Dec 2, 2008 - Lerma, Mexico to Taxco, Guerrero

Every time we have a cold morning, especially at a high elevation, the bike is very difficult to start. This has been consistent since we left home. Yesterday was the worst yet; it took nearly 10 minutes to finally get it going. Not coincidently, it was the coldest morning since we left home and we are at 8,500 ft. This morning we were all loaded and ready to go about 10:00 AM. It was really cold at 8:00 AM but the sun was out at 10:00 AM and it was starting to warm up. This time the bike just would not start. We tried and tried until the...

Sep 2, 2008 - Going loco down in Acapulco!

Loco - we were livid! On arriving on the overnight bus from Puerto Escondido we discovered that Jan's rucksack had been stolen from the luggage hold of the bus. We made our way to the bus company office only to be met with indifference and two hours of form filling and telehone calls followed by another two hours obtaining a formal report from the tourist police. Left with only the clothes she was wearing much of the rest of the day was spent shopping for Jan (with John in tow) - not how we would normally chose to spend our time! We did...

May 6, 2008 - Cruise - Acapulco and Sea Day

We arrived in Acapulco at 8 am on May 5. We took a bus tour. Our first stop was Hotel Mirador where the famous cliff divers perform. Our guide told us of injuries that the divers can receive as a result of their dives from 130 feet - burst ear drums, broken ribs and blindness when they enter the water at speeds of 90 to 100 mph. We then drove around to see the views from some very high places and went down the coast a bit to see some fancy hotels and some very big yachts in marinas. One of the biggest yachts moved around so it was quite...

Apr 24, 2008 - Zihuatanejo

Where to begin with Zihuantanejo.... Well ill start by saying that the sleepy little fishing village that you picture from Tim Robbins dream in the Shawshank Redemption is not quite accurate when describing what this place has become. The actual city center is nice enough with twisting one way cobble streets, and enough tourist markets to choke a horse. However, the more modern city is full of large stores and overpriced resorts. So, after looking around for a place to stay on the beach, as has become accustomed to us, and coming up...

Feb 7, 2008 - Acapulco

February 7 thru 9, 2008 - Acapulco After our delay dealing with the dead body, we arrive in Acapulco shortly before sunset. We need fuel, so we pull into the basin where the Acapulco Yacht Club is located and were directed by marina staff to pull into an open slip adjacent to the fuel docks, for what we thought was going to be taking on fuel. Unfortunately, it was after 5:30 and the fuel dock was already closed, so apparently that was "our" slip for the night. We were able to get our fuel when they opened the next morning... oh, around...

Jan 30, 2008 - Acapulco

Forty seconds now and the tall, tanned figure in black swimming trunks is still standing virtually motionless, concentrating on the upcoming jump. Fifty seconds, in the corner of the screen the battery indicator is at its lowest, this should not take too much longer. He repositions his feet slightly, body still straight and motionless. One minute, he is perched on the highest point of the cliff, from up there down to the water the rock face slopes out a bit. He will have to make quite a jump to avoid hitting the rock. One minute 10, all...

Dec 30, 2007 - In Zihuat/Ixtapa for Kelsey & Caleb's visit

Kelsey and Caleb arrive at Ixtapa airport on 12/30/07 and we are delighted to see them and welcome them. (Have I previously mentioned missing my kids?) They are squeezing in a trip to see "Mom" between their mutual schools' winter breaks, of which Caleb's is considerably shorter. They will be here until January 7th. We show them the darling town of Zihuatanejo of which we have already become quite fond of. It is the quintessential Mexican town... or more accurately, what we wish more Mexican towns were like. The bay is quite large with 4...

May 2, 2007 - Acapulco - Home of the Stars

Last night was the Masterchef's dinner, and from my perspective it was not worth the effort. We were issued with chef's hats and the first tow courses were set, but neither to my taste, nor to some of our table companions. The Starter was brie done in chou pastry and was delicious. You had a selection of entrees and I chose salmon which has been very good, but this was dry and done in a very salty sauce. A chocolate chef's hat completed the meal and was delicious, but very sweet. Altogether the only disappointing meal I have experienced on...

Jan 19, 2007 - Acapulco, MEXICO

We arrived offshore in Acapulco in the dark about six o clock in the morning. We are now six hours behind UK time and the return journey north from Columbia has marginally reduced daylight hours. The darkness of the sea and sky made the lights of Acapulco look like a fabulous firework display which was frozen in time. The heat from the land made the lights shimmer and added to the dramatic effect. The city's skyline from the bay is absolutely fabulous and the journey ashore by ships tender gave us ample opportunity for some wonderful...

Jan 18, 2007 - 1 night in Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo

We drove 13 hours today and finally reached Ixtapa. I wish we would have booked some time here rather than just driving through. It is a tropical jungle with calm waters and yet more beautiful beaches. It's a smaller tourist area with lots of hotels lining the coastline. kinda made me want to book into an all inclusive. (some habits are hard to kick). yet again we have had no luck finding a place that will take Tuxedo and thats really frustrating after such a long drive for all of us. It will be a long night having to go out and check on...

Jan 15, 2007 - Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo Mexico

Ixtapa sits on a picturesque bay, wrapped in rugged mountains and pristine waters. Divers and snorkelers will find brilliant marine life. Most tourists spend their time playing golf or tennis, horseback riding along the beach, or just relaxing. Monday. Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. Sister cities that are as different as sisters can be. One is exotically untouched with local flavor and traditions while the other is polished, attention grabbing and organized from inception. Again we were anchored because the port was too small. We decided on the local...

Jan 14, 2007 - Acapulco Mexico

This golden city is filled with a festive air. Acapulco is famed for its daredevil cliff divers who plunge from the 130-foot-high cliffs of La Quebrada. Popular excursions include glass-bottom boat tours, golfing, parasailing and colorful Mexican fiesta shows. Many tourists are content to lounge on one of the city's spectacular beaches. Sunday. Acapulco. Turned in our tour tickets and decided to go it alone. Hired a cab to take us to a local shop but he seemed like a nice guy and his English was great so hired him for 5 hours for $40....