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First Trek Into Mexico30 Jan 2012
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Our indication we are getting closer to Mexico!
The American Canal that helps irrigate this entire region from the Colorado...
Heading from the parking lot into Mexico!
| Denny and Marilyn were here to pick us up right when they said they would and off we rode to Los Algodones, Mexico for them to show us the ropes of how to park, get in and out of the area and where the stores are located we might be interested in checking out. Los Algodones (in Spanish translates as “The Cottons”, referring to plants, not the fiber), Baja California, is a small Mexican town located on the extreme northeastern tip of the municipality of Mexicali and approximately 10 miles west of Yuma. The official name of the town is Vicente Guerrero (you won’t find that on any maps though), although most everyone refers to it as Algodones. What I found interesting though are the geographic distinctions in the town. First off, it’s the northernmost town in Mexico, and at its northeastern tip is the northernmost point in Mexico. And the other interesting distinction is that if someone were to travel in any of the four cardinal directions from anywhere in Algodones (due north, due east, due south, or due west) they would cross a U.S. border! The town is a popular tourist attraction and in recent years due in part to inexpensive shopping and restaurants as well as inexpensive medical care and prescription medicines. But most importantly; the city hasn’t been bothered by the drug cartels. The warm, dry climate attracts a number of older tourists from the United States and Canada who settle during the winter in nearby towns. We parked in the HUGE parking lot owned by the Quechan Tribe, who incidentally manage and run the casino at the end or beginning of Hwy 186 (depending on how you view it) and charge $5 per car paid upon departure. We parked and proceeded into Los Algodones, Mexico without the requirement to pass through any check point. We did notice if one were to drive into Mexico, there was a border stop point. Marilyn and Denny showed us around to the highlights of the better shopping areas, where they’ve gotten their hair done and some of their favorite shops. We spent about an hour strolling around to get the lay of the land. Our strolling around and seeing some of their favorite shops also resulted in a really pretty turquoise ring for me and a beautiful fiery opal ring and necklace for Marilyn to help celebrate their 43rd wedding anniversary this week; good job Denny! Upon the recommendation of the proprietor of “The Mine” (the jewelry store), we decided to eat at Pueblo Viejo (Old Town) directly across from the line through customs back into the U.S. And this decision was made much easier when we saw how long the lines were to go through. We all enjoyed our meals and being serenaded while we ate as well. All meals were delicious and very reasonable in price. Think the only meal we all commented upon was Jerry’s! He ordered chicken fajitas and it was the first time any of us ever saw French fries served with that dish; unique certainly! Fortunately, when we were done, the crowds weren’t as bad, but still took us about 45 minutes to get through. We had fun and definitely plan on returning to explore some more! Till the next time . . . |
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