand Canyon National Park next.

The hitchhiker couple from yesterday ended up sticking with us, and we all made the 5-hour drive together. Upon arrival at the South Rim, we were relieved to find a free camping spot at a 7,000-foot elevation—the cooler temperatures were a huge relief after the scorching heat of Vegas.

As the sun began to set, the view from the edge of the canyon was simply breathtaking. Wally and Heinz captured some incredible photos. Later that evening, we met a Swiss couple from Zurich, Robert & Annelise, who were camping at the same site. We spent hours swapping stories about our travels and plans, sharing a wonderful evening of conversation that stretched late into the night. What a perfect way to unwind after the heat!Lue lisää
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Day 54 - Grand Canyon II
24. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
(Ursula) I had pictured the Grand Canyon to be bare, without any vegetation. But it was slightly wooded along the Rim despite the higher elevation. There was a trail leading down to the Colorado River. It would take about 5 hours on foot or a little less by mule.

We hiked along the entire length of the South Rim and enjoyed the views from numerous lookouts. Each one offered a unique view of the smaller side canyons below. The colors and shadows constantly changed according to the position of the sun. These canyons are a natural wonder; what a great place to be! Tonight we are watching the sunset from a different spot.

June 25th
(Ursula) We liked it at the South Rim and decided to stay another day exploring. As luck would have it, we met a Swiss traveler who just spent six months in Mexico. Obviously, he was fascinated with that country and its people and their way of life. He told us about his experiences and gave us valuable tips and information about places to visit.

Robert & Annelise left in the afternoon for Las Vegas. We wished them a good journey and good luck in this heat. We went to the West Rim to watch the sunset in the evening and then walked to the Village Pavillon to attend a Kodak slide show. It was an education on the history of the Gand Canyon.Lue lisää
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Day 55 - Lake Pleasant, Arizona
26. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
(Ursula) It was time to move on and travel further south. The forest ended shortly after Flagstaff. The landscape changed to the desert, with cactuses everywhere. Some were tall and looked like a tree.

Shortly before Phoenix, we turned right and stayed at the Desert Tortoise
Campground on Lake Pleasant. It was mercilessly hot again - even my eyes were burning.

Again, we spent most of the day up to our necks in the slightly cooler lake water and slept outdoors on wet beach towels. Unfortunately, the camping tables here are made of poured concrete, and we had to wet our beach towels quite often during the night.Lue lisää
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Day 57 - Phoenix/Scottsdale AZ
27. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
Today we reached the city of Phoenix, Arizona. It was still sweltering, and we found a Laundromat with Air Conditioning. Afterward, we spend most of the day in an air-conditioned shopping center, writing letters and postcards to our friends and family.

Then I went to Citibank to obtain a letter of credit to make withdrawals while traveling in Central and South America. After that, I called travel agencies inquiring about maritime transportation from Panama to Colombia (since no road was in existence between the two countries).

Two agencies recommended Italian Line. However, their representative office was in Tucson. No problem; we wanted to visit Tucson anyway. Later that afternoon, we did a drive-through of Phoenix and Scottsdale. We noticed lots of expensive villas and nice golf courses, and resorts.

After dinner, we studied the maps, discussing traveling through Mexico and Central America. We needed to estimate how much time we would require to get from here to Panama to reserve a date for the boat to Columbia. It was a challenging task, with many what and if's.

June 28th
All went well at the Italian Line agent in Tucson. I booked our boat trip to Colombia for August 19th. The cost was $516 for the three of us, plus the camper, but we had no other choice.

Around noon, the temperature reached 116 degrees! How does anyone survive here?

We found a nice restaurant with air-conditioning and celebrated today's spending record. Afterward, we visited Old Tucson, a Wild-West City once built for a movie set. A brochure promised a wild-west show that was a must-see. We purchased tickets for the following day.

We camped at a nearby desert campground. All around us was sand, dry bushes, and cactuses. Getting used to this heat was challenging, but we had at least a slight breeze in the evening and during the night.Lue lisää
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Day 59 - Old Tucson
29. kesäkuuta 1974, Yhdysvallat
The show started at 10:30 AM. This was the scene: We (the spectators) sat by the town square facing a Wild West City. We were looking at a hotel with a saloon, a barbershop, and the Sheriff's office with the adjacent jail. Real live actors presented a wild-west scene.

Two men stepped out of the saloon, arguing, and engaged in a gunfight. One of them bit the dust and was grabbed by his boots and dragged away quickly by the saloon keeper. Then the Sheriff arrived on the scene and hung a gallows rope around the neck of the bandit-shooter. But his friends rushed into town on horseback to save him. Then a gunslinger joined the Sheriff, and a long shoot-out began. One bandit after another was killed. One somersaulted from a second-floor window and fell into the street dust. Another one was shot from the roof, grabbed his chest, fell onto an awning, rolled over, and fell into the street. There were lots of motionless bodies lying around.

In the end, the Sheriff and Gunslinger were wounded but still standing! We had fun watching this spectacle. The whole thing was quite entertaining and well-acted.

This concludes our journey through North America. The next chapter will cover Mexico. Stay tuned .....Lue lisää
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Day 60 - Crossing into Mexico
30. kesäkuuta 1974, Meksiko
Today we rested at the Desert campground. I cleaned and got caught up with the dairy and bookkeeping. Wally performed some minor work on the camper.

Our "Carnet de Passages en Duane" (TIP) will be valid starting tomorrow. This internationally recognized document allows us to travel through foreign countries and facilitates dealing with temporary import/export documents for the vehicle.

Because of the extreme heat, we decided to leave Tucson at night to be at the Mexican border around midnight.

Everything went according to plan. We dressed up a little and refueled on the home turf one last time. Even at this late hour, the border crossing at Nogales was bustling. We presented our passports and were granted a tourist card, valid for three months. It was a smooth transition.

Then we drove on Mexican soil for the first time! I looked like everything with two or four legs was in the streets, even at that late night hour. Nogales looked miserable, neglected, and unsafe. Small and large, clean and less clean pubs, fruit stands, and bars with flashing Neon signs.

We tried not to stop anywhere and drove an hour into the country and spent the night at alonelye gas station in the mile of nowhere.Lue lisää
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Day 61 - San Carlos Beach
1. heinäkuuta 1974, Meksiko
(Ursula) My first impression of Mexico was disappointing, but I remain optimistic. Surely that would change as we drive deeper into the country. Again, I think it's all about expectations in your head.

The roads were poorly maintained, with potholes and sudden speed bumps (Topes). Most of the area we crossed was a sandy Desert with scattered bushes and cactuses. From time to time, we passed through disheveled villages. It was pretty different from the US, but we shouldn't always compare! We need to accept and embrace the difference.

After roughly four hours driving on Route #15, we reached the Gulf of California and stayed near Guayamas at San Carlos Beach Trailer Park. We wanted to rest there for a few days if it was safe. We may be a little paranoid on this first day, but it was better to be over-cautious.

A beach vendor offered rings, bangles, blankets, and hammocks. Wally negotiated for a nice blanket. Of course, I had to jump right into the inviting turquoise-colored Gulf waters and was rudely greeted by fire jellyfish. Welcome to Mexico, ouch!

In the evening, we ate Mexican food for the first time. My beef Tostadas were delicious and not too spicy. Heinz and Wally had fish Tacos and beer. The sunset was spectacular!Lue lisää
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Day 62 - Culiacán
2. heinäkuuta 1974, Meksiko
(Ursula) We decided not to stay at San Carlos Beach. Instead, we drove into Guayamas, exchanging Dollars and dropping off a few postcards. We were surprised at how much cheaper everything was.

Then we continued on Route #15 along the coastline to Culiacán, where we found a place to stay at the Tres-Rios Trailer Park. This place was gorgeous, with many palm trees and a large pool. Of course, we took advantage of that and even jumped into the pool for a midnight cool-off!

July 3rd
(Ursula) After breakfast, we prepared the camper for an early start. But it was hard to leave such a beautiful place. We felt the backlash from the extreme heat in Nevada and Arizona.

Mazatlán (today’s destination) is only 3-4 hours away. We hope to find another excellent place to camp by the Sea of Cortez. It felt good to be on the road again, and we love our tiny “Mobile Home.”Lue lisää
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Day 69 - Mazatlán
9. heinäkuuta 1974, Meksiko
We stayed for five beautiful days on the beach in Mazatlán. Poor Ursula was sick for two days with diarrhea and a fever. We need to be more careful with drinking water—no ice cubes in restaurant drinks, and eating cooked food whenever possible.

The day before yesterday, we watched the world soccer final excitedly. It was the Dutch vs. Germany. Both played excellently, and in the end, the Germans won with a penalty kick.

Wally performed the second service on our vehicle. He also painted the letters SUIZA on the front section of the pop-up roof. Other travelers recommended removing the hubcaps and side mirrors because they would almost certainly get stolen.

Today we met a German couple who stayed at the same campground. They travel in a white VW Camper and are headed for South America. Since we have similar itineraries, we decided to travel in tandem. We went out to dinner with them and "peeled the orange." Wolfgang was an anesthetist, and Barbara was a surgical nurse. On the way to Guadalajara, we visited a Tequila distillery and had the opportunity to purchase 4 pints of Añjeo (aged in oak barrels). It looks like we are going to have lots of fun!

We needed a Volkswagen dealership to buy spare parts (a clamp for the exhaust pipe, a set of wheel bolts, and a driving pin and seal for the fuel pump). Maybe we could even find the anti-theft bolts for the spare wheel (they weren’t available in NA). Before leaving Mazatlán, we met a Swiss fellow returning from South America with the same camper as ours.

He no longer needed his water-purifying device and sold it to us for $30.Lue lisää
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Day 70 - Guadalajara
10. heinäkuuta 1974, Meksiko
The Volkswagen garage in Guadalajara didn’t have everything we needed, and we now suspect that Mexico has no parts available for our particular 1,700cc Engine.

Later we visited the central Mercado in the city. It was extensive, with a covered roof, and had almost everything you could imagine, including food, fruits, vegetables, hand-woven carpets, and pottery.

The leather goods were so inexpensive. I purchased sandals and Ursula a leather bracelet. Wally purchased a beautiful (imitation-ceramic) Mayan calendar.

We had parallel-parked our cars on the street. One can only imagine that two campers with foreign license plates would draw much attention. Not knowing what to expect, we were glad the vehicles were still OK when we returned. We always have mixed feelings when leaving the camper in places we don’t know.

That night we camped at a trailer park southeast of the city. Sleeping was pleasant, with cooler temperatures at 5,138 feet above sea level. Unfortunately, I had to frequent the bathroom because of diarrhea. No idea how I picked that up because I was extra careful with food and water. Hmmm!Lue lisää
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