Driving to Tonala - The Back Way

http://www.flipshare.com/view.aspx?nRecipient=&nFrame=RTBEODI1ODgtNzQzNy00RDRDLUE3MTctQTQwODk0MjExODY1&nMedia=ODA4QTk0NDgtMEVCNS00NkFELTgwMDgtN0FBOTQ0RDJDNUE4&emailThumbnail=single&nT=

On August 25th, our trusty guide Steve introduced us to the newer route to Tonala from the Lake that avoids most of the congestion. While the trip takes about 50 minutes, the above video compresses the trip into just over 5 minutes. It just so happens that this "quick movie" catches the two most important turns - the one just past the airport and then the actual turn into Tonala, which isn't well signed.

This video was taken with a FLIP video cam mounted on a tripod that sat on the dash of our rental car.

Thanks for the video, we have been driving to Tonala that way since the road opened about 2 years ago. It is a much better route.

Is there a way to watch the video w/out signing up for FLIP?

A very good question! I didn't realize that one had to sign up to view. I do know that I can upload to YouTube but haven't spent the time to learn how. Will try to do so manana and provide that link if I am successful. New toys often require a new learning curve!

Just uploaded my first video and here it is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hqy3A28CIE

"Thanks for the video, we have been driving to Tonala that way since the road opened about 2 years ago. It is a much better route."

Marty: Since we had not been down for two years this route was new to us. However, I can remember reading a post by a longtime Lake resident (on another forum) who attempted to use this route as a shortcut to the cuota on their way to TX. Seems to me that he thought he was headed for either Zapopan or Tepic. Apparently, his ignorance was rewarded when he was pulled over by "crooked cops" (his words) and relieved of a camera!

Neil, we use that route on our way to Larado all the time. We also use it on our way back. By using it you will avoid the first toll on the autopista. The person you are talking about turned the wrong way and headed towards Gualdalajara and Tonala instead of Zapotlanejo.

As far as we are concerned, it couldn't have happened to a more deserving JERK!

yuri wrote:As far as we are concerned, it couldn't have happened to a more deserving JERK!

Ditto and Amen to that

I see on TOB that there is a topic started about the difficulty of this route. There is no accounting for those who may be directionally challenged but I fail to understand the difficulty. This route is definitely shorter and quicker and about as painless as it gets:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hqy3A28CIE
I lucked out and got every single turn that one needs to make in the shortened version. As far as statements about crooked cops etc, some people are just natural targets!