While I was packing up, someone let the cows out, and they
were obviously very surprised to see me in their” field. But they made a beeline for the recreation
room, so I was correct – That was where the cows spend a lot of their day, in
the shade of the building !!
Off down the road fairly early, as there was no reason to
hang around in the field. As before, the
road is long and flat, so jumped on the toll road and headed towards Veracruz,
crossing lots of bridges over waterways en route. Coming into Villahermosa I
suddenly saw the M-I SWACO office – The company I used to work for for so
long. In fact, back in early 2008, my
first trip after my throat issues was to come down to this office and work with
them on their logistics, and also to do a presentation for their Ciudad del
Carmen field office, down the road, so I know the area a little. I didn’t bother to go into the office because
the company has now changed hands, and I am sure the people have all changed
too, but it was nice to see something familiar in a foreign country.
Driving into Villahermosa I had some time up my sleeve,
so went exploring looking for some shops to do some grocery shopping, and generally
have a drive around. They love their
statues in Mexico, and most roundabouts and road junction have them – Although some
have got a bit engulfed by freeways as time has passed. Having got my veggies, and found a banco to
change some money, I headed out of town, and hadn’t got far when there was an
almighty traffic jam, mostly of trucks just lined up down both sides of the
freeway. I tried to ask what was going
on, but most drivers just said it was some kind of identification check and
seemed resigned to it. So I opened up
the back and started making myself some lunch !! Suddenly a pick up came past, weaving his way
up the side of the road, and the drive said “Follow me, Follow me” in English ! So I through everything back in, and followed
him, along with a bunch of other cars, and we turned up a little dirt road and
ended up wandering through this little village where it seemed to be their
market day, but they suddenly had all this traffic wandering through !! Anyway, cut a long story short, within about
5 minutes every single car in front of me had turned off in one direction or
another (whether they were locals going home, or just each determined to find a
different route, I don’t know) and suddenly there is just me in the back
streets of this little village – And Tom Tom “recalculating route” – ie having
a
fit !! Oh bugger. Maybe this traffic jam was caused by some
kind of serious police check and they were going to be waiting for us rat
runners on the other side of the village, guns at the ready ? Maybe there was no way through and I would
have to find my way back ? Well, Troopie came to the fore again – When I found
the main road again, it was separated from me by a dirt strip and a kerb – No problem,
Over we went, bumped out back on the main road, and headed on our way !! What traffic jam ?
For the next 75 kms to Ciudad del Carmen it was more flat
land, water and what looked like ginger growing, but not sure. Several land
rigs drilling beside the road as I passed too.
Eventually we came to the long stretch of road right beside the ocean
where, in 2008, we had had to run back to Villermermosa because a big storm was
coming in, and down here, because it is so flat and low lying, big storms mean
the whole area can be cut off for long periods.
(When you have lighthouses right beside the road, you KNOW how low lying
it is !! ) In 2008 it was some 2 weeks
before the roads reopened. And way back
in 1972 when Janet and I were last here along with friends Joe and Steve from
college in Exeter, it was all ferries along here ! Now of course there are these immense
causeways along the coast line, and we crossed the first of these into Ciudad
del Carmen. Ad at the other end of the bridge was a Police checkpoint !! Third one today, but all had been very
friendly – This was no different – I told him I was going to the Isla Aguarda “por
acampar”, and he told me it was another 25 kms down the road, and let me go.
But I was not through yet – 2 minutes up the road,
another traffic jam, and this time, I just followed everyone else up the side
streets, and eventually I got back on the main road, although as usual, half
the other people disappeared en route !!
On down the road, over another causeway (replacing yet another ferry
from 44 years ago !), and the camp site was right there where it was supposed
to be, for a change !! Such relief when
at the end of a hard and hot day you don’t have to start wandering around
asking if anyone knows where the camp site is !!
Lovely camp site, right on the water’s edge, and little
German RV parked there, so after a quick chat with Peter and Christa, I started
to get set up as there were VERY black clouds coming over. But I was not quick enough, and ended up
sitting in the driver’s seat for an hour or so reading my book whilst the most
amazing rain and wind storm, together with thunder and lightening, raged
around
us. Coconuts and palm fronds dropping
everywhere (but I know not to park under coconut trees !!) and eventually it
blew itself out and I had some supper before hitting the sack. I might add that my supper was an absolutely
delicious piece of steak – Most of the meat here doesn’t look too enticing so I
have tended to avoid it, but had found some yesterday and it seems I hit the
jackpot. Now I just have to remember
what it was and see if I can find some more !!
Have decided to stop here for at least a couple of nights
as it is such a lovely spot.
Pics here : - h
ttps://picasaweb.google.com/117739775480775657932/0089CoatzacoalcosToCDCarmen?authkey=Gv1sRgCIq9qq3Qt9n8IQ#
Glad you're using 4WD occasionally. xx J&S
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