Off the Road in Mexico: 04/11/15

The island of Janitzio near Patzcuaro

In Patzcuaro we did our share of walking, but we also road the colectivos. The colectivos are vans that carry 8-12 passengers. The ones we road in also had a dog. It was fun to mix with the people on the colectivo. They were always real friendly, and courteous. Some liked Kona, some were indifferent, but people always made room for each other. The system for paying was different too, you just paid when you wanted to. Either when you got on or during the ride. Simply pass some money forward, let the driver know how many you were paying for, and the correct change was always passed back. People so friendly, honest, polite and nice. On our last day in Patzcuaro we had only ridden the collectiveo to town and ordered dinner at the centro and received two invitations from people that wanted us to stay with them.

Also during our last night in Patzcuaro they had their Semana Santa procession of silence.

Various religious groups from the area carry large religious figures in the procession that weaves through town. It's a silent procession, so outside of the occasional drummer, its mostly quiet, and the crowds lining the sidewalks are very quiet and respectful.

We decided we would take the libre back to Villa Corona, which is the free road, as opposed to the cuota, which is the nice toll highway. It was a beautiful drive on fresh smooth new blacktop, weaving through various traditional Mexican towns. The radio crackled and it was Ray suggesting we stop at the next fruit stand. Cathie was quick to OK that idea, and at the next fruit stand we pulled over.

They had glasses full of freshly cut watermelon, pineapple and mango. You would simply select the mix you liked, all watermelon, any two, or the triple combo, my choice. The fruit was muy sabrosa, (very tasty).

A while later we came to Lake Chapala, and drove along the south shore. Well, looked at the time, the radio crackled again and we decided it was best to pull into this cute little town and grab some lunch. Fresh fish on the patio, with a cool beverage, overlooking the lake, ahhh! Life is good.

We made it back to Villa Corona around 5pm, (somewhere). As we have switched time zones and had a daylight savings shift, I will not be able to give precise times of our various activities.

You never know what your going to see on the libre

But it was 1 or 2 hours before sunset. Cathie and I went to the bank and to pick up supply items, while Ray and Lydia went to book us into the campground.

At Villa Corona we start our day with a 7 am soak in the warm mineral pools, and lets face it, when you start your day with a soak in the warm mineral pools, your not going to get much done the rest of the day.

We were just visiting with our neighbours when a local couple came walking over carrying what looked like my bank card. I didn't even know I had lost my bank card, but I checked my wallet, and no card. Hmmm, was this some kind of magic trick? Nope. The day before, after pulling some dinero out of the bank machine I walked away with my cash, but not my bank card. Somehow my bank card had made it to Chimulco, the water park/campground we were staying at, and this lady's daughter found it by the pool. The lady had a friend that spoke english, and since the gringos stayed at the campground, they came over to the campground looking for the rightful owner, and found us. This little story really shows what the people down here are like. Always willing to help out, very friendly and kind.

First view of the Lugana, Looks Muy Bueno

After Villa Corona, we decided to head for Laguna de Santa Maria. This is our 8^th new campground on the trip, and we have loved them all. Santa Maria is a small town just off the highway, and Laguna is a lagoon. Or Lake. In this case its a lake, in the bottom of an old Volcano. Cathie and I had read about this campground before, and heard it was OK, but we have never stopped here. I had pictured a brown blue lake, 3 or 4 trees and dirt road access with no amenities. Well the lake was turquoise blue, clear, paved access with several restaurants and small stores nearby. The campground had nice grass, and was dog friendly. Kona made many friends with the other people camping there for the weekend.

Kona working his magic

In most campgrounds we meet and visit with other travelers, like us, but at this campground we met and visited with many Mexican campers. We are the only gringos here. Its been a pleasure to meet and visit with all the Mexican families out camping for the weekend, or week. Right now its Semana Santa, a very big religious holiday. The kids are out of school, for two weeks, I think its their last holiday before the rainy season comes.

We are swimming and enjoying the lake and campground. Kids enjoy Kona, and the other dogs seem to tolerate him. There's about six dogs running the security here and Kona has graciously accepted his position as beach watch. He reports to Big Sam and Franko. Hop along has been Konas assistant showing him the ropes. They do squeeze in a little play time, but its mostly serious work.

Kids play area at the Laguna campground.

We came to the Laguna just for overnight, but ended up staying for three nights. The swimming, campground and atmosphere was so good. Then we drove to Mazatlan and spent a night there. After breakfast in old Mazatlan, Ray and Lydia checked out the aquarium while Cathie, Kona and I checked the beach. Both were very good.

We are now back in Celestino Gasca, just north of Mazatlan. We'll spend 5 or 6 days here before starting the drive home. The surf has been good and Ray and I had fun boogie boarding this afternoon. I'll post scores and highlights on my next entry.

Here's a few more photo's you may enjoy.