Escapees July-August 2023

Escapees Chapter 8, “Mexican Conn is a chapter that has been leading in ed Escapees members on rallies to M for over 35 years. Chapter8 Mexican Connection Rally LEARN HOW TO TRAVEL AND RV IN MEXICO SAF • Introduce Escapees Chapter 8 Mexican Connection members to RV travel in Mexico, its traditions, sites, food, culture and people. • Give back to the people and local economies in the areas visited through one-day hands-on charity work events with local schools, orphanages, social welfare organizations and even a zoo. • Provide members with information and guidance on how to travel and RV safely in Mexico. WHATWEDO Chapter 8 is an all-volunteer organization. The rally is led by a volunteer wagonmaster, assistant wagonmaster and the chapter president. In addition, the group leaders, parking team, newsletter, charity activities, treasurer and membership committees are led by volunteers. Chapter 8 has an annual membership fee. To attend the Chapter 8 Rally, you must be a member in good standing. Chapter 8 sponsors one annual rally in Mexico, which lasts for 10–20 days. The rally may have one or more stops. Before traveling by caravan into Mexico, the group meets at a staging area for a three-day orientation which includes: • presentations on driving and RVing in Mexico • registration • sign up for any optional tours and add-on trips • training on caravanning • essential Spanish lessons • an overview of the areas to be visited, which includes presentations on local foods and customs • money exchange (dollars to pesos) The orientation also includes the group brie fl y crossing into Mexico with the group leaders to obtain visas ection” terest Mexico y FELY. PURPOSE Chapter 8 was organized in 1985 to:

(FMM cards), exchanging dollars for pesos and, if needed, vehicle permits. The rally fee includes some meals, welcome and farewell dinners, arrival happy hour, local tours, entertainment, rally jacket and welcome goodie and swagbag. The rally schedule allows plenty of free time for tours, dining, museums, cultural activities and local events. During the rally, participants become part of the local community by shopping at stores, interacting with residents, using local services and contributing to the local economy. Each rally includes the Chapter 8 annual meeting toelect of fi cers and to approve next year’s rally site. After the rally, participants are encouraged to explore Mexico or return to the U.S. in a group or independently. Chapter 8 is also on The Row at each Escapade. Join us at the popular Escapade Fiesta with chips and salsa and information on future rallies. Chapter 8 has sponsored rallies throughout Mexico: in Guaymas, Kino Bay, and Puerto Penasco, San Felipe and Ensenada San Quintin. Rallies are generally held from January through March. La Conexion Mexicana: is the Chapter 8 quar terly newsletter, which you can fi nd on our website, www.mexicanconnection08.com. The website and each newsletter contain photo graphs of former rallies and information on the upcoming rally. Registration for the rallies begins on September 1. Go to the Mexican Connection website for more information www.mexicanconnection08.com. Warren Carter, Escapees Chapter 8 President, Mexican Connection

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ESCAPEES Magazine July/August 2023