September 21, 2014

Mex Day 13, Tabasco - Escarcega

... but decided to ride on. There was really no attraction here. The climate is tropical, hot and humid. The vegetation, palm trees and swamp. The ride takes me through Ciudad del Carmen, not a town for hanging around.

Gulf of Mexico. Had to jump high for this shot...this was on my way down.

And then, a breath taking stretch of riding along the coast on highway 180 north. I've reached the Gulf of Mexico! The water is turqois, the sand white, the wind warm. I have to stop. Shall I pitch my tent right here in the sand and spend the night? I could. But then again, it's still early in the day, and I could ride a bit longer...

At Sabancuy, the road turns inland and away from the coast. I am thursty. I stop at a tiny supermarket in the middle of this small town, buy a bottle of water and chat with a few locals. Nice town, one hotel, but still enough sunlight left to cover more road.

I ride on a road that has swamps left and right. Locals are standing roadside and offering freshly caught swampfish for sale. No thanks, guys!

Sun sets and it begins to rain, again. Seems to be a pattern in this part of the world this time of year. Morning, sunny and hot. Afternoon, windy and rainy. I am starting to detect a trend.

I roll in on the town of Escarcega, at the junction of 186 and 261. Where do I sleep tonight? A love motel? I ask a waiter, Gabriel, standing outside a restaurant taking a break. He directs me to a hotel across the street. Looks new, but cold and steril. I check it out anyways. No parking for my bike and how much? No gracias.

There is another hotel close by. Cheaper, I can park my bike in front of my room and...construction starts at 7 am. Ok, I am going for it. Walking the few steps over to Gabriels restaurant for some dinner and then get a good night sleep...until the sound of hammering brings me to my feet. Time to hit the road again...I guess.