March 12 & 13, 2012; San Carlos to Puerto Penasco

MAR  12, Monday, San Carlos to Santa Anna
We were ready to go by 9:45 am, we said our goodbyes, some of them emotional for Val especially her friend Joyce, and after receiving some final advise from Gaylord about Penasco, we hit the road by 10 am.  We stopped for diesel at a cost of 389 pesos then headed north on Hwy 15 which was excellent (for Mexico) to Hermosillo.  The road through the city was very well marked, the detours easy and in no time, we were north of the city where we paid 127 pesos for the toll and we stopped at a Pemex for lunch.  From here, the road was good except for about 5 miles when it was quite rough but we stuck to the left lane and all was fine.  At Benjamin Hills, we went through a Military check point and were searched by a young and polite soldier then we were on our way.  We arrived at our campground in Santa Anna, pulled in, met once again Anna and Edgar, paid our 150 pesos for the night, hooked up and are now relaxing.  We were here by 3 pm and it is nearly 90*F (32*C) and NO WIND!  The sky was cloudy most of the day and it is still like that now but the temperature has dropped to a nice 80*F

When we got here, there were 2 other rigs but by dinner time, two more came in.  Our neighbour LOVES to yak; I will walk away busying myself and as soon as I stop he comes back out and he’s right there again bending my ears.  I swear he has been alone too long.  When the other two rigs came in, he was right there talking to them before they even got parked!!!  I am just NOT used to that!

N   30* 32.156’
W 111* 07.012’
Alt: 2278 feet
I drove 185 miles in 3:45 hrs @ an average 50 MPH.

MAR  13, Tuesday, Santa Anna to Puerto Penasco via a new hwy
Wow!  What a day!  We got up at 7 am and I cooked pancakes for breakfast.  After showering and cleaning up, we packed and left around 8:30 am.  First the Beast took on fuel then we were on the road on Hwy 2 towards Carborca.  The road was really great and we made good time on a wide 4 lanes highway.  We paid 132 pesos at the toll in Altar and then were on a two lane highway to Carborca where we turned south then west on Hwy 3 and made our way to Puerto Penasco on the south road.  The country side was mainly agriculture land and lots of people working the fields; but there were also plenty of desert sceneries.  It was a good drive except for when we got near small towns/villages where the road would become rough for one to two miles then back to good highway.  The road had no shoulders but it was wide enough to meet trucks and buses comfortably.  We stopped in El Diamante for a break and a bite to eat then continues on. 

The highway came close to the Sea of Cortes at one point and we could see the water.  We were stopped at a military check point near Estacion Sahuaro where we were once again checked inside but this time, one of the soldiers spoke English and we were able to communicate.  They were curious about the inside, how much it cost, where we had been (they saw the map on the outside wall) and where we lived in BC.  It was fun talking to them but we were soon on our way.  By the way, when I asked what they look for, he said they check for weapons and drugs.  We told them Canadians don’t carry weapons and we were too old for marijuana; they laughed at that! One of them told me it was good medicine.  They are really neat kids and very curious; a joy to talk to them.

The road became very rough as we neared Penasco and we finally arrived at our destination with no problems; we are staying at PLAYA del ORO and are at site 213, about 100 yards from the water.  After setting up, we went into town to the bank to get some cash and I fuelled up at the same time.  We came back to Oro and I paid for 6 nights @ 1600 pesos ($138 Cdn) with the seventh night free. 

We walked to the beach where there were still quite a few people out in the water, yes in the water!  We had a beer by the beach at the local bar.  This is a very nice place and very clean.  The propane truck came in and I took on one tank.

For dinner, we decided to go to the Malecon and had dinner at the “The Point Restaurant” on the main drag near the harbour.  A very nice place built on stilts over the water (see pictures) and we had a marvellous sea food dinner.  Temperature when we got here was 30*C and right now at 8:20 pm, it is still over 20*C. AND NO WIND!

N   31* 17.815’

W 113* 32.027’
Alt: 22 feet
We travelled 178 miles in 4 hours @ an average 46 MPH

March 9 to 11, 2012; last 3 days in San Carlos

MAR  9, Friday, more washing and loading
It’s amazing how much stuff there is to load up when it is time to leave.  I washed and vacuumed the inside of the Beast then loaded the golf club and got Tucker space ready.  I also washed the inside of the all the windows; packed up the bikes as Val has gone for her last Tai-Chi this morning which I am told, was quite emotional.  I also packed some of the chairs; the rest will be done tomorrow.  I also added air to the tires on the truck and filled the air bags.  I called AOR, ROD and WHR on Skype to make reservations in Arizona; Yuma, Ehrenberg and Salome starting March 19.  I called my son, Jeff tonight.

MAR  10, Saturday, more packing and Happy Hour at the Lot
I did more cleaning in the morning and packing!  I called Rochelle’s home and got Hayley so we chatted with her for a while then I called Rochelle cell phone and we chatted for a while with her.  They were picking up Kevin’s bike which was a shop for servicing before his spring trip.  We learned that Hayley now has a new car which she never mentioned...Kids!!!  Then we went into Guaymas to buy some groceries at Soriana and Wal-Mart.  We came home, put everything away then drove to the “Lot” to say our goodbyes.  We had a good time with the crew at the Lot and lots of laughs unfortunately, as anything good, it had to come to an end so we said our goodbyes, hugged everyone and came home around 6:20pm.  The gang at Totonaka was getting ready to go to the Chinese restaurant just outside the Park so we joined them.  We had a very nice dinner then came home one more time and watched TV for a while.

MAR  11, Sunday, Last day in San Carlos
The clock moved an hour ahead but we stay the same as Sonora and Arizona do not honor the “Saving Daylight” thing.  I spent the morning loading the rest of our stuff including kayaks then at noon; we went to the San Carlos plaza where a chilli cook-out was taking place, including live music.  There were seven stalls all differently decorated and all the chilli tasted different yet similar.  It cost 10 pesos per taste, money going to charity.  It wasn’t as good as it was two years ago but it was good.  We enjoyed ourselves and had a good time.  Joyce and Bill cycled back, we drove back and the rest of the gang walked back (quite a distance).  Once back at the Park, I was sitting inside when someone knocked and as I went to see who it was, there standing was Gaylord, a friend we met here two years ago.  We sat outside and got up to each other’s news.  It was wonderful seeing him again.  They had just come down from Puerto Penasco so I really grilled him on the road to follow and which park to go to.  Him and his wife, Carole who is legally blind, came over later and joined us for Happy Hour.  Dinner was late but who cares!

Tomorrow, we leave for Santa Anna, Mexico

March 5 to 8, 2012; Birthdays and readying to leave

MAR  5, Monday, My Birthday and the Kirkby’s departure
Another beautiful sunny and warm day!  The Kirkby’s left this morning at 9 am; the park is really becoming emptier by the day.  Val said her goodbyes then went for Tai-Chi.  Units from the south come in for a day or two then leave, taking along one or two of the Units who spent the winter here.  Some folks like travelling in group for security sake.  It was a quiet day otherwise.  We have a new neighbour behind us; Ron and Anna, friends of Leo & Lynn.  Val and I, along with Joyce and Bill, went for lunch at “JJ’s” for torta and lancha (tortilla with diced pork, delicious) then cycled back home.  I had a short snooze (I am over 65 now after all) then Happy H.  The group is down to 6 now but two more joined us; Ron and Anna from Alberta.  For dinner, Val cooked my favourite dinner: meat balls, gravy, mashed potatoes and vegetables with a salad on the side...what more can you ask for at 65!???

MAR  6, Tuesday, Tucker haircut
We dropped off Tucker at the groomer at 11 am and he should be ready by 2 pm.  Val washed small runner carpets and Tucker’s blanket and his bedding.  The crew decided to go to “The Edge” for a hamburger so we tagged along.  Leo was out fishing this morning but didn’t catch anything.  I bought a kilo of Sea Bass fish and ordered 2 kilos of shrimp for Saturday; stocking up before leaving.  Val went for more Tai-Chi at 4 pm, Happy H at 4:30 then dinner and a quiet night at home

MAR  7, Wednesday, 5 days left in San Carlos!
 A fairly quiet day, Val went for Tai-Chi in the morning then we went to town to get some more vegetables and meat both at Tony and Santa Rosa.  Val was busy visiting people and I was busy getting things ready for the big wash day tomorrow and starting to clean some of our stuff...everything is full of dust!  Leo, Al and Ron and their wife of course, went clamming today.  All of us, including Joyce and Bill, went to JOEY for two for one drinks and all you can eat pasta for 100 pesos (approx $8 Cdn).  We came home in time to watch “Survivors” at 9 pm (8 in BC)

MAR  8, Thursday, wash day!
We got the Bear and the Beast washed today, now I can start loading the truck.  We went to “JJ’s” for taco and lanchas (pork served on a toasted tortilla) then to the bank to get some cash for next week.  We came home and I loaded more stuff after washing it.  Happy H then a quiet evening at home.

March 1 to 4, 2012; Sand storms and birthdays

MAR 1, 2012, Thursday, San Carlos
Well, the gang is ready by two! Rick and Pat are gone; soon it will be us. I went golfing with Lynden and Craig today and Val went to Tai-Chi at 3 pm. Happy H at 4:30 and supper at 6! It was a great day, warm and cozy!

MAR 2, Friday, wind/sand storm
Val went for Tai-Chi this morning then after she showered, we went into San Carlos and Guaymas for groceries shopping. We stopped at Arboritos for lunch and I had a new dish call “Chicharron Cameron” which turned out to be deep fried shrimps and absolutely delicious. We had Joyce’s card for “Sam’s Club” where we bought some groceries in bulk then to Walmart for the final items. As we were driving home, we could see the sand being blown up by the strong winds in the desert; we could barely see the mountains in the distance. By the time we put everything away, it was Happy H. Tony and Mickey from Arizona (they have six, yes 6 miniatures Jack-Russell) joined us for a drink. We bought a whole chicken at Walmart and that is what we had for dinner.

MAR 3, Saturday, hot, windy and appointments
I blew again overnight and I had to bring in the awning however this morning, it is warm, sunny and no wind! Apparently Yuma and the region there really got it bad and a huge sandstorm; people who were schedule to leave their campground couldn’t do it.
It was really hot today....90*F (30*C) and windy in the afternoon. We went out to town to pick up a couple items and have lunch at JJ’s where we met Joyce and Bill. When we got home, all the laundry clothes were on the ground and the chairs upside down. Apparently a small “devil twister” came though and wreaked havoc on a few sites. We made appointments for Tucker and to have the Beast and the Bear washed next week. Happy H at 4:30 pm and in for dinner by 6 pm. Watched a movie in the evening

MAR 4, Sunday; HAPPY BIRTHDAY VAL!
Val got up at 8:30 am and I gave her a card, a small gift consisting of an ankle bracelet with a small heart on it then a BIG kiss! She is a happy girl! Hot day today, 29*C by 11:30 am. The girls in our crew took Val for a golf game then we met afterwards for a drink at the Palapa at the golf club. We came home and got dressed for the evening, had a drink then we all walked over to the Italian restaurant where everyone met us. The folks form the Lot where there in full force and our gang including Joyce and Bill which made it 18. The owner had set up the tables in a U shape which made the visiting easier. I had two singers come to the table and sing a Mexican birthday song for Val which she loved then this little guy came in with jewellery and Val picked a small item. The kid was good bargainers. We came home and had a fire. This evening served a triple purpose; first it was for celebrating Val’s birthday and my birthday tomorrow and also for Lynden and Charlene who are leaving tomorrow, so lots to celebrate. It was a great day and fun was had by all! I posted pictures in Web Picasa

February 27 to 29, 2012; Farewell to the Tate's

FEB  27, Monday,
A very cloudy and humid day greeted us this morning.  It was quite unexpected!  Val went for her Tai-Chi and took the truck in case it rains.  The Tates are beginning to load and store their stuff and getting ready to go, they are leaving on the 1^st.  The Kirkby’s are leaving on the 5^{th and} we are leaving on the 12^th of March.
The sun came out in the afternoon as suspected and it warmed some but the wind is from the sea hence cool. We went to El Cheque for a couple of hot dogs and a coke then came home.  Val went for a beach walk with Tucker and the girls.  After Happy H, Val invited Bill and Joyce to share our BBQ’ed steaks and shrimps. Val made a salad, Joyce brought over sprucell sprouts which were delicious the way she prepared them and we had a lovely evening.

FEB  28, Tuesday
Almost the end of another wonderful month; warm and sunny again today!  We walked to Tony’s and back for some veggies then just sat around and relaxed.  I am getting tired of relaxing, time to move on!!!!  Val made a spaghetti sauce for tonight but we ended up at “Charlie’s Rock” for a drink and a bite to eat (all you can eat fish and chips for 100 pesos (approx $8 Cdn), I had two helping, Oink! Oink!  Came home and watched a movie then to bed.

FEB  29, Wednesday, Farewell for the Tate’s
Some high clouds this morning but very nice temperature!  The Tate’s are all loaded up and waiting to move on the street later this afternoon.  That’s a usual ritual when people leave early the following morning.  This way, one is ready to go with no hassles in the morning.  Val and I went to Rosa Cantina for tortilla soup, her favourite then we came home and she got food ready for the farewell gathering happening here at 4:30pm.
And so the party began right on time.  Everyone showed up and we had a great meal and lots of fun.  After dinner, we had a big fire and burned the last of the firewood.  We also learned from Craig, Manfred and Bill, who were in Obregon today, that the truck was almost stripped; the headlights, tail lights, batteries, fenders, running boards, all the decals, tailgate had been removed.  They were also in the process of removing the box at the back and the hitch but fortunately, never completed that.  The truck is now at the GM dealership in Guaymas.  The inside is OK except for the damage ignition and door lock which they popped.  The insurance paid for the transport back.  They figure a month to two months before it is ready to go.
Anyway, on a lighter note, our neighbours came home today and had our wine and distilled water that we had ordered.  They joined us at the fire.  Everyone from the lot, left around 9 pm and we continued on.  Val and Pat went inside to watch SURVIVOR!  We said our final goodbyes to Rick and Pat and hit the bed around 11 pm.