Day 74: Catemaco -> Coasta Esmeralda, MX
Today was a travel day to continue our trek home. Before we left though, many of us got to meet the Church’s, authors of a series of camping books. (We used their Alaska Camping book last summer and it was a wonderful help). The Church’s had come into the park last night.
We left at 8 and headed north along the coast. Initially the roads were good but once we got past the Veracruz bypass, the coastal road became very bad. Just so that we didn’t become overly focused on the road conditions, the wind whipped up to the 2nd worst that we had seen during a travel day.
Never the less, the caravan moved north. One casualty of the roads was that Dan & Miriam’s microwave decided it had had enough and committed suicide by jumping from the shelf to the floor (short distances are sufficiently deadly for household appliances). Barbara had a closet door come off in her hands, complete with hinges.
Pat and I kept a look out for a lunch place to stop at and finally stopped at an in-door/out-door café. It seemed a nice lace although I wasn’t sure about the name “ La Negrita” meaning “The little Black Lady”. (We never saw anyone so qualified.) We ordered two kinds of shrimp ..one of which I had a clue what it was and one of which I didn’t. I asked the waitress for details but she just started reciting what else came on the plate so we just went with it. They were both good although both were made from intact shrimp..I prefer tails only and shelled and cleaned at that.
The camp is next to the beach, complete with pool and showers. The host took the general numbers per meal and ran off to town to buy food for dinner for the restaurant. When we had the meals later they were very good. She told us that the “Typical Mexican breakfasts” scheduled for the morning had choices of Ham & eggs, Chorizo and eggs, or pancakes and eggs. When Ron groused that those weren’t a very typical Mexican breakfast she replied she wasn’t fond of Mexican breakfasts so that’s what she was going to have.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Day 67 Antigua Guatemala
Day 67 (March 18) - Antigua, Guatemala
Breakfast at the Posada de Don Rodrigo Hotel was served at 6 am. Good choices and excellent service. Weather cooler and most people had jackets on. Macadamia nut crepes excellent.
We left Antigua around 7:15 am with our guide Hugo and driver Byron. Very busy streets with people, cars, and kids in their uniforms going to school.
Hugo continued to give us lots of interesting facts and figures about the region and country.
Our first stop at a restaurant called Yakot. Busy spot, clean restrooms. Lots of smoked meat hanging from ceiling over cash register. Sausages and other meat in display case. Restaurant was heated with propane heaters and a barbeque with burning wood in center of floor. At this point we lost four of our passengers as one not feeling well and they took a taxi back to campground. Our numbers down to 29 now.
Back on the bus again with Hugo continuing to educate us about the surrounding areas and towns we went thru on our way to Chichicastenango (which every time the word was mentioned Brian broke out into his own song!! Ha! Ha!). We continued to climb and it got foggy. Fran asked Bob if we were in fog or clouds. Bob stated we were in fog. Fran asked me to mention that she was in “a cloud”.
Approximately ½ hour from Chichicastenango the bus had to stop on side of road and a few people “lost their breakfast”. Seating arrangements were reassigned and off we went again.
Very busy streets in Chichicastenango. Bus driver did an amazing job backing up bus between a gas pump and another bus.
Hugo took us on a walking tour to the Mayan Inn where we were going to have lunch. Gorgeous court yard with grass, flowers, parrots and a woman dressed in traditional outfit working on a Back Strap Loom. She had her crafts on display on the grass in the court yard.
We all followed Hugo to the church. Interesting watching a parade of burgundy jackets make their way through a sea of brightly colored stalls along both sides of the narrow street. At the church with its yellow and white candles lit all along the floor and the locals on the steps with their flowers and burning incense. Hugo told us not to walk in the front as it was sacred ground – tomb of a Mayan ruler.
After the church Hugo took some of us to the part of the market where the locals shop. Inside a building the vendors had their veggies and fruits displayed on the main floor area. We went upstairs and got an amazing photo-op of a sea of color and activity below. The local market area had everything from blue corn tortillas, meats, spices, dried seafood of all kinds, candles, incenses to all the household items they use and ordinary shoes and clothing they wear. From there we were on our own to shop and meet back at the Inn at 12:00 – 12:30 for lunch.
Lunch was a typical Mayan lunch (pork, beef, chicken, rice, beans, cabbage, radish, guacamole, and corn on the cob. Fruit Plate and Hibiscus tea!) Service and food excellent. Waiters wore traditional Mayan dress, colorful and bright.
With a short stroll back to bus through the colorful streets, we were on the road again.
Bus climbed and descended on the narrow, curvy roads. Temperature dropped to 16 degrees Centigrade at one point (coldest we have seen in months). Drove thru town of Solana on Lake Atitlan. Famous for growing potatoes and onions. Around one corner came upon a small group of people washing onions in a river in preparation for market days which happens on Tuesday and Fridays.
There are 12 Indian villages around Lake Atitlan. 8 you can get to by car and 4 by boat. There are 3 volcanoes around the lake. Atitlan Lake is the third largest lake in Guatemala. The lake is used for fishing (white and black Tilapia, black bass and crab), swimming, scuba-diving, and boat trips. On our way to Panajachel (know for its Hippies in the 60s) we see three high rise buildings. One is the Atitlan Hotel and the other three are not finished.
At the town of Panajachel we had ½ hour to wander around. Nice shopping area, clean streets, nice restaurants and bakery coffee shops.
Back on the bus for our 2 ½ hour ride home we passed beautiful hillsides of different crops; large sections of hilled rows of planted crops. Looked like a giant patchwork quilt. Very hard working people with their large wooden hoes.
Arrived back at campsite at 6:30 pm Everyone I talked to enjoyed the tour very much.
Rig # 17, Pete and Wendy
Breakfast at the Posada de Don Rodrigo Hotel was served at 6 am. Good choices and excellent service. Weather cooler and most people had jackets on. Macadamia nut crepes excellent.
We left Antigua around 7:15 am with our guide Hugo and driver Byron. Very busy streets with people, cars, and kids in their uniforms going to school.
Hugo continued to give us lots of interesting facts and figures about the region and country.
Our first stop at a restaurant called Yakot. Busy spot, clean restrooms. Lots of smoked meat hanging from ceiling over cash register. Sausages and other meat in display case. Restaurant was heated with propane heaters and a barbeque with burning wood in center of floor. At this point we lost four of our passengers as one not feeling well and they took a taxi back to campground. Our numbers down to 29 now.
Back on the bus again with Hugo continuing to educate us about the surrounding areas and towns we went thru on our way to Chichicastenango (which every time the word was mentioned Brian broke out into his own song!! Ha! Ha!). We continued to climb and it got foggy. Fran asked Bob if we were in fog or clouds. Bob stated we were in fog. Fran asked me to mention that she was in “a cloud”.
Approximately ½ hour from Chichicastenango the bus had to stop on side of road and a few people “lost their breakfast”. Seating arrangements were reassigned and off we went again.
Very busy streets in Chichicastenango. Bus driver did an amazing job backing up bus between a gas pump and another bus.
Hugo took us on a walking tour to the Mayan Inn where we were going to have lunch. Gorgeous court yard with grass, flowers, parrots and a woman dressed in traditional outfit working on a Back Strap Loom. She had her crafts on display on the grass in the court yard.
We all followed Hugo to the church. Interesting watching a parade of burgundy jackets make their way through a sea of brightly colored stalls along both sides of the narrow street. At the church with its yellow and white candles lit all along the floor and the locals on the steps with their flowers and burning incense. Hugo told us not to walk in the front as it was sacred ground – tomb of a Mayan ruler.
After the church Hugo took some of us to the part of the market where the locals shop. Inside a building the vendors had their veggies and fruits displayed on the main floor area. We went upstairs and got an amazing photo-op of a sea of color and activity below. The local market area had everything from blue corn tortillas, meats, spices, dried seafood of all kinds, candles, incenses to all the household items they use and ordinary shoes and clothing they wear. From there we were on our own to shop and meet back at the Inn at 12:00 – 12:30 for lunch.
Lunch was a typical Mayan lunch (pork, beef, chicken, rice, beans, cabbage, radish, guacamole, and corn on the cob. Fruit Plate and Hibiscus tea!) Service and food excellent. Waiters wore traditional Mayan dress, colorful and bright.
With a short stroll back to bus through the colorful streets, we were on the road again.
Bus climbed and descended on the narrow, curvy roads. Temperature dropped to 16 degrees Centigrade at one point (coldest we have seen in months). Drove thru town of Solana on Lake Atitlan. Famous for growing potatoes and onions. Around one corner came upon a small group of people washing onions in a river in preparation for market days which happens on Tuesday and Fridays.
There are 12 Indian villages around Lake Atitlan. 8 you can get to by car and 4 by boat. There are 3 volcanoes around the lake. Atitlan Lake is the third largest lake in Guatemala. The lake is used for fishing (white and black Tilapia, black bass and crab), swimming, scuba-diving, and boat trips. On our way to Panajachel (know for its Hippies in the 60s) we see three high rise buildings. One is the Atitlan Hotel and the other three are not finished.
At the town of Panajachel we had ½ hour to wander around. Nice shopping area, clean streets, nice restaurants and bakery coffee shops.
Back on the bus for our 2 ½ hour ride home we passed beautiful hillsides of different crops; large sections of hilled rows of planted crops. Looked like a giant patchwork quilt. Very hard working people with their large wooden hoes.
Arrived back at campsite at 6:30 pm Everyone I talked to enjoyed the tour very much.
Rig # 17, Pete and Wendy
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Day 70 Trip to Puerto Aristsa
Day 70 Tapachula to Puetro Arista (Mexico)
Lovely day for a Sunday drive which we caravaners did along hwy 200 on the edge of the mountains to Puetro Arista. The double divided highway with little traffic or housing meant road conditions where the driver dared to take his eyes off the road to enjoy the scenery. And enjoy the landscape we did with the white-whipped clouds topping the mountains (like our snow capped) and mostly dry rocky riverbeds. Several hillsides were dotted with mango orchards and palm trees (not sure what kind) but other areas were showing signs of severe dryness. It wasn’t clear sailing as we had to be ever watchful for the dreaded topes that definitely slowed our pace. Lots of ‘tope encounter’ stories to be shared and none of them happy ones. I think the caravaners are beginning to lose patience with the Mexican method of speed control. Radar traps are beginning to look like a better option!
As we approached the small beach town of Puetro Arista we were able to pick up mangos at a very reasonable price (bag of 6 for 10 pesos). They were absolutely delicious! There was some concern as we set up the rigs along the street that we may lose our rig steps to passing vehicles but once all had set up their “Mexican caution flags” (rocks, palm frowns, etc.) everyone was able to relax. By mid afternoon we were all ready to lounge at poolside, walk the beach or into downtown, enjoy the bar and restaurant or all three. .
We were awakened from our ocean breeze trance when all eyes turned to the ocean where someone appeared to be in “too deep”. Quickly a crowd of ATV’s gathered and three strong swimmers with lifesaving gear were swimming out to the rescue. Another happy ending!
Since we can sleep in tomorrow, we finished of the day staying up late to snap a few dendrites learning a new card game, Sticks. Thanks to Pete and Wendy we enjoyed lots of laughs and a little frustration but great company and good fun!
Lovely day for a Sunday drive which we caravaners did along hwy 200 on the edge of the mountains to Puetro Arista. The double divided highway with little traffic or housing meant road conditions where the driver dared to take his eyes off the road to enjoy the scenery. And enjoy the landscape we did with the white-whipped clouds topping the mountains (like our snow capped) and mostly dry rocky riverbeds. Several hillsides were dotted with mango orchards and palm trees (not sure what kind) but other areas were showing signs of severe dryness. It wasn’t clear sailing as we had to be ever watchful for the dreaded topes that definitely slowed our pace. Lots of ‘tope encounter’ stories to be shared and none of them happy ones. I think the caravaners are beginning to lose patience with the Mexican method of speed control. Radar traps are beginning to look like a better option!
As we approached the small beach town of Puetro Arista we were able to pick up mangos at a very reasonable price (bag of 6 for 10 pesos). They were absolutely delicious! There was some concern as we set up the rigs along the street that we may lose our rig steps to passing vehicles but once all had set up their “Mexican caution flags” (rocks, palm frowns, etc.) everyone was able to relax. By mid afternoon we were all ready to lounge at poolside, walk the beach or into downtown, enjoy the bar and restaurant or all three. .
We were awakened from our ocean breeze trance when all eyes turned to the ocean where someone appeared to be in “too deep”. Quickly a crowd of ATV’s gathered and three strong swimmers with lifesaving gear were swimming out to the rescue. Another happy ending!
Since we can sleep in tomorrow, we finished of the day staying up late to snap a few dendrites learning a new card game, Sticks. Thanks to Pete and Wendy we enjoyed lots of laughs and a little frustration but great company and good fun!
Day 61 Costa del Sol
DAY 61
Bahia Del Sol
Rig 10
What would have been a travel day has turned into a rest day. We are parked next to the beach and the surf keeps us company. This is a field next to the hotel. There are very few guest so we have the pool to ourselves.
We used this day to do chores. We defrosted the refrigerator and cleaned up the motorhome. 14 of our group chose to take a tour of some Myan ruins and had lunch on a volcanic lake. They had a full day and reported that they had enjoyed the tour very much. We enjoyed listening to University Of Kentucky play basketball in their tournament. They won which made us happy.
John and Kathy offered us a ride to the super Mercado for food. Choices were limited but we make do. We then took a ride to the end of the road and there were big hotels next to the poorest of poor. We turned around in an area that was not a good place to stay.
We fixed some hamburgers on the grill for supper. The pounding of the ocean waves lulls one to sleep.
Bill and Gerry
Bahia Del Sol
Rig 10
What would have been a travel day has turned into a rest day. We are parked next to the beach and the surf keeps us company. This is a field next to the hotel. There are very few guest so we have the pool to ourselves.
We used this day to do chores. We defrosted the refrigerator and cleaned up the motorhome. 14 of our group chose to take a tour of some Myan ruins and had lunch on a volcanic lake. They had a full day and reported that they had enjoyed the tour very much. We enjoyed listening to University Of Kentucky play basketball in their tournament. They won which made us happy.
John and Kathy offered us a ride to the super Mercado for food. Choices were limited but we make do. We then took a ride to the end of the road and there were big hotels next to the poorest of poor. We turned around in an area that was not a good place to stay.
We fixed some hamburgers on the grill for supper. The pounding of the ocean waves lulls one to sleep.
Bill and Gerry
Day 73 - Catemaco and Nanciyaga
Day 73 - Rig 2
24 March 2010 – Catemaco
A leisurely walk through the town of Catemaco on our way to our boat landing, started today’s adventure. Alain leading the way on a shortcut to the Malecon – what a treat to hear the birds crazy in the trees and see all the boat captains readying their boats for the day. Our destination was the La Ola restaurant where we had a reservation for a boat trip on Lake Catemaco and later for lunch. Our group is always up for a good boat trip and day on the water – it just seems so much cooler.
Well we are in for a treat today – no English speaking guide or boat captain – so Brian and LuAnn fill in. LuAnn has printed some details from the website about our trip on the lake and eventual destination – Nanciyaga. And well Brian – he will try to interpret what the boat captain and guide are describing in very fast Spanish – “Senor, Hable mas despacio por favor”. Chris can help too – acting out the word for ‘Monkey’, and other helpful pantomimes.
The boat ride on the lake rode us past many local attractions. We saw the shrine of the virgin – minus the real statue as it is in the local church, home of the local tobacco baron (complete with really high fence), nice resort hotel (without people), island of storks (other birds hung out here too), island in the shape of a crocodile (other ideas were the shape of: dinosaur, otter, dog and fat guy on his back). See how much fun you can have when we can make up our own English version! What a group!
Well on to Nanciyaga, an ecological reserve. We picked up our hiking sticks, Spanish speaking guide, LuAnn’s notes and we are off. This is a very ancient Olmec site and has many sacred replica shrines and statues. The reserve is set up as a holy place for cleansing and contemplation. There are huts that you can actually stay in for a personal retreat. There are steam houses, reflective paths, Mescales, shrines for different gods to worship and of course prayer groves. Most impressive was the mud bath place where a few of our braver guests received mud facials – they didn’t go for the whole body treatment, but there was a nice pond where one could wash the mud off after treatment. A really cool leaf cup was offered with a ‘true mineral water’ to drink – AHHHH refreshing! As the group trekked on – some still with mud faces since it had to dry at least 15 minutes before washing it off – we came to a clearing and the place of the shaman. Well he offered a cleansing for 150 pesos for 6 minutes. Barb was first step up – WOW she came out with a smile on her face – a little damp and what was that slapping sound we heard. Come to find out the shaman was slapping her with leaves while circling and sprinkling her with scented water. AMAZING – Wendy and Gail were quick to follow for their turn in the shaman hut. Each came out with a talisman just for them around their neck and filled with medicine that would help keep their aura clean. All three looked happy and relaxed with the experience – thus, it must be good. Our final portion of the walk stopped at the sinks for the mud facials to be washed off. Oh those glowing faces – how beautiful they look. Back to the boat and back to civilization – Boy are we a hungry bunch.
After lunch – Kathy and LuAnn decided to find a shaman of their own in town. Not to be left out of any holistic experience – Chris joined in. WHAT A TREAT – the restaurant owners’ grandson brought us to “El Salto del Tigre” a well known shaman. After negotiating a price (is that sacrilegious – will we get the shaman mad? – who knew) Kathy ventured first - 10 minutes later she emerges, soaking wet hair and a startled expression, but actually looking very relaxed. “Cold” was her description – she felt cold, but glowing at the same time. My turn – okay sit in the chair, liquid in a bottle was poured all over me from my head to my toes – special attention to wetting my hair it seems. Next he wets the leaves with a different bottle – then the slapping begins – all over me, face, neck, hands, arms, legs and mid-section. To top it off he used an egg to touch special points – eyes, cheeks, lips, arms, hands. And then I am done – stand in front of a fan to dry for a few minutes and – adios. Tingle – tingle – tingle and what a great scent – I felt GREAT! We all had similar experiences, but when we compared notes we were all feeling coldness in different parts – discussion through the translator said that the toxins were being released through this coolness – I guess we each had our own bad vibes to get rid of in different parts of our body. A very mystical and a fun experience.
Well tomorrow is another travel day. So sad it is almost the end –
Brian and Chris
Note: For those interested in more information about Nanciyaga, the website is www.nanciyaga.com. The email address for the White Shaman was erick_oz@hotmail.com. The White Shaman charged 200 pesos to cleanse your aura and 150 pesos for a peanut butter jar filled with green clay.
24 March 2010 – Catemaco
A leisurely walk through the town of Catemaco on our way to our boat landing, started today’s adventure. Alain leading the way on a shortcut to the Malecon – what a treat to hear the birds crazy in the trees and see all the boat captains readying their boats for the day. Our destination was the La Ola restaurant where we had a reservation for a boat trip on Lake Catemaco and later for lunch. Our group is always up for a good boat trip and day on the water – it just seems so much cooler.
Well we are in for a treat today – no English speaking guide or boat captain – so Brian and LuAnn fill in. LuAnn has printed some details from the website about our trip on the lake and eventual destination – Nanciyaga. And well Brian – he will try to interpret what the boat captain and guide are describing in very fast Spanish – “Senor, Hable mas despacio por favor”. Chris can help too – acting out the word for ‘Monkey’, and other helpful pantomimes.
The boat ride on the lake rode us past many local attractions. We saw the shrine of the virgin – minus the real statue as it is in the local church, home of the local tobacco baron (complete with really high fence), nice resort hotel (without people), island of storks (other birds hung out here too), island in the shape of a crocodile (other ideas were the shape of: dinosaur, otter, dog and fat guy on his back). See how much fun you can have when we can make up our own English version! What a group!
Well on to Nanciyaga, an ecological reserve. We picked up our hiking sticks, Spanish speaking guide, LuAnn’s notes and we are off. This is a very ancient Olmec site and has many sacred replica shrines and statues. The reserve is set up as a holy place for cleansing and contemplation. There are huts that you can actually stay in for a personal retreat. There are steam houses, reflective paths, Mescales, shrines for different gods to worship and of course prayer groves. Most impressive was the mud bath place where a few of our braver guests received mud facials – they didn’t go for the whole body treatment, but there was a nice pond where one could wash the mud off after treatment. A really cool leaf cup was offered with a ‘true mineral water’ to drink – AHHHH refreshing! As the group trekked on – some still with mud faces since it had to dry at least 15 minutes before washing it off – we came to a clearing and the place of the shaman. Well he offered a cleansing for 150 pesos for 6 minutes. Barb was first step up – WOW she came out with a smile on her face – a little damp and what was that slapping sound we heard. Come to find out the shaman was slapping her with leaves while circling and sprinkling her with scented water. AMAZING – Wendy and Gail were quick to follow for their turn in the shaman hut. Each came out with a talisman just for them around their neck and filled with medicine that would help keep their aura clean. All three looked happy and relaxed with the experience – thus, it must be good. Our final portion of the walk stopped at the sinks for the mud facials to be washed off. Oh those glowing faces – how beautiful they look. Back to the boat and back to civilization – Boy are we a hungry bunch.
After lunch – Kathy and LuAnn decided to find a shaman of their own in town. Not to be left out of any holistic experience – Chris joined in. WHAT A TREAT – the restaurant owners’ grandson brought us to “El Salto del Tigre” a well known shaman. After negotiating a price (is that sacrilegious – will we get the shaman mad? – who knew) Kathy ventured first - 10 minutes later she emerges, soaking wet hair and a startled expression, but actually looking very relaxed. “Cold” was her description – she felt cold, but glowing at the same time. My turn – okay sit in the chair, liquid in a bottle was poured all over me from my head to my toes – special attention to wetting my hair it seems. Next he wets the leaves with a different bottle – then the slapping begins – all over me, face, neck, hands, arms, legs and mid-section. To top it off he used an egg to touch special points – eyes, cheeks, lips, arms, hands. And then I am done – stand in front of a fan to dry for a few minutes and – adios. Tingle – tingle – tingle and what a great scent – I felt GREAT! We all had similar experiences, but when we compared notes we were all feeling coldness in different parts – discussion through the translator said that the toxins were being released through this coolness – I guess we each had our own bad vibes to get rid of in different parts of our body. A very mystical and a fun experience.
Well tomorrow is another travel day. So sad it is almost the end –
Brian and Chris
Note: For those interested in more information about Nanciyaga, the website is www.nanciyaga.com. The email address for the White Shaman was erick_oz@hotmail.com. The White Shaman charged 200 pesos to cleanse your aura and 150 pesos for a peanut butter jar filled with green clay.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Day 72 Catemaco, Mexico
Day 72 (March 23) – Catemaco, Mexico
Only 68 degrees in our camper this am. Downright cool. Rather cloudy but soon turns to sunshine although it didn't get really warm until Catemaco. At first there were rolling hills with fields of corn that was all dried out. Soon, there were the same rolling hills very lush and green. It appeared to be ranch land and some must be very successful as there were some beautiful haciendas. Of course the lines were all heavy with laundry. Ponds, big and small, dotted the countryside. In amongst the greenery were the yellow and pink flowered trees. Today may not be the first day it happened but it was the first time I noticed a lot of mauve, white and yellow wildflowers along the roads edge. As we passed one school the kids possibly 8 or 9 years old so neat in their uniforms, were outside practicing a dance. There was a Volkswagen bug turned into a taco stand with the front seat removed I'd guess, as she was standing up doing her thing. Along the way we've seen lots of houses painted orange with trim of white, blue, etc. Today I saw a different combination that made me think I've become a bit Mexacanized as it didn't look too bad – orange with lime green!! As we came down the hill to Catemaco we saw a beautiful panorama of the lake and mountains. After parking at the campsite we walked for quite a few miles around town including looking in to the beautiful white and blue church with its dome and two steeples. It is well beyond my ability to describe the inside other than to say “awesome”. We had an ice cream tasting around the pool and most ordered some. All in all, a good day.
I get to have the last say!! Doesn't happen too often but I'm going to take advantage of it. I'd like to thank Bill and Gerry for letting me use their cell phone when we were so worried about our daughter. Many thanks to Ed and Sharon for the use of their cooler and helping to keep us supplied with ice. The other ice suppliers, John and Kathy, Clif and Joan, Brian and Chris, and Pete and Wendy, we couldn't have done it without you and are very grateful. For those of you who went slow to make sure your group got through, you are greatly appreciated. Most of us may never meet again but anyone coming near Kamloop, phone a few weeks ahead with an approximate date. If it is at all possible we would love to take a few days to show you our area. For those we don't see again, as Bob Hope would have said, “Thanks for the Memories.”
Rig #18, Gail and Tim
Only 68 degrees in our camper this am. Downright cool. Rather cloudy but soon turns to sunshine although it didn't get really warm until Catemaco. At first there were rolling hills with fields of corn that was all dried out. Soon, there were the same rolling hills very lush and green. It appeared to be ranch land and some must be very successful as there were some beautiful haciendas. Of course the lines were all heavy with laundry. Ponds, big and small, dotted the countryside. In amongst the greenery were the yellow and pink flowered trees. Today may not be the first day it happened but it was the first time I noticed a lot of mauve, white and yellow wildflowers along the roads edge. As we passed one school the kids possibly 8 or 9 years old so neat in their uniforms, were outside practicing a dance. There was a Volkswagen bug turned into a taco stand with the front seat removed I'd guess, as she was standing up doing her thing. Along the way we've seen lots of houses painted orange with trim of white, blue, etc. Today I saw a different combination that made me think I've become a bit Mexacanized as it didn't look too bad – orange with lime green!! As we came down the hill to Catemaco we saw a beautiful panorama of the lake and mountains. After parking at the campsite we walked for quite a few miles around town including looking in to the beautiful white and blue church with its dome and two steeples. It is well beyond my ability to describe the inside other than to say “awesome”. We had an ice cream tasting around the pool and most ordered some. All in all, a good day.
I get to have the last say!! Doesn't happen too often but I'm going to take advantage of it. I'd like to thank Bill and Gerry for letting me use their cell phone when we were so worried about our daughter. Many thanks to Ed and Sharon for the use of their cooler and helping to keep us supplied with ice. The other ice suppliers, John and Kathy, Clif and Joan, Brian and Chris, and Pete and Wendy, we couldn't have done it without you and are very grateful. For those of you who went slow to make sure your group got through, you are greatly appreciated. Most of us may never meet again but anyone coming near Kamloop, phone a few weeks ahead with an approximate date. If it is at all possible we would love to take a few days to show you our area. For those we don't see again, as Bob Hope would have said, “Thanks for the Memories.”
Rig #18, Gail and Tim
Day 71 Matias Romero
Day 71 (March 22) – Mathias Romero Pemex Station
11:00 am start this morning to Matias Romero Pemex Station. Before that people enjoyed walking on the Pacific ocean shores, watching the birds, roaring surfs and white sand. Some of the people enjoyed breakfast at the open air palapa at the hotel. A butterfly hovered around Brian, Chris, Rita S. and Fran's table. It landed on Fran's plate for a perfect photo-op then was flicked away. Pam and I were talking outside our rig when a man in a small car with a loud speaker blaring away stopped; he practiced some English and we practiced some Spanish; he gave us his email address in case we ever wanted to advertise a circus because that's what he does! Driving towards Hwy 200 under the canopy of mango trees we stoped to get our quota. 16 mangoes for 30 pesos. Very honest vendor gave us back 10 pesos because we bought the 2 bags.
We had some engine light happen so stopped for lunch then light went out; continued on. Took scenic route through Tapanatepec. We just needed to go over more topes!!! Ended up on correct route so all was well. (GPS was wrong as well!!!) Came upon an extremely windy area. Driving very slow. Semi-trucks were driving side by each down the road to help one another. Lots of windmills on both sides of road but not working. Made turn to start up hill when light on engine went on again. Group stopped with us. Thank you all again. Ed went to get something from rig when gust of wind took his had and blew it up in the cactus and rock bluff above us. Sharon announced on CB that “Adventure caravaners we have a new activity planned, get Ed's hat down from the cacti”!!! Pam got her walking stick and Ed changed his shoes and was about to scale the bluff when another gust of wind blew the hat back down to the road. Beautiful yellow cactus blooming along side of road.
Brian and Chris came along; sent rest of group on to Pemex station. Pete and Brian worked on the fuel filter while Chris and I gave moral support and helped hold the hood of truck against very large gusts of wind. About an hour later we were on the road again. Huge thank you to Brian and Chris.
The temperature had dropped to 22o C at about 5 pm from 39o C earlier in the day. As we arrived at the Pemex station everyone was enjoying circle time and happy hour; lots of burgundy jackets and long pants on!!! With snacks, drinks and “travel brief” done so was another day in Adventure Caravaning as we have come to know it!!
Rig #16, Wendy and Pete
11:00 am start this morning to Matias Romero Pemex Station. Before that people enjoyed walking on the Pacific ocean shores, watching the birds, roaring surfs and white sand. Some of the people enjoyed breakfast at the open air palapa at the hotel. A butterfly hovered around Brian, Chris, Rita S. and Fran's table. It landed on Fran's plate for a perfect photo-op then was flicked away. Pam and I were talking outside our rig when a man in a small car with a loud speaker blaring away stopped; he practiced some English and we practiced some Spanish; he gave us his email address in case we ever wanted to advertise a circus because that's what he does! Driving towards Hwy 200 under the canopy of mango trees we stoped to get our quota. 16 mangoes for 30 pesos. Very honest vendor gave us back 10 pesos because we bought the 2 bags.
We had some engine light happen so stopped for lunch then light went out; continued on. Took scenic route through Tapanatepec. We just needed to go over more topes!!! Ended up on correct route so all was well. (GPS was wrong as well!!!) Came upon an extremely windy area. Driving very slow. Semi-trucks were driving side by each down the road to help one another. Lots of windmills on both sides of road but not working. Made turn to start up hill when light on engine went on again. Group stopped with us. Thank you all again. Ed went to get something from rig when gust of wind took his had and blew it up in the cactus and rock bluff above us. Sharon announced on CB that “Adventure caravaners we have a new activity planned, get Ed's hat down from the cacti”!!! Pam got her walking stick and Ed changed his shoes and was about to scale the bluff when another gust of wind blew the hat back down to the road. Beautiful yellow cactus blooming along side of road.
Brian and Chris came along; sent rest of group on to Pemex station. Pete and Brian worked on the fuel filter while Chris and I gave moral support and helped hold the hood of truck against very large gusts of wind. About an hour later we were on the road again. Huge thank you to Brian and Chris.
The temperature had dropped to 22o C at about 5 pm from 39o C earlier in the day. As we arrived at the Pemex station everyone was enjoying circle time and happy hour; lots of burgundy jackets and long pants on!!! With snacks, drinks and “travel brief” done so was another day in Adventure Caravaning as we have come to know it!!
Rig #16, Wendy and Pete
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)