No Camino Unturned

Story time!  Today I left my friends' place in San Diego to go to Mexico.  After a bit of research, I decided to drive into Mexico in Tijuana, then head east to Tecate.  I've crossed into both Tecate and Tijuana on foot before, and I knew Tecate was much less stressful, with less people aggressively trying to sell things to tourists. Being in my Jeep actually made me more nervous than being on foot for some reason.  Horror stories about border towns abound, and the US State Department website talks of occasional carjackings in broad daylight.  But I also know that many many people drive around those areas with no incident, and I don't like living in fear.  So, I went for it.  I got comfortable quickly, and wandered around, turning down whatever streets struck my fancy.  Then I headed towards Tecate on the highway, and off to the right, I saw what looked like a train bridge turned into pedestrian walkway, in front of a dam.  Jackpot I thought!  Most of you know I am quite fond of train bridges turned into pedestrian walkways.  I decided to try to figure out how to get to it.  I figured there was a parking lot and a nice park.

I spent probably over an hour turning around, turning around again, cutting down dirt roads, crossing through a big puddle of sewage, doing 3 or 5 or 7 point turns at dead ends, and I couldn't find it.  The closest I think I got to it ran me right into a sign that said "Propiedad Federal".  I don't know much Spanish, but I know a Federal Property sign when I see one. Finally, I figured out where the dam was, drove across that, and the signs there said it was federal property as well.  I parked up a hill, and went to take a photo, and found this pipeline that I couldn't cross.  I was stymied.  I thought I might still be able to get a good photo, and after 3 attempts including this one, reality hit me.  I was in a foreign country, where I don't speak the language, photographing federal property, including important infrastructure.  So yeah, I left!

By the way, I'm doubting that the train bridge was a pedestrian walkway.  Oh well.  It was fun to try.  And I ate some good food in Mexico, that's for sure.