Yesterday I drove from Ft. Collins to Las Vegas, with a quick stop for lunch with my mother in law. The truck is running strong and as I type this we are getting ready to leave Las Vegas and drive thru Arizona into Mexico. We are leaving at about 10 pm to hit the border first thing in the morning.

High winds slowed me down a bit in Utah but didn’t stop me. After 12 hours driving alone I’m happy to be joined by my friend Brandon for the rest of the drive. He managed to fly out of South Dakota in time despite the snow storm that blew in overnight.

The pit stop in Las Vegas has been fun; Georges’ baby is cute and healthy (and chugging milk next to me right now!!!!). We’ve filled up on gas and coffee and are ready for the next leg of the trip. Next stop…………………. Mexico!!!

In less than two weeks I embark on a Central American adventure. I will be driving from Ft. Collins, Northern Colorado to Rivas, Nicaragua. I recently accepted a sous chef position at Rancho Santana on the Pacific Coast. I will leave my wife, Avery, and two dogs, Gizmo and Dinka Lillian behind, temporarily, as I scout out our new living arrangements and find us a permanent place to live. Then return for them in a couple months and fly back down. Our decision to move was difficult and exciting, but now that winter has crept into Colorado we’re sure it was the right one.

As of now I’m making preparations to leave; doctor visits, spare supplies for the truck, currency exchange, and packing up my belongings. We will be driving to Nicaragua in a 1998 Toyota Tacoma (it just occurred to me I have not named her yet, but certainly will before we get to Mexico). It is equipped with 4 wheel drive, a topper, tow hitch, car alarm, and has recently been looked over by a mechanic; all is well.

I expect the trip to take 10 days total, with a day spent in Las Vegas visiting my best friend George and his new baby. On the trip I’ll be accompanied by a good friend Brandon, who spent three months traveling through Central America last summer. He is always up for an adventure, and I bought his airfare. It was an offer he couldn’t refuse, even on short notice.

My route will take me south to Denver, west through Colorado and Utah and into Las Vegas. In Las Vegas I will meet up with Brandon and we will continue south to the US/Mexican Border crossing at Nogales, AZ. From there we will head west to the Pacific coast of Mexico, and then south all the way to Nicaragua.

Stay tuned in to my blog to hear about my trip through Mexico and Central America. Adios…