Mexico RV Caravan Travel Day - Patzcuaro to Zitacuaro

With a 9:00am start on the schedule we were up early getting Sherman ready to go. As always, everybody was ready on time, and we set out towards the big city of Morelia (pop 650,000).

We didn't really want to have to drive through the city, but the only other route option would have had us taking toll roads for most of the day. And we wanted the group to be able to see the fantastic scenery from old highway 15 going through the mountains east of Morelia.

We had to drive a short section of toll road just to get out of the Patzcuaro area, but it was a free section...

Heading east out of Patzcuaro.

It only took about 50 minutes to get to Morelia. We were going to be driving right by a big Costco and Mega store complex with a big parking lot, so we stopped in for an hour to do some stocking up. Ruth and I are not Costco shoppers, although we did go in under one of the other's cards and managed to find three or four items that we thought were deals. You really need to know your prices with Costco though... we found many items to be overpriced.

Then we went next door to the Mega store. They had a special on right now with wine and liquor... buy one bottle at regular price, and the second bottle is 1/2 price. What a deal. So we did some stocking up even though we didn't really need to.

Back on the southern ring road through the city.

Eventually came out the other side unscathed and headed into the mountains. Old highway 15 in this area in one of the oldest highways in Mexico. It was the original road that linked Guadalajara with Mexico City. But now it is just a twisty curvy mountain road with hardly any traffic.

Ruth and I had done this route back in December of 2010. We even boondocked at the top of the mountain for the night, but there is not room for a group of 8 rigs! Besides, we noticed that there is now a gate on the dirt path we took 10 years ago.

Gorgeous scenery along the way, and I think everybody enjoyed the drive.

Ruth took a video for you...

Motorcycles love this road!

Coming down the other side.

We took the bypass road around Ciudad Hidalgo.

Those mountains ahead are where the Monarch butterflies winter.

We were stuck behind this truck for a while.

Busy getting through the town of Tuxpan.

Scenery along the way.

This graveyard had lots of round wreath like things.

We arrived at the Hotel Villa Monarca Inn at about 3:20pm. The gate was open for us. 

Ruth and I had tried to stay here ten years ago but it was all locked up. This time, I had contacted them in advance and they were expecting us. It's a big resort complex with a field in the back that is used by RV's. There are no hookups, but it is probably the best wifi connection that we have had so far this trip! But at 300 pesos ($21 CAD, $16 USD) per night, it's a little pricey for dry camping.

Today, we are off to see the butterflies!

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