Travel Blog 12: Entering Mexico

Boca Chica Beach is the home of Space X. According to one excited traveler, the rocket I was staring at is predicted to land on Mars some time in the future.

As I drove down the beach, I reached the end; where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf of Mexico. In all honesty, nerves had been filling my mind and doubts began to linger. As I sat in Blaze, gazing at the river and Mexico beyond it, I realized crossing the border is an absolute necessity. But not yet...

Faith and I drove 170 miles at our individual paces to Falcon County Park where an abundance of road-lifers hang out for their winters. With warm weather, an open free field, hot showers, and charging stations, it attracts the most unique travelers the United States has to offer. I met an artist living in a box van, a veteran living in a tee pee, and an assortment of other people stopping in for a night while others spend months. In my five nights there, I learned more about how to live on the road comfortably.

Then I learned about needs of RV life when I pissed off an older couple by parking in front of the dump station. I went for a Sunday morning walk, but it was disturbed by a golf cart driving me back to Blaze to move so these people could dump their toilet. They were not too happy with the younger, long haired new guy parking his car in front of their convenience. It turns out, this man had a run-in with several others around Falcon County Park so it kind of felt like I gave revenge for all the others. It created a funny, welcoming story that I was the guy that pissed off “the bummer” (others called him). Before leaving, I designed up a colorful ‘Dump Station No Camping’ sign to block the most beautiful place to park on the entire property; it’s a shame they put their shit there.

My only negative at Falcon County Park was several people telling me I wouldn’t get into Mexico because the land borders are closed. Based on Facebook groups and the faith that Faith provided, my confidence knew I’d find a way over. One person suggested, “Tell them you’re going to work with family. They’ll let you in if they think you’re helping the country.”  Fast forward to the border, where I used that exact story. The customs agent wanted to see an invitation letter, which I obviously did not have. Denied entry. Whoops.

I drove to the next border, keeping my mouth shut. I simply showed them my car insurance paperwork, my passport, and proof of car ownership. They asked no questions, entered my information into the system, ran my credit card, and I was welcomed into Mexico.

Sweet, I’m in! I am legal to drive in Mexico. I have a feeling the next 5 months are going to be challenging, fulfilling, and adventurous.

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