January 20th to 30th, 2008 MAZATLAN, FEATURING VISIT FROM ALEX & CAROL

Alex at the El Cid Lighthouse. The entrance to El Cid in the fog.



Day sail with Alex and Carol. Fishing boats anchored off the "Malecon".







Copala is a village that was founded in the 1600's to service nearby gold and silver mines. Now an artists colony, with very interesting church and Danial's restaurant (home of a GREAT Coconut-Banana Cream pie!)

Concordia is a town in the interior off Hwy 40 that is typical of Mexican towns. Established in the 1600's it centers around a square bounded by the church, municipal hall and shops.

Hike up very steep trail, then 336 stairs to the highest natural operating light house in the world. If that was not challenging enough the trail starts next to the sewage treatment facility (recommend going on day with wind from south / prevailing winds are from north). The reward is great views of the city and harbour.

January 05th to 20th, 2008 MAZATLAN, FEATURING VISIT FROM BARRY & CATHY

Home sweet home, showing the cold blooded neighbours. More pictures to follow in future postings.






"Free" city tour, if you do not count sitting through a 90 + minute timeshare sales pitch to get the tickets. The tour included shopping at high end stores. One tourist took a high dive off the rocks after seeing the Visa bill. (I priced out a 5 piece tableware setting at $1,800 US for each setting. To be fair, the price did include shipping and insurance to anywhere in North America.)

Shopping we can afford. Shrimp at the market and jewelry from beach vendors.

Sandra and her sister Cathy staying connected to back home. We think Skype is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

A walk on the beach ends with a much appreciated cerveza at the "Witches Broom" restaurant on the beach, overlooking the surfers. We witness the end of one life and the beginning of another on the sand.




Day sail along the Marina District and the Golden Mile, with Brother in Law Barry at the helm. We spent a week with Barry and Cathy at the Mayan Sea Garden resort. Being off the boat for a short time was a welcome change. The resort is pictured above. We were in the second building from the left on the second from the top floor. Fishing is the #1 industry in Mazatlan, followed by tourism. Para gliders dot the horizon on the Golden Mile.

Evening out with fellow boaters Jim & Don off SV "Dream Weaver" and Marnie & Pete off SV "2 Peices of 8". Our first ride in a "Red Truck" Taxi.

Sandra at a colorfull sidewalk cafe.