Ferries and Family Fun

Well, it has been a while since we haven’t drifted off to sleep to the sound of the Pacific surf – although more recently that has been supplemented by early morning rooster calls...It has also been some while since we have had Internet access, so apologies for the length of this blog and the number of photos herein.

Two weeks ago we crossed the Sea of Cortez on the deck of San Guillermo, a cargo vessel packed full of trucks. The ‘Operators’ Lounge’ was spartan and the crossing was long (16hrs), so like many of the truckers, we snuck into our van for the night and only emerged in time to watch the complicated docking and unloading procedure at Mazatlan.

Colonial Mazatlan provided an enjoyable contrast to the desert of the Baja. We drank coffee in the plazas, strolled through the markets and watched the cliff divers (second division to the Acapulco team which we hope to see soon!). We even managed a little beach time with the new boogie board – unfortunately curtailed when Francesca was stung AGAIN by a jellyfish – there followed much yelling, swelling and helpful Mexican waiters plastering her with mustard.

Next stop was Teacapan, a remote fishing village with camping by the beach. Coconuts and prawns are the staple produce of the region and, as you can see, we sampled both. Whilst there we survived unscathed a torrential storm which swept down the West side of Mexico, keeping everyone talking for days – although Liberty did wake us in the middle of a howling gale at 2:30am to ask “Daddy, have you remembered to put the hand brake on?”

We had arranged to meet Tony’s parents in Bucerias, near Puerto Vallarta, along with his aunt and uncle travelling from Alberta. Miraculously everyone’s plans came together and we had a happy family reunion, spending an unprecedented week in one place, which thrilled the girls. They loved playing on the beach and in the pool with their grandparents and we all enjoyed relaxing evenings in lovely restaurants. It wasn’t all ‘fun in the sun’ as we did spend a couple of nights with the van raised on jacks waiting for several mechanics to repair various niggles – now sorted, we hope.

Mexico is huge and the last few days have been spent chipping away at the distance down the Pacific coast – albeit enjoying the fantastic beaches and coastline. The roads have been narrow, twisty and steep (not unlike Cornwall!) and progress has been slowed further by goats, donkeys, overloaded lorries and numerous random speed bumps – many of which appear to have been installed by adjacent vendors.