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28 December ‘09

With last night being “Hamburger/Brock Night”, we all met all around the pool and enjoyed, what we have found to be, very good hamburgers.  The proceeds go to those that need help in achieving a higher education.  The money is most often used for books, transportation, or/and tuition.  With the cost of a hamburger or Brock at 35 pesos (approx. $3) and a beer or margarita for less than that, it’s a heck of a deal for all.  As always, following the meal, the music starts up and the “dance floor” (concrete slab) opens for those who have the energy, to “get down and dirty”….  Its fun, cheap, and you never know who’s going out on that dance floor…SOL… 

This morning Louise and I put on our walking shoes and headed out for the hills behind us.  Across the highway that we always use for walking into town, is an area that we have wanted to explore since arriving.  It’s primarily residential with a small mix of a tiny grocery store or something similar mixed in.  If the roads aren’t just plain deeply rutted dirt, they’re deeply to semi rutted cobblestone. From the moment that we left the campground we were either heading up and around, or straight up.   If or when, the road came to an end, we found a wooden plank that spanned a small stream or washout area so that we could continue on a straight line, to what destination, I don’t know.  It was just a walk… Then there was this one cobblestone road that took us straight up. This steep grade was so steep that I would guess not many cars have the power to make it to the top.  Once at there we were amazed at the wonderful views.  On one side, the Pacific Ocean and the islands, and on the other, heavily forested mountains in the distance with a dark green valley far below us that was filled with varying crops spread out before us.  The real “BUMMER” of today’s outing was that I left the camera behind…RATS !!!  I just hope that we get back to making this hike once more, because of all the photo ops that was left behind. 

Tonight we were out for a walk around the park and noticed a group of Mexican families standing in the middle of the road.  They were watching the launch of a handmade “hot air balloon”.  Fact is, they launched two.  One of the families made the 3 sided canopies of paper or light plastic and then attached a small can to the bottom.  Once the can is filled with fuel (most likely gasoline), it is lit with a match, held until the canopy fills, and is let go to float to the stars above…  It was amazing as to the height that it got and the length of time it took to reach max altitude.  We stood there for the longest time just watching it rise and then just disappear. 

_27 December ‘09 I wanted to mention a couple of other things were we had fun over the last couple of days…

On Christmas Eve night, the whole campground got together to sing Christmas carols and for the breaking of the piñatas by the Niño’s and Ninja’s.  It was also the time for Santa Clause to make his appearance and hand out treats to all the kids.

_He arrived in his sled (trailer) being pulled by the largest ATV you could ever imagine….Boy, Santa really knows his toys. Then it was over to George and Liz’s place to join Sol and Carol for a Christmas night dinner of BBQ’d Lobster and Salmon…  I know, we do live a heck of a life-style and the pressures that are put upon us are just uncalled for. 

_26 December ‘09 Well Christmas was here in a big way.  The park was decorated, most of the RV’s, and the gathering of the “choir” for Christmas caroling made it very nice to be here while so far away from “home”.  With last night’s Christmas dinner party

_behind us, we look forward to the New Year’s party.  But before that, the camp “water volleyball” teams took to the water.

_Sol represented us and the USA against the Canadian and Mexican teams

_for a down-and-out fight to the finish (Camp Championship).  I won’t go into a lot of detail except to say “Sol, you did us proud”. 

_The USA took the title again for the 4th consecutive year (so they tell us) and your winning T-shirts look great.  I’d better do a little catching up.  One day last week, Louise and I joined Sol and Carol for a trek out to a couple of beaches and small communities we’ve been hearing about.  Setting up this journey, I’ve got to tell you about Crocodile Mountain.  About 5 miles down the beach from our campground, sits this natural formation that flows into the sea…it looks like a crocodile laying in wait...  At this point, the beach gives way to the natural fauna of palm, banana, and mangroves and leaves the sand beaches behind.  Just before the sand leaves the beach, it becomes a spit that divides the Pacific from a brackish water estuary were you can find birds, small fish, crab, and crocodile.  The first part of the drive to Playa Naranja (Orange beach) was a nicely paved narrow roadway that took us off the main highway (200) and through one of the “very small villages” in the area.  Prior to entering the village (the local church), we found the roadway reduced its self to rock, dirt, and deep ruts which we followed for the next 4 miles to a high over-look of the playa.

_When the road? stopped we were met by one of Mexico’s finest…a young man in partial (white “T” shirt with dark blue pants tucked into his polished boots) uniform of the Federales (state police).  He and one other were stationed at this view point to watch over the coast and the estuary below from their tarp covered cots and a fire pit from which they keep warm and make their meals.  We were told we had to sign-in, leave our license plate number in their log, and leave our truck  if we wanted to explore below.  We all kind of looked at each other and made the big decision…”well we’ve come this far”…  Following the trail down the hill we found that we occupied a stretch of perfect sand and sea for about as far as you could see,

_and we were “almost” by ourselves.  Just behind us and at the edge of the brackish water, was the partner of the fellow we left above.  When I approached him, he was about shin deep in the water and catching some of the local crabs.  His net was actually each side of a floor fan guard (the guard that keeps your fingers out of the blades).  Not only was this ingenious, it worked well.

_This beach was beautiful, but not really what we were wanting for this days outing.  Our next route took us to Divisadero (another nice drive to the edge of the village and then…dirt.  Back out to the highway and onto Playa Chacala.  First, we were hungry so we searched out a beach restaurant as soon as we entered town.  Chacala isn’t much of a “town”, but it does have a very nice beach and community that surrounds this quiet bay.  It would be a great place to stay for a few days to just “relax and read a good book”.  You know, book, sand, cerveza, and…  well we saw these two signs.  One indicates there is no camping and the other, well there is also no "Pooping"

_Well back here at La Penita, I found the little “casa’s” of the town very interesting, so I thought I would take a picture or two as we did our walks into town.  One morning as we were taking our usual pathway to La Penita, we came upon some road construction.  Now this is tough labor, rock by rock with a little concrete laid in between, and by the looks of it, it could last quite a long time. We are also excited to have our campground “market” each week to be able to select some great fruit and veggies.  A couple of times a week we also get the bread and pastry delivery truck stopping by…Hmmm, pastries, fruit, jumbo shrimp, potable water…not too bad. 

I’ve also had a chance to do something that I haven’t done for a looonnnggg time…play some golf.  Sol plays at least once a week and I have joined him twice now. 

_I hate to admit it but I’m not doing so well.  The last time out I started off by losing two balls and from there it got worse…I lost 6 and found 1 and I quit keeping score.  My first time out I did much better and even impressed myself with some of my shots from the tee, but the putting, it was bad.  We’re still enjoying the Thursday market in town.  Because of the holidays, it seems to be growing by leaps and bounds.  One afternoon after market we went for a walk that took us away from the town and further from the campground.  At this end of town we found a river that makes the dividing line of the two towns, La Penita and Rincon de Guayabitos.  Apparently this river also offers the fisherman the opportunity to catch something, that is if you know how to use a net…

_17 December ‘09 Our Google Earth position is:  21.04699N,  105.24313W at the La Penita RV Park

 Well I can’t say that we’ve been lazy, although when you look at the last time that I brought everything up to date you might think so, but when I look back on all we’ve done, we have been on the go.  Sol, Keith, and Louise have been hitting the ball every morning while playing water volleyball, Lou and Carol have been up to the pool for exercise classes and water aerobics when possible, and me….I’ve been reallllyyy busy.  We’ve walked the mile or so into La Penita for breakfast (with sidewalk entertainment)

_or lunch, and we’ve walked in for the Thursday morning market.

_On one morning Louise and I took a different route into town and found this cemetery that was located right on the opposite side of the hill from the campground.  It is also located at water’s edge.  As we walked out onto the beach we were amazed at how many tombs have been lost or just about lost to the on-coming storms.

_By the looks of it, the loss has been going on for some time and it isn’t about ready to stop.  It’s unfortunate for the families, now they have a double loss.  La Penita isn’t a very wealthy town so with the monies that they have it doesn’t allow for this cemetery to get much attention or care.  On the other-side, they do love the paint colors they use on their “casa’s”.

_The six of us also decided to charter a day’s outing with one of the local fishermen/tour-guides.

_Our day was to give us a couple of hours fishing, whale watching, and another couple of hours of snorkeling.

_We did see a lot of water and shoreline while riding around, one whale spouting off in the distance,

_and with the waves hitting the shoreline so hard we didn’t see much while snorkeling.  Oh well, we enjoyed the day anyway.  Fact is we’re enjoying each and everyone of them as they come by.  We’ve had movie night with pizza, taco and margarita Mondays, and some things and events that I just can’t mention any more about…   

_9 December ‘09 Day 2 and some of us are already involved with the events of the “social calendar”.  First thing this morning found Sol bouncing around in the pool playing water volleyball…I wish I would have had my camera with me.  Louise and I took a long walk down the beach.  The sand is so soft that each time you put your foot down it sinks to just below your ankles and with the steep slope down to the surf, it makes for some good exercise.  We also have some friends that have shown up here.  Keith and Louise are a couple from England that have taken a year off, purchased a motor home, and traveled around the US and Mexico.  They will be in Mexico for another 5 months.  At the campground last night, we enjoyed a margarita/taco night.

_Free margaritas and 5 wonderful tacos for 40 pesos ($3.00).  With the dinner and drinks, and the incredible view from the palapa, we have decided we’ll be staying.  One of the campers here is a member of a bluegrass musical group that is playing twice a week at one of the local bars, so Sol, Carol, Keith, Louise, Lou, and I descended upon them for our “desert”.  Well a couple of us had a really good time last night but all was well this morning as they made it to the highly competitive volleyball match and didn’t show any signs of a ...  This afternoon the 6 of us joined together in Sol’s truck and headed into Rincon de Guayabitos. 

_Ricon is about 3 miles further up the beach and is the largest beach town in the area prior to Puerto Vallarta.  Ricon is a destination beach town with lots of happenings.  After driving around town for awhile we parked and hit the sand and a chance to find one of the “local watering establishments”.  You can see, some of us had a good time. 

_At one point I wasn’t sure whether Sol was awake or nodded off

_for a minute.  Well he was just kidding, he’s awake…

_8 December ‘09 Our Google Earth position for the next few weeks is:  21.04699N,  105.24313W at the La Penita RV Park.

For most of us that have traveled into Mexico, we can hardly keep ourselves from stopping the moment we smell the constant aroma coming from the small restaurants selling “Pollos Asados” or grilled chicken. 

_Either eaten there or taken away, it is a wonderful treat for all.  A cleverly placed knife in several locations of the chicken and you’ve got yourself a precisely carved bird

_that is easy to pick-up in your fingers to enjoy the flavor of the chicken and also the drippings of all the herbs and spices.  This afternoon we called it “road food” as we took delivery while passing through this little village on our way to La Penita.  La Penita RV Campground is set on a hillside with a view looking over the Pacific.  Of 120 sites, most of which have a view, we have close access to the town of La Penita de Jaltemba, a beach which stretches for what looks like miles,

_a pool, and a social calendar that would make Hilton Corporation jealous.  This looks like a place we should highly consider for a longer stay.  With Christmas coming soon, and all the Mexican families descending upon the beaches, we had better have roots or we’ll find ourselves without a place to stay.  They told us that at the moment they have room for us until the 6th of January, soooo… We’re still thinking on it or what you might call putting ourselves out on a limb.

_6 December ‘09 Sol dared me to post this picture of me, so here it is: (The header)

Our day started out with heavy rain that continued past noon, and then let up and left us with lots of clouds and heavy humidity for the rest of the day.  Sol and Carol headed off to a close by hotel that had free internet and we stayed back and “veged”.  At about 2, the pickup rolled up and Carol jumped out telling us that there was this “fantastic” river cruise that we should go on that leaves from a little village next door.

_This was a boat trip through the jungle

_to the fresh water spring at La Tovara.  We took a small boat that took us through the Estuario (Estuary) San Cristabol.  We went through thick jungle and mangroves to finish at La Tovara, the fresh spring water location where we (Sol and myself, would swim with the fish.

_Throughout the jungle and mangroves, we were able to see some birds

_that we’ve never seen before, crocodiles,

_turtles, termite nests

_, Iguana, bird watching platforms (grass huts),

_and too many flowering plants for us to name.

_You just knew that you didn’t want to drop your hand into the water too long to enjoy the cool and refreshing feeling as there were the croc’s just sitting there waiting for their opportunity for a nice snack.  While on the boat, we did take a side trip to the Cocodrilar (crocodile nursery) were they had some amazing croc’s

_that they have taken from the waters that we have just gone through…  While on the boat, we only saw one that was a large male and several small female and young floating just under water or straddled on a floating branch.  When we arrived at the fresh water spring of La Tovara, Sol and I decided that it was time to hit the water…and that is what we did.  Hanging from a tree branch was a bar that would swing us out over the pond and drop us into the deepest part with a large splash.  It was just the four of us there, but the Carol and Louise held back.  With the humidity of the day and the special location of the pond, it just called for a dip.  Even the ride back through the mosquito infested jungle and us still wet, we ended the journey without a bite. Now that doesn’t say that the “no-see-um’s and mosquito’s didn’t find us back at the campground because they did, and I can still feel them 4 days later.  

_4 December ‘09 Our Google Earth position today is:  21.47460N,  105.19613W or Playa Amor de Mexico.  Playa Amor is our new campground and is located about 8 miles south of San Blas.  We’re sitting right on the edge of a wonderful breakwater overlooking the Pacific Ocean with about 10 other RV’s from Canada and the USA.  The further we go south, the more times we will run into an RV that was in one of the same campgrounds we were in somewhere north of here.  I’m sure that will continue until we get past Puerta Vallarta and then the RV travelers will start to thin out.  Last night in Teacapan, we drove down the beach about 3 miles to a restaurant/campground for dinner.  Pelicanios sits in a beautiful surroundings right out on the edge of the water in a protected circular bay.  A couple of hundred yards to the right and you are in town and a hundred yards to the left and you are parked within the coconut palm trees and waiting for that perfect drop from high above to put a huge dent on your roof or take out your windshield.  Even in this little out of the way restaurant we ran into a fellow traveler we met in Santa Ana.  Santa Ana was our first park once we entered Mexico.  Bob has parked his travel trailer down the beach and it “free-camping” for a couple of weeks before heading down to Guatemala for the winter.  Dinner was served under the awning with the waves lapping at our feet and coincidentally, we all enjoyed a seafood dinner.  Sol and Carol split a large whole red snapper and Louise and I ordered the whole robalo (a smaller fish that was shaped like a large trout but with a snout nose).  We were all awake and out at the surf early this morning waiting for the local dolphin pod to show up.  Well I guess we couldn’t be too lucky and get them to show both of the mornings we were there.  Getting up early did do one thing, it got us on the road a little earlier.  We took the “Libra” road (the free road) that takes you to more little towns and villages compared to the “Cuota” (toll road) that most often will get you there quicker.  The scenery was changing all around us again on this leg of our journey.  It didn’t take long for us to find ourselves traveling into the more dense tree coverings and hector after hector of banana trees.  We also followed beside a large estuary the last 2 hours of our drive.  At one point we were climbing and winding our way up the sides of the coastal mountains and once hitting the crest we were winding on this tight little 2 lane road down to the coast again.  Coming into one of the many little villages, we came upon the constant “TOPES” signs and again the constant entrepreneur that was at the side and middle of the roadway selling their goods.  Now this little village was one that had a little different item to sell.  These ladies were selling the “fruit cup” that we’ve always enjoyed while on the beaches of Cabo.  The big difference between what we got here and what we received on the beach was that these cost 50 percent less and they were 3 times larger.  These are sooo large that we still haven’t finished the first one…  After getting our rigs settled into their new settings at Playa Amor, we drove into San Blas.  We had already passed through the small town of Alticama on our way to Playa Amor, and we all noticed that the whole community seemed to have a specialty of their own…banana bread.  One stand after another…yep, you guessed it, we’ve got banana bread that was made here in the banana capital of The World !!!  Well that may be stretching it a little, but we did buy our bread.  Then it was onto San Blas.  Now this was a big disappointment to all of us…there was just too much hype to justify the San Blas we saw today.  Oh well, we went, we saw, we ate, and we left…Next!!! 

_2 December ‘09 Our new location to be seen from Goggle Earth is:   22.61375N,  105.79298W 

Our campsite is set on a nice piece of concrete so that we can exit and enter the coach without tracking in a ton of sand with each step.  We also sit right on the edge of the beach with the breakers letting us know that the tides are either ascending or descending from high tide.  As I sit her in the coach now, I have a tendency to raise my feet every time the waves hit the beach…  After arriving this afternoon we all gathered together in Sol’s pickup and went into Escuinapa de Hidalgo (which we had already passed through some 20 miles ago…).  Louise and I had driven off from the hospital this morning with a prescription that we were to fill, well we got all the way here and it didn’t get filled…so that’s the reason that we drove all the way back to Escuinapa.  Now, as we were driving back into camp, the sun was just dipping into the sea.  We almost missed it, and it would have been too bad to have missed that one as tonight’s sunset was wonderful.  While in town I did re-stock our supply of Pacifico, so while sitting there on their patio watching the burning sun disappear into the sea, and the stars start to appear far above our heads, we were at least able to enjoy a cerveza. 

Well stepping back to this morning;  I awoke, showered and stepped out of the coach about 7:30 this morning and walked across the parking lot to find Louise still asleep in her hospital room.  She told me that she had a pretty good night, but the nurses did wake her quite a few times throughout the night.  I went down to the restaurant about 9 for breakfast and while I was there the doctor made his rounds.  He wanted to keep her one more night, but Louise wanted no part of it…”I want GO HOME !!!”  She did get a little feisty and at that point I knew she was much better.  By noon, we had paid the bill ($1200 US) and headed out to meet up with Sol and Carol and get on our way south.  Today’s drive took us by farm fields where one farmer was tilling his fields with a horse and plow while walking behind them.  The others were using their large and small tractors while planting or hoeing.  We also passed orchards of mango, orange, and coconut, not the usual crops you see in the state of Washington or Idaho.  Arriving here at the coast, we passed through the estuary areas were the fishing boats look like wooden kayaks that are paddled while standing.  Their crop of fish are taken by swinging a net over their heads and expertly tossing a perfect circle of netting out and over the water in hopes of catching the “big load”. 

_1 December ‘09 Boy we don’t want to have another “yesterday”…  About 3am Louise got out of bed and all hell broke loose.  For the next 28 hours we had a very sick lady on our hands.  Not too sure why she got so sick, but it could have kicked off by having 4 glasses of wine vs the normal 2 when she has any.  She felt fine after enjoying a day and evening with Sol and Carol playing dominos, and even after taking a long walk down the boulevard a little while after.  Then came the 3 o’clock…  This morning she was so dehydrated and suffering from extreme dizziness that we decided to see a doctor.  Well the best way was to go to the emergency room at the hospital.  It was 10 minutes after walking in that we were with a doctor, and another 10 minutes and she was getting a couple of IV’s.  The next thing was a draw of her blood and the analysis.  Her “Lipids” were double what they should be and her cholesterol was elevated a little as well.  Another 30 minutes and she was about ready to be “checked in” for the night for observation. 

_Everyone thinks she’ll be on her way first thing in the morning so keep your fingers crossed for us.  We’ve got a large new private room with a view, sleeping couch, English speaking TV, Wi-Fi Internet, and good food (hell, I think I’ve found paradise…).  Besides, we’ve got a good campsite right outside the main door and within the gates of the parking lot.