Gotta love the internet - more trip prep

Just a short update for anyone looking on "how to" advice for preparing for a motorcycle trip into Mexico. The Internet makes things soooo much easier. Not only can you use sites like trip adviser, allmexicohotels and travelocity to make all your arrangements but now you can do most of the paperwork online as well. A case in point: I was able to buy my mandatory motorcycle insurance online from Sanborns in Nogales. No fuss, no muss. And now even the Mexican government has embraced the web. When you drive into Mexico there's an extra step. Anyone that's flown will be familiar with the tourist visa that you fill out on the plane. When you drive you have to fill out the same card and get your passport stamps. This is the "immigration" part of the equation and allows you in for 180 days as a tourist - and it's easy. But if you drive you have to also "import" your vehicle, which entails permits and fees from customs. And it's this part that takes the extra time. In Mexico it's all very efficient and professional but it still can take up to an hour of standing in line etc, especially since we'll be hitting the border late in the morning, rather than really early like my last trip. But...........now you can do the whole thing online in advance! Muy Bueno! So, through the modern marvel of the Internet, and the oh so convenience of Mastercard, I've taken care of two of the major headaches of driving into Mexico. Both from the comfort of my own home. Gotta love it!

Good news and a slight change of plans

Good news - Brad and Joyce have picked a date! The wedding is scheduled for the August long week-end in Victoria. WooHoo!! It's sure to be a great time and we're looking forward to officially welcoming Joyce into the family.

As for the change of plans - we've decided to go for a full month to Mexico instead of just three weeks. It's quite a bit to ship the bike down and ride south for just three weeks - actually two and a half because we want to get back in time to spend a few days with Dad and Carol. So now we'll have a full three and a half weeks in Mexico. Our very loose plan is to burn down to Mazatlan for sure and then Playa Azul if Rosi is OK with the whole motorcycle thing. From there, knock on wood, I'd like to swing inland to Lake Chapala and then maybe north to Chijuajua before heading home.

Other than that not much new to report. Rosi's mum is doing as well as can be expected and I'm busy completing my practicum for my degree. Pretty much same ol same ol.