In our prior post we outlined taking a cab from San Carlos, Sonora MX to Nogales and crossing the border on foot with 2 garbage cans for luggage. In this part we describe the 1500 mile trip from Nogales, AZ to Vancouver, WA.
Prior to starting the trip home we booked a room in the local Motel 6 in Nogales, AZ. We hired a van to take us from the border crossing to the Motel, they are all just hanging out waiting for a hire. Note to selves: If you book online you will no get a senior discount at Motel 6. We settled into the Motel for a day or so and made ready for the next leg of the journey.
We could have flown from Mexico to Portland but with 150 pounds of junk in 2 Stand Up Paddleboard backpacks and 2 garbage cans full of our junk as well as an 11 year old, 92 pound Labrador retriever we did not want to risk the dog, or losing our stuff. Not to mention the cost of the tickets, dog carrier and a number of plane changes. Alternate plans were needed.
At first rental cars come to mind. Checking online quickly showed that Mexico to USA one way rentals were just not possible. Thus the taxi to the border and a foot crossing. Rental cars from Nogales, AZ to Vancouver, WA were possible but the price was a non starter. $2500 or more – Ouch!
Enter U-Haul. In a moment of desperation or perhaps insanity I went to the U-Haul site and started researching cost and availability. Vans were our first choice but they were reserved for local rentals only. Moving on to trucks we discovered that their smallest, a 10′, were available and were only $1200 for the 1500 plus mile one-way trip to Vancouver. And there was one available in Nogales.
It turns out the U-Haul can rent a reserved truck out from under you and that is what happened to us. There was a 10′ available in the next city over and were able to get that after another taxi ride there. We did get some charges knocked off the final bill for the cost of the taxi but that is up to you to work out.
The trip home is another story – 1500 miles, many National Parks (the Grand Canyon brought tears of joy to our eyes) and a lot of great views.
And to add to the story we thought our dog was on his last legs while in the Heat of Mexico. But once he was in the woods again he perked right up and started acting like the puppy he truly is in his heart of hearts.
