Day 53 - 20 Feb - Puerta Vallarta

The day went quickly, as they all seem to, but was not without some excitement. As I had planned, I got on the crazy bus and headed for 'El Toro' to watch (some of) the bullfight. As expected, Wayne opted not to go so I was solo for this trip. There were 4 events, the score was Matador/2 and Bulls/2. However even when the bull scores...he still loses in the end.

The bullfight is quite a ceremony with lots of traditional poses, costumes, implements, and music and these guys are the Gretsky's and Becker's of Mexico..and Spain. They prance...which is a sight onto itself given the pants they wear...and they parade and that's the part I love to watch. I know when to start searching my purse for 'something' so I don't see the worst part of the whole thing...it's called 'Lynne's World' and that's where I choose to live!

This time there was a female matador (matadress?)...just a tiny thing who worked her little heart out. Unfortunately, the bull knocked her over and tossed her around a bit but she brushed off the 10 guys who went out to her rescue and finished the job. The next guy (photo) was clearly the star and worked it for all he was worth. From the part that I watched, he was like a dancer and the crowd insisted he get both ears and the tail...which is the supreme coup. The next guy was doing great until he turned his back on that big black bad boy and was carried out on a stretcher and the ambulance carried him away. Another matador took over but I'd had enough and left at that point. However, I got some great photos...none with blood...so it was worth the price of admission.

Although it was cloudy off and on today, it has cleared up so that we can watch the eclipse. We are told that the tide will be very high and the wave enormous tonight. It normally comes up very high anyway but Wayne may find his nice soft lounge chair missing tomorrow!

Tomorrow will be pack up day (again) and this time we really do have to vacate the premises. I'm hoping that we'll find a nice RV park not too far from here where we can stay for a bit. There are oodles of parks from here to Nogales, Arizona and although it won't be quite as warm as it is here, it should be nice. I don't expect the drive to be quite as stressful as we will be taking the toll highway (4 lane) all the way except for exits to the towns with parks. However, we've said that before and there are always surprises along the way. I've read that this stretch of highway is much busier with security stops as it's a prime drug route back and forth from the U.S.

Hope everyone is well. Melanie sent a photo and I can't believe how much that baby has grown in 2 months! We'll be anxious to get our hands on him/her...assuming we can pry it away from the grandparents! Until later, our love to you all--we miss you and think of you often.