Monday 17 February 2014

Out and About

The pool and ocean are always so inviting so we have to sometimes force ourselves to do something a little more strenuous than laying around.  We hiked to and up, the top of  a hill just outside of town and checked out the view AND the beautiful homes.  Stopped at Woody's (friend from Nanaimo) house on the way home  for a cold water/beer.  He has a beautiful, serene paradise here in Los Barriles.

After our visit, we decided to stop at a local, authentic mexican tacqueria.  No name, just on the side of the road, but there was a caucasion couple who were eating there along with Mexicans.  We stopped and asked how it was and they raved about the tacos they were eating.  COW TONGUE!  Well, we decided to stop in and you guessed it, we ordered fish tacos and cow tongue taco.  The fish taco was what Frank ate and I had the cow tongue.  It was good but you know, its probably the first and last time I will ever eat cow tongue :)  Love these new adventures we have!

VALENTINE'S DAY

The mexicans really celebrate Saint Valentine.  Live music, travelling mariachi bands, and parties everywhere.  We had a lovely dinner at a Thai restaurant and picked up chocolates from "Charly's Chocolates" for dessert.   Memorable indeed.




ROAD TRIPS and a FISH

Feb. 12th

Yes, a dorado landed at our campsite (mahi-mahi for you Hawaiian's).  Phil landed one on the fly; not an easy feat but we'll take it|!



Frank and I decided to go on a road trip today.  We travelled south and passed through the Tropic of Cancer at latitude N23 26' and then on to a town called Miraflores, supposedly known for its leather crafts.  Sleepy little town and no leather shops that we could locate.  BUT they did have a beautiful entryway from the highway.

On the way back we stopped at Santiago, with a beautiful town square and a derelict mission.  Thought we would try lunch at the only restaurant in town, so we asked one of the store owners if it was OK, no English but shrugs his shoulders.  Hmm, not encouraging so we happened upon another Canadian and asked him "its acceptable" was his response.  Thinking now we'll just wait til we get home!








 


February 13th

Another road trip today after doing laundry.  Went to El Triunfo, about 50 km north of Los Barriles.  The town is an old gold and silver mining town, which is now being restored (predominantly by Americans).  Very quaint town with a lot of potential.  The town is in the middle of the mountain pass and you wouldn't think it would have anything to offer to tourists but while we were there, we probably saw 3 dozen tourists mozying around.

One of the highlights of the town is the Museum of Music.  There are pianos, musical instruments, etc. from years ago and also a grand piano set up with chairs as if there was to be a concert.  THERE WAS!  For the 20 peso fee to get into the Museum, we had the privilege of listening to a Russian concert pianist and also a French singer.  It was an amazing surprize.

The pianist comes every Thursday to play at the museum.  He came to Mexico to provide himself with peace, solitude to compose music and so far has composed 1200 pieces.

Prior to him, there had been another famous pianist who was a bit of a "flamer".  Apparently he dressed like Liberace, not only for his concerts at the museum, but also when he was out and about!

Another unforgettable experience along this journey of ours.










QUADing, Snorkelling,Touring and a HAIRCUT

We've spent the past few days on the quad, going snorkelling and touring around.  We saw some amazing fish and lots of them.

Frank was fortunate to have a wannabe hairdresser (me) along on this adventure and I cut his hair for him today.  YES, you read that right!   I did a mighty fine job if I say so myself.





   

RACE DAY

February 9th

We woke early to watch the excitement of the start of the Baja 300 race.  At 7:00 a.m. the quads started lining up; then the motorcycles and the race started at 7:30 a.m.  The excitement in the air was amazing!  After these vehicles left, the buggies then the trucks started lining up and at 9:30 a.m. their race started.  The noise is unbelievable and when you're perhaps 10 feet away from the buggies at the start, its hard to describe the feeling.

One of the things we noticed on their helmuts and vehicles, was the name and blood type of each participant . .

31 degrees this afternoon and we're laying around the pool!









Another day in Paradise!

February 7th

Went to a delicious bakery for breakfast and managed to come home with some baked goods AND a new pair of shoes!  ALL from the bakery :)  For those of you who know me well, I LOVE shoes!!  These ones came from San Miguel de Allende and they are fabulous.  I'll model them soon and take a picture for those of you who also love a great pair of shoes.

Had another RV mishap . .  one of the shelves in the pantry has broken so we need to do some repairs.  Where do we find wood, a saw, etc.    Aw well, Manana!

Tonight was registration for the Baja 300 race taking place this weekend.  After dinner, we walked through town and there were people/vehicles everywhere and all the race vehicles were parked at the hotel grounds.  Very exciting!




Saturday 15 February 2014

February 6th

Did some walking about town this a.m. and found this interesting sign!

Took the quad out in the afternoon for some shore fishing and snorkelling.  No luck at either; too windy.  I just relaxed on the beach while Frank tried fishing.

 


February 5th

Between the two couples, we've rented one quad for a week.  We picked it up this a.m. and Frank and I went to Punta Pescadero and snorkelled, and toured a couple of subdivisions.  Some amazing homes here that are deserted!

Had a small but potentially big plumbing issue this afternoon.  Frank looked over to the Rv as we were enjoying Happy Hour and noticed drippping water.  Checked it out and there was a pin prick hole in the interior water intake hose.  The neighbours noticed our "stress" and located a hose in a camper not being used and we replaced the faulty one with it.  Thank you!!


February 4th

Out for breakfast, then moved the trailer to a new site as we decided to stay another week.  Cleaned windows, countertops, vaccuumed . . time to lay around the pool!  Margueritas on order!!

Happy Hour at our place and a newly retired couple from Quebec, Doris and Louie, joined us.
February 2nd

SUPERBOWL!  The town is celebrating . . there's a lot of Americans here!  But I think there's even more Canadians visiting and waiting to see the game.  Unfortunately the game was a blowout so people were actually leaving the venues before the end of the game.

We arranged for a quad for Monday a.m.  for the day . . gonna be fun!

February 3rd

The boys picked up their toys this morning and off we went.  Headed  south , along the beach for about 10 miles to a little town called La Ribera.  Lunch at Dona Viki's, a little mexican cantina.  On the way back, Frank and Phil did some shore fishing.  Nothing brought to shore, but a rooster fish snapped Phil's line with a 40 lb test and took off with one of his favourite flies.

After fishing we headed farther north 5 - 10 miles, to a place called Punta Pescadero where snorkelling is reputed to be the best.  Unfortunately, the wind was blowing too hard and snorkelling didn't happen!  But all in all a fabulous day!!