Days 1 & 2 - Pharr, TX

DAY 1 – Pharr, TX
First day of our 78 Day Central American Adventure. Everyone arrived early so we were able to inspect the rigs, get items we had forgotten or just found out were needed, obtain our Mexico immigration and vehicle permission papers, run to the grocery store and let's not forget attend the Welcome and Orientation briefing. So much information that at times we are overwhelmed and dazed but then we are right back on track because we don't want to miss a thing.
Wagonmaster Bob gave tons of information and then threw in a few tidbits about leaf-cutter ants, breakdowns – just to keep us awake.
The excitement is starting to grow. We are really going to drive to Panama, drive into all of the Central American countries, experience their culture, try different foods (just keep saying to yourself that you will try new foods), make new friends and make some incredible memories – think of the anxiety you will be causing your kids knowing that Mom and Dad or Grandma and Grandpa are “driving” to Central America and telling their friends that the folks must be losing it.
We ended our group activities with a shared meal of pizza, salad, drinks and dessert. What a great start to an even greater trip.
Rig #1, Bob and LuAnn


DAY 2 - Rig 2
12 January 2010 – Pharr, TX
Another smooth day here at Texas Trails – Bob (our fearless leader) lead another informative and often interesting Orientation. We learned more about pod traveling, personal & rig safety, water acquisition, and border crossings – words to live by: DUMP WHENEVER YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY!!!!
Bribed with a healthy breakfast, both guests and staff were attentive and participated in the morning’s activities. LuAnn (a bit competitive) wanted to see who could peel the ‘prettiest egg’ – as if this was a competition that could be won, or that there would be any prize other than enjoying a well peeled egg – LuAnn attempted both the roll-n-peel, and the cut-n-scoop - though truly stellar attempts… she still couldn’t master the perfectly peeled egg.
The afternoon started with that all important first money exchange – we all we able to feel very wealthy as our small pile of US dollars were exchanged for a very hefty stack of pesos. Oh to be so lucky every day! Tomorrow we begin spending!
Bob and LuAnn are doing a great job keeping us informed, active, and excited – even amused with some personal anecdotes.
Today is the final day before we begin our trek south of the border. Though many of us have traveled great lengths (both mentally and physically – some farther than others) we have finally met each other and are ready for the start of our adventure with for our fledgling group. This is an exciting day for both guests and staff – final preparations, last minute purchases, sorting and storing, last minute fixes, and that ‘oh-so-necessary’ final treasured meal from the world-of-the-familiar?!?! – tomorrow is the true beginning of an Adventure of a Lifetime!
We wish each of us well, safe travels; and may this trip be without incident, accident, or breakdown.
buen viaje, bon voyage, good travels –
Brian & Chris
Traveling Fools