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November 16, 2007
We all decided to have a look at the beach this morning. The path leading down to the beach edge was a little steep so
we decided to drive our cars. The beach is great with white sand and we were the only ones we could see in both directions.
The four dogs loved it and enjoyed chasing balls we threw for them. The only problem was when we came back, the wet dogs had
muddy feet and we ended up with reddish brown footprints in the motorhome. We'll have to figure out something to do about
that problem.
We drove into the little town of La Placita heading for a restaurant we were told that had great garlic shrimp for lunch
which turned out to be true.
In the afternoon we took it easy and then decided to move from our initial location in the park to two sites originally
planned for us. It took us a little while to get situated and level but Sandy the owner of the park helped us with everything
until we got settled. There's no patio or landscaping in the sites however Sandy assured us that he'd have someone making
the concrete patios on Monday.
Later in the day a local fisherman came by the park telling everyone he had fresh lobster for sale in his store in La
Placita so we're going there in the morning to pick some out.
We were also told of a cleaning lady who does a very good job and after meeting her, arranged for her to come around tomorrow
morning to clean the inside of both motorhomes.
November 17, 2007
The clocks in the motorhome were not set right so although we got up when we wanted to, we thought we were an hour late.
Lilly, the lady who was coming to clean the inside of our motorhome arrived at 8:00am and spent a couple of hours doing a
great job.
While she was cleaning Diane and I drove to town to get our lobster and then took a short drive down the coast. The area
is very mountainous with the narrow road taking twists and turns that causes us to drive slow while the locals fly by passing
us.
Ken had a rear axle seal repaired on his motorhome for a fraction of the price he would pay back home. A welder also came
to look at his broken tow-hitch and took it away to repair at his shop.
In the afternoon we tried to find the bakery in town and after several tries discovered that it wasn't open until Monday.
The dogs were getting restless so we all went to the beach. If dogs can smile, they were doing it today.
We'll have our lobsters tomorrow so tonight we ate at the little restaurant Cythia runs at the campsite and had some delicious
ravioli.
Tomorrow we plan to go to a farmer's market/flea market in a town about 35 miles from here.
November 18, 2007
After breakfast we drove to the little town of El Ranchito about 15 miles away that has a weekly market. The market had
lots of fresh fruit and vegetables that we stocked up on. I think we were the only "gringos" there but we were able
to make ourselves understood and were able to get what we wanted.
On the way home we stopped in San Juan D'Alama just to look around as there was some fancy hotels there on the beach.
Before we left we stopped at a small store to get some beer but when Diane went to pay them with a $500 peso bill the clerk
ran the bill through a scanner and told her it was counterfeit. I think the bill is ok and because it was wrinkled and had
a piece of tape on it, the scanner didn't approve it.
Later we stopped at another hotel and had a nice lunch before returning to the park.
In the evening we had our lobsters cooked at the park's restaurant by the same person who caught and sold them to us the
other day. We all ate with a new couple from British Columbia who just arrived at the park today.
Tomorrow they are to deliver a truck load of gravel so work can begin on the concrete pads beside the motorhomes.
November 19, 2007
Took it easy today didn't do much of anything. In the morning we drove into La Placita so Ken could get his car washed
and we looked for the bakery that was to be open today. We found the car wash ok but again the bakery was closed.
Sandy, the park owner had the gravel for the patios delivered and wants to start work on them asap so Ken, Mary-Beth and
the two of us thought it would be a good time to drive to Lo De Marcos to get our deposit from the rv park we stayed in previously.
It's between 225 and 250 miles from here so we'll take two cars and the pups with us. We'll be gone for a couple of days at
least so there won't be any posting on the blog until we return.
November 20, 2007
Change of plans today. Mary-Beth reminded us that today is Mexico Independence Day and not only would many of the roads
be blocked as just about every town has a parade, but also the person we needed to see for our refund would not be at the
rv park in Lo de Marcos today.
In the morning the work crew at the park where we're staying came around to build our patio. Their initial time-frame
was a couple of hours however it was more like eight hours before they were finished. Everything was done by hand and the
patio looks great. We're staying off it tonight but by tomorrow it should be dry enough to walk on. It's going to help keep
the red dirt out of the motorhome.
While the men were working we took the pups to the beach to play so that they wouldn't be in peoples way.
Mary-Beth went to town to watch the Independence Day parade and later, Diane, Ken and I went to town to see if the bakery
was open but again we didn't have any success. Maybe tomorrow.
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| Leo and Hayley watching the waves |
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| Leo and Hayley coming out of ocean |
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| Hayley coming out of waves |
November 21, 2007
Another lazy day today. Ken and Mary-Beth had the cement poured for their patio. Their's is the same length as ours but
a couple of feet wider. They wanted the extra width as the slide-out on their motorhome extends out over the patio about two
feet. It looks good. Made us think we should have had ours wider too.
The jeep was getting pretty dirty as I hadn't washed it since we left Texas. They have an "autobano" in La Penita
and they hand washed the outside and vacuumed and cleaned the inside for 50 pesos (five dollars) It looks much better now.
Later in the afternoon we went looking for the mythical bakery in town and again was told by the fellow lying in the hammock
beside the bakery building "manana, manana"
We were laughing to ourselves as we left the "bakery" when down the street in front of one of the little stores
we saw an old pick-up with a cap on the bed and two people taking trays of bakery goods into the store. We stopped and the
fellow said he was from Colima and he mainly sold the bakery goods to stores but he would sell to us if we wanted something.
So we loaded up and also told him we were staying at the Buganvillia RV park and he promised he'd stop there on Saturday so
people could buy things.
Mary-Beth sent an email to the park in Lo De Marcos telling them we'd be there on Monday to pick up our deposits. Hope
that goes well.
November 22, 2007
Our pesos were getting a little low so we drove to Aquila, a little town inland about 12 miles away. Aquila is a municipal
center and has the closest ATM to us. The town is small with a large square in the center with little shops beside it. Beside
the ATM there was a saddle maker who also made other leather items. We also bought a few things at a small bodega (grocery
store). When we first drove into town there was a large pig wandering across the street. We forgot to bring the camera but
seeing Aquila has the only ATM, we'll be back.
Later in the day we spent some time cleaning the motorhome. There was a little bit of cement on the side that got splashed
up when the workers were making the patio and the dogs still get the red dirt on their paws which makes a mess inside.
Everyone in the park joined in to have a pot-luck Thanksgiving dinner. All of us including Sandy and Cynthia the park
owners were able to stuff ourselves with a variety of goodies as well as tequila and wine.
November 23, 2007
Today was a "dog" day. Ken and Mary-Beth had some business to take care of in Colima, about a two hour trip
away so we volunteered to look after their two dogs. Our two have been looking kind of scruffy lately so we decided to give
them baths, trim the hair around their eyes and nose and clip their nails. That kept us busy until early afternoon when we
decided it was a good time for a little siesta.
November 24, 2007
After breakfast I tried to help Ken put up his tv satellite dish but because their service provider had to be contacted
using Skype (internet phone)to activate the system it didn't get done till late in the day. They have an extra receiver they
will lend to us so maybe we'll have tv too. As their service provider is Canadian, we'll get to watch Canadian tv.
Later in the morning Diane and I took the pups to the beach. Although not crazy about big waves crashing on them, they
love playing and swimming in the water. Hayley swallowed a bit too much salt water and had to barf it up but was soon back
playing and swimming.
In the afternoon the bakery delivery man we met a few days ago kept his word and showed up at the park so the fridge has
a few more sweet breads. He said he'll be coming Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Cynthia told us about a special pumpkin blossom chicken she was making so we all went up to the park's restaurant for
dinner. Cynthia is a great cook and the meal was great. Market day tomorrow.
November 25, 2007
Today was market day so we drove to El Ranchito and stocked up on fresh veggies. My rubber sandals fell apart so I bought
two new pair and Diane one pair. We thought it interesting when the vendor selling them said that he'd guarantee the sandals
made in Mexico but wouldn't guarantee the ones made in China.
When we got back to the rv park, the pups insisted we go to the beach so we just had to do that for awhile. They sure
do love the water.
Tomorrow Ken and I are making the trip to Lo De Marcos to pick up our deposit we left with the rv park there. We'll also
stop and buy lots of coffee from a shop in La Penita that gets it right from the growers. Then on the way back we'll stop
at Walmart or Sams and buy a supply of meat and other things.
Diane and Mary-Beth will stay here at Buganvillia park with the pups. As Ken and I will be gone for a couple of days there
won't be any posts on the blog until I return.
November 28, 2007
In three days, Ken and I were able to complete most of our business we had to take care of in Lo De Marcos and La Penita,
a distance of approximately 290 miles from our RV park in La Placita.
However we were not able to complete the journey without a few misadventures.
The first thing I noticed a few miles down the road is that I forgot my toiletry bag containing my tooth brush etc. but
figured I could always buy some essentials at a store along the way which I did.
We found our way through Ticoman the first city on our route with no problem however and got on the toll road going to
Manzanillo. Manzanillo is a fairly large city that has a by-pass around it but we missed the turn and had to drive through
the city which took some time.
On the road again heading north, everything was going fine until about 1:00 pm and we decided to get some gas and pulled
into a Pemex in the little village of La Cumbre. After filling the tank and getting ready to leave, all that we heard when
turning the ignition key was a "click - click"
With our limited Spanish and the even more limited English of the Pemex people there was a lot of shrugging of shoulders
followed by everyone pushing the car away from the gas pumps.
Knowing that we needed help, the people at the Pemex sent a young boy in search of a local mechanico. We he was finally
found some time later, his diagnostic tools consisted of taking a stone a banging on the battery terminals which had no effect.
After having me turn on the lights and seeing that the battery was fine, his verdict was that it was an electrical problem
which he didn't deal with and then got in his truck and drove away.
This left us back where we started however a taxi pulled into the Pemex and after some conversations with the Pemex people
agreed to take us to a "mechanico electrico" in Tomatlan, another town about 8 miles away.
We decided that Ken should go with the taxi driver and I would stay with at the Pemex station with the car.
In a little while, Ken returned in a truck with an older man and a younger one. (I'm not sure if they were father and
son or not)but after assessing the situation they determined that the starter on the Jeep was the problem. Again in both our
limited abilities to converse, they assured us that they could fix it if they removed the starter and took it back to their
shop in Tomatlan.
They got the starter off about 3:00pm and told us they'd be back in two hours. Ken and I took up residence at a little
plastic table beside the Pemex to wait as 5:00pm came went and then 6:00pm. We were starting to get a little concerned as
it was starting to get dark but just before 7:00pm they returned with the starter and with the help of a 12volt light bulb
on the end of a wire and the other end on the battery, they were able to get the starter reinstalled.
They were correct in their diagnosis as the new starter turned the engine over much faster and the Jeep started with no
problem. The cost of the whole thing was about a quarter of what it would cost back home in Texas.
By then it was dark and knowing that we didn't want to drive at night the two "mechanico electricos" told us
there was a "4 Star" hotel in their little town of Tomatlan and if we wanted to follow them, they would lead us
there.
The hotel, The Mision of San Miguel, was in the center of town and the person at the registration desk spoke a little
bit of English. We paid for a room with two double beds that turned out to be on the third floor. However there was no elevator
so we had some stairs to climb. I don't know who gave them a 4 star rating because the rooms were probably on par or even
less elegant than an an average hotel 6. The first thing we noticed was that there was no toilet seat on the toilet but apparently
that is common in Mexican hotels. When sitting on the bed I thought it was kind of firm and lifting the blankets discovered
that the beds were actually concrete platforms with a thin mattress on top.
The hotel restaurant was closed however there was a restaurant across the street where we went looking for supper. The
waitress could not speak English and the menu was in Spanish however we ordered some tacos with cheriso a sausage mixture.
Later we found an ice cream store where we bought dessert before deciding it was time for bed. However before returning to
the hotel we went into a small convenience store where I was able to buy a new toothbrush and toothpaste.
We were too tired to care about the super-firm bed and slept until just before dawn when we checked out and again hit
the road.
The road south of Puerto Vallarta goes through a mountainous region with lots of switch-backs and curves to make driving
slow. There's also plenty of pot-holes and just before the city, there's road construction to slow traffic down even more.
Puerto Vallarta is growing and we could see many new buildings since we'd been there two years ago and even one year ago
in Ken's case.
Just north of Puerto Vallarta in the city of Bucerias there's a veterinarian that has a special dog food that helps Ken
and Mary-Beth's dogs and their digestion problems and Ken was able to buy two big bags for his pups.
After getting through the city we headed for the town of Sayulita where we knew we'd get a good breakfast at Rollie's.
Rollie is a retired teacher from the San Francisco area and he and his wife has one of the most popular restaurants in the
area.
With our stomachs full we continued on to Lo De Marcos where we were able to pick up our deposits from the RV park that
we left last year, say hello to a few friends and get one of the flower pots Ken and Mary-Beth had left.
From there we drove north to La Penita where we stopped at a local butcher shop to stock up on his selection of top quality
meat and to a family owned coffee shop where they sell hand picked coffee beans where we each bought a year's supply and then
some.
We made one more stop at a small grocery store in La Penita to pick up a few things and then hit the road south and home
about 3:00pm.
We knew we wouldn't make it back to our park in La Placita that night but we knew about this "4 Star" hotel
along the way. When we drove into Tomatlan, the hotel desk clerk was standing in the doorway and when we parked right in front
of him he had a surprised look on his face as he probably thought he'd never see those gringos again.
He must of liked us because he gave us a room that night that had a toilet seat. Still concrete platform beds however.
The hotel restaurant was open and after we ate and watched a little TV we went to bed so we could have an early start
in the morning.
The next morning we drove for awhile until going through a small village we stopped and had a nice breakfast at a roadside
cafe. We found the by-pass around Manzanillo and arrived home in the afternoon.
November 29, 2007
We took it easy today and watched as the park workers increased the size of our concrete patio. When it was originally
made last week it was only six feet wide. We asked Sandy the park owner if it could be widened and he said no problem.
Just before lunch we took the pups down to the beach and let them run and play until they were tired.
We were fortunate enough to see a whale going by and Sandy said their migration should start soon so we may being seeing
more. Unfortunately they're too far off shore to take any pictures.
It's a little cooler today with a nice breeze. Much better than the 95 degrees we had yesterday. December is usually cooler
than November which everyone will be glad to see.
November 30, 2007
After breakfast the propane delivery truck showed up at the park but as we still had half a tank I decided to wait until
next week to fill up. The truck will make regular visits to the park on Fridays.
We wanted to go to a little fishing village about 15 miles south of us to buy some fish and maybe sit on the beach. We
all loaded the two cars with beach stuff and four anxious dogs eager to get under way.
The village of El Faro sits in a sheltered cove allowing the small fishing boats (pangas) access to the ocean without
having to deal with waves when coming and going.
We stopped at a mom & pop fish shop where Ken and I bought a whole dorado fish and shared it. The man cleaned and
filleted the fish while we waited and charged us a total of 100 pesos (10 dollars)
The wife showed us some nice conch sea shells and we also bought two to put on the mantel at home.
From the fish shop we drove about a quarter mile to a parking place on the beach. This part of the village really doesn't
have a road and there's a small stream that you drive through which runs to the beach.
There's a couple of restaurants right on the beach where we had a lunch of bbq'd fish, shrimp cocktales and cervecie washed
down with a beer.
The beach has little in the way of waves and is perfect for swimming for both the pups and their owners.
Our new section of patio is dry and we ended the day sitting in our lounge chairs and looking at the sunset.
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| Diane at El Faro fish shop |
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| Mary-Beth relaxing at beach in El Faro |
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| Fishing Pangas on beach in El Faro |
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| Sheltered Cove at El Faro |
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