Thursday, March 27, 2014

Denver getting RV fixed, Stephen in Pharr Texas on birding tour

After an awesome 2 month adventure in Mexico and then two glorious weeks at a rental house in northern Scottsdale for my 50th birthday Stephen and I separated, just temporarily of course. He has driven down to Pharr Texas for a birding reunion, no we have not gotten into hunting but rather viewing birds. I on the other hand drive north with the RV and lulu to Denver to get some needed maintenance on Butch Betty. This expedition vehicle is built so well that it is best to go back to the manufacturer. 
I have been here for 3 days and hope to be heading out to meet up with Stephen on Tuesday 4-5 more days. It is quite a test to be without my best friend for 10 days. I am not enjoying it at all and neither is lulu. 
Today the RV is at the ford dealer so lulu and I are out pampering ourselves with a rental car. And I got a much needed haircut. I should have taken a before picture as well with my hair down to my shoulders. 
We woke to sleet and snow quite a difference to the 80's we have had all winter in mexico. 
Talk to you soon





Saturday, March 15, 2014

Finale

R opening presents
Even LuLu participated
The birthday cake
Blowing out the candles






The party continues

Snacks by the pool
The birthday boy!


Oh No the Big Five Oh

Russell's big day is today! Fifty years old -- yikes!
Here he is enjoying the morning festivities. 
Caution Slow Senior Zone!
More to come!



Saturday, March 8, 2014

Durango and Alamos

We had a great trip to Durango via the new Mazatlan/Durango Highway. It just opened in October of last year, cuts hours off the trip between the two cities, and was quite an engineering feat.
Even LuLu got to come along for the ride. Here she is trying to take the driver's job away!
The trip from Mazatlan to Alamos was, like most drives in Mexico, a challenge. The drive culminated in a back alley entrance to the RV park.
Good thing we didn't have the bus!
Alamos is a lovely town -- pure Mexico.
Only two more days in Mexico before we return to the States for Russell's Birthday Bash. Already the weather is getting colder:(





Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Carnival in Mazatlan

We've been in Mazatlan for the past week or so. Our campground is basically a sandy parking lot but it is on the beach and not too far from the city itself.


We've spent a good deal of our time with Paul and Barb Turner (friends from a previous Mexico caravan). Barb and Paul have been sharing some of their favorite restaurants with us and we have had many a good meal.

We toured downtown Mazatlan and saw cliff divers (for less than a dollar they will risk their lives for your enjoyment).



The Carnival parade was as you can imagine colorful and fun.



Next stop -- Alamos and then back to the States on March 10th!

Friday, February 28, 2014

News from Mexico

So, last we spoke we were leaving Melaque to begin our trip back to the US. Next stop was La Penita RV Park. This park was at first glance a little disappointing -- crowded and with relatively small sites.
However, we met some lovely people and had a nice time touring the area.
We went on a boat trip through mangroves seeing lots of birds, crocodiles, and turtles.
We also visited a town called San Francisco were Russell and I enjoyed fish tacos and bought a carving featuring two beaded iguanas.
After ten days we set off again north to Mazatlan which is where we are right now. After a long drive, dinner and a sunset at the beach were much appreciated.

Will write more soon as we have wi-fi at this campground (as opposed to the last one)
Here is a couple of pictures of us just in case you forgot what we look like!




Thursday, February 13, 2014

Getting ready to move on tomorrow

Today we went birdwatching with a local guide 
We saw Neotropic Commorants as well as Anhingas, Orange-Breasted Buntings and Snail Kites (outside their normal range -- v exciting)
Here is the view from one of our birding spots

I ordered lemonade with lunch and this is what I got
Those are pieces of cucumber and jicama sprinkled with chili pepper on top of the lid. Oh and there was also a yellow jelly candy -- you just never know!
I finished this needlepoint. It's a table runner -- quite large!
Tomorrow we leave for a campground north of Puerto Vallarta called La Penita. We will be staying there for about two weeks.




Thursday, February 6, 2014

Day at the beach

Lunch spot at La Manzanilla
View on the way to lunch
Morning coffee spot
Dinner from two nights ago -- coconut shrimp, yum!
A morning visitor at our campsite (a Purple Galinule)










Monday, February 3, 2014

Sorry have not posted in so long!

Our current campsite
View from campsite
Other direction
Lulu got a haircut. She's much happier!
Today's weather forecast
Will post again soon!





Tuesday, January 7, 2014

2014 winter RV trip - San Carlos

Wow!  Very beautiful area and super terrific RV park 1 block off beach, walking distance to everything in town. Lots of restaurants and interesting shopping. Today we are taking it easy from our easy drive through Hermisillo. So much easier to go with a group and just follow the caravan leader. Feel safe we even had our own escort of Green Angels who are state employees in trucks that help people along the toll roads who have trouble with their vehicles. So far we are all doing okay with that but nice to have them bringing up the rear. 
We are here for 4 nights and have a welcome dinner with all the other caravaners tonight. 
Before we left Delaware we had our water guy Chris Powell Pump and Well install a super duper water system in Butch Betty. We actually can make purified water which use for showering and sinks and also Reverse Osmosis water for drinking, our netti pots and my CPAP system. What a luxury to have consistent clean water!  
Later we will go for a bike ride on our foldable Brompton bikes but for now relaxing and needlepointing. Lulu is asleep on her temperpedic dog bed behind Stephen. 

Finally arrived in Mexico winter 2014


I know it has been a week or almost two since our last posting. We have been having problems with the trucks' coolant reservoir and have been limping across the southern part of the USA stopping at several ford dealers. Just when we think they have it solved we end up needing to add more coolant. We have decided to bring 8 gallons into mexico and cross our fingers that we have enough. So now you understand the lack of communication - frustration!
We crossed the border today and got through all the check points without too many issues. 
The other caravaners all seem very nice and we look forward to getting to know them. 
I shouldn't say but today's high in Hermisillo was 84. Magnificent dry sunny weather here. 
I will try to stay on top of the blog. 
See below all our new caravan friends