Folks, here’s a update from our view point. Since last posting we all went over to the Coral Reef in Tenacatita, the next bay north of La Manzanilla. We can see the bay from our camp but it’s a good 1/2 hour drive around the mountains to get there. Eight of us, piled into Cory’s bus and away we went, Cory, Ted, Ernst, Jonathan, Linda, Paul, Rita & I. Up and over the mountain roads in Cory’s 1.9 Turbo powered ’83 Westy. Sure amazing what good work that diesel makes of the Mex mountain roads. Curves and tire filled potholes behind us we enter Tenacatita and out the back side and park on a pristine rocky beach were there are a few other campers. In front of us is a beautiful clear ocean coral reef with many folks snorkeling and raving about the sights. We all plunge in slow and sure make our way around to the coral reef out a few hundred meters and what a spectacular sight we see. An ocean aquarium of unbelievable sights. Fish of all colours, shapes and sizes imaginable, some of us who cannot handle the snorkel gear, myself, Rita and Ted, take the inflatable canoe and hang over the side with face mask to see the ocean delights. Not many pics to offer as only Linda and Ted brought a camera. Linda will surely post a few soon but Ted having a old film camera will not have his until back home and gets them developed ! Maybe we will go again in a few days and get some good pics. Afterwards we all went to one of the many Palapa restaurants on the beach and a fine lunch fit for Kings & Queens. Back at camp humdrum affairs abound with campfires and Tequila as nightly affairs. Richard & Terry have gone off to Melaque to have their clutch problem looked after only to find it was a hydraulic fluid problem and the mechanic told them it would be fine after changing the fluid said he would not remove the tranny and as far as we know they are making their way south along the coast. Jerry & Sophie have left for home and we’re waiting on Hans & Rita from Nova Scotia who said they were on their way to join us. Monday night as Rita & I are making our way back to camp from an evening diner in town we find Hans & Rita & Jonathan at the end of the street to the beach. We are all surprised and happy they have made it here and found us. After a long drive down from Laredo through Guadalajara to Manzanillo they tried to find us without success until someone told them they should be in La Manzanilla an hour’s drive north. They made their way to La Manzanilla, late, about 10pm and after Jonathan, Rita & I showed them tohe way to the camp they got parked and had a welcome nights rest on the beach. In the morning Hans asks if there’s a VW dealer nearby as he has an exhaust leak. After a brief encounter wiht Jean who rides in on a borrowed Kawasaki 250 trail bike and tells of his new Casita location in Melaque, we go back to Manzanillo to find the VW dealer and shopping. Ernst, Rita & I accompany for a full day of adventure in the big city. Eventually after the VW dealer tells us the leak cannot be fixed without a new part which will take a few weeks to get and it will be good to drive without problems back to Nova Scotia, we do some shopping and get back to camp a bit after sunset. We thought Ben & Sylvie would show up but no sign of them since leaving La Ticla for the north. Wednesday morning Cory & Ted pack up and are heading for Puerto Vallarta and a meeting with Peter. Afterwards they will make their way to the Copper Canon for some exploration and then head for Texas, Florida and home to Cornwall. Meanwhile, I have more photos to share with you on my http://picasaweb.google.com/Frankcondelli/LaManzanilla website. Enjoy !Adios,

Frank, Rita & Hunter

Posted on January 11th, 2008 by FrankandRita
Filed under: Rita and Frank Condelli