Sad News

It was on the anniversary of Carla's passing.........we received the sad news that Gordon Carr had passed away suddenly at his home in Entwistle, Alberta. Gordon will be sadly missed and remembered by his very large family.
I remember his cheery smile, his always helping hand, the happiness he enjoyed when doing things with their grandchildren (Christmas, Easter Egg Hunts), his sense of humour, his understanding, his support. When home in October last year, I joined Gordon & Sherran for lunch (with Vi and Ruth). It is quite difficult to believe that 5 short months later he is gone.
My thoughts are with his family and I hope their support of each other will carry them through this difficult time to brighter days ahead. Gordon is resting now and I hope that peace and understanding wraps his family close.
I wrote this poem for his family and to honor Gordon and his life.

The Kind He Gave to You
(for Gordon, in fond remembrance)
(February 06, 1942 to March 29, 2012)

Ours may not be to question why
though we always do
asking reasons for all things
answers forever escaping our grasp
As this day dawned a decision stood
without your support
You questioned once more
answers still just out of reach
He took his final breath
laid all the memories at your feet
The pain of losing him sits heavy deep inside
as time eternal sails the wind
He was Father Son and Brother
Uncle Grandpa Mate and Friend
He bounced you on his knee
smiled at you when you were down
His helping hand was oft extended
sometimes even when he’d need it more
His arms protected and assured you
so you’d feel safe and not alone
He supported all those grand endeavors
cheered your victories, braced you in defeat
He loved you, he was there

Hold his memory close now, sheltered in your heart
Remember him with special love
the kind he gave to you

He’ll be with you, in every tiny raindrop
as it glistens on the ground he tended
He’ll be with you, in the morning sunshine
as it nudges you to meet the day
He’ll be the moon-smile looking down on you
its sparkle, its frosty twinkle
He’ll be with you, when you lay down at night
when you waken to the birds outside your window

As he watches over you, now from another place
remember him with special love
the kind he gave to you

Home James

Tuesday; up to (what has become) our morning routine.......breakfast etc. then finished up the last minute packing, sat out on the balcony and watched the ocean, enjoyed the sun. Soon it was time to wander on downstairs to check out. We waited for our ride to the airport, hopped on board and were off to catch our flight.
Our experience at the airport in Los Cabos was to say the least, different.
They were boarding two planes simultaneously, ours and another.........so they paraded us all outside, to line both sides of the walkway to the tarmac.......there we waited for forty five plus minutes to walk out and get on our plane. What that was all about I have no idea (no one was telling us) and I have never experienced anything like that before. It was hot standing out there waiting and it seemed quite senseless to be waiting out along the walkway when we could have been inside sitting. Oh well.........we eventually got on our plane and headed home.
We got home very late; I had to work the following day; George picked up Mocha (who was very happy we were home) and life got back to the regular routine pretty quickly.
What a wonderful vacation!............(March 13, 2012)

The Day Before

Monday........the day before we go home........a relax day........our last day and even though it's always nice to get home, we are feeling kind of sad that we have to leave. It has been a wonderful holiday & we have so enjoyed ourselves; hope to come back here soon.
We spent the whole day by the pool (or dipping in the pool from time to time); had a few drinks; had our dinner by the pool. From our place by the pool we could hear (and see) the ocean and the waves washing up on the beach. It was a great day; sad to see it come to a close.
We spent the evening watching the sunset from our balcony (every night a beautiful sunset), more relaxing, played a few games, read, packed up our things, then off to bed...(March 12, 2012)

Sunset Dinner Cruise

Sunday; a relax day until late afternoon; by the pool soaking up some sun; listening to the ocean.
In the afternoon we hopped the shuttle again, headed for the marina to find the 'Cabo Escape' boat for our 'Sunset Dinner Cruise'.
Once again the booze flowed freely, the food was good and the sunset was gorgeous with lots of opportunity for photos. The weather was beautiful; we had a most enjoyable evening.
A couple of patrons got out of hand (a bit too much to drink) but they were very quietly and quickly 'taken care of'...........I say 'taken care of' because we witnessed their performances then in the blink of an eye they had disappeared. I sincerely hope they weren't thrown overboard but they did need to be taken out of circulation with some time to sober up. Other than that the cruise was a happy partying group.
The countdown to heading home........two more days. We are wishing we had at least another week.........(March 11, 2012)

Only Three Days Left.....:(

Saturday.........free breakfast this morning courtesy of Pueblo Bonito; of course we got the sales pitch etc.
We took the shuttle into town for the afternoon........shopped for a dress again but still couldn't find anything I wanted. Dinner was at the Puerta Vieja (very nice dinner).........taxi home, relax, walk around the grounds, a few games, read a little, then off to bed.
As the day ends we realize there is only three days left (two and a half actually) of this wonderful vacation. We will be sad to see it end and will look forward to doing it again some day...........(March 10, 2012)

How About Scuba Diving?

Friday........Another relax day but we found something to fill it with.
Ever tried Scuba Diving? We did and it was awsome........that is once I discovered how to keep from tipping over!
Anyway, we took a one hour introductory Scuba Diving lesson. Nothing elaborate; (not in the ocean, just in the pool) but it was fun and might be something that we could pursue further.
Other than that, we pretty much stayed by or in the pool for the day. Another great holi-DAY!.........(March 9, 2012)

Explore San Jose Del Cabos

Thursday........a busy day.
After breakfast, our morning routine and grabbing a coffee to go, we headed down to lounge in the sun by the pool (a beautiful morning).
After lunch we headed to San Jose Del Cabo (about 30 miles from Cabo San Lucas) to check out the scenery in another place. We decided to take the bus there since it was quite a distance for a cab..........well the bus ride was, shall we say, a bit wild.........the bus was not like our transit buses here but rather seemed what we might have discarded; we got there though.
To kill some time and because I had been craving a hamburger, we decided to pay a visit to McDonalds (how original I know) to have a hamburger (a fish burger for George). Next on the agenda: after a short visit and a beer with ""Eddie"" we walked around the town a bit, explored some of the shops, decided we had seen enough and headed back to our own neck of the woods.
Crazy wild bus ride back to Cabo, stop at a little restaurant for quesadillas, then back to the resort to catch the shuttle to our resort for some shut eye.
Now that I have written it down it doesn't sound like much but it seemed a busy day; we were tired and ready for bed.
So..........I'm sure I missed a few pertinent details...........(Mar 8, 2012)

Discover the Dolphins

If you've not done it, YOU MUST (If the dolphins are FREE to come and go as they wish)!
Wednesday; our usual morning; breakfast (some oatmeal, fruit, tea); get ready to go; little walk to the coffee shop for a coffee; hop our ride to discover the dolphins.
What a wonderful experience! The dolphins are amazing! Just look at that face! How can you help but smile when you look at that face? They are so soft and smooth to touch. Hard to believe but did you know that dolphins shed the entire outer layer of their skin every two hours. They eat 5% of their body weight per day. The dorsil fins of the dolphin are individually unique with nicks or notches (much like our birthmarks) and these are relied on for identification. Dolphins are social beings; they seem very happy to interact and perform for us as well as play with us.
Our 'swim with the dolphins' included several activities..........they pulled us while we held their dorsal fins (a pretty quick trip through the water); they swam over to us and lay on our outstretched arms, then we gently pushed them away; they came over to us for a kiss and to touch our hand held up in the air; they shook hands with us; they picked us up (under our feet) and held us up in the air as they swam towards the dock (called the foot-push), then deposited us back into the water (ker-sploosh); they performed for us doing flips and jumps and twirls, waved good bye etc. It was a fantastic experience and I would love to do it again one day (if the dolphins were free in the ocean).
The two dolphins our group interacted with at first decided early on they didn't want to play that day. They just simply refused to follow instructions from the trainer.........so we moved on to another pair. The trainer explained that some days the dolphins decide they don't want to perform so the trainers respect that and leave them alone. They are never punished (which was good to hear); the group is just moved to interact with another pair.
Being with the dolphins and experiencing the interactions with them was awsome. The one thing that is very sad is that the dolphins are kept in captivity; what would make this participation with them better would be if they were free to come and go back to the ocean as they wanted. I understand there may be opportunities like that now. I hope so!
When we had showered and got dressed we hopped the cab back to Cabo San Lucas; stopped for a few groceries then headed back to the resort.
It was a memorable day!
Having trouble getting photos posted; we have so many that I don't know which ones to choose...............(March 7, 2012)

Phew......Just Sit a Spell!

Tuesday.......day eight and only our second rest and relax day.

This day gave us a much needed rest. Seemed as though we have had no time to just sit and enjoy the sun and the ocean. Today was that day and it was wonderful!

We had breakfast, lunch and dinner in our room........the rest of the day was spent by or in the pool, having a few drinks, reading and soaking up the sunshine.
We watched the ocean; listened to the sound of the waves; watched the waves come up on shore; watched the waves crash up against the big rocks on the beach. The ocean is quite mesmerizing; the waves carry your thoughts wherever they wish.
We had a quiet evening; watched (again) the beautiful sunset; George went down to work out; we read; we played a game or two; we watched a bit of TV; went to bed..............(March 6, 2012)

Visit to Candelaria

Monday and ready; up early as usual; breakfast in our room; get ready for another busy day. Most mornings I would walk down to the little coffee shop, (which is also where we could get free WiFi) get a coffee to go then we would be on our way. This morning we were picked up in front of the coffee shop to go to the location of the ATV tour.
As soon as we arrived we were outfitted; helmet, bandana and goggles......then we got quick instruction on operation of the ATV and we were off. George drove and I rode; only one problem; the ATV was a one-man machine so it was a bit uncomfortable but we made out alright. Another couple on the tour started out each on their own machine but the lady was having difficulty so after a few stops they decided that they would ride together as well and then we were able to get moving. There was some rough riding, lots of dust (I came to appreciate the need for the bandana which I couldn't in the beginning) and a few stops with some history and story telling from the guide. We drove into the little settlement of Candelaria, visited the church and went inside the boarding school. To see the school and how it was equipped made me very thankful for where we live and what we have.
On the return trip we spent some time on the beach watching the ocean, taking pictures and just enjoying the beautiful sunny day. There is something almost hypnotizing about the ocean and the waves.
Back at the starting point we were given a lunch then a ride back to our room; another enjoyable day!
That evening we went down to visit and tour the spa in our resort which included a work out area and as well was set up for massages with hot tubs etc. It was really a pretty nice place if you wanted pampering. We were both ready for the day to end; got ready for bed; played a few games of dice; did a bit of reading; off to bed for a much needed rest........seemed like we had been going pretty steady since we arrived with not much down time.........we were looking forward to a day by the pool.............(March 5, 2012)

Snorkeling Cruise

Sunday.......sleep in?..........nope not us.........up with the birds, breakfast in our room (toast 'n peanut butter, few grapes, banana, tea.....good to go). We got ready then hopped the shuttle bus to town where we would wander around a bit until time for the Snorkeling Cruise. Almost to our destination the bus broke down.........we just got off and walked the rest of the way to the marina (not far).
George enjoyed the snorkeling while I stayed on the boat. He said the water was cold.
It was an enjoyable time with free-flowing booze, plenty to eat, lots of good photo opportunities, singing, dancing and partying.......it was a hoppin' boat.
After the cruise we went looking in the shops again (I was trying to find a dress) and finally found a shop keeper who was willing to come down to my price......but then I couldn't find a dress I liked. Needless to say he was not happy with me and told us "Get outa here".......I guess once they meet your price there is some expectation that you will buy (liking what you buy seemed to have no bearing on the expected transaction).
We caught the shuttle back to our room, ate dinner and again watched a beautiful sunset (there is no shortage of those).
We were tired but it was another nice day............(March 4, 2012)

Parasailing

Saturday...........Parasailing; probably the biggest surprise for me of the whole trip. I was nervous to go and expected to be afraid floating around up there on the end of that rope but it wasn't like that at all. It was very calm and enjoyable. I would do it again.
After our parasailing adventure we walked around the other Pueblo Bonito Resort, had a coffee at their restaurant overlooking the ocean, then George went for a swim in the salt water while I lingered over my coffee. He enjoyed it but said it was cold.
Later in the day we went shopping; I bought a small carry bag; we had dinner that evening at a little restaurant called 'El Coral'. The food was pretty good. Apparently Mexican people eat dinner around eight; we on the other hand eat dinner around five (old folkish, I know).
We caught the shuttle back to our resort, did our usual evening things, went to bed and got ready for the next days activities...........(March 3, 2012)

Rest and Relax Day

Friday; a rest day. We spend the day exploring the beach and relaxing by the pool. We had lunch in our room, drinks by the pool and a few dips in the nice warm water; great day!..............(March 2, 2012)

The Jungle Juice Was Flowing

Thursday; a brand new day; after breakfast in our room (fruit, toast 'n peanut butter, tea) we were off to town to explore a bit before we hopped the Jungle Cruise at 10:30 to do some serious Whale Watching (we thought). On board we were offered a small plate of fruit (pineapple) and a couple mini donuts along with a 'drink' (there were a few alchoholic & non-alchoholic choices)..........the popular drink became what they called 'Jungle Juice'. It was an alchoholic concoction of some sort; pretty color; got everyone going; flowed quite liberally throughout the entire three and a half hour cruise.
Shall I just say, this adventure didn't seem to hold Whale Watching as its number one priority. We did see some Whales (not a lot) and nothing close up which I was hoping for. The main objective of the Jungle Cruise seemed to be having fun.....and we did have fun.
The crew entertained us and fed us a pretty decent lunch. We got some good photo opportunities, cruised over to an area where we could go snorkeling if we wanted, then back to the dock by which time everyone on board was pretty much three sheets to the wind.
After the cruise we wandered around the town awhile (had to walk off the booze) then went shopping and George bought me a lovely new watch.
A taxi took us out to San Jose and the 'Restaurante Villa Serena' where we had a nice dinner while we looked out over the ocean. It was quite enjoyable; a quiet evening after the craziness of the 'Jungle Cruise'.
Back to the Resort and the peace of our own space to relax a bit before bed time. Sounds pretty 'old folkish' but we had no energy to be out exploring or bar hopping or partying or anything of the kind any more that particular day (and we turn into pumpkins after 10:00)............. (March 1, 2012)