arizonamexicoconnection

New SENTRI Pedestrian Lanes Make Border Crossing Easy

2012-01-17T16:10:00.000-07:00

The new SENTRI express lanes for returning on foot from Mexico to the U.S. in Nogales, Arizona really speed up the border crossing process. On our most recent crossing, there was no wait at all.

The express lanes opened in late 2011 and serve the more than 18,500 Secure Electronic Network for Travelers’ Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) card holders who utilize the border crossing from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico to Nogales, Arizona, U.S.

Until U.S. Customs and Border Protection opened the two new lanes, the only opportunity for expedited SENTRI crossing was a single vehicle lane at the DeConcini Port of Entry. One of the two expedited pedestrian lanes is at the DeConcini Port of Entry and the other is at the nearby pedestrian-only Morley Avenue crossing.

First Pancho Villa’s Barber Shop, Then Lunch

2012-01-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

A skilled, in-shop haircut for a woman on the Arizona side of the U.S. Mexico border costs about 75 to 50 percent less on the Mexico side. At a beauty salon in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico for example, the savings amounts to about 50 percent over a comparable cut just across the line. And at the barber’s, the cost is even less.

Today for the first time I stepped into the barber shop my husband frequents. This shop boasts its own special historical relic—gleaming barber shears housed in a glass case. They were reportedly used in that very shop to cut the hair of the early twentieth century Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa.

Needing a trim, I asked for the experienced woman barber. The procedure was much like going into any franchise unisex hair salon in the U.S. with a couple of twists.

A gentleman who works in the shop translated my wishes about length and style to the stylist. I waited my turn, but only for about two minutes. The floor was swept clean after each patron. There was the light good-humored chatter of friendly conversation between people who appeared to know each other well. The hair cutter held up a mirror as she neared completion to make sure I was satisfied. And the cost of haircuts for my husband and me together including tips was $16 U.S.

After the barber’s, we stopped for lunch at a busy local Nogales, Sonora, Mexico restaurant, Café Leo. For us, the number of patrons in a restaurant is a sign of how fresh the food is likely to be. We ordered coffees, and fish tacos with a side of beans and tortillas. We dove into the chips and salsa while waiting for our food. The street outside the window was humming with activity, including more tourists and winter visitors than we have seen in some time. Our server was gracious and prompt, and lunch satisfying. The tab: $7.54.

Mexico Driver’s Coverage You May Not Know You Have

2012-01-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

Save your receipts as you travel via toll road in Mexico. Your toll payments may provide you with important liability coverage. The following outlines a little-known insurance available to motorists traveling within Mexico.

User Security – Federal Highways and Bridges

The following general information is not to be construed as legal advice. It is a translation utilizing Google Translate and Tractoportal based on information derived from Mexico’s Federal Highways and Bridges (CAPUFE) website. To locate the source information, visit our Mexico links page, the CAPUFE site, locate the “Para viajar” tab, and click on “Seguro del usuario” on the pull-down menu. The original information is also provided below in Spanish. The Mexican federal website indicates it was last updated January 20, 2011. Note that monetary amounts are included. These would depend on the insurance policy and provider. Information is subject to change; therefore consult your own toll travel receipts and insurance documents for up-to-date information.

When driving on motorways operated CAPUFE (Mexico’s Federal Highways and Bridges) you are protected with liability insurance for damage to third parties.

If for any reason you are involved in an accident:

- Stay calm and if possible, park your car on the shoulder area.
- Carefully place emergency signals (reflective triangles).
- Report the incident to the nearest toll plaza, kiosk or station or by telephone to the following number: 01-800-823-1893. [Editor’s note: check your toll receipt for up-to-date contact information.]
- Report the incident location giving the approximate kilometer, a reference site as well as the make, model, color and plates of your car, and also report if there are other vehicles involved.
- Wait for the insurance company adjuster who will provide all the support required in the proceedings until their conclusion. Tell the adjuster if your vehicle is insured.

To apply user security it is important that you keep:

- Proof of payment of the collection period [ie. the paid toll receipt for the portion of highway you are traveling].
- The admission circular the adjuster will give the insurance company.
- A copy for the toll booth, kiosk or plaza.
- If applicable, a copy for the Federal Preventive Police.
- If applicable, a copy for the proceedings before the Public Ministry.
- Do not make any arrangements in particular, because it could hinder the implementation of insurance.
User insurance coverage:

If you are responsible for a traffic accident on the Federal Highways and Bridges operated by CAPUFE, insurance covers your legal liability to third parties protected by damages, including:

- Damage caused to the highway.
- Damage caused to other vehicles, including medical expenses of those occupants and pedestrians who are injured.
- Medical and funeral expenses of the driver and occupants of the responsible vehicle.

If you're not responsible for any traffic accident on the Federal Highways and Bridges operated by CAPUFE, the insurance covers:

- Costs for damage to your vehicle, the occupants of your unit and you, as a result of landslides or mudslides, objects within the path (broken windows, headlights and wheels only when there is loose pavement maintenance of the highway), holes, bumps, spills of substances that endanger roads and animals on the road.
- Damage you cause to the general means of communication.

Importantly, because it is civil liability insurance, if you are responsible for any accident, the insurance does not cover damage sustained by your vehicle.

If you are responsible for the accident, you pay the deductible.

Exclusions from Coverage

When the driver violates any of the rules or commits administrative violations such as:

1. Driving at excessive speed
2. Driving while intoxicated
3. Being under the influence of drugs
4. Lack of permits or valid driver’s license (only applies to vehicles over 1.5 tons)
a. Damage caused by commercial vehicles, private or public service more than 3.5 tons, when they travel with excess weight or dimensions exceed authorized applicable Standard issued by the Ministry of Communications and Transport
b. Costs of legal defense, security, deposit of any kind, pensions or harm vehicle depots
c. Cost of crane or drag when the vehicle requires it; the user is responsible for such services
d. Accidents caused due to tornadoes, snow, and poor visibility cause by fog or smoke, rain, puddles or slippery surfaces
e. When the driver directly or indirectly participates in races, including for endurance or speed
f. Damages for loss directly caused by strikers, riots, popular riots, vandalism and the like
g. Performance obligations arising from civil liability, criminal or professional risks that must solve the driver responsible for the accidents to the occupants of your vehicle
h. The loss or damage suffered or caused to the vehicle as a direct or indirect outcome of:
i. War or acts of war, declared or undeclared, insurrection, subversion, rebellion, expropriation, revolution, requisition, confiscation, seizure or detention by legally recognized authorities involved in such events on the occasion of their duties
ii. Loss or damage suffered or caused by the vehicle when used for any military service with or without the consent of the insured
iii. Intentional criminal acts directly engaged by the driver
iv. Quarrels provoked or not by the driver of the damaged vehicle
v. Acts of terrorism in one or more persons acting anonymously or by name and on behalf of any organization

Seguro del usuario

Al circular por las autopistas que opera CAPUFE está usted protegido con un seguro de responsabilidad civil por daños a terceros.

Si por alguna circunstancia usted se ve involucrado en algún accidente:

- Conserve la calma y si es posible estacione su automóvil en la zona de acotamiento.
- Con precaución, coloque señalamientos de emergencia (triángulos reflejantes).
- Reporte el incidente a la plaza de cobro más cercana a través de otro conductor, o por vía telefónica al siguiente número: 01800-823-1893.
- Informe de su ubicación dando el kilómetro aproximado, alguna referencia del lugar así como la marca, modelo, color y placas de su vehículo, informe también si hay otros automotores involucrados.
- Espere al ajusta por de la empresa aseguradora, quien le brindará todo el apoyo requerido en el procedimiento hasta su conclusión. Informe al ajustador si su vehículo está asegurado.

Para que aplique el seguro del usuario es importante que usted conserve:
- El comprobante de pago de la plaza de cobro.
- El volante de admisión que le entregará el ajustador de la Compañía de Seguros.
- Una copia del reporte de la plaza de cobro.
- En su caso, una copia del parte de la Policía Federal Preventiva.
- En su caso, una copia de las actuaciones ante el Ministerio Público.
- No haga ningún arreglo en lo particular, porque podría dificultar la aplicación del seguro.
Coberturas del seguro del usuario:
En caso de que usted sea responsable de algún accidente vial en las autopistas que opera CAPUFE, el seguro cubre su responsabilidad civil protegiéndole por daños a terceros, que incluye:
- Daños que cause a la autopista.
- Daños que ocasione a otros vehículos, incluyendo los gastos médicos de los ocupantes de ésos y de peatones que eventualmente resulten lesionados.
- Gastos médicos y funerarios de los ocupantes y conductor del vehículo responsable.
En caso de que usted no sea responsable de algún accidente vial en las autopistas que opera CAPUFE, el seguro cubre:
- Gastos por daños a su vehículo, a los ocupantes de su unidad y a su persona, como consecuencia de derrumbes o deslaves, objetos dentro del camino (roturas de cristales, faros y llantas sólo cuando haya pavimento suelto por mantenimiento de la autopista), hoyos, baches, derrame de sustancias que pongan en riesgo la vialidad y accidentes con animales.
- Daños que usted cause a las vías generales de comunicación.
Condiciones Generales del seguro:

Qualitas - Vigencia 2011/01/01 al 2011/12/31

Es importante informarle que por tratarse de un seguro de responsabilidad civil, en caso de que usted sea el responsable de algún accidente no se cubrirán los daños que sufra su vehículo.

En caso de que usted sea responsable del accidente, deberá pagar el deducible correspondiente.

Gilded Cages, Gunfights and a View from the Hill - Tombstone

2010-02-11T18:17:00.003-07:00

Among Southern Arizona places of interest is Tombstone, the town too tough to die. On a recent visit, we found a great variety of restaurants, lodging including RV parks and shopping available in the area.

Part of the fun was arriving to see the volunteer Tombstone Vigilantes in period costume perform re-enactments of actual events and comedy skits. Even the very young children in our group got completely caught up in the drama and fun.

Another not-to-miss in Tombstone is Boothill. Visiting the site late in the afternoon adds to its eerie feeling. Outlaws and victims, upstanding Tombstone residents and colorful characters are buried here, 250 in all. A descriptive list guides visitors, so one gets a sense of who is buried here, when and how they died.

Here are some links with local info:
http://www.tombstoneweb.com/
http://www.tombstonevigilantes.com/

Two Great Bets in Las Vegas

2010-02-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

1. A fine Las Vegas RV resort opportunity was made available at the Vacation, Sports and Recreational Vehicle Show in Quartzsite, Arizona. A rep in the booth for Arizona Charlie's Boulder at 4575 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas, Nevada offered a flyer for a deal--a two-day RV stay at $19.99 per day. We stayed an additional day and, as Good Sam members, we were given the Good Sam discount. The RV resort was very pleasant and made a great jumping off place for a number of Las Vegas adventures.

2. A traveling pet needs an opportunity to run, play and socialize. We discovered that Las Vegas has a superb dog park where our pet could roam and play in a clean, safe envrionment. Dog Fancier's Park is located at 5800 E Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89122.

Unexpected Rewards

2010-01-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

Visiting RV show booths and searching through free magazines and handout flyers yields unexpected rewards. The Quartzsite Sports, Vacation and Recreational Vehicle show led us to some deals on RV resort stays in areas where we were headed including Laughlin and Las Vegas, Nevada.

RV Journal, a magazine with focus on the U.S. West, had an ad with an offer for substantial savings on a week stay at the Riverside RV resort in Laughlin, Nevada.

The total including tax, with the value of a buffet breakfast for two thrown in, came to about $13 a day. Great place to stay. Very helpful staff. A complimentary shuttle carries visitors across the Colorado River to Bullhead City, Arizona. Remember you might need reservations, especially on weekends because it fills up fast.

Rock Art Near Laughlin, NV

2010-01-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of miles off Highway 163 west of Laughlin, Nevada is the trailhead for Grapevine Canyon.

Less than a half-mile walk leads to canyon walls covered in ancient rock carvings called petroglyphs. The canyon with its pools and streams is a great respite for walkers and hikers.

Wild Burros, Cowboy Gunfights and Lunch

2010-01-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

Just a short scenic drive south and east of Bullhead City, Arizona leads to the Wild West town of Oatman on historic Route 66.

Slightly cooler at this elevation, the town has several authentic gold boom town buildings and wooden sidewalks. Wild burros walk the streets along with locals and tourists. We arrived in time for one of the staged gunfights in the street.

Everything RV and 1.5 million people

2010-01-18T13:42:00.000-07:00

Winter visitors take over Quartzsite in a huge way. The town boasts a very small year-round population. And then 1.5 million winter visitors are said to descend on the area. At the Big Tent RV Show in Quartzsite, there’s plenty to interest RVers of every persuasion. RV parts and after-market RV accessories. Boats and kayaks. Employment opportunities at national parks and private RV parks, state recreation areas and membership campgrounds. RV resort deals, hotel deals and vacation packages. We scored unexpectedly. A couple of RV resorts in areas we plan to visit soon offered significant discounts available to suit our schedule.

2010-01-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

   We are in Quartzsite, Arizona a large RV gathering location. The town swells with winter visitors, mostly RVers from late November well into April. Sports, Recreation and Vacation shows, Gem and Mineral, RV and Classic Car shows are all here. There are also Swap Meets with vendors from all corners of the U.S. The temperatures are moderate, with days often sunny and climbing to the 70s and 80s.
   The current cost of dry camping in a self-contained RV (trailer, 5th wheel, motorhome, camper) on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land is $180 for the entire seven month season or $40 for a two-week permit. The fee includes access to potable water and sanitary dump. Trash receptacles are available at each of the BLM Long Term Visitors Areas (LTVAs). We chose to be close to other campers and to town. We notice that other campers prefer to put up camp with more privacy and isolation against the desert landscape and jagged mountain backdrop. The flow of RVs arriving, including every kind of RV trailer imaginable, continues.
   According to local reports, the turnout of RVers this year, the 32nd for the event, is lower than usual. That’s hard to tell by us. We count thousands upon thousands of RVs and people.
   Yesterday we wore out our feet at the Tyson Wells Sell-A-Rama, just one of the many venues, this one with more than 850 selling spaces on 25 acres. There were motorized bicycles, unexpected African art, jewelry, beads and craft items, catalytic heaters, tools, canopies and tarps, RV shades and every other kind of RV accessories, RV parts and amethyst geodes taller than myself.
Today we look forward to the “Big Tent,” the RV show of massive proportion.

Grocery Shopping Mexico

2010-01-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

Living close to the U.S. Mexico border creates opportunities. We shop for groceries on both sides, making frequent trips especially for produce. A huge volume of the winter produce for the U.S. and Canada enters the U.S. at the Nogales port of entry. About 1,200 trucks cross into the United States daily, and most of what they carry is fresh fruit and vegetables.

On a recent trip, for example, at a Nogales, Sonora supermarket we picked up broccoli, cucumbers, celery, onions, garlic, carrots and tomatoes. The tomato sale amounted to a cost of converted to about 30 cents a pound in U.S. The quality is usually superb. Often the packaging of some produce is identical to what we find in the U.S. Fresh herbs, fruit in season such as strawberries and bananas are also often a great value.

We are careful to review the list of permissible items for return to the U.S. before we make purchase decisions.
The bakery is also a usual stop on our shopping trips. There is nothing quite like fresh baked bolillos, small individual bread loaves, with butter or peanut butter.