Finally emptying the rain water from Hurricane Paul out of our lights

After a 14 hour day driving from Gonzaga through Mexicali (only 1 hr 20 min at the border and a quick supposedly safe x-ray) we finally hit Joshua Tree (not literally for those of you who have been following our trip) and slept hard (between the coyote howls).

We had serious sensory overload with the traffic, highways, people, road signs, stuff to buy, rules in the parks… wow! We needed that sleep to re-adjust. We still need more. Baja was a little more relaxed.

Bella and a random boot at sunrise at Gonzaga
Rolling up the awning for the last time in Mexico
Joe and Bella preparing for the colder weather before we head north

After the cozy sleep, we decided on more cozy sleeps and headed for relatives in Arizona. Good timing — Montezuma caught Joe by surprise after the border. Aunt and Uncle took good care of both of us though and we enjoyed getting to hang out with them.

We also hooked up with our Baja Friends, Ples and Sabrina, again at the Sierra Expeditions BBQ. We thought we were so cool cruisin’ in with our MULE and our MAXTRAX, and then we saw Ben of Outback Proven IN the MAXTRAX Rally Fighter. Schooled. We parked in the back lot. Although our Syncro does still generate some interest and we did, Ben, promote the TRAX for ya. It’s just hard to compete with a Rally Fighter (unless you want an awesome 4×4 vehicle that also has a sink, stove, fridge and bed in it — take that!).

MAXTRAX Rally Fighter — Pretty Cool even without a Kitchen
The MULE cleaned up and ready to roll to the Sierra Expeditions BBQ
Joe shellin’ out a little cash at Sierra Expeditions. Thanks, for a great BBQ guys!
Baja buds Ples and Sabrina with their rig

And then we rolled on. More off-road and 4×4 trails to find in America.