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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: What vehicle was driven upon your initial DMV driving test ?

1963 Plymouth push button slant 6 purchased during the Chrysler strike for less than a VW beetle according to Dad. After 3 120"s (driving with a licenced person in the front seat) before age 16 ...passed with a chauffeurs licence on or about my 16th birthday. Couldn't wait to drive! The feeling never left.
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cross country
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03/08/12 07:30am |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Video published by Sonora Mexico

Well I was commenting on the video....but learned more about the place in one post on the forum; as opposed to the video. I would guess that I must be one of those tourists that would appreciate; knowing how to get there, how close it was to the border/my town, if I could fly to the closest city, scheduled flight, and rent a car from there...or? How the accommodations may compare to like "tourist towns" and whether or not one might be able to flush the paper too.
These items mentioned above would take only seconds to show in the video and would be eye catching TO THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER BEEN THERE or to Mexico and have no idea where SONORA is or the Gulf of California!
There is more to Mexico than "safe" to dispel. The bread isn't on the floor of the super market anymore and refrigeration for perishable items has flourished, not unlike the availability of potable water.
Those are just my thoughts on the video. I'm not interested in the place just because some wealthy fellow is standing in front of his power boat. but maybe investors are?
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cross country
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02/13/12 07:08pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Video published by Sonora Mexico

Very nice. Where is it? Is there an airport? How far is the drive? Are there gas stations along the way? Do they take US dollars? What is the accommodation compared to? Who do I call to find out? May I come in an RV? How is the shopping for staples?
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cross country
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02/13/12 01:23pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: sigh, how many more times

"we like to keep informed" and if a bunch of dribble comes with it...so be it. When it comes down to it, traveling in Mexico with an RV gives pause more than it ever would NOB. Yes there are places that give pause up here as well but we have an infrastructure we are used to and that helps give confidence. Of course there are exceptions, but having been to the Canadian Consulate (in Maz) for advice, been in a traffic accident and visited the jail and commandants associated with traffic accidents, bailed a national out, witnessed brutal executions, joined in local celebrations and invited to visit nationals in their homes and become a little part of the community.....I will say this; the views and all views and opinions expressed in this forum on RVing in Mexico are echoed by those that I have met in my travels there. Therefore I find this forum a good and true expression of thoughts for RVing in Mexico.
Thank goodness the users of this forum post as much info on any topic.
What a horrible day it would be if someone was in trouble, tried to announce a warning, or wished to announce how cold the beer was....but did not for fear of being made a fool of or have his/her post deleted.
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cross country
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02/12/12 05:41pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: bellingham, wa to maritime provinces

Upper Canada Village just East of Kingston Ontario along the Ste Lawrence Seaway.
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cross country
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02/11/12 09:18pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: "Younger" RV Parks in Florida and Arizona

Good luck with that. Know what you mean. Turned away by blue-shirts (Lake Havasu) because of 5 pedal bikes draped around the Pace Arrow...no parks accepted children in YUMA so we spent New Years in a field at Gila River campground instead of with the in laws.
Many good suggestions here since it sounds as if your fairly stationary. We found children in parks where park models were included in the scheme of things. A lot of parks back then did not allow children and when they did there was a daily extra charge each.
Alas when the darts stopped in mid air because it was 7pm we packed up all our nerve and headed SOB and never looked back.
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cross country
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02/11/12 09:09pm |
Snowbirds
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RE: Mar Rosa, Mazatlan

Just so you know (if that's possible in ever changing business in Mexico) Do not count on getting your deposit back. I did not and neither did my good friend, Bob. We were both on front row and decided to stay else where. I did not expect to get the deposit back. (200.00 cdn dollars) Front row has 30 amps, maybe 2nd row and across the street....all the rest have 15, except perhaps behind the office , which has 30. Front , second and third may take 40 footers and across the street. Dependant on configuration and rigs 40 feet does not always work for 2nd and third row. The court yard will accommodate 40 although all but 3 sites in there will have great difficultly getting the awning out without hitting the other rig or being impossible for the palm trees. The rest of the rows are basically for camper vans and small "C's".
WIFI after finally (years) upgrading cost 50 cdn dollars per month or in the case of a 4 month, paid in advance no refundable stay, 40 dollars per month. There is a sign in the officina which states extra fees may be charged for running air conditioner. Lengths in excess of 40 feet are surcharged to the point of paying more than front row, across the street. Scorpions dis like the moisture in the beach area and are seldom found if ever in that area, however scorpions have been sighted many times across the street. As with all the parks I know of, patrons who buy a couple of drinks and or lunch are welcome in the swimming pools of the various hotels on the beach.
Mr. Dick who runs the establishment is the son in law and lives in Canada. Maleno who operates the office was a former banker. His knowledge of where and who to look after what ever needs one may have are excellent from bringing a doctor into the park to fixing your car. The "mum" has visited the park frequently and enjoys her guests.Especially during Easter when the park fills to an uncountable number of nationals. (don't plan on moving out of front row)The land was a part of the original farm the family owned.
Electricity varies in voltage dependent on campground use and other unknown variables associated with the local system for providing 110-120 volts. Take or bring an auto former and surge guard protection. Many have their own dependable drinking water source on board, others buy water from the campground or haul it in from much cheaper outfits. Some believe it or not, drink from the tap water...which one may do with ease as the water pressure is somewhat less than most are used to.
Have a broom and or some method of keeping the sand out of your unit. Coat all exposed metal (fins in the air conditioner) with the protectorant of your choice.Long term stays on the beach can be the pits.(corrosion)
Mar Rosa was well known for it's generous patrons and so many charitable organizations came to display wonderful accomplishments of the children's abilities. Lunch and gifts were provided by the campers. And so too did many restaurants arrive with meals on wheels and drink in a barrel to advertise their particular venues. (all free and never an empty seat)
But the greatest plus to be on front row was the ability to enjoy the evenings late into the morning with our friends and security guard "Pedro" without the ice bucket keeping the park at odds....you see the crashing surf covered all but the most unanticipated of fun excitement. And then came the 2 dog rule.. but that's another story.
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cross country
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02/11/12 03:41pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Calling all bumper sticker gawkers

Personal B.C. licence plate; "C NILE"
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cross country
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02/11/12 02:49am |
Class A Motorhomes
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Vanilla extract from Mexico

There is an interesting topic about vanilla on the Snowbird forum.
It simply states that 99% of vanilla bought SOB is not what one may think it is.
I have a 500 ml bottle in front of me and I wonder if anyone would know if I have the real stuff or the poor intimation or worse yet the harmful concoction? Below is what is on the bottle for labels;
a round sticker label with a picture of a rooster
a rectangular sticker above the all Spanish bottle label, in large print: NO CONTIENE CUMARINA, PURE VANILLA DOES NOT CONTAIN COUMARIN
And finally, the bottle label:
Danncy
Vanilla
"Danncy" Hecho en Mexico elaborado por Jaun Miguel Anzaldua G.
Cuauhtemoc No. 1617 Nuevo Larado, Tamps. Tel (867) 712-45-91 y 719-26-09
REG. S.S.A. NO.117330 "A"
Contenido NETO 500 ml
Reg. Fed. AAGJ-530125 Reg. Estado 15722 Reg. Canacintra 31-1981
Ingredient es: SABORIZANTES NATURALES
CANTIDAD QUE SE RECOMIENDA EMPLEAR EN HELADOS Y REPOSTERIA; 2ML. POR KG. DE PRODUCT
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cross country
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02/01/12 01:17am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Leaving Paradise

Many drive Mazatlan to San Carlos, campground to campground, then over the border at Nogales, or seemingly preferred hwy 2 to come up thru Ajo. That planning eliminates Pemex stations and toll booth areas which have always worked well when needed.
Maz is a great place to do some shopping for frozen meat products (Henderson's) pick up spices/vanilla and other great products that are not found up here or are very expensive. Other campers would be happy I'm sure to tell you where these places are either at Mar Rosa or San Bartolo. There seems to be lots of room at both.
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cross country
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01/30/12 06:40pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Eyeglasses in Algoldonas...?

All "coatings" are not equal. I had anti glare coating added to my lenses and within a year they "crazed". Thousands of little cracks. The lenses had to be replaced. I was told that leaving them in the sun could have been the problem. (on the dash in a case) Optical outlets at home said they could put coatings on that would not craz. They had never seen such complete crazing.
I will say that I have never heard of anyone else having a problem with coatings or for that matter, having glasses made in Mexico. My prescription sun glasses made at the same time are still excellent. Tom
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cross country
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01/28/12 10:36am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: From Canada

According to CKNW, a Vancouver radio station, the identity of the suspect is yet to be released however the the nationality is Mexican. Who knows, the "facts" may change again.
Far be it for me to dissuade folks from going anywhere but I can say from experience New Orleans is a city which requires as much or more vigilance to stay safe than Mazatlan. The KOA moved as too many rvs where being burnt. The KOA workers are armed with open holster pistols. They advise not to ever bring your children; and not to go into town at night without a good guide. The jewelry and drug stores have private guards stationed outside the door in plain sight with automatic rifles. (a few years ago and I have not been back)
And the point is? I never would have landed there in the dark looking for a park with my wife and 4 children had I known that. I received an instant education that night that I will never forget.
Had I some idea of the situation from anywhere, even a RV forum, I would have managed the situation accordingly.
As an RV'er, I tried to get in that hotel/resort to see what it was like and have a drink....I was rejected, one had to have a reservation. One of our Mexican friends started working there who had been in the hospitality business. Wages were 5 dollars cdn. per day. It is a massive hotel.
Point; RV'ers go into hotels and walk around just like other tourists.
Just because the "news" sensationalizes the story, I see no reason why that should diminish discussion on the forum ...as it is education to the traveling person ...and it is important.
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cross country
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01/27/12 07:58pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: WHEREN AND HOW MANY..

"the vehicle deposit is no big deal" Well no it is not on it's own. However it is added to; say almost 400 dollars in tolls (200 each way to and from Maz). 400 refundable....now up to 800.....just as much or more for the parks than say South Texas or Arizona, even California....then vehicle insurance which we can claim back in British Columbia on our unused portion while in Mex. and then poor electricity which burns out electronic boards and air conditioners....
I agree its no big deal, but more and more barriers to entry and retail costs the same as or even more than the southern states is going to take away the appeal to just slip over the border to see what its like. There all already natural barriers such as language and laws,never mind the safety zone issue. Not everyone camps on a free beach and spends 2.50 a day on food items while mexbirding. Tom
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cross country
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01/23/12 05:32pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Are Mexican prescription drugs safe?

I would not think counterfeit drugs are just as easy to get in Canada as Mexico. Yes, they may turn up in someones supply but I can not go to the local public Saturday market or a makeshift outlet and pick up drugs at drastically reduced prices and at 2X1.
My personal precaution is finding a reputable Doctor and having him or her oversee the prescription even if it costs 40 dollars for the visit to check what I bought....which I did.
One of my first and lasting observations visiting Mexico was the ease of buying pharmaceuticals. Since then, drug stores have gone up faster than Pemex stations in Maz. Makes one wonder. However I have known more than one person over the years that has nothing but praise and good to say about their hospital stays and subsequent treatment with prescription drugs. Tom
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cross country
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01/22/12 08:45am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Are Mexican prescription drugs safe?

I have had no problems with prescription drugs. In all cases I have relied on a trusted doctor to write exactly what it is and where to get it. If I find the drug cheaper and or a different make, I took it to the doctor to get his advice on whether or not to use it. I was fortunate to meet fellow RV'ers with like problems which made it much easier for me to find the doctors and suggested medications. Tom
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cross country
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01/17/12 02:18pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: MAZATLAN RV PARKS

Mar Rosa "front row" 2 years ago was well over a thousand a month cdn. try about 1265.00 and minimum stay of 4 months paid in advance. Long term residents of front row tiled and paid for it. Sites in the court yard are 950 and a little less on 3 and 4th row. 2nd row is a little less than front row with a three month alternative. I stayed there over six years with enough "senority" to finally get to the much coveted front row for 2 years. Tom
and wifi was another 50.00 wifi at San Bartolo was 17.00 per computer of which we used 2. view and friendships and fun....priceless
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cross country
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01/13/12 01:34pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: shipping

I have used DHL as there is an office in Maz where I was at the time. I e-mailed "best converter" in the US and spoke with Randy via computer (who had sent me a converter previously) He has contact with "Dinosaur" boards in Oregon. Between setting it all up with DHL and Randy I had my circuit board for my onan generator sent successfully. Tom ( Dinosaur is extremely helpful in diagnosing the problem and provides better than new boards)
May I suggest protection of your electrical circuitry with some type of auto former and surge guard protection. Having been in Mexico many times I have seen many many boards and converters destroyed. I have also seen very talented local electronic wizards fix broken boards.
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cross country
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01/01/12 06:43pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Obtaining Trailer Tire Replacements on the Baja

Summit Racing has listed the Maxxis International, M8008 ST 225/75-15 radial blackwall at 137.95. E load range, 10 ply. Ready to send by the 27th of Dec if ordered today.
Summit Racing part number MXX-46119
Summit Racing ships to Mexico. I have used them. Look up their web site under customer service, FAQ for details concerning shipping. There are some weird and wonderful Mexican charges on top of what you may pay Summit Racing for complete shipping. If I remember correctly, I had to pay about 60.00 US dollars more on delivery for my last item shipped, 2 air bags. Tom
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cross country
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12/24/11 03:42pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: battery charger

I have used a 10amp charger while awaiting shipment from Best Converter to keep the batteries charged and supply the 12 volt system through the old converter. Some chargers have 75 amp starting features as well as automatic shut down when batteries are charged. I would buy the most versatile and practical for as many applications I might require.
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cross country
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11/03/11 04:03pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: recommended polish for eyeglasses?

There is nothing one can do to get rid of "crazing" or so I have been told by many in the business. It is caused by heat. the coating expands and contracts at a different rate than the lens and causes it to "craze"
The heat would be; leaving the glasses anywhere such as the dash of a car...even in a case. Apparently there are better coatings that are more adaptable to temperature change. It will cost me $560.00 to replace my lenses because of crazing....never heard of this before, maybe it's because of plastic lenses? Tom
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cross country
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10/30/11 02:06pm |
RVing with Disabilities and General Health Issues
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