Marieta Islands

Fifteen of us boarded the Bruna, a 30 foot launch, for a day trip out to the Marieta Islands. It was a one hour boat trip with Captain Ernesto and his crew of two young deckhands, Adrian and Tony.

When we reached the islands, we had the opportunity to swim from the boat to a tunnel into a gorgeous sandy beach, hidden from view.

I decided to join the swimmers for what felt like a marathon swim.

The large dark shape directly ahead of us was the entrance to the tunnel.

With heads kept low we slowly swam into the sun and sand

of an invisible hole in the island.

Climbing back onboard I was exhausted but exhilarated!

Not bad for a seventy year old!!

After this swim the captain steered our boat closer to the island.

The islands are home to Blue-footed Boobies.

Back onboard after another stop for snorkelling.

Saw amazing fish...electric blue, striped, big, small...WOW!!

A happy trio...and Doug the master snorkeler!

Iguana mosaic

Beautiful!

No parking

NO PARKING!!

Dinner at the Quinta

Last night's dinner for eight:

Smoked marlin tapenaude

Guacamole

Spicy black bean soup

Prosciutto chicken with gnocchi

Red wine poached pears

Table settings by Jax

People around town

On yesterday's walk we were looking for interesting people shots along the way. I am always nervous about asking permission to take a stranger's photo but my walking companion doesn't hesitate.

After a little persuasion these two smiled for the camera

while preparing bags of fruit for sale.

Every time you park the car there is always someone offering

to wash and wipe it clean with just a rag and a half bucket of water!

This selection of recycled mens clothing is displayed

for sale every morning on one of the bridges.

Another truckload of kids and luggage!

Saturday market & Sunday beachcombing

Saturday is market day in Puerto Vallarta so Shelly and I visited both markets in search of treasures. A new vendor was selling homemade bagels so we bought six for taste testing. That was followed by a search for cream cheese and "just right" avocados.

I finally bought a pair of handmade capris from a young woman who sews creative capris, pants, skirts and dresses in wild colours and patterns. Shelly opted for a simple cotton top with long sleeves and buttons up the front that she had spotted at Ally's. The owner makes all of the clothing in her shop and dresses her three little chihuahuas in flouncy dresses. Two of her dogs were stolen before Christmas so she adopted two little newcomers.

From the large central market we walked over to a new Farmer's market to see what they had to offer. It is a much smaller venue with a dozen vendors selling veggies, baking, crafts and beautiful woven scarves. We were spellbound by a collection of decorative handbags.

A guitar handbag!

This morning we joined Jo, our neighbour, for a beachcombing walk. 

Although the tide was receding, sea glass wasn't easy to find.

Jo and Shelly pose in front of a newly crafted stone wall.

Enroute we talked with two guys who were escorting five rescue dogs 

along the beach for their morning walk.

One of the guys allowed me to photograph his "Picasso" arm!

New Year's eve and day

On New Year's eve we joined about 75 people at a party high above Puerto Vallarta.

At midnight we watched fireworks around Banderas Bay.

Late afternoon on New Year's day we gathered at the Marina for a dinner cruise. 

The area was inhabited by a family of green iguanas.

The dewlap under the chin of male iguanas is inflated

when threatened and when courting a female.

We boarded the sailboat ADA for a dinner cruise.

Captain Ernesto used his "steering foot" to move us out of port.

Doug enjoyed the voyage!

Dinner prep for twelve in the galley!

Delicious meals of snapper, chicken and prawns

along with an endless supply of beverages.

It was a beautiful voyage. We caught the wind 

and were "under sail" for half of the time

as we travelled across the Bay and back.

The sunset was gorgeous and the moon was bright.