Month: April 2025

Have to start with something fun. Our doxies have always loved vegetables but Carlie has a problem digesting anything other than dog kibble so we are unable to hand out fresh veggies freely.

Ciela however will always keep asking and has developed a unique style…..

So getting tired of using my eyeglass readers most of the day. Just have not had time to get into Mazatlan to pick up my progressives. We spend a huge amount of time simply waiting for Erik, the RV tech, to ‘show’ up. We arrived on the Isla a full 6 months ago with a rather large to do list. Still waiting on getting those items off the list. We feel like we have been put to the bottom of the pile ( mostly because we are not leaving like everyone else ) – Erik has so many RVers ( all over Mazatlan ) who need his help and then he has those who stop here heading south for repairs and yet again on their return north. We were fortunate to see him for a bit Tuesday and Wednesday and more time on Thursday. That is how we got the RV battery situation figured out. Erik is not a communicator and over the years we have adapted to just waiting. Well I decided to be pro active and at this point we have appointments in Mazatlan both Tuesday and Wednesday. I passed that info on along with a note that we will be home by 2PM each day.

As to the batteries we both spent at least 8 – 10 hours both Thursday and Friday working on our battery situation. The best that the RV dealership can do for us is sell us 7 batteries at cost which is only a savings of $886.77USD but they will not ship them anywhere for us. At this point ( after hours of internet research and phone calls ) I am hoping to get the batteries delivered here to us on the Isla for about $4700.00USD. That includes paying for the batteries at cost, paying for a shipping company to deliver them from Southern California to Nogales, Arizona. Then we have to pay 19% import cost into Mexico and arrange for a Mexican shipping company to pick up said batteries and deliver them to us here on the Isla. FYI the pallet of batteries will weigh 632 pounds ( these are large batteries )  and the pallet is 42″ long by 40″ wide by 30″ tall. I had actually worked out five different scenarios and the most expensive was $5450.80USD. Of course we don’t want to have to pay at all but have no choice as we are pretty much stuck here until we replace the batteries.

We have two ”chairs” made of bricks to sit on at Contessa’s Corner, just sitting watching the shipping channel traffic.

Who knows however this will all pan out. We were told late Friday afternoon that the batteries need to be made first ( 2 -3 week delay ). I imagine that tomorrow, Monday the 28th, the phone lines will be burning yet again. Hurricane season starts in a few weeks and we want the option to leave. At this point we are thinking the Lake Chapala area for the summer. We don’t have to go back to Canada this year and would prefer not to enter the USA but will do so if we need to. Of course if we could safely and for certain rely on these RV batteries we would go to Tucson to get the replacements. Not calculating fuel we would have been able to save $1505.31USD.

We have had a busy weekend catching up on do’s, taxes done and paid, sorting out RV and Jeep insurance as well as rv and home contents insurance.

Nap time for Miss Ciela. No matter the temperature they always like to covered with a blanket. She is laying on two for softness and is covered with one. We have had a few warmer days but have never got above 81F inside the RV. Our windows are wide open allowing all the dust to come on in!!  Well, we are camping after all!

The local tides are at extremes right now. Low tide at 2:03AM was -1.48 ft and high tide at 8:22AM was right up into the restaurants at 3.35 ft!!  We went for a walk about 1:20PM today but the beach was totally and the incoming waves were high and almost sucked us out. Ciela simply turned around and headed back home ( Colin caught up to her ) while Carlie simply swam.

This guy was catching a great many fish. I was worried that a wave would sweep him away.

Back home to give them a proper bath with soap and massages. Then all the plants got fertilized. Almost time to start my homemade pizza crust for dinner. Maybe I will find some time to read a book tomorrow 😆

Can you believe I actually was up to see a sunrise? Taken this morning at 5:31. Only because I had to use the bano. Sorry this was taken thru our dirty ( the humidity likes to streak our windows.) windshield. It was magnificent but no way was I going outside, the girls would have followed yipping and barking and waking our neighbors. I did my business, enjoyed the sunrise and took the photo to share here.

Colin took this for you either last night or the evening prior.

We have just spent three days with our rv tech on our battery issues. Basically we now know why we have had battery issues including a few weeks ago when the power line was cut.  We sent this letter out yesterday.  No direct contacts mentioned – yet!

As per my conversation with T, D will be selling us the following batteries at cost.

Someone planted a plant in my corner. How fun it will be to watch it grow.

Taken April 21st.

My new plant.

Thanks to you all and the 62 votes I received plus more via email, a decision has been made.

The UTV/Razor often referred to by us, as Put – Put  ( that name came in 3rd ), has a new and final name. Turtle, a very good suggestion came in second. With more than double the votes the winning name is Grasshopper 😀  Simply perfect. A special thank to the person who suggested the name.

Looking forward to taking Grasshopper out for a run later today. He still needs to be taken out to the beach but that will come in time.

Semana Santa is over. But tomorrow is the beginning to Motorcycle week. The Mazatlán International Motorcycle Week, or “Semana Internacional de la Moto Mazatlán,” is a yearly event held in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico. In 2025, it will take place from April 23-26, coinciding with Easter week. The event draws bikers from around the world, featuring bike shows, concerts, races, and various other activities. It’s a celebration of motorcycle culture, with a focus on camaraderie, adventure, and the thrill of the open road.  Thousands upon thousands of bikes are expected.

“The Mazatlán International Motorcycle Week is an annual event where ten of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from Canada, the United States, Mexico, and other countries ride to Mazatlán to enjoy the weather and many associated events!

During the week, there are many organized events that take place.

The events include concerts, beach parties, freestyle shows, regional tours, stunt rider competition, biker girl competition, tattoo competiton, bikini competition, and after hours parties!

The highlight of the week for many is the Saturday Grand Parade Down the Malecon where thousands of motorcycles ride from Olas Altas to Punto Valentino on the Malecon!”   Just another fun week here in paradise 😎

My significant spot up on the rock has become so special. There were many names suggested that appealed to me but fortunately it was your vote that made the decision. Three suggestions were almost tied but the winner won by one vote. I really love ” Contessa’s Corner” but then all of your suggestions meant something unique to me. You all put so much effort and energy into your proposals. It truly means a great deal to me and my heart that you were all part of this decision.

Taken at sunset Monday the 14th.

I had been simply sitting on my homemade brick stool enjoying this wonderful moment that Mother Nature was painting when Colin came up behind me and asked if I had seen the heron?

I had to stand up to see it. Such a special gift. It flew off just seconds later. FYI that is a tuna boat with the bright lights in the upper right area of the photo.

….but she was a bit blurry 🙁  Definitely the stage in my life to get my eyes checked since my cataract surgeries the end of last August. By now there will be no further changes to my vision as a result of the new lens implants.

This post happened last Monday, April 14th. I had the perfect start to the day. We always take Didi ( so much easier, faster and very inexpensive ) to travel about Mazatlan. As we were sitting in the car my ears perked up. Could it be? Way back since our RVing days in Acapulco where we experienced many wonderful musicals times ( almost every evening ) with the other RVers, my favorite song has been Under the Boardwalk. Only it was being sung in Spanish!  It just doesn’t get much better than that. Great start to the day.

….and in Spanish. So sensual 😎

This specialist was referred to me by general medical professional, Dr. Garcia. There is no normal for a doctors office here in Mazatlan. This was on the second floor of a building in a multi block area of medical offices, laboratories and pharmacies. We soon figured out that this was the general waiting room and we had to find a sign on a door for the eye specialist.

I only had to wait about ten minutes before being ushered in the office. Dra Diana Raya, asked me the usual information re my past eye history. She then checked me on three different machines. Bottom line, the lenses that were put into my eyes back in Kelowna this past August give me perfect 20/20 eyesight. While 20/20 vision is considered normal, it doesn’t necessarily represent perfect vision. However both of my eyes are in great condition she said.

The usual 1, 2 or 3 choice re best vision. Funny thing is that she gave me a card to check my reading once I had made those important choices. It was in Spanish and I understood most of the words. Life is so good here. Oh and of course I could see them clearly. Looking forward to picking up my glasses next week.

As you know I have been using readers since my eye surgery and it appears that my left eye requires ‘help”. So I have the choice of using regular eye glasses for walking around the house and using the readers as I have been doing. Or I can go back to progressive lenses which I have been wearing for many many years. Not sure if I have mentioned this before, but I have been wearing eyeglasses since I was three years old.

Next stop was a quick trip by Didi to Pancho’s Restaurant on Av. Gaviotas for breakfast. Haven’t been here for a few years.  I kept changing from readers to sunglasses and back and forth. Sigh!

My Eggs Panchos’s which were delicious until I spotted the ham sticking out.  There was no mention of meat on the menu which is why I chose this item. They re did the dish for me.

Collin had a Spanish omlette.

The large “mountain'” is El Faro. From here in the Golden Zone you need to go around it and to the left to the Isla de la Piedra at least by water. There are two other ways to cross via passenger ferry.

Today was Monday, day 2 of Semana Santa. Lots of Mexican tourists everywhere. This huge extended family were all cramming to get into this lancha which they eventually did. Most entertaining.

So many beach activities to choose from. I did this once many many many many years ( really yes –  that very many ) in Barbados. Once in a lifetime is enough.

So I decided to go with progressives. That will work for both my reading and my computer use plus I will have be able to measure soap for the washing machine and chop veggies, read a recipe, etc. However because my distance vision is good I can simply sit out outside and watch the ocean or go for a walk on the beach. However at a restaurant I will need glasses ( or readers ) to read the menu.  They were supposed to be ready Wednesday but it has been Semana Santa and therefore only a 3 day work week. I never got the call so I can’t tell you yet how the glasses are working.

But I can tell you that the medical system here is fantastic. No longer than a one week wait to see your specialist of choice. 800MXN ( 56.00 CAD/ 40.00 USD ) for the consultation. I am using my own frames, my favorite teal ones and the cost for the progressive lenses are 2350MXN  ( 165.00 CAD / 118.00 USD ). Much much less than we would pay back home in Canada to see the eye doctor and considerably less to buy new lenses.

So what next – Monday was a busy but really great day!  Did a bit of local shopping. Trying to  get some driving chair covers made. A work in progress.  Next a quick trip to Soriana via Didi. I have actually run out of wine this trip. However I got a good tip from a friend about a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc “Vina Maipo”. I can afford the price per bottle but it certainly isn’t a great Canadian or American vino blanco. My taste buds will have to adapt. Who knows when we will cross a Northern border to replenish the wine cellar?

So back to the Playa Sur Embarcadero with our 12 bottles wine. Four Didi’s used this day for a total of 218 MXN / 15.00 CAD. Well worth every peso. Of course this is when we were treated to our private concert on the boat back to the Isla.  Reposted for you just below…..loved all the music today.

Took three nice sunset shots this Monday but only sharing one right now.

Taken from my new you know where – oh yes the names are to be announced soon. Too busy enjoying life….

I was more into a point and shoot mode this week and now that I look at my photos I am sad. What I was hoping to see did not transpire. I am getting closer to ditching my iPhone and going back to my camera for what I want to see on my blog. The photos here are just a glimpse of this special week.

Fortunately the high tide turned into a perfect beach for those traveling here to enjoy their annual Easter vacation on the Isla.

The purpose of this photo is to show you that the lifeguards have a special tool at their disposal this year. On the right in white is a lifeguard seated on a see doo and he is using it to herd these folks closer to shore. It has been fun watching him zip back and forth along the shore. However I think he is have the best time ever.

Lots of various watercraft.

Personally I think there have been less folks on the beach but others disagree. Most days have been overcast but usually the sun comes out for a few hours in the afternoon. Friday I counted 3 banana boats on the water and 12 sitting on the beach! But today most were zigzagging back and forth. Hopefully the local restaurants will do well this week. It has been a difficult year for them.

Mazatlan has been very busy.

I think it was Thursday night there was a spontaneous party and the streets and to be shut down to traffic.

Mexicans certainly know how to party.

I was very happy with the sunset this evening.

About 2 minutes after getting back into the RV I had a look out the door and ran  ( well walked fast ) back to my special place.

The colors in the sky changed quickly. The Baja Ferry never sailed this evening – at least not as of 8:30PM

Just one of the many party boats crossing in front of the ferry.

Perhaps tomorrow I will take a bit of a walk along the shore. I had a medical treatment on Wednesday that created an allergic reaction and I have been homebound. No worries, I am already up and about again. This is different Semana Santa for me this year but I am so happy to call this home.

Happy Easter to you all.

I had a medical appointment Monday in Mazatlan ( that post coming soon ) and on the return to the Isla we were the only passengers on the lancha – literally accompanied by our own personal band.

When the video moves to the front of the boat you can see an all yellow and white house. We are directly to the left of that house and you can even see our RV.

Just another day in paradise 😎

Today, Palm Sunday, is the first day of Semana Santa. I have read that the hotels here in Mazatlan are over 85% occupancy. Higher than during Carnival. Great for the local economy. Elsewhere I also read an article that Easter week is expected to bring 3.6 billion USD dollars into Mexico 😀  Looks like we are living in the right place in today’s world.

Mazatlan itself has brought in 14,000 military people of various types to protect the city for the week.

Unfortunately Mazatlan is experiencing extreme tides right now. This is creating high high tides while low tides in most areas are sill keeping  the upper areas covered in a layer of salt water.

High waves and high tide.

Usually at this time of year, pop and mom duos are creating one or two and sometimes more small palapas to rent out for shade for a daily rate to the many beach visitors. Because of the extreme tide this is not happening – perhaps a few but not the very many that normally happen.

Our two very tiny papaya trees are doing very well. Today we moved them into even more sunlight.

Between the poopy water ( from the sewage plant at the base of El Faro ) or perhaps a few of the local restaurants dumping their sewer into the Isla bay or ??? it is not pleasant to walk along the Isla beach this past week. Now with the extreme high tide it is even more difficult. This morning we saw some metal structures battered down flat into the sand.

Just barely enough space in the sand for the girls.

Semana Santa on the Isla is known for its umbrella to umbrella and person to person occupancy on the beach. Hopefully nature will help it all work out as it should. Normally there is little space to walk the beach but now with little actual sand this will be an even greater challenge.

The market that we all shop in here in Centro. Photo from 1902.

It will be interesting to see how the week ahead pans out.

Sunset tonight complete with a sunset party boat coming back to dock in the harbor and a lancha heading back to Mazatlan with the final one of the day coming back to the Isla.

Ocean side. We have had huge waves all day.

Sunset, Mazatlan side. When we arrived in October, the sun would set very much to the left of this photo. It will be an interesting summer.  I did sit up in my special area to take this photo this evening.

Voting still open.

New color for us.

I was going to post yesterday about Tuesday but my photos were super huge ( too big for the blog ) and after a few hours ( despite even more time with Colin’s help I gave up ). So no blog post yesterday. I was so frustrated. This morning Colin had a new suggestion so I will see how this blog post works out.

Same hibiscus but a larger flower. That peachy yellow is so unique.

Thanks of all who have voted for the name of our UTV and for the name of my new west facing viewing area. Not many votes though. Don’t be shy to vote. It means a lot to me. One person said they thought I meant I wanted them to vote for the Canadian election 😥 So please read my last blog post and VOTE.  Just send me an email contessa549@gmail.com if you don’t want anyone to see your votes. Once I get a few more votes I will post the results. Hey Colin, did you vote???  I have three Kelly’s who have not voted and many other good friends and blog readers. Que Pasa 🙂

Huge jellyfish taken on this beach a few days ago by my friend Dallas who does wonderful photography.

Nothing has changed re us getting our personal electrical meter. If it does not happen soon then we will forced to look for another location here on the Isla to live. Very sad as we have put so much love and energy, not to mention pesos, into this location.

Quite the size. Glad I never brushed up against it in the water.

Tuesday I had an appointment with Dr G, my GP, here in Mazatlan. It was time for me to get involved in the local medical community. This is the time of year that I start making appointments to get sclerotherapy in my leg veins and to see a dermatologist for my face spots. I also wanted to get my eyes checked since my cataract surgery last August.

I now have an eye appointment for vein treatment] and for the eye check.  I have been having trouble with the dermatologist. Dr. G gave me the name of one but she is so young and has no online media presence and finally when I spoke with her, she does not have the equipment to do what I usually get. Simply direct spay liquid nitrogen works for me.  Have spent thousands on lazer, IPL and other forms of treatment. Today I was given the lead on another dermatologist but I don’t see her until May 7th. That is not a complaint, most of us have to wait a year or more. I am only waiting because Semana Santa is approaching and she is taking time off. However with four people I know who have used her I feel confident in my visit with her.

Love my new blooms this season.

Sadly there was a very well known and loved dermatologist here in Mazatlan but she died suddenly last fall. Dr. G says that there is a lack of good or well known dermatologists right now. Hopefully I have discovered the one 😉 He is a great doctor and agreed that my many hours of sleep once we arrived here was exactly what I needed. I lamented about weight gain and needing exercise but he said to just relax and my body would let me know when I could proceed.

He mentioned that we now live in a different world or a new world  and that we should learn to live each day to the fullest. None of us know the future. Sitting and drinking wine while enjoying my vista sounded like a great idea to him. So there you have it…..”sit and enjoy your view and drink vino” ! Doctors orders 😎  Like I said –  best doctor ever 😉

Mellow yellow.

Colin and I have dinner in the oven, smells so good. Took an hour of prep but we will enjoy this for a least two main meals and a lunch or two, one at least in the form of a burrito. Meanwhile now that I am back at the computer I am enjoying a Cosmopolitan. Ha! I have had this natural cranberry  juice since November, time to use it up 😎

I may have mentioned to you that I have run out of vino. Someone I have known since 2010 and who is now a neighbor suggested a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc that could be found at Soriana. So from our wonderful MD we took a Didi ( Uber ) to Soriana.

The annual Artisanal Market from Oaxaca is set up in the parking lot for the month of April.

From nuts to mole and much more. We bought a bottle of pistachio favored mezcal. Great taste testing. I did feel a wee bit dizzy even though they were tiny taste shots.

I want, I want, I want. Such beautiful craftsmanship.

Thank you but no gracias, no scorpions for us. Great idea for a gift though.

By now we were rather hambre so I noticed a nearby restaurant just at the edge of the Soriana parking lot. Hopefully some of you recall that this entire area used to be an RV park and we had camped here many many years ago.

So we impulsively made a decision to have a quick lunch. The menu is huge and we wanted to sample it all. Please give this place your time for a meal. You will not regret it.

Colin had an enormous shrimp burger and they asked him if he wanted the shrimp whole or chopped up.  It came with a wonderful salad and fries. He has to be honest, the ketchup was not very good. I begged for a bite and have to say ‘ best shrimp burger ever ‘.

Meanwhile I chose the Queen Tuna which was tuna slices bathed in a special house sauce, crowned ( not my word but the word on the menu ) with cooked shrimp and a dollop ( massive and yummy ) of caramelized onion and mounted on a toast with avocado bed. I am ready to order this again tomorrow. What else have I been missing  in my life. Only 150 MXN accompanied by a 99 MXN perfect margarita. The tuna was melt in my mouth perfect.

I was ready to go home but we had to move onto Soriana and purchased some basics including vino blanco. Guess I need to shop there more than once every four years 😎

From my yet to be named area. VOTE!!

Thank you Dallas for this great photo! You have come a long way as a photographer.

Make me happy my friends and please vote as per above.