We were both pretty relaxed as we headed south east towards the border town of Tecate for our long planned entry into Mexico. What a contrast to the nerves we experienced back in June 2009 when with Norm (our guide) we entered via McAllen, TX for the first time.

The crossing proved to be straight forward.

Immediately after passing through the boom gate at the Mexican entry port the security staff waved us over to examine the truck (and take pictures of themselves beside the yellow monster). With the pictures done and a cursory look inside of our house on wheels they made a space for us to park while we completed the immigration and vehicle processing procedures.

Parking would have been a challenge without this help from the security people as the crossing area is crowded with buildings and there is little space for large RVs.

The Migracion office was within 20 meters of where we parked and the lady who tended to us spoke English and took it upon herself to complete all the forms for us to get our tourist cards. Immediately adjacent to the Migracion office we found the Banjercito. This is a bank of some form where one both pays the fees associated with the tourist card and also does the processing for the temporary importation of the vehicle. The vehicle process was not complicated but took 30-40 minutes as the Banjercito staff seemed to be well on their way to celebrating Christmas. After passing over a credit card for the necessary bond or guarantee (to ensure we have an incentive to take the vehicle with us when we leave Mexico) we were given the holographic sticker that when placed on the vehicle's windshield proves legal importation and allows multiple entry for 10 years. However, this time around we will make a point of turning this sticker in on our exit from Mexico as our bond is approximately US$700.

Our departure from Tecate was slow but uneventful. We remembered to stop at all the stops signs (there seemed to be one about every 3 blocks), had no trouble wheeling the big yellow brick through the narrow streets and even the light rain and mist (yes can you believe it - rain; we thought Baja California was supposed to be the home of warm weather) did not unduly complicate the driving.

Mex 3 eventually brought us to the coast on the northern side of Ensenada where we turned north onto Mex 1D ( a toll or Cuote road) to find an RV park for the night. At the toll booth we had to wait a few minutes while the attendant asked his boss how much to charge us - eventual 30 pesos (same as a car), and then immediately on the tollway we had to show the soldiers at a military checkpoint inside the camper.

The 20 km of Mex 1D north of Ensenada are spectacular as the road runs along the side of steep hills with fine views (even in the rain) of the Pacific Ocean.

We had identified two RV parks as candidates for the nights stay using a well know camping guide authored by Mike and Terry Church. The first of these, Clam Beach RV seemed largely deserted, though a few campers and RVs were visible, when we pulled in through the main gate and for some time we could not find anyone to ask about staying the night. However eventually a caretaker appeared and through sign language we determined that the establishment was closed.

Our second choice just a few miles down the road was Baja Seasons, an hotel and apartment complex with an attached RV park. Here we found an attendant who took our money for one nights stay (US$34). According to the Church guide this place was a high quality establishment with many facilities; but in practice it turned out to be a bit less than that.

At some point in the past the Baja Seasons must have been an impressive place. A large attractive main building, with common room (and fire place), laundry, and games room. Outside a pool and hot tub, and an amenities block that once sported a steam room and sauna. However today almost none of that works and the place is showing many signs of deterioration.

In the RV park it took two tries to find a site with electricity, and the water and dump seem to work. There are perhaps 20 other RVs parked here but only one of them seems to be occupied.

The good news about this place is that it is QUIET and right next to the beach.