Our original plan was to move to the Lake Chapala area and camp there for a few days as it is only 50 KM from Villa Corona. However, we like the hot pools and the friends we have made and of course the camping at Villa Corona so we did a day trip to Ajijic and Chapala which are two cities joined at the hip. Many ex-Pats , both Cdn and Americans have take our residence in this area and are MX citizens of a sort.
The Ex-Pat couple that we have talk with, said they still have Cdn Passports but they carry Mexican Identification card which allows they certain advantage like full medical treatment for 300.00 a year. In fact one couple from Markham, ON said they have been permanent residence in Ajijic for 11 years and there are many couples just like them in a sub division. They have formed a co-op ( my words ) to obtain a group plan for medical insurance plan.
This same couple seem to live a shallow life style if I am a judge of people. As we perused the menu of a semi-outdoor restaurant they advised us that the restaurant had excellent food but more important they had a bottomless glass of wine and margaritas.
We then took a table close by more or less to get a feel of the area and to chat. That is when they said they had been residence and had left Markham, ON 11 years ago years. While we ate dinner and chatted I noted that the man had knocked back 4 glasses of wine and the waiter kept pouring. I wasn't sure if they had eaten yet but it appeared the wine was more important than food. Out of curiosity I ask if the came to this restaurant often and I got the answer I expected, "yes we do ".
Carroll and I went for a walk along the lake front as there were at lest a km long strip of vendors so we must have killed an hour and a half. We returned to our car which was park in front of the restaurant and the couple was still there drinking free drinks. Hopefully this not the typical Ex-Pat.
Ajijic and Lake Chapala is far to busy for us so our day trip was enough to fill our curiosity. We have notice a big change since we last visited 8 years ago. Like most cities it just keeps on growing. cheers
Thursday, 31 January 2019
Wednesday, 30 January 2019
MX Trip # 59 Dinner at MiGusto ( Sunday )
We went to Cocula for supper and to listen to the Mariachi band that plays at the MiGusto restaurant every Sunday evening.
Cocula is a industrial and farming town located on hwy 80 which is a main thorough fare to the coast so it does see a lot of traffic. It seemed odd that Villa Corona was out of fuel and Cocula did not even have much of a line at the two Pemex that we seen in town. Cocula also has a Wal-Mart but it goes by another name and it is just called the Bodega. Carroll and I will visit the store on Thursday to pick up some item before we head north.
Fred and Donna are leaving tomorrow so we are taking them to Cocula which is 21 km from Villa Corona because they have never been there and they do like Mariachi music. The band plays for 1 1/2 hours and that is my limit for Mariachi music. Of course we were the only Gringos in the restaurant so the Master of Ceremonies came to our table to get our names and ask where we were from so he could introduce us to the crowd.
Fred is multi- lingual so it good to have him decipher the menu and to make sure the waitress understands our order. The owner of the restaurant suspected we were camping at Villa Corona so he came over to welcome us and would have bought us a Margarita but none of us drink that " crap ". We were advised by the guide at the brewery in Tequila that most Margaritas are made with the cheapest Tequila they make and it usually gives you headache. I have had that headache several years ago I don't need a relapse.
The music was good and the food was plentiful as we all had to get a "doggy bag ". We all had pawns, which not a surprise when you get a plate full of prawns for less than 10.00. Cheers
Cocula is a industrial and farming town located on hwy 80 which is a main thorough fare to the coast so it does see a lot of traffic. It seemed odd that Villa Corona was out of fuel and Cocula did not even have much of a line at the two Pemex that we seen in town. Cocula also has a Wal-Mart but it goes by another name and it is just called the Bodega. Carroll and I will visit the store on Thursday to pick up some item before we head north.
Fred and Donna are leaving tomorrow so we are taking them to Cocula which is 21 km from Villa Corona because they have never been there and they do like Mariachi music. The band plays for 1 1/2 hours and that is my limit for Mariachi music. Of course we were the only Gringos in the restaurant so the Master of Ceremonies came to our table to get our names and ask where we were from so he could introduce us to the crowd.
Fred is multi- lingual so it good to have him decipher the menu and to make sure the waitress understands our order. The owner of the restaurant suspected we were camping at Villa Corona so he came over to welcome us and would have bought us a Margarita but none of us drink that " crap ". We were advised by the guide at the brewery in Tequila that most Margaritas are made with the cheapest Tequila they make and it usually gives you headache. I have had that headache several years ago I don't need a relapse.
The music was good and the food was plentiful as we all had to get a "doggy bag ". We all had pawns, which not a surprise when you get a plate full of prawns for less than 10.00. Cheers
Tuesday, 29 January 2019
MX TRip # 58 ( Saturday )
This was one of those day where you just seem to walk there the day. Of course we hit the hot pools first but the one pool had a zillion kids in it so we took one with less activity. A large crowd was expected because it is the weekend and the pools are always full. They have a real good Splash Park which has two large tubs that dump water on the kids and some old folks too. These tubs hold 1000 L and 5000 L ( 1300 gals ) and they have to have a spreader to spray the water or I'm sure without it; it would be dangerous. We have never seen tubs that large.
We did skip into town for a few items and to check on the fuel situation. A tanker was off loading in one Pemex. However I did a lot of reading as I found a Arthur Hailey book that I had not read.
We finished the day with a happy hour with 2 couples. Fred and Donna are leaving on Monday so we re-hashed their trip by suggesting which way they should go and which roads to avoid. Fuel is not a problem for them as they have a diesel truck. Cheers
We did skip into town for a few items and to check on the fuel situation. A tanker was off loading in one Pemex. However I did a lot of reading as I found a Arthur Hailey book that I had not read.
We finished the day with a happy hour with 2 couples. Fred and Donna are leaving on Monday so we re-hashed their trip by suggesting which way they should go and which roads to avoid. Fuel is not a problem for them as they have a diesel truck. Cheers
Monday, 28 January 2019
MX Trip # 57 Lazy Day ( Friday )
Some days there is just much to do so I today is one of those "what can I do today " days. The first thing is to hit the hot pools for an hour.
Well, we have been bragging about the Blueberries and other fruit so after we hit the hot pools in the morning we decide to go into town which is several blocks from the park and do some shopping.
We have to drive by 2 Pemex gas station on the way to town so we always check if they are open. The first station was not open but the next one had about 6 cars in line and since I was down a 1/4 tank from our trip yesterday I filled up. The latest rumor is that it will take a month or more before they get the gas supply fixed. I'm not so sure.
Then I dropped Carroll off at the fruit stand , because there is never any dam parking and I had to circle the block looking for a space. We agreed to meet at the grocery store after she picked up the Blueberries and Raspberries. After picking up a few groceries we drove around the town just to see what they had for other business. It is not much.
One of the park residences are a couple from Columbus Ohio ( Bill and Carolyn ) and they are not Trump fans. Bill has been trying to set up his satellite with no success so I ventured over to see if I could help. We discussed satellites but I was not much help. However he showed me how to use the satellite direction finder on my iPhone so now I am somewhat smarter. cheers
Saturday, 26 January 2019
MX Trip # 56 Visit two towns ( Thursday )
We heard about two towns within an hour and half drive so we decided to pay them a visit. The first town which is Zacoalco and it is a small but busily industrial town and is known for making furniture such as chairs, table and sofas. This a cottage industry town so there are many small shops. We stopped at one furniture shop to investigate , not to buy. The chair frames where already built but we did see them upholstering a chair and they were using pig skin. It follows that they must have lots of pigs in the area but our lack of Spanish doesn't allow us to ask many questions.
While driving into town we went by the Town Square ( Zocola ) and it was market day so we just had to check it out. The market was mostly meat vendors but there were many other vendors along the street so Carroll had to check out the shoes. As she was trying on Crocs and having trouble with the language a gentleman happened along and could see the problem so he stopped to help. He said he was originally from the town and was home for a visit as he has been working in Portland, OR for 20 years hence the reason he speaks English.
Then we headed to the town of Sayula and they are noted for manufacturing knife. As we entered town/city I noted that the main street was paved, 4 lanes with a boulevard. That in itself is not a normal town so I realized it must be highly industrial. As we entered the town to the town square it was obvious that is was middle class town. All streets were paved , there were many one way streets and for the most part people drove the right way down a one way street. That may be because there was several police driving around the city which is not normal in small towns or cities.
Our interest in this city was to go to a knife factory to see the knives being made. We did not have an address so we approached the local taxi who were waiting for a fair at the town square. The taxi's are the 3 wheel motorize cart, much like a 3 wheel motor cycle which has room for 2 people and the driver. The driver took us directly to the factory/store. Unfortunately the factory was closed but the store was open so we were shown around by a young lady. Once again no English but we did see the thousands of knives on display and they are not cheap. We did purchases a knife with a 6 inch blade for 42.00 Cdn.
We had lunch and return to our camp site.
While driving into town we went by the Town Square ( Zocola ) and it was market day so we just had to check it out. The market was mostly meat vendors but there were many other vendors along the street so Carroll had to check out the shoes. As she was trying on Crocs and having trouble with the language a gentleman happened along and could see the problem so he stopped to help. He said he was originally from the town and was home for a visit as he has been working in Portland, OR for 20 years hence the reason he speaks English.
Then we headed to the town of Sayula and they are noted for manufacturing knife. As we entered town/city I noted that the main street was paved, 4 lanes with a boulevard. That in itself is not a normal town so I realized it must be highly industrial. As we entered the town to the town square it was obvious that is was middle class town. All streets were paved , there were many one way streets and for the most part people drove the right way down a one way street. That may be because there was several police driving around the city which is not normal in small towns or cities.
Our interest in this city was to go to a knife factory to see the knives being made. We did not have an address so we approached the local taxi who were waiting for a fair at the town square. The taxi's are the 3 wheel motorize cart, much like a 3 wheel motor cycle which has room for 2 people and the driver. The driver took us directly to the factory/store. Unfortunately the factory was closed but the store was open so we were shown around by a young lady. Once again no English but we did see the thousands of knives on display and they are not cheap. We did purchases a knife with a 6 inch blade for 42.00 Cdn.
We had lunch and return to our camp site.
MX Trip # 55 Fuel has arrived??? ( Wednesday )
Fuel has arrived in Villa Corona and we have two Pemex station so it appears that they are taking turns at receiving the fuel because both stations are never open on the same day. You never know when fuel will arrive but I suspect it is during the night because I have never seen a tanker in this town.
Anyway, this morning around 10 I noticed a fairly short line up of probably 200 M long waiting for fuel so I decided to join the line up. It took me 35 minutes to get to the pumps but I have lots of spare time and I need fuel so what choice do I have. When I got to the pumps the sign said a 100 liter limit but since my car was 1/2 full that was not a problem. Since the line up was fairly short I return to the camp site and got the MH. When I got to the line up there was only 6 or 7 vehicles ahead of me so this was a bonus. I was beginning to think that the short line up meant they were running low on fuel but that was not the case.
As I entered the gas station I was ask if I wanted diesel or gas as most Class A MH are diesel. When I got to the pump I was ask how much fuel I wanted and I said I would like you to fill it. A lady standing near by, and I think a supervisor, heard me and said fill it up. By early afternoon they had run out of fuel again.
We had intended to go south to Patzcuaro however some friends left on Thursday to visit Paztcuaro, and send us an email saying the fuel crisis is worst in that area. We now have strongly considered leaving MX and going to TX, which is only 1200 km away and I can reach it with 2 fill ups. AZ is not worth taking a chance.
One couple are leaving tomorrow so they suggested a pizza for a happy hour/ supper with 3 couples so we (actual Carroll ) agreed. One guy ( Fred from Salmon Arms ) speaks several languages so he ordered the pizza by phone and it was delivered by motorcycle.
We hit the hot pools twice today. Cheers
Anyway, this morning around 10 I noticed a fairly short line up of probably 200 M long waiting for fuel so I decided to join the line up. It took me 35 minutes to get to the pumps but I have lots of spare time and I need fuel so what choice do I have. When I got to the pumps the sign said a 100 liter limit but since my car was 1/2 full that was not a problem. Since the line up was fairly short I return to the camp site and got the MH. When I got to the line up there was only 6 or 7 vehicles ahead of me so this was a bonus. I was beginning to think that the short line up meant they were running low on fuel but that was not the case.
As I entered the gas station I was ask if I wanted diesel or gas as most Class A MH are diesel. When I got to the pump I was ask how much fuel I wanted and I said I would like you to fill it. A lady standing near by, and I think a supervisor, heard me and said fill it up. By early afternoon they had run out of fuel again.
We had intended to go south to Patzcuaro however some friends left on Thursday to visit Paztcuaro, and send us an email saying the fuel crisis is worst in that area. We now have strongly considered leaving MX and going to TX, which is only 1200 km away and I can reach it with 2 fill ups. AZ is not worth taking a chance.
One couple are leaving tomorrow so they suggested a pizza for a happy hour/ supper with 3 couples so we (actual Carroll ) agreed. One guy ( Fred from Salmon Arms ) speaks several languages so he ordered the pizza by phone and it was delivered by motorcycle.
We hit the hot pools twice today. Cheers
Thursday, 24 January 2019
MX Trip # 54 Market Day ( Tuesday )
Every Tuesday is Market Day and everyone in the area comes to town and I did noticed that the older folks seem to do more visiting then shopping. However to say that it was crowded is a understatement. The Market starts at the town square (The Zocola ) and then they block of off one street for 3 blocks so the vendors can set up their booths. To coin a phase; it is organized confusion.
The grocery store is at the end of the market so we joined the throng of people to see what the vendors had for sale. Then we did the grocery shopping first and returned through the crowd to pick up fruits and vegetables including the fresh Blueberries etc.
I have mentioned that there was no fuel. Actually, we have received some fuel every other day but the line up is blocks long and most of the time the fuel runs out before many of those in line get to the pumps. Hence the reason I do not get in the line up.
Today we dropped over to visit Mike and Barb who are a couple from Delta BC and have been residences in this park for 10 years and have become Mexican residence. This allows them to have MX health insurance for 300.00 per year. We want to visit two towns, one that builds furniture and another that makes knives so we had to get directions from Mike as he knows the location of these places. Cheers
The grocery store is at the end of the market so we joined the throng of people to see what the vendors had for sale. Then we did the grocery shopping first and returned through the crowd to pick up fruits and vegetables including the fresh Blueberries etc.
I have mentioned that there was no fuel. Actually, we have received some fuel every other day but the line up is blocks long and most of the time the fuel runs out before many of those in line get to the pumps. Hence the reason I do not get in the line up.
Today we dropped over to visit Mike and Barb who are a couple from Delta BC and have been residences in this park for 10 years and have become Mexican residence. This allows them to have MX health insurance for 300.00 per year. We want to visit two towns, one that builds furniture and another that makes knives so we had to get directions from Mike as he knows the location of these places. Cheers
MX Trip # 53 Finally got the Laundry Done ( Monday )
Carroll is starting to feel better although she is still staying close to the MH and doesn't feel like shopping or going to the Hot Pools for obvious reasons.
I decided to get the Laundry done come hell or high water so I visited the laundry facility and spoke to Martha, apparently the "Queen" of the laundry facility . I ask about her doing the laundry and because we could not understand each other she pointed to a sign which said she need authorization from the office. I then went to the office and said the Martha needed there approval to do my laundry. The office lady made a phone call and said take your laundry to Martha. I ask the price and she said no charge, it's a free service. Martha had our laundry done by 3 PM and when I picked it up I tipped Martha and she couldn't get the smile off he face
So we are paying 15.00 Cdn per night for a full service camp site; full use of the hot pool and free laundry. Did I say why I like MX.
Since Carroll did not feel like shopping I took her shopping list and headed to town. Since we where her several years ago I had a good idea where to go and besides I had to visit the bank with her card. ( you probably recall the the ATM in La Penta ate mine ). This time the ATM treated me kindly and gave me money.
On the way to the grocery store I happen to see a street vendor selling Blueberries, Strawberries and Raspberries so I could not resist so I bought all three. They are so good I will return in couple of days for more. After picking up some groceries I returned home passing the Pemex gas stations and they had fuel but the lines were miles long so I will wait for another day. We are in no hurry to leave this place.
In the late afternoon another couple arrived and they are from Ohio so I went to say hello. They are seasoned MX travelers. They parked in the over flow because the 20 Caravans had all the good sites they wanted and the Caravans are leaving tomorrow and they will have the pick of the litter tomorrow. Incidentally, there are only 3 Americans in the camp, 2 of which arrived today and one is leaving tomorrow. Cheers
I decided to get the Laundry done come hell or high water so I visited the laundry facility and spoke to Martha, apparently the "Queen" of the laundry facility . I ask about her doing the laundry and because we could not understand each other she pointed to a sign which said she need authorization from the office. I then went to the office and said the Martha needed there approval to do my laundry. The office lady made a phone call and said take your laundry to Martha. I ask the price and she said no charge, it's a free service. Martha had our laundry done by 3 PM and when I picked it up I tipped Martha and she couldn't get the smile off he face
So we are paying 15.00 Cdn per night for a full service camp site; full use of the hot pool and free laundry. Did I say why I like MX.
Since Carroll did not feel like shopping I took her shopping list and headed to town. Since we where her several years ago I had a good idea where to go and besides I had to visit the bank with her card. ( you probably recall the the ATM in La Penta ate mine ). This time the ATM treated me kindly and gave me money.
On the way to the grocery store I happen to see a street vendor selling Blueberries, Strawberries and Raspberries so I could not resist so I bought all three. They are so good I will return in couple of days for more. After picking up some groceries I returned home passing the Pemex gas stations and they had fuel but the lines were miles long so I will wait for another day. We are in no hurry to leave this place.
In the late afternoon another couple arrived and they are from Ohio so I went to say hello. They are seasoned MX travelers. They parked in the over flow because the 20 Caravans had all the good sites they wanted and the Caravans are leaving tomorrow and they will have the pick of the litter tomorrow. Incidentally, there are only 3 Americans in the camp, 2 of which arrived today and one is leaving tomorrow. Cheers
Wednesday, 23 January 2019
MX Trip # 52 Getting set up ( Sunday )
When we arrived yesterday we did not feel like doing much as we had quite a day just getting here. Once I connect the utilities I try to get the TV set up so we could watch the news or in my case a hockey game. The lounge chairs, Bar-B-Q and our door carpet can wait until today. However I was not having much luck finding the signal so as dark closed in I gave up until today.
So this morning I went over to visit Mike and Barb as they are residence from Nov to April and they have Shaw Direct. I wanted to verify the angles to get the signal. While there I mentioned that Carroll was ill and had diarrhea so Barb gave us some pills to hopefully cure Carroll's problem. Diarrhea is common when travelling in MX.
I checked Mike angles and they were exactly as I was using however Mike suggest that I change my skew to his setting and once I did that I got the signal. I actually should have known about the Skew because I had the same problem several years ago when I was in Playa De Carman.
This campground has a washing machine which we campers can use so since Carroll was ill I decided to wash clothes. I was advised by a camper that the washing machine had to be filled by a hose as the Auto- Fill did not work. I put the clothes in the machine and filled it, close the lid and nothing happen. A camper ( lady ) happened by so she pushed a button and the GD washer emptied. So I refilled it again and waited nothing happened. Then I got pissed off and took my wet clothes and went home. Carroll did not feel well enough to help me. I can't believe I can not operate a simple GD washing machine. Cheers
So this morning I went over to visit Mike and Barb as they are residence from Nov to April and they have Shaw Direct. I wanted to verify the angles to get the signal. While there I mentioned that Carroll was ill and had diarrhea so Barb gave us some pills to hopefully cure Carroll's problem. Diarrhea is common when travelling in MX.
I checked Mike angles and they were exactly as I was using however Mike suggest that I change my skew to his setting and once I did that I got the signal. I actually should have known about the Skew because I had the same problem several years ago when I was in Playa De Carman.
This campground has a washing machine which we campers can use so since Carroll was ill I decided to wash clothes. I was advised by a camper that the washing machine had to be filled by a hose as the Auto- Fill did not work. I put the clothes in the machine and filled it, close the lid and nothing happen. A camper ( lady ) happened by so she pushed a button and the GD washer emptied. So I refilled it again and waited nothing happened. Then I got pissed off and took my wet clothes and went home. Carroll did not feel well enough to help me. I can't believe I can not operate a simple GD washing machine. Cheers
Sunday, 20 January 2019
Mx Trip # 51 OMG Etzitlan to Villa Corona ( Saturday)
Late Friday evening another camper arrived at Delia's but it was too late to introduce myself so I waited until Sat morning. He introduced himself as Ivan " just call me Ivan the Terrible" he said. He is French from , Quebec, single and speak fluent Spanish because he has been coming to MX for 30 years. I will dwell on him in another Post as he was interesting.
We left Delia's at 11 AM and headed for Villa Corona which should have been a 1 hour and 45 minute trip on all secondary roads, meaning no cities and no 4 lane highways. Secondary roads do not have numbers and if you are lucky the map has the name of a small town which gives you some kind of confidence you might be on the right road. Once we left Delia's our map said ( we do not have a GSP for MX ) turn right immediately before the town of Teuchitlan and since we had been to Teuchitlan on Thursday we thought we could find the road to Villa Corona.
Suffice to say we could not find the road so we carried on with the intend to take the next highway to our right. Not realizing I was approaching the highway ( there are no signs ) that I wanted I missed the on ramp and had to enter the Hwg going the wrong direction. No probably ; I thought , I'll go to the next overpass and turn around. In my dreams as it turns out, so I entered the town of Tala where I had hope to pull a U turn. Not a chance: I was on the the main street heading to the center of town and it was one way with parking on one side and today is " Market Day ". How will I ever get out of this mess. Luckily, a motor cycle cop was stopped so I pulled up beside him and I said please point me toward Villa Corona. He said follow me and he "wound " as through the town back to the highway but it was not without its' difficulties as we had to squeeze by several delivery trucks with mere inches to spare.
Once back on the 4 lane highway and according to our map it was clear sailing. Drive 50 km turn right onto a another 4 lane road and 30 KM later we will be in Villa Corona. But I guess I was still dreaming. When we got to the city where we suppose to pick up the highway the sign it indicated a merge but there was no "on ramp". There was however a 1 km long line of people waiting for fuel parked on the "on ramp" but I bush that off as "surely that can not be my "on ramp ". Therefore I continued on and end up in another city and the only way out was another U turn which was helped out by a Coke Cola truck who sensed my delima and held up traffic so I could turn. We drove back looking for the on ramp to no avail. Finally I stop to ask for help and a Pemex gas attendant seen me asking for help and since he spoke English he came to our recuse. I show him our map and said Google says I'm here. He said forget the map and forget Google, you are in MX; I will draw you a map, which did.
As we approached, what we figure was the on ramp along side of the line up for fuel, Carroll as the general question "Is this the on ramp". A guy who spoke English said yes but you can't get thru yet. He then said they are moving some vehicle in the line up to the right so you and the bus ahead of you can get thru. Finally we started to move slowly, very very slowly with inches to spare. Several people got out of their vehicles to direct us and one guy adjusted my mirror as it was about to touch the wall. I did however touch another mirror but the guy was kind enough to pull it in. It took us about 15 or 20 minutes just inch our way by the line up and reach the highway. What a relief. Thirty KM later we finally reach Villa Corona.
After I got parked the attendant ask me if I had been here before and said 8 years ago and it rain for 4 days and one 5 th wheel had to be pulled out by a tractor. He then left and returned a few minutes later and said this man was the tractor driver and they ask if I remembered the month and I thought was Feb but they said, no it must have be the middle of Jan. I checked my blog and it started to rain on the 15 Jan and rain for 4 day. There will be no rain this year as it cool. Cheers
Friday, 18 January 2019
Mx Trip # 50 Tour of Tequila ( Friday )
Before we get around to the tour of Tequila I want to address the fuel shortage. We are in the town of Etzalan and there was a line up last evening over a KM long. However at 10 AM today the pumps were closed so they must have emptied the tanks late last evening. We had to go there Magdalena on the way to Tequila this AM and all the pumps in Magdalena were closed. When we got to Tequila there was one Pemex open and the lineup was several blocks long. We noticed that one guy, ahead of us, tried to cut the line but the cops sorted him out in a hurry. We left Tequila at 4:40 pm and all the pumps were closed so I assume they ran out of fuel. When we got back home this evening our Pemex was open again and the line up at least a KM long so they must have got fuel late today. It appears that they are rotating the fuel supply to different cities.
When we got to Tequila we toured the town to find a bus tour of the town which included a plant tour. The first place we stopped at had tours but not in English. Then we headed into the center of town looking for the visitors center. While driving down the main street we spotted a street vender flogging bus tours however there is no parking on the street so I stopped and Carroll got to check the price etc. I foolishly said I'll just go around the block and pick you up. Twenty minutes later as I got totally , totally lost and drove the wrong way down a street I found my way back to the main street and picked up Carroll. She was beginning to wonder if I had left her. We told the vender we would return once we found a parking spot. Which we did.
After we parked we returned to the vender and purchased our tickets with a promise that the plant tour would be in English. We had 2 hours to kill so we stopped for lunch.
Thinks we found out from the plant tour. Tequila is located in the state of Jalisco and is one of 5 states that can grow Aguave plant to make Tequila. Any country can grow Aguave and make the juice but they can not call it Tequila. The Aguave plant is called a pineapple because once you cut off the leave it has the shape of a pineapple. They are harvested by cutting them off at the root and all the leaves. Then a machine loads them into a truck because they weigh approx 40 kg but could weigh up to 150 kg so you can not man-handle them.
When they get to the plant they are split in 1/2 and steamed at 33C overnight to get the juice out and they stay in the steam overnight. The juice is ferment in vats for 3 days and then the juice is distilled 3 time to get the pure liquid which is 55% alcohol. However , by law they have to cut it with water to reduce the % to 40 %. Then we where forced to do a taste test of the best Tequila and you have to drink it straight. I only sipped a little as I did not want to drink and drive. Actually Carroll sipped a little without choking which amazed me. They also make several less expensive versions which is use in Margaritas.
I bought a bottle of the Blue Aguvae and Carroll tasted some Tequila cut with coffee so she bought a bottle. You folks from Med Hat can have a taste when we get home.
Tomorrow we are going to Villa Corona. Cheers
When we got to Tequila we toured the town to find a bus tour of the town which included a plant tour. The first place we stopped at had tours but not in English. Then we headed into the center of town looking for the visitors center. While driving down the main street we spotted a street vender flogging bus tours however there is no parking on the street so I stopped and Carroll got to check the price etc. I foolishly said I'll just go around the block and pick you up. Twenty minutes later as I got totally , totally lost and drove the wrong way down a street I found my way back to the main street and picked up Carroll. She was beginning to wonder if I had left her. We told the vender we would return once we found a parking spot. Which we did.
After we parked we returned to the vender and purchased our tickets with a promise that the plant tour would be in English. We had 2 hours to kill so we stopped for lunch.
Thinks we found out from the plant tour. Tequila is located in the state of Jalisco and is one of 5 states that can grow Aguave plant to make Tequila. Any country can grow Aguave and make the juice but they can not call it Tequila. The Aguave plant is called a pineapple because once you cut off the leave it has the shape of a pineapple. They are harvested by cutting them off at the root and all the leaves. Then a machine loads them into a truck because they weigh approx 40 kg but could weigh up to 150 kg so you can not man-handle them.
When they get to the plant they are split in 1/2 and steamed at 33C overnight to get the juice out and they stay in the steam overnight. The juice is ferment in vats for 3 days and then the juice is distilled 3 time to get the pure liquid which is 55% alcohol. However , by law they have to cut it with water to reduce the % to 40 %. Then we where forced to do a taste test of the best Tequila and you have to drink it straight. I only sipped a little as I did not want to drink and drive. Actually Carroll sipped a little without choking which amazed me. They also make several less expensive versions which is use in Margaritas.
I bought a bottle of the Blue Aguvae and Carroll tasted some Tequila cut with coffee so she bought a bottle. You folks from Med Hat can have a taste when we get home.
Tomorrow we are going to Villa Corona. Cheers
Mx Trip #49 Visit Magdalena and a Pyramid ( Thursday )
In the morning we went to Magdalena which is a busy farm supply town but is also known for it's Opal business. There are several Opal mines in the area so it follows that there was at least 6 or more Jewelers whose main product is Opal Jewelry. Carroll had ear rings made here several years ago and lost one. She had hope to find the Jeweler who made the ear and get a replacement however she did not bring the ear ring with her and after checking at 4 shops she could not find the right style so she abandon that idea.
While driving from Guayabitos I left my wireless mouse on the table and when I made a turn on the winding roads it fell to the floor and broke. So while in Magdalena I ask around about a computer store and as it turns out they out number Jewelers so I purchase a new wireless mouse for 23.00 Cdn.
I ask the hostess, Bonnie about the Pyramid in the area and she insisted that we go there as it is about 30 KM away. The Pyramid is located in the mountainous area above the town of Teuchitlan. First you must visit the museum at the base of the mountain and this is a must as they have a 20 minute video and then a guide to explain how the people lived. After the visit to the museum you have to climb 400 M on a steep slope to the base of the Pyramid. In our case they allowed us to drive as Carroll nor I wanted to do do the walk.
The Pyramind is called Los Guachimontones and is a prehistoric archaeological site near the town of Teuchitlan. It is the major site of the so-called Teuchitlan tradition, a complex society that existed from as early as 300 BC to perhaps 900 CE. If you google the Pyramid you will see the layout and it depicts the same layout as we seen today. It is amazing how the archaeological dug this out of the mountain.
On our return to the camp site we drove by many more Green houses and the ends of the buildings were open so we stopped for a look. With the help of our binoculars it was obvious to us that the plants where in individual pots standing 3 to 4 ft high and they sure look like Blueberry plants. So maybe Bonnie doesn't really know what is inside the Green houses. She made it known that she was not happy with this business because it is detrimental to the environment. cheers
While driving from Guayabitos I left my wireless mouse on the table and when I made a turn on the winding roads it fell to the floor and broke. So while in Magdalena I ask around about a computer store and as it turns out they out number Jewelers so I purchase a new wireless mouse for 23.00 Cdn.
I ask the hostess, Bonnie about the Pyramid in the area and she insisted that we go there as it is about 30 KM away. The Pyramid is located in the mountainous area above the town of Teuchitlan. First you must visit the museum at the base of the mountain and this is a must as they have a 20 minute video and then a guide to explain how the people lived. After the visit to the museum you have to climb 400 M on a steep slope to the base of the Pyramid. In our case they allowed us to drive as Carroll nor I wanted to do do the walk.
The Pyramind is called Los Guachimontones and is a prehistoric archaeological site near the town of Teuchitlan. It is the major site of the so-called Teuchitlan tradition, a complex society that existed from as early as 300 BC to perhaps 900 CE. If you google the Pyramid you will see the layout and it depicts the same layout as we seen today. It is amazing how the archaeological dug this out of the mountain.
On our return to the camp site we drove by many more Green houses and the ends of the buildings were open so we stopped for a look. With the help of our binoculars it was obvious to us that the plants where in individual pots standing 3 to 4 ft high and they sure look like Blueberry plants. So maybe Bonnie doesn't really know what is inside the Green houses. She made it known that she was not happy with this business because it is detrimental to the environment. cheers
Thursday, 17 January 2019
Mx Trip # 48 Guayabitos to Delia's( Wednesday )
We left Guayabitos around 9 AM and my first stop was at the Pemex north of town to fill with fuel because it is easy in and easy out however they were out of Gasoline. So I had to return to Guaybitos to a smaller Pemex that is anything but easy to get to the pump, and on top of that I could only get in and out of the end pump and I blocked in 2 parked truck. Luckily the Mexican are very patient people.
Finally we got on the road and headed for Delia's camp grounds located in Etzatlan which in the middle of a huge farming area. Grandmother Delia owns a camp ground in Guayabitos ( I spoke to her on Tuesday ) and I'm sure she also owns this one even though her daughter lives on the ground and runs the park. The Grand daughter told me that they own a large tract of land here and several people from Europe, Canada and the USA have built homes here. I spoke to one of them and he has been to Medicine Hat so he must be a world traveller. Ha Ha . Most folks who visit here usually say Delia's in Magdalena because you can not get off the toll road at Etzatlan hence you have to exit at Magdalena and then back track 20 KM. Mexican common sense.
This area grows a Zillion acres of Sugar Cane ( as far as the eye can see ) and this is the harvest season so there are caravans of Cane trucks , loaded 10 feet above the racks on the highway heading for the processing plant. It appears to me that most, if not all of the Canes is harvested by hand because I have not seen a combine and the Canes is piled in the fields and loaded with a "clam shell " loader. However they also grow some corn and I have seen several corn harvesters so one would think that they would use a combine for Cane.
This area also has hundreds of acres of Green Houses and Delia ( the mother ) tells me that they grow Bell peppers but I'm not convinced so I'll check it out tomorrow.
We drove into the town of Etzatlan last night for a "look see " and there was a line up for fuel at least 2 or 3 miles long. I believe most of the towns in this area are out of Gasoline ( Not Diesel ) however we have a 3/4 of a tank in the MH so I can drive 600 KM before I need to re-fuel.
This camp ground has 9 sites but we are the only one here which is a surprise to us. The grounds are all grass with full hookups and concrete patios. Tomorrow we will visit Magdalena and a Pyramid in the area. Cheers
Finally we got on the road and headed for Delia's camp grounds located in Etzatlan which in the middle of a huge farming area. Grandmother Delia owns a camp ground in Guayabitos ( I spoke to her on Tuesday ) and I'm sure she also owns this one even though her daughter lives on the ground and runs the park. The Grand daughter told me that they own a large tract of land here and several people from Europe, Canada and the USA have built homes here. I spoke to one of them and he has been to Medicine Hat so he must be a world traveller. Ha Ha . Most folks who visit here usually say Delia's in Magdalena because you can not get off the toll road at Etzatlan hence you have to exit at Magdalena and then back track 20 KM. Mexican common sense.
This area grows a Zillion acres of Sugar Cane ( as far as the eye can see ) and this is the harvest season so there are caravans of Cane trucks , loaded 10 feet above the racks on the highway heading for the processing plant. It appears to me that most, if not all of the Canes is harvested by hand because I have not seen a combine and the Canes is piled in the fields and loaded with a "clam shell " loader. However they also grow some corn and I have seen several corn harvesters so one would think that they would use a combine for Cane.
This area also has hundreds of acres of Green Houses and Delia ( the mother ) tells me that they grow Bell peppers but I'm not convinced so I'll check it out tomorrow.
We drove into the town of Etzatlan last night for a "look see " and there was a line up for fuel at least 2 or 3 miles long. I believe most of the towns in this area are out of Gasoline ( Not Diesel ) however we have a 3/4 of a tank in the MH so I can drive 600 KM before I need to re-fuel.
This camp ground has 9 sites but we are the only one here which is a surprise to us. The grounds are all grass with full hookups and concrete patios. Tomorrow we will visit Magdalena and a Pyramid in the area. Cheers
MX Trip # 47 Absolutel our last Day in Rincon ( Tuesday )
Two weeks ago we picked up Glen and Sharon at the airport in PV and as pay back they insisted they take us for lunch. The restaurant of choice was Jwann's which located and accessible from the beach only. Glen's only vehicle is a Quad much like several others, both Gringos and Mexicans and they roam the streets, in some cases without a licence plate. The reason he took the Quad is that the walk from the parking lot is about a a city block and it is thru the sand , of course. Carroll would have had a hard time walking that distance so Glen gave her a ride. Sharon and I walked from the parking lot to Jwann's which actually looked like a badly cultivated field. The area also doubled as a parking area for several other beach restaurant and it doesn't appear that anyone owns this area.
As our last day, we hit the pool again as we are unlikely to find many heated pools again. However, we are going to Villa Corona next week which is a theme park with 9, I say again 9 hot swimming pools. Cheers
As our last day, we hit the pool again as we are unlikely to find many heated pools again. However, we are going to Villa Corona next week which is a theme park with 9, I say again 9 hot swimming pools. Cheers
MX Trip #46 Another Day ( Monday )
Chris, the heir apparent of the the Park and the on site operator advised me on Sunday that we could stay an extra day so we accepted and we stood down on packing up the last few things like chairs and mats.
The reason I say heir apparent is that Grandpa ( 94 ) who lives in the condos and Dad who is a doctor and has another business in Guadalajara seems to us to be the owners and Chris runs the park.
We did hear the President of Mexico has order his Gov't to stop the fuel shortage as it is really impacting the entire country including our area. One report is the they have contracted 3500 tanker trucks to deliver fuel where needed. I have a 1/4 tank in the MH so I hope I can get fuel on Wednesday. The car is full. Unlike Canada, the fuel shortage does not cause the the price to increase.
We did a pool day in the afternoon, then I played cards from 3 to 4. One guy ( Glen ) likes to play Sequence everyday at 3 so he rounds up different partners because once he gets people interested he will have a tournament later. During happy hour everyone was interested in where we were going. Some people where concerned and can believe we do not have any reservations. We told them there is always a Pemex gas station if we are stuck.
Our friends Dave and Joanne suggested we go for supper as they were not available on Tuesday evening which is now our last night.
Cheers
The reason I say heir apparent is that Grandpa ( 94 ) who lives in the condos and Dad who is a doctor and has another business in Guadalajara seems to us to be the owners and Chris runs the park.
We did hear the President of Mexico has order his Gov't to stop the fuel shortage as it is really impacting the entire country including our area. One report is the they have contracted 3500 tanker trucks to deliver fuel where needed. I have a 1/4 tank in the MH so I hope I can get fuel on Wednesday. The car is full. Unlike Canada, the fuel shortage does not cause the the price to increase.
We did a pool day in the afternoon, then I played cards from 3 to 4. One guy ( Glen ) likes to play Sequence everyday at 3 so he rounds up different partners because once he gets people interested he will have a tournament later. During happy hour everyone was interested in where we were going. Some people where concerned and can believe we do not have any reservations. We told them there is always a Pemex gas station if we are stuck.
Our friends Dave and Joanne suggested we go for supper as they were not available on Tuesday evening which is now our last night.
Cheers
Tuesday, 15 January 2019
MX Trip #44 Laundry Day ( Sunday )
We are getting ready to pull out on Tuesday and we don't want to leave too much for Monday so we took the laundry in at 9 AM today. ( I know; it's Sunday but this MX ). The owner specifically said it will be ready by 1 PM and they would be closed by 2 PM so if you miss the timings you will have to wait until Monday. We had 5 bags ( light , dark, white, black and bedding ) which all have to be separated. Black means dark shorts, other than white underwear and in my case black sox. It cost us 18.00 Cdn.
While waiting for the laundry we did a beach day. So when friends ask what we were doing , besides drinking a few beers my, answer was " Laundry ".
Around 4 PM we all meet at the beach patio, sit in a large circle and swap stories. I called it a "dope ring" but that doesn't always go over to good. If you don't get to the patio early you don't get to chose who to sit next too, which means you get to hear what people did for a living or where their travels will lead them next. Most people are very interesting and their travel stories are far and wide. cheers
While waiting for the laundry we did a beach day. So when friends ask what we were doing , besides drinking a few beers my, answer was " Laundry ".
Around 4 PM we all meet at the beach patio, sit in a large circle and swap stories. I called it a "dope ring" but that doesn't always go over to good. If you don't get to the patio early you don't get to chose who to sit next too, which means you get to hear what people did for a living or where their travels will lead them next. Most people are very interesting and their travel stories are far and wide. cheers
MX Trip # 44 Lunch with friends ( Saturday )
We went to Lo de Marcos to pick up Carroll's ear rings however we had previously made arrangements to have lunch on Saturday with two sets of friends (Millers and Gills are mutual friends ) so it was two birds with one stone. The Millers have been Lo de Marcos since late Oct but the Gills had just arrived earlier this week and we had not seen them for a few years as they live in Kelowna , BC so it was an ideal time to see both couples.
First we pick up Carroll's ear rings and they were much less expensive then she thought. " Bonus". Then we meet both friends at Gill's beach front condo and determined which restaurant would be open on Saturday. Restaurant in small towns do not necessarily have set hours and this became apparent as the first two where closed. I know you are probably thinking " why did you not phone ahead ". In small town MX where you don't speak clear Spanish that is a waste of time and probably would only be confusing to both parties. However, both couples have been coming to Lode Marcos for year so they know all the restaurants and we were third time lucky. We had a great lunch , swapped some travel stories and agreed to visit both couples this summer. cheers
First we pick up Carroll's ear rings and they were much less expensive then she thought. " Bonus". Then we meet both friends at Gill's beach front condo and determined which restaurant would be open on Saturday. Restaurant in small towns do not necessarily have set hours and this became apparent as the first two where closed. I know you are probably thinking " why did you not phone ahead ". In small town MX where you don't speak clear Spanish that is a waste of time and probably would only be confusing to both parties. However, both couples have been coming to Lode Marcos for year so they know all the restaurants and we were third time lucky. We had a great lunch , swapped some travel stories and agreed to visit both couples this summer. cheers
Mx Trip # 43 Carroll's Ear rings are Ready ( Friday )
Carroll had a ring made 4 years ago by a jeweler in the small town of Lo de Marco and about 2 weeks ago she ask him to make a pair of ear rings to match. He wasn't sure he could make our deadline of this Saturday so she made arrangements for a friend from Med Hat to pick them up. However, on Friday evening we received an email saying the were ready for pickup on Saturday before 2 PM. That was great as we were going to LO de Marco to meet with friends.
Since we are leaving on Tuesday we had to pay the RV park for camping and we like to pay cash as they charge a small % for using a credit card so we attempted the bank machine that ate my card. A friend just happened to be ahead of me and he said that this particular machine was in English/Spanish so this time it was no problem. Incidentally it was Carroll's card as TD will not send me a new card until we stay at one address for 2 weeks which will not happen until we get to the US.
Since we are leaving on Tuesday, we had to get in some last minute beach time. The beach is not crowded anymore and the water is wonderful. Our beach is in a large bay so you can walk out about 200 ft before you even get your "Bingo Card" wet and the waves a normally very quiet. cheers
Since we are leaving on Tuesday we had to pay the RV park for camping and we like to pay cash as they charge a small % for using a credit card so we attempted the bank machine that ate my card. A friend just happened to be ahead of me and he said that this particular machine was in English/Spanish so this time it was no problem. Incidentally it was Carroll's card as TD will not send me a new card until we stay at one address for 2 weeks which will not happen until we get to the US.
Since we are leaving on Tuesday, we had to get in some last minute beach time. The beach is not crowded anymore and the water is wonderful. Our beach is in a large bay so you can walk out about 200 ft before you even get your "Bingo Card" wet and the waves a normally very quiet. cheers
Sunday, 13 January 2019
MX Trip #42 Medical Emergency ( Thursday )
Before I go any further I must tell about Bob. He is the "Go to Guy" in the park. Bob is an American and has been coming to this park for around 20 years. He was a commercial pilot before his retirement and now is a fisherman, a mechanic, the resident weather man, the translator, and if you need a welder like I did for my bent Tow Bar he will take you there and translate for you. And as I found out the other day, he also is a Medic and knows a local doctor if you have an emergency.
Around 3 AM Carroll was awoke when she heard someone pounding on Bob's door hollering Bob , Bob I need help. What we found out later was that a man in the condo's in our park had gone into shock due to, what appeared to be a mix up in his Insulin medicine, hence he was sweating and not coherent.
Once Bob seen the man he knew that he had to get something with sugar into his system fast so he returned to his RV , grabbed a jug of orange juice and got him to quickly drink 2 glasses. Then he called a doctor friend located in our town who arrived in 10 minutes. Before the doctor arrived, Bob got the man to drink a 3 rd glass of orange juice and did a blood sugar test and determine that his count was satisfactory and the emergency was over. The doctor checked the patient and said there was no need to visit the hospital. The doctor charge 50.00 for the house call.
As I said before Bob is definitely the go to guy and most of the residence have requested his knowledge, ability and know how.
Carroll completed her day by attending Augazizes and then had a Pedicure. I did nothing today. cheers
Friday, 11 January 2019
MX Trip # 41 Called the Vehicle Insurance ( Wednesday )
I'll deal with the Insurance later. The first item of the day was to visit friends ( Freeman and Phyllis ) who flew in Monday and we have not seen them for several years. We met them in Guayabitos at this park in 2002 and we did a trip around MX with them in 2003 so of course we had lots to talk about each other trips/ happenings over the past few years. Since we are leaving on Tuesday we hope to get together for lunch before we leave.
After our visit, we went to La Pentia as both our watches stopped and it was driving Carroll crazy not knowing the time. We found a
Jewelry shop in town that we had visited 4 years ago as Carroll had bought a neckless there. I have a watch that clips to my belt loop and I ask the Jeweler if he could put a battery in it. As soon as he seen it he said he remembered putting a battery in it several years ago because he had never seen a watch that clip to a belt loop. I bought this watch at a flea market in Palm Springs 10 years ago and I can't find a Jeweler who has ever seen them.
After that, we went looking for hydraulic oil as the reservoir for my MH Jacks has a slow leak. Because they do not have a Truck or Bus repair shop in this area, there is very little need for hydraulic oil. I went to one shop and the guy serving me could not speak English so we both got out our iPhones. I would type my request in English and translate to Spanish. Then he would type the response on his iPhone. I'm sure this must have looked funny to the other who were watching us. Suffice to say I did not get my oil. However, when I mentioned my need for hydraulic oil to a friend who farms in Grande Prairie he said that I could use transmission oil in lieu so I can pick that up at a Pemex station.
We I went to a Pemex to gas up the car, they had run out of the standard gas. I thought this was odd so I ask someone at the camp what was the cause of the lack of gas. Apparently, lots of the gasoline is moved by pipelines and thieves are taping into the pipeline and selling the gas on the black market. So the pipelines have been shut down and gasoline is now being moved by trucks and suffice to say they can not keep up with the demand hence very limited gas in our area. I need to fill the MH on Tuesday when we pull out so I hope they have fuel by then.
Now for the Insurance story: My grey water tank has a leak/crack which I believe was caused by the bump I hit in Hermosillo and also was the cause of bending my tow bar. Anyhow, I called the MX Insurance company and they sent an adjuster. When I purchased my MX Insurance I chose to have all repairs done in the US or Canada and not in MX so my premium was slightly higher. The adjuster advised me to get an estimate when I get to the US and if it exceeds the 1000.00 deductible they will pay the difference. cheers
After our visit, we went to La Pentia as both our watches stopped and it was driving Carroll crazy not knowing the time. We found a
Jewelry shop in town that we had visited 4 years ago as Carroll had bought a neckless there. I have a watch that clips to my belt loop and I ask the Jeweler if he could put a battery in it. As soon as he seen it he said he remembered putting a battery in it several years ago because he had never seen a watch that clip to a belt loop. I bought this watch at a flea market in Palm Springs 10 years ago and I can't find a Jeweler who has ever seen them.
After that, we went looking for hydraulic oil as the reservoir for my MH Jacks has a slow leak. Because they do not have a Truck or Bus repair shop in this area, there is very little need for hydraulic oil. I went to one shop and the guy serving me could not speak English so we both got out our iPhones. I would type my request in English and translate to Spanish. Then he would type the response on his iPhone. I'm sure this must have looked funny to the other who were watching us. Suffice to say I did not get my oil. However, when I mentioned my need for hydraulic oil to a friend who farms in Grande Prairie he said that I could use transmission oil in lieu so I can pick that up at a Pemex station.
We I went to a Pemex to gas up the car, they had run out of the standard gas. I thought this was odd so I ask someone at the camp what was the cause of the lack of gas. Apparently, lots of the gasoline is moved by pipelines and thieves are taping into the pipeline and selling the gas on the black market. So the pipelines have been shut down and gasoline is now being moved by trucks and suffice to say they can not keep up with the demand hence very limited gas in our area. I need to fill the MH on Tuesday when we pull out so I hope they have fuel by then.
Now for the Insurance story: My grey water tank has a leak/crack which I believe was caused by the bump I hit in Hermosillo and also was the cause of bending my tow bar. Anyhow, I called the MX Insurance company and they sent an adjuster. When I purchased my MX Insurance I chose to have all repairs done in the US or Canada and not in MX so my premium was slightly higher. The adjuster advised me to get an estimate when I get to the US and if it exceeds the 1000.00 deductible they will pay the difference. cheers
Thursday, 10 January 2019
MX Trip # 40 ( Fresh Ground Coffee ) Tuesday
There is a small coffee shop in La Penita , a town about 2 km away which is attached to Guayabitos. Besides being a coffee/ muffin shop, they actually roasts and grinds coffee to your preference. It is amazing at how many people buy their fresh ground coffee at the this outlet. This place has been in business ever since we first came here in 2001 and it is obvious that the make great coffee which is grown right in the area. They sell coffee in 1/4 , 1/2 or 1 Kilo and have 3 different grinds. We purchased 1/2 a kilo and 1 Kilo package which should last Carroll for the winter.
This was not a busy day but the weather was great so we hit the pool where we swapped travel stories with other residents. Cheers
This was not a busy day but the weather was great so we hit the pool where we swapped travel stories with other residents. Cheers
Tuesday, 8 January 2019
MX Trip # 39 ( Monday ) Pick up friends at the Airport
We have 3 thing on our plate for today, visit the ATM to get to get money , grocery shop at the Mega on the way to PV and pickup a couple at the PV Airport.
Because I lost my card to the ATM in La Penita we decided to stop in Busaria ( on the way to PV ) because the HSBC is the bank of choice for most RVers in our park. When we got to the ATM there was a Cdn from NB ahead of us and a couple from BC behind us and they have never had a problem. Of course we only have Carroll's card and we do not want to lose it. Carroll mention that we had a problem so the guy from NB says it in English and is similar to the ones in Canada so there is no problem. Carroll enter her card and followed the prompts ; no money, So she tried again; no money. The guy from NB say let me do it for you: still no money. The GD machine ran out of money. The couple from BC were at the other ATM so they said this one has money and we will stay here to help if needed. Carroll entered her card and followed the prompts and at last money. We withdrew the maximum and since we were on a roll we withdrew the maximum a second time.
Now to the Mega ( much like a WalMart ) to do the grocery shopping. We spent about an hour shopping, stopped at a pizza shop to grab lunch and then headed to the Aero Puerto. What a mass of humanity. Apparently 18 planes, full of tourist landed in a 2 hour period. and to make sure you are not comfortable there are NO seating in the Departure or Arrival area, however there are 2 bars in the area. Go figure!!
To get out of the paid parking area you pay for the parking in the departure area and the machine at the exit gate reads your ticket. However the machine would not read my ticket so I bused the Help button but I could not hear or understand the voice. Finally I realized the ticket was upside down even thought the picture showed it the other way. Cheers
Because I lost my card to the ATM in La Penita we decided to stop in Busaria ( on the way to PV ) because the HSBC is the bank of choice for most RVers in our park. When we got to the ATM there was a Cdn from NB ahead of us and a couple from BC behind us and they have never had a problem. Of course we only have Carroll's card and we do not want to lose it. Carroll mention that we had a problem so the guy from NB says it in English and is similar to the ones in Canada so there is no problem. Carroll enter her card and followed the prompts ; no money, So she tried again; no money. The guy from NB say let me do it for you: still no money. The GD machine ran out of money. The couple from BC were at the other ATM so they said this one has money and we will stay here to help if needed. Carroll entered her card and followed the prompts and at last money. We withdrew the maximum and since we were on a roll we withdrew the maximum a second time.
Now to the Mega ( much like a WalMart ) to do the grocery shopping. We spent about an hour shopping, stopped at a pizza shop to grab lunch and then headed to the Aero Puerto. What a mass of humanity. Apparently 18 planes, full of tourist landed in a 2 hour period. and to make sure you are not comfortable there are NO seating in the Departure or Arrival area, however there are 2 bars in the area. Go figure!!
To get out of the paid parking area you pay for the parking in the departure area and the machine at the exit gate reads your ticket. However the machine would not read my ticket so I bused the Help button but I could not hear or understand the voice. Finally I realized the ticket was upside down even thought the picture showed it the other way. Cheers
MX # 38 Carroll's Birthday ( Sunday )
Our friends, Dave and Joanne from Vancouver are world travelers and are always looking for other places and countries to find adventures. They are well aware of our trip to South Africa ( SA ) and we continue to say that is was our best trip ever. So they brought maps of SA with them and ask us to advise them on what to do and see in SA as they are very interest in making this trip.
So D and J invited us for breakfast on Sunday and then we would retrace our trip on their maps and point out the highlight. Not everyone has the same interest but by listen about our trip and then comparing it with other friends who did a 33 day Fantasy Caravan Tour then can get a good picture of what to see in SA. They are looking at a 2 month MH trip which we think is the minimum time to see SA. We also strongly recommended a 3 day trip to see the Victoria Falls which is on the Zambezi river and borders Zambia and Zimbabwe and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. D and J now seem more interested then ever to visit SA.
Most of the Mexican tourist have returned home so there is lots of room on the beach in front of our Park. So we hit the beach along with a few friends and the water was great as it must have been in the 70's and the waves were slightly rolling. Sitting on the beach with a beer and a book is a great way to spend the day.
Since it was Carroll's birthday, we along with 2 other couples went to a Italian restaurant for Pasta supper and of course Carroll ordered Chicken Marsala Cheers
So D and J invited us for breakfast on Sunday and then we would retrace our trip on their maps and point out the highlight. Not everyone has the same interest but by listen about our trip and then comparing it with other friends who did a 33 day Fantasy Caravan Tour then can get a good picture of what to see in SA. They are looking at a 2 month MH trip which we think is the minimum time to see SA. We also strongly recommended a 3 day trip to see the Victoria Falls which is on the Zambezi river and borders Zambia and Zimbabwe and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. D and J now seem more interested then ever to visit SA.
Most of the Mexican tourist have returned home so there is lots of room on the beach in front of our Park. So we hit the beach along with a few friends and the water was great as it must have been in the 70's and the waves were slightly rolling. Sitting on the beach with a beer and a book is a great way to spend the day.
Since it was Carroll's birthday, we along with 2 other couples went to a Italian restaurant for Pasta supper and of course Carroll ordered Chicken Marsala Cheers
Monday, 7 January 2019
MX Trip # 37 Helping My Neighbor ( Saturday )
Our neighbors ( John Smith ) whom we met on Thursday on their arrival , had a small incident when he pulled into or out of a gas station on the way here. Somehow he caught the steps on a hump, which is very easy in MX as the entrance to gas station is not always level. And of course he bent the steps so that they would not operate and would need to be repaired.
The next step ( pardon the pun ) was to remove the steps and take them to the same welding shop that I used for my tow bar. Since he was working alone I went over to offer my services which he accepted. His MH is an 2004 so the 4 cap screws holding the steps have been in place for 14 years and you have to crawl under the MH to access them. The first 3 screw came out reasonable easy but the last one was tight. Since I was on the working end of the ratchet I was afraid of breaking it so we stopped and applied some penetrating oil and took a break to let it work. Finally we got the steps out and took them to the welding shop.
The shop owner wasn't in the shop so we had to wait about 20 minutes and his workers were busy. However there was another man in the shop and I'm not sure if he was a customer or a worker but he spoke fluent English so we spoke about our problem and when the owner returned he translated for John. The shop owner says he will have it repaired by Wednesday.
Dave another friend whose Quad is in being repair at the Quad shop offer to take the steps in his truck as he want to check on his Quad. The Quad Shop was closed so his Quad will not be repaired until next weeks so his trip to the Volcano will not happen.
Nothing to do for the afternoon so we hit the pool as the beach is still fairly crowded. Then we met at the patio for happy hour. Cheers
The next step ( pardon the pun ) was to remove the steps and take them to the same welding shop that I used for my tow bar. Since he was working alone I went over to offer my services which he accepted. His MH is an 2004 so the 4 cap screws holding the steps have been in place for 14 years and you have to crawl under the MH to access them. The first 3 screw came out reasonable easy but the last one was tight. Since I was on the working end of the ratchet I was afraid of breaking it so we stopped and applied some penetrating oil and took a break to let it work. Finally we got the steps out and took them to the welding shop.
The shop owner wasn't in the shop so we had to wait about 20 minutes and his workers were busy. However there was another man in the shop and I'm not sure if he was a customer or a worker but he spoke fluent English so we spoke about our problem and when the owner returned he translated for John. The shop owner says he will have it repaired by Wednesday.
Dave another friend whose Quad is in being repair at the Quad shop offer to take the steps in his truck as he want to check on his Quad. The Quad Shop was closed so his Quad will not be repaired until next weeks so his trip to the Volcano will not happen.
Nothing to do for the afternoon so we hit the pool as the beach is still fairly crowded. Then we met at the patio for happy hour. Cheers
MX Trip #36 The ATM ate my card ( Friday )
We are running short of cash so I went to the bank ATM to withdraw some money which we have don't many times. The ATMs in MX have separate ATMs for deposits and withdraws in this particular bank. I have never notice this before. Anyhow as I lined up I noticed this so I queried a local and they confirmed that this was correct so I changed to the withdraw line.
I entered my card as per normal and it only went in half way so I pulled it back and re-entered it. This time the machine grabbed it and then returned it. As I reached for it the machine sucked it in and indicated that the machine was out of order. I checked with the bank and they said tough luck, you better call your bank. I went back to the machine and it worked for other in the line so too bad for me the card has gone to ATM heaven. The ATM limit is 7000 P ( 480.00 Cdn ).
I called the TD and after the "security " ritual I was informed that it could take up to 2 weeks and I would have to be there to sign for it when it arrives. We have to leave this park on the 15 th so they will not send it here. Furthermore this park is full so we can not extend our stay. Of course Carroll has her card so we will try it in PV on Monday when we go to shop.
I called TD using the 3 different numbers on the card using the country code that I used to call Canada and the US on my cell and they do not work. So I had to use my Skype call because I know you cam call anywhere in the world on Skype. Thank you Skype. So a simple ATM which normally takes a few minutes chewed up about 3 hours of my life which I will not get back.
I later spoke to a friend who has a business in Canada and he says I need a different code to use with a 1-800 # which he will give me. I guess we will now live with one access card. Cheers
I entered my card as per normal and it only went in half way so I pulled it back and re-entered it. This time the machine grabbed it and then returned it. As I reached for it the machine sucked it in and indicated that the machine was out of order. I checked with the bank and they said tough luck, you better call your bank. I went back to the machine and it worked for other in the line so too bad for me the card has gone to ATM heaven. The ATM limit is 7000 P ( 480.00 Cdn ).
I called the TD and after the "security " ritual I was informed that it could take up to 2 weeks and I would have to be there to sign for it when it arrives. We have to leave this park on the 15 th so they will not send it here. Furthermore this park is full so we can not extend our stay. Of course Carroll has her card so we will try it in PV on Monday when we go to shop.
I called TD using the 3 different numbers on the card using the country code that I used to call Canada and the US on my cell and they do not work. So I had to use my Skype call because I know you cam call anywhere in the world on Skype. Thank you Skype. So a simple ATM which normally takes a few minutes chewed up about 3 hours of my life which I will not get back.
I later spoke to a friend who has a business in Canada and he says I need a different code to use with a 1-800 # which he will give me. I guess we will now live with one access card. Cheers
Saturday, 5 January 2019
MX Trip # 35 Busy Day ( Thursday )
Our friend Dave has a Quad and he has a 2 day Quad trip to a volcano, scheduled for next week with several others with Quads and Side by Side machines. However the boot on the front drive axle has been ripped so he picked up the parts when he went home to BC at Christmas and now he has to have the Quad mechanic to make the repairs.
We delivered his Quad to the mechanic but he is so busy he could not promise a completion date so Dave's trip is in doubt.
The mechanic is a semi retired Drag racer, side by side mud racer and an much sought after mechanic, and he makes it known that he does not work weekend under any circumstance.
Today is market day so we needed some fruit and Veggies even thought we knew it would be crowded. We did persevere and got the nec item we needed and then left the bargain hunters to fight the crowd. We don't need any more bargains.
The Mexican tourist have not gone home yet so the beach is still a mass of humanity so we will just avoid it until next week. Jan 6 (besides Carroll's birthday) is Three Kings Day which is the day that Mexican exchange Christmas gift so most will be heading home this weekend. Therefore we will settle for our pool until Sunday.
We had a Happy Hour around 4 PM and as usual someone suggested going out for supper and the vote was unanimous as if there was any other answer. When we got to the restaurant one of the couples spotted a trio of people they knew so we sat with them and after introductions all around we now know 3 more Cdn tourist. I should say that most restaurant have their specialty hence the reason the we go to different place to eat. Carroll had the specialty which was much like a Sampler with fish, shrimp, and octopus plus the trimmings. I took the recommend fish fajita however all the food was great.
Note: It is well known that the toll roads in MX are extremely expensive so Carroll decided to calculate the cost from Mazatlan to Rincon Guayobitos which is a one day drive ( 8 hours ) and it cost 168.00 Cdn. Ouch. Cheers
We delivered his Quad to the mechanic but he is so busy he could not promise a completion date so Dave's trip is in doubt.
The mechanic is a semi retired Drag racer, side by side mud racer and an much sought after mechanic, and he makes it known that he does not work weekend under any circumstance.
Today is market day so we needed some fruit and Veggies even thought we knew it would be crowded. We did persevere and got the nec item we needed and then left the bargain hunters to fight the crowd. We don't need any more bargains.
The Mexican tourist have not gone home yet so the beach is still a mass of humanity so we will just avoid it until next week. Jan 6 (besides Carroll's birthday) is Three Kings Day which is the day that Mexican exchange Christmas gift so most will be heading home this weekend. Therefore we will settle for our pool until Sunday.
We had a Happy Hour around 4 PM and as usual someone suggested going out for supper and the vote was unanimous as if there was any other answer. When we got to the restaurant one of the couples spotted a trio of people they knew so we sat with them and after introductions all around we now know 3 more Cdn tourist. I should say that most restaurant have their specialty hence the reason the we go to different place to eat. Carroll had the specialty which was much like a Sampler with fish, shrimp, and octopus plus the trimmings. I took the recommend fish fajita however all the food was great.
Note: It is well known that the toll roads in MX are extremely expensive so Carroll decided to calculate the cost from Mazatlan to Rincon Guayobitos which is a one day drive ( 8 hours ) and it cost 168.00 Cdn. Ouch. Cheers
Friday, 4 January 2019
MX Trip # 34 New Arrivals ( Wednesday )
As I mentioned yesterday the latest arrivals where the Smiths and they spent most of the day setting up and getting some groceries such as beer. Around 4 PM they were sitting out side enjoying a beer so Carroll wandered over to say hello etc. They invited us to join them but I was wrapped up watching the Juniors playing hockey.
After the game was over I had a 2 hour window before the Canada game was to start so I joined them. Shortly after, friends of the Smith's from another park dropped in so we obvious started to swap stories. During a conversation I heard these folks say that the wife was from Radville, SK. In the 60's when I was at Yorkton, SK I played ball with a guy from Radville and since it is a small town I thought they may know him. However , at the moment, I could not recall his name so while I pondered his name everyone kept talking and finally the name came to me and I said " Mc Naughton ". The lady started to laugh and she said my mother and Dennis's mother where the best of friends. They also know where he live in Kelowna, BC so I will look him up this summer as we are going to visit our G/Kids graduation. Small world.
The Canada/ Finland game was about to start so I returned my MH. Too bad they lost but it was a good game. Cheers
MX Trip # 33 Happy New Year (Tuesday )
The New Year started with a Bang. Of course it did as we had Fireworks like the rest of the world on New Years. I don't get excited about seeing firework because if you seen one you seen they all. However, these ones on the beach in Guayabitos were fantastic. My best description of the "finally" is a bell shaped veil of a zillion lights with other fireworks exploding inside the veil. I know it is had to picture if you never seen it but it was a great show.
After the fireworks, many people scattered for home as most old folks like us were already 2 or 3 hours past their bedtime.
I got up around 8 AM and headed back to the "party site" to help with the clean up. However, the host and hostess where not up so I waited until 9 AM and went back and their door wasn't open yet so again I waited until 9:30 and this time they where already in the cleanup mode. The standard signal is " if the door is open, they are up" if not they are probably doing something else; like sleeping.
I took the job of washing the dishes , which was mostly glasses and another party goer arrived and he did the drying. In 1/2 an hour we had the place looking respectful again.
Later in the afternoon while we were having an a drink with some friends a new arrival couple ( Smiths from Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island ) dropped into the park with their tow car only to see their site. They left their MH at a Pemex a couple miles away because they knew the streets would be crowded with the New Years tourist and it is dam near impossible to get thru. People do not use the sidewalk on the side street mainly because the shop put their wares out on them and the sidewalks are not that good, which cause the street to be crowded. We gringos don't walk on sidewalks either.
Since they had a couple of hours to kill we invited them to join us for a drink. They had been in this park 2 years ago so they where well known by most of the residence.
After a couple drink and and some travel stories the Smiths when to get their MH and we helped them get situated. Mexican parks and not like in the US or Canada. Drive thru site are non-existing and back in site require 2 or 3 people to direct and watch. Usually a new comers draws a crowd of "on-lookers " to pass judgement on your ability to maneuver your MH into the site and this was no different. However, we got them situated and everyone went back to their "beer " while the Smiths got set up.
We all returned to our Happy hour and it was suggested that we go out for a pasta supper. Before I could refuse the invitation Carroll said yes. So we (3 couples ) went to the Pasta place but it was closed so we found another one that was open. My food was not that great but the others were satisfied so that finished our 1 st day in 2019.
The day was overcast with a high of 23 C. cheers
After the fireworks, many people scattered for home as most old folks like us were already 2 or 3 hours past their bedtime.
I got up around 8 AM and headed back to the "party site" to help with the clean up. However, the host and hostess where not up so I waited until 9 AM and went back and their door wasn't open yet so again I waited until 9:30 and this time they where already in the cleanup mode. The standard signal is " if the door is open, they are up" if not they are probably doing something else; like sleeping.
I took the job of washing the dishes , which was mostly glasses and another party goer arrived and he did the drying. In 1/2 an hour we had the place looking respectful again.
Later in the afternoon while we were having an a drink with some friends a new arrival couple ( Smiths from Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island ) dropped into the park with their tow car only to see their site. They left their MH at a Pemex a couple miles away because they knew the streets would be crowded with the New Years tourist and it is dam near impossible to get thru. People do not use the sidewalk on the side street mainly because the shop put their wares out on them and the sidewalks are not that good, which cause the street to be crowded. We gringos don't walk on sidewalks either.
Since they had a couple of hours to kill we invited them to join us for a drink. They had been in this park 2 years ago so they where well known by most of the residence.
After a couple drink and and some travel stories the Smiths when to get their MH and we helped them get situated. Mexican parks and not like in the US or Canada. Drive thru site are non-existing and back in site require 2 or 3 people to direct and watch. Usually a new comers draws a crowd of "on-lookers " to pass judgement on your ability to maneuver your MH into the site and this was no different. However, we got them situated and everyone went back to their "beer " while the Smiths got set up.
We all returned to our Happy hour and it was suggested that we go out for a pasta supper. Before I could refuse the invitation Carroll said yes. So we (3 couples ) went to the Pasta place but it was closed so we found another one that was open. My food was not that great but the others were satisfied so that finished our 1 st day in 2019.
The day was overcast with a high of 23 C. cheers
Wednesday, 2 January 2019
MX Trip # 32 New Years Eve (Monday )
We are preparing for New Years Eve party and the host are Dave and Joanne Killey from Vancouver. They have " THE
SITE " in the RV park as it faces the ocean which means they are 5 feet from the beach. It is the largest site in the park which measures 75 ft X 30 ft. They are protected from the beach and the hordes of people who are on the beach during the festive season with a concrete wall and a 4 foot chain link fence. Because of the large space they can easily host a party with the 18 invited guest.
The party is Potluck and we were detailed to provide the potatoes of our chose. We chose to make scallop potatoes in a Crock Pot and about 1/2 as much of mashed potatoes in case someone did not like scallop potatoes. There was only a spoonful of each left so most of the people must have liked them.
The host provided the meat and it was called Arrachara. It is a particular cut of flank steak and marinaded buy the butcher in a special sauce. It was cooked on a grill but it can be cooked on a Bar_ B _Q and it is very tasty. I had never heard of it until now but it is available on most menus in MX. Trust a Mexican to make a " silk purse out of a Sows ear ". Apparently Arrachara is available at all large grocery store so we will pick one up at WalMart when we go to PV this week.
The party was great and after the meal we played Pass the Ace to kill time until the festivities start on the beach which was packed with people. There were many firework set off until midnight and then the Hotels in Guayabitos provide the professional Firework which were awesome. The finale was something beyond believe and I wasn't quick enough to snap a photo.
This is how we ended 2018. Cheers
SITE " in the RV park as it faces the ocean which means they are 5 feet from the beach. It is the largest site in the park which measures 75 ft X 30 ft. They are protected from the beach and the hordes of people who are on the beach during the festive season with a concrete wall and a 4 foot chain link fence. Because of the large space they can easily host a party with the 18 invited guest.
The party is Potluck and we were detailed to provide the potatoes of our chose. We chose to make scallop potatoes in a Crock Pot and about 1/2 as much of mashed potatoes in case someone did not like scallop potatoes. There was only a spoonful of each left so most of the people must have liked them.
The host provided the meat and it was called Arrachara. It is a particular cut of flank steak and marinaded buy the butcher in a special sauce. It was cooked on a grill but it can be cooked on a Bar_ B _Q and it is very tasty. I had never heard of it until now but it is available on most menus in MX. Trust a Mexican to make a " silk purse out of a Sows ear ". Apparently Arrachara is available at all large grocery store so we will pick one up at WalMart when we go to PV this week.
The party was great and after the meal we played Pass the Ace to kill time until the festivities start on the beach which was packed with people. There were many firework set off until midnight and then the Hotels in Guayabitos provide the professional Firework which were awesome. The finale was something beyond believe and I wasn't quick enough to snap a photo.
This is how we ended 2018. Cheers
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