Now because of our set up, we just so happen not to travel like "regular people". That is with suitcases! The most convenient form of luggage containment for us is a cardboard box. With this stylish system we are easily able to select the correct fibrous container per the specified dimensions which are strictly informed and regulated by the airlines. Another convenience with this system is that the flat surface area easily fits onto a personal weight scale allowing you to pack your container to maximum capacity without exceeding the airlines weight limits. No luggage tags are required, just sharpie your name and contact number directly onto the container, along with a couple decorative flowers, or branding symbols like YSL, Dior, or Nike if you feel the need to blend in and she is good to go. Now this system does have a definite draw back…the lack of wheels. It is possible to tie a rope and configure a handle system for these efficient containers, but lets face it who needs that much of a shoulder and arm workout while maneuvering through a busy airport! The best way is to seek out loaner wheels in the form of a cart. All airports have them, it may cost you a couple of bucks but it is overall a very, very cost efficient system. The best part of all is once unpacked your fibrous container, can be used to warm a room or just simply recycled if you have traveled to a warmer climate. Now I know what you may be wondering….Sometimes my luggage gets wet! No problem, just have your box shrink-wrapped in plastic or placed in a giant plastic bag that is generally provided by the airlines for free. No Drama!

So…. because we do not travel like "normal people", with conventional luggage systems we just so happen to stick out and be a target. Curious minds want to know…"What is in those boxes?!" When you answer these questions with "This is our luggage", it is not acceptable. "What do you mean luggage?", airport officials will respond. "Our clothing and personal items", we respond. "Hmmm!" you can just see the officials minds, working intently, trying to consider this concept. With our return to Mexico we not only had our fibrous, recyclable luggage containers, but also 2 sets of rear tires for our motorbikes. It was like we were painted in neon paint. After explaining ourselves, pretty much how I have outlined it above, it was pointed out to us that we would need to pay a tax on importing 2 motorcycle tires. We tried to explain that it was for our personal use on bikes that were already cleared for travel in Mexico…but it did not matter. Tires were not on the O.K. list of non taxable items. And if it is not on the list there is no getting around it! We paid the extra $80 to walk out of the airport freely and decided that next time we would pack the tires in a cardboard box!

*Cancun…I can't believe that I did not take a picture of our fibrous luggage…dammn*

It really was a whirl wind visit to the States, and right now, I am thankful that we made the choice to spend a couple of nights in Cancun before heading over to Isla Mujeres. We were also thankful that Carol and Pam made the trip up from Puerto Adventuras to deliver our camping gear off the bikes that they had been kindly watching and for us, and for us to off load the items we had collected from the States for them. It would save us some money, and a trip back and fourth on the ferry. I have to say that it was a very cumbersome trip across to Isla Mujeres on the passenger ferry with our camping gear, boxes and tires. We now know how the bikes feel! Yes wheels, wheels and more wheel would have made this transition much, much easier! Maybe even a motorbike!…ha ha ha.

*Bikes getting a thorough wash at the " lavado de autos"*

Changing out my bent  handlebars — *Changing out my bent handlebars*

*We rented another golf cart….Look who we found!…..Ken , where is Carol?*

It was a great feeling to return to the familiarity of El Milargro. Our bikes were where safe and sound we had left them and our room was ready. We cut open our luggage, sorted our projects and made a grocery list. The remainder of our time on Isla Mujeres was spent working on the bikes, cleaning, degreasing, oiling, replacing and basically getting them running like butter, as I say…ready for their next journey, or voyage may be the correct term here!