Sat. Apr.3rd Cherokee Landing and Mexico pics

Join us as we travel North America in our Holiday Rambler Vacationer, since August. 2006

HAPPY EASTER A new picture of us!       Overnight we had a very heavy rain with thunder and lightning. No problem thou it was kinda nice, washed all of the yellow pollen off our coach and car that we picked up in Arkansas, freshened the air got things growing for spring.       Did a walkabout around a bit of the campground, past a bunch of rental log cabins, by the pond, with lots of turtles swimming. Back home we puttered around a bit chatted with a few neighbours then read in the shade for a while, about 85f (30c) for most of the afternoon. Then Happy Hour with Denis and Sandi (fulltimers from Quebec) exchanging stories and information.      And then time for supper, BBQ'd porkchops with pasta and veggies, read a bit , nice sunset then a movie. Sat Pics. GOOD FRIDAY info!!! from Mexico       We still have a few friends in Mexico on Stone Island (Isla de la Piedra ) where the weather is getting hotter and the beaches are busier. We have heard that Easter is a huge holiday in Mexico and that people travel, worship and celebrate. Peggy sent some pictures via Debra (thanks Peggy and Debra) to us just to show us how busy the beach was right by the campground. The beautiful beach that we pretty much had to ourselves most of the winter months. Amazing! Good Friday Pics Visitor Number 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.

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Fri. Feb 19th

Join us as we travel North America in our Holiday Rambler Vacationer, since August. 2006

Another amazing day!! sunny, hot and relaxing. The roads are drying up and we are anxious to go. The group played  volleyball on the beach this morning and we had birthday cake for Robbin and Mikes birthday at 11:00 am. After lunch we sat on the beach for a while and read, Then a short happy hour and say goodbye to some of our friends that were around.        For supper I made chicken wings and fries, relax for bit, pack up and watch a movie.         In the morning we will head out early and travel north for about 6 hours to Mr. Moro campground near Guasave Mexico for a few days, hopefully some decent internet and weather there.  Fri. Pics. Visitor Number 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.

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Thurs. Feb 18th, Stone Island

Join us as we travel North America in our Holiday Rambler Vacationer, since August. 2006

Lotsa rain          Well with all the rain last night the roads were pretty bad. Water standing huge puddles and ruts in the road. There is about 10 miles of this muddy road to get to the hiway and we think maybe just stay for a couple more nights and wait for things to dry up a bit. It's not as if this is a bad place ya know.        So we putter about a bit, chat with neighbours and I met another couple in RV 1 from Ontario that actually camp at Galvin Bay Resort same as we do, small world, we have to come to Mexico to meet them. The afternoon winds picked up quite a bit so a bunch of us got going and went around the park helping people rolling up their awnings, and even rolling up awnings for people who were not there.       I then gave Roger a few tips on setting up a blog that he was interested in doing. Until the mandatory happy hour approached. Following this we had supper of a chicken cacciatorie, tossed salad and garlic bread, then a movie.     Bailey taking Blossom for a walk What to do with a dead Pelican on the beach?? Take him for a walk in the bush. Visitor Number 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.

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Wed. Feb. 17th

Join us as we travel North America in our Holiday Rambler Vacationer, since August. 2006 Visitor Number This morning about 8:00 am was a very loud noise that sounded like a huge cannon being fired right next door, just a startling crack of thunder. This began our day that was overcast , drizzly off  and on until late at night when it began to rain very heavy all night.       We packed up things during the few sunny breaks, and chatted with a few neighbours here and there. And watched a few ladies get together and practice their painting skills.      After lunch I took the water taxi to town and walked to the bank machine for some cash. I stopped at a fish market and picked up 2 kilos of Grande Shrimp to bring back with us.      A happy hour with a bunch of neighbours and an Amazing casserole supper with our friends Larry and Marilyn (the Amazing Vanstones) as a going away dinner. Thanks guys.       Back home to watch a movie then listen to the heavy rains all night. So may not be leaving thursday after all. Wed. Pics.  Thursday Morning roads! 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.

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Tues. Feb 16th

A beautiful sunrise this morning and a nice warm day. We puttered around a bit, packing up a few things and vacuum the coach getting ready to travel, maybe thursday, after being parked for 2 months, and a fantastic time its been. We took a nice walk on the beach chatted with a few neighbours and read for a while in the afternoon. A neighbour Tris asked Suzie to go for a ride on her ATV down the beach searching for sandollars so off they went, returning with 6 nice size ones.          After a bit of a happy hour we BBQ'd a cornish hen and mashed potatoes for supper then a movie.          Visitor Number 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.

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Mon. Feb. 15th

visitor number   Surfer caught the wave     Nice bright sunny day again today. This morning we walked the beach enjoying the huge roaring waves, and surfers catching a few good ones. A nice sight to see was a Mexican family driving down the beach on an ATV with 3 children, 2 adults, chairs, cooler, umbrella, a surf board and set up for a picnic, talk about a small family car.    We read for a while then went to town with Tim and Cheryl and took the city bus to the Golden Zone and for a late lunch at Bar L Costa on the beach. This place was hopping, bands playing, dinning tents on the beach , TV cameras etc.... But they had a seat for us. In fact right beside us was a band playing to a table across from us very good but loud Mexican music. We did enjoy the entertainment sights and real good seafood lunch/supper.        After this it was about 5:15pm so we got a Pulmonia to take us back to the water taxi. Sections of the Malecon were closed preparing for another parade on Tuesday and our driver toured us around and all the way down thru Olas Atlas, which is set up for the street party every night of Carnaval. Now this was a treat to see, so many huge Bandstands, Beer tents, bars, and vendors on about a 1 mile stretch of ocean front street that is closed down around 7-8pm when the party begins and apparently goes all night with wall to wall people until sunrise.       Then we got the water taxi back and enjoyed a happy hour or two at their waterfront sight with a few neighbours. 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.

Sun. Feb. 14th, Mazatlan

Visitor number Valentine's Day Fun on the Parade route       After a late night last night we relaxed and actually slept in this morning until about 7:15 am. Puttered around, walkabout and update our Blog then at 1:00pm took a water taxi to town and walked for about 30 minutes to the Hacienda Restaurant on the Malecon. (thanks to Larry and Marilyn for arranging the tickets) A bunch of us had tickets here for a buffet meal at 3:00pm and open bar for 4 hours situated right on the 7 mile long Malecon, parade route.       Once here we checked out the viewing areas and wandered about as people began lining the parade route. The buffet and bar opened and we enjoyed a great meal and chatted before the warm up parade began at 4.00 pm. This was mostly sponsor type floats and music but lasted an hour. Then a pause. At this point we began walking south a few miles towards where the parade was coming from and passed over 25 floats with bands and dancers all lining up and prepping for the parade. Chairs lined the route with people everywhere on the road, roof tops, balconies etc.... Beer tents, food vendors, portable toilets set up, real amazing to see. Another thing we noticed was people carrying a plastic grocery bag with beer or pop covered in ice and dripping on the road, never in Canada.       We enjoyed the bands and dancers warming up and as we stopped to take a picture of some devils in red all of a sudden they jumped up and gathered around for a picture, and one of them took a picture of us with the friendly playful group of young people.         Now having walked a few miles and seen most of the parade already, especially good was the Mexicans in western outfits line dancing to real American western music. We were almost at Olas Atlas when we grabbed a pulmonia and watched the sun set from the water taxi. Back home we relaxed, read a bit and a movie.  Sun. 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.

Feb. Mazatlan Mexico

Sat. Feb. 13th  Carnaval 2010!       Another bright sunny day with a breeze. A walkabout, for a bit and over to Benji's for a fantastic breakfast for lunch. Then we relaxed with a book in the afternoon. At 5:00 there was another large happy hour at Roger and Susie's site where he and Bob BBQ'd hamburgs and hotdogs and a lot of potluck finger food was supplied. With so many people leaving this next week (including us) it was a nice way for everybody to say goodbye.       At 7:30 pm 27 of us walked over to RV#1 and boarded a trailer taxi pulled by a tractor to the dock where got a small boat across the harbour to a Catamaran Puesta De Sol 11 for the fireworks , a Naval Battle re-enactment of 1864. We sat on the upper level and had a bilingual tour guide, music, free open bar and food. Once seated they opened a second bar right beside us so we got the right seats. A cruise around the harbour for an hour then out to sea with a lot of other tour boats. We set up off shore by Olas Atlas as the fireworks began at 11.00pm. The non stop, ship to shore fireworks lasted a full 30 minutes. Really awesome to watch from the water. We then we headed back to port and were dropped off at Stone Island and our trailer taxi ride back to camp arriving at about 12.15am. The weather was great and everyone had a fantastic time. Back at camp Colin and Contessa had company from Hermosillo (the most famous guitarist in Mexico) so we stopped by to listen to some great Spanish tunes for a while, then home to bed. Sat. Pics       Fireworks video Fri. Feb. 12th       No much on the agenda today, fresh veggies off the truck, walk the beach, putter about, chat with neighbours and read for a bit on the beach.  The waves on the beach video       My back has been a bit stiff so I arranged a massage at 3:15pm with Mary for 1 -1/2 hours and felt fantastic when she was done, loose and limber and full of energy. Check out her great website.  She is from the United States and is building a house here on Stone Island.       Back at the park happy hour was under way, with a bunch saying goodbye to Joseph and Susan (she was showing off here nails!). Just a good time with some dancing in the street. Some people with Star Choice satellite dishes were watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics.       For supper tonight we enjoyed bbq'd pork chops, rice and broccoli and a bit of a  movie. Fri. Pics.   Thurs. Feb. 11th   Marty Edwards (Kinda Kenny)       Today we putter around a bit, overcast and supposed to rain again today, but did not happen. Around 11:00 am we strolled down the beach to Carmelitas to check out the Cribbage Tournament from our park that was happening there. A good turn out and looks like lotsa fun. As we were walking we stopped and chatted for a while with Marty Edwards (Kenny Rogers Impersonator) whose great show we had seen Jan. 30th at Heather's Place. He is being held over for another week, this weekend being his last show here, then off to Phoenix and Vegas.    suzie searching       After lunch we took a drive down the deserted beach quite a few miles in search of sand dollars and shells. Not much luck but a nice drive nonetheless, a few atv's, horseback riders and a local fisherman pulling in his nets.  Back home we read for a bit, chatted with some neighbours, happy hour and I made a real tasty garlic shrimp pasta for supper, then a movie. Thurs. Pics    Wed. Feb. 10th       Well today we need some cash and no bank machine here on the Island. So we make a trip to Mazatlan, water taxi and a pulmonia to Centro Market. We check out the market and pick up a few items and stop by a bank machine for more pesos. A bunch of people off the cruise ship were looking at their maps and were trying find the old town square. We were heading that way so they tagged along and we chatted with these 6 Canadians from British Columbia.       Here we checked out a few shops then had a light lunch at one of the sidewalk cafe's. Nice to sit here and watch the people and traffic leisurely moving about. After lunch we were heading back to the market area and spotted a couple looking at a map. They were trying to find their way to Centro Market so again they tagged along and we chatted, these people were off a cruise ship as well but from Oshawa Ontario, small world.       After a bit more shopping we headed back to Stone Island to relax a bit and read. Then a happy hour with some neighbours joined by Colin, his guitar and their wiener dogs playing at our feet. After this we BBQ'd hamburgers and home made fries for supper, and read for the rest of the evening.       It was supposed to be a rainy day but once again it did not happen, just a bit overcast and cooler. (75f, 25c) Not that we're complaining.        Also in these pictures is a few of an Iguana that has taken up residency in our park, thanks to Ed for sharing these. Wed. Pics    Tues. Feb. 9th       Most of the day was overcast but still warm with some sunny periods. We puttered around most of the day and chatted with a few people here and there.  On a walkabout I spotted a large gecko (20 inches) scurrying about trying to hide from me, these are interesting looking creatures kinda like ancient dinosaurs of some type.                 A bit of puttering about with our coach and some reading, then we joined a few neighbours in happy hour, discussed travels and a few of us decided Carmelita's for supper was a good idea. So a stroll down the beach for some delicious Mexican food at very reasonable prices, then home for a movie.   Tue. Pics    Mon. Feb 8th    What happened!        On the road onto Stone Island is the remainder of a once (not so long ago) beautiful estate. Cobblestone drive and gardens overgrown, windows, doors and gates left open. It looks like somebody just walked away from it. A dream someone had and now it lies empty. An answer I guess we will never know.         We did not go anywhere today so I pondered that thought for while. As we  relaxed, walked about, chatted with neighbours, (Contessa showed me a real easy, quick way to clean shrimp).   Wayne fishing   Suzie in the surf A stroll down the beach(Wayne fishing in the surf) we found 2 sand dollars and sea shells in the wet sand. Back home we read for a while in the shade with clouds in the sky and a promise of rain that never happened.    sand dollars & shells       Then happy hour for a while and BBQ'd smoked porkchops, boiled potatoes with broccoli and cheese sauce for supper, then a movie. Life is good.     Super Bowl Sunday, Feb 7th       31-17 New Orleans over Indianapolis         Well I am not a sports fan but its not hard to get involved in the hype with a campground in Mexico full of American and Canadian football fans.       We started with a lunch for the 2 of us at Victors on the beach feasting on their sample platter of 4 coconut shrimp, 4 breaded shrimp, 4 garlic shrimp, 4 BBQ'd ribs, large fish filet, french fries, onion rings, rice, pineapple, orange, celery carrots and chips and salsa. Then try to walk it off afterwards on the beach.       Back at the park Roy and Susie set up their site with a food tent, and 3 television sets hooked up to their Star Choice satellite dish for the Super Bowl game outside. At 4 pm the game began and people arrived with chairs, food (pot luck), beverages and smiles. This was a fun time for my first football game. Exciting, fast moving, great commercials, awesome food, good company and another reason for a party (any reason will do here). A football pool was setup, by Bob and there was 500 peso (about $40.) winners for each of the first 3 quarters and 1000 ($80)pesos for the final winner. The weather was great as usual and a good time was had by all.       Thanks to everybody that participated and brought so much great food, including Bob and Marg for the many maragritas, and Bob and Bonnie with fresh fried tempura battered prawns and dorado (fish).        That was fun maybe I just might become a sports fan yet. Whadda ya think, do I look like one???? Sun. Pics              Sat. Feb 6th       Another nice sunrise today and a day trip planned. About 9.45 am we set off down the dirt road out to the highway. Passing a few simple Mexican houses and some cattle blocking the roadway we got to Mex.15. Heading west and north bypassing most of Mazatlan we took Mex 15 Libre about another 30 kms to the turn off towards La Noria  and Hacienda las Moras (the Ranch) , an old agave ranch and tequila distillery. Left on a dirt road for 3 kms we arrived at the hotel and restaurant about 11:30am. This place was tranquil with beautiful scenery, colourful buildings, animals roaming and nobody around. We walked across the patio and into the restaurant, to find that they were open. We settled down with a refreshment, chips and salsa and a very tasty lunch of Mextica chicken for myself and shrimp fettucini alfredo for Suzie. Afterwards we wandered past the beautiful pool, then the property, with goats, peacocks, chicken, turkeys, horses and geese roaming the grounds.        Leaving the ranch we returned to the paved road and turned left about 10 kms to Vinata Los Osuna (a tequila Factory) run by the Osuna Family since 1876. Now this is 100% Blue Agave, it cannot be labeled Tequila because "Mexican laws state that tequila can be produced only in the state of Jalisco and limited regions in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. " We parked our car and were given a tour of the facility showing us all of the original equipment and the slightly newer machinery now in use, the process explained to us from the harvesting of the Blue Agave "pineapple" at 7-12 years old and weighing 75-200 lbs each. then processed, distilled and aged in oak barrels then bottled. After the tour we could sample all we wished for 25 pesos ($2.00) per person. Then we purchased a bottle of their finest (so smooth) that won a Double Gold Metal in 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.        About 2:00 pm we headed back to camp arriving home about 3:30, and joined a few neighbours in happy hour, with some snacks, then home to relax with a grilled cheese and bacon sandwich for supper then watch a movie before bedtime. Sat. Pics Fri. Feb. 5th       Another day in paradise. We did a few walkabouts and chat with a few neighbours, putter around with a bit of maintenance on our coach. The beach was fairly quiet this afternoon, a slight tropical breeze, making ripples in the sugar fine white sand, relaxing and reading. Happy hour, then supper of left over Mexican Lasagna, a salad, and a movie.     Thurs. Feb. 4th       Another sunny warm day, with an interesting sunrise and we are going to town to stock up on a few groceries. Water taxi,(they increased the far from 5 to 6 pesos, 40 to 49 cents) and pulmonia to Mega store. We checked out the extensive bakery section and managed to find everything on our shopping list. I enjoy the challenge of trying to translate the products, many of them the same items that we buy back home just a different language.        Then we made our way back to the Island and had lunch. Afternoon a walk on the beach crowded with passengers from the 2 cruise ships in town. The crowds are only here 3 days a week from about 10 am until 3:30pm then quiet again.        After happy hour with a few new campers we enjoyed supper of a rotisserie chicken, (with Swiss Chalet sauce from home) mashed potatoes, veggies and a movie.  Fri. Pics Wed.Feb. 3rd       A very heavy rain last night, washed away the dust and created huge puddles of water. But this morning the sun came up drying this up slowly and by afternoon we were back on the beach again.        Three young fishermen walked past us on the beach with a wheelbarrow. They stopped just down from us and 2 of them walked into the surf stretching out a fishing net about 200 feet long. One grabbing each end, they pulled it back to shore netting about a dozen nice sized fish, all in less than 10 minutes. They gathered up the net and went down the beach a bit further to try their luck again. These will probably be sold or supply a family supper.       A little later a female horse and her colt came trotting along the beach heading home for supper all by themselves, a beautiful site. This signaled us to go home as well for our supper of Mexcian Lasagna made with corn tortillias, salsa, meat, veggies and cheese with a tossed salad on the side. Followed by a movie. Wed. Pics    Tues. Feb. 2nd       Today overcast skies and supposed to rain. Our neighbours behind us George and Gail choose to leave a couple of days early just to get out the 10 mile dirt road to the hiway before the storm. This road would be almost impassable due to the water and mud for a few days. With them leaving it opened their site giving us a better view of the ocean for a few days.       Most of the day was overcast and cooler 75f (24c) with a refreshing wind. A shrimp boat was anchored not far off the beach all day probably due to the rough seas with huge waves. This is a good day to putter about and do some interior spring cleaning. Wall washing etc.... Shortly after 5.00pm near the end of happy hour the rain began, coming down quite heavy most of the night. This created large muddy puddles and washed away the dust. Supper tonight was the rest of our BBQ'd chicken and some fried spanish rice with veggies, then a movie. Tues. Pics.     Mon. Feb. 1st       A beautiful day today and we are off on a day trip. We begin with the long drive out the dirt road to the highway. And as soon as we get to the pavement the road is taken over by cattle, just lazily wandering down the road. (that's one good reason not to drive at night). A short way away was Villa Union which we explored a bit noticing all the open air shops and markets. We found the town square and cathedral ( a few hundred years old) and walked about a bit enjoying the sights and sounds.        After fueling up at the Pemex we took Mex 40 (libre) in to the mountains with our 1st stop at the small village of Malpica. Driving the cobblestone streets, past colourful buildings and the town square we found a bakery. We entered this thru the living room of the owner then into the back room with a huge wood fired oven and racks of fresh baked  pastries. Of course we had to purchase a few (still warm) items to sample, and chatted with 3 couples from Alberta.       Our next stop was Concordia with a Cathedral here over 350 years old at the edge of the town square. Lots of vendors here on the side streets and more colorful buildings.         Back to Mex 40 we traveled the scenic winding route up into the mountains to a smaller village of Copala. Cobblestone streets that were very narrow thru the hills here. Down the main street we stopped at Chalva's restaurant for lunch with a yummy salad with beef, potatoes, tortillas,and sour cream for me and 3 beef tacos for Suzie, nacos and salsa and 4 Corona for 155 pesos ($12.73). We chatted with the owner David for a while giving us a ton of local interesting information. Back to the car we were bombarded by bunch of young boys selling their wood carvings for 10 pesos (80 cents). Well we did buy one then, down to the town square and cathedral (over 350 years old).       Back down the mountain heading home we stopped near Concordia at a couple of small furniture factories to check out their impressive looking Spanish style furniture. Heading down our long road to Stone Island we saw Larry and Marylin stopped on the shoulder, so we checked to see if all ok. They were just rearranging their groceries in the back seat. And offered us a beer.      Now back home to relax a bit and we find out our neighbour's George and Gail are having their final margarita monday (with his gas powered blender) before heading north. So an impromptu happy hour brought out lots of snacks appetizers, and refreshments. As people socialized and said goodbye to a few that are leaving in the next day or two. Then back home to relax with 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. 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.