Mexico Part 3. Mountain Roads/No Roads
Monday, 17 September 2012 10:21 am
Sunday 16th September: Urique-Bahuichivo-Temoris-Chinipas
Yesterday was Mexico’s Independence Day and last night we heard fireworks from way down in the valley.
This process continues several times at newly found small villages as we try to find our way out of the mountains towards the coast.
Our verbal instructions get us to the town of Chinipas we learn that there is a ‘rough’ road over the mountains to Alamos then down to the coast.
In Chinipas, we are lost in the tight streets a few times, but asking directions we are pointed the correct way.
Finally seeing a comforting sign on the very small single lane road we feel more confident to continue .
The Nuvi Street Finder shows no roads, The Garmin Topo map - no Roads, The Motion X paper map download only contour lines - The screens are BLANK !
But we push on. Small roads are good roads
No roads even better !
Almost immediately we start climbing, and after 500 metres increase in altitude we decide to set camp on a high ridge overlooking the valley below.
Camp 217: Ridge Spur Camp - 924 metres
Cost: MXP Nil
N27* 21.312 W108* 32.917
Today : 149 Kms.
Trip Total: 84,315 Km
Monday 17th September:
This morning we awoke to the Macaues screeching in the shrouded mist that blankets the rainforest valleys
It is only just a track, and the 40kms takes us over 4 hours as we climb constantly above the clouds then descend the other side.
I think it is an old telegraph track put in to erect and serve the power lined that pump from high point to high point.
Every rise we expect to see the coastal plain but only another mountain range we must cross.
Finally some corn fields and a good sign we are towards the end.
Our speed increases from 10kph to 20 kph !
At our lunch stop Hummingbirds join us....
A few more directions from friendly locals and we are in Alamos. Then it is the Toll Way to Los Muchos near the coast.
Unfortunately back into civilisation and the rush of life!
Camp is 20Kms short of Los Muchos in an old gravel pit. A hot 38C and very Humid.
Camp 218: Gravel Pit Camp
Cost: MXP Nil
N25* 58.791 W109* 02.198
Today : 288 Kms.
Trip Total: 84,603 Km
Tuesday 18th September:
A road trip down the Tollways, as we really need to get some Kilometres behind us. Every 50kms the toll is between MXP80 and 100 US$ 6-8).
Heading South we cross in the the tropics, and we know it. It is just below 40C outside and wet with the humidity.
The resort crowded beaches (Playas) of Mazatlan.
It is too hot for the tourists so most appear empty.
The RV parks but all seem closed down. Only one is found but it does have a pool so that is a plus.
Walking the old town of Mazatlan discovering, old churches, plazas and houses.
Dinner was very good, a typical local fare right on the beach front as we watched the sun set over the Pacific.
Camp 219: Las Jaibas RV Park - Mazatlan.
Cost: MXP 250 (US$20)
N23* 17.127 W106* 28.203
Today : 464 Kms.
Trip Total: 85,067 Km