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RV in Mexico
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| You may not catch the really big ones like this 32 lb Dorado, fishing from a porta boat in Mexico can be a great deal of fun. Here Bill and Dot with Captain Frank Percival of Brooks Alberta |
Dot and Bill Bell are Mexican RV experts and have taught and led seminars about camping in Mexico throughout Canada and the US. Their website, is considered the most up-to-date source about camping and RVing south of the border.
Questions this issue:
Small Porta-boat
Gas Station Highjinks
Tequila
Hi there,
I have a Porta-bote with a small engine. I carry on top of my Jeep. Would I get any use out of it if I brought to La Peñita? -- Bob T, via email
Hi Bob,
Every community along the West Coast is a little different. One beach will be perfect for surfing and then just a few miles down the road, the waves will be great for swimming or launching your boat. Usually the best thing to do is camp and ask your local trailer park manager.
We know the La Peñita area well. We strongly recommend that you bring your boat and we assume that you would want to go fishing. Make sure you have a boat permit and a fishing permit. A fishing permit is required for every person on-board if the vehicle has any fishing equipment at all. You can apply for these by phoning the Mexican authorities in their San Diego office or by calling 619-233-4324. We have an application on our website (www.ontheroadin.com) under trip planning) that you can download and fax in.
La Peñita has many avid fishers. There is a flat beach that most launch their boats from in the community just over the river called Rincon de Guayabitos. You drive there and park your vehicle.
There is a small Island in the Bay of Guayabitos that you would enjoy motoring around and fishing for grouper, red snapper, etc. Even if you don't fish, the island is a fun afternoon escape with a restaurant, beaches and the best snorkeling in the area. While you couldn't go deep sea fishing for Dorado, Sailfish, Marlin or Tuna, you would still have lots of fun in the bay and even on some of the other local beaches.
We think that those who have boats become some of the most popular people at a trailer park. It is well worth the effort to bring it along. You will always have extra hands launching her and enjoying a day out on the waters. Bring sunscreen.
Dear Dot and Bill,
I have been doing my homework and I have read that the most common place to get ripped off is at the gas station. What can we do to avoid this? Tony, via email
Dear Tony,
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| Rip offs at gas stations do happen so take precautions |
You have heard right. The gas stations, Pemex, are independently owned and franchised by the government. Each station has independent management and employees. Rip-offs do occur but there are ways to avoid them.
We have heard many complaints about gas stations in bordering states. We think it is because crooks know it's easiest to fool the "unsuspecting" and those not familiar with the money. It is very common to be unable to pay by credit card.
The first line of defense is to understand the money. The easiest way to ballpark the currency is to drop a "0" and calculate it in your head. 500 pesos is a close $50. If your gas purchase were 350 pesos, and you gave a 500 peso note, you would expect 150 pesos in change.
One way unscrupulous characters work is to take your 500 pesos then claim you only gave them 400. To avoid this scenario, carry smaller bills and give the exact change or as near to it as possible. When you fill up ask for a specific amount. If your Spanish is poor, write it down.
Make sure that the pump is at "0". Many gas stations post a warning sign that tells you to do so. If you don't make the effort to get out of your rig and check then you could be paying for somebody else's gas.
There are many things going on when you arrive at a gas station. Often kids will immediately start washing your windshield expecting a peso or two. Vendors will try to sell you candy and knickknacks. Keep focused. One person should stay inside the vehicle and empty the wastebaskets, tip the kids, etc. The other should stand outside beside the pump and make sure it's zeroed and be ready to hand over the cash. If you are alone, make sure your vehicle is locked.
Most gas attendants are honest family people. It is the bad apples that you should watch for.
If you are ripped off, try to remember the exact location and any other information you can about the transaction. Report it to the authorities and the management. Write and let us know about your experience.
Dear Guys,
Ok …we've had your take on beer. What is your take on Tequila? --Lyle, Calgary Alberta
Dear Lyle,
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| Tequila come in many varieties, prices and tastes. Bill Bell Photograph |
We are definitely NOT experts but have been to the town of Tequila a few times to understand this most interesting brew.
Here's what we do know: Good tequila is usually not swilled back followed with a chaser of salt and lime. It is often sipped like a fine brandy. Many of the most popular export brands are not considered the very best. Like beer, we suggest you experiment with a few brands before selecting the one that suits your taste.
Tequila is the fermented and then distilled sap of the agave plant. It is indigenous to the area and has been cultivated for more than 9,000 years. The conquistadores distilled "pulque," an Indian wine created from the agave.
It is not made with dead worms. It is not a hallucinogen nor is made from cactus. Do not insult your Mexican host by tossing it down with salt and lime.
Tequila production is a professional multi-million dollar industry with strict production and labeling standards much like Scotch or Rye. Tequila is produced primarily in Jalisco, the licensing to use that name is only allowed there and in a few neighboring states. Production is tightly regulated by the government and the Chamber of Tequila Producer – a regulatory council.
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| The town of Tequila is well worth a visit Bill Bell Photograph |
We think a good way to appreciate tequila is to try a few yourself. Go to a bar and ask for a recommendation from your favorite bartender. Try two different brands at the same time and be playful. Do not be fooled with price, bottle décor or other marketing ploys. Ask for 100 percent agave and not a "mixo."
You will soon appreciate that there are styles with a wood flavor (añejo), those with a strong agave taste (young white tequila) and those with a distinct pepper taste (reposado). You will find a flavor to suit your taste and budget.
There are strict laws about drinking and driving. Taxis are cheap and plentiful for any and all drives home after a night or experimentation.
PS. As a side note, we suggest you take a drive to the town of Tequila from the West Coast up on Highway 15 to Guadalajara. You will be amazed at the variety of brands and the long and interesting history of the area and the product. There are tours of the various distilleries and a Tequila Museum. We pick interesting varieties for our duty free bottles and open them with special friends back home as we tell them recent stories of our travels.
For more information about RVing and exploring Mexico, go to The Bell's Website or to ask your question about RVing in Mexico write editor@ontheroadin.com .
For a big selection of books about RVing in Mexico visit RVbookstore.com.com
Dot and Bill will be teaching four to five hour extensive courses in RV travel in Seattle, Vancouver and Tucson fall 2005. Email them for details.
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