5C's Que Pasa

Have you ever witnessed such a thing?  We have.  Not pretty at all.  We are referring to Mexican RV Parks in particular.

An RV park needs to be nurtured.  It needs to be able to reach out to new arrivals, to first time RVers in Mexico.  People need to feel welcome, to know they are appreciated for making the long and sometimes scary drive down here from the USA.

What do you do when an RV pulls into your campground here in Mexico?  Picture this….there is no office, no manager on site.  Do you just ignore these people and trust that they will figure it out on their own?  That way you cannot get involved and just get on with your personal fun day.  Or do you like most seasoned RVers, walk over, introduce yourself and offer to help?

We have been RVing in Mexico for over 15 years and truly have been all over Mexico.  Years ago in Acapulco we found an RV Park, Playa Luces, and came to love it.  Over a few years we encouraged RVers to come and see the beauty of the area for themselves.  The park grew and blossomed.  Sadly due to personal reasons we had to stop travelling that far south and the park has slowly died back, almost if not totally closed now.  What made the difference?  Us!!  We talked to every new arrival, helped them back into their spot, offered information about veggie trucks and water delivery and anything we could think of at the time.  These people returned and brought their friends.  The park flourished for a few years.  Yes there was an owner on site but she did not speak English nor French which I did and so I became her helper, translating between three languages and easily becoming confused. What did I get out of it?  Nada! Not even a free beer which was what she did offer each RVer as they arrived, an ice cold Corona to quench their thirst. Great welcome I thought.  I was just happy to have someone new arrive and to discover a wonderful side of Mexico.

We live in an RV park at home in Canada, not in our RV but in a 900 sq ft park home on an RV site.  Even there when we see someone new to the park we stop and ask if they need help or some directions.  It is who we are and what we are.  How much effort does it take to help someone have a better experience?  Seconds,  moments but how great the feeling is to have helped someone be more comfortable.

So now here we are for the 4th winter season at Tres Amigos RV Park on Stone Island, right next to Mazatlan.  When we first found this gem it was busy with RVers, but for the past few years due to a general decline in RVing in Mexico plus much media propaganda the numbers of RVers has dwindled.  I personally see it as my mission to get those numbers back up, to show others how wonderful Mexico can be.

So when an RV manages to find it’s way “down the road” and just turns up what does one do?  Ignore them!!!  Not me, nor Colin.  How difficult can it be to reach out, help them find a site……sure they might only be here for a week but that might become two weeks or they may return next year for 3 or 4 months.  We ( all of us seasoned RVers ) are the ambassadors.  Is that not what RVers do, share information about the water truck, the veggie/fruit truck, about our 24 hour security,  how to find the water taxi over to Mazatlan, the lavenderia, etc???

Our park manager is not on site all the time and  is only a phone call away. Perhaps a reason to step out of our comfort zone and lend them a helping hand.  That is not quite what happened here today. Later I discovered that the new arrivals were aware of who I was and of my blog and possibly had come here to view this paradise because of the blog. I was saddened at the arrival they received.  I am happy to be able to report that Colin and I maintained our usual high standards.

We do want this park and all Meixcan RV parks to grow in numbers. As parks grow in numbers the costs are shared by all.  That leads to better wifi, more security, etc.  If no one comes to an RV park, that park will die.  It is up to each of us to encourage and support new Rvers to an area.  In the past 6 weeks Tres Amigos RV Park has had 10 or more new  RV’s or vehicles show up to check out the area.  One large 5th wheel came for just the one night but hopes to return.  Two days ago we had someone wanting to pay their deposit for next season. Travelling in Mexico is still difficult for some RVers to accept.  There is much beauty, there is the sun, the beaches and of course the wonderful people. It is an experience we all deserve and should all discover. Our home at Tres Amigos is paradise.

So folks, it is your choice if you want to let your RV Park  live or die……………………….this applies to all RV parks in Mexico.

The sun has set on this day. Tomorrow is a new opportunity for growth, change, forgiveness, love, hugs and moving on.

Tags: Mazatlan, Mexico, Tres Amigos RV Park

Taken right here January 9th on Isla de la Piedra, Mazatlan, Mexico.

It was perfect from beginning to end. There is a Mexican dog swimming near the bottom right.

Even the pelicans were enjoying it.

Here I am telling Colin to look all around, it's a 360 degree sunset.

The neighbors were out enjoying it also.

Helene and Barrie from Ottawa.

Debra and John, fulltimers from Ontario.

John kindly took our photo. If you look over this series of shots the variety of colours is amazing.

These shots are presented as taken, no touching up nor photoshop involved.

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

Yesterday morning was the coldest temperature so far this season, 62F.  Sure looks like winter has arrived in Mazatlan.  Actually by 10AM we were sitting in the sun with our coffees.

We had a surfer directly in front of our RV a few mornings ago.

It was a great day and we managed to fit in two beach walks.  The sunset last night was the most spectacular I have ever seen in my life.  The entire park was out sharing in the uniqueness and I hope to catch a bit of it for you from the photos we took.  Perhaps a sunset special post tomorrow.

Colin and I have been totally relaxing, eating when we want ( we do do dinner together ), reading, visiting, playing the guitar, visiting and just totally living in the moment.

Taken a few nights ago, I am not keeping close track anymore, just enjoying.

The girls are good and thanks to all for the emails with suggestions.  Did you know that in additon to the poinsettia plant the following are also toxic to dogs:  aloe vera, bird of paradise, hibiscus, schefflera, croton…all of which are in the gardens here.  There are many others, please have a look at this link.  Thanks Connie for sending it.

http://suite101.com/article/plants-that-are-toxic-to-dogs-a105579

A love in!

The bird can fly and everyday becomes more adept at it.  Not sure what the future will hold for Chiquito.  We can't see him being in a cage for the 7 months we are back in Canada.  After having the freedom of flying around the RV I think it would be cruel. There will be changes for certain but first Colin will have a chat with our avian vet here in Mazatlan.

Finally took Christmas down outside and today hopefully we will take it down inside. We have become just too laid back..

Colin helped Bob get his satellite dish into a better position so now he has a stronger signal.

Later yesterday we meandered along the road to drop off our laundry, just took our time following this fellow. No need to pass him and kick up some dust.

There have been several couples coming into Tres Amigos RV Park wanting information about staying here.  One couple may move here next month ( from Mazatlan ), if not they are coming for certain next season as is another couple who want to pay their deposit for a front row site now.  I take this as a sign that more RVers may be heading back to Mexico next winter. The fact that the road is in great condition with all the brush trimmed back  is making a huge difference to those wanting to stay on Isla de la Piedra.

This is an interesting article on Mexicans working in Canada.  I have met some of these people at the bank and at the store where we live in Lake Country.  I speak with them and you can see how happy they are to hear their language.  I have no first hand knowledge of their segregation from others as mentioned in the article but I intend to check it our when I get back home

://www.northjersey.com/news/international/185764252_Mexico__Canada_Partner_on_Program_for_Guest_Workers.html

Now it's beach time……

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

Things have been strange around here…..someone has been taking over my blog when I go to bed……sorry about that photo Lise.  But what can you do with a professional photographer when he gets tired of playing his guitar after 4 or 5 hours?

Sunday was a perfect day.  The heat, the sun, the beach, the relaxation….superb!

Yesterday was totally different, overcast and a tad cooler.  Still a great day to sit and watch the ocean.  Kids back at school, people back to work, the beach was very very empty today 🙂

Unfortunately we had to defrost the fridge.....don't ask details but something to do with the door left open a smidge. I know the photo is out of focus ( something to do with my stress at the time ) but you can see the 3 bowls of boiling water I had to use to help the process along. Thank goodness we were able to borrow coolers from friends. On the plus side I now have a clean freezer and actually found some stuff in there I did not know was there. We have lots of great stuff to eat!

As of today….we have 3 full months left here on the Isla.  I can't believe we have only been here 6 weeks.  The best is yet to come.

For those of you still coming and I do know at least 4 more are coming, the great news is that the road is perfect.  Having just driven to the airport and back we can attest to that.  You still have to go slow but 40 minutes should do it.

Found this guy on my plants the other day. No it was not Carlos but Stumpy who has an aborted tail and has been around here longer than we have.

I was amazed at how well his large feet allowed him to balance seemingly mid air on barely a branch.  This is the area that Caeli had been into before she got sick, was it something this critter left behind or the cats?  She is better now ( took a long time  ) and keeps wanting to go into that same area so we had to take drastic action.

The girls are officially banned from the back corner.

Looking forward to another great relaxing day today.  Despite the forecast saying we have 60% chance of rain and cloud, the sun is shining.  Time to go stock the fridge with wine and hit the beach.

Colin and the girls at sunset last evening. A different sky yet again.

Tags: critters, sunsets, The girls, Wine

Had to sneak this photo in of Contessa's sister Lise doing what she loves the most… and it's not horseback riding.