Liza and Tallulah

Liza: "FINALLY! Out of the side pocket of the backpack! Not exactly the lap of luxury, was it Tallulah?"

Tallulah: "Well my dear, maybe it WAS a little stuffy and the view wasn't much to write home about, but it sure beats walking, don't you think?"

Liza: "Yes, I guess you're right . . . You're always SO understanding."

Tallulah: " Just think about the fun we'll have in Guanajuato and then in San Miguel! I'm sure our accommodations will be delightful!"

Liza: "I've heard the food is FAB-uloso! Toasted salamontes con salsa y queso in tortillas, washed down with a nice cold cerbeza! Muy rico!"

Tallulah: "Oh, Puh-LEEZ! SPARE me! I prefer vegetarian fare! Totopos with guacamole and salsa suits me just fine. Of COURSE, a Margarita would be a lovely addition to cocktail hour. Si, amiga?"

Liza: "Joven - - las cuentas separados, por favor!"

The 2010 Journey Inland Begins

Amigos in Charge

After providing THOROUGH instructions on Mazatlan survival to Kathy and Mario, we felt confident that they would not only survive, but THRIVE in our absence! (Pictures 4 & 5)

Mazatlan to Villa Corona

Kathy and Mario tearfully waved good-bye as we departed Mazatlan Thursday morning bright and early. NOT early enough, however, to avoid the morning commute traffic! Cars, trucks and busses criss-crossed in front of us, causing some MAJOR heart burn for the driver and navigator. An hour after departure, we escaped the mayhem of the city and headed down the coast, and then inland, through the city of Tepic and on to a Villa Corona RV park with pools of hot spring water that are refilled every morning. Imagine a hot tub the size of a swimming pool! A GIANT jacuzzi! The water starts flowing into the pools about 7AM. Early risers can sit in the deep end of the pool, under the deliciously warm water which cascades into the pool through a nice, big pipe and have a refreshing wake up dunk. HEAVEN! Que Bueno!

Travel Companions

Let me introduce Liza Lizard and Tallulah Tortuga. (Picture 3)Now Larry may have a twitching attack when he finds out about THIS year's mascot/traveling companions, but the unbridled expression of his wife's creative imagination and energy is the price he must pay for her company during these months away from Oregon! Thank you Kathy for bringing "The Girls" down. I hope you enjoy hearing from them from time to time!

Villa Corona to San Miguel de Allende

Friday morning, the travel continued East, around the South shore of Lake Chapala. (Picture 2)

This was NOT a toll road, so the going was pretty slow. We were rewarded! As we passed through a small village, the morning market was in full swing. We pulled over and bought fresh produce and some home made chiles rellenos. Muy RICO! It was a longer travel day than we had anticipated, but we made it to our destination and one of our most favorite Mexican cities - San Miguel de Allende. There is major road construction, so we went to Plan B and pulled into more accessible La Siesta RV Park, rather than the preferred "Tennis Court" RV Park. Early tomorrow morning, we'll reposition into the more secure setting, before we bus over to Guanajuato to rendezvous with amigos Jeanne and John Lloyd.

Bus to Guanajuato

Ah! Our first taste of the luxury of first class bus travel between cities in Mexico! Free snacks offered as passengers board the bus; cushy, reclining seats with foot rests; soft music; sparkling clean "comfort" rooms; BIG windows. AND, they are on time!

We went to check out our Guanajuato accommodations for next week and were VERY pleased! (Picture 1) This promises to be a delightful trip! Welcome aboard!

The Great Artist

On a daily basis, The Great Artist combines form, color and motion into amazing creations!

Take a little time to stop....breathe .......appreciate.......celebrate!

Have a SPLENDID day!

On the Beach

We arrived at the beach-front restaurant on the Malecon just as the sun was setting. Waves from the incoming tide teased us as we sat at tables placed in the sand, positioned for front row viewing of the Carnaval fireworks show after dark, put on by Valentino's.

Blasts of color rained down on the water, against the backdrop of the night sky - -

The Mazatlan Carnaval celebration is rated along side the Mardi Gras in Rio de Janiero and in New Orleans. For a week, Mazatlan groans with the influx of fiesta goers. Streets are jammed; music plays late into the night; food and drink are in unending supply.

The parade down the Malecon brings a procession of costumed revelers, floats, vehicles packed with partiers, bands and cavalleros on their mighty steeds.