(^150) Magdalena de Kino – Nogales - 96km
Over the hills we went, past shrines which were quite colourful in
such a desolate landscape. Eventually, Nogales rolled into view, our
final stop in Mexico.
Nogales was a typical border town, half-seedy with dodgy-looking
money changers and cheesy curios. The city was built right up to the
border. The security fence, a massive metal wall over six metres high,
resembled the infamous Berlin Wall. Our accommodation was near
the border, as we planned to cross into the USA first thing in the
morning.
Nogales, Mexico – Green Valley, Arizona, USA - 75km
I was up early as this was the day we crossed the border into the
USA. The border crossing was slow and drawn out like any other
border crossing, maybe even more so. Even though Ernest and I had
visas, one needed a permit and had to join the queue. I counted ten
booths, but merely two were staffed and it was thus 12h30 before
being cleared.
Sadly, no “Welcome to the USA” sign existed, and only the familiar
golden arches of McDonald’s welcomed us.
As in all new countries, our first day was interesting as we pedalled
past Tubac, a historic village and Spanish fort. Tubac was, by then,
more of an artist community than a fort. The day’s ride finished at
Green Valley, a small settlement near a copper mine.
leana
(Leana)
#1