Travel Log 8: December 31, 2008 - Glorious Christmas in Las Glorias

Written by Brenda-Lee Thompson

We spent a very nice Christmas in Los Glorias. A tropical beach Christmas is nothing new for Adrian, but for me it was a first…and it was fabulous! We met two young fellows who are travelling to Panama in a big school bus which they converted into an RV. Their "handle" is Southbound Bus. They were staying at the resort at the same time we were and we hit it off famously. Danny and Ryan are both 22 and embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. They both graduated from university this past spring, and decided they don’t actually want to become the “thing” for which they studied. So here they are!

We spent Christmas with Danny and Ryan and feasted on a shared potluck meal of barbecued prawns, rice and re-fried beans. The sunset that night was truly glorious. I see where Los Glorias gets its name!

Right around these holidays, we found that our amazing and quiet pristine beach was becoming more and more populated with Mexican families coming to visit the area for their own Christmas celebrations. Our little resort became quite the hub of activity as it had two pools and two restaurants (well-used and rustic as they were!). As the holidays progressed, it became quite a gong show, so we decided abruptly to move along. The beach became a swarm of ATV’s racing back and forth at all hours, some with mufflers, some without. Aaaahhhh….Mexico.

We decided on Monday (Dec 29) that we would head further south toward Mazatlan. Since this looked like a pretty big day, we opted to stop short in a resort that Adrian found on the internet in La Cruz. We travelled south on Mex 1 from Guasave to Culiacan and then resumed on Mex 15 to La Cruz. The Southbound Bus boys wanted to tag along, so we convoyed for the day and had an excellent day of travel together. We use our walkie-talkies when we caravan with someone so we are able to keep in touch through the day. Danny’s Spanish is very good, so we stopped for lunch at a nice little roadside tortillaria. There was also an immaculate little market next door so we were able to replenish some basic provisions, like eggs and fresh veggies. We have purchased anti-bacterial wash for all of our fruit and veggies and we make sure to cook our meats and eggs fully. We’ve been enjoying a good diet and no tummy trouble. If we eat out at a roadside café, we make sure there are already lots of local Mexicans eating there. No diners in a local Mexican restaurant is usually a sign to stay away.

We are in a town just 15 minutes outside of La Cruz called Celestino Gasca (not on the atlas). It is a true little Mexican village with 3 RV Resorts along the coast just about 1 km away. The resort itself is on the beach with a nice big paved patio with chairs and tables and stairs going down to the beach. The RV's are all parked inland from the beach front. All the sites are at an angle in one long row between the beach and the road. There is no one parked to the front or behind and in between each site are lush palms and hibiscus bushes. The lots are gravel and we have one of the few lots with a big paved patio in front of our door. The sites feel so private and peaceful.

Tonight the owner of the resort is hosting a little New Years Eve soiree on the main patio and later a bonfire on the beach. The ocean waves are rougher here as we are nearing the latitude where the coast is no longer protected by the Baja Peninsula. However, the beach is still swimmable, but the water is COLD!!

This is one of the first resorts in Mexico which has not been all but deserted. There are about 20 rigs here -- all big motorhomes and fifth wheels. The owner is American which would account for the place being run at a level above that which we have experienced so far. We are enjoying a laundry room, 30 amp hookups (as opposed to the usual 15 amp) and good water pressure. This morning we were in the laundry house which has a big covered patio looking out to the ocean. There is a big table on this patio for folding clothes, and I found myself standing there, folding laundry, with a big goofy grin on my face.

Our young travelling companions have already moved on to Mazatlan. I guess 22 year old boys are looking for a little more nightlife action than a bonfire on the beach…although they asked several times if we would join them for New Years in Mazatlan. We’ll cross paths again, either in Mazatlan or Puerto Vallarta. Also, the couple we met in San Carlos (remember the “Pelican Whisperer”?) are a bit behind us but we will cross paths with them in Mazatlan as well.

It’s interesting as we travel that we are beginning to feel that we are forming a small community. Just this minute, another couple who we met in Los Glorias have just driven into our resort here. Adrian is talking with them outside. It’s nice to meet a familiar face here and there, and it’s so much more fun to caravan with a “friend” on travel days.

We've noticed over this past week during the holidays that our phone and email has not been very reliable. I guess the satellite highway has been very full! Hopefully this email will come through to you all. I'm sure the quality will improve again after tomorrow.

Our very best New Year’s wishes to you. Love and miss you all,