Rocky Point Adventure

Those following this blog know I decided to go to Rocky Point, Mexico to get a crown on the tooth that fell apart last fall in Springfield, MO.  The quote from a Tucson dentist was $1000 and Rocky Point DR was $325.  After a motel  for 2 nights($90)  mexican travel insurance($45) and gas($37)  that cost was $500.  And then the food and drink…… with a friend and her friends, I did not go on the cheap with that:)  Wonderful shrimp and fresh fish as well as margaritas.  Still cheaper and a bit of a vacation too.

Rocky Point is about 4 hours from Tucson through the desert, Indian reserve, more desert, Organ Pipe National monument and finally the border before another hour of Mexican desert.  (It all looks alike).  At the US border, the officer told me I was the true NAFA  (North American Free Trade agreement) person.  It was about time I tried Mexico.  Driving in Mexico is like driving in Quebec.  The drivers are crazy.  No wonder I had to buy insurance.  No one stops at stop signs and on the highway, some guy past me on the right because I was not speeding, only going 60MPH in a 60 zone.  The actual town is on the Sea of Cortez, part of the Gulf of California.  Originally a seaport for fishermen surrounded by sand and more sand.  Weather was comfortable, sunny and maybe 70 while Tucson was having rain.  Checked into the Motel, not up to any standard I would accept but a done deal.  It was dark, dirty, very soft beds and very run down for $45 a night.  The dog was acceptable and it was near my friend’s house so I just did a grin and bear it.  A typical move I would later find out was the use of US dollars vs pesos.  I was told I could always use US dollars.  With the lack of tourism this year, few Americans, fewer dollars, it was almost impossible to get change.  So $100 to the motel expecting $10 back.  No change, would I accept pesos?  No….he will get US $10  for me.  The rest of the day, none, half the next day, none so I finally went in and said I would take it is pesos.  My friend exchanged them for US $.  Do you have internet, no it is down right now, maybe tomorrow.  Tomorrow comes and still none.  I drove to the coast where there was a public access to the beach, between 2 RV parks.  I step out with Sunshine and 5 stray dogs (yes, they have lots) come to investigate.  Sunshine is terrified but I make her walk down the very small access to the beach hoping the dogs would leave us alone.  I finally sit her down and with no interest, the other dogs finally leave us alone.  Walked on the beach with Sunshine off lead having a great time.  Decided not to come back the same way so headed into an abandoned RV park.  When I got nearer the street, turned out it was totally surrounded by walls so back to the beach to find a different way back.  Find another road and a police car is at the end watching me. UMM, I walked it anyway back to the car and retreated to the motel.  Off to my friend’s house to drop off Sunshine….she had a yard, and off to the dentist.

The dentist did speak english but not very busy.  The office and equipment was doable, not modern but medically sound, I think   He is gentle with the needle and prepares the tooth with no issues.  Makes the molds and says I do not need a temporary as it is hidden.  Come back if it is an issue.  I was neutral and just hoped for the best.  Back to pick up the dog and then go out to my friends favourite restaurant overlooking the harbour.  We sat outside, enjoyed a lovely meal and a wonderful sunset.  Wonderful end to the day.

Day 2 started with a walk on the beach (not where the stray dogs were).   Off in the car to tour the different parts of Rocky Point.  There is a big section of condo’s, the harbour area and then a section of Villas, private houses that are rented out.  There are also many sections of unfinished buildings.  Met with a Canadian lady and my friend for lunch….another wonderful meal and talked of border issues.  Dropped off my friend, picked up Sunshine and went touring by myself.  Found other beaches to walk.  By now I needed to get gas.  My friend said gas was about $3 a gallon (sold in liters).  I was about 3/4 empty so maybe 10 gals (40 L).  The attendant puts the gas in and my error, I did not see how many liters I used.  I figured about $30 US so gave him $40 and he tells me $47.  I bring out the other $20 and he says no US$ change.  Just give me pesos and he gives me 22 pesos (about $1.25) and he owed me atleast $13 US.  Of course he does not speak English and I am overwelmed.  I drive off but think this is a rip off.  Stew all afternoon.  Dinner that night is another wonderful meal with my friend and her friends.  Wed is drop off the dog and off for the crown install.  It goes ok, not great.  Gets rid of high spots and pressure but I taste glue the rest of the day.  Pay the bill and head back to pick up the pup and my friend.  Off to the gas station as she volunteers to translate for me.  I get my gas for $37 (refund of $22 from yesterday) and correct change after she talks to the manager.  Off to the drug story to get my thyroid pills for the next 2 months so I can establish myself in Ontario before I run out.  No need for a prescription in Mexico   then go to lunch with my friend after another beach walk.  Head back to Tucson about 1:30 getting in about 6.  I was tired and stopped often.  At the border, the official said do you have Mexican plates?  I said no, Nova Scotia.  He smiles and just waves me through.  At another check for illegals about 10 miles up it seems I tried to drive by the guy going to the next agent and was addressed in none to friendly attitude….where do you think you are going.  Guess the drug dog found nothing

Today the tooth still is not really happy in the mouth but no real issues.  It will settle down!  All and all, it was nice to see the spot but not sure I would recommend getting dental work unless you have no money, like me!