Neptuno RV Park, El Monte Gordo, Veracruz, Mexico

Crossing the border at Brownsville was no problem at all.  Immigration just wanted their money for the tourist card and vehicle permit.  Mexican customs just waved us on through without a word being said.  The second customs checkpoint was the same; we didn't even have to stop.  It was somewhat different to see the customs agents carrying automatic assault rifles.

We stopped overnight at a small campground in Ciudad Victoria and then on to the Costa Esmeralda (Emerald Coast).  

We got a very nice campsite at the Neptuno RV Campground.  It was not the best site but we needed one where our Data  Storm satellite internet system would work.  I also wanted one where we wouldn't be hit by falling coconuts.  

This is the dining room where breakfast and dinner are served every day.  The cost was very cheap ($5/person/day for both meals) and the taste would rival any restaurant anywhere.  The atmosphere is incomparable.  You are sitting outside, surrounded by tropical plants, with the view and sounds of the ocean.

To illustrate how good the food is, I ate chicken, more than once, and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I hate chicken and absolutely refuse to eat it except for here.

The manager, Uri, and his wife Antonia do the cooking, serving and tending bar.  

This is the view of the Gulf from the park.  On weekends there are a few people on the beach but during the week the beach is empty and there are few boats in sight.  

The beach was a bit messed up from some storms earlier in the winter.  However, it is an empty beach with much warmer water than any in the US.  Those two things alone make it very attractive.

This oil rig is just a few miles offshore.  Unfortunately, it does not reduce the price of gasoline locally.  At least you don't have to hunt around to find the cheapest gas.  All the gas stations are owned by the government and the price is virtually the same throughout the country.

The parrot's name is Lucas.  He hangs around the dining room every day.  He belongs to the campground manager, Uri.

In addition to all this, Antonia does laundry for the campers and their two sons will wash the rigs; all very inexpensively.  Our stay here was very pleasant and memorable and I highly recommend it to anyone traveling down the east coast of Mexico.