5C's Que Pasa

Wednesday was our meet up day with our Montana friends.  However they decided not to come to the Isla so we met them in Olas Altas.

First thing we saw was a typical security patrol because of Carnival.

We ate at the Cueva del Leon on Olas Atlas.

It was great catching up with Marty and Stan. Sadly due to complications with Cal Jet and weather issues they only had 5 days here in Mazatlan. Not fair to pay so much for so little time. Next year they will plan to stay longer. I do look just a tad windblown! Thanks for being my 'mule' Marty.

The next day we were in the middle of chores and such when Mike and Terri Church came up our beach stairs.

They have only been back in Mexico for a short time and had a mechanical issue ( $$$ ) with their truck.  Hopefully things will be repaired soon so they can get on with their plans. If not we will be seeing more of them.  One of the things they want to do is write a new book about travelling in Australia.  Their other travel books and website information can be found here and their Facebook page here.

Once I got over my shock of seeing them ( I had no idea they were in Mexico ) we got caught up on this and that.

We were able to introduce our new Mexcio RVers, Roger and Chris to the Churchs. They actually have some friends in common on the Baja where Roger and Chris have a home.

Colin decided to dress up for the adios amigos shot.

Yesterday we had our training horse visitor. It was very warm yesterday to the session was not too long.

....and a small pod of dolphins dropped by.

And of course…

Tags: critters, friends, Isla de la Piedra, Mazatlan, Mexico, Stone Island, sunsets, Tres Amigos RV Park

Mazatlan Carnaval 2013 has started.  The city is coming alive with more and more tourists.  Just over 1/2 million people are expected over the coming days.  You can see more of these  giant paper mache statues on Nancy’s blog Countdown to Mexico.

Just one of the many monigotes that line the malacon during Canaval.

Carnaval 2013 is expected to benefit from the Mazatlán-Durango highway, eighty percent of which is complete and open to traffic cutting travel time from Durango to Mazatlán from six hours to 3.5 hours.

http://mazmessenger.com/2013/01/24/sct-promises-deadlines-for-road-projects/

In this same article they mention that the bypass road around Mazatlan should be complete by December 2013.  These changes will mean many changes to Mazatlan.  Not only more tourists from the Durango area but also hopefully many more RVers to both the Isla and to Mazatlan and of course much more commerce.  The port here is gearing up for increased traffic.

There was some discussion in the comment section of my post the other day about Teacapan.  I do believe that once this project gets off the ground there will be an increase of flights into Mazatlan with special shuttles into Teacapan and the new resort.  It would be a win win situations for tourism everywhere.

Even Canada is doing it’s part by trying to change to visa free travel between Mexico and Canada as per the following link.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/harper-talks-energy-meeting-incoming-mexican-president-pena-195112414–finance.html

Change is a good thing, it reflects growth.  It you stay in the same rut you will stagnate.

We found some other birds to find, just can't help it. We like to make sure everyone is happy.

A single set of tracks. The bird must have landed and took off from the same spot.

I am feeling better and slowly getting back to normal.  Lots of activities for us in the next few days.  Stayed tuned.

Tags: Carnaval, critters, Durango, Isla de la Piedra, Mazatlan, Mexico, Stone Island, travel, Tres Amigos RV Park

I am cranky!

The internet is acting up!

My book club was cancelled again.  It just may not get off the ground this season.

My body is acting up!

In trying to avoid getting a respiratory problem making the rounds I started to take Oil of Oregano, a natural product which we have both used for years.  Unfortunately I so wanted to not get sick that I took way more than the recommended dose.

Big red itchy bumps and now moving to my arms and legs. Grrr!

Lesson learned the hard way.  Back in November I had a skin reaction to a medication I got from that Las Vegas doctor.

Different bumps but a reaction. I guess I am becoming more sensitive in my old age.

When I was young I use to have to go in and get allergy shots weekly. I can’t remember what I was allergic to, but I thought I had outgrown my allergies.  Looks like I will have to get everything checked out when I get home.  Meanwhile I have to stop scratching!

I feel like my body is going backwards.  I want to get healthier and more active as I age.  I know I will never be as strong as I was but I want to be better than I am right now today.  I refuse to go backward.

What is wrong in this photo?

The boat is being rowed backwards.

Well those guys might have energy to waste but I do not!  They had no idea what they were doing but had a good time doing it.

I need an attitude adjustment or maybe just a margarita?

My zinnias are so beautiful that we often have locals coming to ask what they are.  One of the restaurants wants to get some to plant around their grounds.  Even Ishmael who watched them grow day by day from seed wants some.  He tells me that next year I need much better soil.  Looks like  I will be packing in a lot of flower seeds come November.  Not sure that Colin is going to let me to fill the RV with good soil:)

Looks like these folks are planning on building themselves a plastic bottle house. They spent several hours on Monday filling bottle after bottle with sand and loading their car. Much heavier leaving the beach than when they arrived.

For those of you new to my blog I describe here and photos here how the poorer people on the Isla mange to get themselves a home.

For those who need their sunset fix, just for you….

Tags: Funny, health, Isla de la Piedra, Mazatlan, Mexico, Stone Island, sunsets

Fellow blogger and friend Marty, her husband Stan and sister in law Irene arrived Sunday from Montana.  What a  struggle they had?  Using my blog suggestion they booked on Cal Jet out of Denver which was fine but their return on Feb.10 was no longer valid as Cal Jet is ceasing service on Feb. 5th.  Marty fought and fought and at the last minute was rewarded with flights on Aero Mexico between Denver and Mazatlan.  The connections are horrid but a least they are here and do have a confirmed flight home.  Their holiday was almost ruined.

RVers Bob and Donna returned to Tres Amigos RV Park on Sunday.  They are here for almost another week.

Just chillin at sunset their their cat. We really do hope you return for a bit next season as you are fun people.

After their first week here on the Isla they decided to go further south to see what was what.  They checked out Teacapan, San Blas, La Penita, Lo de Marcos and Sayulita.  Lots of RV parks and towns checked out.  Many lovely places to see, each with their own pros and cons.  I think we shall see these two back next season but perhaps 1 month here, 2 weeks there and so on.  No need to restrict oneself to one area is their philosophy.  The one area they may not be back to is Teacapan.  If you have not already heard there are big changes being made in the area and not everyone in Teacapan is happy with said changes.  By the way, a big hola to friends Edna & Otto whom we have known for years and years and RVed with in Acapulco, San Carlos and  Teacapan and who remembers where else.  Please do stop by Tres Amigos on your way North even if just for 3 or 4 days.  I know you will love it and I guarantee I can find you a front row ocean spot.  The road has never been better.  We really would love to see you again.

Just as I was drifting off for a nap late Sunday afternoon I was torn between the neighbor’s Super Bowl game on TV or the Cantina down the beach.  As the Cantina music cranked up I was able to drift off to wonderful sounds.  Wish I was there dancing.

Meanwhile at RV 2 all the sports fans were gathered for the big event. They really do know how to have a party over there.

After my nap it was time to greet the newest arrival to Tres Amigos.

Marc, Helene's brother ( and Barrie's brother in law ) arrived late this afternoon. It took him a year to get here. Last year his flight was snowed in. Welcome to paradise Marc!

I have only known Marc for 5 minutes but with 10 lbs of aged cheese and an 18 year old bottle of Glenlivet in his bags he is sure to become a good friend. First thing he did was head into the ocean!!

Once again a different sunset.

Tags: friends, Isla de la Piedra, Mazatlan, Mexico, Stone Island, sunsets, Tres Amigos RV Park

Tuesday, Feb. 5th is the 96th anniversary of the founding of the Mexican Constitution.  So all banks and schools are closed tomorrow (Monday) so that everyone gets a long weekend. We had many more beach visitors yesterday.

This is about half of the one family that enjoyed the beach out front yesterday.

I watched their fun from inside as I am trying to stop the development of my cold.  So far so good.  I had made a huge crock pot of minestrone soup yesterday so that will keep us going for a few days.

Someone had a huge party way down the beach towards Mazatlan last night.  I was glad that they finally stopped the music at 2AM.  Had I been feeling better I might have walked down to check out the action.

Unedited spectacular beauty!

Tags: Isla de la Piedra, Mexico, Stone Island, sunsets