An Update & the Game Plan

The Game Plan
The original game plan was to sail around the world. After much debate, and no joy with the boat buying, we decided to switch up our game plan and just hitch hike (boat rides). If we find a boat to buy in our travels, then great, if not, then travel on! We are not going to let a little thing like a boat stop us now!

Fresh off our Copper Canyon trip, we sat in San Carlos, Mexico posting our crew listings, touting our swashbuckling, stellar sailing, and crew skills. Bored to death waiting for return e-mails, we get word that my 2nd cousin eloped in Vegas and their wedding reception was to be at a Rodeo bar north of Phoenix, Az. Perfect, since now crewing, we needed to store the van and all the boat gear back in the US somewhere. Thanks Aunt Lue! This time we were going to do it right and travel light. Remember, the first rule of crewing is you have no personal belongs. Well, very few.

Excited about having somewhere to go, we had one more thing to do! Hike Nacapule Canyon. It is this beautiful, lush, tropical raven, 1/2 hour outside of downtown. It is suppose to be a fairly easy hike and really neat since SC is located in the high desert. It was. Check out the pictures on our Flickr page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/sets/)!

So, off to Arizona we went. On the way up we went through many military and customs check points, all friendly but time consuming. We stayed the first night in a hotel that had a bed like a cloud!. The next day Brian and I went to the SF Giants vs Oak A's spring training baseball game and ate Portabello mushroom burgers. (Not available in MX!) Right after the game we headed to Cave Creek, AZ for the reception. We changed clothes in the parking lot and headed into the Buffalo Chip Bar and Saloon for the evening. The bar has a live bull riding ring out back and we enjoyed a great BBQ dinner, sitting on picnic tables and warmed by camp fires. Great time, great couple.

It was fun to be in the states and to see all my family, but as we already knew, it was so much cheaper to live in Mexico! As we scoured the web for crew positions and opportunities, my friend Niki, whom we met on the Ha Ha, emailed me. She was in Mahahual, Mexico helping out Capt. Gary with his 55’ catamaran excursions. After a couple of email conversations, we were invited to come help do tours on the sailboat. Schweet, sweet. It wasn’t exactly what we had in mind, as we would be located in one spot, however, we would be back on the water, sailing, on a huge boat, and in a beautiful Caribbean location. Remaining flexible is key and you never know what can happen. So, off we went (Mar 24th)……

Creel

http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/sets/72157615746773278/

This picture postcard little logging town was to be our final destination. It was located near the canyon but not on the rim like Divisdero. Doing the budget thing (did I mention the 1st class train was expensive?), we decided to take our new friend Stephanie's recommendation for a place to stay. We took several wrong turns trying to find the place named Luly's.

Luly's was a bit scary, our room was sort of a cave with no heat, the bunk bed dormrooms for singles I think were a bit nicer, but the price for the private room was in our wheelhouse - $200 pesos (like $14 bucks) and we had full run of the place. We found out later that the heater had been disconnected due to 2 German travelers having died just days before of carbon monoxide poisoning at a nearby hostel. Our host, Luly, was very sweet but the next day we took the guide books recommendation! For $350 pesos, we stayed at the cutest and oldest hotel in the town - Posada de Creel, and even got 2 free beer vouchers! Not only was this nicer, but it had a heater! Night was cold in Creel, but the daytime was beautiful. And the smell, oh, the smell of pine trees was fantastic!

After settling in, we decide to take in the sites via bicycles. Armed with a crude photocopied, hand drawn map, we head off on our self guided tour of the Valley of the Mushrooms, Frogs and Monjes (Penis in Spanish). Oh yeah, and some pretty lake. It wasn't that far out of town before we hit the first of 3 entrances to the park(s). We knew we had arrived at the correct spot, when the vendors had all their baskets and goods laid out in front of the Mushroom rocks, awaiting the tour buses. However, we were on super cool and very modern Trek mountain bikes, which definitely was the way to go.

After a couple of pictures, we were off to the next spot, the Valley of the Frogs. We didn't have to go far as they were practically in the same place, and yeah, they sort of looked like frogs, from the right angle. The Valley of the Monjes, our next site, was quite a bit further, and the crude map was something like a puzzle. we got there just about the same time our bums started to give out. Another park gate (this is Mexican for entrance fee, where someone materializes from nowhere to collect), and a short ride around the corner, and wow! We decide to stop and eat lunch.

Hoping back on our bikes, ouch, is really the thing that comes to mind. Wow, I haven't been on a bike, or shall I say bike seat that hard, in a long time. As we head towards the lake, the ride is becoming less fun on the bumpy trails. We are at least half way so no point in riding back the way we came, plus I'm not wussing out. We get to the lake, and it nice. You could rent a boat and fishing gear. What ended up being more fun was haggling with a bracelet vendor. She sent her tiny little girl over to sell us stuff so of course I had to buy something. So Cute!

On our way, and finally we hit pavement! We were both so glad to be on a smooth surface but we still had 6 km to go (out of the 21km total ride). Our bums were on fire and we rode the almost 5 miles in 20 minutes. We wanted off the bikes.

Friday was our day to leave. We had a little time so we decided to go to the museum in the morning. It was way cool. However, every sound sent us running out the door. As we stood on the train platform we were informed that the economical train doesn't run on Fridays anymore. It was suppose to run M, W, F and Wed it was broken (well, there was a freight train derailment) so no trains ran after that. No replacement train ran and the schedule changed the day before (Thurs.) to M, W, Sat. Back to the hotel we trekked. Well, it could have been worst, at least it wasn't expensive in Creel.

Posada Barrancas

Dressed in jeans and a tank top, with a jacket around my waist, (and prepared for cooler weather) we stepped off the train to very hot day. Walking down the street toting our gear, and might I say a bit unprepared to go backpacking since we are minus the backpacks, we were sweating to death. As we look around, there is not much here, or shall I say not much that meets the eye. We hail down a truck and in our best Spanish, ask "Donte es Cabanas Aeropo de Barrancas?" Yes, yes, go up this big mo fo hill, yes, that it the way. Great, as we walk, 3 tour buses spewing black clouds pass us. As we get to the top, and ask a tour bus driver (he has to know, right?), we get different directions, but these are in English. So much for our Spanish!

Okay, so it's only 1 kilometer away and back down this enormous hill we just climbed. With Brian giving me the evil eye for making him walk up it with all our luggage, away we go. How bad could it be.? Well, I was hot, sweaty (from Brian's hard pace), and needing to use the bathroom. That 1 km felt like 3 miles on the road to no where fast!

It is just amazing what you can find out in the middle of nowhere, Mexico. We came upon our destination for the night, this roadside hotel called Cabanas Aeropo de Barrancas. After negotiating a price ($350 pesos, which included breakfast), we were shown a room. I am not sure if anyone had stayed there yet as the Cabanas were recently completed and brand new. It was charming with a rustic/wood theme. After a brief break and a re-read of the guide book, we decide to go hike back up to that first hotel on the hill, minus the bags. According to the book, the best views of the canyons are there, which we couldn't see from the train, plus happy hour!

We were not disappointed and it was well worth the hike which was only about 2 kilometers total. However, keep in mind, it was vertical - lots and lots of steps to climb. There were actually 2 hotels at the top. The first one we accidentally walked to and a second, one located more on the edge of the canyon. Both very expensive ($2100 pesos/night) places.

The view was just incredible but I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. We decided to have cocktails at the hotel on the edge, the Mirador! So cool. As we made our way down to the main building, all the Tamahumaran indigenous people had their vending tables set up outside. The crafts (baskets, blankets, etc.) and copper goods (bracelets, dishes, etc.) were just amazing.

As we drank our two for one margaritas, we enjoyed the sunset out on the balcony overlooking the Copper Canyon. There were 20-30 hummingbirds feeding. All very romantic indeed. The walk back to our Cabanas was a leisurely stroll on a beautiful night.

We had made arrangements with our broken Spanish to eat dinner at our hotel when we had arrived. Upon entering the dinner room, we were surprised to find more boarders, two of which spoke English and one girl who was a American graduate from UC Berkeley, named Stephanie. She helped translate so I could get something vegetarian to eat - CHILIES RELLENOS! With my expectations low, this turned out to be one of the best meals I have had in Mexico. It was delicious, and the lady of the house, Maria, was a fabulous cook.

That night we made are plans for the next day. We would learn that everyone in each little town did tours in addition to what ever else they did. We also realized that we couldn't possibly make it down the canyon and back up in 1 day, especially in time to catch the train. After some debate and negotiating the delivery of our luggage, we decided to hike along the rim of the canyon to the next town - Divisadero. It was only 5km away (if we went on the street, longer on the trail) and would fit better into the schedule. We would find our way to Divisadero, see the sights, shop and then meet Maria at her gorditos stand to gather our luggage. At that point, instead of the train, we hopped on the local bus to Creel. Faster and cheaper.

Pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/sets/72157615745097936/

El Chepe - the Train

The Plan:
I love train travel so I was totally looking forward to this part of the trip. On the way up the canyon (sea level to 7,000 + feet), we were going 1st class. No really, we planned to take the Premier train. It was more expensive, but fit into our time line better and would get us to our 1st stop faster. Did I also mention, it has a bar car & dinning car in it? After all, we were traveling on Fat Tuesday! Not knowing what we would encounter and not having a hotel reservation, we felt this school of thought would boded well for us.

After review of the guide book and advice from others, we decided we would first stop in Posada Barrancas. The next day we would hike down to the bottom of the canyon and back up in time to catch the economical train. This train, which all the locals take, lags at least 2 hours behind the 1st class train and makes more stops. This would put us at our 2nd & final stop, Creel, around 6pm or so we thought. We would stay there for 2 nights and return on Friday. To return we would take the economical train all the way back to El Fuerte. As we would later find out, it was half the price of the 1st class train and not that much different. Well, no bar car! So that was the plan.

The Reality:
The train was amazing, not only because of the scenic beauty but also the engineering feat of how/where they laid the track. It had to maintain a 2.5% grade and go through 89 or so tunnels and 30 or so bridges. The train track even makes a 360 degree turn, crazy, I know!

So the 1st class train was much more expensive (50%) than we thought it was going to be, and boy was it slow. I guess it was that way to let all the people take in the scenery. We could walk anywhere on the train and even stand outside between cars for some great photos. Oh, did I mention the train is always notoriously late? No worries, at 9:10am we were on our way!

At 10am we were sitting in the bar car drinking our 2$, Fat Tuesday, or how I like to say it "Feliz Gordo Martis", Margaritas. As we started climbing up the canyon, the black oak trees started disappearing, replaced by pines. We even saw some aspens. The weather was great and instead of cooling down substantially, like we thought it would, it was very warm.

Around 2pm, we arrive at our first destination, Posada Barrancas. We exit the train, with what must of been 3 or 4 tour groups . It was a bit chaotic so Brian & I just push through the crowd and walk past the buses before we questioned, where the heck are we, and where are we suppose to be going? And the adventure continues.......

Pictures can be found: http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/sets/72157615388815190/

We found a boat!

We found this gem on the river on our way to El Fuertes. Its got a hot tub and everything Sleep 6. 4 inside and 2 on hammocks outside. The sundeck is the best part.

El Fuerte (the Fort)

Where are we, are you sure we are on the right road? I hope we get there soon because the gas light’s been on for 10 minutes, and there is nothing in sight. Did I mention that the AAA map sucks. We aren’t lost, just saving 50m by using a secondary paved road.

Diving in the middle of nowhere, through corn fields, then dessert, we finally emerge from the boondocks, into El Fuerte. Another cute town with a lot of history, abuzz with energy and people. With a place picked out to stay, from the good book, we head towards the Mirador (overlook) Where there is a reproduction of a Spanish fort. The hotel is right next to it, called Rio Vista(river view) and is suppose to be very colorful. This ended up meaning, in a good way, not funky. It was awesome and totally reasonable, again. We got a terrific room, overlooking the river, complete with sunset. The room in itself was amazing - big, with hand painted beautiful murals, huge fully slated bathroom, and decorated in a very traditional way. The hotel was started by a Mexican man who worked his way up as a shoeshine kid who saved his tips.

Since it was late, we decide just to eat in the mural covered dinning room at the hotel. I can’t say enough, it was terrific. A three course meal featuring fresh black bass caught just hours before, cooked to perfection, very homemade. We even manage to set up a ride to the train station, parking for the car while we were gone, and breakfast in the morning. The total package was less than $60usd.

Breakfast was again, amazing. Off to the train we went, we will definitely be coming back here….

Pictures available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/sets/72157615071206714/

La Aduana

Next up. mine spelunking (Aduana Mines)! Woowho, I'm ready for a little adrenaline rush, r u? Finding this town was a bit of an adventure in itself, but alas, we were there. But where exactly were we? To say the town square was small, especially compared to Alamos was an understatement. Along with the fact that it seemed utterly deserted we questioned if we were actually in the correct place.

Well, when in doubt, go shopping. The women's co-op artisan store was on the corner. I picked up a lovely scarf and meet the local women who sat on the porch outside, making really cool stuff. During my purchase, one lady spoke some English, so I attempted to communicate. Well, it paid off and she led us down the riverbed/road to some locals that guided in the area.

Sitting on plastic chairs on the stone porch/ outdoor kitchen, we attempted to hire them to guide us through an old mine. After some discussion, all in Spanish of course, and thinking we understood what she was saying, we were on our way. To the mines! After hiking 45 minutes up hill, through a cactus forest, in the dry, dusty heat, we came to the opening of the old copper mine. We geared up, and made our final ascent to the mine we were to spelunk down (actually repel down).

We were at the top of a vein that ran down over 100 ft into the rock. The shaft was hand dug over many years. Onto the ledge! I decided to go first, knowing that I'd chicken out if I didn't. Who's idea was this anyhow? Oh, ya, mine! Did I mention I am not a big fan of heights? Yeah, well that subject seems to always sneak back up on me in situations like these. Okay, into the hole I go. After all, how hard could this be?

It was thrilling and just the perfect among of adrenaline for me. At the bottom finally, I look up and encourage Brian. As he comes down, I take a look around. There are butterflies (really moths) everywhere. You can see where there was a cave in towards one end. I wonder, how are we getting out?

Thank goodness, we don't have to climb back up, but we do have to go through a small opening. A spelunking we will go..... Not bad, really, did I mention I'm sort of claustrophobic? Anyhow, it was great, even if communication with our Spanish only speaking Eco-guide was a bit strained.

The temperature in the mine was a palatable 55, like a cool drink of water. Boy, it was nice since it was so hot outside. We turned on our headlamps and away we trekked. Along the way, the guide pointed out the various copper veins on the walls, and more 100 ft deep holes we had to step around, protected and crossed by tree limbs. It was just so neat to be down there. Alas there was a light at the end of the tunnel, and we emerged from the mine through the opening we passed on the way up.

Whew, that was a good time. On the hike down the tour kept on going. Lead by their daughter, she took us around the small town and up to the old mine plant. Thirsty, need water. Did I mention it was hot?

Finally, we arrived back at their home and our car. Brian pays the amount we had seen published, in the "good book", only to find out that our guides weren't the ones advertised there. Their rate was double what we thought it would be! Remember that conversation we thought we understood in Spanish? Well, we really need to learn the language, to say the least. Not to despair, instead of being $10 per person, the whole deal was $20/person. Still a steal.

In the car, we head off to our next destination: El Fuerte and a much anticipated train ride!

To check out the pic's of this adventure, click on link below:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/sets/72157614880206219/

Alamos

Our first stop (second really, but the 1st one to Obergon was nothing to see) of any significance was a little town called Alamos. We arrived in the early afternoon, and in the stifling heat of the day. As we made our way to the center of town, down narrow cobblestone streets, the town was a buzz with activity and smells of tasty treats. Oh the taco stands smells, even a vegetarian can appreciate the mesquite, and peppers, and onions, and salsa, and spices…. Okay, so we were hungry when we arrived, and I was craving a margarita big time.

First up, find accommodations. I spied a cute little hotel on the square on the way in, and Brian saw a sign for another. We head over to my choice first. It’s clean, fairly large and very charming. However, when asked about price, Gringo rates were in effect! We decide to head over to Brian’s choice since the sign stated the price as $450 pesos ($14.5 / $1usd, you do the math.)

Los Arcos hotel was just on the square, upstairs and by far the cutest, nicest, cleanest, most reasonable accommodations we have had so far. The bed was even soft. Most are like bricks, I don’t know why, maybe they got ‘em from China! Theirs were like sleeping on mattress made of plywood. Anyhow, back on topic, Alamos was everything people said it would be, a charming town with loads of character, history, and a throw back to an earlier time.

Exploring around town on foot, we come across the actual city square. The one we thought was the city center, was actually the “less uppity” people’s square, known for their cheap, tasty eats - best around. The alley we came down to get to the real square (the one with the cathedral), was kissing alley, too small for any cars to use. We stumble across a bookstore, where we pick up a copy of Lonely Planet Mexico (in English of course) and a map of the Copper Canyon - our next destination (and the main focus of our trip inland). Amazing, that we did not have a guidebook with us before, and being the seasoned travelers, I can’t believe I didn’t think to get one. Now we were definitely armed and dangerous.

Alamos has an incredible history dating back to 1540 and reminds Brian of old New Orleans. Once one of the biggest silver mining towns around, it swelled to 30,000 people. In the late 1800’s, it was all but abandoned before an American purchased it in 1948 and re-invented the place. Now there is a mix of retired American and Mexican’s living there.

Per the good book, Brian and I headed out to eat at all the places we could, see all the sites recommended, and do the activities in this cool little town. Oh, did I mention it was the start of Carnival, and it was Sunday? I say Sunday, because all the celebrating happens Sunday nights, not Saturdays here in Mexico.

As we sipped our fine Margaritas on the veranda across from the church square, we notice people starting to gather. We didn't think much of it, but did notice that no one heading into the church for service (at 6pm), rather, they were just sitting in the square. Food booths were being set up and the ladies sat in the benches, all seem to have boxfuls of these eggs, some colored. We head back to our room and prepared to go to dinner.

I decide to give Chili Rellenos another try. The first attempt in La Paz resulted in me swearing off the traditional dish, as disgusting. The book even mentioned an Alamos spot as one of the best in all of Sonora (the state). The results were the same, we head back to the hotel, me feeling disgusted and just wanting to lie down. However, Brian headed down for water and to check out all the racket outside. It was the Carnival parade. This is where things get a bit crazy!

After some debate, he convinces me to come downstairs and head back to the church square to see what all the fuss is about. Clueeless, we arrive at the chaos (LOL). There are the young kids(running around) and old (sitting watching, and enjoying I might add) all participating in their own way. Laughter filled the night. I have never experienced anything like it. I decide to get in on the act.

So, you know those egg things I mentioned above? Well, they were actual eggshells, with the yolk removed by carefully cracking off just one end, then cleaned out and filled with confetti. A piece of colored paper mache covered the hole. For a mere 15 pesos (in the beginning, then it dropped to 10), you could get a bag full of these eggs, like 15.

Apparently, the object of this activity was to run around and smash these on the head of an un-expecting victim. Yes, I said victim, because I became the most wanted in the entire square. Oh, did I mention that most of the participants were under the age of 12 and none of them were gringos? Yes, can you say "target", two huge, six-foot tall, blonde, gringo, targets? Good. It was so much fun. Smashing and confetti everywhere and the running and the laughing - you get the point. The entire time, everyone else was watching and enjoying. The square was literally covered, every inch of it, in confetti. I went through 3 bags, Brian, 2. In my defense, well yes, it was my defense. I was getting creamed, I mean egged. I had to run for my life, really. Brian tried to take pictures of it, but I couldn’t stand still long enough without getting beat over the head for him to get anything. We had to leave the square before we both had real concussions, laughing all the way of course. I still have eggshells in my purse! All worth it!

The next morning, we decide to head off to see the Pantheon (cemetery) and go mine spelunking (repelling) on the way out of town. The cemetery was really neat, if I can say that? They bury everyone above ground in elaborate tomes. There was even an older man at work in the pantheon, like something out of a Vampire or Steven King movie.

Next up, the mines. We would have to go out of town a bit to another town for this. After asking directions, we were on our way. Can I just tell you, the AAA map sucks, and the ones in Mexico aren’t any better.

…And the adventure continues.

For pictues of Alamos (68 or so pictures) click on the link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/sets/72157614808043063/

Road Trip

Saturday, Feb 21st - With our boat dreams shattered, okay, okay, overly dramatic, but still, we were bummed, and our boat surveyor gone until March 2nd, we were at a standstill. Our 3rd choice boats we didn’t want to make any offers on until the surveyor returned so, Road Trip! I thought it would be a nice mental break as well as a good opportunity to venture inland for a while. When, not if, we get a boat, we’ll be coastal for a good long time, and you know the saying, when life hands you lemons, just add vodka! Hey, that’s how I remember it.

Friday (February 20th, Happy Birthday Baetz if you’re reading this - Feb 21st) we pack up to go but realize we have way to much crap for a simple week long road adventure, so we delay leaving until Saturday. We shove most of our things into storage.

With suggestions from numerous sources, we head off first to Obergon. What a disappointment. It was suppose to be a modern city, a little nicer and bigger than Guaymas. Maybe so, but it certainly lacked charm. I ate dinner at Carl Jr’s, if that doesn’t say it all! At least the salad was fresh and crisp, and the Papas & Quesos was stellar (and a refreshing change from my choices of Mexican food). Next up, heading to Alamos. My expectations are high.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/sets/72157614881652764/

Take a Hike!

San Carlos is like a little mecca for American's, retired Americans, and sailors/boaters, and as with any community, there are a handful of activities directors. This particular person, Pat, had being organizing an all women's only hike up Mt. Tekikawi for the last 15 years, and as she had recently turned 80, this was to be her last.

So how hard could this be, you ask? Well, judging from the older crowd (only one 19 year old, one 29 year old and a couple in their thirties, me being one of them), I completely misjudged. In our official briefing, we were instructed that this was not a race and we were to proceed in a civilized manner. I guess there were issues in the past but it was made clear that this time, it was to be the journey -aka, relax, enjoy and take in the sights. No problem, I'm not looking for a race. When Pat said it would take 2 hours up and about the same coming down, I really didn't believe her until we started hiking.

Luckily, I ran into my Yoga/Pilates instructor, Betty, at the start. We decided to hike together in the 2nd to last grouping of ladies. It was really nice to know someone at the start and in which we had something in common. Immediately into the hike, the grade started to increase. The mountain didn't look this big, hmmmm.

When I said I had misjudged, it was an understatement. I am just so impressed with all the women who completed the hike. It was tough and very technical in some areas - scrambling and a little rock climbing involved. It was very steep, but the views - well worth it. And boy, was I sore the next day!

Enjoy the pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/

(I finally figured out which online system we wanted to use for our photo albums. Now we will be able to show more pictures ~ click on the link above to enjoy.)

Beach Pictures - Empalme

Here's the pictures. Oh, and just to clarify, we did not get the boat (1st choice - KP) due to the selller being a psycho! That's, count 'em, 3 times she pulled out of the deal, once swearing on her mother's grave! It's in writing and Brian giggled when he read it the first time, asking is her mom dead? Guess not! Hence the beach trip!

In the small town of Empalme

The Shell Seekers

Okay, so you are not going to believe this one, but here goes. We came back to San Carlos early part of February to check out and purchase our 2nd choice boat. After a week of negotiations and rigging, boat and engine checks, we learned on a Thursday (end of day), the engine was seized. Hence, we decided to pull out of the deal. There was just too much wrong. Bummed out again, that we have no boat, we return to our hotel room and check email / surf the web for other opportunities. So, you know that old saying, when one door closes, another opens? Well, it was immediate, their it was, an email from Brian's dreamboat, the KP saying they came to there senses, again. They would sell us the boat (our #1 choice) and even promised on their mother's grave. To top it off, the seller would be down from Canada on Monday! Wow, we were very excited, but still a bit leery. After all, they have pulled out of the deal twice before.

The meeting with the owner on Tuesday went well, with us describing where we were coming from and her reciprocating. She then went through the entire boat with us, over every piece of equipment and detail. We were there 2 hours! Okay, so this might happen, but we wanted to have the boat looked at by our surveyor and/ or at least our engine guy. After all , we were plunking down quite a bit of cash. Engine guy scheduled the very next day, go Brian! However, when he went over to speak with the boat owner - she freaked out. She told him to guy buy someone else's boat, stop trying to take hers, and even pointed at a few others in the boat yard! ARRGGH! Unbelievable! What a PSYCHO! Oh, did I mention she works in the psychotherapy industry. A true nut case.

To blow off steam, Brian and I decide to go to the beach. Yes, a shell seeking day for us. That always makes us feel better. We used to go to SOB (South Ocean Beach) all the time in the city to collect sand dollars. Rumor had it, this beach was the bomb for shell collecting, as well as being long & gorgeous.

Armed with an eight pack (don't you just love it, comes that way, not 6 packs) of beer and a bottle of tequila, we head off to Empalme. It is just outside of Guymas, about 45 minutes away. When we get there, we drive right onto the sand. It's amazing. It's everything it's rumored to be. The only negative would be the trash, but that seems to be the norm for Mexico, unfortunately. They are not very environmentally aware yet. Anyhow, enjoy the pic's!

We're Back

At least in San Carlos (Mexico), for round 3 of boat buying! Hopefully, we will be making an offer on our 3rd choice boat, I'll keep everyone posted. In the meantime, wow, what a difference a week makes (well, 9 days). Our adventures inland were much needed and very fun. You'll get all the details as soon as we can type up the stories. Stay tuned.
Meow