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
Monday, 7 January 2019
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
Monday, 31 December 2018
MX Trip # 31 Rain and Cold (Sunday )
The weather forecast promised a cold front along with rain for most of Sunday and they were true to forum. About 2 AM on Sunday we were awaken by the "pitter patter" of rain on our roof and then it intensified to a down pour. The rain lasted until 8 AM however the temp stayed at 15 C along with gusting wind for most of the day.
Amazing enough, it did not stop the Mexicans from hitting the beach as it was once again wall to wall people. There were very few Gringos on the beach. It was somewhat comical as the wind gust would toss the beach umbrellas all around and once the wind died down they would set them up and another gust would re-arrange then all over again. The Mexican sure have patience.
We gringos where are dressed in blue jeans and jackets while the Mexicans sat on the beach with jack shirt and bathing suites. The water must have been warm because there were many people in swimming.
Our friends Dave and Joanne had just returned from their trip back to BC for Christmas on Sat evening so they called on us on Sunday morning to go for breakfast, which we accepted. This time we went to a " better " restaurant and there was no problem with language as our waiter was a teenage that spoke fluent English. He was probably educated in the US and his dad owns the restaurant.
Dave and Joanne are hosting the New Years party and their MH which is right on the beach so I helped Dave install his Sun Screens which will protect us ( the party goers ) from the wind during the party if it still windy and cool by then. The forecast is sunny and warm tomorrow.
We had our wind jackets on most of the day and last evening we actually turn the furnace on for 10 minutes to take away the chill. One cool day in MX is acceptable. cheers
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