FUN IN THE SUN
We are at the Pacific Ocean, for a few days at a little beach town
by the name of Melaque, on the Bay of Navidad, about one half hour North of
Mazanillo.
This Restaurant on this rock captured my attention from my first foot step on the beach. It made the whole, white knuckle, 8 hours drive of the worst, hair pin turn, mountain road, that I have ever drove on, worth
it. The restaurant is now vacant and begging for some one to pick up the lease. Anyone interested? I will show you the way and be all over it. Location location location. PS there is a modern, shorter road to get here
but you know me, I love a challenge.

This Colorful Native from the Highest peaks of Mexico, (over two miles above sea level), was selling a salve made from Peyote. He said that it was excellent for arthritis, and sore muscles. Who cares, it was made from
Peyote and I just had to get some. Used it the first night and don't remember having any more pain the rest of our stay.

We arrived at the beach on a Wednesday, a slow time as compared to the
weekend. Naturally the Beach Venders flocked to us, even standing in line at
times. We loved them to and had fun snapping their pictures and haggling
over prices, which they prefer. With in a short time they all referred to me
as Santa Clause.

Here is proof that Bill and Barb actually made it to the beach. As we were doing our morning walk, a woman ran out to us, with a camera in hand and asked if she could get a picture of Santa on Vacation, to send to her grandchildren. Of coarse we complied and had a great laugh. We are quite used to having little smiling children, staring and calling out Santa Clause. Recently, while walking down the street, a little toddler, left his mother's side and came running to me with out stretched arms. He was too young to talk but words were not necessary.

This couple were doing some serious fishing with no results. Perhaps that
should have been taking some lessons from the flocks of diving Pelicans and
seagulls that kept us entertained with their Arial agility and proficiency
at catching fish after fish.

Always on the lookout for new ways of eating our favorite fruit, Mangos,
This mango on a stick, was not only easy to eat but even more delicious than
it looked. Attractive, easy to eat, delicious, and all natural, how do you
beat it for 70 cents

A comfortable spot, great view, soft genteel breeze and a hollowed out Pineapple, complete with Tequila, pineapple juice and orange wedges, Three dollars each, I'll have another one, por favor. Couple this with a nice a nice room, kitchenette and pool, right on the beach for $350 per day, Oh, that is pesos at 11 per dollar or 100 pesos equal $9 , Ah, you do the math, I am on vacation and I know that it is a deal.

Crowed Beach, Ah, I don't think so. As near as I can figure this crescent beach is four miles long. We attempted to walk the whole thing but gave up at what we thought to be half way. There is something about walking bare footed in the sand, that make your feet and leg mussels really work. Now where did I put that Peyote Save?

Our favorite Beach Bar. Any questions so far. Dollar fifty beers, 3 dollar Coco Locos and we never seen over eight people at once. You can find me here most of the time. It sure is easy to figure out where Jimmy Bufett was coming from, with "wasting away again, in Margarita Ville"

Some where, between where we live, at a mile above sea level and the coast, we came across these three great conical structures. Our curiosity got the best of us and they demanded a closer inspection. These three massive, identical structures with six foot solid stone walls were a
complete mystery until a local came along and explained that they were built fifty years ago for the storage of corn. I could not even imagine how one would go about building something like this and why all the effort just for corn storage. I think that there is a lot more to this story and has to involve space travel. We seen several more before getting out of the
mountains but these were the most spectacular.

We had heard of this little town where they made these world famous knives, perhaps you have heard of them Ojeda from Sayula Mexico. This little open air manufacturing shop was a fury of activity. We talked with the proud owner who explained that they had been making knives right there for 13 Generations. The variety and workmanship was impeccable, with each one hand made. No mass production here.

For a true picture of their products go to their web site. WWW.CUCHILLOSOJEDA.COM I purchased one "Minnie chef" style knife. It has an attractive coco bolo handle and a mirror finished steel blade that you can actually shave with. Personally, I avoid shaving, (especially with butcher knives), in case you haven't noticed.

Meanwhile back at the beach! These pelicans seem to be resting after a furious feeding spell, much like the anchored shrimp boats, seeking shelter from the rolling seas. This peaceful harbor seems to provide a wonderful resting spot for us wary travelers as well.

A shot of anything from this bulls horn and served with a wonderful smile, is sure to put anyone at ease.

A sun rise walk through the warm sand as the lazy waves gently nudge the shore, is certain to set the mood for, yet, another perfect day. And yes, Margaritas are a perfectly acceptable morning beverage.

If you look closely, the mast of the third sail boat from the right is touching the Restaurant on the Rock. A new thatched roof and couple of neon palm trees, and it could be seen the entire length of this four mile beach. Come on, I will need some backing on this one.

Pineapple drinks or Mangos on sticks, take your picks. You know my choice,
both, only one at a time. Yeaaaaaa

Not sure wether you can read this typical menu or not, but it goes like this. Most breakfast items $28 pesos, That's $2.80 aprox. US. The most expensive thing on the menu is $60 pesos, again that is aprox $6 US Dollars, actually $5.40 US. Now for the important part. Beer, Many at $14 pesos and wouldn't you know it, my favorite Negro Modula is $15 pesos, that is aprox $1.50 each, Bring em on, two at a time with lemon and salt and served with a warm smile..Yeaaaaa, Life is a Beach.

Back in Chapala now, these Mexicans sure have a since of humor, I could not believe my eyes as I read this sign over the exit. The food and service was excellent and I am not quite sure how to take the sign. I could use some help with this one.

I have held the well founded belief for years, that Carp tasted muddy. It is often served here and so I thought that I would try one. Wow, have I been wrong all these years. May be the Carp back home taste muddy but downhere it is the best tasting fish that I have ever had and now on top of my favorite fish menu. How about the old stone that the Salsa is served from,
sure has charm.

I find that many signs are very necessary, But this one, I don't think Sooo.
Just a beautiful entrance way and another fine example of Spanish architecture.

Flowers Flowers Every where. Notice how the Beauty of these flowers even overshadow the beauty of Barb, I never thought it posible, must be the angle of the sun. ;-)

With such a beautiful person, both as a life companion and traveling mate, how can one not have a wonderful relaxing time, be it on the beach or in the mountains. This year on May 19th we will celebrate our 45 years of matrimonial bliss together. Life has sure been good to me. Perhaps we will have a gathering to celebrate and if you are reading this , Consider this as an invitation.

Red Hot Chilli Peppers

In Mexico, no meal is complete with out Chili Peppers. We have adapted and
have a selection on hand for all occasions. A tour of the Lake Chapala Hot
Sauce factory is a good starting place leading up to the 29 Annual Chili
Cook-off in Ajijic. We were very impressed with the cleanliness of the
factory and everything about it. We were also in for a pleasant surprise.

HOT SAUCE STARTS WITH PEPPERS
Hot Sauce starts with the actual growing of the Chili Peppers. This company purchases their peppers from large area growers. This fine, rich, black, volcanic soil is just what the Chili pepper loves.
The Company buys tons of peppers which comes in these feed sacks and are stored in special climate
controlled warehouses, so they are insured to have a year round supply.

The process starts in this Grinding and formula room. The chilies are first pulverized then mixed with exacting amounts of ingredients for various products that they make. The aromas in this room was quite overwhelming and induced coughing, I don't know how the workers stand it, unless they are just used to it. It is also cooked in the big vats and then pumped to the bottling room.

Here is a sampling of the various products that is produced here. At home
our favorite Hot Sauce is of coarse Barbie's Hollerin Hot Sauce, but running
a second place is Chalula, which is seen here in the Quality Control Room,
in various sizes. Chalula has been a "second place" favorite for many
years and what a pleasant surprise to find that it is produced right here in
Chapala.

Sanitation is a main issue here. We had to have hair nets, plastic
booties, lab coats and sanitize our hands. I asked for a net for my beard
and it drew much laughter. I think that we were the first Gringos to ever
visit the plant.

The sauce goes into the sterilized bottles hot, the caps applied, shrink
warped and finally the labels applied then stacked in cases.

The 29 Annual, Great, Ajijic, Chili Cook off, To our surprise this is a total Gringo thing. As I had explained earlier, this whole lake side community is one of the biggest Ex-patriot communities in the world.
Consisting of mostly US and Canadian's, I have heard the number of 30,000 and growing, used often.

So yes, a bit surprised and a little disappointed, but why not, actually, gringos can make some kick ass, Chili con Carne.
This is actually a fund raiser and they do a lot of good things for the community with the funds that they raise. Lots of top quality entertainment, arts and crafts, food and of coarse Chili of every description.
A total of nine contestants and 9 totally different chilies. When I think of Chili con Carne, I immediately think of my mothers Chili which is deeply implanted in my brain, the rest of the offerings is just Chili by name.
Mom, what are you doing here?
One of the contestants came close but did not win. He whispered to me that he adds Tequila and Beer. I remember that my mother used beer, that could be the key.

Now what would a Chili Cook off be with out a cold beer served up by such a charming Senorita as this. Hell, even if you didn't drink, you would have to accept one, offered with such warmth, beauty and grace.

This triditional Mexica dance was a true colorful treat to that hot Mexican Beat.

Elegance Plus, This well trained group of dancers blew me away. They started by pouring a glass of what appeared to be milk, placed it on their head, ccompleted this elegant dance and poured the milk back into a
container. "No crying over spilled milk here."

Some high quality art and craft and unbelievable low prices, kept me wrenching of how I could get all the things that I fell in love with, home in one piece. I guess that I will have to be satisfied with this wonderful camera that my thoughtful son Mickael lovingly supplied me with. Digital
is the only way to go. Thanks Mick!

This amazing group of paintings was produced by this artist, Not sure of his name, I think that it is Jose Jrraplago. We are going to a art show this Saturday, and I will get his name and contact information right. It is not often that a painter captures my attention like his work did.