Sat. Feb. 27th Mr. Moro

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

Looks like new! Sat. Feb. 27th       This morning is bright and sunny. But     there was an earthquake in Chile earlier this morning causing major destruction and creating a huge Tusnami. There was warnings that went out on the news and the internet for areas as far away as Hawaii, California, Washington, Alaska and even a mention of Mexico possibly to hit land here around 10:30 am. So being right at sea level on the ocean we decided to move inland, just in case, (because we can). Only 5 rigs in the RV park so 4 of us pack up and moved inland about 25 miles. We found a T intersection with with a large parking area and some shade.        Lalo, our body man met us here from Guasauve and finished buffing and polishing our coach in the shade. He did a real great job, so glad that we got it done here. The rest of us sat around chatted a bit, had lunch, read and enjoyed some homemade ice cream from a vendor who came and parked in the shade as well and set up business.        Around 1:30 Horacio from the resort stopped by to say all was ok  and no damage done. So back to camp we went and set up again, relax in the shade, read a bit, a happy hour with Bev & Blake, a nice sunset, then to the restaurant behind us for garlic fish and Bacon wrapped shrimp for supper. Sat. 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. 26th Mr.Moro

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

Again sunny, warm and no wind until 10:00 am. We puttered about enjoying the fresh air and walk on the beach, chatting with a few neighbours. Lalo arrived at 12:30 pm and began working on our coach, with the help of his son. The final sanding and surface prep masking off the required areas. Then we moved the coach to block the wind and he began painting.  It was interesting to watch this craftsman apply the primer, then in turn the 3 different colours finally a clear coat over all, and be cleaned up and gone by 5:00pm. So far he has done a great job and will return in the morning for a finish polishing.       As we put our coach back in place we chatted with a new neighbours Wayne and Sonya from British Columbia and hooked up their satellite receiver to our coach so we could watch to Olympic curling  and hockey on TV. This was a real treat to have some english speaking tv., and able to view a bit of the Olympics. After  and during a nice supper of smoked pork chops, with rice and veggies. 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.25th Mr. Moro

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

Thurs. Feb. 25th       More nice weather, sunny and warm and a breeze off the ocean, from mid morning on.  I took a leisurely  drive to a small primitive fishing village, Boca Del Rio, about 10 minutes away and had our 5 gallon jug filled with purified water for 12 pesos ($1.00 Canadian) and stopped at Tecate six for more cervasa.       Back home we had lunch then Suzie helped me with a haircut and we read outside for a while. At 3:00 pm Lalo, the autobody man, showed up with his wife and six children to play on the beach while he set to work on our coach. We had a nice chat with Horacio and he interpreted for us with Lalo. About 5:30pm Lalo was done here for the day, to return in the morning to do some painting. So far he is doing a great job, he knows his stuff with almost 30 years experience.       We relaxed then with supper of spaghetti, sausage and mushroom sauce and garlic bread with cheese then a movie. Thurs. 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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Wed. Feb. 24th Mr. Moro's

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

Suzie and Horacio       Sunny day again and pretty quiet in the campground. The wind picked up in the mid morning and kept things comfortable around 78f (26c) mostly all day. We walked the beach in the surf and gathered a few more shells, chatted with a few neighbours and read for a while. A nice relaxing day.       In this park we have Horacio working here, he is a very amicable fellow that speaks excellent English and helps everybody with translations, where to go and offers personal tours for fishing and sightseeing. If it is available or in the area he has the knowledge base. We asked him about some repairs to our coach from the accident and he brought out a bodyman to assess the damage and give us a quote. The price was fair and he guarantees that the work will be done well and on time. So we will give him a shot at it.       Then for supper we had a hot chicken sandwich, with noodles and veggies, pie for desert and a movie. We even kept up with the Olympic hockey game on facebook (amazing program) 7-3 for Canada!! Thanks Sharon!! Wed. 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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Tues. Feb . 23rd Playa Los Mochis

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

Traffic jam!!       A nice sunny day again, warm and breezy. After a morning walk on the beach coffee and email we went for and drive into Guasave in an attempt to find Walmart. After a few wrong turns we stopped at a Pemex to ask for directions. Well there was 3 attendants here that rushed over to help us and each one was pointing in a different direction, of course we do not know enough Spanish and they no English so it was a graphic conversation of hand signals and gestures.  But with their help we did find Walmart a few minutes later.       We were looking for camera accessories and they no speak English, they smiled and sent us to another counter and not much more luck here. But once again a good Samaritan came out of nowhere to help us with very good English to translate to the store staff what we wanted. This being successful we carried on with the rest of our shopping and loaded up the car. Now its lunch time and there just happens to be a Burger King next door and being away from this kinda stuff for almost 3 months we thought we would check it out. Very clean , modern and the same as Canada and US except all in Spanish. No problemo, pictures lead the way and some words are English so we order our Whopper Combos and satisfy a craving for a good hamburger.      Back at camp we relax and read outside for a while, then a late supper of a rotisserie chicken from Walmart, new potatoes, broccoli and carrots and of course our Swiss Chalet sauce.  Tues. 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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Mon. Feb. 22nd, Playa Los Glorias MX

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

 

Our weather

awesome sunset       Today is a bright sunny day but cooler temperatures than we have been used to. About 50f (10c) overnight and 75f (24c) during the day, but a cool breeze being right on the ocean and not protected by any trees ot buildings.        The view out our window is spectacular, with the sunrise and ocean view on the driver's side and sunset and ocean view thru our windshield. We puttered around most of the day and enjoyed the quiet in this resort after the weekend with about seven 7 rv's leaving in the morning, most of them beginning the homeward migration like ourselves.        In Mexico there is not many laundramats so we usually did it by hand. In this resort a young mexican lady did ours in their laundry, they have 1 washer and 1 dryer for the  hotel. So I dropped it off in the morning and she returned it to our site about 4:00 pm all clean and folded  for us, 4 kilos was the weight and cost $60.00 pesos ($5.00 Canadian), pretty good deal.       We went to the restaurant for lunch to try their Tortilla soup we have heard so much about and were not disappointed with this filling tasty soup. That we shared as well as a chicken sandwich and of course chips and guacamole to begin with.       In the afternoon we read , chatted with neighbours and walked on the beach gathering shells, a beautiful sunset again and supper of our last Canadian Back Bacon roast, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies and pie for desert. Mon. 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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Sun. Feb. 21st Playa Los Glorias

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

We slept well, as it was a little cooler over night 50f (10c) and the sound of the surf real close by. In the morning we watched the sunrise down the beach as a new day unfolds. I update our blog from the wifi in the restaurant. Then I walked about the resort checking out the facilities, nice pools and well manicured grounds. The mexican group and the tour bus was here until late afternoon. They occupied the restaurants most of the day with speakers, food and dancing, quite interesting.              I drove into the village to check out the store and found it had a few staples there but no fresh fruit or veggies. The village does have a brand new Tecate Six store! This a very busy place, its open front and with three men on the other side of the counter were very busy taking your cervasa  (beer) order and putting in plastic bags with ice on top if you like. The locals then just drive around the corner and onto the beach, for picnics or just playing in the sand with food, cervasa and music.       Back at the resort  we chatted with a few neighbours and purchased one kilo of fish fillets (50 pesos, about $4.00)  from the shrimp lady who sells in the park. A bit later the vegetable truck came in and we bought some fresh fruit and veggies. Then we sat in the shade on the sand reading  for a while (80f, 26c), and were able to catch a few dolphins playing in the surf just a couple of hundred yards away. They were just to quick for me to take a picture of them thou. Then we bought a fresh homemade pie from another vendor walking down  the beach, we choose 1/2 pineapple and 1/2 cheesecake to sample for desert only 60 pesos ($5.00). So supper was fresh fish, boiled potatoes, fresh tossed salad and very delicious sampling of these pies. A nice sunset, a movie  then retire. Life is good! Sun.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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Sat. Feb. 20th Accident

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

We are "On the Road Again" after 2 months on Stone Island, Mazatlan Mexico (Paradise), heading north slowly.             This morning we pulled out of the campground about 7:20 am, anxious to get on the road again. The dirt road out to the hiway was slow going as usual with still quite a bit of water in the low areas. One hour and 10 minutes until we hit the pavement. A njce sunny day, not too much traffic and good roads.       We are making pretty good time until we pulled into a Pemex station in Culiacan at 11:30am. Put 180 litres (.64 cents a liter Canadian) in our coach and I pulled it ahead to fuel the car as well. As I turned to the left a bit to avoid the store front ahead we heard a loud crunch! Our coach has a large overhang at the rear therefore we have a large tail swing. I saw the SUV to our right but did not see his door open, so it grabbed our coach and tried to rip itself off the hinges. Nobody hurt, but 2 slightly crumpled vehicles. Luckily we were from Canada, they from Untied Sates and we both had Mexican insurance. So we called our adjusters who promptly arrived about 1 1/2 hours later. We did all the required paperwork ( with the help of our victims daughter to translate). Back on the road to Playa Los Glorias (Mr. Moro's Hotel and Rv park.)       Finally we arrive here at about 5:30 pm to a beautiful half full campground found the perfect site with our front window facing the beach right in front of us, and the beginning of an awesome sunset. We did a quick set up took a few pictures then right to the restaurant about 100 feet away in the campground. Excellent dinner of chips and salsa appetizers, fish, chips, salads, shrimp tacos and cervasa. As we were finishing dinner a large  group of Mexicans from the hotel came in for supper and dancing. A very exhausting long day for us so back home , watch a tiny bit of tv before turning in for the night. Sat. 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.