Originally, we had planned to return to Mexico in November of 07. But, with the unfortunate passing of my Mom in a car accident, we remained in Vancouver to settle her affairs. The bonus was spending more time with our kids, other relatives and friends, and having Christmas where Christmas ought to be! We arrived back in Puerto Vallarta, Jan 7th, after a very hectic stay in Vancouver. We had one short week to get the boat in some sort of shape before Greg, our oldest son arrived. He was with us for 8 days, with a 2 day overlap with his younger brother, Jeff and girlfriend Sarah. Jeff and Sarah were with us over 2 weeks before returning to the cold and snow in Vancouver. We had a great time showing the kids why we are so fond of Mexico.
Once again we returned to Burros to share the spot with Greg. Just love all the beach vendors!
Bucerias, with Greg! Hardly any drinking at all!
After Jeff and Sarah arrived, we all booked a Zip-line trip...even Mom went along for the ride. What a hoot!! We had a great day and bought the video to prove that I went too!
This fellow Jeff and Greg coined as "Melvis" because of his Mexican heritage. Quite appropriate, we thought!
Sarah just couldn't stop drinking all those cervezas!! Hard to keep a strong woman down! Although she appears to have her own "cubetta" she did share her bucket of beer with the rest of us.
It was a tough time but we all managed. Not one of them wanted to return home...I just can't understand that!
Smear on that sunscreen, you white folk!
At Mauricio's, one of our favourite shrimp places, they gave us a whole bottle of tequila...Greg and Jeff shared with us....but under protest!
Our on our whale watching cruise, Greg caught some rays. What a show the whales put on but, of course, they are never performing when the camera is clicking. Got some good movies, though.
At Philos, in La Cruz, we had a terrific evening watching the band. The kids especially enjoyed Leon and his washboard (see previous photos in the blog).
Greg asked his Mom to dance and we had a great time...made up for when he wouldn't dance with me at his grade 7 grad! What grade 7 boy would want to dance with his Mom, anyway?
Since Greg danced with me, Ralph felt obligated too!
After Greg Left, we headed for Tenacatita and an overnight sail. Jeff and Sarah did remarkably well, but didn't care for being below deck. We had pretty large seas, and good wind for more than half the night. Once we arrived in Tenacatita, the kids really enjoyed snorkeling and swimming.
They are quite the water rats.
We bought ourselves a new underwater camera and they tried it out. Seems to work well, even though the water was a bit murky.
We took the kids up the jungle river trip to the palapas on the outer coast. They had a blast! Dad and Jeff at the helm.
They loved the mangrove branches. We saw lots of crabs in the trees, but the little blighters wouldn't hold still for the photos!
Lots of roots and branches.
Egrets and other lovely birds everywhere!
Great shade and light contrasts!
Finishing up and heading back to the boat. Sarah and I enjoyed shelling here as well. The guys made for the beach palapa and beer.
After Tenacatita we headed for Barra de Navidad. This shot of the town is taken from the Grand Bay Hotel where we are NOT staying. We are in the lagoon to the right of the photo.
This group was fishing directly behind out boat. I believe the fisherman is in his undies and, if you look at his freeboard on the boat, you can figure out why!
It was windy this day and they all just kind of drifted off into the mangroves far behind us. We have no idea how they got back because it would have been a couple of hours row back to town. We hope they got a tow!
Jeff and Sarah treated us to an expensive dinner out in the local street taco place. This was an experience for them and they were a little reluctant to go, but enjoyed it in the end and no one appeared to get sick.
As you can see, from Sarah's face, it is hard work creating the perfect taco!
Sarah thought her first trip to Mexico was just "Ducky"! And proved it by "quacking up" over this little duckling. We thought she'd have to take it back to Vancouver.
Again, just a few too many drinks for Sarah! As you can see, the rest of us are still upright!
Jeff took this shot of this cutie on the beach. We all just loved the Mexican children and Mexican people in general. Anyone who avoids Mexico is doing themselves a disservice. What a wonderful country!
Tea, anyone? Interesting to see this here, on the beach, in Mexico. She had filled the cups and teapot with sea water. I don't think she found it all that appealing to drink, though. Meanwhile, the little Mexican boys are cavorting in the water! Some things remain the same in all cultures.
We are now without children, have fixed our starter battery problems, and are planning to move on to Santiago Bay, just outside of Manzanillo. Today, I broke off a piece of tooth on those hard Mexican nuts so I guess I'll be off to the dentist in the Manzanillo area. This will slow down our progress a bit but the plans of a cruiser are written in the sand at low tide. We are finally getting to enjoy that lifestyle...but finding it somewhat hard to slow down and adapt!
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