scubacruiserx2

We were in bright , early and cool in Pichilingue We were on the edge of the desert about 12 miles from La Paz near a cement plant that seemed to work 24/7 . The Free bus to the beach or the city came about every half an hour and were loaded with handicap people first and filled in empty seats that were left . The bus was going to be full And this was the 2nd line for the bus . We asked if any of the people wanted the cab or wanted to share and there were no takers . The driver offered to be our guide for 3 hours and we told him that we just wanted a ride . He didn't want to change and I asked Pat to stand in the bus line while I tried to convince him to just drive us . After the other bus left he changed his mind and we agreed on a price and we off . We passed the bus after about 5 minutes and enjoyed the 20 minute ride .

We had thought about going on the Whale Shark adventure in La Paz but had heard mixed reviews about it on line . We heard heard of spotty sightings and so we had a plan B of DIY and there was a free bus that takes about half an hour to get there from the port . Our last viewing of whale sharks was in the Summer near Cancun with our grandson and we had a bonus sighting of Manta Rays with the Whale Sharks .

We would love to have some King Crab ( until we get to Eleuthera ) . And it will be lobster season when we get back to the Caribbean . We're looking forward to it and some fresh seafood and we should have plenty of room on the cruise we hope !

We requested it through Rod and the guys at the Retreat. They spoke with the Pinnacle and it was approved. It was the same as the Half Moon Cay Lobster Lunch $20 p.p.

Setting up for dinner on the veranda

Spiny Caribbean Lobster for lunch at the Retreat Our favorite lunch onboard

A day at sea Blueberry pancakes and Corned Beef Hash And a breakfast from India

Thank you to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Just across the street was a park where many mosaics and a few animals reside Back at the port with Pat ,Gina and the boy on the seahorse behind The cruise port from above As we pulled away we could see a mall , a Walmart and a Sam's Club all next to each other The sail away from Puerto Vallarta

Lunch was back near the city at Canto del Mar We were on the beach with plenty of things to do but we had our heart set on lunch Sales people would come to our table sometimes A Horchata and a Margarita Shrimp tacos and shrimp fajitas

Sorry about that . We do like to reflect on our trip when we can and maybe plan for another trip .

There was a small Distillery of Tequila here that had had 5 generations of family as owners . Gina told us that in the local culture women were not allowed to drink Tequila . But they did put it in their milk without telling some of the others . 😍 Blue Agave When the sharp leaves are trimmed they look look the Pineapples growing in our yard , hmm I wonder ? The young man who gave us the tour reminded us of our oldest grandson His Great , Great Grandmother was the Mama Lucia who flavored the Tequila with milk originally and later with Coffee . Later came Licorice and Almond and his mom pioneered Tequila mixed with Hibiscus and Pomegranate . We did try them all and bought the Almond , Pomegranate and some Anejo . They are not allowed to ship to the US but we allowed to bring some . His mom gave us a bottle of Vanilla and the last one of the red stripped bags We were really glad that we stopped and looking forward to lunch

Another lookout on the way to Mismaloya Beach We bought an Ironwood seahorse here The hotel where The Night of the Iguana was shot There were a bus load of local folks here and a guy had an Iguana that was posing with some of the people for a price - we passed .

Our next stop was at the old lighthouse on Matamoros If you're feeling low - look up https://www.puertovallarta.net/what_to_do/lighthouse-matamoros-puerto-vallarta

We didn't have lunch reservations at the San Angel, maybe next time

Our next stop was a ride up to Gringo Gulch . This was where Richard Burdon and Elizabeth Taylor lived when he was shooting the movie The Night of the Iguana . Some plain looking buildings from the outside could be very elaborate The Hacienda San Angel Check out the wood carvings on the doors At the top of the stairs was a pool on the roof

Pat had wanted to by a pair of Huarache sandals so we stopped near a drug store and Gina suggested that we shop by the Mercado Municipal Río Cuale . A bridge over a scarce river We didn't see any shoes like she wanted in her size here

The boy is wearing a local hat Crossing the street from the seahorse to the rocking horses and restrooms And the Cathedral with it's crown

We had a long walk through the cruise port which resembled an airport with many options , especially on boats , with things to do . We met Gina at the Shell gas station on the main road where she had parked a rental car as she had some problems with her van . She showed us a quick ride around the port area before stopping at the Malecon . While they shopped at this store I took some other photos The story of the boy on the seahorse https://www.puertovallarta.net/what_to_do/sculptures-00-1-seahorse-zamarripa-malecon

The Port of Puerto Vallarta seemed to be very busy as we watched while having breakfast at the Pinnacle . There was also hybrid Hurigruten ship , the Ronald Amundsen in port . The small , crowded boats are what we would refer to as Cattle boats in the dive industry and with the current state of health we try to avoid crowds and sharing masks and snorkels . Today's guide was Gina our only lady guide on this cruise .

Thanks , thanks Nancy . We also hope to be joining the Alaska/Vancouver cruise in September/October on the Nieuw Amsterdam to Fort Lauderdale .

One thing that we had noticed on the map was that Mazatlán was further North than Puerto Vallarta but we went there first and headed South to PV on the next day . As I looked at the cruise time tables I noticed that Puerto Vallarta had a couple of large cruise ships in on the same day . I wonder if the Captain changed ports so we could avoid traffic there ?

Our sunset and dinner was at the Canaletto Usually when we go to Mexico it's Cozumel for a cruise or to meet friends and say in an apartment for SCUBA diving . When we go I like to play an old ABBA song to put me in the mood . It wasn't their last song recorded but it was their last song that was mixed and released . Seeing the little boy and his hat by the church reminded me of the song - White Sombrero .

Lunch was at La Costa Marinera We were next to the trumpets and they were loud . They were behind a net screen like in the Blues Brothers movie maybe to keep things from flying near the stage .

A little further was the Immaculate Conception Cathedral began in 1856 . The tall church entrance was cover with a net to keep the birds out . We had walked in at about noon which was just before closing They did allow us about 15 minutes which was fine Note the spikes to discourage bird roosting A very large Bougainville