I should have known better than to make a campground reservation four months in advance. But, here I was trying to be proactive so that we weren't left without a spot. Not a big deal, because I think we only lose $10 or so... plus, I think the caravan company is going to cover our new spot.
It's a bit of a story, but here's what happened...
Our Mexico RV Caravan is scheduled to depart January 7th. And, it still is.
However, our original departure point was to be the Colombia Bridge crossing just west of Laredo, Texas. Now, we will be departing across the Anzalduas Bridge just west of McAllen and Reynosa.
It seems that the customs officials at some crossings are misinterpreting the rules regarding anything bigger than a half ton pick up truck and or truck campers that are attached to them. And some people that we know have recently been turned back from crossing into Mexico at both of the Laredo area crossings.
So rather than risk having problems on January 7th, we are going to use the Anzalduas Bridge, where apparently the Mexican owner of the caravan company has some personal connections that will get us through. Hopefully without question.
And so we will be staying at an RV "resort" in McAllen, and arriving there on January 5th. Sherman will be spoiled for two nights.
After we cross, it's not that big of a deal. Even though we've never used that crossing, it looks simple enough and after you cross you pretty much get right onto the 40D toll road that leads to Monterrey. And the distance from McAllen to Saltillo is about the same as from Laredo to Saltillo.
Just another Mexico hiccup. If you're going to RV in Mexico, you have to roll with these kinds of things!
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I guess it is good to have alternate plans just in case, now at least you will have another Mexico crossing spot under your belt
ReplyDeleteYes, let's just hope everything goes well for those with trucks bigger than a 3/4 ton don't have any issues crossing. This new crossing isn't really too much further in distance from Laredo.
DeleteI was reading about our mutual friend's difficulty at the border. This is very concerning and I hope it gets cleared up soon. Someone suggested it may just be related to recent changes to the way Mexicans are being treated NOB.
ReplyDeleteI think that's a stretch. Especially when people were having some problems as much as two years ago before these "recent changes" you're talking about even existed. Sounds more like someone is just misinterpreting the rules. Or, perhaps they really are enforcing the rules the way they're written, and every other border crossing is letting it slide. Who knows...
DeleteI received an answer from Banjercito. I will publish it on Rv.net sometime tomorrow.
DeleteCrossing into Baja is much easier!
ReplyDeleteCancelling reservations has gotten to be so easy that campsites can be booked way in advance with little regard to commitment. I've booked over $200 in Maricopa County Parks for Spring Training next March. I can cancel up to 72 hrs before arrival and get it all back, if I decide not to go this year ... silly really.
Yes, it is much easier because you don't have to get the TIP for your vehicle unless you plan to take the ferry over to mainland. However, we find the mainland so much more interesting to explore.
DeleteMaricopa County Parks, sound like the way to go if you have to make reservations. Not many parks do that anymore!
We are on the Fall caravan and had to do the same thing! Paul says he will be buying drinks to make up for the lost $10. That buys a lot of drinks in Mexico! 😜
ReplyDeleteFor the ones in his caravan who lost their $10, I'm sure Kevin will do that, too. : -)
DeleteOf course!
DeleteGood luck with you new route I ams use it will all works out for you .
ReplyDeleteThank you, we are sure it will work out fine as well.
DeleteBTW, when I opened your blog and saw the header picture, before reading the tag line I knew right away where it was taken. :)
ReplyDeleteI am sure it was a familiar picture for you to see. :-)
DeleteCrossed the Anzalduas Bridge 4 yrs ago in our Toyota MH. Good route - had SAFE, GREAT boondocking places on way to PV. You'll like this crossing! Sept 25th we're leaving on W Caribbean cruise of NOLA. Flying to PV Nov 11th. Maybe we'll see you in Mexico?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up on the Anzalduas Bridge. Kevin was looking at google street view and info on the internet about the crossing and said it looks pretty straight forward so we shouldn't have a problem. We won't be in the Puerto Vallarta area until after March 17th.
DeleteHave fun on your cruise and enjoy your winter in Mexico as we know you will. :-)