The Road to San Carlos - A Quick Travelog Part II

Leaving Albuquerque at 6:30 AM on Christmas morning has its advantages.   OK, driving into the rising sun is not one of them -- but let me say, what a joy to travel when there wasn't a bit of traffic heading down I-25.  

We passed through Hatch, NM, the Chili Pepper capital of the world -- wish I had gotten a picture.  And Geronomo's Last Stand near Douglas, AZ -- another picture would have been nice here.  

We were bound for Naco, AZ.  Get out your Google Maps here.  Naco in the SE corner of Arizona, just south of Bisbee, AZ (quite a cool little mining, dining and tourist town) and right across the fence from Naco, Mexico.
If you're crossing the border into Mexico, I doubt there's a short line.  I will mention that if you're coming the other way, a very large boarder patrol station is in Naco and they are watching! 

We arrived in Naco in time for a wonder Christmas Dinner with John & Dorothy Kiesling (we bought Begone from them) and their across the street neighbors Janet & Chuck.  

And the next morning I enjoyed a 3 mile walk followed by a short round of golf with Janet and Dorothy.  One of the best parts of Naco is their 12 hole golf course!   Thursday was a day of Thrift Store shopping, last minute grocery provisions like Yoshida's Gourmet Sauce, laundry and that evening we went to Bisbee for dinner at a Pizza restaurant in a converted gasoline station.  Quite a good time was shared by all.

On that frosty Friday morning, Tom and I departed for San Carlos, Mexico.  Originally, John & Dorothy were going to caravan down with us, but John hadn't beaten his cough yet so we decided to go on down and have them meet us there as soon as he felt better.

Note - Here's a quick travel tip - When driving into Mexico and you're stopped at the military check point, don't be surprised when they appear "concerned" when they notice a black soft bag about 4' x 18" x 4".  Yes, in hindsight, I could see how it could be mistaken for a gun case.  BUT, we were quick to unzip it to reveal our Martin Backpacker Guitar.  Phew.  With that, we were flagged on.

The next Blog entry will be the reunion with Begone.