The Water Saga - The End

Well, finally it does end. After my first meeting with the Water Commission months ago I went to see the Delegado as instructed. A word of explanation here. The Delegado serves as the representative of the community of Santillan in the greater area of Tequisquiapan. He also represents the Authority as far as bureaucratic requirements are concerned. So, armed with my not insignificant pile of papers, I went to seek his stamp of approval. This to confirm that I am indeed a resident of Santillan and that the area I occupy is legally described and that I am officially entitled to occupy it.

I had it all except for the legal description of the lot with a drawing helping to locate it. That was on the reverse of a form that I had unknowingly filled on one side only. So, back to seek that information from Wayne who had sold me the lot. However, Wayne was away in Texas. Usually, his stays are rather short; 2 to 3 weeks. This time however, he was away ALSO in Alaska and gone for a total of 7 weeks. I had been given a month to get it all. Patience was a must, fretting notwithstanding.

An inspector from the Commission came to visit some weeks later, wondering what was taking me so long. I explained and my explanation was accepted. Finally Wayne was back and immediately supplied me with a paper he had forgotten to give me. I figured I was ready and went to the Delegado's office, which is opened from 6 to 8 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Except that HE was on vacation but had failed to notify the residents. So faithfully, I and a number of people would line up at his office twice a week hoping to see him. I did this 7 (seven) times) without ever seeing him. More weeks went by. . .

Then, two weeks ago, I was politely summoned back to the Comision Estatal de Agua who had begun to have doubts about my application (and probably my good faith). Again, explanations were furnished and I was sent my way with obvious sympathy and understanding. What a relief! What a country!

So, now we come to the happy ending. Back from his vacation, the Delegado put his seal and signature on the missing form this past week. (He was friendly and absolutely charming!) I took it to the Commission the very next day (last Wednesday) and signed my contract. I will get my connection to the water main next week but will have to run the pipes to my place. Why? This is undeveloped land that has yet to have services. But I love it anyway! Who would have thought that at 71 I would start a new life in a new country and (eventually) in my own house? What an adventure! What learning! (And, it's fun most of the time, as well.)

However, I may have to modify my plans when I think about electricity. . . the office of Comision de Luz is in Queretaro!

I'll probably opt for solar energy.

LiveJournal Tags: Ejido land in Mexico,getting water

Update

It feels as if I've been away for a g e s but realistically, it's been five weeks. Tonight, as I'm writing this, a soft rain is falling making the most soothing sound on the roof of the RV. It's the rainy season here but while the sun shines almost all day long, the rains have the good grace of manifesting mostly at night. Who could dream a monsoon season so convenient! And check this out, I've got POWER! I'm still cool about boondocking on my lot though I'll admit that the past five weeks have been trying.

I have a particular outlook on new projects. If things fall into place at the very beginning, it's the right move. (They did.) Then, if problems pop up (and boy-oh-boy, did they ever!) it might be that my resolve is being tested. I know that life isn't a bed of roses, but even if it were, roses DO have thorns. . . (Pardon me for philosophising, I've earned the right to do so.)

Back to my problem with the regulator. I had followed the guide to identify what was wrong and come up with nothing other than the regulator since it failed to recharge the batteries. I greatly admire George  http://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net who is so knowledgeable after more than 7 years on the road. Patient too. As a woman traveling alone, my goal had been security first. Later, while I was boondocking in the Arizona desert, there were so many experts in all areas related to full time boondocking that all I had to do was get on the CB radio and call for help. Someone would come and teach me. What a boon that was! (No pun intended).

Now in Mexico, in a rather small town, solar energy is in a state of development and focused on housing and industry. The trouble shooting guide kept indicating that a battery diode was faulty and I had thoroughly checked each and every one and found them all ok. At my wits' end, I called a solar energy technician across the border to help me identify what needed fixing. He figured that the regulator was most likely the culprit so I ordered a new one.

I'll make this long story shorter. (It DID last for weeks after all!) I got the new regulator, my deep-cycle batteries were found to be in excellent shape and fully recharged. However, after I'd installed the new regulator, the reading was the same! By then, thoroughly disgusted and in the absence of anyone qualified who could figure out what the problem still was, I appealed to local help and came Manuel, a young man who is a mechanic by trade here in Santillan. Manuel is bent on learning as much as he can in as many areas as possible. It helps that he's a little genius. He was determined to find out what was what. Methodically, he followed all wire connections and found the culprit hidden away in a tiny cubicle that rarely needs checking. A connection from the panels to the batteries where a fuse was located was too slack and the fuse had blown out. I simply had forgotten about that ONE fuse so remote is it in its tiny cubicle; I had checked all others. Oh well... I now have two regulators and will probably use both when I get a solar energy system installed for the house.

When I was traveling full time, I had a calendar of maintenance chores (believe me, there are many...) and religiously attended to each and every one. Those that were beyond my ken, I relegated to professional help. However, construction so occupied me in the past months that the chores calendar became secondary. Never again!

Regardless of the problems that crept up, I know that I'm in the right place. Like I know that my vagabonding ways are a thing of the past. And, how I do love Mexico and its many friendly people. The climate is incredible. Peter (Schuster) had told me about the climate here and he was right on. I would not change one iota. As I was telling my sister today, I have finally found my SPOT!  You can bet I will not budge from here. My bones will find a final resting place right here in Tequisquiapan, Mexico.

LiveJournal Tags: Solar energy,Tequisquiapan