Jan. 18th to 31st Mazatlan Mexico

In Mazatlan Mexico enjoying the winter months. Map at bottom of page Sun. Jan. 31st.       Day of rest, after 6 days of hard  retirement we took the day off and relaxed. Sleep in until 6:30 am walkabout, chat with neighbours, read for a while, relax on the beach, chat with more people and watch them playing Boccie Ball. Happy hour with a few new friends. Then a delicious supper from the chicken lady, of BBQ'd 1/2 a huge chicken, spanish rice, 6 tortillas, and sauce, enough for 2 full meals, 80 pesos ($6.50). Then we watched a few episodes of the Beverly Hillbillies.  Sun.Pics.             Sat. Jan. 30th        Friday night about 40 people from our park went to the baseball game in Mazatlan, but the game did not start until 8:00pm making it after midnight getting home. We did watch some of it on TV and it was a good game, tied 3-3 until the bottom of the 8th when the Venados (Mazatlan) took the lead winning 4-3. Therefore another game in the finals  tonight.        This morning the shrimp truck came thru our campground and we picked up 1 kilo of grande shrimp (9 per pound) for only 110 pesos ($9.00 per kilo). Then we did a walkabout and spotted a few Geckos or Iguanas, not quite sure. A tiny one on a block wall and 4 larger ones up to about 18 inches long. Sunning themselves on the rocks. Then a drive to the store spotted the locals shelling coconuts and burning the outer shells, a lot of work. Also the local Ambulance on the island with "Stone Island Squad" on the front.       After a short happy hour we took the penga to Mazatlan then a Pulmonia into the Golden Zone to Heather's Place  for supper and The Kenny Rogers Impersonator Marty Edwards. Here we once again enjoyed Santana singing the opening act and fantastic vocals and show. You would swear Marty Edwards was Kenny Rogers on stage, a woman from the audience played a great Dolly Parton duet singing "Islands in the stream",  she did not look like Dolly but her voice was amazing. We enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner of bone-in-ham with salad, rice, scalloped potatoes, chicken, veggies, etc, and homemade brownies and cake with ice cream. A few background dancers appeared on stage as well as Ed Sullivan and Topo Gigo. We even managed to dance a few tunes as well on the parking lot dance floor.       Another couple shared our table from Brandon Manitoba that spend 3 months here every winter. Once again an enjoyable evening and back home by  about 10:30pm. Sat. Pics  Fri. Jan. 29th       Another day in paradise, sunshine warm and a higher tide again. We just puttered around today planned a couple of excursions, chatted with some neighbours a walkabout or two and relaxed in the shade with a book. I stopped at the Tortilla factory and picked up some fresh made corn tortillas (1/2 kilo (18) for 6 pesos .49cents) good deal! We watch the sunset then made supper of roast pork, gravy, egg noodles and veggies. Another walkabout and a movie. Fri. Pics    Thurs. Jan. 28th  High tide, sunrise, rain, sunset       Just after sunrise today I went over by the beach and noticed the high tide that came in and washed away our firepit on the beach. Thank goodness for our seawall. By noon it was humid and warm 34c (92f). But the winds picked up a bit blowing the bugs away and dark clouds came rolling in from the Sea of Cortez. By 1:30pm the temperature dropped to 24c (74f) and the skies opened up with a heavy rainfall for about 30 minutes. This washed the dust off our vehicles and a helped turn the dusty roads into wet muddy puddles. A bit later sunny again and nice. We had a happy hour with the neighbours, watched a nice sunset again, and a full moon enter the sky. Then a nice diner of a roast pork with potatoes, carrots, broccoli and a movie.  Thurs. Pics   Wed. Jan. 27th  a Busy Day ! Meeting with friends on Cruise ship.         We were up early as usual, watched a cruise ship come in and at 8:00 am took the water taxi to Mazatlan. We were meeting up with Sharry-lynn (who we met many years ago in Ontario while camping) and Sarah her friend arriving on the Sapphire Princess cruise ship. We walked to the cruise ship terminal and met them, chatted for a bit then took a Pulmonia to Centro Market.       We walked about here a checked out the shops and part of the historic old town. Then we grabbed another pulmonia ( the driver spoke some English). He toured us along the Malecon (seashore) to the Golden Zone, stopped for a Starbucks coffee and carried on to seashell city. More sightseeing back down towards the water taxi we stopped in perfect time when a cliff diver was ready to dive. Absolutely amazing!!!         From here to the water taxi, Benji's on the beach for a garlic shrimp pizza and refreshment. Then to the campground and beach to play in the waves. We borrowed 2 boogie boards thanks to Tim and Cheryl and had a ball with these. Sitting on the beach next to Sharry-lynn was our neighbour from Port Perry Ontario (where she was born), they are in the same type of business and his friend was her high school teacher talk about a small world.  By 3:00 pm it was time for them to return to the ship. Water taxi back and a short walk to the Cruise terminal we said goodbye, back to the island and waved to them on their balcony as they left port. All at the same time there was 2 cruise ships and the Baja Ferry leaving port in a 1/2 hour time span, quite the sight to see. Daytime Pics. Birthday party Campfire            Now after all this we relaxed for a bit then 7:00 pm a huge campfire on the beach to celebrate the birthdays of two women (Peggy and Cheryl) who just met here last year. Amazingly enough these two ladies were born the same day, in the same hospital, in the same town in Colorado, talk again about a small world. With everybody chatting and socializing, 2 birthday cakes, and a few guitars and singers we celebrated in style! Then just before the high tide we turned in for the night. Campfire pictures.        Tues. Jan. 26th       We got up early this morning so we could hurry and get nothing done in time to go to the beach. Like drive to the store for a few items, but was slowed down by school children and fisherman strolling down the road, go for a walkabout but never get very far, because people actually talk to you, have a quick lunch then don't get to the beach until 1:30 pm. Now we try to relax, read a bit, swim and we even surfed the waves on Boogie boards that Joseph and Susan loaned us. (now that's a lot of fun!). Before we know it the horses are heading home down the beach signaling us its time for a shower and happy hour. Bill has a trained poodle that brings him beer! Then we BBQ'd Chicken wings, fries with veggies and dip for supper, followed by a movie that we watched on a borrowed DVD player (thanks Debra & John), our player passed away. Tues. Pics   Mon. Jan. 25th Everybody's gone Surfin'        We got up this morning and we had nothing to do all day, wow! But at the end of the day we only got it half done. With a walkabout, chat with neighbours, a few hours on the beach reading, checking out some Mexican blankets, socializing, then happy hour, BBQ'd pork chops, spanish rice for supper and a movie. Where did the time go??? We will try again tomorrow (mañana). Mon. Pics   Sun. Jan. 24th  Cher A quiet day today after a late night, plus it was a bit cooler 25c (75f) with a slight breeze. We puttered around and read for a bit, then got changed and about 25 of us meet at the water taxi dock for 5:30pm. Over to the Mazatlan a couple of pickup truck taxis and a fun ride to Heather's Place for a nice buffet Turkey dinner and a Cher impersonator Lisa Irion.         The regular bilingual singerSantana warms us up with some great Pop American and Spanish tunes. Then a delicious buffet turkey dinner complete with mashed potatoes and cranberries and of course a few mexican dishes. Cher came on and did her fun show of great singing, and interaction with the audience. A duet with Sonny, 5 female backup dancers and 4 male volunteers. Between sets Santana and Kenny Rogers impersonator sang a few songs for us. His show will be on here for the next 2 weekends. After her last song we had our picture taken with her. Then we all hopped in our truck taxi then the water taxi to Stone Island, and home to relax. Sun. Pics     videos of Cher Sat. Jan. 23rd Too Much Fun!!       Saturday morning and the weekend is here!!! Not that it matters much, everyday is the weekend for us. We puttered around today, chatted a bit and a walkabout. At 3:30pm a few people got together for a tailgate party at Bob & Bonnie's next door. There was BBQ'd Hot Dogs, finger food and lots of snacks. This was in preparation for the Baseball game in Mazatlan, that about 30 of us are heading out for. This is the Final Series of the Mexican Pacific League with the Mazatlan Venados (Deer) against Naranjeros (Orange Growers) of Hermosillo.        At 5:00 pm we piled into vehicles to the water taxi. Across to the mainland and a few pulmonias to the Baseball Stadium. Typical traffic and large crowds that you would see for any sporting even.       Once inside the stadium, the sights, sounds and smells of BBQ'd food was amazing. Colourful, loud and fun!! We found our seats and the beer vendors found us, (18 pesos each $1.47 Canadian) good price for a ball game. (Almost everything here is sponsored by Pacifico the huge Brewery in Mazatlan.) Our reserved seats were  191 pesos ($15.64 Canadian each). Now the fun begins, the loud music, banter among the fans, cheering on the teams, fun interaction with the Mexicans,(they sure know how to have a good time), the antics of the Mascots and even a good ball game except  Mazatlan lost 4-2. A quick three hours of some of the best entertainment we have had in a long time.        Following the game we met with some of the others inside the gate and 8 of us got in the back of a pick-up taxi. I guess somebody was hungry so we traveled thru the traffic with loud music the driver put on for us, and our "Fear the Deer Sign" out the back, waving at everybody we headed into the Golden Zone to Panchos Restaurant on the beach for late snack.        After this we walked back to the main street trying to find a pickup to take the 8 of us to the water taxi. Standing on the curb with our sign still hanging, more cheers from passing cars and honks for our support of the Venados. No luck with a pickup so we got Pulmonias to take us to the water taxi. The nightlife here is fantastic, nightclubs, bars, cars,people sightseeing and young people just having a great time. About 30 minutes later thru heavy traffic we arrived at the water taxi dock.       Well its midnight and the regular service is done for the day, but, an old fellow showed me how to turn on the big red light that summoned a boat from Stone Island to come and pick us up. With a load of partying Rv'ers and a few Mexicans we got back to the vehicles and finally home to bed. Sat. Pics     Fri. Jan. 22nd        Well, we woke up early this morning excited about another sunny day and completely undecided as what to do. We watched some beach volleyball, puttered around for a bit, then hoped in our car with "no particular place to go" and headed on down the beach a few miles, in search of sea shells and sand dollars. No luck, but we did have a nice drive beside the surf in a world all to ourselves.          Back to the campground we grabbed our chairs and books and sat on the beach to read for a while and go for a swim. Some people suggested that we check out a restaurant (that the muffin lady gave us all menus for) down the beach for our happy hour. At 4.45 pm we gathered on the beach and walked about 15 minutes to the Estrella Del Mar.  I am sure when a couple of dozen people wander in off the beach to this empty restaurant they were flabbergasted. Some menus were handed out and drink orders were being taken. Margaritas, pinacoladas, cocolocos, and cervasa. After an hour or so  they were still fumbling over drink orders and no attempt to take food orders. But we did see a nice sunset and socialize.  So some of us headed back down the beach to Carmelitas to enjoy a great supper, then home for the evening. Fri. Pics. Thurs. Jan. 21st       Another day in paradise. No particular plans today, just putter about, tidy up, a bit of laundry, chat with some neighbours and relax on the beach with a book for a while. Happy hour with a few other people, exchanging stories discussing places to go and see. We  purchased tickets for the baseball game in Mazatlan Saturday night that about 25 of us will be going to, a fun time.       Supper tonight was a BBQ'd filet mignon, with mushrooms, baked potato and garlic bread with cheese, then a movie.   Is this legal??       Here is a picture posted on a friends facebook as they are getting ready to go play in the Imperial Sand Dunes , southern California . Take all the toys!        Wed. Jan. 20th       This morning we are off to Mazatlan, take the Penga then the Pulmonia to Centro Market a block from then Dentist office where Suzie got a cavity repaired for $300.00 pesos ($24.61 Canadian).        After the dentist we walked about the market taking in the sights and sounds of a busy tourist day with 2 cruise ships in town. We checked out Waldo's a Mexican version of a dollar store, pretty cool.         After the Market we walked for about 40 minutes to the Malecon checking out lots of local shops and stores along the way, (very good prices in these stores). We passed a fish market along this road as well with lots of fresh shrimp, clams, oysters, squid, lobster. We will come back with a cooler one day for some. Along the Malecon for a couple of blocks then to the hearing specialist to pick up my repaired hearing aide.       Back to the Malecon we walked a few blocks then stopped at Restaurant Playa Norte on the beach for a leisurely 2 hour lunch of Filet Diablo with rice for Suzie and me 3 chicken Quesadillas with a salad. We had plate of nachos with salsas for appetizers, a total of 5 Corona all for only $216.00 pesos ($17.72 Canadian). We were entertained here by the Pelicans diving for fish just a few yards from our table.        After lunch we strolled the Malecon for a bit then grabbed a pulmonia back to the penga and returned home to Tres Amigos for a relaxing after noon with a book in the shade. Later while  checking out the sunset the Cruise ship Sapphire Princess was leaving port, an impressive sight. Then a late light snack for supper, a hot dog wrap! and a movie. Wed. Pics      Tues. Jan. 19th       On monday night while watching our movie the dvd player quit, but we have back up, we can watch it on our laptop computer. So this morning I checked  out problem on the internet and cleaned the lens and oiled the rails. I put it back together and it will still not play a DVD movie, but it will play a music CD? The VCR still works, so will  be on the lookout for a new one some day. By the time I was done with this and a walkabout it was noon.         So a bit more puttering about, chat with neighbours and read on the beach for a while. Then its happy hour and say goodbye to Bill and Marylin from British Columbia who are leaving in the morning heading further south. They are traveling in a pickup truck with a tent on the back or renting accommodations occasionally from friends.        Then we watched another sunset on the beach and supper of panfried fish and french fries for supper. This is the end of our delicious fresh fish caught in Ontario on Stoney lake, thanks guys!  Tues. Pics  Mon Jan. 18th       A nice sunrise this morning and we have a mission today, defrost fridge, fill with beer and finally off to Mazatlan. We took the penga (water taxi) to town and a pulmonia to the Golden Zone/ "Zona Dorada". This is the tourist area with all the big hotels, shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars. A monday morning there is not too many crowds so was nice browsing the streets and lane ways checking out the various vendors.        After a few hours walking about and checking restaurants we found most are serving breakfast at noon and some very expensive (tourist area!). We stopped at the Jungle Juice Restaurant for lunch and enjoyed a tasty lunch of Shrimp enchaladas and Shrimp tacos for reasonable price.       We walked a bit more after lunch then a pulmonia back to the pengas, and back to our village on Stone Island. Here we relaxed and read for a while, enjoyed a happy hour with a few neighbours, then watched another nice sunset. No supper tonight just a small snack and then a movie.  Mon. Pics.      View Winter 2009-10 in a larger map Notice the controls for this New Map on the left side, you can zoom into different areas of the map and see where we are or have been.

Jan 11th Mazatlan Mexico

Visitor Number

In Mazatlan Mexico enjoying the winter months. 
Map at bottom of page

Sun. Jan 17th

   

      Once again we had nothing to do today and still did not get it all done, not sure where the time goes. Even thou we are up at 6.00am. 

       Today we had planned to go to Mazatlan for lunch and sightsee a bit. Hmm.... by the time we puttered around, talked to a few neighbours, sampled some fresh coconut from Joseph and a short walk on the beach it was lunch time! Well we made lunch, relaxed a bit and went to the beach about 1:30pm. (maybe someday it will rain or be cool and we won't have to go to the beach!) Just as nice as ever, we sat and enjoyed the beach games, chatting with neighbours, checking out some of the vendors a swim and read a book. Before we know it its 4:30, so back home a short happy hour and then BBQ  chicken and mashed potatoes for supper and a movie later on. 

Sun. Pics     

Sat. Jan. 16th

      The day starts off with another nice sunrise. We are planning what we may do today. Let see now, compute from 6:00am to 8:00am, say good bye to neighbours leaving campground, wait for the veggie truck around 9:30am, watch some beach volleyball at 10:00, chat with a few people around the park, go to store for cervasa, have lunch, a walkabout, cut my hair, go sit on beach for a couple hours and read, 4:00pm happy hour, 5:00pm walk down beach to Carmelitas for supper, while watching another beautiful sunset, after supper neighbours from campground arrive, we chat with them dance to the music, play with dogs and children there, (Carmelita is there, her 94th birthday party).

Then walk back down the beach home to watch a bit of a movie then bedtime. 

       And we still did not figure out what to do today. We try again tomorrow. Wish us luck.

Sat. Pics.      

Fri. Jan. 15th

      It seems little cooler today 25c (75f), we must be real used to the heat now. I got a message from the doctor in Mazatlan about my hearing aid and was to call her to authorize repairs. We found someone with a Mexican cell phone to use and called. The receptionist no speak English and we no speak Spanish so we had a problem there. One camper here (Anna) was fluent in Spanish and called again for us. The receptionist told her (in Spanish)the doctor would be in at 11.00am, call back then. So we called back and the doctor did speak pretty good english, told us the quote for repairs , we authorized this and it will be back next week. 

      That took up most of the morning, then a few walkabouts after lunch, I made some deviled eggs for happy hour, again at 4:00pm. Our neighbours Dave & Sharon are beginning their journey back to Alberta Canada saturday morning, so a going away party was in order, we had lots of people, snacks, stories and jokes. Any excuse for a party seems to be the rule here.

       Following this we had BBQ'd home made turkey burgers and fries for dinner then a movie.

Fri. Pics.      

Thurs. Jan. 14th
Pig Roast on the beach

      Another day in paradise. First thing in the morning Joseph and Brent put the prepared, wrapped pig in the pit and buried it with sand over the hot coals. Someone had spend most of the night feeding the firepit with firewood. With the properly marked firepit on the beach we carried on with our daily chores. Like walking and driving on the beach chatting with neighbours, a playing with computer stuff. 

      In the afternoon we sat on the beach for a while and read. Then prepared a hamburg macaroni casserole and set up tables and chairs on the beach for the potluck dinner at 5:00 pm. People arrived with lots a food for our buffet and to see the digging up of the pig. Removed the tin foil, banana leaves and chicken wire. It was done to perfectiom, very moist, tasty and fall off the bone good. We all chatted and observed and then did the buffet line to sample the the roasted pig all the amazing salads, casseroles, appetizers, snacks and deserts. The highest unofficial head count was 74 persons, a pretty good turnout on a lovely evening. At 5:00 pm we watched an impressive cruise ship (Princess Sapphire) leave the harbour then at 6:00 pm another cruise ship (Carnival) leaving all lit up and sailing off into the sunset. Later on was our time to retire for the evening. 

Thurs. Pics.    

Wed. Jan 13th

      A nice sunrise this morning, the waves on the shore, a few playing beach volleyball, and a few more getting a pit ready for the pig roast on thursday. Larry and I went and got a few more rocks for them with his truck. And some others gathered firewood, now all is set for tomorrow.

       We puttered around for a bit and after lunch went to the beach to read and go for a swim, and chat with a few people. Always somebody there, and a few vendors drop by to sell their wares, atvs and horses coming by, dogs playing, people walking in the surf and lotsa bogie boards trying to catch a free ride on a wave. At one point Larry & Marylins daughter was out in the waves and some Mexican fishermen came by in a boat waving at her to get out of the water. They were putting down a huge fishing net and she was in that area, so out she came and we all began to watch. Very exciting as we went down the beach with them all pulling the net onto shore, from both ends. We could see fish jumping in the water and the spectators looking on. After a few minutes the net was in and a nice catch of a few hundred fish either mullet or mackerel. Check this video. There was even a couple of sting rays that were thrown back.

       After this exciting afternoon, Joseph and a few guys got the pig out (purchased from a local farmer) and wrapped him with chicken wire, banana leaves and tin foil to be ready for the pig roast in the morning. Then we had supper of a BBQ'd pork chop, fresh garlic shrimp, boiled potato and cabbage. 

Wed. Pics        

January 1st, Mazatlan

View Winter 2009-10 in a larger map

Notice the controls for this New Map on the left side, you can zoom into different areas of the map and see where we are or have been.

Visitor Number

In Mazatlan Mexico enjoying the winter months

Sat. Jan. 9th

        Today we relax and putter around a bit, do a bit of laundry by hand (we don't need a lot of clothes in this climate), some maintenance on our coach, a walkabout and chat with some neighbours. About 1:30 pm we went to the beach for a bit, a refreshing dip in the ocean and play in the waves. We watched some with wave boards riding in on the waves, a couple of young vendors selling their wares and a few fishing, Joseph came in with 2 long thin fish, with a long snout and lotsa of very sharp teeth, he will clean and eat them.

       A little later I went to the village to see the chicken lady (as the rv'ers here call her). Amazing to watch her cooking  1/2 chickens on a BBQ made of a 45 gallon drum over a charcoal fire. She was flipping the chicken and some beef, tomatoes and potatoes over the coals, even a huge pot of spanish rice. Filling orders for the local people waiting ahead of me. When the chicken is just about done she chops it into small pieces and returns to the coals to make sure it is properly cooked. We ordered (uno) one and she set to work assembling a huge pile of chicken, rice and tortillias for our supper, much more that we could eat for $80.00 pesos ($6.50 Canadian) and it was extremely good.

        We had a bit of a happy hour with some neighbours, then dinner and a movie afterward another great day.        

Sat. Pics

Old Town

Fri. Jan. 8th

       This morning we will take a trip into Mazatlan, no cruise ships so better prices. We took the expensive water taxi 10 pesos each ($1.62) but will take us closer to the Old Town area that we can walk to.

       We got off by the Baja Ferry and walk by a huge compound with new cars and trucks that were being driven out to dealers. Also some huge semi and double semi trucks waiting to unload their vehicles as well. We took a leisurely walk along Carnaval Street about 20 minutes to Macado Plaza. Here there is art galleries, shops and a town square lined with lovely old restaurants and sidewalk tables. Too early for lunch so we walked a few more blocks past the Cathedral to Central Market (Mercado) to look about some more and we stopped at Panamas for lunch. Very clean, friendly with an artwork of displayed meals, amazing bakery and 2 menus (1 english,1 Spanish) they even sent us an English Speaking waitress.

         After this we continued walking thru Old Town to the Malecon and Olas Atlas the Original Tourist area in Mazatlan. The new tourist area (and more expensive) being further north is the Golden Zone, which will be another day trip for us. Here walked past a few sidewalk cafe's and restaurants, the back thru town for a while to the water taxi, all the while enjoying the many interesting sights and sounds.

          Once back home we sat on the beach for a while and went for a swim to cool off. A few of our neighbours from the campground took their vehicle on the beach so they could listen to music and make pitchers of margaritas, while reading & playing on the beach and in the surf. Afterwards we watched a mild sunset then ordered a mouth watering garlic shrimp pizza from Bengi's for a light evening snack 90 pesos ($7.23), then watch a movie.

Fri. Pics     

Thurs Jan 7th

      We have noticed the last few days that the mornings warm up real quick, it is quite warm and humid until about 2:00pm when you get a bit of a breeze with the sun not quite so intense. This morning we watched the Carnival cruise ship come in the channel down the beach from the campground, very impressive. We relaxed, chatted with people and checked out possibilities of some excursions for ourselves, things to see and do. After all we can't just sit by the beach everyday, can we???  With our toes in the water and ass in the sand. We would like to see a few other things while we are here.

      With a get together for happy hour, we purchased a hand made Mexican fly swatter from the security guard. $24.00 pesos ($1.94 Canadian), exchanged stories and tales. Then to the beach for another amazing sunset and watch the cruise ship leave the channel all lit up. So many impressive sights the pictures don't really do them justice. Then back home for BBQ salmon fillet, broccoli rice and tossed sald for supper.

Thurs. Pics

Wed. Jan. 6th
Happy Birthday to Brother Chris.
      Weather is more of the same, sunny and warm about 25c (75f) by 9 a.m. A walk on the beach reveals 3 fishermen pulling in their nets and with some fresh fish to take home. A few pelicans in the water watching and one lonely, long legged Egret strolling in the surf nearby keeping an eye on things.
       Puttering around today, read, relax and a trip to the village store was a another great day. At 4.00pm we had a get together, Happy Hour to wish Kathy and her son David a safe trip back to Ontario. Most of the campground was there taking over the whole street.

We met Kathy and Roy at 50 Point in Ontario summer 2009 , with Larry & Marylin and all agreed to meet at Tres Amigos, RV resort on Stone Island. Roy had what they thought was a bug bite, but after numerous tests, was flown back to Ontario for more extensive medical treatment. Their son David flew down to drive home with Kathy and are leaving first thing in the morning. After the large gathering and well wishers left, we had a roast beef dinner with them hosted by Marylin and Larry, then relax for the rest of the night.
Wed. Pics.

Tues. Jan. 5th

Happy Birthday today to my daughter Jessica.

     A nice sunrise this morning with a few clouds. But the sky cleared and it warmed up quickly. I went to the store for a few items and found that 3 cruise ships were in port today across the harbour, a very impressive sight. A few fresh veggies from the produce truck then we took the water taxi to town, and hopped on a Pulmonia to check out the Mega Store.

      This is a new store, and has just about anything you need, from fresh fish, meat, produce, appliances, clothing, canned goods, frozen foods, deli counter, beer, wine, alcohol, pharmacy and an impressive bakery department. For the bakery you get a large pizza tray and tongs, walk the isles loading it with fresh baked goods, breads, donuts, pastries and cakes, and amazing selection. Then take it to the bakers where it is weighed, packaged and priced. I enjoyed these stores checking out the items and trying to figure out some of the products (pretty well everything in Spanish), this takes grocery shopping to a new level. A new culture, new products and a new language included with new sights to see.

        We returned back home for lunch in a taxi this time to the water taxi, 50 pesos ($4.00 Canadian). The nice thing about the taxis and Pulmonias around town is that they all take different routes so we really get a nice sightseeing tour at the same time and not have to drive. Its always a flat rate (no meters), but you negotiate the best price with them first, if you like the price get in, if not take another.

    After lunch we chatted with a few neighbours, then grabbed our beach chairs, books and cooler and walked to the beach. First on the agenda was a dip in the ocean, (our first this year) to cool off, it was about 85f (30c) and humid. The water was very warm but refreshing with just enough waves to make it fun, with a beautiful soft sandy bottom. Now to relax, read and watch the sights, next thing we know its 4.15pm, so back home have a quick shower. There was 4 people sitting about so we joined them and chatted, before you know it there was 14 of us there, Happy hour until about 6.00pm. Some people off to watch the World Junior Championship Canada, USA hockey game. We returned home for supper, amazing  BBQ'd smoked pork chops (we bought at the market on sunday), boiled potatoes, cabbage and a fresh garlic bread from todays bakery. Then watch a bit of a movie.

Tues Pics.                 

The internet has been down for a couple of days but is to be working pretty good now thanks to John.

horses grazing under the coconut palms 

Mon. Jan. 4th

         A nice warm sunny day as usual, putter around for a bit, wash the car, and a few walkabouts. An Rv'er in our park (John from Markham Ontario) had volunteered to consult with the park to help resolve the internet problems. After a chat with King David (the owner) he set to work to make a few changes and quickly had a temporary fix for the internet. They contacted a new internet provider and it looks like a new system could be installed.

     With the internet working again everybody happy. It's real amazing how much we have come to rely on the internet for our banking, communications, research, planning and everyday lives.

     Mondays are a day off for a lot of Mexcians even the horses, they are free to roam the coconut palm forest behind the resort, no saddles, no riders, no worries and no fences, free range, you fence your property to keep animals out.

      We enjoyed the day too, walk the neighbours dogs on the beach and read for a bit, chat with people walking by. Sit in the shade. Supper tonight was juicy home made hamburgers on the BBQ and homemade fries. Then another Chuck Norris movie. And fall asleep to the sound of waves on the beach. Life is good. 

Mazatlan Market

Sun. Jan. 3rd
    Beautiful, bright morning today. After a walkabout and some fresh veggies from the vendor that comes thru the park, and replenish our Corona stock we are off to Mazatalan. About 1 KM to the water taxi dock then 5 pesos (.40 cents) each and across the harbour to the fish market, hungry Pelicans, and a Pulmonia to take us to the Market 30 pesos  ($2.40). We wandered in and out and around the market, just amazed by the sights and sounds. So much to see, fresh beef. pork, chicken and fish not much refrigerated? So much fresh produce, and clothing and deals to be had everywhere. Its fun to barter with the Mexicans to get  the best price.
     After a while we checked outside some of the stores on the street and walked about the Cathedral a couple of blocks away. Back to the market upstairs for lunch. Very unique many tiny restaurants with a few tables and they cook right there for you. We had Pollo Frito (fried chicken) a chicken leg and whole wing, rice, lettuce, french fries, beans and a stack of warm tortillas for 30 pesos each ($2.40) a nice tasty lunch.
      From here we walked about 10 blocks to the Malacan (the road that follows the coast all thru Mazatlan. The beaches , fishing boats, the surf, vendors, traffic  and people made for a nice leisurely walk a few kilometers south to where the daring cliff divers do their show. Nobody there at the time, but a nice walk anyway. So we grabbed another pulmonia back to Embarcadero "Isla de la Piedra" (Stone Island water taxi) for 40 pesos ($3.20).
       Now time to relax on the beach with a book for a while and  watching the pelicans diving for fish just a short distance away in the surf.  Back home to read a bit more and have a hotdog wrap and fries for supper. With a banana split desert with  homemade Kaluhua ice cream, cookies, strawberries, pecans and dutch chocolate liquor, decadent for sure.Then a movie to follow.
Sun. Pics

Sat Jan. 2nd
    This morning a bit cooler, overcast and drizzly. We puttered around a bit and relaxed. I went to the store for some groceries and beer. I got the groceries but no Corona ! Sold out. This could have been a disaster, but I do like to keep ahead on our inventory of essential items (eg. coffee and beer) so we are still ok for a bit.
     Putter around a bit and read for a while in the afternoon. Then happy hour in the middle of the road, with a few people joining us, until Debra walked by and invited us all to their water front sight. So we grabbed our chairs and moved over there , instant party! More people and snacks appeared. Munching, chatting and watching another beautiful sunset. After this, home to BBQ some pork chops with boiled potatoes and cabbage for supper.
Sat. Pics

Happy New Year!!!!

¡feliz año nuevo!

Fri. Jan. 1st.
      Well the beginning of a new decade, living on the beach in Mexico and with new adventures on the horizon life is good. After a great New Year's eve beach party we were up a little later this morning, (7:00am) sun shining and warm, another great day.
     At 10:00am we meet on the beach for the Polar Bear Dip,(haha), so they call it. Just the gathering of a bunch of lively seniors (and dogs) on the beach, to go and play in the waves, take some pictures, and toast New Years morning with a glass of champagne. 
      The rest of the day walkabout a bit, relax and read. Then at 4.00 pm "ANOTHER PARTY".  Off we all go to Peggy & Robins for a potluck dinner. She cooked a turkey and everybody brought lotsa food. eg: Ham, salmon, rice, veggies, nachos, dips, deviled eggs, spaghetti, many salads, and deserts a great spread of delicious food.
After all this eating we started a huge campfire on the beach and enjoyed chitchat, Colin with his guitar, a neighbour with a harmonica and singing, lots of good songs. A bit of fireworks and flares in the air and a nice warm night on the beach.
      Then later to go home to relax and try to watch a movie.
Fri Pics