Phoenix: Barely Landed and on the Move.

After a night in Mexico City, Mike and Kathy picked us up from the Phoenix airport and whisked us through the pouring rain (yes, that is correct … a rain storm in the desert), to our condo in Scottsdale.  We spent the afternoon provisioning the condo and keeping an eye to the sky as the raindrops were eventually replaced by blue sky.

The next morning we were on the road to Tucson for an overnighter.  First up was the Pima Air and Space Museum.  We met friends Shawn and Jerry, and the six of us joined a trolley ride through the outside exhibits.  Highlights were the Presidential jet from the Kennedy era, the Guppy (worst looking air plane ever), all types of helicopters, and fighter jets covering all eras.

Due to a Recent B'Day - Someone got in as a Senior!

Full Size Replica of the Kitty Hawk

First TWA Passenger Liner

The Guppy

DC3

After the trolley we made our way inside the first of three hangers depicting aircraft used in WWII, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam and the first war in Iraq. 

We saw a perfectly preserved B29 used in the bombing of Japan and while it was not the one that dropped the first atomic bomb it was there for the fly by show of power when MacArthur signed the treaty for Japan’s surrender. 

B29 - Sister Plane Dropped Atomic Bomb

B25 - Led Bombing Raids of Germany - WWII

As well, was an actual buzz bomb identical to the ones used in the bombing of London.

Buzz Bomb 

We ended the day with a meal at the Poca Cosa in downtown Tucson.

Day two in Tucson was dedicated with the first desert ride of the season.  Some biking folks consider Tucson to be the most bicycle friendly city in the United States.  In the very near future they will complete a 130-mile loop of the city.  We were fortunate to ride a 35-kilometre section of the River Path under blue sky.  Our course also took us through the University of Arizona campus and we stopped for coffee and pizza at the Time Market.  It took about two hours and was a good start to the biking season.

First Ride of the Season

Bicycle Tool Station Along the Way

Through the U of Arizona

Lunch Spot

After a relaxing two hour drive back to Phoenix it was time to plan the next days activities and the logistics of attending the Vancouver Canucks game in Glendale, just outside of Phoenix.

The Puerto Party Peters Out!

The Five Week Travel Partnership Comes to an End.

Our month in Puerto Escondido has slipped by fast.  We have had a great time sharing the Puerto experience with Randy, Doreen, Russ, Viv, Rita, Mike and all the others we have met along the way.  We have laughed, relaxed, ventured, and have been thoroughly entertained.

My First Puerto Sunrise - 6:58 AM!

The last week had many highlights.  We did venture out of town for a day at Roca Blanca, had another night of great music at Mediterraneo, hosted a dinner party for friends and family, and joined in a condo party on our rooftop.

All Hands in for Dinner Party

Doreen's Delicious Appy.

Linda & Jim's Contribution

The trip to Roca Blanca started with a forty-minute drive northwest of P.E.  on a commuter bus.  It dropped us off on the highway and we walked two kilometres to the beach.  We set up residence for the day in Lulu's Beach Palapa.  Lulu is a retired Mexican school principal and now runs the beach hut with her husband.  Her husband is a former competitive sea free-diver and was out spear fishing for our lunch when we arrived.  

Mike Picked Up His Favourite Mescal on the Walk In.

Lulu's Husband Speared Our Lunch

The sea was particularly rough but seasoned veterans that we are we, we dove right in.  Deborah was caught be a large wave that tore her swimsuit and left her squirming on the sand like a beached fish.  As I watched the action with my back to the sea, I didn't sea a tsunami approach and hit me from behind.  My head and shoulders were immediately driven into the sand and I was left fighting to get to the surface but dragged down with my trunks filled with sand and wrapped around my ankles.  Suffice to say we gathered ourselves, took stock of our injuries, and were back in for more (albeit more cautious).

Our trip home was interesting to say the least.  Our taxi driver spoke little English but we gathered that there was a problem taking us all the way to P.E.  We surmised that he didn't have a license to drive into Puerto Escondido and that we would be handed off to someone else at some point of the journey.  We understood the words, "license", "police", and "handcuffs".  Regardless, we piled in and off we went.  Before arriving at the highway, he stopped at a store and spoke to a man in a police uniform.  In a minute he was back in the car with the policeman's wallet and proudly showed us the picture id taxi license for P.E. It turns out his cousin, the policeman, had a license and more importantly, had a thick black moustache just like our driver.  We would have laughed all the way home except his high speed cruising had us all clutching the door handles for fear of being thrown out.

On Stuart and Melanie's last day we ventured to the north border of the town to taste an authentic Mexican lunch at the Juquilena. Linda and Jim recommended the restaurant and it did not disappoint.  We were the only gringos is the restaurant.  The food tasted great and the size of the helpings surprised.

Tlayuda

Deborah and I have been very disciplined these last few weeks getting up each morning (between 8 and 10 am) and going for one hour walks throughout the town.

Blanca Grande - Our House

We also had a night out on our own palapa.  Deborah and Doreen thought it would be a good idea to lead an appetizer sunset party on out roof for all the guests in the nine units in our condo.  Everyone was in agreement.  We also invited Lupita, our live in landlord.  Lupita does not speak English and something about the concept was lost in translation.  Before we could stop her she had tables and chairs brought in.  She missed the concept of everyone bringing an appy and thought (and did) bring appies for all, as well as a case of champagne and hard liquor.  Just after digesting the sunset, the band arrived.  Suffice to say it was much more than an appy on the roof.  We partied on the roof until we couldn’t drink or eat anymore.

Lots of Food & Drink!

Janet, Cindy, Elizabeth & Steve

Rick & Janet

Frank, Doreen & Randy

Steve, Sarah, Carol, Frank & Mike

The weather in Puerto has become increasingly hotter and more humid.  Folks are beginning to make their exits for points further north.  Randy and Doreen are headed to Rincon de Guyabitos (north of Puerto Vallarta) for a week and we are headed to Phoenix to join Kathy and Mike for further adventures in the desert.

Bye Bye for Now!

Bits and Bobs from Week Three in P.E.

Hard to believe but week three in Puerto has already come to an end.  Along with the usual dinners, drinks, music, and beaches, we said good-bye to both Russ and Viv, and Stuart and Melanie.  This post is a combination of bits and bobs of the week’s happenings. 

We had a family dinner at sister Rita & Mike’s condo rooftop palapa.

Three of the Four Sibs at Dinner

Dinner at Rita and Mike's  Roof Top Palapa

We enjoyed a special night of music at the Rincon Cafeteria/Bar.  As happens in Puerto, we didn’t really know how the music was going to flow.  We enjoyed a fresh seafood dinner at the Turtle Bay Restaurant; thenwondered across the road to the Rincon at about 8 pm.  Alberto and Enrico (a couple a very talented professional guitar players on holiday from Italy) were just starting to play when we arrived.  Three and a half hours later (without a break) we had been witness to what could arguably be called the “best night of music in our Puerto Escondido experience” and we had front row seats.  At one point cousin Randy was asked to sit in on the drums and he was a key part of the action until yet another Italian arrived to take over in the final set. The highlight of the evening was when Alberto and Enrico engaged in a 20-minute set of duelling lead guitars.  This duel included each of them walking through the house and ending up on the floor.  Neither lost a note in moving down, laying on, and getting up from the floor.

Alberto, Randy and Enrico!

The Duel Started

20 Minutes Later - Tired But Still Going!

There were lots of beach times to relax and enjoy.

Russ and Viv at Carrizalillo

Melanie and Stuart Enjoy the Music at Manzanillo

Found a Puffer Fish on Zicatella

We also enjoyed another day at the market.

Outside of the Main Market - Local Produce

The Princess and Her Flowers

Favourite Tortilla Store - Made on the Spot

Synchronized Chicken Dance

The sun continues to set and is a focal point of the day.  As well, all of our party except one has been up early enough to enjoy sunrises over the mountains east of Puerto. The sun rises here at around 6:50 am and sets at 6:35 pm.  Despite the doable early rise our lone sunrise misser cannot seem to wake naturally before 8 am.

Sunrise From Our Roof - Too Early For Some

We have also joined the Bacocho Beach Club. 

Time Just Slips By With Little To Do but Relax

And of course a food shot.

Red Snapper At Jimmy's at Carrizalillo

We have also tried experimenting with some video posts.  Our weak Internet connection has made it quite challenging to find a method and format that will work in the blog format.  Hopefully a few of them will work.

Deborah shepparded Russell on his first Snorkeling adventure.  It turned in an attempt at synchronized snorkeling.    Click on the link.  Brother Russ' First Snorkelin

Deborah had a 3 X 4 meter tablecloth woven by a side street weaver using only a person-powered wooden loom.  Puerto Weavers Creating Deborah's Tablecloth

We saw a fish boat land itself at Playa Principal.  Fish Boat Landing at Playa Principal