To La Paz or Guaymas
I set my alarm early because I had 340 miles ahead of me to ride to La Paz. Before I left I checked my email and saw a message from the person I was going to be Couchsurfing with in Guaymas. She said there was a port of entry over there and I could easily get my Temp Vehicle Import Permit there! So back to my original plan of crossing on the Santa Rosalia ferry.
I went back to bed cause the ferry didn’t start boarding till 7:30 (or does it?) I packed up my stuff and grabbed a bite to eat at the hotel. The owner came over and said the ferry had not arrived yet and that usually means it’s broken down. I took my time finishing breakfast and rode down to the port.
I paid for my ferry ticket which I thought was a bit pricey (2,224 pesos for me and my moto) I asked what time the ferry would depart, about 1 hour they said. That was 8am. The ferry arrived around 10am and they began to unload. By noon I was still waiting outside. A group of Mexican marines searched all the vehicles and bags, and the dogs went sniffing for drugs. They check every nook of the vehicles. After 2+ hours of inspections they were ready. The customs official confirmed I can get the TVIP in Guaymas and they let me board.
Tickets to Santa Rosalia
The small ferry in port at Santa Rosalia
I was the fist one on the ferry. They tied it down so it wouldn’t fall over during the crossing. It’s a small ferry compared to others I’ve been on . it can maybe hold 10 cars. There’s 3 areas for passengers to sit. A lower deck with reclining chairs and two TVs playing dubbed movies from Hollywood and Japan. Also on the lower deck is a small snack bar.
Aboard the ferry
The upper deck has a place for seating or you can stand along the railing. There’s a first class cabin on the main level but the door was closed.
The upper deck of the Santa Rosalia Ferry
The port and town of Santa Rosalia
I spent the day writing blog updates. There was no Wifi onboard so I just typed them in notepad. The trip ended up taking just about 9 hours.
They had military at the port to inspect us once again and after a 30 minute inspection I was off. In Guaymas I’m staying with a Couchsurfer host who is letting me stay at her house on short notice.
This is SO COOL!!! Glad to see you are safe and your photos look beautiful/delicious. Praying for continued safe travels for you friend! :)
Thanks for the update Dan. I’m with you the whole way! Cheers!
Thanks, Matt. I’m looking forward to hanging out somewhere along the route! Really hope that can work out.
I wish you were with him Matthew Meyer! :) – Dan, I love the pictures and your descriptions! I read each of your posts to your dad and we are enjoying each one! I am sharing each post on my FB page and you are gaining new fans! Stay safe! Love you, Mom
Love the pics! Keep ’em coming! It looks so beautiful there! How’s your Spanish coming along?
My spanish is progressing. I can understand a lot more. I am planning on taking language classes in south Mexico, or maybe in Guatemala.
This sounds like a lot of fun! Good luck in your travels Dan. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Thanks, Emily. It is fun. And Mexico is amazing. I’ve felt safe everywhere I’ve been.
This is really awesome Dan!! Congratulations…you are already in middle of the dreamed adventure!! I remember talking with you about your planned trip last year. As we chatted then, I want to do the same thing but starting from Buenos Aires-Argentina. When you arrive, I would love to host you here ( in Buenos Aires) and show you around this big and beautiful city. Please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime. Best of luck and keep working on your “motorcycle diary”.
Miguel
Hola Miquel,
I should be in Buenos Aires in May so if you’re still there and not visiting Pablo and Emily, I will see you there!
Haha! You’re on Latino time now! What camera and lens are you using? Love it all!! Be safe and have fun!
:-) I brought Canon’s new mirrorless the EOS-M with a 22mm 1.2, 50mm 1.4, 18-135 3.5-5.6 Still getting used to it.