Panama?

I was reading about RV'ing in Guatemala and Belize, and I thought we might take a trip through there in the spring. Then I thought, if we're going to do that, why not go all the way to Panama?

We had thought about going to Panama three years ago when we were traveling with our friends Glen and Steve. But at the time we had some time restraints and felt that we would have been rushed.

From the Mexican border, it is about 2,000 kms (1,240 miles) to the Panama Canal. The return trip exiting at Chetumal would total about 4,600 kms (2,800 miles).

But now we have lots of time. And it is also easier now that Whiskey is gone because we don't have to worry about pet regulations crossing so many borders. So we're thinking that after we meet up with our daughter and family in January, we will head to Panama.

But, there are several things to consider. First, if we remain at or below our budget of $1,000 a month, we should be able to do it financially. It is slightly more expensive to go through those countries, plus I believe there are permits required for the motorhome in all of those countries, each of which cost money. I'll have to do more research, but I think that alone adds up to five or six hundred dollars.

Next, I've read that you can only get liability insurance when RV'ing south of Mexico. Sherman is only worth about $15,000 so we would have to be willing to risk that amount in order to do the trip. Again, I'll have to do more research.

It would be nice to have traveling companions for this type of journey, so if anybody wants to join us, lets discuss the idea! Anyhow, we've got a couple of months in which to decide.

On to other things, one of the local cats had kittens. We had known "Little Momma" was pregnant when we arrived here, so about two weeks ago she was noticeably thinner. Yesterday, we found out she had three kittens under the wheelbarrow beside the main building here.

Little Momma's kitties

Sal invited us to his mother's place for an early afternoon supper. She had made chiles rellenos (peppers stuffed with cheese) and they were delicious....but VERY spicey! Then, we stopped by their house in town to feed their dog Osa. Sal and Barb have a beautiful house in town, but they spend so much time at the campground they don't get to use it very much!

Sal and Barb's house in Valle de Juarez

And then it was back to the campground for game 7 of the world series. The St. Louis Cardinals pulled off a win, largely due to terrible pitching from the Texas Rangers. It didn't help that the Texas offense couldn't put anything together. St. Louis deserved the win, so good for them!

We've only got a couple more days here and we'll be heading out on our 6 week (or so) trip around to Puerto Vallarta!