Samarkand Bound: Another Beginning, South From Canada to Tierra del Fuego; Nanaimo B.C. to San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico.

Left Nanaimo B.C.Sept. 30th, catching the American ferry out of Victoria for Port Angeles Washington. My intent is to drive relatively quickly to Panama, stopping briefly in New Mexico and in southern Mexico.

The odometer reading, 30,669 kms.

Bike loaded up, including spare tires.

On the ferry in Victoria, off to Port Angeles.

Leaving by the" Empress Hotel" in Victoria's inner harbour

Drove down U.S. interstate 5 to Eugene Oregon, then cut inland to Klamath Falls, Carson City Nevada and then to Death Valley in eastern California. Above, entrance to Death Valley National Monument.

Death Valley in the distance.

Several thousand feet lower, driving below sea level. It was hot, can't imagine going through here in the heart of the summer!

Went on through Las Vegas and Phoenix Arizona into New Mexico. The above photo was taken east of Phoenix near Silver City N. M., the Gila National forest in the distant mountains.

Old western saloon in the hamlet of Pinos Altos, outside of Silver City.

Near Lake Roberts out for a ride with Gayla, a longtime traveling friend since the late 1970's

Gayla's cabin, tucked into the border area of the Gila National Forest. Wildlife abounds, cougar, bear and deer

The cabin, built by hand.

I was put to work for my keep.

Tombstone Arizona, home of Wyatt Earp and the OK Corral. The locals put on a little show.

At a rest stop, east of Tucson Arizona.

A birthday get together in Tucson, Gayla's siblings, Connie and Becky.

At the Mexican border, Nogales, south of Tuscon. The border fence snakes over the hills.

The toll road, heading south towards Guaymas. I decided to take the toll roads all the way south in Mexico, You can make good time and they are in pretty good shape.The last time I was in Mexico, the toll for motorcycles was the same as cars. This time it was half the price of cars. A pleasant surprise and much more affordable!

At a rest stop just north of Mazatlan, the Pacific in the distance.

South of Mazatlan.

Jesus and Raul, two friendly truckers at a rest stop.

The road north of Tepic, a city a couple of hours north east of Puerto Vallarta

Tepic toll booth.

Near Tepic I swung inland to skirt the megopolis of Mexico City around the north and the east, heading for Puebla, south of the capital. The area is much higher, with a more temperate climate. Quite pretty!

Near Puebla, lots of volcanic peaks, some active.

South of Puebla at a rest stop coffee shop. I met a Russian guy from Moscow making his way around Mexico catching rides with truckers.

Accommodation in Oaxaca, bike kept in inner courtyard.Nice climate at a higher elevation.

Leaving Oaxaca and elevation towards Salina Cruz on the Pacific coast

Twisty road in good condition.

Taking a break. It was getting warmer.

Stopped in Salina Cruz to ask directions. Family wanted a photo with boy on the bike.

Huge windmill farm south of Salina Cruz, hundreds of them, the most I've ever seen in one place. The area is called the "Ismo" in spanish..Isthmus. The land narrows here between the Caribbean and the Pacific and their are steady strong winds. It was difficult to maintain much speed on the bike.

Church in San Cristobal de Las Casas. I'm again at elevation. Bright sunny days and spring like nights.

Indigenous ladies, San Cristobal. This state, Chiapas, and the state of Oaxaca to the north have a huge population of Indigenous people.

They, and their young,still wear colourful clothing, and maintain their culture. I don't see much difference from when I was first here 30 odd years ago.