Will Puerto Penasco travelers have to wade across the border?

Here's a little side effect of the controversial border fence that I didn't hear about until today. According to a report released by officials with Organ Pipe National Monument, the 15-foot high fence blocked flood waters from a July 12th storm and flooded the international border crossing. Property was damaged in both Lukeville, Arizona and Sonoyta, Sonora. Apparently, debris quickly blocked the holes in the bottom of the fence that were designed to let the water flow through.

Photo: AP/National Park Service

I'll save my opinions about the border fence issue for another time and place. (How about over a cold Bohemia at the Marina Cantina in San Carlos?) It does make me wonder, though, if we need to check a weather report before heading to Puerto Penasco.

"Did you get the passports?"

"Yes dear."

"Mexican auto insurance?"

"Yes, pumpkin."

"Sunscreen?"

"Of course, my flowering lily."

"Waders?"

"Damn!"

Hey, here's a scenario. You're driving back to the United States on a Sunday afternoon after dawdling too long at Manny's, and you see dark clouds hovering over Gringo Pass ("I told you we should have left earlier, dear").

Will that 45 minute wait to go through customs turn into hours?

Will street vendors glide past your window in makeshift dugouts, poling along with one hand and balancing a painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the other?

Just think, the term "port of entry" could take on a whole new meaning.