on the road: More Fun and Frivolity with David and Susan

Our wonderful friends, Jim and Karen Eakes, who own a home here and in Ketchikan, Alaska, showed us the most wonderful day cruising, lunching and snorkeling from their boat, Dorado.

The bird's eye seat

This picture doesn't quite show how beautiful the water was
today. It was the most incredible shade of teal.

This is Karen. I missed getting a picture
of our captain! He is just as cute :-)

Susan
-and I missed getting a picture of
David, too.

Jim snorkeling the cliffside of Algodones

Since we got onboard and then discovered that Jim and I only got away from the dive shop with one set of goggles, he went in first to explore the area and I stayed onboard with Jim and Karen. While we were sitting on top of the boat, we saw the most amazing thing. At first it looked like the fountains at the Bellagio going off. Then we thought maybe it was a whole lot of dolphins jumping. Then we realized that we were witnessing rays of some kind flying through the water. Of course, I was so amazed and mesmerized, I didn't get a chance to grab my camera, but these pictures from the internet will give you an idea. We estimated that the ones we saw were about 2-3 ft wide. We don't think they were manta or giant rays, but I am still not sure after looking around on the Internet, what kind they were. Other friends of ours were on a boat the next day and saw the same thing. I felt so incredibly privileged to have witnessed this. I was just sorry that everyone didn't.

Coming back up along the coast, the waters were a little rough. I didn't get seasick, thank goodness, but I was feeling the waves that night and the next day!

The mountains, the birds and that beautiful water
A perfect day

We decided to see Omar and the Gypsy Fish at the Captain's Club on Thursday night and we were not disappointed. Their music is wonderful and extremely danceable so we took advantage!

Dave and Gay-a rare night out

Sue and Bill
He is a chiropractor-I think I need one as my
back is beginning to bother me from kayaking
and dancing! They are homeless and loving it-
just like us!

We just can't help ourselves to enough of the Soggy Peso.

Allison and Jorge

Chuck and Roberta, Gay and Dave

Phyllis and her sister

Our table just couldn't stop laughing!

Dave hamming it up as a lifeguard

Next up was a Mad Men-themed birthday party for Lynne and Jayne at Lynne's gorgeous house at the Marina Real. Everyone sat outside overlooking the harbor, talking and enjoying French 75s and 1960s appetizers. It was a perfect evening.

We went home and were reminded again that it was a Saturday night and that there would be weddings, complete with loud music and fabulous fireworks! Thank goodness for ear plugs!

Knowing that David is a flea market lover, we ran over to the Tienga at Empalme, ate tacos at our favorite little taqueria where they fry the shrimp, give you an abundance and charge you very little.
The pino aqua fresca and the jamaica is so refreshing. An hour here is all you need.

One of the fruit stands

The crowds, the heat and the commotion
got to be a bit much for Senor Boo! He
ended up on Jim's shoulder.

We traveled on down the road for an afternoon at the Cochorit Beach which I have written of before. It has been pretty much deserted when we have come before. Today, yes-we had plenty of room to ourselves but there were many, many families here with their pick ups driven right up to the water, umbrellas erected, chairs occupied and kids playing in the water while their elders slept or cooked over a grill. It killed us to see the beach so littered! This place must have taken a huge hit from Semana Santa festivities!

A great day for a swim, a beer and a little
sunshine

This little sand- and salt-covered guy was exhausted from chasing birds and
herding the waves.

One of many pangas returning to shore with fresh fish

Those Zoias never, ever quit and, of course, we don't want to look bad, so, off we go to La Salsa and Soggy Peso for some libations and a little music. The scene out here at the beach bars is so different now that spring has arrived. Most of the snowbirds have left and the clientele is primarily Mexican. It is so great to see so many families enjoying the beach.

Guajira Son minus Danny Moreno, but with another
wonderful lead singer was at the Soggy tonight.
Even the Zoias were too tired to dance tonight, although
they could fool anybody.