A Winter Wonderland

Winter has arrived in Southern California. A big snow storm hit the Western US and it even snowed in Malibu. It also covered the SSP area with white powder. Local residents were out of electricity for three days... It's a hard thing when one's water pump, radiators and freezers run on electricity. The roads to and fro were closed, even via Mojave where my friend Ted had to spend a night in his car coming back from a ski day in Mammoth. I had to wait for the weekend to go up and by then, all was back to normal with some snow left.


The Grapevine near Gorman


The Lion's Trail


Cows and horses by the Rankin Ranch

Evan and Jorgy came up with me. It was Jorgy's first encounter with snow but it didn't seem to bother him. He walked cautiously at first but then after he realized the snow wasn't wet, he ran and slid quite happily.



We got to the cabin and were happy to find there was still snow around. A local friend had emailed me photos that showed everything covered in white but since we came a few days later, quite a bit of snow had melted. Still, I found it very pretty.



The next day we took off for a walk. The little creek has started flowing a little, slowly recreating its course.



Oaks in the snow, such a lovely sight.



We walked around the pond...





... And came across footprints. Can you guess what kind of animal left those? : )



It was cold at night but our trusted potbelly stove and some blankets kept everybody cozy.



We are all coming up for New Year's for a few days and I look forward to it. Meanwhile, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! My best wishes for health, love, prosperity, safety, peace in 2009 (and beyond!) to all.

Storms!

¡Viva México!

My HMIL was very generous and invited her small tribe to a cruise down the Pacific Coast of Mexico. I'm not the cruise type but like they say, never say never... What's not to like? You get first class service, bed made and unmade, towels changed daily, great foods, professional and caring waiters, entertaining shows, art auctions, you name it. There are exercise rooms, several swimming pools and jacuzzis, bars everywhere, discos, a library, an internet café and more. All you have to do is just be there, raise your finger if you need anything and just enjoy yourself. Easy to get used to. So much so that I actually miss our waiter...


The Sapphire Princess at sea

Our first destination was Puerto Vallarta, way down south, past the Tropic of Cancer. It took a few days to get there but that was OK as we just relaxed and enjoyed la dolce vita. The movie "Night of the Iguanas" put this town on the map. It was a quaint fishing village from what I read but today it has turned into a tourist spot. They should make another film there but call it "Day of the Hustle" instead... The scene reminded me a little of another film, "The Beach" with Leo de Caprio (great film by the way; it made me like Leo.)


On the beach in Puerto Vallarta

I asked the taxi to drop us off in Old Town thinking it was a charming, picturesque place but there was nothing really exciting about it save for the cobbled streets, and a few houses here and there. We walked all the way along the riva to the beach. Every step of the way, someone would invite us inside their store to see and buy things. There are even vendors who promise you lunch and a free ride to a great beach. Beware, they will try and sell you a time share once you get there.

Puerto Vallarta is on a bay where eleven rivers end. This means the water is full of sediment and not very clear. The water temperature is lovely however. We could have taken a tour to the jungle (it's in the tropics!) but instead we just decided to relax on the beach. We found a chalupa, ordered some drinks (otherwise five bucks a person to park yourself there on the beach under the shade,) and went swimming. We had a nice time except for the non-stop beach vendors trying to sell us something. I did buy a silver bracelet with the Aztec calendar.

I talk a lot so click here to see some photos of Puerto Vallarta. Click in the middle of any image to read my comments.

Our next stop was Mazatlán, right on the Tropic of Cancer, at the same latitude as Honolulu. This time we took a tour, skipping the beach. We wanted to see the real Mexico, away from the tourist spots and got lucky, we found a great guide: Marco. Marco spoke perfect English and knew a lot about history, botany, culture, crafts etc. He took us to visit a colonial village about forty minutes away from Mazatlán: La Noria which means "the well" because of its location. That was a great, laid back, authentic village. We visited the huarache makers, the saddle makers, Alberto the potter with whom I hit it off great (I speak Spanish,) we ate mole at a B & B, walked around, visited the church, bought a few things, met people. Mexican people are very friendly, right up there with the Italians.


Alberto the potter and I showing our matching tattoos

After that, we went to Las Osunas agave tequila distillery. I'm not a big fan of tequila but the process was very interesting. We ended our tour with a visit of the riva, the place where the divers do their thing for two dollars and of Old Mazatlán. Mazatlán's Old Town has a lot of character with narrow paved streets, restaurants and sidewalk cafés. Many Europeans emigrated there last century (and before) and it had a real Old World feel, like being back in France or Croatia for me. As a matter of fact, the coast reminds me a lot of Croatia. Click here for some photos of La Noria, the distillery and Mazatlán


Lovers' Beach at the tip of California

Our next and final stop was in Cabo San Lucas, the southern tip of California. I don't know why but we had to be back on the ship by 1 pm so we only had time to go to the beach. Mind you, I didn't mind taking a few swims in the beautiful, clear and warm ocean before heading back to cooler climes in LA... We left with our heads at peace and full of sun, our skins tanner and some sand in our hair. I look forward to another, longer visit to this friendly and beautiful country. Click here for photos of Cabo San Lucas.