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parvati

Apr 18, 2003, 2:21 PM

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Driving from Laredo to Lakeside 04/19/03

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Hello,

We'll be crossing the border at the Columbia Bridge (Laredo) and driving to Lakeside. We have a large dog and two cats in carriers.

We would like to break the drive into two days. Can anyone suggest a good place to spend the night, midway on the drive, with easy access to the highway?

Thanks ! Parvati

esperanza

Apr 18, 2003, 3:06 PM

Post #2 of 12 (2089 views)

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Re: [parvati] Driving from Laredo to Lakeside 04/19/03

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Matehuala.

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PeggyS

Apr 18, 2003, 11:24 PM

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Re: [esperanza] Driving from Laredo to Lakeside 04/19/03

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Definitely Matehuala.

Roses5410

Apr 19, 2003, 5:41 AM

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Re: [PeggyS] Driving from Laredo to Lakeside 04/19/03

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We usually come in through McAllen, but the route to Lakeside would or could still be tentatively the same as from Laredo...and like to break our trip into a two-dayer also. So, I'm curious about where, in particular, in Matehuala.

Before, we've stopped in Saltillo or San Luis Potosi, and while Saltillo was cost effective, SLP was not. I love for us to stop at different places and different towns to see as much of Mexico as we can each time we travel through...so I'd love any suggestions as to any particular place in Matehuala.

Thanks...

P.S. By the way...can you get charcoal in the Lakeside area (for BBQ pits)? We're bringing one down this time and I don't remember seeing any in the stores...
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esperanza

Apr 19, 2003, 5:50 AM

Post #5 of 12 (2066 views)

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Re: [Roses5410] Driving from Laredo to Lakeside 04/19/03

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The route from Laredo is exactly the same as the route from McAllen once you're on the highway to Monterrey.

Matehuala's a very small town. There's a motel next to the highway near the arches. Once you're there you'll recognize it easily.

As to charcoal: you can buy bags of carbon here in town, but it's difficult to work with if you're used to charcoal. One of the more Americanized supermarkets probably carries imported charcoal at an imported price. You might just as well burn bundles of dollar bills.

It's easiest and least expensive (IMHO) to use a gas grill, and simple to refill a tank. I brought a new tank down and filled it here...no problems coming through customs.

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(This post was edited by esperanza on Apr 19, 2003, 5:51 AM)

Brian

Apr 19, 2003, 6:31 AM

Post #6 of 12 (2057 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Driving from Laredo to Lakeside 04/19/03

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If you don't mind spending the money, the Motel Las Palmas is very nice. Last month it was $70 for two people. The restaurant is good but we prefer to eat right across the highway at the restaurant La Noria.

esperanza

Apr 19, 2003, 6:41 AM

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Re: [Brian] Driving from Laredo to Lakeside 04/19/03

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In that neck of the woods, it's either the Las Palmas Motel or curling up for the night in one of those little shelters where dried rattlesnakes are sold. Matehuala is half way, it's easy-on, easy-off the highway, and it's only one night.

And I second the motion for La Noria.

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johnlap1

Apr 22, 2003, 6:46 PM

Post #8 of 12 (2002 views)

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Re: [parvati] Driving from Laredo to Lakeside 04/19/03

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Interesting-We crossed at Laredo into US and drove to Lakeside,California (near San Diego)

esperanza

Apr 22, 2003, 6:52 PM

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Re: [johnlap1] Driving from Laredo to Lakeside 04/19/03

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At the risk of being obvious, in this instance Lakeside refers to the area on the shore of Lake Chapala.

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juan david

Apr 30, 2003, 7:58 PM

Post #10 of 12 (1957 views)

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Re: [parvati] Driving from Laredo to Lakeside 04/19/03

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Las Palmas gave us the cold shoulder when we asked about pets. We didn't even get to the part about having two hulking labs. So we checked into a fifties era place a half mile down the road into town (at the stoplight). $43 bucks a night and clean, No more, no less. The no tell motel gave us a dinner discount coupon to guess where....Las Palmas! Very good dining room.
" let sleeping dogs lie"

tomtroyfrancy

Jun 12, 2003, 1:01 PM

Post #11 of 12 (1888 views)

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Re: [ian] Driving from Laredo to Lakeside 04/19/03

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We're getting ready to do drive, and would love to find a decent place besides Las Palmas. Can you be more specific on where this other hotel is as you are heading south? Thanks , Francy Rubin tomtroyfrancy@yahoo.com

juan david

Jun 13, 2003, 5:04 AM

Post #12 of 12 (1868 views)

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Re: [tomtroyfrancy] Driving from Laredo to Lakeside 04/19/03

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Oops, haven't checked this board for a while, and you are probably long gone by now. But for what it's worth, the El Dorado is on the highway, right side, at the first stoplight as you're heading south through Matahuala. About $44 per night. Mi esposa refers to it as "the dump" cause the furnishings were last updated in the early sixties, but the rooms are large and clean. It's window air conditioned and has enough property to walk dogs. Arrive late, go out for a good dinner, sleep and head out early in the morning. Works for me!
" let sleeping dogs lie"