GO CANUCKS GO!

BBQ at Phil's and Sandy's

Can Silvana ever bake a pie!

Laughlin, Nevada

No, we didn't strike it rich at the Casinos but it was a very enjoyable stay. Nice accommodations at the Ramada Express, very reasonably priced thru the internet - nice view of the mountains from our window.





Feeding the Koi(s??)

Back in Phoenix!

Had a good drive up to Phoenix from PV. The only hitch was a very long wait at the border due to an accident on the US side which blocked one of the two border crossings for hours. We arrived at Ellen and Kathleen's as they were having a Sunday family dinner.





Their beautiful adobe house




and the guest house in the back, which we really enjoyed.




Spring Training game between the Chicago Cubs and the Kansas City Royals, and the hotdogs were great!

Sunday in San Francisco, Mexico

Looks like we kept the best for last! We drove to San Pancho which is the locals' name for San Francisco, this past Sunday and spent the day. It is easy to reach within an hour's drive North of Puerto Vallarta. Life carries on pretty much as it always has in the pretty pueblos along the way to San Francisco. Offering colorful culture - and miles of uncrowded beaches to explore - the sweeping changes of the 20th Century seem to have by-passed this coastal Mexican town. San Francisco has retained its slow pace and gives you what you'd expect south of the border. It is really remarkable considering its breathtaking scenerey and its proximity to bustling P.V.! We walked the beach as well as through the town and the place is perfection itself. That is definitely the place we will come and stay in the future.
Here are a few examples of the homes in town.



Come of the critters on the beach!

Botanical Garden of Puerto Vallarta

The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens is located high in the Sierra Madre Mountains, in a valley, just 12 miles south of Puerto Vallarta. It features Palm gardens, a Rose Garden, a Tree Fern Grotto, an Orchid House, Jungle Trails, Tropical Bird Watching, Agave Gardens, displays of Mexican Wildflowers and the Carnivorous Plant collection. It was opened to the public in 2005 and will be a show-stopper in a few years when more of the planting material is mature. We really enjoyed our day. We had lunch there and the food is very good, not to mention the view of the river and the mountains while eating. Here are some photos.











Agave Planting (the makings of tequila)

Update to PJ's Blog

Click on the link to the right for an update on the girls' blog.

Some Shots of Puerto Vallarta´s Central Plaza

After church, you can get a massage or a tattoo!

Another Afternoon at Playa Manzanilla

We had a visit from a very friendly young Ben - although it was a little girl she reminded us of Big Ben.

3rd Annual Puerto Vallarta Dog Show

This show took place across from the Sheraton Hotel in the municipal park. Stan and I volunteered and had a great time.




Large Breeds



Small Breeds





Stan was in charge of selling refreshments



How many men does it take to put up a tent???



Agility Competition for Dogs of All Sizes and Abilities

Caberneigh Farms, Mexican-style

We came across this lovely hacienda on our way to one of the local beaches one day. How about it girls?

Good Surfing and Going Fishing in Sayulita

Sayulita is very popular with surfers - lots of young people - a reminder of what the California beaches might have looked like in the 50's and 60´s (on the beach we visited in any case). Apart from that, it is developing real estate wise surpassing, we were told, Puerto Vallarta. There seems to be a real estate office on every corner.



Surfers, Pelican and Dog (interested in pelican)





Surf Instructors???

Huichol Indians of Mexico

The Huichol Indians´native home is away from the sea. They come to Puerto Vallarta to display and sell their art. They are very colorful in their traditional costumes. This young couple are enjoying what might be a rare visit to the ocean.

Update on PJ and Nicole's Blog

Check the winter shots at the farm and the trip to New York photos by clicking on the PJ and Nicole's Blog Link to the right.

Totally Recyclable Roofing!

The Old and the New of Puerto Vallarta

Primitive beach dwelling contrasting with hi-rise hotels in the background.