Good morning San Felipe and what a lovely manic Monday we’re having in San Felipe.  Yesterday, I took the day off observing the Lord’s Day, while playing in the Columbia River.  MrRagtime did write and tell me about the weather down San Felipe way: “It was 109 yesterday and right now it is 108 but feels cooler – the humidity is low.  Why?  I don’t know – we had a lot of clouds last night which should have boosted the humidity.  When my air-conditioners can’t keep up, I know it’s at least 105.”  The Columbia River wasn’t 90 F as was the Sea of Cortez however, and although it’s 74 F here right now, it’s a whopping 85 F in San Felipe and it’s not even 8:30 a.m.  And from my new best friend, Shawnee:  “Hi Kat, Prayers coming your way for you and your Mom.  The swap meet was minute today. They sure could use some exposure. Thank you for all that you do for our little village.  XO Bill and Shawnee.” Okay people – the Pavillion has opened it’s doors on Saturday mornings so everyone can continue the swap meet throughout the summer, but if we locals don’t go or participate, they won’t be able to continue.  Remember, businesses do not receive a break on their electric as residences do, so it’s costing them some bucks to provide an air conditioned place for a swap meet.  (By the way, people who stay all summer are locals; if you leave for the summer, you are considered a snow bird).  As soon as I return, I’m bringing a houseful of junk out to sell, so I hope it’s still going. Remember too that we have many local Mexicans who are trying to support their families who have booths here, so lend a brother a hand, if you’re able.

So, I finally heard from the traveling gypsies Bruce and “The Boss” Barber.  They have been traveling back and forth from here to there, however, I did manage to get some scoop from Bruce regarding the next trip they have planned.  Here it is: “Regarding our tours, the next one is called COLIMAQUILA 2011, is 13 days in length, and costs in the neighborhood of $1800.00 USD per person for all transportation and lodging (only). I presently have one or more openings but anyone who ends up as a single will have to pay the single supplement which is in the neighborhood of $600 USD. We depart our Lodge early on the morning of February 24″.  Here’s the itinerary:

Day #1 – Thursday, 24 Feb – Depart Lodge. Breakfast in Mexicali. Fly to Guadalajara City,  bus to Colima (2 ½ hrs via bus). Check into hotel  = Free time.
Day #2 – 9:00 a.m. Friday, 25 Feb – Bus tour to Manzanillo.  
Day #3 – Saturday, 26 Feb – Bus tour to Comalá & Volcán de Fuego de Colima Park. Evening in Colima = Free time.
Day #4 – Sunday, 27 Feb – Enjoy Colima.
Day #5 – Monday, 28 Feb - Bus tour to Tecomán & nearby communities. Evening in Colima = Free time
Day #6 – Tuesday, 1 March - Enjoy Colima. ¿Did you buy your ceramic dog yet?
Day #7 – Wednesday,  2 March - Bus to Guadalajara. Evening = Free time.
Day #8 – Thursday, 3 March
1. Bus to León for interested persons only
2. Cooking Class for interested persons only
3. All others Enjoy Guadalajara
Day #9 – Friday, 4 March – Bus to Tlaquepaque (& Tonalá, if interested). Evening in Guadalajara = Free time
Day #10 – Saturday, 5 March – Enjoy Guadalajara (We suggest you visit Ajijic or Zapopán)
Day #11 – Sunday, 6 March - Tequila Express Train Tour. Return  to hotel at 8pm
Day #12 – Monday, 7 March – Enjoy Guadalajara. Hail & Farewell dinner at 7 p.m.
Day #13 – Tuesday, 8 March – Return to Mexicali & San Felipe

So, if you’re interested, get in touch with Bruce or anyone from SFARP for more information and yes, I’m going on this one.  I’ve missed all the rest, but I have always wanted to go to Colima (incidentally, that’s where Abril’s mother is from) and here’s your chance.  You can Google the different places, but everyone who has been on one of these trips, simply raves about them.  And from St. Kay: “Wilderness…is a spiritual necessity, an antidote to the high pressure of modern life, a means of regaining serenity and equilibrium.” This is so true, especially having driven over the mountains and been out in the woods.  It’s by Sigurd Olson American writer and conservationist, 20th century.