August 19, arrive Kino Bay, Sonora...
and discover that it is the best place in the world for killer margaritas.  Although it's a looooong way to go for one.  By the time you get there, you really need one... or two... who's counting!

Kino is on the Sea of Cortez and is about 1.5 hours drive West of Hermosillo, the capitol of the state of Sonora.  Along the way you will see Tecate beer stands and lots of cactus and shanties.

Bahia de Kino as it is called by the locals is a small resort town for the locals.    The bay is beautiful and the beaches are occupied by locals, some families and some just hanging out, which they do alot down there.  During the afternoon the water is the color of this font.  Beyond Kino is very Rural.

 
 

August 20, San Carlos We collected Justin and were of to San Carlos, another resort town that is two hours south of Kino and about 20 minutes north of Guaymas and industrial port town. We swam at the beach and in the pool.  We basked in the "aerocondicionado" of the rooms.  San Carlos is a bit more upscale than Kino in that it has shops and nicer places to stay and eat, but not as good margaritas. We drove to and through and back from Guaymas.  We were told that a Club Med was located in that area, but it alluded us. Next to Hermosillo...

August 21, Hermosillo
Drove straight up Mex 15 to Hermosillo, where we stopped for ice cream and lunch.  Needless to say that driving through Hermosillo (and Guaymas) was a challenge!  Justin bravely bought a news paper so we could check the movie schedule.  We got to the theatre on time, according to the paper, but were actually an hour early!  We didn't get a movie in that day.

Hermosillo is a big city with a university, big hotels, and stores.  It has one of the hottest climates in the state of Sonora.

Dropped Justin off at the airport where he was picked up by the school van.  We said our good byes and he was off.   J.R. and I got a room and flew out for mazatlan early the next morning...
 

August 22, Arrive Mazatlan, Sinaloa
Happy Birthday  Jose!

Where we could finally relax.   We ate lots of sea food, drank lots of tropical drinks, and vegged on the beach and in the room with the remote control.   We watched the Disney Channel and forgot about our cares for three luxurious days.
 

Parasailing Our hotel, Hotel Playa Mazatlan.

These two arial shots were taken by Robbie parasailing over the bay.  J.R. is down there somewhere...

August 26, Welcome Home, San Jose,  California
The cool breezes on the tarmac felt especially welcoming.
It's good to be home.