DAY 2, Wednesday April 5th – Cross the Border into Mexico, San Carlos
Mission San Xavier del Bac
It was a very early morning. Alarm broke the silence at 5:20, breakfast at 6:00 and on the road by 7:00. I’m normally still sawing logs at this time of the day but we had a very LONG bus ride ahead of us.
We have a good group. There are 22 of us, all in a similar stage in life: retired, well-traveled, and looking to see something new. I think Tim may be the youngest in the group, in his late 50’s. I heard one woman is 82, but I believe most are in their 60’s – 70’s.
Our scenery was similar to what we had seen twice over the past couple of months in both Southern Arizona and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, including a mixture of flat scrub, ocotillo, barrel, organ-pipe and saguaro cacti.
A brief stop in the small town of Santa Ana, was highlighted by the Mission San Xavier del Bac, built between 1783-1797.
Altar of Mission San Xavier del Bac
“… is the oldest European structure in Arizona; the labor was provided by the O’odham. Widely considered to be the finest example of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States” ~ Wikipedia
Leaving Arizona and crossing the border at Nogales into Mexico went fairly smooth. We did need to get off the bus, claim our luggage and each bag was opened and inspected. Fresh fruits, produce or meats are not allowed to cross the border.
Our included lunch stop was formulistic, and nothing to write home about.
On to cosmopolitan Hermosillo for another brief stop at the Government Palace to view the multicolored murals that portray the history of the people of the Sonoran region.
Government Palace
A quick look inside the colonial cathedral. Some type of ceremony was taking place, perhaps a funeral, we quickly moved on.
Arriving at our final destination for the day, San Carlos, just before 6:00 pm. By then we were more than ready to be off the bus. But what a lovely view we have from the balcony of our room at the Marina Terra Hotel and Spa!
View from our balcony room at Marina Terra
This small fishing village is perched on the Sea of Cortez, known for its crystal-clear warm waters and beautiful sunsets.
The evening was topped of with our welcome dinner, margaritas and choice of wine were consumed as we were treated to a festive mariachi band performance.
Our entertainment
Overnight: San Carlos
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful to be off the bus after a VERY long day, but thrilled by our awesome view from our hotel room. The drive was worth it!
A Note From Abroad 
Your view is spectacular! Love all your photos.
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Glad you liked them. Appreciate you following along
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There’s going to be another church on the CCT that will amaze you, if they do the same route. It’s stuck out in the middle of nowhere, but the interior architecture, though in decay, is not dissimilar.
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Great. I’ll be watching for it!
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Yes I would be grateful to be off the bus also, HAHA. Great photos, have fun you 2.
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Thank you Terry. Long ride, but enjoyed the scenery. Our visit to Anza Borrego was a great introduction to the desert.
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Lovely sunset. Really liked the murals! And the Sea of Cortez is a delight. Peggy and I camped out beside it for a month once and spent our time kayaking. –Curt
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I would have enjoyed kayaking, especially early in the day when the water was so smooth.
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And the clarity of the water was great. We were camped on a creek that ran out into the gulf. We could put our kayaks in the creek and take off. –Curt
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I would be grateful to be off of the bus too! Lovely pictures. You do have a great view and that sunset……!
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That sunset was over the top in brilliant colors.
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Very interesting stops, Great photos, and that view and sunset, wow!
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