We Left (Jan 1-10)

Oh boy, did we ever! And now we are in Melaque Mexico...for THREE months!

Warning: LOTS of pictures and catch-up.

After much planning (by Doug - R&D Department) and soul searching (mostly by me) we decided that after 3 years it was time to head back to Mexico again. Some will remember that, other than our fateful COVID trip in 2020, we have always driven one of our VW vans to Mexico. This year, we do not wish to enter the US so flying it is. We have some trepidation regarding having a Mexico "home base" for so long. We always thought we should try it one year, so here we are. We both admit that it is a bit strange to not have our vehicle, both for traveling to different places and to have our "own stuff". That is probably what I miss the most. My own things. I know, sounds petty, doesn't it? Our vans were always packed precisely for what we needed for 3 months so it was a bit difficult to change gears. The traveling to different locations is what we both will miss this time. The little towns we were fortunate enough to visit, even if just passing through, made the trip so memorable. Maybe another year....

Enough about that. We are now in our second week and really enjoying the sun and heat. We met someone who said her kids asked her "But what will you do in Mexico for so long, won't you get bored?" She told them "Same thing I do in Vancouver except it will be warm and sunny so I won't get bored". Ha ha! We have averaged about 8500+ steps daily since arriving so that is good! Harder to do in the rainy weather at home.

Here are your assorted pictures....

See you in a few months BC

January 1st, 2026

Stayed in The Container Hotel, just 

a 5 minute taxi drive from the PV airport

It was just "okay". 

Cheers! (Yes, I even had A beer)

Taquiera Nelly, just a few blocks away

So, so good!

The next day, January 2nd, we boarded a bus for the 4 hour trip down to Melaque. We were greeted by Irma who owns Villa Xochipilli in Melaque, Colonia Obregon. The three little towns, Melaque, San Patricio and Obregon all blend together. For some reason most people call the area "Melaque".

Some pictures from around the little resort...

The big white house you will 

see is where Irma lives

Busy pool area

Sunrise.Yes, even I can capture a picture now 

and then. Don't count on it, okay?

Full disclosure I probably had to go to the bathroom!

The Aves y Flores building where we are located. There are 4 suites. Two on top and two on the bottom. We are in the top left. 

View of the lagoon that the villa backs onto.

Complete with a crocodile (no kidding...)

Looking out to the street. 

We are located on a cul-de-sac.

Our little one bedroom suite.

I love this doorway.

One of our local inhabitants here at the Villa

His much larger cousin who lives 

on the back walkway by the lagoon

Snoozing

Street tacos around the corner. Taquiera Gaby.

RIGHT by the road, as you can see below.

She likely could have almost reached

out and touched the bus! 

He was traveling very slowly.

Pretty sign in Centro or "the jardin" as 

some call it. Lots goes on here most evenings

Super Hawaii grocery store.

Not sure how it got it's name.

Bit pricey but they likely will have

anything you might need. Lots of booze! 

This campground is right beside Irma's place.

We camped here a number of times.

Sadly, she sold the land and now it isn't used

for anything, which breaks Doug's heart. 

The local "Home Depot" style store. Again,

not sure where the name came from. 

There aren't any chickens!

Translation: "chicken materials"

If you followed us on our last trip in 2023, this

was our campsite at Laguna del Tulle. It is basically at the end of the lagoon that is behind Irma's place.

Pretty quiet here this year.

They built a new heart for pictures

Miles of beach that pretty much look like

this ALL day, everyday.

The band arrived....

So, you are caught up to January 10th now. Yes, yes, I can hear you. I will do better. Give me a few more days to upload some pictures and I will carry on.

My heartfelt thanks to anyone who is still out there following along on this sad, little blog!

Peace out friends!

Thought for the Day: Every sunrise brings a new opportunity to shine (Thanks Juan-Manuel G.)

I Came Back

Well, I had to eventually, didn't I? 

The autumn just rolled over me like a wave. I admit that I did have a bit of a hard time getting my head around "regular life" again but here I am. (As momma Nadyne would expect).

We did our Thanksgiving camping from Oct 8-13 out at Cultus Lake Privincial Park-Maple Bay. Such a great place with the added advantage that there are also cabins available to rent for part of our family that doesn't have a RV. We do our "big" dinner on the Saturday of the weekend. We have been at this particular park for 6 years. We have actually done our Thanksgivig camping since 2016. Jasper mentioned that he has never had a Thanksgiving at home. He is 10 years old. I guess that makes it our 10th year!! 

Weather started out lovely.

Our lovely little trailer "Rusty" (not cuz he's rusty though!)

Waiting for the other family to arrive

Last of my little friends

We love this big field behind us.

Great spot for the kids, big and little, to hang out.

Unfortunately, this weather was short lived.

Parade permit almost needed for a group this big!

Our annual "Stuffing Splash" is a highlight. Whoever is brave enough is welcome to join us! It was a small but mighty group this year. Surprisingly, the water was not as bad as one would think for this time of year.

After this it was time for the really favourite part of Thanksgiving and that's the EATNG part! Unfortunately, this is when the rain started. I mean really started. I can't remember it pouring quite this much while we were prepping and eating dinner. This is only a very small portion of the trenches that had to be dug. Thanks Josh. 

Part of the prep team...

A hungry Holden!

Grandpa and Holden sneaking treats

You know these two scalliwags...

All in all, another successful Thanksgiving camping weekend. We always have fun, no matter what the weather.

A few weeks later we made our last trek of the year to the Kootenays to visit Teagan and Rudy. One always has to have one eye on the weather through several mountain passes. Looks good so far...

The "famous" foot shot!

And 4 days later, the beginning of "winter" on the way home.

So, now we are pretty much caught up. Sorry for my absence. I'm sure some of you will forgive and forget!

Hope this find everyone well. Take care.

Peace out friends!

Thought for the Day: People who enjoy salt and vinegar chips are a sturdier breed, more prepared for life's challenges.

Nadyne, Mom Extraordinaire

 Every one of my posts has always been happy. Not this one.

We lost the famous pirate and legend of our family, my Momma, Nadyne on Wed Sept 10th. The picture below was taken on Mon Sept 8th after part one of her spa day. First the hairdresser then we went off to the nail salon.

Our hearts, all the family, are collectively broken. She was, as my brother says, our librarian of life. She loved to tell stories and they were always filled with humour, adventure and fun. 

She went white water rafting in Alaska, paragliding at 76 off our local mountain and tandem skydiving at 78. She was "IT" for all of us. Always there with a wise word, a smile and a glass of wine.

Any one who follows this blog has seen many pictures of Mom.

How do you ever say "Good-Bye"?

Momma Nadyne

We love you so much

Peace out Nadyne....

Thought for the Day:  How do you spell "love" asked Piglet? You don't spell it, said Pooh. You feel it.