Bernie and Linda's Blog: Another busy and enjoyable week in Sayulita

Mandatory beach shot looking north from the area of beach closest to our place.

It has been a busy week in Sayulita. Last Monday was President's Day in the US. We were told that it is a common holiday break for those from the USA. There were a lot of weddings in town as well. Also the annual fair arrived in town. The fair is larger this year. It occupies the baseball / soccer field and all the surrounding streets. It is a big local event. The partying will continue tonight and into Monday morning since Monday is also a holiday in Mexico... Flag Day. There will be a big parade tomorrow morning.

Several friends arrived back in town for vacations or extended stays so we have been busy visiting and socializing. I put in a few hours of attempted surfing. One day the waves were very good and I felt like I was progressing. The next day didn't go so well, but it is great exercise and I enjoy it. We also did a couple of bicycle rides and plenty of walking, exploring previously unexplored roads and trails.

Here are a few local shots. ...

The river at this road often dries up in the winter. This year a temporary bridge is required.

These chicas are the daughters of Mary's restaurant owners.

Linda had just given them some bubble makers. Smiles all round.

Below is a shot of a little pizza bar near the beach.
Love the name & the slogan!

A few days ago, Adrian, a friendly young fellow a who works at the hotel, introduced me to his friend Alex. Alex is drummer whom I recognized from around town. I have always been interested in hand drumming. Linda bought me drum a few years ago but Paco complains every time I try to play it! To make along story short, I am meeting with Alex twice a week on the beach, for drumming lessons. Last Friday, 3 gringo would-be-drummer met with Alex. Our hotel neighbour, Corinne and a friend from Nelson, Gary and myself met for our first lesson. It went pretty well. Thank goodness Alex has lots of patience. I discovered that it is one thing to "bang" on a drum. It is a lot more difficult to consistently "play" even the simplest rhythm.

Alex sounding smooth and making it look easy.

Last Sunday we drove over to San Pancho to visit our friend Paulina. We had a drink on the beach at sunset before going to a great little restaurant. The family was so friendly and they served some of the best food we have had. Unfortunately we can't remember the name of the restaurant but we are definitely going back soon, so I'll let you know.

Sunset in San Pancho

I finished my SUP cart and have been making good use of it hauling the board and other stuff to the beach. It has created quite a bit of interest around town. One of the beach vendors offered to sell them for me if I wanted to make them. While designing the cart, I worked with a fellow who owns and operates a bicycle shop. Baldo, has been a great help and friend, so I passed on my plans to Baldo and he is going to build them.

This is Baldo in front of his store.

Parked in front is his treasured Ural with sidecar.

Just before we left for Canada in December I started having an intermittent problem with the motorcycle. The starter button intermittently did not produce the desired result. The starter would not turn. A little over a week ago I disassembled the starter button and cleaned the contacts. Still the starter motor would not go. I have a service manual and some testing equipment. I focused on the starter relay and my limited tests indicated a possible problem. The starter relay is easy to remove so I removed it and went looking for Jesus. Jesus is a certified Suzuki mechanic and owner of a shop in San Vicente, a town not far from here. I didn't see Jesus but Sammi, the head mechanic, tested the relay. He found it defective and I was able to order a new one. The part should be in this week. Hopefully it solves the problem.

Here are a couple of shots of Jesus's repair shop.