May 9, Culiacan to Mazatlan, 150 Miles

Finally, today was a rest day.

We had planned to take it easy for a day, after the past several long days, and we needed it.  We got up late, walked around a part of Culiacan, and then took the short ride to Mazatlan.  It was hot and sticky, though, about 93 degrees and humid.

But here we are, sitting in our air-conditioned motel room right on the beach, drinking Strawberry Daiquiris.

We found out from a local couple that this is the season for the ocean to have jelly fish which sting.  So, we didn't do more than wade in the surf of the Pacific.

In going to Culiacan, we found out about the "Quota" (Mexican toll road), and in coming back, we found out about the "Libre" (Mexican free road).

The Quotas have lower than Interstate standards, but with four-land divided highway and limited access.  They are good for getting from A to B with the minimum time.  However, they are expensive, the 150 miles yesterday costing us $178 Pesos (about $19 U.S.)

So, there is still the two-lane "old road", called the "Libre" ("free" road) essentially parallel to the Quota.  These roads carry normal auto traffic, and almost all of the truck traffic.  We gathered that the Quotas are too expensive for the trucks.

We intend to use the Libres wherever we can, to see the country better, and to keep in touch with the local scenery.  We'll see how this works, as we go into the heavier traffic areas.

Well, tomorrow we head for Guadalajara.

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