tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12755251808241950072024-03-13T08:39:53.735-07:00PJ'S JOURNEY CONTINUESmtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-4867166287055876172013-03-08T20:46:00.001-08:002013-03-08T20:46:10.220-08:00Monte AlbanThis name describes a mountain that for several months of the year has trees blooming white blossoms.<br />
It is the site of ancient ruins and holds great significance to the local indians in particular.<br />
We used a tour bus to take us to the base and from there we chose to walk the grounds with or without a guide. Lewises used an elderly guide who was very helpful. Parsons and us chose to go our own ways and mostly guess at what we were seeing.<br />
It was hot on this barren mountaintop ruin so we wandered slowly, not reading too much information but finding shade when we could. It is an impressive place, many glyphs and carvings, apparently of every medical procedure known to man! We saw more of these carvings at the museum in Oaxaca along with various pieces of pottery and gold decorative pieces. It is interesting to us how closely these potteries are to the ancient household items we've seen in Greece. Interesting that so far around the world they would have similar art styles.<br />
Monte Alban is a very impressive ruin of huge proportion. It was a great centre for Zapotechan people, used for commercial and religious purposes. The massive staircases make much more sense bring explained as stadium seats, they are far too steep for a very short culture to build for climbing on. They were a challenge to me and my short legs.<br />
Our fun was stopping to talk with an elderly Indian who was sitting under an 'alban' tree. At first we tried our Spangish but he replied with good English. He was a local farmer but in the dry season came to the mountain to sell . . . Crude pottery. of course Jim had to buy a clay jaguar from him. We could tell he appreciated us taking time to visit with him, and we certainly enjoyed it too.<br />
Note - we have left the jaguar to decorate our rental place in Puerto Escondido.<br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-L97XpZiUUbI/UTq-ZGfPT_I/AAAAAAAAB1E/V0CcXZTI-rU/s640/blogger-image--1134795190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-L97XpZiUUbI/UTq-ZGfPT_I/AAAAAAAAB1E/V0CcXZTI-rU/s640/blogger-image--1134795190.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2lc-jRMFtfQ/UTq-hDpY-nI/AAAAAAAAB1c/NXTtNspJe3s/s640/blogger-image-913390421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2lc-jRMFtfQ/UTq-hDpY-nI/AAAAAAAAB1c/NXTtNspJe3s/s640/blogger-image-913390421.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UWJdC8dGiJQ/UTq-kLFKK3I/AAAAAAAAB1k/rJOVxU6dpAg/s640/blogger-image--1649061848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UWJdC8dGiJQ/UTq-kLFKK3I/AAAAAAAAB1k/rJOVxU6dpAg/s640/blogger-image--1649061848.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nW0VGBu4MdY/UTq-bvQxptI/AAAAAAAAB1M/BI0u1ilycEw/s640/blogger-image--1472527594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nW0VGBu4MdY/UTq-bvQxptI/AAAAAAAAB1M/BI0u1ilycEw/s640/blogger-image--1472527594.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qcr6gG75DdI/UTq-eNXyFXI/AAAAAAAAB1U/nLU-RIr21KA/s640/blogger-image-1269315144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qcr6gG75DdI/UTq-eNXyFXI/AAAAAAAAB1U/nLU-RIr21KA/s640/blogger-image-1269315144.jpg" /></a></div>mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-83393733621804947302013-03-01T10:01:00.001-08:002013-03-01T17:55:10.717-08:00A $15. TourWhat do you get for a $15. Tour - in Oaxaca?? Let me begin by saying we got so much more than we could have bargained for, and all of it good!<br />
A 12 person air conditioned van came to our address to pick us up at 10 a.m., that was a bonus for us.<br />
We picked up several other groups and individuals and then were on our way.<br />
Our destinations were; Tule tree in the beautiful town of Santa Maria. A 2000 year old tree, 40 metres in height and a huge base. Some type of cypress tree. It is considered world heritage and a foundation from DC make sure it is well cared for.<br />
Beautiful gardens and a church are in the park too.<br />
<br />
Hierve el Agua (frozen water) an interesting place with fossilized waterfalls that forms part of a pre-Hispanic irrigation system, still surrounded by springs. We were told that not a lot of vegetation grows in this area because of the salt and minerals in the soil.<br />
<br />
Rug making facility. Small business enterprises with creative artisans. This was my favourite! We were met on an shaded patio by Nelson. He showed us how the raw (australian)marino wool is used. It is washed in baskets so that the dirt can drain off. it is dried, carded, then spun. <br />
Nelson sat low to the floor and arrayed before him were beautifully dyed skeins of wool. Near them were the actual natural agents for dyes that they used to create their colours. Their very unique agent is cochineal which is a larvae on the nopale cactus. When the Spaniards arrived in the 1500s they took ship loads of this back to Europe. It had the value of gold and was used for royalty and papal colours, that very rich red.<br />
Arturo also showed us how they weave the various design on looms, and then we were invited to look, and choose what carpets we would like to buy. Various sizes and patterns left that day with us! <br />
<br />
Lunch at a very nice buffet style restaurant. Salads, soups, entrees, desserts, and more. I think we paid about $10. Per person.<br />
<br />
A stop at Mitla to wander over the ruins of a Zapotec ceremonial edifice, thousands of years old. The intricate and earthquake resistant design was amazing.<br />
<br />
Our last stop was at a small and interesting Mezcal factory. Everything here is still done by hand. We were shown a pile of raw maguey agave trunks, next step was to bake them in an earth oven. After that they grind it in a process to mash it, using a huge stone wheel, pulled along by a donkey. Next step is to ferment and then distill it, then I guess it is bottled or flavoured. We were all invited to try every variation and inventive flavour. Some were definitely better than others.<br />
<br />
When we returned to our home, it was more than 9 hours later. A huge and interesting day.<br />
Yes, we did pay small entrance fees at most sites, they were minimal.<br />
Our guide was a very informed, a well spoken Zapotec Indian, fluent in Spanish and in English.<br />
Sadly, shortly after lunch break we could tell that his hidden drinking was getting the better of him. He still managed to point out many interesting things and when our driver dropped him off - first - near his home, we all gave him a generous tip. next time, maybe not.<br />
Our van driver was excellent and we all felt comfortable with him at the wheel. <br />
<br />
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text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V2B-fMuzF18/UTFberb3eEI/AAAAAAAABzU/GwcVvuNVS6I/s640/blogger-image--1578183464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V2B-fMuzF18/UTFberb3eEI/AAAAAAAABzU/GwcVvuNVS6I/s640/blogger-image--1578183464.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-haTCrKN5Gh8/UTFbuwXrNPI/AAAAAAAAB0E/ns80uERhL78/s640/blogger-image-1725483842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-haTCrKN5Gh8/UTFbuwXrNPI/AAAAAAAAB0E/ns80uERhL78/s640/blogger-image-1725483842.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-k39H_NbdcL0/UTFb5zuNh6I/AAAAAAAAB0k/C2KebrG9JJk/s640/blogger-image--683781008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-k39H_NbdcL0/UTFb5zuNh6I/AAAAAAAAB0k/C2KebrG9JJk/s640/blogger-image--683781008.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SyFMZO0mjFo/UTFb_ReWkoI/AAAAAAAAB00/ei2plZ09Q4I/s640/blogger-image-422587773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SyFMZO0mjFo/UTFb_ReWkoI/AAAAAAAAB00/ei2plZ09Q4I/s640/blogger-image-422587773.jpg" /></a></div>mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-25921534126756748612013-02-25T20:26:00.001-08:002013-02-25T20:26:13.687-08:00Night Sounds of OaxacaIt should have been a big hint when we found ear plugs by our beds when we entered our 'exchange' casa.<br />
We had come from a very quiet paradise to a . . . Very noisy paradise!<br />
I am a good sleeper so most nights I was only slightly disturbed by the outside noises. It was necessary to open the windows in our second and third story bedrooms in order to get the cooling night air in. Several of our company of six are very light sleepers so they didn't often get a good sleep. Some resorted to wearing the ear plugs.<br />
I had one night of not feeling well, stomach upsets, and could not settle to sleep. This meant I heard sounds!<br />
It was the night of the multiple civil weddings and the fireworks continued, intermittently, until at least 3 in the morning. <br />
Add to that, dogs barking, high yaps, low woofs, bark, bark, bark!! Quiet for a few minutes then something or someone would set them off again. Many homeowners seem to keep them on their flat roofs as watch dogs - and they do their job well.<br />
A cat fight took place, it sounded like it was right under our window! Vicious and quickly settled.<br />
Add to that, siren wailing, church bells tolling, vehicles passing, horns honking. A motorbike roared down a main street (a block away), all of a sudden a thunk, and then silence. Shortly after, another motorbike putted by! <br />
There were often people out on the streets too, they walked by quietly but chatting or quietly laughing with each other. <br />
Getting close to 4 a.m., a rooster crowed!! Yes, in a city neighbourhood. That is a non favourite of Dave L's. <br />
I heard what I thought was a broken down truck rumbling past our bedroom window, and then stop. I got up to look, it was just a VW bug which was parked close by. The couple very quietly walked across the street to their door and that was it for them.<br />
By this time I was almost giggling because the sounds were so varied and constant. They drifted thought our windows on the cooling breeze from near and far.<br />
That is city living. We all needed an afternoon nap the next day!<br />
Then, early morning we hear the sound of a man calling ,'agua pura', he's selling and delivering the big bottles of purified water.. Another man comes by calling 'basura'. He takes our garbage away for a small fee.<br />
So many sounds to remember. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wcLwXNGZC-0/USw5Tlc4E6I/AAAAAAAABx8/Yg_LXaO77zc/s640/blogger-image--2140773571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wcLwXNGZC-0/USw5Tlc4E6I/AAAAAAAABx8/Yg_LXaO77zc/s640/blogger-image--2140773571.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Pwx5cYUt_8/USw5M7lPYpI/AAAAAAAABxs/1zh5KFcCDa0/s640/blogger-image--114210607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Pwx5cYUt_8/USw5M7lPYpI/AAAAAAAABxs/1zh5KFcCDa0/s640/blogger-image--114210607.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--vU4Lo4APW8/USw5YRy_nCI/AAAAAAAAByE/0O4RbuhiKrs/s640/blogger-image-2049108716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--vU4Lo4APW8/USw5YRy_nCI/AAAAAAAAByE/0O4RbuhiKrs/s640/blogger-image-2049108716.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qMJeLObKeM4/USw5P3zqpJI/AAAAAAAABx0/cbWeV7oqNoQ/s640/blogger-image-135085668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qMJeLObKeM4/USw5P3zqpJI/AAAAAAAABx0/cbWeV7oqNoQ/s640/blogger-image-135085668.jpg" /></a></div>mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-88366440775584327782013-02-22T19:10:00.001-08:002013-02-23T07:25:11.893-08:00Flying to OaxacaWe had been warned by many not to take bus or van over the winding highway that climbs the mountains to Oaxaca. It is a 7 plus hour trip and not many have the 'stomach' for it.<br />
Our 2 Daves considered that they could do it, and they did.<br />
Jim, Trud, Marg and I took the one o'clock flight. It only takes an hour so we hoped that would be fine.<br />
We went through customs, waited a while and then were able to board a 12 seater airplane. The pilot was alone but all other seats were full. We got a great view of P.E. as we circled over the area and then we were off over mountains too.<br />
It is amazing how many road wend their way over the hills and through valleys. Tiny settlements and farms dot the whole landscape. It's amazing to see how well cultivated the land is, even with such high mountain ranges throughout.<br />
If Mexico is wise, they can become the fruit and veg basket for the western world. Water is always an issue so only valleys can produce a lot. I guess it depends on seasons, and this is the dry one.<br />
We grabbed the airport shuttle for an interesting ride through town. As we pulled up at our address we were delighted to see our two Daves getting out of their taxi! Amazing.<br />
We checked out our lovely casa and selected bedrooms, unloaded suitcases and then decided we should go look for supper and see some of the city.<br />
We wandered, one street after another, and ended up at the wonderful zocalo which is located at the southern end of Macedonia Alcala. It is a grand park where many people spend their evening.<br />
More about zocalas later. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UJTjma_A57k/USjfU9fi1EI/AAAAAAAABvY/sO62exFFEu0/s640/blogger-image-336971234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UJTjma_A57k/USjfU9fi1EI/AAAAAAAABvY/sO62exFFEu0/s640/blogger-image-336971234.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yi5FbnF2I0k/USjfHnbWL6I/AAAAAAAABu4/zx0ltmkL5u0/s640/blogger-image--1883782034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yi5FbnF2I0k/USjfHnbWL6I/AAAAAAAABu4/zx0ltmkL5u0/s640/blogger-image--1883782034.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--R7ylnpReW8/USjfLO-cD4I/AAAAAAAABvA/XnVqwQCdldA/s640/blogger-image-1863392255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--R7ylnpReW8/USjfLO-cD4I/AAAAAAAABvA/XnVqwQCdldA/s640/blogger-image-1863392255.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zvIFcQybim4/USjfOFffW2I/AAAAAAAABvI/CkwF45seZCY/s640/blogger-image-421016542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zvIFcQybim4/USjfOFffW2I/AAAAAAAABvI/CkwF45seZCY/s640/blogger-image-421016542.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F1sKPO4WjVU/USjfRhosdjI/AAAAAAAABvQ/QrqdybWOeqQ/s640/blogger-image-376000933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F1sKPO4WjVU/USjfRhosdjI/AAAAAAAABvQ/QrqdybWOeqQ/s640/blogger-image-376000933.jpg" /></a></div>mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-74002394350651448392013-02-22T19:01:00.001-08:002013-02-25T19:37:05.672-08:00Museum, Cathedral, weddingsFeb. 22.<br />
Our choice today was to take a tour of the lovely old ex-convent at Santo Domingo de Guzman. It is now a museum and holds very early historical treasures, many dating back nearly 10,000 years! It was very interesting but we went about 2 p.m., so most of us were getting tired.<br />
<br />
We had previously been to the magnificent theatre and had a tour there too. I think the nicest thing was a beautiful cut crystal chandelier weighing 4000 kg. the theatre holds both live and HD films of operatic productions. Its history goes back to 1903 so many 'shows', including boxing, have taken place there.<br />
<br />
About 1 p.m., we stopped at Los Ollas for lunch. Best place yet! Excellent food and excellent presentation. I wasn't very hungry so I order tortilla soup. A very large, flat soup bowl was placed in front of me. It had delicate fried tortilla pieces, finely chopped avocado and cheese piece, and a bit of croutons. Over this the waiter poured a small silver pot of the actually soup. Very nice.<br />
We all left very satisfied. Mint ice cream was too tempting to pass up.<br />
<br />
Back to the cathedral. It is a main hub of the city (except for the zocalo). Later this day a mass wedding was being held in a private area of the garden. I will guess that 10 couples exchanged civil vows here. I think some had also been to a close by church and been blessed there.<br />
Then the fireworks begin.<br />
I love how all these celebrations become a public time to enjoy. <br />
We were home, and able to sit on our deck and see the fireworks which continued for hours.<br />
I was very sorry that I was too tired to once again walk down as far as the cathedral, it would have been a beautiful spectacle. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5v8KmkhQLt8/USwtuCSwnNI/AAAAAAAABwM/IV60PMbR1dQ/s640/blogger-image--998942148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5v8KmkhQLt8/USwtuCSwnNI/AAAAAAAABwM/IV60PMbR1dQ/s640/blogger-image--998942148.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3Ci5FWg35jk/USwtoM3fqUI/AAAAAAAABv8/fEtn-2eJ-Dc/s640/blogger-image--271965630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3Ci5FWg35jk/USwtoM3fqUI/AAAAAAAABv8/fEtn-2eJ-Dc/s640/blogger-image--271965630.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YpigShf9wJQ/USwtgThLi_I/AAAAAAAABvs/e5ZYBGeM8jE/s640/blogger-image--1463794587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YpigShf9wJQ/USwtgThLi_I/AAAAAAAABvs/e5ZYBGeM8jE/s640/blogger-image--1463794587.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-44XLWwrHe9g/USwtrPh0WbI/AAAAAAAABwE/umF0o4lfolU/s640/blogger-image--1990771070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-44XLWwrHe9g/USwtrPh0WbI/AAAAAAAABwE/umF0o4lfolU/s640/blogger-image--1990771070.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LzT0WNvQvu0/USwtxEN4TfI/AAAAAAAABwU/8E71W5CTCgc/s640/blogger-image-1094021832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LzT0WNvQvu0/USwtxEN4TfI/AAAAAAAABwU/8E71W5CTCgc/s640/blogger-image-1094021832.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DUq3_i8TRgI/USwt3uvQTwI/AAAAAAAABwk/EmB_ajX6ykU/s640/blogger-image-1124244678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DUq3_i8TRgI/USwt3uvQTwI/AAAAAAAABwk/EmB_ajX6ykU/s640/blogger-image-1124244678.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PSHulI-f6A8/USwt0Ysj5sI/AAAAAAAABwc/QFB4rVez4cc/s640/blogger-image--1564615313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PSHulI-f6A8/USwt0Ysj5sI/AAAAAAAABwc/QFB4rVez4cc/s640/blogger-image--1564615313.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-G2pHPNl202Y/USwtkGuQzII/AAAAAAAABv0/yJiWmc3Vx5w/s640/blogger-image--1814214667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-G2pHPNl202Y/USwtkGuQzII/AAAAAAAABv0/yJiWmc3Vx5w/s640/blogger-image--1814214667.jpg" /></a></div>mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-78596370320844154522013-02-16T14:33:00.001-08:002013-02-16T14:33:54.503-08:00A Pleasure at Every TurnKen and Deb have flown back to the U.S., where they left their truck and camper. We are feeling like a vital part of our crew is missing! They were a great addition to our group, Deb was so excitable and enthusiastic whatever was suggested. Ken is more the quiet and thoughtful kind of man. He hasn't change a lot from 20 plus years ago when he was Regional Manager for the Ministry of Forests and I was a lowly clerk in personnel.<br />
We are trying not to have much food on hand as we will be going to Oaxaca for the next week. I will be a new and lovely adventure, I'm sure.<br />
So, we will pretend that due to a food shortage (hardly!!) we decided to walk up town to Pizza Time and enjoy their super pizza.<br />
The sun had not quite set as we walked up the long slope to the highway but the pink hues warmed the last of the daytime sky.<br />
At the highway crosswalk we met a group of devout catholics. Several men, dressed in white clothing, were carrying a huge cross, a truck in front of them carried loud speakers and several nuns who were singing. Behind was a large group, mostly women and children, some who were also singing and many who were carrying beautiful flowers, mostly white lilies.<br />
We were sure that the procession had something to do with Lent or Easter but were not quite sure what the date would mean. It was a lovely sight to behold.<br />
We made our way up the gradual sloping street, walking about 3 blocks and then we heard more music. This time it was in a zocolo (park). It turned out that probably 8 or more dance troupes were putting on a lovely performance. Perhaps a competition? We stopped and were thrilled with music and dance steps and the costumes were very beautiful. Such variety, from cowgirl and boy costumes to the beautifully classic Chiapis gathered skirts in rich colours.<br />
We were expecting to stay for some time....forget pizza, this was a gorgeous bit of Mexican life and we loved it. <br />
Well, about halfway into the program first one source of lighting quit and then the second power pole light fizzled and they were in the dark of night. So disappointing! At least we saw a few groups and quite a few dances and that was great fun. Really admire how classy and elegant they are. No one was 'thrown' by the lack of lighting, the dancers continued until they were through.<br />
After that we walked a couple of blocks more and really enjoyed the pizza.<br />
We decided to walk home the long(er) way and so saw a few more bits of evening life in P.E. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Sv_h5hDFB_0/USAJPbegD4I/AAAAAAAABuc/MElnRjRLNb8/s640/blogger-image-196602118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Sv_h5hDFB_0/USAJPbegD4I/AAAAAAAABuc/MElnRjRLNb8/s640/blogger-image-196602118.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1wu5OBXsSnk/USAJJm9r6PI/AAAAAAAABuM/YEpi88yfKDM/s640/blogger-image--678122597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1wu5OBXsSnk/USAJJm9r6PI/AAAAAAAABuM/YEpi88yfKDM/s640/blogger-image--678122597.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZADlidyf-Tk/USAJEL5ASqI/AAAAAAAABt8/sZc02KhBUu8/s640/blogger-image--604550278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZADlidyf-Tk/USAJEL5ASqI/AAAAAAAABt8/sZc02KhBUu8/s640/blogger-image--604550278.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tDiZ2_KSOC8/USAJUNUErHI/AAAAAAAABuk/ZTI3LJRPDKk/s640/blogger-image-2142883748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tDiZ2_KSOC8/USAJUNUErHI/AAAAAAAABuk/ZTI3LJRPDKk/s640/blogger-image-2142883748.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tlZZkQzzV_Q/USAJG-mhluI/AAAAAAAABuE/uMsqnappG88/s640/blogger-image--1727568663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tlZZkQzzV_Q/USAJG-mhluI/AAAAAAAABuE/uMsqnappG88/s640/blogger-image--1727568663.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ZzZmxgfECQ/USAJMfKBgoI/AAAAAAAABuU/F_hjMOTO6YQ/s640/blogger-image-2132209724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ZzZmxgfECQ/USAJMfKBgoI/AAAAAAAABuU/F_hjMOTO6YQ/s640/blogger-image-2132209724.jpg" /></a></div>mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-85752419137340890952013-02-15T10:35:00.001-08:002013-02-15T15:19:41.465-08:00Valentine love and fireworksThe town of Chila is 10 km northwest of here. Each Valentine's Day there is a great festival and awesome fireworks and we had been encouraged by many to go see it. that was the plan for the 8 of us. By the time evening rolled around only Jim and I were keen to go.<br />
Around 9:30 p.m., we hailed a cab and asked how much it would be for the drive to Chila. 80 pesos, or about six bucks for us. We jumped in and off we went in the dark night to our unknown destination. Our driver did not have much english so it was a quiet ride. <br />
He turned off the main highway and drove about one km and dropped us off at the Catholic Church. Indeed, masses of people were on the far side of the church, municipal police in black uniforms kept an eye out for ??, not sure what!<br />
The church is on the corner of a large square. It was beautifully decorated inside with garlands and bouquets of lovely fresh flowers. Many people, of all ages, walked to the door, crossed themselves three times, kissed their hand, and entered. They usually just sat in a pew and spent time in prayer or contemplation. The would then rise up, repeat the crosses and quietly leave by the side door. I liked watching that. I also made note that if I got too tired walking, standing, etc., I could make my way to a back pew and rest there.<br />
To the left of the church was a wide walkway and then some stadium seats on a steep sidehill. We stood at the top, no access or spaces below, and still we were behind about 4 other heads. We were trying to watch traditional dancing on the stage below. The were lovely to see, so grand in the old Spanish and colonial costumes. I will try to upload a video.<br />
The band that play for the dancers looked like high school students and they were excellent! There is no hesitation in their ardour and the trills of the clarinets, and oompapas of the tubas was great fun!<br />
We got tired of trying to see through the crowds and thought perhaps we would be able to see better from the far side of the arena/stage.<br />
Some vendors dotted our pathway, the crowds were thick. We felt like we were the only North Americans around there - and it was a great feeling!! Families sauntered around us, all gentle and happy to be out on this lovely evening.<br />
We did see a few drunks but they were happy and having fun with buddies.<br />
On this far side from the church we could see big awnings so we walked toward that and saw the most interesting markets. The kiosks sold housewares, cookware, clothing, leatherwork, jewelry, underwear, food, etc. really amazing.<br />
Back to the stage, another group of dancers to watch. We did meet Melinda, the pastor's daughter, and her husband. Nice young couple. he is Mexican and teaches surfing on a local world-famous beach.<br />
Finally! Shortly after 11 p.m., the great fireworks display began. Several structures had been built and loaded with various types of fireworks. The main structure was about 30 metres high and loaded with a variety of designs. Near the top were the words Sr. Isidro Labrador (their venerated saint) and above that was a likeness of him. Above that was a horizontal ring with the words Chila 2013 around it. And beyond that was the finalize setup of fireworks.<br />
All these went off in amazing order, all of us shockingly close. In fact toward the end bits and pieces were falling on us from high above. During this whole display we had a musical band right near us and their music accompanied every part of the fireworks. It tickled us, horns, clarinets, and a tuba just racing through their creative music. Very well done!<br />
Just when we thought everything was finished we turned toward the church wall and there was a rain of waterfall fireworks. Then, after that, a big finale on the church roof.<br />
Nobody went home from that event disappointed!!<br />
So now, at midnight, to find a taxi home to P.E. we looked for a taxi at the corner where we had been dropped off but it was far too busy with local traffic.<br />
We decided to walk along with the throngs back through the kiosks. It was as long as a city block, and then, all of a sudden, we were in a carnival area! The rides were definitely geared for children. It was pleasant to still feel their gentle family attitude.<br />
We kept walking, found a street with other people walking and finally saw a P.E. taxi, he was free to pick us up and again, had a quiet trip back to town.<br />
We quietly unlocked our gate, kept the flashlight on and quickly went to bed. Some of our crew didn't even hear us come in. They had probably been in bed for more than 2 hours! <br />
As we went to sleep Jim said, "I like those people". I knew who he was talking about and agreed that our time in the midsts of thousands of Chila locals had been a lovely, memorable experience.<br />
I will upload a video or two if I can....<br />
Fairgrounds<br />
<br />
Finding a taxi home <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--G-Em7aciKM/UR7Ca3wDzQI/AAAAAAAABtQ/X6eJJJuJjBE/s640/blogger-image-1783953330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--G-Em7aciKM/UR7Ca3wDzQI/AAAAAAAABtQ/X6eJJJuJjBE/s640/blogger-image-1783953330.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fTuBr1rdv4w/UR7CgGptgMI/AAAAAAAABtg/tJq27YXO0O4/s640/blogger-image--479803686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fTuBr1rdv4w/UR7CgGptgMI/AAAAAAAABtg/tJq27YXO0O4/s640/blogger-image--479803686.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vOYxqX5Z-Aw/UR7CVCOt7II/AAAAAAAABtA/RRDaAfAMgas/s640/blogger-image--471651332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vOYxqX5Z-Aw/UR7CVCOt7II/AAAAAAAABtA/RRDaAfAMgas/s640/blogger-image--471651332.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hVlJsK5E7ik/UR7Ci7RUuhI/AAAAAAAABto/8YmUbGy6R-U/s640/blogger-image--782720263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hVlJsK5E7ik/UR7Ci7RUuhI/AAAAAAAABto/8YmUbGy6R-U/s640/blogger-image--782720263.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yzntdAuAi3U/UR7CYBg7dFI/AAAAAAAABtI/eL0y2ntgPIo/s640/blogger-image--1878613460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yzntdAuAi3U/UR7CYBg7dFI/AAAAAAAABtI/eL0y2ntgPIo/s640/blogger-image--1878613460.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-F2lZZFMCt3U/UR7Cdux1CSI/AAAAAAAABtY/asBWsTo9mes/s640/blogger-image--330306291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-F2lZZFMCt3U/UR7Cdux1CSI/AAAAAAAABtY/asBWsTo9mes/s640/blogger-image--330306291.jpg" /></a></div>mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-45212863053245004282013-02-06T19:00:00.001-08:002013-02-06T19:00:54.715-08:00A simple Monday in P.E.Each couple, in their own apartment makes a plan for their activity of the day.<br />
Dave P is often up very early and off for a 5 k walk, he does this daily in Nanaimo too. He has seen more of P.E. than I ever expect to.<br />
Ken and Deb, Marg and I, walk the long uphill roadway to our destination of the Blue Gym. The gals will do an hour of fitness and Ken will spend his hour on torture machines!<br />
Jim has picked up his new little fishing rod and is off to the rocky outcropping below our place where he will try his luck fishing.<br />
Dave L, also known as Lou, will spend an hour or two at his computer as he works on his investing program.<br />
The workout is thorough, leaving no muscle unused but well stretched by the finish. She has great music to move to. We probably have a dozen ladies in the class...once in a while a guy or two will try it.<br />
After our fitness we walk across the street and have a cold coffee with friends. Rick and Sandy are full of information as they have been here a lot of winters. We sit at a little plastic table on the sidewalk and only when we decide to leave do we go in and pay our bill.<br />
Marg and I are of to the Super Che to restock our fridge. It means that we can get a taxi for the ride home as the sun is now high in the sky and we cannot carry all the groceries. The fruits and vegies are fresh and very tasty, and the prices are much better than home.p<br />
By the time we get home it is a debate whether to put groceries away first or jump into the bathing suit and get into the refreshing pool.<br />
Common sense always wins!<br />
Trud arrives home today! So exciting to have our little ball of fun and excitement back. She had a fabulous time in Cancun with all her family at a nephew's wedding.<br />
To celebrate her 'homecoming', we all walk to Hotel Barlovento again, and have a very nice dinner and lots of fun visiting.<br />
One more swim in the pool before bedtime nicely completes our day.<br />
Jim did have a nibble but brought home no fish. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qJSPVGss30Q/URMY5ADThTI/AAAAAAAABps/IaZIgg5ddlQ/s640/blogger-image--1038909361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qJSPVGss30Q/URMY5ADThTI/AAAAAAAABps/IaZIgg5ddlQ/s640/blogger-image--1038909361.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Btthlc7wBo/URMYy43QuwI/AAAAAAAABpY/iOxe1ETapDo/s640/blogger-image--1984531842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Btthlc7wBo/URMYy43QuwI/AAAAAAAABpY/iOxe1ETapDo/s640/blogger-image--1984531842.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oq05zFfU3V4/URMY14NIsgI/AAAAAAAABpg/7K0iqvpu_Uc/s640/blogger-image--1738063592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oq05zFfU3V4/URMY14NIsgI/AAAAAAAABpg/7K0iqvpu_Uc/s640/blogger-image--1738063592.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ehv61x4Ozx4/URMYwISZSCI/AAAAAAAABpQ/eQyDI-CQ6is/s640/blogger-image-1780846970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ehv61x4Ozx4/URMYwISZSCI/AAAAAAAABpQ/eQyDI-CQ6is/s640/blogger-image-1780846970.jpg" /></a></div>mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-78230876504838790802013-02-04T12:35:00.001-08:002013-02-04T12:46:21.284-08:00Playa Manzanillo dayOn 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).<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
We take turns with someone staying with all the gear...to precious to lose anymore. <br />
By lunch time we order some good seafood. Shrimp cocktail, baked whole fish, guacamole, etc. <br />
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.<br />
It was fun to see it again through a newcomer's eyes. Marg and Lou both commented of how this was so like paradise!<br />
the playa is very active. There are boats available to go watch dolphins etc but we wee happy to just stay on land.<br />
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.<br />
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!<br />
So many Mexican families use the beach too and it is so nice to watch their gentle interaction with each other and the kids.<br />
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. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XUNsu1-iU7Q/URAeD-RT_7I/AAAAAAAABo4/omK1iETjHqs/s640/blogger-image--1005296442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XUNsu1-iU7Q/URAeD-RT_7I/AAAAAAAABo4/omK1iETjHqs/s640/blogger-image--1005296442.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MCz9VRFcLfQ/URAd_iy9LzI/AAAAAAAABow/QpnPDPUADYk/s640/blogger-image--945146123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MCz9VRFcLfQ/URAd_iy9LzI/AAAAAAAABow/QpnPDPUADYk/s640/blogger-image--945146123.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zhVrYufZYZo/URAeG8UdQpI/AAAAAAAABpA/M744y4oO-_8/s640/blogger-image--943927732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zhVrYufZYZo/URAeG8UdQpI/AAAAAAAABpA/M744y4oO-_8/s640/blogger-image--943927732.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-corvSk6y5x8/URAcHt4PCqI/AAAAAAAABoo/kKJL7F28a30/s640/blogger-image--1085156259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-corvSk6y5x8/URAcHt4PCqI/AAAAAAAABoo/kKJL7F28a30/s640/blogger-image--1085156259.jpg" /></a></div>mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-45764417366387420512013-02-03T14:29:00.001-08:002013-02-03T14:49:07.656-08:00Week 4....I'll check the calendar, it's the only way to be sure!Monday was a busy day of going and comings. Trud was off to Cancun for a family wedding. Marg and Dave arrived from Nanaimo. They had had a 24 hour trip, many hours in airports of course. We walked with them to Hotel Barlevento for their first meal here. It has a nice cafe with good food and service. Bed was a welcomed sight for them that night.<br />
As with us, the first order of the day is to get some groceries in the kitchen. It is a big and interesting walk up and down and up the rough roadway to Super Che, the large grocery and house supply store.<br />
Wed. Morning Marg and I decided to join Deb and Ken and go to the fitness center. The 'blue gym' is the same walk uptown and then down a few blocks. I was greeted by Sandy Clark, a friend from last time we were here. <br />
The gym is upstairs, by the time I'd walked the hills and streets, then the stairs I really didn't think I needed anymore workout!!<br />
The lady who leads the fitness class is local and does all the instructions in Spanish, even tho she knows some english. It is good practise for us. Our instructor, Chara is small, flexible, seems like she has done ballet, and is very thorough about making every muscle stretch. I am so out of shape I could not do a sit-up at all! Maybe in a month I will be able too.<br />
After class we walk across the street to Benjamin's Bakery and order a coffee...so far no treats!<br />
We generally drop by Super Che on our way home as our men like almond milk and it is sometimes available there.<br />
Thursday was beach day and we luxuriated in the experience...more about that later. <br />
Friday morning we were off to fitness again, a nice variety of exercises and equipment. Great background music too.<br />
A good week although we do miss Trudy. She is such a positive and loveable lady! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8cv13PNzeXM/UQ7pYS6bmNI/AAAAAAAABoY/S5DWMlzDfdo/s640/blogger-image--2068230036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8cv13PNzeXM/UQ7pYS6bmNI/AAAAAAAABoY/S5DWMlzDfdo/s640/blogger-image--2068230036.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AoKWgt-C8oc/UQ7pVmQhB9I/AAAAAAAABoQ/ebPZVJTm7VU/s640/blogger-image-1182478102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AoKWgt-C8oc/UQ7pVmQhB9I/AAAAAAAABoQ/ebPZVJTm7VU/s640/blogger-image-1182478102.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eRUmffCqHzk/UQ7pSa7x3oI/AAAAAAAABoI/M57JZgI9Bmc/s640/blogger-image--50008733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eRUmffCqHzk/UQ7pSa7x3oI/AAAAAAAABoI/M57JZgI9Bmc/s640/blogger-image--50008733.jpg" /></a></div>mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-40198534451209374142013-01-27T19:51:00.001-08:002013-01-27T19:51:22.737-08:00Week 3The weeks are slipping away on us as we slow our pace and adjust to the heat.<br />
It was fun to have dinner with people we had never met before. We have had a couple of quick visits with some since then.<br />
On Monday morning we gathered our pesos and walked a couple of block to Nancy's place. She the the 'rental agent'. Parsons and us made a downpayment on next year's rental here as we are definitely enjoying all our 'home' has to offer. <br />
Nancy has a gorgeous place. Her whole house is white inside, including smooth cement floors painted white. There are some large pieces of furniture here and there, all in nice dark wood. Some grand paintings are hung on the wall, spectacular wrought iron chandelier hang from a high ceiling. The roof is actually palm thatch and there is a good space between that and the walls so air can always flow freely through the house.<br />
Nancy herself is a 'grand dame'. Her real home is in Florida and I'm sure she led a charmed life of parties and glamorous people, at least that's how it seems. Now she is a fading rose but is still trying to live her elegant life and carry on.<br />
Later that afternoon all 6 of us walked the Adoquin. It was very muggy so we soon returned to our casa and quickly got in our pool. We have been so thrilled with the pool, it is only a couple degrees below our body temperature, just enough to be refreshing but welcoming. <br />
<br />
Our friends from Calgary, Rick and Sandy, came here to have lunch with us. We just had salad and some fabulous snapper that we'd bought at the market. I dipped the fish in egg and then Panko crumbs and we were all wowed with the yummy results. We got lots of information from them about their cruise in the Medd so we have a better idea of what to do there.<br />
<br />
On Wed. the property manager came by because we had called re a cockroach problem in unit 3. By Friday he had a guy come by who thoroughly sprayed every nook and cranny, etc., and we think that will be the end of that problem. Yay.<br />
Wed. evening was our lovely trip with church people to do outreach at their local hospital. It was truly enjoyable.<br />
On our way home that evening, we decided we should stop for some supper. We noticed a busy La Parrilla cafe so stopped in their and had a great meal. Jim and I paid a total of $10. for our meal and drink. It was very tasty too.<br />
<br />
Thurs. was a day of lots of walking around town. We went to the travel agent early in the a.m. because we wanted to get airline tickets for a flight to Oaxaca in Feb. The travel agent had told us previously that there might be a discount on this week - and there was. $30. off each way.<br />
We walked across the street to a super little coffee shop, ordered coffees and paid almost $10 for them. Somehow that doesn't compare with paying only that for a whole meal the night before!<br />
We found a bbq uptown and with the input of $6. each we brought it home. Also found a place that had frozen beef so picked up some steaks for bbq. They were soooo good.<br />
<br />
Friday, Jim, Ken, Deb and Trud went fishing. They were on the panga by 7 a.m. It was the same fisher that Jim used last time and they liked him. Ken caught a sailfish, Jim caught a sailfish but it was smaller and they didn't want to keep two so he let it go. We were hoping for a dorado but no luck this time.<br />
They did see dolphins and lots of large turtles. The boat owner even picked a large turtle out of the water and set it in the boat for a couple of minutes. Great morning on the water.<br />
<br />
We have been eating the fillets of sailfish, it's quite good.<br />
<br />
On Saturday morning Parsons and us walked to Carizalillo Beach. It seems far when the sun is hot. There is a steep and long rock/cement stairway down to the beach. Really quite amazing. The beauty of the water and beach is so inviting. We excitedly made our way to the far end and found chaises to use ($5. each but for the whole day). It was a wonderful time and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole afternoon there.<br />
<br />
I will attach photos to this in a couple of days. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C6Uqt0DgodY/UQX1uc8RCXI/AAAAAAAABn4/YoEVywsY-wM/s640/blogger-image--546559179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C6Uqt0DgodY/UQX1uc8RCXI/AAAAAAAABn4/YoEVywsY-wM/s640/blogger-image--546559179.jpg" /></a></div>mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-36292142988716193062013-01-24T07:34:00.001-08:002013-01-24T07:44:04.966-08:00A Special EveningAt 5 pm on Wednesday evenings the church that we attend has a lovely event. People gather upstairs, make buns and coffee, then take it to the hospital and give to anyone who wants it.<br />
<br />
So, Trud, Dave, Deb, Jim and I went along to help. Jim had been at the church all afternoon working on the wiring (it needs a lot of work!) We were met by Marguerita who welcomed us graciously and was happy for our assistance. Her daughter, Valle, showed up with her daughter and the supplies. We quickly halved the very lovely buns, spread them with mayo, ham and a hot pickle. each sandwich (torte) was wrapped in a napkin and placed in a large plastic container. <br />
Marguerita was in the adjacent kitchen boiling up 2 huge pots - make that cauldrons - of coffee.<br />
When the coffee had boiled she strained it off into a clean garbage container. All these items were then carried out to John's pickup.<br />
Four of us gringos got in the truck, Dave and a group of 8 young adults and two of their kids hopped into the back of same pickup and off we went to the hospital. <br />
The hospital is only a year old and it is a fine looking modern building. <br />
John gathered us for prayer and then we were dispersed with a church member or two and went to invite them to come to the truck for coffee and something to eat. They only talked with those who are hanging around the emergency department but there may have been 20 or so waiting there.<br />
After that I accompanied Two lovely young women, Veronica and Diana, and they went back to the emergency area and stopped to talk with an older lady and her daughter. They could so simply ask them why they were waiting, all of them seemed so open with each other and they shared their concerns. Veronica then asked if she could pray for them and the situation and then lovingly talked with 'Senor' and asked for care and help. It was a gentle and sweet feeling I stood in amazement at their love and courage.<br />
Many people who use this hospital sit for hours with no means of getting food or even having money to buy it if they could. Some familys wait for days if a mother is having a difficult birth, etc.<br />
<br />
Two additions lovely events happened too. While we were visiting near the emerg we noticed another man and his wife who were walking around with a platter of cake. It turns out that they go to a different church, also own a bakery, and just come to share from their hearts too.<br />
<br />
While we were loading back up to leave, an official and his guard came to the truck and knocked on John's window. A long conversation occurred. Later John explained that he was talking to the hospital director who had seen John and his people do this kindness for many months and he just wanted to thank him personally and let him know that it had not gone unappreciated! Gracias, all round and then we drove back to the church.<br />
I will download some photos next week when Lewis' bring my right cord! Yay.<br />
This night will remain a special and gentle memory in our stay here.mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-16756134001490181562013-01-19T20:33:00.001-08:002013-01-19T20:33:08.011-08:00Week 1First order of the day, after a good sleep, is to go the the Super Che and buy groceries. If you get there too late in the morning they will probably be out of items. No regular bananas for us there! The produce prices are very cheap so we keep lots of fresh fruits and veggies on hand.<br />
We took a taxi back to our place, they charge approx 2 dollars for any destination in The city.<br />
<br />
Once back in our great casa we are loathe to leave again so we suntan, slip into the pool, have a drink, relax in the chaises and generally just recover from our huge flight. It feels luxurious.<br />
<br />
Next day we decide we have to see a beach! The closest one is Manzanillo, just a few blocks from us. We stop at the first set of chaises with umbrellas, settle in. Quickly Dave and Trudy are down to the water edge and enjoying a dip in salt water. Refreshed, they go for a little explore, then back into the sea and then return to where two lazy Beats are just relaxing.<br />
We decided to have lunch right where we were and enjoyed a great meal (again, far too much food).<br />
<br />
I started to feel a little unwell and Jim didn't feel great either so we left Dave and Trud and walked back to our casa. By the time I got back I went straight to bed, my fever was rising and my bones started to ache. It lasted almost 24 hours and then I was well again. Very odd!<br />
<br />
By the following evening I was able to join the others for a walk down the Adoquin (basically a roadway with shops for tourists). The evening temperature is perfect so we have no need for any kind of extra clothing.<br />
<br />
We found a cafe...truth is, they found us, and enjoyed a donair! It was delicious although not very Mexican. The wrap was even pita bread, not a tortilla.<br />
<br />
It is a pleasure to often get up early in the a.m. To watch the sunrise. We sneak down to the lowest patio and there is the sun, morning after morning. We are finding out it comes up whether we are there or not! <br />
<br />
That Saturday we walked the long way to the mercado. So many local people selling a great variety of foods and supplies. We took time to locate the church for Sunday, it is a block further on. So we found a few items then walked the return trip. So very thankful to have the pool in our yard! It feels like the best of luxuries. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xawLPN5R0dc/UPtzgWhH35I/AAAAAAAABnI/9NMeVpZIT_E/s640/blogger-image--964694967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xawLPN5R0dc/UPtzgWhH35I/AAAAAAAABnI/9NMeVpZIT_E/s640/blogger-image--964694967.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-u2Fvu7grwTs/UPtza1UeREI/AAAAAAAABm4/bWBitm0JHH4/s640/blogger-image--371282844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-u2Fvu7grwTs/UPtza1UeREI/AAAAAAAABm4/bWBitm0JHH4/s640/blogger-image--371282844.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GWwyJLVpnfk/UPtzdgfCV8I/AAAAAAAABnA/JEO_5wfhZlg/s640/blogger-image-2065567140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GWwyJLVpnfk/UPtzdgfCV8I/AAAAAAAABnA/JEO_5wfhZlg/s640/blogger-image-2065567140.jpg" /></a></div>mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-6324603374549659072013-01-18T19:48:00.000-08:002013-01-18T19:48:24.218-08:00Puerto Escondido 2013Finally, I have found my blog, and some quiet time, and will try to catch up with the things I want to share.
We got up Sunday at 7 a.m. Tash drove us and our friends, Dave and Trudy Parsons, to the ferry. Jim and I had some breakfast aboard.
We were fortunate at
Tsawassen to catch a city bus which took us into Richmond. A very short ride on the ALR and we were at the airport by noon. Our flight didn't leave until after 6 p.m. So we had plenty of time to relax.
Alaska Air got us to Las Angeles shortly after midnight, we waited more hours, changed planes, and then were on our way to Mexico City. I think we arrived about 7 a.m. We had to change airlines there, waited until 3 in the afternoon and one hour later we were in P.E. it was a long tedious wait in both airports.I do not sleep in public so by now I'm getting pretty ragged.
We did have a fun time at breakfast in the Mex city airport. It took a while to find a good restaurant but as soon as we were seated they rushed us with corn bread (which has a caramel sauce poured over it, and a little pot of highly rummed eggnog sauce alongside). We decided to take 2 but somehow were served 3. Then they brought a nice orange juice drink so we took a couple. The guys ordered a 'real breakfast' and Trud and I opted for something lighter. We had a good chuckle about the great service, pots of coffee and general mayhem. It was all good.
We were met at P.E. by a church pastor and his wife. They are actually related to us through my second cousin (marvin mills). It was great to throw our luggage in the back and let them escort us to our new home.
We were so happy that our internet agreement of a place to rent turned out to be a wonderful find. It has 4 levels, 3 private living quarters, a swimming pool, laundry facility, lots of patios, purified water throughout, and is just fine in all aspects.
We looked at each other, paid the rentalsman and organized our living quarters. Of course we had no food so we went to the hotel right below us - jim and I know it well, and had a very nice supper. So relaxed, warm, and happy with our place. We walked back home, entered through a walled garage and locked gate and soon prepared for bed. We had been awake for 38 hours or more. It was a great sleep that night!
mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-85667226577169887342011-11-15T08:53:00.000-08:002011-11-15T09:29:24.220-08:00Xel-Ha<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xidlUrgvkJw/TsKc4KpgNWI/AAAAAAAABlI/Bw5KW9vsUGc/s1600/xel%2Bha%2B018.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xidlUrgvkJw/TsKc4KpgNWI/AAAAAAAABlI/Bw5KW9vsUGc/s200/xel%2Bha%2B018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675270969185285474" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BU8gejROqJc/TsKc37G3ZTI/AAAAAAAABlA/d5rHCpIjS5I/s1600/xel%2Bha%2B013.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BU8gejROqJc/TsKc37G3ZTI/AAAAAAAABlA/d5rHCpIjS5I/s200/xel%2Bha%2B013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675270965013472562" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nknC2NA1Q64/TsKc3gP1X6I/AAAAAAAABk0/i6LNlYEiprg/s1600/xel%2Bha%2B014.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nknC2NA1Q64/TsKc3gP1X6I/AAAAAAAABk0/i6LNlYEiprg/s200/xel%2Bha%2B014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675270957803331490" /></a><br /><br />Xel-Ha (pronounced 'Shell-Hah'!... with emphasis on the Hah!)<br /><br />We, and Bennetts, opted for a day trip to Xel-Ha. It included very comfortable bus travel, use of all the water equipment, and all-inclusive for eating and drinking. $34/person. Excellent deal!<br /><br />The trip southward seemed long, we had left the hotel at 7:30 a.m. Early for us! We arrived and were instructed where to go, what other options were available (like swimming with the dolphins... which we happen to think is an unkind and demeaning treatment of such a lovely animal). Sad enough that they are kept in captivity for our watching enjoyment. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lckSuvmYixs/TsKbtWYDsvI/AAAAAAAABko/sfFgfFwWLmM/s1600/xel%2Bha%2B012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lckSuvmYixs/TsKbtWYDsvI/AAAAAAAABko/sfFgfFwWLmM/s200/xel%2Bha%2B012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675269683843150578" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFhqwNSZzQ8/TsKbIayN1yI/AAAAAAAABkc/qxNTO0dCvYQ/s1600/xel%2Bha%2B011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFhqwNSZzQ8/TsKbIayN1yI/AAAAAAAABkc/qxNTO0dCvYQ/s200/xel%2Bha%2B011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675269049371449122" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cwKcTU-aSmY/TsKbH1lMjcI/AAAAAAAABkQ/tZS6Z11kKu4/s1600/xel%2Bha%2B008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cwKcTU-aSmY/TsKbH1lMjcI/AAAAAAAABkQ/tZS6Z11kKu4/s200/xel%2Bha%2B008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675269039384726978" /></a><br /><br /><br />We hurried to a lovely buffet restaurant and got our morning coffee – and a great supply of delicious foods to go with it!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6CjHUkq2rLU/TsKdeLEnViI/AAAAAAAABlY/wylEg2nqcZI/s1600/xel%2Bha%2B015.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6CjHUkq2rLU/TsKdeLEnViI/AAAAAAAABlY/wylEg2nqcZI/s200/xel%2Bha%2B015.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675271622134027810" /></a><br /><br /><br />Once sated Jim and I chose to float down a mangrove enclosed fresh water 'river'. It was a lovely walk through tropical vegetation to a trolley cart which took us the remainding distance to where the water-ride started. We selected individual clear plastic 'tire' tubes, and were helped onto them and so started our gentle journey. The waters flowed gently and we pushed ourselves off mangrove branches and rocky outcroppings and relaxed our way down the river. We seemed quite alone during this end of the trip.<br /><br />Shortly we were in to waters that were much wider across, but still just a gentle flow to keep us going in the right direction. We floated past many young people having great fun on zip lines. They could only zip so far and then they had to plunge into the waters too. It looked like great fun as they had the lagoon under them at all times. <br /><br />About an hour later we disembarked and wandered along the trails again. We saw a pier where we could walk out and look at fish. Two huge manatees were lolling in the waters beneath. Quite amazing to see.<br /><br />Back at the locker rooms we got our snorkel sets and then walked to the east side of the park. From there we got into the more salty waters and snorkeled for at least an hour, watching a great array of large to tiny fishes in every colour you can imagine. Shortly after we started snorkeling we saw 2 manta rays float by us on our right side. Exciting!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPMiRjIWtrA/TsKeZhy-QdI/AAAAAAAABlk/V-JwLUcBiFo/s1600/xel%2Bha%2B024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPMiRjIWtrA/TsKeZhy-QdI/AAAAAAAABlk/V-JwLUcBiFo/s200/xel%2Bha%2B024.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675272641846329810" /></a><br /><br /><br />It is mandatory to wear a life jacket in this area so it was quite comfortable just to float around, easily adjusting direction and speed. The experience made our day. I was especially happy because Jim (who is not the water baby I am) spent and enjoyed the whole time as much as I did.<br /><br />Time flew by and it was now mid-afternoon so we met us with Shirley and Gerald and went for more food and drinks. Such an amazing array of foods, lots of Mexican food which I love but also lots of great meat and potatoes – and even lasagna! Always room for deserts which were so yummy too.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A4I5kQB1HUA/TsKfBXSFnXI/AAAAAAAABl4/-4HpKyocsOQ/s1600/xel%2Bha%2B026.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A4I5kQB1HUA/TsKfBXSFnXI/AAAAAAAABl4/-4HpKyocsOQ/s200/xel%2Bha%2B026.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675273326218812786" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiDRpb43kMA/TsKfBHBwJkI/AAAAAAAABlw/7vw9kW8ZXCA/s1600/xel%2Bha%2B025.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiDRpb43kMA/TsKfBHBwJkI/AAAAAAAABlw/7vw9kW8ZXCA/s200/xel%2Bha%2B025.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675273321855329858" /></a><br /><br /><br />Now we took a few minutes to relax on the hammocks. There were dozens of them but many were being used. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWTOtDmEuaw/TsKgJ8-TP_I/AAAAAAAABmg/RURT0_IkiuI/s1600/xel%2Bha%2B035.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWTOtDmEuaw/TsKgJ8-TP_I/AAAAAAAABmg/RURT0_IkiuI/s200/xel%2Bha%2B035.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675274573286948850" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0n84ws1LLjk/TsKgJApKXoI/AAAAAAAABmU/8e-4Vt97w74/s1600/xel%2Bha%2B033.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0n84ws1LLjk/TsKgJApKXoI/AAAAAAAABmU/8e-4Vt97w74/s200/xel%2Bha%2B033.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675274557092159106" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--IZ25Wb2vkQ/TsKgI1IKV9I/AAAAAAAABmI/8WgatD9-uOk/s1600/xel%2Bha%2B032.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--IZ25Wb2vkQ/TsKgI1IKV9I/AAAAAAAABmI/8WgatD9-uOk/s200/xel%2Bha%2B032.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675274554000955346" /></a><br /><br /><br />We were back on the bus by 5:15 and enjoyed the trip home as we watched the lights of cities and grand hotels along the way.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1_4XZoidRg/TsKgsASCT8I/AAAAAAAABms/8cYDll4EIkg/s1600/xel%2Bha%2B036.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1_4XZoidRg/TsKgsASCT8I/AAAAAAAABms/8cYDll4EIkg/s200/xel%2Bha%2B036.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675275158290583490" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />That is one tour that we will be happy to do again. Many more activities to do next time - especially with this sweet man I travel with!mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-49544030055798112672011-11-11T15:33:00.000-08:002011-11-11T15:38:30.402-08:00Mexican FiestaMexican Fiesta<br /><br />Oh Thursday evening we were bussed to the Hacienda Andalucia. It was excited to see the place. Everything about the 2 story building looked very Spanish. Terraces with arched coves, courtyard in the center, performers dressed in their grand Spanish/Mexican traditional costumes, ground floor stall for the horses were all part of this hacienda. <br /><br />As soon as we entered the main floor and reception area we were offered something to drink. The margueritas were lime, strawberry – or tamarind. I'd never heard of that before. It looked somewhat brown but I noticed several 'locals' preferred it.<br />I think there may have been around 300 guests there. A large group were visitors from Argentina.<br /> <br />Around 7 pm we were escorted to our designated seating on the second floor. Shortly after everyone settled in, the stage entertainment began. The MC was high energy and entertaining. We saw a number of dances with 3 ladies and 3 men in representative costumes of various areas in Mexico. All very elegant and beautiful. Astounding feet work too. A mariachi band played several melodies and a pretty girl sang.<br /><br />Shortly after this we were called to the buffet tables and in orderly fashion filled our plates with the wonderful foods offered in Mexico, tamales, tostadas, salads, pulled pork, Veracruzan fish, roast beef with some subtle flavoured gravy, rice, beans, vegs, so many other choices, plus a great display of various desserts – including our favourite, flan. We ate and drank our fill.<br /><br />As quickly as we could finish the meal we were invited back to the main floor and directed to the north end where we sat on bleachers (with back support) around a riding ring, and then the main event began.<br /><br />The horse show was wonderful. First, about 8 girls, all beautifully dressed in blue and white frilly dresses, galloped into the ring riding side-saddle on their lovely horses. The horses did a bit of intricate weaving around each other, all the while with the ladies sitting regally and still moving at a good pace. One young lady sat upon her dancing horse and sang a beautiful song. Later another young woman came riding out on the most beautiful silvery white horse we had ever seen. The tail and main were creamy but the horse just glistened in the light. Her horse danced too, and she sang, and the whole presentation was stunning.<br /><br />Two men, one dressed in Spanish traditional garb and one in Mexican traditional garb rode together in the ring. They were both grand in their own style and their horses were beautifully trained. The horses fell into dressage moves with ease and were very impressive.<br /><br />There was also some great humour thrown into the mix to keep everyone laughing. <br /><br />The waiters continued to pass out drinks to those who wanted to partake too.<br /><br />The final evening performance was from the Spanish rider and 'Jose' with his donkey. It was a hilarious competition and most of the crowd was persuaded that Jose was really the hero of the night – after all, his donkey would kneel down and roll over.mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-68717609958826377692011-09-26T11:17:00.000-07:002011-10-01T11:02:08.882-07:00Westcoast Sail - Week 4Aug. 28 - Sunday<br /><br />Away from the FREE dock by 9:30 am.<br /><br /> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFk-Qch3yLA/ToEGGGjkeSI/AAAAAAAABeE/Ajj49nkHeu0/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B186.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFk-Qch3yLA/ToEGGGjkeSI/AAAAAAAABeE/Ajj49nkHeu0/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B186.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656809308862839074" /></a><br />Tides and currents will decide our destination but, after due diligence (ha ha), it is homeward bound.<br /><br />We travelled down Old Passage and Indian Passage and up into Joe Cove on the south side of Eden Island, a perfect spot to anchor. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hjzRnvZbvs/ToEGGjoaEYI/AAAAAAAABeM/tcUy9zmINHA/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B202%2BJoes%2BCove.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hjzRnvZbvs/ToEGGjoaEYI/AAAAAAAABeM/tcUy9zmINHA/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B202%2BJoes%2BCove.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656809316667756930" /></a><br /><br /><br />Norm tied to a raft in a tiny nearby cove. We all dinghied over at 5 pm for Happy Hour on the slightly worse for wear raft.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mneuTkYQJ3U/ToEGHIMI7wI/AAAAAAAABeU/IowNquO_XXY/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B203%2BHi%2BPopeye.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mneuTkYQJ3U/ToEGHIMI7wI/AAAAAAAABeU/IowNquO_XXY/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B203%2BHi%2BPopeye.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656809326481305346" /></a><br />Arctic tug, "Popeye" with Ron and Sue arrived too and tied to the other side of the raft. Had a great visit with all. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOxkuUedo3U/ToEGHTmv1aI/AAAAAAAABec/K6paXVvpBe8/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B209%2BHappy%2BHour.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOxkuUedo3U/ToEGHTmv1aI/AAAAAAAABec/K6paXVvpBe8/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B209%2BHappy%2BHour.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656809329545696674" /></a><br /><br />Holes in the raft were like an aquarium - beautiful anemonies, tiny fish and jelly fish were on display. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nq-ehXrg85s/ToEI00W4VcI/AAAAAAAABek/HYYODxrExZk/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B205%2Bjelly%2Bfish.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nq-ehXrg85s/ToEI00W4VcI/AAAAAAAABek/HYYODxrExZk/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B205%2Bjelly%2Bfish.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656812310454883778" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4ZaURQ_KLU/ToEI1Avs7ZI/AAAAAAAABes/u7--Ua0kj8o/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B215%2Banemone.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4ZaURQ_KLU/ToEI1Avs7ZI/AAAAAAAABes/u7--Ua0kj8o/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B215%2Banemone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656812313780219282" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hc44s9hXqzQ/ToEI1-jPe4I/AAAAAAAABfE/2rxrIRct8pE/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B221.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hc44s9hXqzQ/ToEI1-jPe4I/AAAAAAAABfE/2rxrIRct8pE/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B221.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656812330370956162" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7WPnB9AY3eY/ToEI1-27gUI/AAAAAAAABe8/QXgtugG1hXE/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B218.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7WPnB9AY3eY/ToEI1-27gUI/AAAAAAAABe8/QXgtugG1hXE/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B218.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656812330453532994" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0Rhfga-vtI/ToEI1oknfhI/AAAAAAAABe0/h9k-2bzUcME/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B213%2Bblue%2Bherons.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0Rhfga-vtI/ToEI1oknfhI/AAAAAAAABe0/h9k-2bzUcME/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B213%2Bblue%2Bherons.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656812324471143954" /></a><br /><br />Water temp 13C.<br /><br />Aug 29 - Monday<br /><br />Left Joe Cove around 9 am. Low tide and no fog. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcGi5oB755w/ToEKRvCnWYI/AAAAAAAABfM/F9-ssHWlRe8/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B222%2BOut%2Bof%2BJoe%2BCove.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcGi5oB755w/ToEKRvCnWYI/AAAAAAAABfM/F9-ssHWlRe8/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B222%2BOut%2Bof%2BJoe%2BCove.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656813906755541378" /></a><br /><br /> A gorgeous exit and crossing through small rocky islands. Such a beautiful morning light. Dolphins, seals and birds enhanced the views. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6yea0_J880/ToENVeew98I/AAAAAAAABf0/ahB7izceK28/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B021.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6yea0_J880/ToENVeew98I/AAAAAAAABf0/ahB7izceK28/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B021.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656817269564569538" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_3xftftqqE/ToENVFANa1I/AAAAAAAABfs/AP8mTslvw9g/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B016.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_3xftftqqE/ToENVFANa1I/AAAAAAAABfs/AP8mTslvw9g/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656817262725524306" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCohSc2hJyo/ToENVGehCPI/AAAAAAAABfk/Cuqgu-FJG8c/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B012.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCohSc2hJyo/ToENVGehCPI/AAAAAAAABfk/Cuqgu-FJG8c/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656817263121074418" /></a><br /><br />We wended our way southward with a clear view to the Queen Charlotte Strait. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nnsOp_FT8A/ToENU4jqOtI/AAAAAAAABfc/AsaeX5uVhEw/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B007.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nnsOp_FT8A/ToENU4jqOtI/AAAAAAAABfc/AsaeX5uVhEw/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656817259384552146" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpdaCERHpGA/ToENUqH9wbI/AAAAAAAABfU/OPwyFIE0fLk/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B005.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpdaCERHpGA/ToENUqH9wbI/AAAAAAAABfU/OPwyFIE0fLk/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656817255510294962" /></a><br /><br />It was so calm everywhere. We had hoped to stop at an Indian Reservation with a longhouse and historical masks but 'they weren't on display now'. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3EORUA4J8Vo/ToEOVBDARAI/AAAAAAAABgM/ezU6jDNUfds/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B030.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3EORUA4J8Vo/ToEOVBDARAI/AAAAAAAABgM/ezU6jDNUfds/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656818361175131138" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTnyZR9SPtI/ToEOU7QQMPI/AAAAAAAABgE/Q1Dp2VcOXlg/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B028.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTnyZR9SPtI/ToEOU7QQMPI/AAAAAAAABgE/Q1Dp2VcOXlg/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B028.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656818359620088050" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7D6aiwGafSA/ToEOUtdWvNI/AAAAAAAABf8/bdOgViLjrnM/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B023.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7D6aiwGafSA/ToEOUtdWvNI/AAAAAAAABf8/bdOgViLjrnM/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B023.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656818355916946642" /></a><br /><br />We cross Knight Inlet, twisting around by more islets. Checked out Heath Lagoon above Gilford Island but carried on south, heading for Mound Island for the night. Water temp 9C. We arrived early so carried on down the same inside passage, across Clio Channel (where we dropped prawn traps in current and breeze - and too many boats for my comfort as I was at the helm. Finally deeked down to Potts Lagoon for the night. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cbi5_ybLHac/ToEPA7S769I/AAAAAAAABgU/rWpX19k-FeA/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B033.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cbi5_ybLHac/ToEPA7S769I/AAAAAAAABgU/rWpX19k-FeA/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B033.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656819115545586642" /></a><br /><br />The wind picked up a bit but settled by sundown.<br /><br />D,M,S and G dinghied to the adjacent cove where 3 other boats were anchored and several floating houses nearby. The gang was treated to a show of a large black bear on the beach. He searched under rocks for his snacks - I guess berries are for dessert.<br /><br />We joined them later on Tenacity for a game of Yatzee.<br /><br />Aug 30 - Tuesday<br /><br />We left our safe harbour at 8 a.m. on a very low tide - only 3 feet of extra water under us! Out in the main passage we stopped to pull in the prawn traps. 79 spotted prawns and 49 tiger shrimp. <br /><br />The channel was narrow and we had up to 4 knots of current against us. We made it through without trauma (or drama). <br /><br />Then to Johnstone Strait, and sadly, no whales were seen. The seas were heavy and the wind behind us was up to 29 knots. The jib sail was up to help stabilize us but it was heavy going. We travelled for 8.5 hours, so that was a full day of work. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzNL6dMfolY/ToEQjbtUyiI/AAAAAAAABgs/zkvQxmT3W6c/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B043.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzNL6dMfolY/ToEQjbtUyiI/AAAAAAAABgs/zkvQxmT3W6c/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B043.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656820807873382946" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qjdrSmlVu_g/ToEQjPopspI/AAAAAAAABgk/Et2_g3qe0h8/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B040.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qjdrSmlVu_g/ToEQjPopspI/AAAAAAAABgk/Et2_g3qe0h8/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B040.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656820804632556178" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yNWlrikkTPg/ToEQi3hVxKI/AAAAAAAABgc/pXjNvsLU2Ik/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B039.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yNWlrikkTPg/ToEQi3hVxKI/AAAAAAAABgc/pXjNvsLU2Ik/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B039.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656820798159439010" /></a><br /><br />N&M's little tug bobbed its way along, they were pleased with it. S&G did see what we think was an elephant seal.<br /><br />We entered Forward Channel and into Douglas Bay. Another safe cove and deep enough for the big highs and low of the tides just now. There are 10 boats in here! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjWvm7qc7h8/ToERXHQNP0I/AAAAAAAABg8/PET8MwWwEak/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B047.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjWvm7qc7h8/ToERXHQNP0I/AAAAAAAABg8/PET8MwWwEak/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B047.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656821695735742274" /></a><br /> <br />2 working tugs with a big log boom also parked across the bay for the night. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EG-ilZEajDY/ToESTLCruTI/AAAAAAAABhM/dkIJ4XGCkss/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B048.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EG-ilZEajDY/ToESTLCruTI/AAAAAAAABhM/dkIJ4XGCkss/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B048.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656822727544912178" /></a><br /><br />We watched Yogi Bear last night - yes, the movie!<br /><br />Aug 31 - Wed.<br /><br />After morning prep we all go ashore and hike across the arm of the island to see Sunderland Channel. It was low tide so did some walking on Bessborough Bay, beach-combing, as usual. Norm was walking in some seaweed along the shore and kicked up a Canadian $20. bill. New, a little wet, but very usable! He didn't believe our stories that we had just dropped it!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fsDedE98iEk/ToEka1m5bGI/AAAAAAAABj8/mbjlsFEQ6Q4/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B068.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fsDedE98iEk/ToEka1m5bGI/AAAAAAAABj8/mbjlsFEQ6Q4/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B068.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656842650439478370" /></a><br /><br />Lots of red jellyfish on that bay, lots of sunstars on our side (in various colours). A great hike although we had to crawl over a lot of big fallen trees - a couple of them were high enough for us to go under. <br /><br />Back at our 3 boats and we made a quick getaway. We have to get to Dent Rapids on the flood tide going south.<br /><br />There is a distinct increase in the number of boats we are seeing. I guess we're back in civilization. Fishing lodges, logging camps, and remote homes. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQD1ZLbLi78/ToEkaQX3SJI/AAAAAAAABj0/zImDoPOWl38/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B063.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQD1ZLbLi78/ToEkaQX3SJI/AAAAAAAABj0/zImDoPOWl38/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B063.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656842640444311698" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFnUunvMDUU/ToEkaOF0UZI/AAAAAAAABjs/KmfHGaIBgYE/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B057.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFnUunvMDUU/ToEkaOF0UZI/AAAAAAAABjs/KmfHGaIBgYE/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B057.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656842639831749010" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2Q2u_sll-U/ToEkZzhTi9I/AAAAAAAABjk/BwplhaXajDA/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B049.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2Q2u_sll-U/ToEkZzhTi9I/AAAAAAAABjk/BwplhaXajDA/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B049.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656842632699284434" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nC8nmBFwzho/ToEkZrWL8YI/AAAAAAAABjc/e2YjhnvJF5c/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B045.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nC8nmBFwzho/ToEkZrWL8YI/AAAAAAAABjc/e2YjhnvJF5c/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B045.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656842630505165186" /></a><br /><br /><br />The tide was very high in Codero Bay. It's hard to relate it to the large expanses of smooth rocks we had been able to walk on when we stopped here going north.<br /><br />J & I stayed on the boat. M&D do the dinghy trip with Annie. S explored a close island by himself.<br /><br />A quiet night, organizing photos and reading.<br /><br />Sept. 1 - Thursday<br /><br />Some rain this a.m. We leave at 11 a.m. in order to make good connections through channels and rapids.<br /> <br />M made bread this a.m.<br /><br />A super day of sea life, a golden coloured seal, sea lions in bull kelp and a doe and fawn along the water's edge as we make our way carefully down Van Donop channel to our evening anchorage on the north part of Cortes Islands.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Li3JjDftjQc/ToEUShV35QI/AAAAAAAABhk/dvjZqKaKl0M/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B073.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Li3JjDftjQc/ToEUShV35QI/AAAAAAAABhk/dvjZqKaKl0M/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B073.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656824915374368002" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EaO_94UEIDg/ToEUSauHIXI/AAAAAAAABhc/1vVyB5pgKZM/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B071.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EaO_94UEIDg/ToEUSauHIXI/AAAAAAAABhc/1vVyB5pgKZM/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B071.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656824913596981618" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bHlzYxuP64/ToEUSMaFgMI/AAAAAAAABhU/KUEGDjiSBxk/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B055.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bHlzYxuP64/ToEUSMaFgMI/AAAAAAAABhU/KUEGDjiSBxk/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B055.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656824909754892482" /></a><br /><br />Quote of the day(maybe of the trip): Do bears come out in the rain to eat berries??' Chuckled about this for hours.<br /><br />We went through some strong rapid currents and all our vessels were tossed around somewhat. It was fun - at least to watch the others. <br /><br />I stood on the bow of our boat to watch for debris, logs in particular. So much junk gets carried back and forth at the tide line and it can be dangerous to boat, motors, and propellers. At the same time, we were all trying to see the sea lions in the mass of bull kelp.<br /><br />After supper J & I invited ourselves to Tenacity and had a lovely visit with S&G on their spacious and inviting cockpit.<br /><br />When we got back to Maggilous we found N&M below with M&D, they were watching a movie.<br /><br />A little more visiting on then off to bed!<br /><br />Sept 2 - Friday<br /><br />An easy-rise morning and then we were off for a hike from Van Donop Bay to Squirrel Cove - 3 km each way. It was a beautiful fern filled trail up to the Klahoose Indian Res. We got to a paved road and headed left to a store and restaurant. M&D were not going to come so we shortly turned around and came back to the trail. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ceML-7pXhE/ToEVu9aMOTI/AAAAAAAABiE/K9-I9bW-Vvo/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B082.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ceML-7pXhE/ToEVu9aMOTI/AAAAAAAABiE/K9-I9bW-Vvo/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B082.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656826503456635186" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZNhWC3NkQo/ToEVukHPFRI/AAAAAAAABh8/IxwgNdEVvfg/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B080.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZNhWC3NkQo/ToEVukHPFRI/AAAAAAAABh8/IxwgNdEVvfg/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B080.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656826496666244370" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tmXl59KD3kY/ToEVuc3uLmI/AAAAAAAABh0/uG7SFy5GqDA/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B078.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tmXl59KD3kY/ToEVuc3uLmI/AAAAAAAABh0/uG7SFy5GqDA/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B078.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656826494722125410" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BtRLkPz5tHs/ToEVubTSHQI/AAAAAAAABhs/VyUWsFewlkc/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B075.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BtRLkPz5tHs/ToEVubTSHQI/AAAAAAAABhs/VyUWsFewlkc/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B075.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656826494300855554" /></a><br /><br />No M&D at the beginning of the trail but the dinghy was still there. We waited, worried, wondered, and then went back to our boats. No Lewis' here either. We knew Dave's back would be giving him great pain so they certainbly wouldn't be off the trail, exploring... or would they! We were all on the brink of calling for search help (we were in wolf country) and they showed up on the beach where the dinghys were tied (S&J were there). Yes, they did purposely go off the beaten track.<br /><br />We pulled anchor soon and were off again. Our destination is only a few hours away and the trip down the west side of Cortes Island is so beautiful. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-71h1gjHPpak/ToEXIHqSOVI/AAAAAAAABiM/C3embQliiMw/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B087.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-71h1gjHPpak/ToEXIHqSOVI/AAAAAAAABiM/C3embQliiMw/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B087.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656828035216849234" /></a><br /><br /><br />We pulled up the prawn traps at the top of the inlet, all very nice sizes. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nd_7fGzUkkU/ToEXqNuTzcI/AAAAAAAABiU/Uw2e88eY_zY/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B091.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nd_7fGzUkkU/ToEXqNuTzcI/AAAAAAAABiU/Uw2e88eY_zY/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B091.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656828620959894978" /></a><br /><br />Our passage went very close to a long reaching spit - it made us wonder how many boats have run aground on it when the tide is up. There is a well marked channel which we followed and then we made our way into Gorge Harbour. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucEJJ5GQtxY/ToEYcSa1E6I/AAAAAAAABik/mdmMAtF_U5k/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B102.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucEJJ5GQtxY/ToEYcSa1E6I/AAAAAAAABik/mdmMAtF_U5k/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B102.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656829481213825954" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8SdE9nsO3I/ToEYcKrpYaI/AAAAAAAABic/T4amp5cDiOk/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B101.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8SdE9nsO3I/ToEYcKrpYaI/AAAAAAAABic/T4amp5cDiOk/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B101.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656829479136879010" /></a><br /><br />Gorge Harbour was a deisel stop place for the guys with their boats. Us girls quickly abandoned ship and rushed uphill to a little market. It was a very charming place and well worth another visit - perhaps with the camper. It has a restaurant, beautiful gardens and rustic cabins. We so enjoyed being able to shop a bit and take a walk around flowers. <br /><br />D&J had gone to the top of the bay to anchor so we hitched a ride with Norm. 2 minutes later we were tied to Maggilou and aboard our own boat. <br /><br />Another beautiful and peaceful evening. We ate supper in the cockpit to enjoy the last rays of the sun.<br /><br />Early to bed.<br /><br />Sept 3 - Saturday<br /><br />Off anchor and on our way by 8 a.m. I stayed below to do some reading, etc. Dave was able to put up the jenniker again. So pretty, but we really still have to run by engine. The strait opened up to wide vistas, we see more vessels on the water, a ferry, a cruise ship, fishing boats (large and small), and other sail boats trying to catch a breeze (some more successful than others.<br /><br />Finally, and with some skill, we head for Comox harbour around 3 pm. <br /><br />Our 2 buddy boats anchor out and D&M get a reciprocal on the dock. We were happy to be able to all walk together through this nice town. A thrift store, a book store, some photo ops and then we went to the Bluefin Pub for a 'last supper'. We had a great time of reliving our trip and enjoying some great food. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3b0JWjRnic/ToEaMvMNHKI/AAAAAAAABi0/OAnrzlXJ66E/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B104.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3b0JWjRnic/ToEaMvMNHKI/AAAAAAAABi0/OAnrzlXJ66E/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B104.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656831413082463394" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueybiTX2A8g/ToEaMXqbWmI/AAAAAAAABis/JdoTCrP4p88/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B103.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueybiTX2A8g/ToEaMXqbWmI/AAAAAAAABis/JdoTCrP4p88/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B103.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656831406766774882" /></a><br /><br /><br />Later we walked out to the pier to watch a little sunset. D stayed at the boat and M took Annie for a final evening walk so they missed this final wandering. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sf8h0NEf9Go/ToEaM3PcltI/AAAAAAAABi8/p1p7Lz1QQIY/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B114.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sf8h0NEf9Go/ToEaM3PcltI/AAAAAAAABi8/p1p7Lz1QQIY/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B114.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656831415243544274" /></a><br /><br /><br />I worked on emails and then we settled down early so that we could be away by 7 a.m. A boat, very close by, had a bunch of loud and happy people aboard. They kept M&D away all night. We awoke now and then but managed not badly.<br /><br />Sept 4 - Sunday.<br /><br />The trip back to Nanaimo was wonderful. So much opportunity to look at our city from the water. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DEdCyngnVyU/ToEbW3MGq4I/AAAAAAAABjU/soUoDtZN4uw/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B117.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DEdCyngnVyU/ToEbW3MGq4I/AAAAAAAABjU/soUoDtZN4uw/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B117.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656832686539844482" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHXJyDsYiME/ToEbWm0g5RI/AAAAAAAABjM/N9epB2uzRUU/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B120.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHXJyDsYiME/ToEbWm0g5RI/AAAAAAAABjM/N9epB2uzRUU/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B120.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656832682145932562" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jaa4-0ye-SY/ToEbWfnvSKI/AAAAAAAABjE/f9u_T4OMkwo/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B124.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jaa4-0ye-SY/ToEbWfnvSKI/AAAAAAAABjE/f9u_T4OMkwo/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B4%2B124.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656832680213301410" /></a><br /><br /><br />It is great to live where we can have the beauty of ocean so close by and also have the richness of Pacific coastal living.<br /><br />The sun continues to shine.mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-88440416852260587182011-09-11T16:47:00.000-07:002011-09-13T11:16:25.165-07:00Week 2 of Westcoast SailAug 14 Sunday at Lagoon Cove<br /><br />A quick stop in the morning at Lagoon Cove for refueling. We have great memories of this place from a few years ago. It continues to be a thriving marina. If you are there early evening, they have an appy hour where you bring an appetizer and the marina supplies a huge bowl of freshly steamed prawns (they harvest them daily). It is wonderful and you get to meet so many other boaters.<br />Today we check out the small store. It is too damp to walk around their garden area or into the bush.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIdEaBVuEvI/Tm5Zbl2-nnI/AAAAAAAABQc/wzg7uBPK4kg/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BDiesel%2Bat%2BLagoon%2BCove%2B078.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIdEaBVuEvI/Tm5Zbl2-nnI/AAAAAAAABQc/wzg7uBPK4kg/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BDiesel%2Bat%2BLagoon%2BCove%2B078.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651552912950599282" /></a> <br /> <br />Back out in the channel our boat and Malu pick up our prawn traps - we have about 2 gallons worth today!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHpYknP-fKE/Tm5aPjt0DzI/AAAAAAAABQs/RsXa1ce_Q2w/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BHappy%2Btrappers%2B083.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHpYknP-fKE/Tm5aPjt0DzI/AAAAAAAABQs/RsXa1ce_Q2w/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BHappy%2Btrappers%2B083.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651553805728485170" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-jcbKur5MA/Tm5aPYb0CoI/AAAAAAAABQk/Fr2hIcfbDk4/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BShrimp%2Btrap%2B082.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-jcbKur5MA/Tm5aPYb0CoI/AAAAAAAABQk/Fr2hIcfbDk4/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BShrimp%2Btrap%2B082.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651553802700196482" /></a><br /><br />The mountains are high and fall right to the tide line. Many gulls, ducks and other birds on the waters - so beautiful in their element. <br />White sided porpoises have raced ahead - leaping and diving again and again. Such a happy display.<br /><br />We are surrounded by such gorgeous scenery. Kwatsi Bay is our destination, the marina is at the top end of the sound. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N_2BfcSExLI/Tm5fq_p84MI/AAAAAAAABQ0/HOASRlq07N0/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BKwatsi%2BBay%2Bpt%2B2%2B001.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N_2BfcSExLI/Tm5fq_p84MI/AAAAAAAABQ0/HOASRlq07N0/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BKwatsi%2BBay%2Bpt%2B2%2B001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651559774643085506" /></a><br /><br />Maggilou was 'on dock' for the night but our companions anchored out. <br /><br />We enjoyed a dinghy trip with S. to a hiking path where we climbed to a gorgeous waterfall. Again for me, no camera. Stewart continued the tour to the east bay. Massive rock walls with mighty trees surviving on top of them.<br /><br />After that, we joined the 6-8 other boats on dock for a great potluck at 6 pm.<br />Sun goes down very early below these mountains.<br /><br />Aug 15 Monday To Pierre's Echo Bay Cove<br />Early rising but an easy morning on the dock. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQzqpoZmoz4/Tm5gQ0QhauI/AAAAAAAABRE/9TS1U5AcGsQ/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B004.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQzqpoZmoz4/Tm5gQ0QhauI/AAAAAAAABRE/9TS1U5AcGsQ/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651560424418667234" /></a><br />The guys prepared for salmon fishing. As we left the bay a Minke whale surfaced many times - perhaps saying farewell! Malu motored very close to it.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKdkmRdAqJs/Tm5hPtDmQXI/AAAAAAAABRM/JGTQ93aVTAk/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B010.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKdkmRdAqJs/Tm5hPtDmQXI/AAAAAAAABRM/JGTQ93aVTAk/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651561504817168754" /></a><br /><br />Another awesome day of sailing and fishing and motoring and watching for logs and being amazed at the varied scenery. We see waterfalls from high above on massive granite walls. So many fish farms in this area - a sorry necessity.<br /> <br />We stopped at Pierre's Echo Bay Marina and were able to buy milk and bread and even some fresh produce - and a birthday gift for a birthday girl.<br /> <br />Malu caught a 10 lb coho which was generously shared with all of us.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2EHRqr3XgM/Tm5h37Bm5MI/AAAAAAAABRU/JaoKO7gh9FQ/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2B1st%2Bsalmon%2B%2B020.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2EHRqr3XgM/Tm5h37Bm5MI/AAAAAAAABRU/JaoKO7gh9FQ/s200/Aug%2B2011%2B1st%2Bsalmon%2B%2B020.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651562195761685698" /></a> None of the boats has capacity to preserve our catches for long term so we share quickly.<br />We anchor tonight in the back of Pierre's Echo Bay. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hS0OAuhwg2s/Tm5jukpyq4I/AAAAAAAABRk/VlMmrxMMdTI/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BEcho%2BBay%2Bpt%2B2%2B055.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hS0OAuhwg2s/Tm5jukpyq4I/AAAAAAAABRk/VlMmrxMMdTI/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BEcho%2BBay%2Bpt%2B2%2B055.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651564234160647042" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0qESUqgcRI/Tm5ju_4N76I/AAAAAAAABRs/4DIuYRZ6pQQ/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BEchoBay%2Bpt%2B2%2B057.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0qESUqgcRI/Tm5ju_4N76I/AAAAAAAABRs/4DIuYRZ6pQQ/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BEchoBay%2Bpt%2B2%2B057.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651564241468911522" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z-VuM60eZZ0/Tm5judQBbDI/AAAAAAAABRc/BmPy6TEyRKk/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BEcho%2BBay%2Bpt%2B2%2B022.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z-VuM60eZZ0/Tm5judQBbDI/AAAAAAAABRc/BmPy6TEyRKk/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BEcho%2BBay%2Bpt%2B2%2B022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651564232173513778" /></a><br /><br /><br />Aug 16 Tuesday Billy Proctor's place<br />Breakfast was fast. Dave needed to fix the main sail. It had folded over itself inside the mast and would not release properly. We were in a sheltered bay so Stewart volunteer to go up the bosun's chair. With some of us pulling on various lines S. was able to free the top of the mainsail and the problem was corrected. Yea Stewart! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YI-kuRhzua0/Tm5lbJoAcvI/AAAAAAAABR8/UDfFWPmFATc/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BS%2Bup%2Bthe%2Bmast%2Bpt%2B2%2B035.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YI-kuRhzua0/Tm5lbJoAcvI/AAAAAAAABR8/UDfFWPmFATc/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BS%2Bup%2Bthe%2Bmast%2Bpt%2B2%2B035.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651566099511145202" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uBUegDP3Hzo/Tm5la0NEoII/AAAAAAAABR0/eSNm7F3Yk70/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BJim%2Band%2BStu%2Bpt%2B2%2B031.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uBUegDP3Hzo/Tm5la0NEoII/AAAAAAAABR0/eSNm7F3Yk70/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BJim%2Band%2BStu%2Bpt%2B2%2B031.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651566093761028226" /></a><br /><br />Shortly after S. descended we boarded our dinghies for a short trip to shore. <br />We hiked a path through a Federal Marine park, beyond a school to Billy Proctor's house and museum. (He is an interesting man and his books are well worth reading).<br /><br />He has a lifetime of his own private collection of items he has gathered from land and sea. eg. bottles of all kinds from various countries (including tiny opium vials from the oriental settlements in these islands). He is well respected and frequently visited.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hp65pxBXQgM/Tm5nxZhn1xI/AAAAAAAABSk/oNkqyNPvWlk/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2BProctor%2527s%2Bmuseum%2Bpt%2B2%2B049.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hp65pxBXQgM/Tm5nxZhn1xI/AAAAAAAABSk/oNkqyNPvWlk/s200/Aug%2B2011%2BProctor%2527s%2Bmuseum%2Bpt%2B2%2B049.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651568680759711506" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wr-vHJWjHF4/Tm5nxKBA37I/AAAAAAAABSc/0zXkK6uCNPg/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bgang%2Band%2BBilly%2Bpt%2B2%2B052.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wr-vHJWjHF4/Tm5nxKBA37I/AAAAAAAABSc/0zXkK6uCNPg/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bgang%2Band%2BBilly%2Bpt%2B2%2B052.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651568676596408242" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpIty4FnkyU/Tm5nw6vAfZI/AAAAAAAABSU/Nwb-PG6JFyM/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2BBilly%2BProctor%2527s%2Bmuseum%2Bpt%2B2%2B048.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpIty4FnkyU/Tm5nw6vAfZI/AAAAAAAABSU/Nwb-PG6JFyM/s200/Aug%2B2011%2BBilly%2BProctor%2527s%2Bmuseum%2Bpt%2B2%2B048.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651568672494353810" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2zrbxbyHl0/Tm5nwiTrHcI/AAAAAAAABSM/OztpvD8E5iY/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BSchool%2Band%2Bus%2B%2Bpt%2B2%2B044.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2zrbxbyHl0/Tm5nwiTrHcI/AAAAAAAABSM/OztpvD8E5iY/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BSchool%2Band%2Bus%2B%2Bpt%2B2%2B044.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651568665937255874" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vrSQKzqcWjw/Tm5nwQCMu3I/AAAAAAAABSE/KpbtLog96bY/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BE.B.%2Bdock%2Bpt%2B2%2B037.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vrSQKzqcWjw/Tm5nwQCMu3I/AAAAAAAABSE/KpbtLog96bY/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BE.B.%2Bdock%2Bpt%2B2%2B037.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651568661032123250" /></a><br /><br />Back to our boats and we motor out of the cove and the guys all set their fishing gear and proceed to fish for several hours. Marg and I relaxed with books. Lunch was Greek Salad and the last of our prawns. Supper was battered cod and pad thai!<br /><br />Tonight we anchor at the top of Bonwick Island in Waddington Bay with 12 to 15 other boats. Malu is excited to see 2 little replicas of his 'tuggy'. Ever gregarious Norm makes a little stop to visit - and offer them some extra cod he has (they were appreciative as they had not had success fishing!) <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fT62w1tfZk0/Tm5r_p3aJrI/AAAAAAAABS8/LMJfOy0PdLc/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2B3%2Btuggys%2Bpt%2B2%2B060.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fT62w1tfZk0/Tm5r_p3aJrI/AAAAAAAABS8/LMJfOy0PdLc/s200/Aug%2B2011%2B3%2Btuggys%2Bpt%2B2%2B060.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651573323710736050" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1u2LkLov0Y/Tm5r_6kAmYI/AAAAAAAABTE/zBGVtGoY3b4/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bserene%2Bblue%2Bpt%2B2%2B066.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1u2LkLov0Y/Tm5r_6kAmYI/AAAAAAAABTE/zBGVtGoY3b4/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bserene%2Bblue%2Bpt%2B2%2B066.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651573328192772482" /></a><br /><br />We were invited to Tenacity to celebrate Gayle's 60th birthday. She had made a tasty chocolate cake and added pear and custard on top. A very nice eveninng of socializing together. Sadly, no photos of the lovely party.<br /><br />Aug 17 Wed. Village Island, Mamalilikula and Blackfish Sounds<br /><br />Out of anchorage by 9 am. It was almost low tide but we had lots of room to manouvre. Lovely little rocky islands we had to skirt around and then we were in Retreat Passage. We saw a well maintained Indian Reservation on Gilford Is.<br />In 2 hours we stopped in Village Is. All but Marg dinghied to shore to explore the old school, shores, remains of a long house and totem pole - and a left over chief's house. The blackberry bramble was extremely thick and above our heads, but someone had recently hacked a good path through the area. We were careful to step over bear scat and chatted loudly to let them know where we were.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-30PMJi6SCIY/Tm5vBldJ1rI/AAAAAAAABTU/wRuXONC38TA/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BMamalilikula%2Bpt%2B2%2B068.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-30PMJi6SCIY/Tm5vBldJ1rI/AAAAAAAABTU/wRuXONC38TA/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2BMamalilikula%2Bpt%2B2%2B068.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651576655421494962" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VZuNzu8Qz0/Tm5vBfKgCDI/AAAAAAAABTM/EaFk9FiXNpk/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2BVillage%2BIs.%2Bbeachcombing%2Bpt%2B2%2B069.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VZuNzu8Qz0/Tm5vBfKgCDI/AAAAAAAABTM/EaFk9FiXNpk/s200/Aug%2B2011%2BVillage%2BIs.%2Bbeachcombing%2Bpt%2B2%2B069.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651576653732644914" /></a><br /><br />So much broken glass debris on the beach, fun for the beach combers and I found nothing that I wanted to keep.<br /><br />Soon we are ready to explore Knight Inlet to Blackfish Sound. More fishing ... and finally - Dave caught a sockeye, Jim caught a ling cod, and Dave caught a rock cod!! Heard happy sounds from our companion boats too, Stewart pulled in a coho and Norm caught a pink salmon. Happiness reigns! <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hplkZZ9vi3A/Tm5wlDCitaI/AAAAAAAABTc/8nPb3NHrcP4/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bcoho%2Bpt%2B2%2B072.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hplkZZ9vi3A/Tm5wlDCitaI/AAAAAAAABTc/8nPb3NHrcP4/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bcoho%2Bpt%2B2%2B072.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651578364169991586" /></a><br />Then, across the inlet whales began dancing and cavorting. Far away from us but what a display! <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zYQ_Ac08KYg/Tm5yTmnE17I/AAAAAAAABTk/LIlvSsoC2_k/s1600/Aug%2B2011happy%2Bwhales%2Bpt%2B2%2B076.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zYQ_Ac08KYg/Tm5yTmnE17I/AAAAAAAABTk/LIlvSsoC2_k/s200/Aug%2B2011happy%2Bwhales%2Bpt%2B2%2B076.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651580263504074674" /></a> It was a huge splash but we never really saw the whale!<br /><br />We are now into more sea traffic as we cross the Queen Charlotte Straight - 3 barges, 1 cruise ship and many small fishing boat - in wonderfully calm water. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdXZajR7wmE/Tm52TrqhNQI/AAAAAAAABT0/THhP5HLBfW4/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bopen%2Bwaters%2Bpt%2B2%2B080.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdXZajR7wmE/Tm52TrqhNQI/AAAAAAAABT0/THhP5HLBfW4/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bopen%2Bwaters%2Bpt%2B2%2B080.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651584662907204866" /></a><br /><br />Tonight we anchor in a hidden inlet on the south side of Malcolm island, each boat anchored alone. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tA-KftNyB9k/Tm53Tbd3BPI/AAAAAAAABT8/CMRfeldwxus/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B082.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tA-KftNyB9k/Tm53Tbd3BPI/AAAAAAAABT8/CMRfeldwxus/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B082.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651585758070768882" /></a><br /><br /><br />Aug 18 Thur. Civilization at Port McNeill<br /><br />We motored to Port McNeill in the early morning fog and tied up in their marina It felt good to be ashore and be able to walk anywhere. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23DkuoC_364/Tm56hqrO07I/AAAAAAAABUE/Dj835BCzEl8/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2BPt.%2BMcNeill%2Bpt%2B2%2B083.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23DkuoC_364/Tm56hqrO07I/AAAAAAAABUE/Dj835BCzEl8/s200/Aug%2B2011%2BPt.%2BMcNeill%2Bpt%2B2%2B083.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651589301206438834" /></a><br />We took our laundry out first, then shopped at a convenient thrift store. All six of us had a lunch and coffee at MUGZ, very nice to relax and have another good visit.<br />Later we shopped for a few boat items and groceries. By 4 pm we were back to the marina. I relaxed, Jim washed the outside of the boat, Marg took Annie for a walk and others did their own business.<br />N&M are happily visiting some of the people and places they lived in (like Alert Bay), some 50 years ago when they were working on missions boat. They have had great fun reconnecting.<br />Tonight we relaxed, me at my laptop and Jim with his Bryce Courtenay novel.<br /><br />Aug 19 Friday Through Queen Charlotte Strait in fog<br /><br />Got away from the dock around 10 a.m. Took the opportunity to walk a few blocks - saw the world's biggest burl. It is massive. It was taken from the bottom of a huge spruce tree. <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vhBpskLyQVc/Tm5-nbaR5UI/AAAAAAAABUU/LJA7Ny8jAYk/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsailburl%2Bpt%2B2%2B086.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vhBpskLyQVc/Tm5-nbaR5UI/AAAAAAAABUU/LJA7Ny8jAYk/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsailburl%2Bpt%2B2%2B086.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651593798234531138" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9p53GAlyhvE/Tm5-nLp9MWI/AAAAAAAABUM/0IHofHaGFsA/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2BPt.%2BMcNeill%2Bburl%2Bpt%2B2%2B084.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9p53GAlyhvE/Tm5-nLp9MWI/AAAAAAAABUM/0IHofHaGFsA/s200/Aug%2B2011%2BPt.%2BMcNeill%2Bburl%2Bpt%2B2%2B084.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651593794005315938" /></a><br /><br />It was sunny as we left Port McNeill. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_tpX9TI-c8Q/Tm6CAQEMYVI/AAAAAAAABUs/lq56_XGYClk/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bleaving%2BPt.%2BMcNeill%2Bpt%2B2%2B087.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_tpX9TI-c8Q/Tm6CAQEMYVI/AAAAAAAABUs/lq56_XGYClk/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bleaving%2BPt.%2BMcNeill%2Bpt%2B2%2B087.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651597523220717906" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ndTWyw4UYY/Tm6CAF2e0VI/AAAAAAAABUk/2Hjj8aArgGE/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B093.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ndTWyw4UYY/Tm6CAF2e0VI/AAAAAAAABUk/2Hjj8aArgGE/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B093.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651597520478851410" /></a><br /><br />As we entered Queen Charlotte Strait we encoutered heavy fog. Dave and Stewart use their radar. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlV7HSiBOjo/Tm6CAh-ghyI/AAAAAAAABU0/xmu8CVWjrc4/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B088.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlV7HSiBOjo/Tm6CAh-ghyI/AAAAAAAABU0/xmu8CVWjrc4/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B088.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651597528028710690" /></a><br /><br />Norm delayed his leaving to spend more time fishing around Malcolm Is. <br />The fog cleared by noon. Saw a couple of grey whales and a couple of dolphins. There are many patches of sea birds and the occassional eagle flies overhead.<br />This has been another gorgeous day at sea - only sad for Dave as there is not even enough breeze to put his sail up. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAovCzC_WGo/Tm6DSSIUTMI/AAAAAAAABU8/sAywyh0i-_8/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B099.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAovCzC_WGo/Tm6DSSIUTMI/AAAAAAAABU8/sAywyh0i-_8/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B099.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651598932524158146" /></a><br /><br /><br />Cod pieces with mango salsa, red pepper, cilantro, onion, black beans, all wrapped in a spinach tortilla for lunch. Yum. Brownies and peach for dessert.<br /><br />By evening we were anchored in the NW end of Drury Inlet. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16WZ1W_bzJ4/Tm6DvDJdBXI/AAAAAAAABVE/DdRfZEg_sBA/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bdusk%2Bpt%2B2%2B102.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16WZ1W_bzJ4/Tm6DvDJdBXI/AAAAAAAABVE/DdRfZEg_sBA/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bdusk%2Bpt%2B2%2B102.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651599426718598514" /></a><br />Not many boats here but lots of commercial crab markers along both sides of the inlet. We put down crab pots too and a couple of hours later Norm had a good Dungeoness crab in his trap.<br /><br />The air was so warm all evening so it was enjoyable to sit in the cockpit and eat our evening meal and have a glass of wine.<br />Norm is rafted to us as usual and we have a great sleep. Water temp 13C<br /><br />Aug 20 Sat Drury Inlet<br /> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpI8PnRbxAw/Tm6EcjsmjII/AAAAAAAABVM/8_Z1kqfpoGM/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B103.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpI8PnRbxAw/Tm6EcjsmjII/AAAAAAAABVM/8_Z1kqfpoGM/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B103.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651600208550071426" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-onIkxcTsar8/Tm6Ec0fwWoI/AAAAAAAABVU/uVZn4VPdhcI/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Blow%2Btide%2Bpt%2B2%2B106.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-onIkxcTsar8/Tm6Ec0fwWoI/AAAAAAAABVU/uVZn4VPdhcI/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Blow%2Btide%2Bpt%2B2%2B106.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651600213059590786" /></a><br /><br />We hung around in the a.m., taking dinghy trips through various coves in the inlet. Stewart took his dinghy to Sandleman Bay and saw a sow and 2 cubs. He came back and picked up Gayle and his binnoculars and camera. We followed a little later. It was so extremely calm, the water like a mirror, it was difficult to discern where land ended and the mirror of the water began. We met another couple who were also out in their dinghy, had a little chat with them and then carried on our ways.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHOjvFlOVWI/Tm6Fv8KcE0I/AAAAAAAABVk/ldHjkr81sEo/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bmirror%2Brocks%2Bpt%2B2%2B111.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHOjvFlOVWI/Tm6Fv8KcE0I/AAAAAAAABVk/ldHjkr81sEo/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bmirror%2Brocks%2Bpt%2B2%2B111.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651601641046807362" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3lGQCM8ZyAI/Tm6FvvEA5oI/AAAAAAAABVc/Mb0CoIStBD8/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bmirror%2B%2Bpt%2B2%2B110.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3lGQCM8ZyAI/Tm6FvvEA5oI/AAAAAAAABVc/Mb0CoIStBD8/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bmirror%2B%2Bpt%2B2%2B110.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651601637530199682" /></a><br /><br />We slowly motored back down Drury Inlet. Our prawn trap was full of ... sunfish! Heavy but not so edible! We stopped to pull in the shrimp traps which are down about 120 metres. Some nice prawns! <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mbCxhiVKvEs/Tm6HEeBM0iI/AAAAAAAABV0/GHUGuh4GOBA/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bsunfish%2Bpt%2B2%2B139.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mbCxhiVKvEs/Tm6HEeBM0iI/AAAAAAAABV0/GHUGuh4GOBA/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bsunfish%2Bpt%2B2%2B139.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651603093243875874" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eOqiTQQSYXc/Tm6HEPerLOI/AAAAAAAABVs/FgF0asglJ_Y/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bsinker%2Bline%2Bpt%2B2%2B135.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eOqiTQQSYXc/Tm6HEPerLOI/AAAAAAAABVs/FgF0asglJ_Y/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bsinker%2Bline%2Bpt%2B2%2B135.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651603089340968162" /></a><br /><br />Along the easy wandering out of the inlet we saw a few rocks with seagulls and seals so we motored close to investigate. Dave wanted photos too so he left the boat on auto - not realizing that he hadn't changed the angle much. He came quite close to putting us on the rock. Marg was at the wheel and she turned us safely back to the deeper waters. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ0fMtxRg_A/Tm6Jd22z78I/AAAAAAAABWM/PNHMrJvLwH0/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B123.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ0fMtxRg_A/Tm6Jd22z78I/AAAAAAAABWM/PNHMrJvLwH0/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B123.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651605728431173570" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifq21wdM2aI/Tm6Jdvc8ycI/AAAAAAAABWE/awEqRIcZpKU/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bseals%2Band%2Bseagulls%2Bpt%2B2%2B116.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ifq21wdM2aI/Tm6Jdvc8ycI/AAAAAAAABWE/awEqRIcZpKU/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bseals%2Band%2Bseagulls%2Bpt%2B2%2B116.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651605726443653570" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Ducked into James Bay <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39eUkanCMa8/Tm6IBSGxgxI/AAAAAAAABV8/lWSQJXK20NE/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B129.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39eUkanCMa8/Tm6IBSGxgxI/AAAAAAAABV8/lWSQJXK20NE/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B2%2B129.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651604138018046738" /></a><br />to see a tiny marina and then into Richmond Bay for the night anchorage.<br />It remains calm but we see some changes to cloud formation.mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-10159985159452850602011-09-10T13:07:00.000-07:002011-09-10T23:30:06.735-07:00Westcoast Sailing - Week 1, Aug. 2011<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0CYqk6WVxAo/TmviaMors6I/AAAAAAAABOU/qw0kyHTaSVw/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B045.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0CYqk6WVxAo/TmviaMors6I/AAAAAAAABOU/qw0kyHTaSVw/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bpt%2B3%2B045.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650859097162757026" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K161CU-cpu4/TmvgeDXMD6I/AAAAAAAABOE/YgegPEpK9F4/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2BBeautiful%2BIsle%2Bof...%2B076.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K161CU-cpu4/TmvgeDXMD6I/AAAAAAAABOE/YgegPEpK9F4/s200/Aug%2B2011%2BBeautiful%2BIsle%2Bof...%2B076.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650856964369682338" /></a><br /><br />Jim and I arrived in the evening of Aug 5 at the marina to board Maggilou. We hauled bags of food, clothing, and other supplies. By 11 pm every item was stowed and we fell into our berth for the night. The marina was very quiet and we thought we'd quickly be asleep.<br />The waters of the bay sloshed against the stern of the boat. The wind picked up and lines above us started tapping the sides of our room. When we ascertained that all sounds were 'normal' (no critters aboard) we settled down to a fitful sleep. By early morning the water was heavy against our berth, the wind vane was whirling, yet we were safely tied against the marina dock.<br /><br />Aug 6. Marg and Dave (M&D) arrived with more food supplies and it was all stowed by 9 am. and then we motored out of the safe harbour.<br />The seas quickly grew heavy with waves of 2 m. plus. Dave put up the main sail to help keep the boat stable but it was a challenging morning for a least one old body!! (It takes muscle to hold on!) By noon the winds had quieted to a good stiff sail. The main and jib were up for a good long run so our captain was in his element.<br /><br />The afternoon turned sunny and warm. Tribune Bay on Hornby Is. is our destination and we anchor there with at least 30 other vessels. It was extremely peaceful after such an arduous day. <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp4QU3wJaJU/TmvX8j2kJAI/AAAAAAAABNM/eex75R8T0iU/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bquiet%2Beve%2B008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp4QU3wJaJU/TmvX8j2kJAI/AAAAAAAABNM/eex75R8T0iU/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2Bquiet%2Beve%2B008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650847592882643970" /></a><br /><br /><br />Jim and I explored the beach together. Lovely sandy area and then sandstone rock formations on one side of the bay, washed full of holes and swirls, the result of eons of water and rock working against each other.<br /><br />Norm and Marylou (N&M) are rafted to us in their new tug-like Ranger, named Malu. <br />All is once again serene and the sun has set.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AxPtGhxcIpY/TmvX9BZpSjI/AAAAAAAABNc/SAUU8B1eBkU/s1600/Norm%2B%2526%2BMarylou%2Bin%2Btuggy%2B25.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AxPtGhxcIpY/TmvX9BZpSjI/AAAAAAAABNc/SAUU8B1eBkU/s200/Norm%2B%2526%2BMarylou%2Bin%2Btuggy%2B25.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650847600814410290" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnK_96tU56s/TmxI0x7_6TI/AAAAAAAABOc/EVLhsAELugM/s1600/Full%2Bmoon%2Bon%2Bbay%2B23.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnK_96tU56s/TmxI0x7_6TI/AAAAAAAABOc/EVLhsAELugM/s200/Full%2Bmoon%2Bon%2Bbay%2B23.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650971704038517042" /></a><br /><br />Aug 7<br />We were up early, breakfasted, unrafted from Malu and ready to journey on.<br />Jim and I had slept like babies, M&D were awake a lot, worrying about some winds. The waters were calm until we were well out in the channel. More heavy seas, not as hard as yesterday but we plowed for a while. By afternoon the seas were quite calm, 2 sails were up and the motor still running. 7 hours later we arrived at Rebecca Spit (on Quadra Is.) <br /><br />Anchored again and Malu rafted to our side we got to our 'duties'. M&D take Annie the dog to shore. I make hamburgers for a quick meal.<br /><br />We dinghied to shore for a hike along the spit. It is on these shores that we finally meet the third party who will be with us for the trip. Dave had met Stewart on the marina and invited him along. None of us had met him or his wife Gail but we all struck an immediate chord of friendship and comradere. Stewart and Gail have a 42 ft. Jeanneau and have not had a lot of experience on the northern westcoast.<br />Jim and I hiked up to a cafe, hoping to find wi-fi but alas - none. The evening was balmy and we all enjoyed our hikes.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wf7vKWC5MZ4/TmvX8zrSJcI/AAAAAAAABNU/Om6oyOBh9a0/s1600/Stuart%2B%2526%2BGail%2527s%2Bboat%2B13.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wf7vKWC5MZ4/TmvX8zrSJcI/AAAAAAAABNU/Om6oyOBh9a0/s200/Stuart%2B%2526%2BGail%2527s%2Bboat%2B13.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650847597130294722" /></a><br /><br />Water temp. 18.5C<br /><br />Later our crew watched 'The Accidental Tourist'. Dave has a large screen computer for such pleasures.<br /><br />Aug. 8<br />Another good sleep, quick brekky, and we motored around to the entrance of Herriot Bay. The guys all refueled their boats, us ladies walked to the grocery store. I actually bought a loaf of calabrais and a bottle of red wine.<br />By 11 am we were out of the harbour and enjoying sights along the way. It was a short run today, waited for Surge Narrows to be 'accommodating', then some sailing in Okisollo Channel, a little fishing with no luck and by 3 pm we were anchored behind Octopus Is. in Waiatt Bay.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1lUngK6fKDc/TmxLn2hM3FI/AAAAAAAABOs/l2WUAE_q1Gs/s1600/Rapids%2B27.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1lUngK6fKDc/TmxLn2hM3FI/AAAAAAAABOs/l2WUAE_q1Gs/s200/Rapids%2B27.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650974780464880722" /></a><br /><br /> N&M had caught enough cod to share with all 3 boats so we feast again tonight. <br />The sun and sea are beautiful again today. The crab traps are out and we relax with a coffee.<br />Water temp. 12 C.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DoNrqNrWXuQ/TmxJhM_PPFI/AAAAAAAABOk/yawCIniKaTI/s1600/D%2526M%2Bvisiting%2BS%2526G%2B20.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DoNrqNrWXuQ/TmxJhM_PPFI/AAAAAAAABOk/yawCIniKaTI/s200/D%2526M%2Bvisiting%2BS%2526G%2B20.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650972467214105682" /></a><br /><br />Aug 9 And I left my camera on the boat!!!<br />Jim and I arose to Dave and Norm bringing in 2 loaded crab traps. We cooked them up, cooled them and then our whole crew dinghied the length of Waiatt Bay,tied the lines to rocks and began a km hike to Small Bay (across the island) on Johnstone Strait. Not a particularly interesting bay so we turned and followed a primitive trail through the forest to Newton Lake. We climbed over and under logs, up rocky cliffs and over sometimes mucky and sometimes dusty trails. We felt so very wonderfully alone in this forest. At last we heard a trickling brook, but we had to climb a very steep embankment to higher ground. We crossed the brook on rocks and walked further. <br />We saw water below us but it was a small and dissappointing pond. The path continued so some of us decided we should carry on. We were well rewarded when we finally arrived at the very beautiful and swimable Newton Lake. We had a drink and whatever we'd brought for a snack, relaxed and wished for our bathing suits. Dave and Stewart did have a good swim.<br />The hike back was challenging for the knees on the downward slopes but we eventually arrived back where we'd left the dinghies. They were both floating out from shore - attached by their line to rocks which were now underwater. Dave 'borrowed' another dinghy and rescued ours and S&Gs. <br />Back at our boats we all were able to prepare a banquet of crab, etc. It was gorgeous, delicate and sufficient.<br />Tonight we are tired but have good memories of our ambitious day. <br />Long evening light with dustings of pink across the sky and water. So peaceful and serene.<br />Water temp 12.4C<br /><br />Aug 10<br />These days are full of wonder. This BC coast is abundant in sights that stir the soul. Islets, rapids, tides, mountains, sea life.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQHCSt78wJw/TmxMbQIVidI/AAAAAAAABO0/ee8OXOrBGvo/s1600/Challenging%2Bcurrents%2B31.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQHCSt78wJw/TmxMbQIVidI/AAAAAAAABO0/ee8OXOrBGvo/s200/Challenging%2Bcurrents%2B31.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650975663513242066" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uX6aPd6fAKU/TmxNLIaITJI/AAAAAAAABO8/iu7z1U5eMzM/s1600/Aug%2B2011or%2BIndian%2Bhead%2B045.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uX6aPd6fAKU/TmxNLIaITJI/AAAAAAAABO8/iu7z1U5eMzM/s200/Aug%2B2011or%2BIndian%2Bhead%2B045.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650976486074109074" /></a><br /> <br /><br />We were away by 7 am in order to catch some slack tides. We timed it nicely as we motored out way through 3 different sets of rapids. It would be impossible to go through them in full flow - some are 9 knots and Maggilou has a top speed of about 7 knots.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcjGgN1ETgo/TmvdzPrkP2I/AAAAAAAABNs/Edvlqcz8mYI/s1600/Beginning%2Brapids%2B26.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcjGgN1ETgo/TmvdzPrkP2I/AAAAAAAABNs/Edvlqcz8mYI/s200/Beginning%2Brapids%2B26.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650854029918748514" /></a><br /><br />Stopped in Mermaid bay for several hours to make good timing through Dept Rapids. By that evening we were safely tucked behind small Cordero Islands and were able to walk on the BC mainland coastline.<br />There is evidence here of a sawmill having been on shore. The cabin has been abandoned - in haste! Old cans and jars of food, dishes, part of a bankpack, pots and pans, etc but most things in total disarray. We didn't feel free to snoop too much.<br />The broken down pier has starfish - ones with long skinny legs and not much body.<br />Lunch today was a crab salad - well received. Supper was elk meatballs in BBQ sauce. We do not suffer!!<br />In this peaceful anchorage tonight we have 5 Canadian salboats and 3 small yachts.<br />Water temp 10C<br /><br />Aug 11 <br />A good lazy morning. Huckleberry pancakes then Jim and I went to shore. We walked over large smooth stones that connected 1 islet to the mainland. S&G later picked up Marg and we wandered free down the coastline. Marg spent her time harvesting blackberries, the rest of us just enjoyed various aspects of nature and history. <br />We all went back to the abandoned cabin. It looks like a small family just walked away. Old bottles of canned cherries, plums, saurkraut, etc. It was surprising not to find foodstuff strewn around. 2 doors had been left wide open - but no daddy bear was sleeping in a bed.<br />Back on board relaxing, we got a call fromS&G to tell us a little bear was swimming through kelp to the islet. We rushed to watch it and once it climbed up the rocks we could see it was a beautiful mature black bear. It made it's way along our same pathway, eating the very berries that Marg had so diligently picked.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6yPEL6LhPM4/TmvhEY_v38I/AAAAAAAABOM/fG1eF5CD7hA/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2BBear%2Bfollowing..%2B043.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6yPEL6LhPM4/TmvhEY_v38I/AAAAAAAABOM/fG1eF5CD7hA/s200/Aug%2B2011%2BBear%2Bfollowing..%2B043.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650857623011975106" /></a><br /><br />We pulled anchor at 3 pm to head yet northward. Dave was able to sail again through a wide arm called Loughborough Channel. Ahead of us were snow covered coastal ranges. A dolphin swam alongside for a short time.<br /><br />Tonight we anchor and both our companion boats raft to us.<br />Crab cupcakes, spinach salad and fresh fruit cobbler for dessert.<br />Water temp 17.5 (it seems every bay is different)<br /><br />Aug 12<br />Another early get-away. Dave was on deck at 6:30 am and was treated to a school of dolphins frolicing past. By the time we got on deck they had 'galloped' off toward the strait. Finding various lifestyles along the way is so amazing. People build grand houses, some on land and some on floats. Fish farms are tucked into many bays and seem to be a thriving business - but they will never have mine!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6CQUhGrjvwY/TmxPFjcSHZI/AAAAAAAABPM/-HBKKdOkpiw/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bgrand%2Bhouse046.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6CQUhGrjvwY/TmxPFjcSHZI/AAAAAAAABPM/-HBKKdOkpiw/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bgrand%2Bhouse046.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650978589274938770" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQlAdWy2cGg/TmxPFneLvyI/AAAAAAAABPE/FT7qZs-13tI/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2B%2Bfish%2Bfarm%2B054.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQlAdWy2cGg/TmxPFneLvyI/AAAAAAAABPE/FT7qZs-13tI/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2B%2Bfish%2Bfarm%2B054.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650978590356651810" /></a><br /><br />We sailed and motored to Port Neville. Beyond the dock the waters were choked with bull kelp but we were able to pull up to the dock.<br /><br />Port Neville had been a post office since 1895 and closed in 2010. It is a parkline acreage with 2 well built houses on it. Inside the largest building is a bookstore and a small museum. The museum had a 1930 phone book for BC so I looked up Burton and found my grandfather (James Fuller) and some Allard relatives too. So cool!<br />A windy evening so we stayed inside our boats, securely tied to the dock.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w-IOstmKVjE/TmxRJ_hkSOI/AAAAAAAABP8/P5HNXsVZM2k/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bpiers%2Bgrowing%2B064.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w-IOstmKVjE/TmxRJ_hkSOI/AAAAAAAABP8/P5HNXsVZM2k/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bpiers%2Bgrowing%2B064.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650980864556026082" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTq8JdyEs34/TmxRJpUh1zI/AAAAAAAABP0/8ui1RaH5S38/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2BOld%2Bhouse-store%2Bat%2BP.N.%2B058.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTq8JdyEs34/TmxRJpUh1zI/AAAAAAAABP0/8ui1RaH5S38/s200/Aug%2B2011%2BOld%2Bhouse-store%2Bat%2BP.N.%2B058.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650980858595759922" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtEp02jJ6bI/TmxRJEcjwGI/AAAAAAAABPk/f76woC2ZZ0Y/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2BPt%2BNeville%2B056.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtEp02jJ6bI/TmxRJEcjwGI/AAAAAAAABPk/f76woC2ZZ0Y/s200/Aug%2B2011%2BPt%2BNeville%2B056.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650980848697327714" /></a><br /><br /><br />Aug 13<br />A nice morning of walking the shores and lawns again. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUmQI37Qxm0/TmxRJY4xj_I/AAAAAAAABPs/x2dSZiy-rD0/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bmain%2Bhouse%2Bat%2BP.N.%2B057.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUmQI37Qxm0/TmxRJY4xj_I/AAAAAAAABPs/x2dSZiy-rD0/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bmain%2Bhouse%2Bat%2BP.N.%2B057.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650980854184382450" /></a><br />Below the waters by the pier were filled with huge white anemonies beautiful scarlet ones, small crabs, large starfish clung to the post as well. The ocean is alive here!<br />Enjoyed our time at P.N. and enjoyed meeting the older gentleman, named Alex) who is now the caretaker. Marg made him some super blueberry muffins that a.m. so he will remember us with fondness!<br /><br />The motoring through Johnson Strait could not have been better, very quiet water and currents, well time by Dave. We saw our first Meinke whale.<br />It rained lightly as we turned off at the Broken Islands. What a gorgeous place. Large rocks sticking out of the water, topping with a few hardy but stunted trees.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NodTzKzR7F4/TmxUgMcEsyI/AAAAAAAABQM/AFFz9oIETkk/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2B077.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NodTzKzR7F4/TmxUgMcEsyI/AAAAAAAABQM/AFFz9oIETkk/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2B077.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650984544514650914" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bGzQQceBGo/TmxUf-gnCrI/AAAAAAAABQE/VQFGYX_n_D8/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2B074.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bGzQQceBGo/TmxUf-gnCrI/AAAAAAAABQE/VQFGYX_n_D8/s200/Aug%2B2011%2Bwestcoast%2Bsail%2B074.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650984540775582386" /></a><br /><br />The waters were calm so all 3 boats broke out their fishing gear and we jigged for an hour while we waited for Chatham Channel to be safe timing to go by the 'Blow Hole'.<br />Soon we were anchored in a shelter beside Lagoon Cove. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T53dMvI_Eu0/TmxU_gDNQ6I/AAAAAAAABQU/ArRhRLCJtwU/s1600/Aug%2B2011%2BLeaving%2BLagoon%2BCove%2B079.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T53dMvI_Eu0/TmxU_gDNQ6I/AAAAAAAABQU/ArRhRLCJtwU/s200/Aug%2B2011%2BLeaving%2BLagoon%2BCove%2B079.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650985082355008418" /></a><br /><br />M & I made fish and oven fried chips and coleslaw for supper. Superb!! If you want the best batter recipe - call me!!mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-22007433541155565272011-03-05T19:31:00.000-08:002011-03-05T20:09:19.587-08:00Mexico City March 2<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HMyV867XTi4/TXMFT_gnI1I/AAAAAAAABMM/cXDFU1VOYhE/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BMarch%2B2%2B%2Bflying%2Bhome%2B006.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HMyV867XTi4/TXMFT_gnI1I/AAAAAAAABMM/cXDFU1VOYhE/s200/P.E.%2B%2BMarch%2B2%2B%2Bflying%2Bhome%2B006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580810204266046290" /></a><br /><br />At 4 a.m. we were given a wake up call so that we had plently of time to get to Alaska Air and fly home. We had stayed last night in a luxurious hotel called Camino Real.The beautiful lobby is furnished with modern styled leather couches set on onyx blocks and various onyx large coffee tables and lamps throughout. There are 5 very nice restaurants inside. It is connected to the airport by a walkway over the highway! <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ecl3AZr2SQ/TXMFqrbu2XI/AAAAAAAABMU/nVyfi-zYc0c/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BMarch%2B2%2B%2Bflying%2Bhome%2B009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ecl3AZr2SQ/TXMFqrbu2XI/AAAAAAAABMU/nVyfi-zYc0c/s200/P.E.%2B%2BMarch%2B2%2B%2Bflying%2Bhome%2B009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580810594013862258" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vq1lFTCkbYQ/TXME7d2UVNI/AAAAAAAABME/TJAWnCDioZU/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BMarch%2B2%2B%2Bflying%2Bhome%2B010.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vq1lFTCkbYQ/TXME7d2UVNI/AAAAAAAABME/TJAWnCDioZU/s200/P.E.%2B%2BMarch%2B2%2B%2Bflying%2Bhome%2B010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580809782913422546" /></a><br /><br />So we were at the Alaska Air check-in at 5 a.m. There's where we ran into a glitch. I did not have an immigration card. Like most countries, foreigners must carry their immigration card with them to show entry date and departure date. Jim and I don't ever remember me receiving one. I assumed that because Jim had one that was all we needed for 'the family'. Wrong. The airline guy told me I had to go to Immigration to get a new card.... and the office opened at 7 a.m. The plane also left at 7 a.m. so we were hooped.<br /><br />We did go find the immigration office but realizing it was only 5:30 a.m. we decided to go back to the hotel, rebook our room for another night, and wait until 7 a.m. It gave us a chance to go back to the very well appointed bed and sleep for another couple of hours. Lovely! At least we could now leave our luggage in the room and not drag it all over the airport again.<br /><br />We went back to the immigration office and found someone who could talk to us in English. He heard my story and then said I'd have to go to the Federal Police office and have a form filled out before he could process me. So down the hall, out the end door and 30 metres down the sidewalk, across 2 roads of waiting taxis we found the correct office. Again we were happy to find one gal who could speak English and she helped process my information. They looked at my history and found no outstanding warrants, etc. ha ha. I got 2 pages of info with their official stamp of approval on it and then we went back to the immigration office. There I talked again to the young man who knew my story and he asked for our new airline ticket which would allow us to fly out tomorrow. Well, we didn't have anything new. The Alaska Airline man had told us to come back same time, same flight number, and we would be able to fly out with the same destinations. Oh boy, now he asked us to go to Alaska Air and get a corrected flight ticket. <br /><br />We wandered back down the hall and found Alaska Air was closed. Back to the immigration office and we were told to go upstairs as Alaska Air has an office up there. Off we went again, wearing down by this time... we saw offices for most airlines but not the one we were looking for. Another man helped us by telling us that the office wouldn't be opened until sometime in the afternoon as they didn't have another flight until 5 pm. <br /><br />Back at the immigration desk we told our friend the sad tale - and then I remember what the flight guy had said about same flight number, same time, etc. I guess it was time to take mercy on me because he pulled out the immigration form, 2 pages of info for me to fill out and a page where I was to write my reason for needing a new card. That done, I saw him stamp my immigration form so it looked all legal and we were on our way. It only took an hour. The up side was that we certainly got our daily walk done and we know the airport well!<br /><br />Once back to the hotel we really needed some coffee and food. It had been a very long morning. One restaurant was offering a breakfast buffet and we decided to go for it. It will add a considerable amount onto our already doubled hotel costs. Damn the torpedoes is what we decided. The buffet was nice and the coffee was great so we were well satisfied by the time we left there.<br /><br />So March 3, we will fly homeward, stopping in L.A. for a few hours and then we'll be in Vancouver by 6 p.m. The view to the ground was amazing again. Miles of agriculture fields in Mexico, giving way to sand dunes near the top of the Sea of Cortez, more intense fields of agriculture in California and then a surprising patch of snow on the mountains that surround Palm Springs.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oStzURBYeeo/TXMGRRGD5NI/AAAAAAAABMc/bFI_BBVeYfM/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BMarch%2B2%2B%2Bflying%2Bhome%2B018.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oStzURBYeeo/TXMGRRGD5NI/AAAAAAAABMc/bFI_BBVeYfM/s200/P.E.%2B%2BMarch%2B2%2B%2Bflying%2Bhome%2B018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580811256958543058" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TBjhatOvQEk/TXMGRiDiFyI/AAAAAAAABMk/-MlP7kIRUo8/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BMarch%2B2%2B%2Bflying%2Bhome%2B027.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TBjhatOvQEk/TXMGRiDiFyI/AAAAAAAABMk/-MlP7kIRUo8/s200/P.E.%2B%2BMarch%2B2%2B%2Bflying%2Bhome%2B027.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580811261511341858" /></a><br /><br />L.A. airport was frustrating. The lack of organization in processing at least 5 massive plane loads of people, almost all of them being fingerprinted and photo taken. We, fine Canadians that we are, were quickly put through when our turn finally arrived. We had time there to look around, have a nice lunch and then wait for our final leg of the flight to Vancouver. The whole LA airport is without computer access so I wasn't able to contact anyone during our wait.<br /><br />It was great to get to Vancouver and have a fun dinner with Dee, Wyatt, Natasha and Nathan. One night later we were home and in our own bed, and that was good!!!mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-81302957382712615422011-02-28T20:18:00.000-08:002011-02-28T20:56:02.621-08:00AdiosMonday Feb 28 - Last Day<br />What to do on our very last day...we thought we'd go back to our favourite swimming beach but instead decided to go to the second beach to our east. We had walked past it many times on our way to Zicatela Beach but we thought Playa Marinero would be a nice alternative. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgatGxdHkWQ/TWx54NPYfTI/AAAAAAAABLk/gc-q5qIBxqw/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B28%2Bto%2Blast%2Bday%2Bin%2Bpe%2B029.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgatGxdHkWQ/TWx54NPYfTI/AAAAAAAABLk/gc-q5qIBxqw/s200/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B28%2Bto%2Blast%2Bday%2Bin%2Bpe%2B029.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578968044939017522" /></a><br /><br />The waves were stronger than they usually are. Although we were sitting back quite a ways off the beach we still managed to get salt water spray on our glasses and could feel the sea mist on our warm bodies. <br /><br />We were happily sheltered under the shade of another unbrella, comfortable on the chaises and ready again to just be entertained by the passing people, thundering waves, and changing seascapes.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kfl4XcZMdzs/TWx6bLjTkwI/AAAAAAAABLs/c4Ygn8eyFq8/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B28%2Bto%2Blast%2Bday%2Bin%2Bpe%2B018.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kfl4XcZMdzs/TWx6bLjTkwI/AAAAAAAABLs/c4Ygn8eyFq8/s200/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B28%2Bto%2Blast%2Bday%2Bin%2Bpe%2B018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578968645781132034" /></a><br /><br />So many memories, highlighted by such gentle and hard working people. Their interaction with family and friends is lovely to watch.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bA5C7ABTB2g/TWx7ErDRJ9I/AAAAAAAABL0/76a7DpUg_rY/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B25%2Btown%2B024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bA5C7ABTB2g/TWx7ErDRJ9I/AAAAAAAABL0/76a7DpUg_rY/s200/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B25%2Btown%2B024.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578969358611326930" /></a><br /><br />So many gorgeous flowers, tree varieties, and local products to enjoy. We were amazed to find that they grow coffee and peanuts very close to this town. They are both highly prized because they are chemical free.Of course bananas, mangos, papayas, coconuts are all grown locally as well as most of their vegetables.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ew0ERrcbPKQ/TWx7iFPQUII/AAAAAAAABL8/gehNHzFuOqM/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B16%2Bwalk%2Bto%2Bzic%2B012.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ew0ERrcbPKQ/TWx7iFPQUII/AAAAAAAABL8/gehNHzFuOqM/s200/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B16%2Bwalk%2Bto%2Bzic%2B012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578969863857131650" /></a><br /><br />We enjoyed a simple meal tonight at home, finishing off our potatoes, eggs, onions and salsa. Fresh cucumber on the side and we were satisfied.<br /><br />When we get lonely again for the sound of the thundering waves we'll have to make a quick trip to our west coast, only then we'll be bundled up in our heavy coats and shoes. Amazing what a difference a few thousand kilometres will do to the Pacific Ocean.mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-89091438095004979442011-02-26T18:52:00.000-08:002011-02-26T19:55:35.054-08:00Puerto Escondido herselfSaturday, Feb. 26<br /><br />What happened to the week? <br />We did spend one day wandering around the center of town again. It is interesting to us.<br /><br />The stores are small, wide open to the street, and usually only sell a few items. To us that's the norm for clothing stores and shoe stores but most other places manage to be departmentalized. Not so here.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V1rYt-W_FvY/TWnIlp9VOiI/AAAAAAAABK0/FBg5G9fgfzo/s1600/P.%2BE.%2BJan%2B10%2Bschool%2Btown%2B001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V1rYt-W_FvY/TWnIlp9VOiI/AAAAAAAABK0/FBg5G9fgfzo/s200/P.%2BE.%2BJan%2B10%2Bschool%2Btown%2B001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578210162718882338" /></a><br />I love the garages for oil changes or tire changes or hand washing the vehicles. Generally there are no walls (why make it hotter??), there is probably a tarp for protection from the burning sun, cement slabs to drive up on to have the oil changed. Uncomplicated and to the point!<br /><br />One shop will sell ice creams, next will be a little restaurant, then a ladies clothing shop, maybe a glasses shop, and so on.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz_KK3qhdiA/TWnI9aQ7OrI/AAAAAAAABK8/_12uD7Zy0_w/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B21%252C22%252C23%2Btown%2Bto%2Bzic%2Bto%2Bcari%2B008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz_KK3qhdiA/TWnI9aQ7OrI/AAAAAAAABK8/_12uD7Zy0_w/s200/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B21%252C22%252C23%2Btown%2Bto%2Bzic%2Bto%2Bcari%2B008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578210570822957746" /></a><br /><br />Super Che is the largest of grocery stores here. Even so, the front half is filled with household goods. You can even buy a motor bike there. The food prices are significantly lower than at home. Even Bran Flakes is cheaper here! I often buy Starbucks iced coffees (in the bottles) and they are cheap. I love Manchego cheese, I hope I can find it at home. The bakery section is quite amazing, much larger than the produce section, I'm thinking that's why many Mexicans are so round! Many times I can't buy tomatoes or bananas because they are 'out'. We have certainly done fine shopping there tho. Even a 6 pack of beer can be under $5. Cdn.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-257gUefPdzo/TWnJpx7nCKI/AAAAAAAABLE/3WZ_4iVuwEo/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B21%252C22%252C23%2Btown%2Bto%2Bzic%2Bto%2Bcari%2B011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-257gUefPdzo/TWnJpx7nCKI/AAAAAAAABLE/3WZ_4iVuwEo/s200/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B21%252C22%252C23%2Btown%2Bto%2Bzic%2Bto%2Bcari%2B011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578211333090248866" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cXuTBdKdtas/TWnKGx_0pXI/AAAAAAAABLM/MaqgWwXC8aY/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B21%252C22%252C23%2Btown%2Bto%2Bzic%2Bto%2Bcari%2B013.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cXuTBdKdtas/TWnKGx_0pXI/AAAAAAAABLM/MaqgWwXC8aY/s200/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B21%252C22%252C23%2Btown%2Bto%2Bzic%2Bto%2Bcari%2B013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578211831324124530" /></a><br />I know we bought and packed extras of so many toiletries and we could have bought the same thing here - for less! Live and learn.<br /><br />We have made friends with Rick and Sandy who are from Calgary. They stay down here for 4 months (for the last 5 years). Jim and Rick have a lot in common in that they both worked for pipeline companies. Sandy and Pat have nothing in common - her first husband shot her in the eye. She is an amazingly tough lady and had made her life work well from that point on.<br /><br />Last Thursday we went to lunch with them, they know the good places! We had a wonderful dinner together in a great family run cafe. They make about 6 items and you can choose any item, plus soup or salad for a set price of $5 or $6 Cdn. I had a wonderful filet of fish with a spinach salad with hunks of carrot and jicama on it and served with a fresh strawberry dressing, Jim has an excellent roasted pork with a special mole sauce on it and he had a super potato soup. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TuVZC2zldLw/TWnHhhJFpmI/AAAAAAAABKs/S6CjPxJ7Otg/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B25%2Btown%2B004.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TuVZC2zldLw/TWnHhhJFpmI/AAAAAAAABKs/S6CjPxJ7Otg/s200/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B25%2Btown%2B004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578208992121169506" /></a><br />Rick invited an older man along, Donovan, who is from Victoria. His wife has ms and is unable to travel with him but he spends some time down here each winter. Very nice man, a little sad and lonely.<br /><br />Today, while waiting for Jim at our favourite coffee shop, I chatted with a young woman who is from Vancouver and her 'man' grew up in Campbell River. <br /><br />Canadian tourists are definitely in the majority here this year (at least compared to Americans).mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-45072868458240040572011-02-24T06:17:00.000-08:002011-02-24T06:39:13.530-08:00All wet!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnLYpyPP_O0/TWZrup5h97I/AAAAAAAABJU/R-iH6rBA84g/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B21%252C22%252C23%2Btown%2Bto%2Bzic%2Bto%2Bcari%2B023.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnLYpyPP_O0/TWZrup5h97I/AAAAAAAABJU/R-iH6rBA84g/s200/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B21%252C22%252C23%2Btown%2Bto%2Bzic%2Bto%2Bcari%2B023.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577263637810247602" /></a><br />We are beginning to feel like our time is running out so we decided to go back to Carizalillo Beach because it really is the best swimming beach in the area. Cariz Beach is a small bay, bordered on both sides with large rock outcroppings. The golden sand is nicely coarse. We were not dissappointed. <br /><br /> Zic beach is so enjoyable just watching the awesome waves, but to be able to walk into the gentle surf and play like kids was the best. The water is perfect temperature and it's so easy to stay afloat in salt water. We ventured out twice and spent the rest of the time in 'adarondack' chairs... in the shade. Jim spent as much time in the water as I did so it was fun to enjoy that together.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ByQwfBr_uXQ/TWZruzcI4UI/AAAAAAAABJc/o19iw4R7g2Q/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B21%252C22%252C23%2Btown%2Bto%2Bzic%2Bto%2Bcari%2B024.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ByQwfBr_uXQ/TWZruzcI4UI/AAAAAAAABJc/o19iw4R7g2Q/s200/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B21%252C22%252C23%2Btown%2Bto%2Bzic%2Bto%2Bcari%2B024.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577263640371323202" /></a><br /><br />We talked with a couple who are from Penticton. They had just talked to a young man who is from Osoyoos.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_O8slAp3-g/TWZrvL7DZYI/AAAAAAAABJk/K7VlRsszPQw/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B21%252C22%252C23%2Btown%2Bto%2Bzic%2Bto%2Bcari%2B026.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_O8slAp3-g/TWZrvL7DZYI/AAAAAAAABJk/K7VlRsszPQw/s200/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B21%252C22%252C23%2Btown%2Bto%2Bzic%2Bto%2Bcari%2B026.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577263646943438210" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />One old, thin Mexican man spent most of the day on the rocks beside the beach shucking oysters. He had a large bag full of shells and he broke them open, put the half shell on a plate with some limes, and carried a big bottle of hot sauce. Then he'd walk the beach and find a buyer. Pretty hard job for so little pay, I think a big plate was only $2.50 Cdn.<br /><br />Yesterday we had walked up to Zic Beach again. We stopped at the cinema which also has book that you can buy or exchange 2 for 1. If you get to the cinema before 4pm you can watch whatever movies they have. We were there by one and no-one was using the cinema so we watched 'The King's Speech'. What a great movie and I thought Colin Firth was perfect in his role of King George VI. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ3kjE3cWCk/TWZs0VhAqjI/AAAAAAAABJs/oECEYlTYdoQ/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B16%2Bwalk%2Bto%2Bzic%2B004.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ3kjE3cWCk/TWZs0VhAqjI/AAAAAAAABJs/oECEYlTYdoQ/s200/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B16%2Bwalk%2Bto%2Bzic%2B004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577264834929535538" /></a><br /><br />After that we still had lots of time to go across the road and onto the beach where we found a chaise and enjoyed several hours watching surf and surfers.<br /><br />Always the ocean beckons. It was good to realize that there is another element of enjoyment being in the water beyond just watching it.mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-25862881873411921722011-02-22T07:11:00.000-08:002011-02-22T07:19:06.456-08:00Things I'm Learning<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-djfDi6B-83w/TWPTQN4Sp5I/AAAAAAAABJE/uoqjSsd3djE/s1600/P.E.%2BJan%2B29%2Bgina%2Btour%2B040.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-djfDi6B-83w/TWPTQN4Sp5I/AAAAAAAABJE/uoqjSsd3djE/s200/P.E.%2BJan%2B29%2Bgina%2Btour%2B040.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576533039171938194" /></a><br />Monday, Feb 21 <br /><br />Feb 5 is Constitution Day.<br /><br />The Mexican Constitution, adopted in 1917 is considered by many to be one of the most radical and comprehensive constitutions in modern political history.<br />It was the first to guarantee the rights of women, ethnic minorities, and the handicapped in all spheres of life, including the workplace.<br /><br />It provides for a free and compulsory public, non-religious primary and secondary school education. It guarantees workers the right to organize and the right to strike, as well as an eight-hour workday and a living minimum wage. It also decrees that Mexican citizens be given priority in hiring in both the public and private spheres.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKvO4MRJi3w/TWPTQfjC_lI/AAAAAAAABJM/eAi7L8XusOU/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B16%2Bwalk%2Bto%2Bzic%2B008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKvO4MRJi3w/TWPTQfjC_lI/AAAAAAAABJM/eAi7L8XusOU/s200/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B16%2Bwalk%2Bto%2Bzic%2B008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576533043914669650" /></a><br /><br />Benito Juarez's birthday is celebrated March 21. Called 'the Worthy' of the Americas, Juarez was a Zapotec Indian from Oaxaca who served as president five times between 1858 and 1872.<br /><br />The story goes that he admired President Abraham Lincoln, visited him, and then set up laws of reform which helped make Mexico a modern, secular, democracy by establishing the separation of Church and State.<br /><br />Every town has a Benito Juarez avenue and most will have a statue of him as well. <br /><br />Let's hope they can keep their constitution strong for their people.mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275525180824195007.post-66861383268041806072011-02-20T16:19:00.000-08:002011-02-20T18:44:17.527-08:00Return to Zicatela Beach<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yXRuVG6W7C8/TWGxlc-fxHI/AAAAAAAABIs/PKPS0vJYXK4/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B18%2Bmore%2Bzicatila%2B005.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yXRuVG6W7C8/TWGxlc-fxHI/AAAAAAAABIs/PKPS0vJYXK4/s200/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B18%2Bmore%2Bzicatila%2B005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575933070652982386" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5w1BvpSotw/TWGxlBYOESI/AAAAAAAABIk/yxAuxlUJO1E/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B18%2Bmore%2Bzicatila%2B003.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5w1BvpSotw/TWGxlBYOESI/AAAAAAAABIk/yxAuxlUJO1E/s200/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B18%2Bmore%2Bzicatila%2B003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575933063244681506" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />There is something so profound about the ongoing waves action as you watch it from shore. <br /><br />We often walk to Zicatela beach just to watch the waves. We don't feel like it is a safe beach in which to swim and play but the non-stop action of the surf keeps drawing us back. <br /><br />Once we are comfortable in our chaise, umbrella strategically positioned to stop any sun rays, books out, lotion applied and drinks ordered, we turn our full attention to the incoming waves.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YR1jp8coY1Q/TWHREHfVMyI/AAAAAAAABI8/kmCp9Ne0Iak/s1600/P.E.%2BJan%2B11%2B005.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YR1jp8coY1Q/TWHREHfVMyI/AAAAAAAABI8/kmCp9Ne0Iak/s200/P.E.%2BJan%2B11%2B005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575967682321527586" /></a><br /><br />They are beautiful. For moments you can look seaward and think it is calm, then you notice an indent in the water and soon it is increasing to an exciting wave which will then break and curl and race toward the shore. Of course, seconds before that happens a previous wave has gone to shore and is now trying to move back out into the deep. <br /><br />Sometimes the shoreline is heavy with what looks like a roaring river.The sound of the incoming surf is a constant roar too.<br /><br />As fascinating as the big waves are, I love the interaction of the returning wave. It pushes against the incoming wave and there may be a big jumble of white foam or there may be a small meeting at one side which then rushes back upon itself and makes a very intense 'rooster tail' effect slashing back against the next body of incoming water.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UFJLoZt2UUk/TWGxl6dLrZI/AAAAAAAABI0/UJFDwbILyIE/s1600/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B18%2Bmore%2Bzicatila%2B007.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UFJLoZt2UUk/TWGxl6dLrZI/AAAAAAAABI0/UJFDwbILyIE/s200/P.E.%2B%2BFeb%2B18%2Bmore%2Bzicatila%2B007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575933078566317458" /></a><br /><br />A wave is never repeated. It is never quite in the same place, or the same heighth, or the same intensity. There is a theory about how they come in 'waves' of waves, and that seems true. There will be a few smaller ones and each one will build in intensity until there's a big finale and they will start smaller again.They may come in groups of 7 or groups of 9 and the 7th of the 7 or the 9th of the 9th is the really awesome one. <br /><br />Sometimes the waves are beautiful seagreen in colour. Sometimes they are filled with sand and are quite murky. <br /><br />One of us will try to read our book, the other will be saying "Oh look!" but usually the moment has finished and we have to find our own moment of beauty.<br /><br />All this time younger people are playing in the waves. Some on body boards and more on surf boards. A few of the bathing beauties will just pop into the water long enough to get wet, have a little fun being pushed by the currents, and then they are back on their towels.<br /><br />We are satisfied to be totally entertained from shore.mtwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13809183033222886611noreply@blogger.com3