Excited to arrive at one of our favorite places in Mexico!

We woke up Tuesday morning in anticipation of arriving at the destination that will be our home base for the next month or so.

We spent the better part of 13 winters in Mexico between 2007 and 2020. And we haven't been back since the spring of 2020, so almost five years. And we made a lot of friends in Mexico during those years.

And so we are really excited to arrive at Valle de Bravo, where we have met so many nice people. We are especially looking forward to seeing friends Paco and Oti who have looked after us so well every time we come here. And, of course our host Chago at the marina where we will park Igor.

But first, we have to get there. From Tlalpujahua, it is only 106 kms (66 miles), but it's a twisty windy mountain road most of the way. That in itself means that it's at least a 2 hour drive. Unfortunately, the road condition is now really poor, and that slows you down even more.

We had to deal with a lot of this!

Occasionally, we would get a stretch like this, giving us false hope.

Of course it would only last a km or so!

Selling reindeer at the side of the road. 

This stretch was not bad, but you still had to go slow because of the occasional crater.

Fruits, vegetables, and dried chilis.

More rough road.

Scenery along the way.

Bad going through the towns as well.

Rough!

More scenery.

We finally made it to Villa Victoria.

Trees trimmed like animals.

After Villa Victoria, we had to cross over the toll road that runs between Mexico City and Ziticuaro, then a curvy two lane road that runs downhill for the remaining 25 kms or so to Valle de Bravo. We've taken this free road many times in the past, and it's always been fine. But it has had zero maintenance in the last five years and it was also in rough shape. There is also a toll highway between Valle de Bravo and Toluca, and we will be taking that road when we exit!

We pulled in to Chago's marina, and first impressions seemed like it was a little less well maintained than in the past. Of course it's been almost five years since we were last here, and of course things have changed. There are a couple more buildings that have been built, and some trailers and motorhomes that weren't here before.

The gate was closed, so I left Ruth with Igor, and I walked in to see if I could find Chago, and I did.

Chago himself hasn't changed at all. When we arrived, he was having lunch with one of his employees, and he got up and gave me a big welcome hug. He also insisted on giving me a big bowl of food to take back to Ruth, and said to eat first, and get settled later!

Rice, guacamole, and tortillas.

The actual grounds in the front are still really nice though. Chago said to park pretty much wherever we wanted, so we walked around and picked a spot. Igor is going to be here until about Christmas time, so we wanted to make sure to pick somewhere where we wouldn't have to move him for any reason.

Yes, Igor is pretty happy to be here!

One thing we immediately noticed is that the water level is really low.

But despite the low water, it's still really pretty.

For perspective, this is our motorhome Sherman back in 2012!

And, the weather is absolutely perfect, in our opinion. Daytime highs around 25C (77F), with lots of sunshine. And overnight lows around 10C (50F). Perfect for sleeping.

View out our side door.

We are very close to some of the monarch butterfly wintering grounds, and so there are a few of them flying around. 

This one was on the ground near where we are parked, and it didn't seem to want to fly, even though it looks like there is nothing wrong with it.

We got ourselves settled, and then took a walk down to the waterfront.

It's been a long time since the water was up here!

This was in 2014. Those might be the same boats!

Now, we have to walk at least 100 meters to get to the shore.

Looking back at the marina.

The reservoir at Valle de Bravo is one of three that supply Mexico City with some of its water. The last three years have been drought, and the rainy season between June and October is now not enough to fill the reservoir. It had been down to 28% capacity last May, and now sits around 50%. In the 2010's decade, it would normally fluctuate between 60% and 100%, but the last four years have seen it fluctuate between 28% to 70%. It's not all related to climate change and/or drought, however that's part of it. There is also a lot of mismanagement of resources. Over the last year, there have been a lot of articles online regarding Mexico City's water problems.

Time for a game of backgammon at happy hour!

Did I mention that the weather is perfect??

Igor likes it here!

We can get some magnificent sunsets from this spot. 

Nothing special yesterday though.

Igor at dusk.

We're going to relax today, and do some tidy up and cleaning chores with Igor. Then tomorrow morning we take the bus into Mexico City where we have a hotel room booked for two nights. Today is Ruth's 63rd birthday, but nothing special planned for today. We will celebrate out for dinner tomorrow night with my long time friend Dave, and his wife Helene who are also visiting Mexico City.

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