To be honest, I was nervous about the trip, and with good reason. The ferry company had exchanged hands numerous times over the last ten years, and more concerning was that I had just talked to a guy in Loreto who rode the ferry about five years ago. Long story short, the ferry sank. Fortunately everyone on board was succesfully loaded onto the life boats and made it to their destination. However that wasnt the end of the story; the guy tells me that the Mexican government would not allow any passengers to depart the country until they had each paid to have their vehicles pulled out of the Sea! Dear Jesus! I gave St Christopher a big kiss before I headed to the docks. Here is a shot of the ferry. Doesnt look bad, 'eh?
I had never been on a boat this big before. They loaded up all the semi's, light trucks, and cars before the two motorcycles and couple of bicycles that were also going across. While I had to wait two hours for them to do so, my bike and I would be the first one off the ferry. Sounded good to me! Here is a shot of the belly of the beast being loaded with a semi.
Once aboard, we had some company guiding us out of the harbor:
and these guys too...
I went first class. but keep in mind this is first class Mexican style. The ferry was really old, worn, and duct taped everywhere. There was also the strong odor of pesticide hanging in the air as they must have just sprayed it down. The cabin though was functional and served its purpose:
I met the owners of the three bicycles and the other motorcycle. A couple from Quebec was on two of the bicycles and were heading to Peru, where they would then fly back to Quebec after visiting Machu Pichu. Another Quebec couple were riding two up on a motorcycle to Tiera Del Fuego on a 650cc motorcycle!
The other bicyclist, Roei, is my hero. he flew himself, his gear and bicycle from Israel to Prudhoe Bay in Alaska about a year ago to start his bicycle trip around the world. He is half way through his first leg traveling down to Tierra del Fuego before taking a plane across to Africa. for the next leg.
He is truly an inspiration. You have to check out his web site: http://www.icq.com/specials/bike/ We all talked throughout the night and shared stories and information, do's and dont's, and the benifits of technology for today's adventurers. My best night yet and confirmed in my own mind that I wasnt alone or crazy. Okay, maybe just not alone...I was happy to see these aboard.
Pretty ferry rope...
Another day about to slip away.
While I must admit, I was secretly and half-heartedly hoping for a ride in the life rafts, we safely made it across to Mazatlan...
The ride across to Mazatlan was 18 hours. When the Pacific met the Cortez, about half way across, this ferry and all aboard, were being rocked and rolled like I have never been before! Many folks got sick and the ferry hands were making a mint selling drugs to them. I was fine, and didnt need to rock myself to sleep on this night!
Roei and I had lunch in Mazatlan and walked up to and around the Market in old town Mazatlan. We enjoyed each others company for the afternoon before he set off for Tepic, about a three day ride for him. We wished each other safe travels and both looked forward to seeing each other again down the road.
I have to get my laundry rolled and back into the stuff sack and plan the remainder of the trip so will post again at my next stop. My love to all of you and La Paz to every one!
My riding gear doesnt amount to much down here..
