5C's Que Pasa

What a wonderful life we have lived over the years 😎  Some downs but many many ups. We have experienced so many unusual and wonderful adventures. Over the past few months we have been reminiscing. We got married in 1987 ( 39 years together ). Got our first doxie about ten years later. And then a second to keep her company. Of course then we had to purchase our first RV ( we have only had 3 overall  ) so that the girls could travel with us. Previously we used to frequent Hawaii annually before the girls. But now, they had to travel with us. The chocolate twins are our last set. They were our Covid babies. But in the future, once we are healed, we plan to travel again. Well that is, if there will still be a world left in a few years. We started RVing to Mexico in 2001.

Yesterday I actually unpacked our final two totes that we brought with us from Kelowna. Inside the final one I found ALL of my travel notes staring from day 1 of RVing. Including the ones I emailed ( I had to learn how to use a computer on the road in the early 2000’s ) to my parents and that a sister had printed out for my parents to read. So incredible to have this detailed information from 2001 and on. What an incredible time we have had traveling Mexico all along the east coast as far down to the isthmus. That was the most dangerous and difficult crossing that we had ever done because of a road washout and we were stuck. We could not go forward nor back. Suffice to say that we crossed the two steel pipes put over the river when a bridge washed out. Colin crossed first in the RV and I crossed next in the car with the dogs. It was a very steep decline with a very short place to cross. Somehow Colin barely got the 40′ RV front tires onto the steel pipes before he bottomed out.  Honest to God I closed my eyes as he crossed. He had only a few inches on each side of the RV and I did not want to see what happened. So I just kept my eyes closed and simply pushed the gas pedal down. We lived to tell the story, but meeting up a ways down the road and connecting were another horror story.

The reason I brought up this story is that just a few days ago Colin met up with a fellow from Catamaco, Veracruz where we had stayed for several nights before we had this washed out bridge adventure. Colin actually has met many Mexicans walking the dogs in the early mornings. Catemaco is a town in the Mexican state of Veracruz, famously known as the witchcraft capital in Mexico. You can imagine Eddie’s surprise to find out that Colin had not only visited there but had driven there and back from Canada ( approximately 3,203 miles one way ). I even met a few witches in the market one day.

To be honest the rest of the journey to the Pacific Ocean and then north to Acapulco only became more complicated. But we did ( very ) eventually get to an RV Park in Acapulco ( not to mention a road we could not drive down in Huatulca ( it got pitch black in 30 seconds and for the second time in as many days we were unable to move forward or back without damaging the RV), PLUS a flat tire, broken tow bar and so on, including staying in our bus in a Pemex with space for 3 cars max  ) and  where we met some of the very best people we have ever met in our lives. We spent 4 – 5 winters in Pie de la Cuesta, Acapulco. Traveling the west coast from Vancouver to Acapulco was a grueling, 3,170 mile journey in  each direction.  Such a long drive but worth every mile. I miss those people more than I can explain.  And very fortunately we are still in touch with some of them.

Colin and I have so many complicated / exciting / fun & dangerous stories to share. We have spent many many years years exploring Mexico. Most RVers get as far as Mazatlan and are content. There is so much more of Mexico to explore. So way back in October of 2009 we stopped at Tres Amigos RV Park on Isla de la Piedra and after a pro and con list,  that is how we decided to stay in this area of Mexico. We are so very happy to have stopped there and were content to live there five to six months every winter.

Sadly, I do not have the energy ( at the moment ) to expand on these thoughts. Back to October 24, 2024.

We had no idea how long this stay in Mexico would be. We were so very excited to be driving our new to us full-time home, a 45′ diesel pusher. We actually had planned to be traveling months to Canada as well as the USA to explore the many wonderful vistas. All we knew was that this was our new forever home. We had hoped to travel north in the summer and return to the Isla in the winter.

And then Colin had a damaging stroke the end of April 2025. Our life and future goals were changed in an instant. You can go back and read about the struggles, if you wish.

This story is somewhat disjointed – but here we are a full two years to when we arrived in Mexico back in 2024.  Sadly we came to realize that we would no longer be living in an RV full-time. As you know the RV was moved to Mesa in early May  to sell on consignment. It was the only RV lot taking consignments at that time. A few weeks ago we had it moved to a much larger RV lot in Sun City, AZ.  We hope to get it sold within the next few months.

April was spent selling personal items and packing to move. I had started last February to find us place to live in Mazatlan. The prime requirement was a place with a view and constant perfect sunsets, space to move about, a usable balcony for the twins and a beach as close as possible. Strangely some of the beachfront condos did not qualify as it was a long long way from the apartment to the actual beach. We are closer here.Unfortunately we had to move here once from the Isla and then move again ( within the same building )  3 months later. We are ecstatic with the condo we are living in. We have everything that we need. And finally we have just unpacked all that left Canada two years ago. But yet again I have a few more totes coming and some art that we love. That is it, the end of our possessions from Canada. Not saying we will never go back to Canada. We are totally aware that life is a constant change but this is home for a few years. Anything can change,

Sadly part of the change was my taking a heavy and damaging fall the day of our second move, ( July 26, 2026 ). Within about 5 days it was established that I had a fractured pelvis. I was on bedrest for two months.

Oh and I neglected to discuss the most  thorough eye examination I have ever had in my 73 years.

A  90 minute eye examination for only1000 MXN.  Extremely long story short!  My eye vision is what it is – which will allow me to see to the best of my ability. This eye doctor was an ophthalmologist and also a retina specialist. I have to keep using top quality eye lenses such as Zeiss.

That red zig zag line on the bottom right shows that I have a hair follicle growing inside my right eye. This is affecting my vision. At the moment I am using eye drops during the day and an eye ointment at night. Poco a poco. They can pull the hair follicle BUT it can regrow and be even thicker which will create a greater problem!  So they are trying drops and creme for a few months. At least the eye pain has stopped and I am so glad to have a reason for it.

My plan was to publish this yesterday, October 24, 2026. That way I could say that we have officially been in Mazatlan for two years – without leaving the Isla nor the city itself. So now this evening as I publish, I will add that we are now a full 2 years and one day here in Mexico. The time has gone so quickly. Who knew that we would be here for two full summers! HOT, HOT, HOT!!!!  Hopefully the humidity will start to decrease soon. Then I can start walking with Colin and the girls in the morning.

We have one cruise ship in tomorrow, Monday, then two one Tuesday the 27th and another two on the 28th. Life is grand here in Mazatlan.

 

 

 

We are prepared for whatever happens. We have purchased extra water, food, veggies and fruits. At one point we thought we could have to tape our 15 large floor to ceiling windows but have decided that is not necessary at this point. Or course tomorrow everything on the balcony ( including the dogs pee tray ) will be brought inside to prevent flying projectiles.

The past few days have been cloudy and ever so humid. So it was lovely see this special sunset.

We have friends who left LA, on Thursday, on Voyageur of the Seas. A group of eight including three wheelchairs. At boarding they were told that they would no longer be docking here in Mazatlan on Monday the 12th and would stop in Puerto Vallarta. Sadly that port is scheduled to be hit by Simon as a Cat 3 before 11PM tomorrow, Sunday the 11th. No one really knows the que pasa of it all!

I have medical things to catch up with you on, plus other things such as parts of the malecon sinking. But at this point our minds on our Simon.

The colors in the sky tonight are outstanding.

Stay safe everyone.

 

This will be one of those off the cuff blog posts. I have tried to find time but it eludes me. So I am just going to dive in. I do write better now as in 8PM before we have dinner. Colin is playing so I am taking a chance on how much time I will get here. He had a great therapy session which wore him out but after good nap he exercises and now it is time for him.

The RV had a potential buyer who showed up the day before we had planned to move the RV to another consignment lot. Apparently the husband really wanted it and even had the cash -however his wife said no!! It took them over two weeks to decide. So we have pulled the RV and moved it to another area in Arizona. We have been on call for two solid days trying to explain that this and that are not broken but ‘you just need to know how to use them ‘! It is difficult as most Americans don’t have Whats app so can’t call us. Fortunately we got 2 out of 3 things repaired. I even had to some photoshop on some photos I found.  I am letting Colin take the brunt of the discussions on this consignment. The new location seems much more animated and professional.

Of course being on the computer so much has affected my right eye. I did finally get out last week ( for only the second time since my bed rest ) and got my new to me eye glasses ordered. They are Zeiss lenses and take a full ten days to be made and they are done in Mexico City. Of course I grilled this eye doctor as well as to my vision loss. He is sending me to a retinologist who will do a thorough examination and see if there is even a possibility of corrective surgery. Normally an implanted cataract lenses can’t be removed 😥 I have been all over the map with my emotions. My very special amiga Mary-Ann did some spectacular research on a possible solution to my eye issue. I will be presenting her research tomorrow morning at my appointment.  Mary-Ann has been doing non stop research to help me and Colin over the past 14 months for a variety of reasons from financial to mechanical to medical and more.  She is truly an angel on earth! Thank you so much, both of you.

Actually I just remembered that it started with you finding me a back cushion for my computer situation in the RV.

Sadly my right eye has been hurting these past few busy days on the computer  🙁  But my life is the computer and reading!  Hopefully I will get some good news tomorrow.

Mazatlan has been crazy the past few weeks. High winds and waves. So much destruction of waterfront restaurants both here in front of us and back on the Isla. Apparently it happens almost annually but this particular season seems to be worse. This is a different year with all of the constant local unrest. I have been advised to not discuss any of it on my blog for personal safety reasons. So happy to be here way up in our secure vantage point.

I am feeling stronger and I am getting back in the saddle so to speak. I had no idea that I would so little stamina after my pelvic fracture. This week alone I have four medical appointments.

The Mazatlan season is slowly getting started. However there any many who have left or are on the process of moving elsewhere in Mexico. Colin and I are totally happy here. As are our chocolate twins. I am bound and determined to start doing a few things that we only thought about when living on the Isla. We are here so why not!!

Hmmm….I really need to start doing physical exercises again. I must rebuild my physical strength. Soon the humidity will decline and I must be able to get out there and walk the malecon!!  Never hesitate to nag me in a message about moving and exercising 😉

So much for my short post 😀  Okay, I need to add some photos. Well I guess I added a lot….

I have an important notice ❗  A long time blog reader, Kay, who has been with me since I started posting in May of 2010 has hired an entire cruise ship and she is sailing in to see us a week today. Kay is also an extremely special person in my life. Whenever Colin and I had a breakdown on the road, Kay, ( also an RVer ) was always there for us. I remember her saying just get here to my place and you can stay as long as you need to. I will look after you 🙂  And I knew that she would have but we always figured it out. But to have Kay waiting in case we needed her was very extraordinary.

I appears that I have been collecting very specials angels over the years. So looking to my first ever hug from Kay – I have been waiting over 15 years! Isn’t life amazing 😎

 

 

After I posted my blog yesterday afternoon I looked over the balcony toward the mountains. I am always looking outside! So much to take in and to observe.

Thanks for checking and comments are appreciated. That is the only way I know that you are out there!!

 

 

 

 

 

It is 4:30PM PST and I think that Mazatlan got lucky.

I am officially off of bed rest as of a week ago. But I was to keep taking my meds until they were completed. They are pretty strong anti inflammatories and my stomach rebelled so I stopped those as well. About two days later my right side ( which I fell on ) has some unusual aches. Even my ankle, toes and calf when I walk. I think it is going to take me a while to get back to full walking mode. I am going to have to back to the beginning go my strength rebuilding exercises.

The only time I have been out was to go see my eye doctor last week. He still had not had a chance to check if the yag laser surgery had worked. Dr Wong pronounced my cataract lenses were clear. However I still can’t see properly out of my right eye and wanted a stronger prescription. Long story short I was told that my left eye is at 90-95% while I only had 40-45% vision in my right eye. I have never seen clearly after my cataract surgery back in August 2024. The doctor who performed that surgery thought I was joking when I said I want my cataracts back. He said that I should just add reading glasses.  I have struggled the past few years and I have seen at least six different vision specialists. It was suggested to me that perhaps the wrong lenses were implanted in my eyes. And no I can’t have another cataract surgery as it is much too dangerous to attempt it. That I should not have had a monofilament lense but rather a progressive lense.

I was in deep shock and felt that my life was over. Reading and working on the computer is what I do. Of course this being my first outing since July 22nd, I was worn out and began to cry. My next step was to immediately go the the Galeria Optica and get a second eye specialist opinion. He spent close to an hour with me and checked my eyes and my glasses and did a few tests. Sadly he confirmed that my vision was as good as it would get and that a different prescription would be of no help. I was devastated and he was very kind to me. No charge for his time. So I bought an expensive pair of eye glasses with red in them! However I have to got to yet another place to get high end Zeiss lenses put it. That will ensure that I have the best possible vision. I feel bad for not being able to give my money to Galeria Optica but he insisted I go to this other place. I do plan to got there next week when I hopefully have more energy. I also intend to have a discussion with Doctor Daniel about my current vision. His father was an optician and his wife and son also work in the business. Meanwhile I am still mourning my vision.

Nothing has been happening with the RV and we made a decision to move it from Mesa to another consignment location. We had a driver go to pick it up last Tuesday and the batteries were dead and the was no fuel in the tank to use the generator. No way to start the RV  never mind bring the slides in. What a mess! And a huge amount of stress for Colin – which we are trying to shield him from. But later that day we received a message asking us to please leave the RV there for another week. Apparently someone is very interested in our coach. He made an offer that was accepted but it is based on him getting a 3 year job contract in Missouri which was to happen within a week or less.  The fellow is waiting to find out if he gets the job and then will then live in the RV full-time. We have heard nothing 😯 Probably we will give them a few more days and arrange to move the RV next week.

The girls are good and have totally settled in and hardly ever bark. Even when one of us comes back in they just run up for hugs and kisses. They love their long morning slow walk with Colin. They stop and sit on the malecon wall for a break every so often enjoying a bit of shade.  The girls have lots of dogs friends and Colin has met many people that he visits with everyday. I do think they miss seeing all their RV friends from the Isla.

Hurricane Polo has been deemed the  most powerful cyclone ever off the Pacific coast of Mexico. For a short yesterday it decreased back down to a Cat 4 but soon was back up to a Cat 5. It bounces back and forth and now has a new path. This is the latest from Zoom Earth Satellite taken 25 minutes ago. as you can see there will be heavy & surf coming our way.

 

SURF: Swells generated by Polo will affect portions of the coast of
southwestern Mexico during the next few days. Swells will spread
northward along the coast of west-central Mexico and toward Baja
California Sur on Friday and into the weekend. These swells are
likely to cause life-threatening surf, rip currents, and coastal
flooding. Please consult products from your local weather office.

These photos go back to Monday September 14th……

This next photo was taken September 19th.

And these final shots were taken this evening. Wow, just wow!

It was unreal – a first for both of us. What is this strange dark tunnel from heaven to the deep sea? UFO? End of the world? It was bizarre and unsettling.

But we do have a Category 5 hurricane offshore and  it is coming closer to us. It is not expected to make landfall but for certain we will have lots of rain and high waves.

I expect that I will be posting everyday for the next while so please be sure to check in.

 

Preface.  This is the first time in my life that I have ever written a preface even on an essay, way back when. So let us start with right this very second.

I spent over two hours today writing a blog post that I wanted to publish today. It was well written ( in my opinion ) and I simply needed to add photos. Then suddenly the entire post had disappeared as in totally vanished 👿 User error. I spent over 30 minutes trying everything I could to find it or parts of it. I came to realize that as I was creating today I neglected to hit “save draft”. I thought that I had opened a new tab to research something, but somehow I ended up using the same tab that I had created my blog on and hence lost the entire post when I went back to get it. I was very upset with myself. I started this blog over sixteen years ago in 2010 and one of the biggest lessons I had to learn was to keep hitting that save draft button. I guess it has been awhile since I did a lengthier post that required some research and heavy concentration. Or maybe I was simply inspired and kept writing. No matter. Lost my storyline with all the extras. I simply could not start again so wasted 2 hours online doing nothing of value. I restarted this post 29 minutes ago and have hit save draft already four times🧐.

So let’s see how much I recall.

¡Viva México!

Last evening  ( Tuesday, September 15 ) was the beginning of the 2 day holiday celebrating Mexico’s independence from Spain.

“September 16th is the day that the Mexican Independence is celebrated. On this day in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato 1810, el padre Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the bells of a small parish and inspired the people who gathered  to rebel against the Spanish monarchy and take control of their own lives, their own country, their own destiny. His grito.

Many local places here in Mazatlan started the two day holiday with a celebration in the evening serving local dishes, national drinks and much Mariachi music. Here as in many plazas all over Mexico hundreds and likely thousands gathered just before midnight at the main square in town to listen to an impassioned speech by a city official commemorating the fallen heroes and then ringing a symbolic bell and finishing their speech by exclaiming three times, “!Viva Mexico!”. Of course then the crowds roar back “!Viva Mexico!” three times. This is called EL Grito, the cry or scream for independence.

Then the magic of fireworks happens in a victory celebration. We are so fortunate that our new home looks directly over the bay where one of the several Mazatlan fireworks barge celebrations were being set off from. Of course I was already in bed and the noise woke me up. Colin took these photos. How magical to be right here at this location.

The percussive booming of drums woke me up at about 6:20AM. Of course Colin was already awake.

The deep boom and rat a tat carried a long distance. Military drums are commonly called a field drum and there were many many of them outside on the street early this morning 😮  Today, September 16th, the official Independence Day for Mexico usually involves a military/civilian parade. Ours was scheduled to start at 8:00AM which it did but I guess many of these fellows just wanted to flex their wrists and elbows. In addition to the numerous drums and marching feet, the parade featured sirens. Every police, motorcyle, ambulance or rescue vehicle. etc, has a siren and they all sound different. Can you imagine how they sound when mixed together? So from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM we heard a variety of sirens and often all at the same time. The locals sitting outside on the malecon curb clapped in approval. I think the ambulance is the most obnoxious. It took a further 40 minutes for my hearing to clear.  We are at 14 “save draft” hits!!!

I started this blog at 6:00PM September 16 and now at 8:25PM I have come this far. Photos have been chosen. Not perfect but good enough. We are now at 22 “save draft hits”  8-). Colin wants his dinner and I must complete this post first.

 

There was also a spitfire airplane flying in and out but with all the noise from the parade we had no idea where it was until it was ”just there” in front of us. Another just WOW moment.

I hope that you enjoyed this post. It is now 9:40PM September 16th.  And we have now had 40 save the draft clicks!! So it took 3 hours and 40 minutes to create this post – FOR THE SECOND time. Colin is vocally asking for his dinner. So I will forgo yet another blog proof. If it is really bad send me an email and I will correct it.

¡Feliz Día de la Independencia, amigos!

 

 

 

 

This area is open and unsettled and we had waves over 8 feet last night. The malecon was wet from the  ocean spay in parts. People were warned to be cautious and to stay away from the beach. High waves and high tides were expected.  I spent some time during the night watching Mother Nature at work. Because of both hurricanes the ocean action is expected to continue for the next few days.

We are not bored watching all the activity.  Well I am a wee bit bored as I still have 2 3- weeks to before I get permission to walk again.

Colin meanwhile is enjoying some new shoes that he purchased which are giving him more flex to the bottom of his foot and toe area. Between them and not one but two new therapies he is working with, he seems to be walking a bit better. Still tires easily.  He never gives up and is constantly working to get ahead. Not fair that I have to sit still all the time.

By the way there is a two bedroom condo in our same building for rent for the winter ( or however many months you want ) at a very reasonable rate. It is on the 8th floor ( we are on the 11th ). Exactly the same layout as we have including the huge balcony. Perfect for Carnival.

We were told by the RV dealer that someone who reads our blog went to see our RV ( for sale on consignment ) in Mesa, Arizona. Just want to let you know that next week our RV comes out of the 4 month contract and will then go on a day by day basis. So if you or anyone you know is interested, send us an email and a lower price WILL be arranged.

A few sunsets taken over the past week……

I so appreciate your emails, texts and comments….thanks for hanging with me all these years 😎

 

 

…..on July 26th, we moved to a different apartment in the same building and I tripped over a box and had a very hard fall. I stunned myself. But as I always do, I kept pushing myself – after all we were in the midst of a move and had no choice but to push through the pain. Finally on Tuesday the 28th ( I had the wrong date in my last post ) we saw our chiropractor who strongly insisted that I get xrays done. Just this list wore me out, so It took me until Thursday afternoon ( the 30th ) to get them done. I clearly had fractured a bone in my pelvis. the pain was off the charts. Thank goodness Colin is able to help me as I could not even lift my leg into bed.

I have been mostly on bedrest since July 31st, spending at least 12 hours per day in bed. Then I try and sit at the computer for a few hours. Money needs to be transferred and bills need to be paid. Most importantly food and wine need to be ordered. At this point we get most of our food from Walmart. Things like butter, bread, eggs, juice, soap and some basic fruits and veggies. It is too hot for Colin to go two blocks to the local mercardo and it is a difficult walk for him. Last week I found two places that will deliver wine. Many other things come from Amazon.com.mx

But even that is a challenge. Walmart won’t deliver alcohol and for some reason Sam’s Club does not have what I like. In early July, I was finally able to get a credit card with Liverpool.  Not all stores will take my USD or CAD Visa cards. Mexican banks will not issue a credit card until you have built up a credit rating here in Mexico. I honestly should have started to build a credit line when we arrived back in 2024. Life on the Isla is very different than here in the city of Mazatlan. They each have their unique special areas, but this is where we currently need to be. Who knows what the future holds?

The rest of the day I sit in my recliner. The girls have stools to jump up on to sit with me. I would love to say that I spend the day reading. Sadly my right eye definitely needs to have a  corrected lenses in my eyeglasses. After a few hours it begins to ache and burn. I have tried to watch a few You Tube videos as well to help pass the time. Fortunately we have a perfect panoramic view which is constantly changing. The sunsets are stunning.

I have lunch and dinner in the recliner and we try and watch 60 – 90 minutes of TV with dinner. Then it’s back to bed for another 12 hours. The commode had made my life easier as has the walker. Colin is totally responsible for feeding me, even bringing me water or a Kleenex. I am almost able to get out of the chair on my own but tend to rely on him so I don’t fall. Actually Colin is entirely accountable for everything in our home. Besides looking after me he also has to care for the girls. Except I have arranged for the laundry to be picked up and delivered. Maybe next week I will have the strength to stand long enough to use our own machines. We do have a husband / wife team that clean for us on a weekly basis but I did cancel them last week as I find it unsettling to have anyone around me ( other than Colin ) at the moment.

So after three weeks of bedrest I am officially bored. But happy to say that the pain is decreasing. I am on a great deal of expensive medications. Yet I have another 3 to 5 weeks to go. I try not to think about it. Instead I think of all the yummy gourmet meals that get delivered to us every week.  We certainly are eating well. Thanks to “Sunshine Catering” and “Ana’s Fresh Kitchen”. They are both going out of their way to adapt to our no meat diet. Looking forward to ‘Thai shrimp and Vegetable Curry’ for dinner tomorrow.

Colin started to make some changes to his medical program last week and so far so good. Some new treatments and some new exercises. I suddenly noticed how much taller he is. It is very tiring for him, having to look after me as well as work so hard with his exercises. I feel like I am holding him back a bit. Oh, good place to mention that I of course have done no exercises at all since the move. I worked so hard to get to where I was before the fall. I might even be missing the pool a bit 😯 but don’t tell anyone.

I have been working on this for over four hours and I need to stop and rest….sitting this long is very difficult.  But I did get many photos in order, so perhaps I can do mini posts in the weeks to come.  When I can’t sleep at night I compose new blog posts  in my mind and soon fall asleep 😎

Phew this post wore me out….not sure when I will be back…sooner than later I hope. It inspired me to be able to write but certainly made me tired.