Sayulita, Mexico 2007

1. Brent's hiking to the northern beaches which we found to have a population of exactly zero. No one on the beach for miles. It was a hike up over a rocky headland and through some dense foliage to get to the northern beaches which probably keeps most folks from heading up there.
2. Heaven. The perfect taco, having just been found by Brent and Wendy, is quickly devoured. We found a vendor who was barbequeuing chickens, marinated with chile salsa, right on the street using a 55 gallon drum which had been cut in half. There was no chance whatsoever that anyone could pass this point in the street without buying a meal - their marketing plan was flawless. We ordered chicken and got 2 plates of rice (spanish style), cole slaw, 3 fresh corn tortillas, and a baggy full of salsa for 2 dollars (yank dollars) each. It was the best.
3. Brent and Wendy sitting in the square in the center of town. This spot is used as a central gathering/socializing place. Old and young, everyone gathers here at different times of the day to talk, play kickball, listen to the street bands (mariachis), and socialize. It was a great spot to chill and people watch.
4. Wendy's cracking up about something. This is in the deck chairs at our little casita. The deck was as big as the whole flat and had a beautiful aspect of the beach and hillside above town.
5. Here's the view looking out from the deck. That point you see down there is the main surfing break in town. Bottom line, I could check the surf from any window or door way in the house. And I did.
6. Same view, very early morning.
7. Wendy and Saint Francis. This stone statue had a little bowl held in his outstretched left hand. We never passed without putting a flower or some little gift in there. Helped ensure good weather and waves.
8. A Mexican grave. We passed through this cemetary on the way to a southern beach (Playa Del Muertos). Most of the graves were very ornate and adorned with flowers and candles. All spread out randomly on the side of a steep hillside.
9. The light coming down through the canopy lit up the grave that Wendy was looking at.
10. Brent heading out the gates which let onto the beach below the casita. Down about 54 steep stairs, out the gate, under the palms, and you're on the beach. The arch above the gate was choked with blooming bouganvilla.
11. Another view down the hill from the casita showing the garden and the water beyond.
12. We headed out to a small fishing village named "Punta De Mita" in order to get a hire boat and get some good surf. We did score good little waves almost all to ourselves. After we got back from the surf we checked out a local restaurant in town for lunch and found this place which had hammocks and nice big bamboo lounge chairs as well as little tables to sit at.
13. Here's Brent at the same restaurant sitting in the throne chair. Well fed, well surfed, a bit sunburned, and happy.