Day One [Adventure]
Spirits soared. Or was it the apprehension & anxiety around embarking on this grand adventure? Time would tell. I was departing my parents’ house in my hometown, bound for the Patagonia in South America. But before arriving there, I would need to start in Patagonia, Arizona. Just to the southwest of Tucson lies the small town of Patagonia, nestled in the Santa Rita mountain range. What perfect way to start out a drive to southern Chile & Argentina.
-- Patagonia to Patagonia --
After arriving & getting the photos I wanted, I parked to hang out for a bit, while the SPOT unit sent the first ‘OK’ message of it’s long journey south. While sitting there, getting ready to look at a paper map of Mexico, two local gentlemen approached the vehicle. In awe, they asked, “where you headed?” I said, to the southern tip of South America, to the Patagonia region there. Patagonia to Patagonia.” They chuckled and said it looked like I was well prepared for the trip. I sure hope so, after the countless hours over the past several weeks.
SPOT message sent, I hit the road after finishing my conversation with those nice fellows. Before no time I was in Nogales, ready to cross the border into the United States of Mexico. Although sometimes I hear it referred to as the Republic of Mexico. No problems crossing whatsoever, and I proceeded on to Km 21 to get my vehicle permit. I still already had my 6-month multiple entry tourist permit from the drive to Guatemala I did with Cyril two months prior, in his Defender 110. I hit another SPOT ‘OK’ message there, landmark #2 complete on day #1.
I had long been fascinated with San Carlos after doing my scuba certification dive here 11 years ago. It reminded me of the mountains surrounding Tucson, but right on the beach. Warm bathtub water in the Sea of Cortez made for a great mid-October weekend. But now it was late January, and the water was just a wee bit chillier. I rolled into a campsite just before sundown. First order of business was feeding Carter, who did an awesome job as co-pilot as we kicked off this little road trip.
Then I had just enough time to bust out the tripod, set it up, and snap some self-portraits just at the sun sank below the horizon. Perfect way to end the perfect first day. Very relaxing time that evening, getting settled into the Four Wheel Camper in the 5-foot bed of my truck. The next morning, I angled the roof down to catch the first few rays of sunlight, in an effort to recharge the auxiliary battery from Engle 45 freezer consumption during the dark night.
Now came the first big question: would I stay or would I go?
