December 23, 2007

Merry Christmas everyone!!

We've been sitting here in Teacapan for 6 weeks now. We haven't been doing anything except relaxing. Our big decision for the day is what to prepare for dinner - oh, and what are we going to have for happy hour today?????

I did decorate my motorhome three or so weeks ago, so in the evening we have nice lights by which to read. I tried to upload some pictures for you to see, but internet here is quite sporatic to say the least. One day we have it the next few we don't. We've gone into Teacapan a few times now to use skype, but other than that the rest of the interneting has to wait.

Anyway - we sure hope you all have a very blessed Christmas and all the best in 2008.

December 5, 2007

Santa came early this year!

Rich and Tina went to Mazatlan for a couple of days last week and came back with boogie boards for Michel and Rich. Of course Sandy and Tina are enjoying them as much as they guys. The surf is awesome especially in the morning, when the waves are bigger.














Here is a shot of Michel riding the wave. I don't think this one gave him a ride all the way in to shore, but there were many that did.

November 25, 2007

Only one month till Christmas. Can you believe it???

Yesterday we went into Teacapan for dinner with friends Rich and Tina. We found a wonderful little restaurant at the Marina, somewhere we hadn't yet run across in our explorations of the little town. The food was so so, but they made up for it with service and atmosphere. There were wooden tables and chairs with cloth table covers!! What a nice change - so far all we've seen is plastic everywhere!!

I've taken my camera everywhere and literally took pictures of nothing. Tonight we left the camera at home - and ended up in the middle of a celebration!! Doesn't that figure. Every man, woman and child (including babies - lots of babies) were in Teacapan to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season.

We arrived in the town square (after dinner) in time to catch the ending of an outside Church service. After the mass the crown dispersed a little and took part in the rest of the party. All around the town square were booths set up - carnival style. There were people playing games (throwing darts at a spinning circle; tossing coins on pictures; throwing marbles into holes with numbers) all in hopes of winning a small prize. All these games were hand made - quite incredible and archaic. There were food booths and live entertainment. And did I mention fireworks? They love their fireworks. There was fire in the sky and on the ground. People were running everywhere either trying to catch the sparks or get away from them. At one point there was a man, carrying a papier mache bull all lit up with fireworks, running through the crowd. The grand finale, more fireworks. A 20 ft high structure had been erected in the middle of the square and it was decked with fireworks on all four sides. Spinning fire, shooting fire, twirling fire - and it went off in sections - four in all. Couldn't see for smoke. We had a great time. It was wonderful to be able to take part in their celebration.

December 12th - is Guadalupe Day in Cristo Rey, a little community about a mile and a half from Teacapan. We've heard this is a great celebration as well, so we're going to try to get there for that too. We'll have to check our calendar - pencil it in!!

November 22, 2007

American Thanksgiving today - and I'm going to miss the turkey feast!! But we went for a ride to Teacapan via the beach. The sand was so hard packed we didn't even need to use 4x4 for the most part. We're about 5 miles from town and we got to about 1 mile of town before we had to go inland for the rest of the ride.

We clebrated Am.Thanksgiving with Rich and Tina at an 'off the beaten track' cantina where they served us cerveza (one after the other) and brought us food whether we wanted it or not. I would never have ordered what they served us!! Firstly, bean soup. But it was hard to tell what it was, broth with a chunk of grissly beef. Believe it or not it was very good. Next up was a plate of 'popcorn shrimp'. This I did NOT eat! They were tiny little shrimps fried with their eyes and tails still attached. Gross!! The last entre was a fish, don't know what kind, but it was white. It was cooked (fried) on the bones and served up with limes. That was excellent. So - not your typical Thanksgiving dinner!! But good none the less!! The cost: $11.00 U.S. - we had 11 beers.

On our drive back home, via the beach again, we encountered this young man up a palm tree cutting down coconuts ...... can you see him in the top of the tree??

Caught him as he was shimmering down.

November 21, 2007

Here is a picture of the RV park from the beach. We're parked at the far end, in site 3 for now. We'll be moving to #7 on December 1st, which is beside friends Rich and Tina. We've decided to stay here until after Christmas, probably until mid January. Do you think we'll get bored???The weather here is so perfect. Temperatures average around 30C in the daytime and 22C in the evening. There is always a breeze in the afternoon which calms down with the beautiful sunsets. Mornings are damp with a little fog that burns off by 7:00 a.m.

November 17, 2007

Said goodbye today to Alberta friends we met - Brad and Susan and their pooch Bantry. They are off to Perula which is south yet of Puerto Vallarta. We had happy hour together and watched the sun set. (In the picture l to r: Tina and Rich, Brad and Susan, Michel)

November 14, 2007

Teacapan, Mexico

The RV park has a nice pool and the weather has been in the 90's so this is how we spend our days.

It's a tough life!!

November 9, 2007

Teacapan, Mexico

We're about 2 hours south of Mazatlan today at an RV Park called ONAC RV and Villas, just 10 minutes north of Teacapan. We set everything up, put our mat out, put the lights and my chimes out . This is where we will spend our winter - 3 months of it anyway.

We're parked right on the ocean, and the warm ocean water is wonderful. We're in the land of beautiful beaches and spectacular sunsets.

So far there are only 3 units here, but they keep saying the park will be full in January.

November 7, 2007

Mazatlan, Mexico

Made our way into Mazatlan today. Found an RV park in the north end away from the hustle and bustle of the city and decided to stay for two days. Long enough to see a little bit of Mazatlan then get going again to a quieter setting. This is the view from the RV park. We're in the second row, so it's not our view, but it's just a little walk and we're only here for awhile.

We toured around old town Mazatlan for awhile the first evening, looking for what the locals consider the best Mexican restaurant in Mazatlan. It was good food, but the menu wasn't exactly Mexican. The only Mexican dishes were fajitas. But the ambiance was worth it. And it was the busiest restaurant in the square, so that must mean something.

The next day we hiked up to the lighthouse. It was quite a hike, but it was apparently a 'must do' - the best view of Mazatlan is from that point. Most of the way was gravel pathway, the last was cement stairway. It was VERY hot and for awhile I wasn't sure I'd make it all the way, but an 80 year old couple were on their way back down, so I figured if they can do it - so can I. Going down was much easier - and faster. Here is a picture of Michel and me from the top - Mazatlan in the background.

The Mexicans are very proud of their cathedrals, and this one was no exception. Here are a couple of pictures. It was quite breath taking - I don't think pictures can do it justice......

November 6, 2007

La Cruz, Mexico

On the road again. Our plan was to stop in Los Mochis enroute to Mazatlan, but it was only noon when we came to our turn, so we just carried on. And on.

We left Senora and entered Sinaloa state and yet another toll booth. Lots of toll booths!

The toll highway in Sinaloa state is far better than in Sonora.

The sun was setting when we came to our first off ramp along the route. With little choice, we took it. We don't want to be travelling at night. Gosh it's hard enough to find our way in the daylight!!!

We only drove about 4 km when we happened upon a dead end right at the ocean. Heh - this isn't so bad!!

There was a little outdoor restaurant right there - it was closing for the evening, but not before they fixed up three plates of shrimp tacos..... I don't eat seafood, so I had the veggies...We figured we could stay awhile right here. And the restaurant proprietor says "no problem senor".... but all good things must come to an end. That end came around midnight.... I guess we happened upon the 'party spot'. Loud music and cars racing up the street beside us. Oh well, they were here first.

November 4, 2007

San Carlos, Mexico

Our idea is to hurry down and take our time coming back. We want to find that 'perfect' spot and just 'chill' for the winter. We're told we need to be settled before Christmas or we won't find a place. All the RV parks will be full. That makes sense!!!

We drove about two hours today - from Kino Bay to San Carlos. We took a back road, which was narrow and quite holey (in places), but on the up-side we missed one toll.....

So here we are in San Carlos, Mexico. Many people have told us we need to check this place out. It is very lovely, but very touristy. Most of the RV parks are across the street from the beach, which is quite rocky.

There is a big beautiful marina with many nice boats moored. This one in particular is Michel's favorite - he called it 'my boat'. pretty nice eh???


This house caught my attention - - - - -

November 2, 2007

KINO BAY, MEXICO

Well, we're in Mexico!! We arrived yesterday and our friends Tina and Rich arrived today. We spent the afternoon at the beach, which is directly across the street from our RV park. The ocean water was relatively warm so we went for a swim. I didn't swim, but I did get wet - - all of me!!! Here is a shot of Michel in the water.

And here is a shot of us enjoying a cerveza on the beach.

October 31, 2007

TOMBSTONE, AZ



Today we had some fun in Tombstone, Az. Here are a few pictures of us goofing off for the camera in the Big Nose Kate's Saloon. These are friends Tina and Rich from Washington. We met them last year

in San Felipe and this year we will be traveling together to Mazatlan.
In this first picture the "sheriff" dressed Rich up in 'punishment' for only wearing a half pair of pants.

Then he outfitted all of us and took a few fun photos.....have a laugh - we did!!

We also visited Boothill Grave Yard on our route back to the RV park. Took some photos of a few of the headstones. Unusual epitaphs???

October 28, 2007

PHOENIX, AZ



We arrived at Jim and Sarah's on Friday, October 26th. They are good friends from Edmonton, AB who now live and work in Phoenix, and loving every minute of it too I might add. We had a great weekend visit with them.

On Sunday we went out to the ranch, where Sarah boards her horse Tewa.

Here are a few photos of Jim and Sarah with her horse. Michel even went for a ride on him. He's a very high spirited horse and gave Michel quite a ride...

October 23, 2007

We arrived in Pahrump, NV on Sunday October 21st where we met up with friends Rich and Tina (whom we’ll be traveling with) and Virgle and Helen (who live here in Pahrump). We had a great visit with them all. Rich and Tina left yesterday and Virgle & Helen had to make an unexpected trip to Prescott, AZ today - we’ll be leaving tomorrow for Bullhead City, AZ where we’ll meet up again with Rich and Tina for a day.

Today we took a little side trip to Tecopa, CA. , about 50 miles from Pahrump, to visit the China Ranch Date Farm. China Ranch is a family owned and operated small farm, a lush piece of greenery in the middle of the Mohave Desert. It was well worth the drive, and of course we bought dates - and stuff made with dates. All very good too I might add. Here are a couple of pictures of the date farm. Notice how they cover the dates with old clothing and pieces of fabric - we thought it was to protect the dates from the weather - wrong - it’s to protect them from the birds! Who knew????

October 20, 2007

We passed through Reno today - didn't stop, just took the scenic route through the downtown area. Just like Vegas there is a lack of places to park a 38 ft motorhome! Imagine that - - - - it's okay though, we are on our way to Pahrump and then Laughlin - lot's of gambling there if we want.... But at least I can now say I've been to Reno!

Here is a shot of the place we camped at enroute to Pahrump. It's a nice spot called Walker Lake and it's located just north of Hawthorne, NV. It's funny to see a great big body of water in the middle of the desert.

October 16, 2007

Left Kelowna today. Crossed the US border around 10:30 in the morning and arrived at friends Russ and Mary’s in Yakima at 4:00. We met Russ and Mary in San Felipe the winter of 2005 so we’ll try to make them our 1st stop on our trek south each year. They are so welcoming and they have and RV pad with hook ups for visitors. After a meal of chicken enchiladas, spanish rice and refried beans, that she prepared, her sister DeeDee and husband Denny came over and the six of us played a card game called “Nickels”. Michel won a lot of nickels in the first game, I lost all mine. But the 2nd game was better for me.




Here we are around the table left to right: Michel, Russ, Mary, Denny, DeeDee.

September 28, 2007

We had a good time in Grimshaw, I got a chance to visit with old friends and family. We took a drive down the Saftesbury Trail to the ferry crossing. The ferry was first built in 1952 - owned and operated privately by a family - The Blakeley’s - because they had farmland on both sides of the river and needed to move equipment back and forth. In 1977 the government took it over, upgrades we done and it is still in operation today. The ferry cuts the distance from Peace River to Tangent-Eaglesham by 100 km.
We left Grimshaw today after two weeks. I sure did enjoy my time with my new grand daughter. She had gained 10 ounces in the time we were there and I heard that she is now 8 pounds 4 ounces at 4 weeks of age, so she’s growing like a little weed!! (she was 6-4 when she was born)






On our way home we stopped at Wells Gray Park (September 30th) and visited Spahats Falls. It was raining and cold that day so we only visited the one falls, but it was worth the short walk up to see them.

September 18, 2007

We've been in Grimshaw since Friday, Sept 14th, doing nothing, just hangin' out and waiting....

This is the moment I've been waiting for - the birth of my 2nd grandbaby. She was born in the Grimshaw Hospital - which is something in itself, as the GH is not a full service hospital anymore. She was the only baby born in the hospital in over 5 years.



Well here she is - - Melody Ann Streeter, born on September 18th at 9:26 a.m.
She weighed 6 lbs 4 oz and was 19 1/4 inches long.

















And I mustn't forget the proud parents - - daddy Farren (my son) and mommy Khrystal.

September 5, 2007

We visited Lake Louise today enroute to our northern destination of Peace River, Alberta.

What a beautiful lake. We happened upon a beautiful sunshiny day which only made it nicer~~

September 1, 2007

Today we arrived at Mountainaire Lodge just north or Sundrie, Alberta. Michel's brother-in-law Pat Nixon, who runs the Mustard Seed Street Ministry in Calgary, also runs this lodge. It was a great week-end with lots to do. The day we arrived (August 31st) Michel went river rafting with his sister Lise and a group. It was his first time and he had a blast. Unfortunately I had hurt my back and was moving verrry slowly, so I didn't get to partake in the 'fun' things that weekend..... besides rafting, Michel was kept entertained.


He went horseback riding and atv-ing. Here is a picture of Jason (nephew) and Michel and Lise (sister) enjoying their ride.




The next picture is of their atv ride. The picture is of Jason Nixon (nephew) and Pat Nixon (brother-in-law)

It was a great weekend - great food - great company.

August 29, 2007

Visited the Frank Slide Enterpretive Centre today enroute to Calgary for a few days. There wasn’t very much to see - a huge pile of rock - but we stopped for a look and a few pictures anyway.

August 28, 2007

Visited Fort Steele today. One more historic town under our belts…..and yet another step back in time. To the 1890’s to be exact. Situated on over 12 acres there are many heritage shops, display buildings and museum exhibits. Many of the buildings are original, others have been re-created for the ambiance of the village. We watched a blacksmith at work demonstrating the making of horse shoes. We watched a demonstration on gold panning. We took a ride through the town in a horse-drawn wagon. We even took a ride on the Fort Steele Railway. The “Living History” performance at the Wild Horse Theatre as called “The True Story of How the Train Came to Fort Steele (almost)”. It was quite entertaining.

August 27, 2007

Here is a picture of our moho on the ferry. Lucky for us the ferry was running late, cause so were we. Just made it in the knick of time. So now we’re off to Cranbrook.

August 23, 2007

Drove into Kaslo today. It’s about 17 km from the RV park we’re staying in. While there we visited the SS Moyie (pictured here), Kaslo’s Pride!! is the world’s oldest intact passenger sternwheeler of it’s kind. And it was the last operating sternwheeler in western North America. It is completely refurbished - the sights and sounds have been recreated to replicate the feeling you would have had traveling on Kootenay Lake over 100 years ago. Her permanent home is now Kaslo. Not only is it a tourist attraction, they rent the ship for weddings and other celebrations.

Before we left Kaslo, we walked around the 3 block Main Street, and toured the different stores, stopping at the Bakery for tea and danish. Then we walked along the North River Trail. It’s a nice 1.4 km hike with 8 points of interest. The trail is well taken care of with many benches for resting sponsored by the townfolk. There is also a South River Trail (which we did not walk today) and the newest project is a suspension bridge to connect the two trails over the Kaslo River. The concrete is poured on each side of the river, and a staining party was held this morning to stain the boards for the bridge. Everything is done by fund raising, and this is no exception - $200 will get your name on one of the boards!

August 22, 2007

The town of Ainsworth has a population of around 100 permanent residents, but back in the 1880’s, at the peak of the mining activity, approximately 3000 people lived in the town.

Ainsworth Hot Springs is a MUST SEE! The resort was developed around the original, natural hot springs and there is a large outside hot pool to relax in and enjoy the scenery.


What makes Ainsworth Hot Springs so unique are the caves. They are horse-shoe shaped and this is where the darkness, the mineral deposits and the humidity all combine for the most exhilarating experience! Hot steamy water falls from the cave’s roof providing an odorless shower of mineral water…. (not the place to be if you don’t want to get your hair wet!!) The pool inside the cave is about waist deep and the temperature is around 40 degrees C. The Cody Caves is the natural water source for the hot springs.

August 21, 2007

We visited Cody Caves Provincial Park today. They are located in the Selkirk Mountains just outside of Ainsworth, BC, where we will be situated until Monday, August 27th. When you get to the park there is a 10 minute hike up to the caves.

We arrived early and hiked up the hill with one of the tour guides (Michael pictured here).

Here is a picture of the cave entrance.

Another guide (Fraser) took us on a 1 hour tour and commentary of the caves. We had a ‘personal’ tour as we were the only two up there. But it gets busy as the day goes on. They tour around 80 people a day on average in the summer. Some groups are small (like ours) and others are large (up to 14).

It was quite amazing. The stream that runs through Cody Caves is underground and flows for 800 metres through limestone and calcite formations.

Some of these formations are very fragile. Here is a picture of a limestone formation that they call “leopard spots” for obvious reasons.

Another formation called “soda straws” once again for obvious reasons.