Driving out of Mexico

We finally received the FedEx package that contained the paperwork we needed, for the van, to depart for the states.

Nomatia was cleaned out and sealed up for the summer. We know we'll miss our home, but we will return!

 The van was packed with bedding made from the cushions Dominga made for the salon seats, clothes, sewing machine and dogs. 

We felt confident the 1982 "12th Van", could make it all the way to Washington......well, mostly confident. 

The van wasn't completely in Domingas name yet (long story) and both our visas were expired, for many months. So we were a little nervous the van wouldn't be the issue, if we didn't make all the way to Washington. 

Having been harassed, a few times, by the American border crossings in the past, we thought we'd have issues there. But all three American border crossings were easy and friendly, with little more than a wave through.

The Mexican side was a little different. Apparently driving a giant older van subjects you to more scrutiny. We drove through 3 military check points. At two of them 6 to 9 men were going through our stuff. All in full military dress with rifles. At one they X-ray'ed all our luggage. 

But the whole time all were friendly and smiled. As long as you're not carrying anything illigal, it's a piece of cake. And no one ever asked us for our visa's.
Crossing into the US took us less than 10 minutes. We crossed at Sonoyta into Lukeville Arizona at 11:30 pm. The last vehicle through. The nice border patrol officer asked us if we were american, Yes, do you have passports? Yes. Then he sent us on our way. 10 miles further, we hit another border check. Dominga was driving. She pulled up and the first thing the border patrol officer said was.."That's a serious looking van"
Dominga replied "It's been a serious road trip."
"What year is this van" The BPO asked.
"1982 and going strong"
From the other side of the van where two more BPO sat we heard a "Go Sea Hawks!" we were then wished a good night and sent along our way. We found an RV park and slept in the van a few hours before heading northwest to Welton Arizona to see our dear friend Tiffiney. 

We were given warnings, from many well meaning friends, on how it could be dangerous to drive through Mexico. On our drive from Guaymas to San Fransico, we stopped at many small and a couple large towns. We talked to and interacted with many Mexicans. The first time we felt in danger was our stop to get gas in Fresno, CA. 

We stayed 2 days in Welton, resting and playing with Tiffy. The van did great until we reached Cathedral City, near the Palm Desert area. The alternator gave out which also throw the water pump belt, so the van over heated in about one minute. Luckily we stopped about a mile away from a Pep- boys, and we were able to get all the parts we needed. The employees were also nice enough to come out to the van and give advice on how to fix it. Great people. We also had the fore thought to bring tools. About 3 hours and a couple knuckle scraps later, we were back on the road. 

The rest of the trip was uneventful. We made it to Sacramento at about 1am, too late to show up at my son's house so we slept in the van one more night, then on to see my kids and grandkids. First time meeting Viotet, me newest granddaughter, who is 10 months old. What a cutie!
We spent a few days in Sacramento, then a night with my mom in Palo Alto. Dominga then took me to Berkeley to get ready for work and get me settled in with our friend Vicky while she continued her trip North.