Puerto Penasco-Time to Relax

After an uneventful 2 hour drive, we crossed the border and reached ‘camp’, the Playa Bonita RV Park in Puerto Penasco. Our spot, though not on the beach, as pictured in the brochure, is probably 75 yards from the sand, amidst several rows of tin monsters. The sea-side spots have a 2 year waiting list. The weather is a balmy 65-70, full sunshine, and a Corona Light is in place at my elbow. It is 12:07 in California---1:07 here. Carly has already initiated the grounds, doing her best to replace eroded sand.

A siesta is scheduled for the afternoon, as the 34 degree weather last night dropped the temperature in the rig to 47 degrees, which doesn’t make for cozy sleeping. Couldn’t wait for the a.m. to kick on the heater. Compounding the cold was the fact that we left the ceiling vent open---the 4th night on this journey we have done this.
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We survived the initial 4:30 Margarita-fest, which featured Grande-sized margaritas for a happy hour special price of $4.00 each. Hard to resist such a bargain, so we didn’t (resist). Following was a Mexican buffet followed by entertainment---the mariachi band and then young dancers. I was afflicted with a headache 2 minutes into the first margarita. It persisted all night---likely a simple bug rather than a reaction to tequila. I will try again at tonight’s happy hour to see if I have developed an allergy to margaritas. Wouldn’t that be a crusher!

A tour of the town today pointed out all of the turista sights, including some recommended restaurants, which we will soon visit. Puerto Penasco is very representative of Mexico, with a mix of crumbling casas, shuttered stores amidst half-done new sea-side condo developments. It is barely hanging onto the Mexican ambiance while catering to the gringo dinero. We are at the very beginning of the tourist season, so things aren’t really in full gear yet. In a little over a month, spring break will draw 80,000 hormone-driven college students, before it is returned to the retired seniors who sit sunning by the seaside sipping suds and slurping salsa. (Say that three times.)

Janice has gone to town for a pedicure, eschewing the services offered by an itinerant pedicurist who met us when we drove in. Discussions among the ladies this morning raised the concern that her instruments might not be sterilized. You can bet your bottom peso that the health department has inspected Gloria’s Nail Palacio, though. Right!

The local golf course (La Paloma) is reputed to cost $130 per, and upon inspection, it is a treeless, bushless course that features greenish-chocolate-colored fairways. It is possible that the mix of recycled waste has too much ‘brown’ in it. Nevertheless, I may just try it if our wagonmaster can wangle a significant price cut.

The camarones (shrimp) peddler was by this morning offering fresh jumbo shrimp (14 to the pound) for $8.00 per pound. We will return to the US with a freezer full.