DesertHawk
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Senior Member
Joined: 06/06/2009
View Profile
 Offline
|
I would never drive across, when living in Harlingen. Of the 3 cities to go to down there, Progresso was the better of them. The smallest as well. If you decide to drive over, be sure you do NOT take a firearm of any kind with you, do NOT even have a shot gun shell in the vehicle. If they check you and you have something, it will land you in jail post haste.
Kevin, Progresso is just across the Rio Grande, no need to drive over, small villege when I was there last. Many go down deep into Mexico, some without any problems, some pay in different ways. I have gone to Canada several times, whole different experence.
DesertHawk - Las Cruces, NM USA
2005 16' Scamp Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailer
Side Dinette, Front Shower & Head
2009 White Ford F-150 Reg. Cab
Long Bed with A.R.E. Molded Fiberglass Topper
Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart. -Confucius
|
pawatt
Brainerd MN / Mission TX
Moderator
Joined: 01/19/2005
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
Offline
|
Quite a few of the older residents of our park, some who have difficulty walking distances regularly drive into Progresso. They either park on the street or in a parking lot 1 block west of the main street. None has ever reported a problem. If walking is not an issue you can usually clear customs faster by walking the bridge than by driving.
|
nelson
Clio,Mi USA
Senior Member
Joined: 07/01/2002
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
Offline
|
We where in Texas 5 years ago and walked across at Progresso. There had been problems with the drug cartels but the News says there had been no need to send the military into Progresso. Well I don't know what happened during the time we watched the news and the next day but we where only there about an hour when there was a Tank and a platoon of fully armed military men come down the main street through town. Whatever the reason I don't want to go some place where Heavily armed military is needed. It was a shame how many very young kids and school age kids are out peddling good to us tourists.
2002 Damon Challenger 348 Ford V10
Blue Ox Auto Stop and Aventa II Tow Bar
2001 Ford Sport Trac with Remco Driveshaft Disconnect
|
TomG2
Central Illinois
Senior Member
Joined: 03/07/2004
View Profile
|
Our group of Singles went to Progresso every Tuesday last winter and intend to again this year. There was a multiple murder in my hometown of three hundred a couple of weeks ago. A town of three hundred in the middle of cornfields here in Central Illinois can be dangerous too.
|
5thwheeleroldman
Texas
Senior Member
Joined: 06/26/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
Yeah, something about Napoleonic laws. They throw you in jail until they sort things out. Guilty until proven innocent! I walk across to get my meds, etc. Know the time will come when I can't. Think you can buy insurance by the day?
|
|
|
MoRambler
Springfield, Missouri
Senior Member
Joined: 07/16/2002
View Profile
 Online
|
When we go, we always walk over the bridge. It's just faster getting out, than sitting in a long line of cars waiting to clear customs.
I have ridden over with a friend that has difficulty walking, and they had no issues at all. HOWEVER, it's just the time element that is a major PITA if you drive over. If not for that, I wouldn't be afraid to drive to Progresso.
Larry & Ann w/Lucy the cocker
'00 Mountain Aire 350 Cummins/Spartan
Toad: '05 Jeep Liberty Ltd.
|
onehorsehitcher
Donna Tx
Senior Member
Joined: 04/06/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
Personaly I don't ever go over. I have no need to. Years ago I drove over once and walked or took the bus a couple of times. Progresso seems to be as safe as any tourist town on either side. It is true the Federales were there for a few days but I didn't hear of any bother to the tourists. They did a bit of confiscating of local police weapons etc. Those people that help you park you car on the street are supposed to be local officers. Customery to tip them. You can get most everything except the booze and meds in any one of several flea markets around the valley. To each his own.
|
FedExMan
Weslaco, Texas
Full Member
Joined: 02/17/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
We just drove over yesterday to Progresso to get scripts and lunch
We had no difficulty whatsoever. We parked in front of the pharmacy and then we did lunch at the Arizona. I took my scooter and we also stopped at my favorite shop to get some Talavera planters. There are "lots" and they cost 2 bucks. The locals will want to wash your car for ya with windex  . The fellow that showed us the spot wanted to wash the car, and he assisted hubby with my scooter. The car was fine on the street and I slipped the guy 2 bucks for his efforts assisting us. We love going over to Mexico and really enjoy the shopping and the food. Some folks are put off with the vendors but if you are polite they won't follow and badger you. Just my two cents.
Paul and Dennise Ziaja
2002 Damon Ultrasport
2007 Saturn Vue Toad
|
barnaclebill
Atlanta Michigan or towards the sun
Senior Member
Joined: 03/09/2005
View Profile
|
When you walk instead of drive to Progresso do you take a little folding wheeled cart with you to tote back your puchases or don't you buy that much?
|
elh0146
Sioux Falls, SD
Senior Member
Joined: 01/13/2002
View Profile
|
lookinin wrote:Can someone tell this Canuck why some folks are so leery of Mexico? ... a neighbour pulls his 40' DP and trailer full of car, Harley, etc. way down deep in the country.
That's an entirely different matter.
It's not so much that people are leery of going to Mexico, although some certainly are, as it is why spend the money for Mexican auto insurance when one can park on the U.S. side of the border and walk over? As someone else mention, unless you have a disability that doesn't allow you to walk (how about a wheel chair?), then IMO, it's easier and less expensive to park on this side of the border and walk over.
|
|
|
