Mexico Travel Report

Department of the Interior's Report on Mexico

This one page guide was created with a more comprehensive field report below.

With the lifting of immigration restrictions, Ventosus Insula received word from the Mexican Government that they were removing the blockades on the bridges that had been blocking passage since the start of the Plague. However, we here at the Department of the Interior have discovered that this is not the Mexico many remember.  The Plague hit the region hard. The Department of the Interior sent an expedition into Mexico in order to provide a current state of affairs and travel suggestions for the area.

Wildlife was naught to be found amid the sweeping views of the Mexican desert. BOWS Agent Miss Harper was uncertain if the animals had been hunted out by the desperate or subject to some sort of infectious condition. Agreeably, it is difficult to tell when there is not one specimen to be had.

We did experience that our horses were easily confused by the sweeping deserts of Mexico. It was unfortunately common that if we had strayed too far from them and attempted to call them to us, they would suffer severe injury as they attempted to navigate the landscape on their own. Might whatever effected our horses be what led to the decimation of the local animal population?  Curiously, the horse we had pulling our wagon was not confused and readily came to our call. Perhaps the task of hauling the wagon sufficiently distracted him so he did not succumb to that which effected our riding horses.

In the regions we visited, there was not one scrap of forgeable food nor water source to be found, aside from the San Luis River itself. Nor was there any sign of the local population - every camp, house and business has been abandoned. Some towns remain in reasonably good condition and offered a repast from the sun. There is some question as to if the local population evacuated to the deeper terrorizes of Mexico. Thus far the Mexican government has not yet responded to inquires as to the state of affairs, official cautions regarding certain areas, nor trade opportunities. The only communication we have received from them is the invitation to once again cross their bridges.

As to the bridges, that is a delicate matter to be sure. Of the four constructions that cross the river, only 3 are passable.

The Span extends from just above Manteca Falls over into Mexico. While the Span certainly looks impressive and appears as though it should be crossable, it is in horrible repair. Whatever weakness in the construction of the train rails across the Island are found in the tracks and the trestles are all but non-existant. It is in such a poor state that to step on the expanse is to invite a long fall into the depths below.  Mr Finn Lonchamp attempted to find a way to cross the bridge, but suffered severe injury and is still recovering.  Barricades have been erected and warnings posted on either side of the Span. 

Butter Bridge crosses the river into the tip of Mexico, locate just south of Thieves' Landing. This is a wide, welcoming bridge with railings. Carts and horses cross with considerable ease in both directions.

Frontera Bridge is the furtherest west in New Austin. It can be found more or less straight south from Benedict Point, across from Puerto Cuchillo. This is a high, narrow bridge with no railings. It can be crossed on foot or on horseback from either direction, but caution must be taken to travel at no more than a walk. Many the boards are slippery. The view, however, can be stunning!

The final bridge is known as Ramita de la Baya or "Berry on a Twig". It is located near Chuparosa and crosses a small island in the middle of the San Luis River. It's a wide low bridge and makes for an easy walk out of Mexico. We did discover, however, that our horses were unnerved by the closeness to the waters and would not cross with us. Curiously, the angles of the bridge make it impossible to enter Mexico using this bridge. There is a lip that is easy enough to jump down, but nigh impossible to scramble up.

Attempting to swim across the river is deadly. While the waters appear tame, there is a deep, swift undercurrent that will sweep you away in mere moments.

The Department of the Interior strongly advises that any traveler to Mexico bring a surplus of food and water. Do not travel alone. Leave your funds in a bank (there is no where to spend it). Remember, it's not a race but a scenic walk.

A group of Locals has established the Longstrider Riders, made up of volunteers from all over New Austin. They are patrolling the shores of Mexico. If you find yourself in trouble and unable to aid yourself, send up an E-flare. The Longstrider Riders will dispatch a party to rescue you and bring you to Armadillo for treatment by the Local doctor there.

The Department of Interior wishes you good travels and beautiful vistas!