For those planning to come to the symposium in Phoenix next year and
would be considering a visit to Mexico, you must now get a passport or
renew yours if expired. The tourist town most easily accessible from
there, just a couple hours driving, is Puerto Penesco, better known as
Rocky Point. It is like Daytona Beach in spring. There are lots of
condos to rent and hotels. South from Tucson about 60 miles is Nogales,
no beach there, just lots of tourist shopping. There have been drug
gang problems there more than at Rocky Point and the economy is
suffering from that. You can experience much the same shopping by
staying on the US side of Nogales and you wouldn't need a passport.

If driving here make sure your car or truck is in good condition. Have
any worn belts changed, have a fairly new battery and the coolant
proper for heat. Have you r a/c checked and charged if needed. Sun
shades are needed to keep the sun off cages if you are bringing animals
and to put in the windows when you are parked. A wet towel can cover
cages to provide cooling. It is a good idea to try to drive early in
the morning and get to your next stop to sleep early and then leave
again next morning. Avoid the peak heat time of the day around 2 to 3
pm. Good rubber on the tires is very important, too. Blowouts happen
when tires are worn; we drive 75 to80 mph, at least, on the freeways
and the heat builds up. And always carry a couple gallons of water
with you. One never knows.

Also bear in mind Arizona generally does not observe daylight savings
time. No clock changing here. I think some of the reservations on the
eastern part of the state do but that shouldn't affect your trip.

Carol J. Owens
Ferret Friends, Inc.
Tucson AZ

[Posted in FML 6595]