I have been a little remiss in posting….partly because I post to Facebook as well.  I am able to send pictures that way ….off my phone.  Anyway because I know a lot of people do not do Facebook, I thought I should bring the rest of you up to date with all that has been happening here.

Saturday January 31st, Max left Guayabitos for home in Victoria and back to work….poor girl!  She was here for 2 weeks.  I am pretty sure she had a good time.  It is a different sort of vacation place than the one I spent with my family on the other coast. This is the real Mexico.  A little rough around the edges to be sure.

From a post I made to Facebook later the day she left….”On the beach this morning, there was another loss of life….a nineteen year Mexican boy.  Sad!!!  Apparently most of the Mexican nationals that come here for vacation from the interior, don’t know how to swim.  There is a strong undertow here always and ……the red flag was up.”  The next day I read that there had been another, a 16 year old, that lost his life to drowning the day before.

Just as Max was leaving, the weather started to change….actually the last couple of days had been cloudy while she was here….warm but cloudy.  Carol H. had posted a picture that day that she took showing the temperature as being 91.2 F (33C, I think) as the high. But then the rains came and came and came…..4.5 inches in less than 4 days.  But now the sun is back out.  Yeah!!!

This morning I finally made it to line dancing….under a big palapa…….about 2 kms down the beach (and 2 kms back).  Carol H. and I were there along with about 20 others.  A lot of the ladies are from BC and a lot from Quebec.  That gals that teach are from Quebec.  There doesn’t seem to be any from the States.  Of course the American government scares the crap out of their citizens about how scary it is down here.  Not!!!  We walked again later…..the other way….probably another 3 kms.

If you do Facebook you can see the sunset pictures I posted tonight.  Beautiful!!! Sorry but cannot seem to be able to post them here.

Oh my God!!!  Max and I were walking the beach when she said “what’s with that boat”?  I looked ….. Not too far out from shore was one of the tour/fish boats with passengers on board. It was hard to tell if they were in trouble because the boat would disappear in between the roller waves (they were pretty high).  Anyway, I am not sure exactly how many were on board ……maybe 10 or 12. They were bailing and the young man skippering was waving to get attention of the people on the beach (as well as bailing). Then before long the boat turned turtle throwing everyone on board, into the ocean.  People were screaming as they went over and when they were in the water.  They seemed to all have life jackets on and the water is not cold so they wouldn’t suffer from hypothermia. Several guys from shore, grabbed boards and whatnot, swimming toward the boat. Before long… I’d say within 6-7 minutes there were other boats arriving to rescue everyone. We (the people on the beach) think that all the people were rescued and headed back with them in another boat, towards the other end of the beach. After that, many guys from the may boats, tried repeatedly, to right it. Finally they were successful and another boat towed them in towards Los Ayala. Oh my…. It certainly  created some very scary, terrifying minutes for us and I am sure, for the people that were expecting a lovely day out on the ocean…. Maybe to see whales or whatever.  Excitement in paradise. Today was not a boring day.

Maxine and I left Victoria at about 7 am this morning. I sure wished that I had not woken up at 12:30 am and remained that way for 2 hours. I finally drifted off only to have the alarm go off an hour later. I think that I will sleep tonight. Incidentally the flight was extremely bumpy but atleast the landing was a whole lot better than the last one I was on. Yeah!  I heard later from my son, that in Victoria on Sunday morning that the winds were so bad that it knocked out the power. Lucky they had a generator so that they could watch the game. Probably it was the same system that causes the rocky flight to SFO.

After going through customs in San Francisco & rechecking our checked baggage, we went in search of what gate we were to go to, then decided that this trip to the sun was ready to start cuz it must be 5 o’clock somewhere. Oh my….. $11US for a glass of wine, about 8 for a glass of draft and over 7 for 2 small bottles of water. Do you think those prices have anything to do with being a captive audience???

Arrived at PVR on time and with a smooth landing. Again yeah!!!  A poor overtired little boy screamed for 3 of the 3.5 hour flight. That was not so good.

Hector met us at the airport along with my friend Carol H’s granddaughter Jessica. I was totally shocked to see her there. I did not know beforehand that she was here. They together, waited another little while for Belinda (another friend) and friends, to arrive from Comox so Hector’s brother drove us in.  We are both staying at Villas Las Mariposas where my friend Linda B. is (and others will follow).

Sunday the 18th of January, Max and I started off down to the end of the beach.  Along the way, we ran into Belinda and Larry. By the time we got to the end of the beach, it was time for my first, “world famous” strawberry margarita at Alicia’s, this year. They are sooooo good.  Could be dangerous if having more than one.  We also stopped along the way, to meet Kathy, a lady friend of Lol and Dave’s from Princeton and Blythe, CA. Also checked to see if Derek and Sheldon were here this year from Creston, BC.   And they were. I have a story that goes with those 2 but it’s too long to go into here. Small world!  Later we went to see Jack and Donnie play at Marlenne’s. They were as usual, a great duo doing lots of country and some rock. Carol C…….we were thinking that you would be enjoying this.  We stayed for probably the best (back) ribs ever. Oh my!!!

Monday we trekked through the “residential zone” to the “Monday market” in Guayabitos. Did not buy anything there. From there we went in search of the carcineria (meat market), fruiteria (for veggies) and grocery store with alcohol. Remember we are on foot. We walked part way back on the street but then headed back down to the beach thinking it would be easier. Duh!!! Remember we are packing all this stuff. After unloading groceries at “home”, we ventured a little way to Marlenne’s to have quesadillas and micheladas and then went the other way on the beach…. through the river (it was almost non-existent….low tide) and along the beach on the other side. Then up along the malacon in La Penita. Wow…. Very nice! It was not here the last time I was here. Before I got here the last time (3 years ago), from the storms, sand and boats had washed half way up the streets into La Penita, so building this malacon, it was probably a preventative as well as an aesthetic measure. We stopped in at Hyndi y Hymes for a beer and to say hello to Patty and Jorge. Typically I am not memorable but Bob A. and Belinda were so they remembered Bob and said that Belinda had already been in.  We went by Bill and Roe’s but they we playing darts and Sergio was not at his office either. Then we trekked over the “Bridge of Life” (built by gringos I am told, to stop the pedestrian deaths on the highway). Then, to show Max the beautiful homes in the Residential Zone. Back to home part way on the beach. OMG were we done in by the time we got back. I wonder how many kms we actually walked?  We were on our feet pretty much all day. After a drink and some cut up veggies for dinner, it was sack time at about 8 am. I am getting my sleep for sure. It is so nice hearing the crashing waves all day and night, long.

Incidentally we saw the most beautiful, huge jelly fish I had ever seen, on our walk back from La Penita.  The centre was like a flower…. outlined in pink. If I can’t post the picture here, check FB. I know I can do that.

Today, Tuesday the 20th …… We have decided to take the day off.  Just going to sit on the beach and read and write this blog.  Linda came by and told us that we are invited to Lana and Donnie’s for dinner. That should be nice.  While sitting down in the beach…. Max got pooped on by one of the many murettes flying above. I hear that’s supposed to be a sign of good luck.

Will write more later.

Again, I apologize for not posting until now.  I have been unable to post due to no wifi available to me at the resort and that I have been so very busy since being back.

Today, Thursday, January 8th/15, on our way to Xel-Ha. 7:50am….. Right on time only 10 minutes late. That is very good even by Canadian standards ….. lol.   It is the first day that was cloudy.
First stop…. Barcelo Maya Palace…. The only place in this entire complex that you can visit but have to pay…. In other words… A step up…. Not all-inclusive.

It was a great day although Brandon and Beckett did not come.  B is just too young. Dayton, Dianne and myself went on the “Zip-bikes”. They are bicycles that you peddle on …. using zip lines. Colleen and Jax floated down the River in inner tubes. D,D & I did the same after the zip-bikes. It was very cool floating through the mangrove jungle. Actually after getting through that part, it was quite hard to get anywhere cuz the wind was blowing us back the way we came so we really had to kick hard and for a long time. We all sore legs from all the kicking. We had lunch after our hard work (food and drink was all inclusive here too). Then we went snorkeling. Jaxon would not snorkel so poor Colleen swam with him on her back. The tropical fish were good although not as plentiful or was there as many varieties as I have seen in the past. From there we went in search of the cenotes. We swam in the one that we were allowed too and Jaxon actually swam on his own….. although with flippers. Good for him!!

Our last night here, we went for dinner at the Kyoto (Japanese). We all agreed it was the best food we’ve had and the entertainment value was fabulous. Beckett was so thrilled he clapped and clapped…. So happy. And we found some really great wine….. for a price.

I am made aware every time that I go anywhere, that it is a small world.  This time it was on the last day after checking out of the resort.  We had been “around” these people for a week including on the flight in.  Like us, they were three generations.  I looked at the gal that was my age in the lobby and said to her, “I think I know you.  What’s your name?  When she said he first name I knew. We had gone to school together since elementary school, in Campbell River.  Her name, in case you grew up with me, was Jolanda van Reewyk.

We all landed back in Victoria about 10:30 tonight….crashed I should say. It was the absolute worst landing I have ever experienced. My daughter-in-law Colleen, left the aircraft in a wheelchair. Others had their duty-free liquor smashed from that landing. The children that had been crying just before landing, immediately stopped. The pilot should be ashamed of that landing. What a way to end a beautiful week with my family!!!! I am sad for the pain Colleen is going through I am so angry at AirTransat and Enerjet. They will be hearing from us and I don’t know how many others.

I have not seen Colleen, Brandon and kids since Sunday when I went to check in on them.  Colleen is able to hobble around now.  She also went to the doctor about her back.  I think she will be okay although may need some physio.  Now that whole family is down with the flu (vomiting, etc……yuk!).  I think I will stay away for a bit.

Next journey….I leave on Saturday for Puerto Vallarta and Rincon de Guayabitos.

6:50am January 3/15. Off to Cancun… Whoohoo!!!

I arrived back in Victoria on the 27th….to beautiful sunny day.  Most of yesterday was sunny as well.  What a nice way to return!  It was such a long day though……up at 3am MST or 2 PST for a flight that left Phoenix at 6:45.  From there to San Francisco for a 3 hour layover that became 4 hours…..arriving back here…late of course.

It is so good to see my family……staying with Dayton and Dianne for this week.   Visited with Brandon, Colleen and my two grandkids Jaxon and baby B (Beckett)….who is not a baby anymore, yesterday,.  Love those guys to bits! Then……..

I went to my friend Carol Crabb’s retirement party.  Congratulations Carol!  I almost don’t believe it.  Lots of people, yummy food and drinks.

The rest of the week I have a bunch of running around to do before leaving on Saturday for the Mayan Riviera with my family.  I am really looking forward to that.  I am sure they are all too.

From Wellton AZ

Nothing too much or should I say, different than everyday since I have come down here, has happened. I think that by Christmas Day we have golfed 22 times….. out of a possible 27 days. This, in no way means I got better at the game but it does mean I walked 18 (short) holes every one of those days so I don’t think I have gained (haven’t lost either).  I’m a only a little browner than when I left. That could be because you don’t get a lot of direct sun when you start golfing before the sun comes up…lol.

Every Saturday is “Fun Day” at the the golf course for the RV park.  Last week our team placed 3rd and won $3 each.  Wow, eh?  Thursdays are ladies day…..also a best ball type thing but if they ever say that it will be “dice game”  quit while you are ahead.  You take the drive from the corresponding team member  or if you roll 5, its the best ball or 6 is the worst.   That would have been my team this last week.  OMG if it wasn’t for bad luck we would have had no luck at all.  Ugly!!!!!
The other thing that happens every single day around here is happy hour……. that usually starts right after golf and continues for not one but several hours.
Yesterday we all had a beautiful Christmas dinner at the clubhouse… I think the number there was 138 . The park provided the turkey, dressing and gravy. A toast to the volunteers….. Everyone else brought potluck. Yum!!!
We have been to Algodones once only. Got a couple of things….. Nothing too exciting. Once to the outdoor market. Again didn’t spend much. I went into the Foothills once on my own to see my friends Noreen and Bryan.  And today we will go in… to get groceries…. for our Christmas dinner……. Guests will include our buddy John (other buddy Bud went to Vegas to be with his daughter and family), Cheryl and hubby Woody from Red Deer and Lou and I. Other friends Kim and Mel from 100 Mile House left yesterday morn. We will miss them and are missing Bud. So much fun we have all had.

Other friends I have met and hope to meet again are Iris and Don, Al and Sharon, Barry and Minnie (they are boon-dockers over the highway past Coyote Wash).

On Boxing Day we will leave here for Mesa for an overnight stay at a friend of Lou’s.  I catch the plane home at some ungodly hour of the morning (6:45) and so will be home by 1:13pm.  And then …..a retirement party to attend to and prep for the next trip….with my family.

What a winter!  Love my life!

Golfing everyday…. Usually around 7 am. Saturday there was the RV park’s “fun” day…… not at 7 tho’. The team I played on placed 3rd. We each won $3.  After golf yesterday Lou and I went into the outdoor market in Yuma. I got a long loose dress which I later wore to a birthday party….. for Don, hubby of Iris. What a character she is!!!  Nothing is held back.
Today it was golf again at 7 ….. With our 2 favourite guys, Bud and John.  Later we all went to the VFW for hamburgers ……added along Minnie and Barry from High River….. Great couple. Met them last year too.

Here it’s now Saturday, Nov. 30. I have not written for a few days. It’s partly because we have no internet. And that won’t be happening before Wednesday.  The other reason is that not too much is happening other than cleaning up (oh my God… The dust on everything) and organizing this unit. It is good to be here though.

It was 31 C yesterday and not  at all uncomfortably hot….. Except I did get a little burnt on the golf course yesterday. That was fun. I did surprisingly well considering that I have barely played this year. It was a “scrabble” so don’t know what my score would have been. Lou’s team won. There were 10 questions relating to American Thanksgiving. Every correct one took a stroke off the score.

The worst part of this trip has been a cold in my head and an awful cough in my chest that I acquired from the guy that sat next to me on the plane. It is just so exhausting. I sure hope that it doesn’t last much longer.

Another thing…..try adding a couple of channels to my TV at home so that my house sitters can watch the game.  I have no phone and no internet til Wednesday so am using a friend’s in the park to talk to Telus on line.  Interesting!  I am so hoping that “George” can fix it.  Somehow  the housesitters have also lost internet so I cannot communicate with them.

Tomorrow’s another day.  All will be good.  We are golfing at 7:09am.

I hope everyone is well.