In And Around Puerto Vallarta

Hola - We are still docked at Marina Riviera Nayarit awaiting arrival of a new inverter and the electric clutch for the hydraulic system. It takes time to get parts into Mexico.... but with the help of agents (for a fee) it is pretty painless. The extra time has given us a chance to really explore and we have found this area to be wonderful!!!

Gotta love the Margaritas here!!! We spent Thanksgiving with many crusiers at a local place called Philo's. Philo sailed into La Cruz in 2002 and never left. He opened a bar/restaurant and has become a local philanthropist... teaching locals english and cruisers spanish, and raising money for local projects. He also has a band that plays at Philo's comprised of both gringo and local talent (even a washboard and spoons player). Great atmosphere!!! We ate turkey, drank cervezas and danced..... excellent way to spend Thanksgiving!!!

Last week, friends Glenn and Diane (on my left) from Blaine who lived aboard their boat (Qui Si Sana) in the slip next to ours there, dropped by with their Vancouver friends with champagne and lunch at the marina restaurant. They have a new condo in PV..... small world EH!

We have gotten to know the nearby town of Bucerias.... another great town with friendly locals, good food and sandy beaches!

We have been aboard Eager Dreamer now for nearly 4- months straight, so an offer from our good friends aboard Suebee (Scott and Sue) who asked us to join them for a few days at a B&B they had visited in the past sounded great to both Rosie and I. Rosalie Hope, the owner of the B&B gathered us up and drove us to La Penita, about 40 miles north, on the coast. This B&B was spectacular, a gorgeous hacienda overlooking the bay. We had a great visit with her and the locals in the area... oh, by the way...more good food!!

These are views from the patio.... not bad!!

A cemetary near the B&B was quite interesting...those that have departed are layed to rest above ground inside very ornate monuments. We saw something very similar in Samoa years ago. This area was hit by a huricane in 2002(?) and some of the monuments were washed out onto the beach...... The food on the tray is "pig snout and intestines". It's cooked and sold on the street.... no takers here though...

Walking remains our primary mode of transportation. It allows us to get inside these villages and see true Mexico. Beach restaurants/bars, street vendors, locals peddling various foods like shrimp on a stick, chicken tacos, fresh cut pineapple and the like are everywhere.

This foot bridge connects the towns of La Penita and Rincon..... it is a suspension bridge.

Most of you are aware of how often Rosie and the kids like to "call to say HI"... After getting our $300 USD phone bill recently, I began to look into cheaper communication options...alas Skype!!!

What a find this is!!!... not only are the calls cheap but we can also see the kids/grandkids. Should have done this long ago....

Just this last weekend, Rosie and I were asked to help fellow cruisers (Hank and Betsy, aboard Equinox) and Scott and Sue (Suebee)... serve chili at the 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off held in Paradise Marina. Proceeds go to locals to help clothe and educate kids living in a PV dump (some 250 kids are there!). Very good cause and great fun!! Even had a Harley/Choppers team cooking chili next to us.....

Well.... we are now preparing for Christmas and the arrival of our kids.... starting the 23rd. Hope you are are well... Until our next update.....Hasta luego.