MEXICO'S MAGIC -
plus the plight of the turtles!
Tranquility
was only a word in the dictionary until we settled into our latest
hideaway. An overwhelming peaceful calm and serenity permeates each niche
in this isolated tropical cove north of Puerto Vallarta.
Here
John and I feel the world stopped for a spell and we jumped off to enjoy
the surroundings.
It was like we were in a 'time warp'. Apparently such serenity and
seclusion occurs with alarming regularity in many of Mexico's coastal
locations--until we spent the winter camped along side the beach it was a
new experience for us.
With
that motorhome when we camp longer than a month, John and I set up our
screen room. Unconcerned
with a bug free environment or maximum privacy, we roll up the front door
and open a portion of the back screen panel to let gentle breezes
circulate. This
'extra room' simply provides us with living space to spread out.
Our
'outside living room' nestles alongside tropical plants 
and
giant palms trees.
As we sit and listen to the soothing roar of waves crashing against
the shore, the feeling of tranquility is overpowering.
We are certain we found heaven.
Beachside
scenarios for us are not new, but such intense feeling of
peacefulness is. In this 'newfound' park the RV sites were long,
complete with patios.
An angled site design separated by lush plants provides privacy
while protecting doorways, awnings and screen rooms from the oceans
occasional gusty winds.
Our
'paradise' has no schedule of planned events. Mesmerized by the ocean, we
begin each day with coffee on the parks aesthetic patio. Sunbathing,
swimming, a walk along the isolated beach or an occasional game of 'Bocce'
occupies several sunny hours.
On
energetic days, sewing (I have my machine), writing,
reading and a smidgeon of socializing fills the balance of each
day. An
ever-present soothing roar of the ocean echoes throughout the park.
Relaxation here is easy!
I
like working with the TV turned low in the background, especially the
entertaining and highly musical Spanish TV programs.
In our 'hideaway' this 'TV addict' seldom turns on the tube - it
interrupts my silence.
The park has no English TV channels, however we tune the radio to a
Los Angeles station if we wish to know what's happening.
Somehow news of home, unless it's a tragedy, has lost all
importance amidst such tranquility.
Occasionally
we drove
20 km's to the nearest 'big' town or 50 Km's to Puerto Vallarta for a few
supplies. Although
frequent trips were not necessary; village 'Tiendas' (stores) carry the
basics - bread, milk, fruits, vegetables, pop, beer and spirits.
Rolls, warm from the oven were available daily at the local bakery.
Our
magical place had many days of 'perfect' sunny warm weather (70o-80o).
During December however, we also had several cloudy days with a fair
amount of 
humidity;
even a bad storm.
These minor blights don't interfere with the sensation of living in
our temporary 'time warp'.
Slowly we were
understanding the true meaning of 'Manana'. (It translates as
tomorrow but really means any time after the present). Accomplishing
anything except to enjoy our peaceful surroundings is becoming more
difficult each day.
As
'Full-timers', travelling throughout the year takes us to a variety of
destinations.
Each spot portrays it's own distinct personality,
NONE however open the door, nor allows
such opportunity to relax in the true sense of the word as this
park does.
Last
evening a long term park resident relayed a tale of woe that further
stretches the imagination.
The end of each January, in front of our park and on many beaches
in Mexico, mammoth turtles waddle ashore during the night. One visitor
couldn't believe his eyes..."She's so large that at first glance she
resembles a creature from the deep" he screamed "You must come
see!"
An
inspiring site it was...'Mamma turtle' with her
enormous flippers digging an immense hole in the sand to lay about 600
eggs. Apparently
onlookers could hear the eggs dropping before she covers each layer for
safety during the 71-72 day incubation period.
Turtle
eggs are a delicacy served in 'classy' restaurants around the world.
This particular giant mammal pivoted her massive flippers as she
prepared the beach - hissing all the while to keep numerous onlookers,
hunters, and hoards of birds away from her 'nest'.
What a magical moment to witness such natural phenomenon in the
making.
Our
enchanting story continues 72 days later when the oceans tide carves
indentations or 'sea water pools' into the sand.
These 'tide pools' only occur twice a year--those in the spring
signal the turtles are hatching.
What an impressive sight to see 600 tiny turtles the size of a
quarter scampering for the ocean.
Nature provides a narrow river from the 'tide pools' to the sea for
the babies to follow.
However many disorientated creatures wander off the tiny water path
- locals and visitors alike prod, carry and direct this new life to the
ocean.
As
we know 'Mother
Nature' has it's own food chain - only a fraction of these babies have a
second chance. Copious amounts of cormorants, frigates and other birds
dive to pick up the tender delicacies.
This truly is a wondrous event!
Birds diving and squawking, people waving hands and hats, others
helping the miniature turtles to gain a head start in life.
However for many, what the birds don't eat the fish and other ocean
life will.
This
story is only one of numerous fascinating tales we hear which takes place
on the secluded beaches in this Magical Land of Enchantment south of the
USA border.
Our
particular
hideaway was accessible from the coastal highway # 200, 50 km's
north of Puerto Vallarta at a place called Lo De Marcos.
El Caracol campground has only 15 full hookup sites (30 amp) and 9
bungalows. 91/92 daily rates--$11.50, for 30 days - $10., stay for 60 day
or more $9. Bungalows daily rate begin at $35.00 (4 people), weekly rates
available.
It
is a particular well kept 'immaculate ocean front
park'.
An expansive aesthetic patio and shallow pool
nestles under the shade of giant palms...between the park and the sandy
beach which staff rake each morning. Extremely clean washrooms and a
separate tap for filtered water adds to the parks amenities.
We
returned the next winter because it was such a peaceful place. It's
advisable during popular periods to have reservations for this 'tiny
paradise'. Large RV's won't fit in this park but there are other
campgrounds bordering this pretty beach.
The coastal resort city of Puerto Vallarta (P.V.) has two large 'off-beach' RV parks. Along the stretch of highway between Puerto Vallarta and 70 Km North to La Penita, there is not only our park but 15 more small oceanside campgrounds situated a few km's off the highway.
Each
beachfront park carries its own distinct personality.
Every RVer should be able to find one to suit their taste and
interests.
Reservations
to travel in Mexico are not necessary unless you wish to stay in a
particular park.
However until you have spent time in Mexico, you won't know where
your 'utopia' will be.
One suggestion--head for a large park in P.V. and investigate El
Caracol and other surrounding campgrounds from there.
In
many areas of Mexico
you can live in the desert, the mountains or beside the ocean.
Frequently within a few 100 km, Mexico's terrain passes through a
complete metamorphosis. Travelling a few days by car or RV, you can enjoy
beaches or discover 300 to 400 years of history search ancient
ruins, visit old churches, and explore the pyramids.
The
'Magic' of this country includes so much more than the tranquility we
found in Lo De Marcos. Discovering Mexico's
cities, markets (mercados), fiestas and traditions from a very
different culture is fun.
Once you begin to Feel the Warmth of Mexico, enchantment everywhere
will keep you coming back.