Playa Manzanillo day

On Thursday we walked four block and down a long flight of stairs for our first beach day with Marg and Dave (trying to call him Lou so we don't get him mixed with other Dave Parsons).
Arriving at the bottom of the stairs we are quietly met by managers? Of the first 4 little cafes. They all have tables and chairs and at the front side there are chaises under umbrellas. We selected #4 this week. our waiter, Henry, quickly made us comfortable and we ordered a first drink. The drink ensures we don't have to pay rental for the chaise.
There is a 20 metre walk to e beach, across fine white sand. We are soon lured into the waters. Utterly gorgeous, perfect temperature and very clean. There is just enough swell in the bay to have some fun too.
We take turns with someone staying with all the gear...to precious to lose anymore.
By lunch time we order some good seafood. Shrimp cocktail, baked whole fish, guacamole, etc.
Dave Parsons joined us for the afternoon. He loves the water - and the sun. The rest of us enjoy the water but hover in the shade.
It was fun to see it again through a newcomer's eyes. Marg and Lou both commented of how this was so like paradise!
the playa is very active. There are boats available to go watch dolphins etc but we wee happy to just stay on land.
On one outcropping of rocks a local brought in a great load of oysters and proceeded to shuck them there, I think he then sold most of them to the nearby cafes.
We did snorkel and saw a nice assortment of colourful fish. Our waiter spotted Jim's binoculars so would often ask to look through them. He was impressed with what he could see on the horizon. We teased him about watching for chicas (young gals)....he did not deny it!
So many Mexican families use the beach too and it is so nice to watch their gentle interaction with each other and the kids.
We finally pulled ourselves together around 4 p.m. It was a big climb back up the cemented stairway but then a nice walk back to our casa. By that time of the day there is often a gentle breeze so there is some relief from the relentless sun.