2021 - Fresh crap...

[Jonh]

Paying less isn't a conscious choice, it's nature's way. You don't see lions going after the strongest, fastest zebra; they get the slowest one because it costs them less energy and time.

[bill_bly_ca]

Paying less isn't a conscious choice, it's nature's way. You don't see lions going after the strongest, fastest zebra; they get the slowest one because it costs them less energy and time.

Granted - But it is the 1st world consumer that enabled the entire situation.. If it was not for us, they (the Made in China stamp) would be relegated to Niagara falls / Grand Canyon trinkets and the odd coffee mug...

[Jonh]

Before China, it was Hong Kong, Japan... In the 19th century the cheap textiles came from the Southern US, sold to Europeans wanting cheap textiles.

[bill_bly_ca]

Before China, it was Hong Kong, Japan... In the 19th century the cheap textiles came from the Southern US, sold to Europeans wanting cheap textiles.

And don't forget Taiwan - We did not let those others get (and maybe they did not have the capability of) getting as big - Not disputing it - Just saying that part of this mess is our own doing..

[Jonh]

Taiwan, too!

Perhaps inflating our currencies forced us to find lower-priced goods, too.

[bill_bly_ca]

Well one can be quite sure, regardless when air travel resumes, it will be far from "Normal" and probably not regular as well.

So I made the choice to go overland. As the Toyota is right hand drive it can't make the trek. But this fellow can.



Order was placed today - Hopefully it is not snapped up before - It will be a hair over $5K US when it arrives in BC. I will fly over and pick it up and drive it back to Ontario. That should take maybe 4 days - Could shrink it to 3. Then after a going over (Belts, fluids brakes etc) it will be a readyy for a southerly driving adventure to Niclandia - Probably Mid Nov to Mid Dec.

KWP - I may hit you up for your preferred quick route - I think we want to drive down in a week time scale, maybe stay for 2 or 3 weeks and then drive back.

[cookshow]

Over 10k miles driving... Border crossings.. Sounds like a great " 2 week
vacation"...

[bill_bly_ca]

Over 10k miles driving... Border crossings.. Sounds like a great " 2 week
vacation"...

It looks like only 3 days to Mexico city DF (40 hrs) The rest will be the big adventure

Edit - Driving the US 18 hrs a day is not an issue - Mexico maybe 12 to 13 - The rest I would say less.

[Jonh]

Sounds like "A three-hour tour... A three-hour tour..."

[bill_bly_ca]

Maybe I should drive up to Sheboygan first to pay Tribute?

[bill_bly_ca]

What do you think Key west?

Will this lead to my body being dumped in an empty well just outside of Nuevo Laredo with the truck burning in the sunset close by?

Google...

[Jonh]

What do you think Key west?

Will this lead to my body being dumped in an empty well just outside of Nuevo Laredo with the truck burning in the sunset close by?

Google...

Nope. Your body will be found in a tub of melting ice, with your kidney's missing.

[bill_bly_ca]

OK, well I received notification it is mine this morning

Have to go to the bank at noon and then sit and wait for its space on the boat.

[KeyWestPirate]

KWP - I may hit you up for your preferred quick route - I think we want to drive down in a week time scale, maybe stay for 2 or 3 weeks and then drive back.


Really, if you stay on the toll roads, Mexico is easy money. The new National Guard in their new Blue and White vehicles maintain a presence and they are very bienvenido.

I've done it fast, recline my seat at a Pemex station, give the attendant a buck. Pull my shirt off and wash up and shave at toll stations rest rooms.

But, Mexico is a country to be savored. Lots of neat stuff, good good, and did I mention, the peso hovers around 20 to the dollar.

Speaking of Doniston, I always hoped to meet the guy.

[bill_bly_ca]

So after 4 business days showing under offer Gordie is now listed as sold.

Still have to be notified of a shipping schedule. My expectation is still late June early July. The last time I did this trip was with Chilo in 1991 and at that time we returned via the US. The time before that that I did the trip from east to west within Canada was in 1989

47 hours and 4528 KM (2814mi). From this we will see if Chilo is up to the 60 hours trek to Niclandia. I am leaning more to drive down first week Dec return 2nd week Jan as our facility has a 1 to 1.5 week shut down over X-mas

Hoping we can fly out to BC on a Wed or Thurs and drive back the 3 days following. There are 2 discount carriers now flying for approximately $200 for a ticket to BC. (Flair and Swoop) Flair flies out of the local airport here.

There is a nuance of getting a temporary permit in BC such that I can drive it back to Ontario, but that has a lot of time to figure out.

[bill_bly_ca]

Here is a vid from last March from someone doing the trip east to West

Da Trees, Da Rock, Da Moose, Da Bears, Da Beavers, Da Prairies and Da Mountains.

[bill_bly_ca]

So the trip looks like about 6 days

Day 1 Kitchener to Memphis

Day 2 Memphis to Laredo

Day 3 Laredo to Santiago de Querétaro (Daylight only)

Day 4 Santiago de Querétaro Villahermosa (Daylight only)

Day 5 Villahermosa to the Honduran border (Daylight only)

Day 6 Eastern Honduran border to Esteli then leisurely drive to Masaya day 7

Day 4,5, and 6 is still being stewed about though maybe some shorter, others longer. .

Probably 2nd week Dec to 2nd week Jan to do the run Push it down quick and maybe take 8 or 9 days back.

[Jonh]

Any Covid delays figured in there?

[bill_bly_ca]

Any Covid delays figured in there?

The 6th wave should be passed by then

[bill_bly_ca]

So far on the Panamerican group 3 say I'm nuts to even try

2 say it is possible

4 or 5 say impossible.

So I may have to make it 7 days :-)

One thing is Chilo could really load up on the cheese though - Mind you it would be hell to do so with regs across the C-4 .

[Jonh]

You’re sounding like Doniston Jr.

[KeyWestPirate]

So far on the Panamerican group 3 say I'm nuts to even try

2 say it is possible

4 or 5 say impossible.

So I may have to make it 7 days :-)

One thing is Chilo could really load up on the cheese though - Mind you it would be hell to do so with regs across the C-4 .

Cheese is going north? No one bothers you going north except Mexico. Oddly, going south they are easy.

Our $29 Covid test from one of the brand name pharmacies got us through Guatemala, Honduras, and into Nicaragua.
Borders can be time consuming if you drive.

Mexico is fast as long as you stay on the toll roads, and toll roads are good at night.

If you're just looking for a cot and a hot shower, the "auto hotels" are perfect, if unconventional. AC, and no reservation. And pretty much everywhere.

[Little Corn Tom]

You’re sounding like Doniston Jr.

Yes, indeed....

[bill_bly_ca]

Mexico is fast as long as you stay on the toll roads, and toll roads are good at night.

So what is your opinion of 2 days the Guat border from north east Mexico?

And then 2 days through Guat and Honduras ?

A little too aggressive?

[bill_bly_ca]

You’re sounding like Doniston Jr.

He did have a Su-bee did he not?

Heck this could have been him from this random photo from the internet with a 2011 date.