The City of Guaymas hosts one of the oldest celebrations of Carnaval in Mexico and the activities are almost at an end. Here is what we chose to miss:
"Guaymas' beachside malecon will be transformed into a party promenade...the week of February 8 - 13 will be filled with the burning of the bad humor, crowning of the Carnaval Queen and Rey Feo (Ugly King), concerts, theater, poetry readings, fireworks, parades and all night parties." "Four days of parades, food and beer stands, pulsating dance music, carnival rides."
We enjoy parties, parades and fireworks; we don't enjoy crowds, noise, and driving after dark. In previous cruising seasons, when INTREPID II had sailed to La Paz and to Mazatlan, we certainly took advantage of the opportunities to see Carnavale activities first hand. In La Paz, we walked along the Malecon and found excellent spots to view the parades. In Mazatlan, cruising friends had secured tickets for bleachers and fireworks viewings and we rode buses to and from the marina. Somehow, this time around, the logistics for Guaymas aren't as appealing and we chose to stay 'close to home'. Tomorrow is Shrove or Pancake Tuesday and that we definitely will celebrate!
Part of our lack of enthusiasm might be due to the effects of the "San Carlos crud" (which can and has occurred, anywhere). Whether it is the desert dust and vegetation, the construction activities in this neighbourhood, the general wear and tear of the ongoing boat project complications or all of the above, we are once again 'under the weather'. So we self-prescribe: everything from etchinacea, herbal teas, fresh sources of vitamin C, Tylenol, naps, Ricola and Fisherman's Friend lozenges. If these remedies aren't effective, we still have doctor's appointments for late Friday afternoon.
INTREPID II still receives her daily visits, only we haven't tackled 'big projects' for a few days. The Admiral has fine-tuned the hand-rail covers and the batik curtains to her satisfaction. Today the Captains of several sailboats stood on the dock consulting and commiserating - this is definitely a cruising season where "cruising" is still an elusive goal for many of us. There is often camaraderie and helping hands when needed.
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| Carrying roller furling to parking lot to unroll and fix set-screws |
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| Ongoing consultation and commiseration |
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| Dorade vent shiny once again |
We followed through on our efforts to 'take a break' on Sundays, especially as we weren't too energetic and drove out to
Playa Algodones (also known as Catch-22 beach). The Soggy Peso is a long-standing San Carlos institution - a beach shack bar and restaurant - which we had yet to visit.
The view was impressive, the beach sandy, the water sparkling and shades of blue. We ordered a light lunch and still brought home half our meals for later. The band was setting up and every table full inside and out as we wandered out to walk the beach before driving 'home'.
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| Soggy Peso - worth a visit! |
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| We had a great view on arrival |
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| Happy Captain |
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| Sun, sand and sniffles - oh well |
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