Sayulita

We drove 20 miles up the coast, winding over a a few low mountains. Not strictly a rain forest,
but rather a well watered jungle, the roadside foliage is attractively lush, with many huge vine draped trees forming a leafy canopy over the road. The small villages have topes - the Mexican speed bumps that slow traffic to a crawl through them. This funky little beach town has clean waters, perfect for surfing and play. Hana and I do her math homework under a palapa in the shade. She and James took a surfing lesson. It was very comprehensive, on land and in the water. They both did very well.

Puenta Mita

Today we woke at 7 and sat on the patio watching the sun rise as we overlooked Banderas Bay. This huge bay, one of the deepest and largest natural bays in the world is what protects this coastline from even the worst storms of the Pacific Ocean.
We played in one of the eight pools at this 5 star condo complex in the morning and then drove to Puenta Mita to a new beach. As you drive along the highway, you are enveloped in the jungle atmosphere with trees flowing over the highway forming tunnels all along the road. The different flowers are beautiful. In the early 1990's, the Mexican government concluded a deal with private interests to build a Four Seasons Resort here. Unfortunately, it was on communally owned land, the base of local fishing and boating. The locals were all moved away and the local ejido people are still challenging the government. It is a beautiful beach area and we ate at El Dorado right on the waterfront all done up in yellow and greens. Lexi and Trey learned how to eat limes. We enjoyed the small turtles in the water fountain as we walked out.

Going to Mexico and Bucerias

Today Ron, bless him, dropped me at the airport at 5:30 a.m. to go to Puerto Vallarta to join Suzanne and James and family for 6 days. I was delighted when we flew over the Grand Canyon, an amazing view. Because they didn't know the area, I was going to take a cab to the kid's condo. At the airport, I didn't know where I was and didn't know where I was going!! Surprise - 3 kids ran up to me with a dozen red roses! I hardly recognized Hana - she had her hair done up in 26 corn braids. Because it was 5 p.m.and they'd rented a van and we were already on the road, we went directly to Bucerias to their favourite restaurant on the beach. Burcerias, Place of the Divers, is 12 miles north of P Vallarta with lovely golden sand beaches and palapa beachfront restaurants. It was magical. 80 degrees, the waves hitting the shore, the mariachi fellows playing and the sun going down behind us. Loved it. A fellow came by on his house and the kids each got a turn sitting in the saddle. So much fun.

Cinco De Mayo

Last night we had this party at our park. Darlene and her crew had done a great job of decorating and the Mexican dishes everyone brought for pot luck were outstanding. It was fun socializing with our park crowd. Lots of sombreros around.

Breaking News!!!!!!!!!!

This rates national coverage!!! Roger and Ron finally beat Carol and I at 'The Bitch', the card game we have been playing for 4 1/2 years. Surely this must qualify them for Canadian Men of the Year awards? You think?

Dinner with the kids

We had a great visit with the kids today. I took Josh our for a 1/2 hr driving lesson. He did very well but of course needs a lot more experience. We had a delicious dinner and very nice visit. They are certainly a nice family to be with. I had forgotten to take a picture of Zach with the blue jean quilt I'd made for him. Here it is with pockets, hanging threads and all.

Fun in Steveston

We had fun today. Thadene and Dave had to go to Steveston so we met them there for lunch. It is a very old fishing community on the outskirts of Richmond. It was largely populated by Japanese in the early 1900's and a thriving fishing industry until WWII when they were all interned inland during the war, having their boats and houses seized. A black mark in Canadian history, which had some redress a few years ago but definitely not enough. Today it is a very pleasant community centered around the waterfront where we lunched overlooking the dock and fleet. Fresh fish is sold off the boats - salmon, ling cod, rock fish and tuna today. There was a huge swan swimming by the wharf.