The view from under our awning.

Another beautiful blue sky day. Last year, we managed to go three and a half months without a drop of rain. Wonder what the record will be this year!

A visit to the outskirts of Guadalajara

Yesterday, Barb was going back to Chicago to visit their daughters for a week and a half. Sal was driving her to the Guadalajara airport, and they asked if we wanted to go along for the ride. They were also going to stop at the Sam's Club and the Walmart, so we could pick up any items we might need.

Nice hike and then a meal out

Ruth and I went on a nice hike up another hill in the area. We could see a road in the distance on the hill, and wanted to see where it went. It was a private road with gates and fences, but the rancher working at the bottom said we could go for a walk, no problem.

Saturday is market day

Barb was going into town, and Saturday is market day in Valle de Juarez, so we went in with her. First, we stopped at her house and used Skype to say hi to our son, then we went to the main square and picked up some meat at the carneceria (butcher).

Hacienda Contreras (day 21)

Wow, I can't believe we've been here for three weeks already. And although we're not bored yet, we are getting excited about moving on especially after planning our route yesterday!

Planning our next destination

Well it looks like everybody who wanted to vote took the time to do so, and we want to thank everybody who participated in choosing where we're going next. It looks like we're taking the route around Puerto Vallarta, so I've been doing some planning for that trip!

A busy day with lots of photos!

More perfect weather, so we decided to hike up the hill in front of Hacienda Contreras. But first, Barb was going into town to see the metalworking guy who was building the frames for the windows for the new addition.

Hacienda Contreras (day 18)

Well, we just had a lazy day yesterday. Other than our two mile fast walk around the park in the morning, it was just a relaxing day. And once again, the weather was perfect.

Los Cazos, near Mazamitla

Yesterday after lunch, Ruth and I went into the town of Mazamitla. On the far side of town is an area called Los Cazos. It's a kind of a different spot because while there are homes and cottages in there, it's also gated and you have to pay to get in. But it's really nice to walk around, and there's a pretty waterfall.

A nice hike in the hills

Yesterday, we went for a nice hike in the hills. It was another beautiful sunny day. Barb stayed behind in case the tile workers showed up. She wants to make sure they use the proper tiles in the right place because once they go down it's too late!

The beautiful weather returns!

Clear sunny skies and a high around 26C (79F). Perfect! The clear skies do bring some cooler nights, but it's nice sleeping weather. Woke up this morning and it was 5C (41F) outside, however the sun is shining and it's starting to warm up already. Looks to be another beautiful day here in the mountains south of Guadalajara!

A visit to Sahuayo

Well I lied. Yesterday I said "today we'll visit Mazamitla for sure" or something like that, and then plans changed! Barb and Sal were going into the city of Sahuayo to order some floor tiles for the new construction, and asked if we'd like to tag along.

Hacienda Contreras (day 13)

Well the rain dogged us again on and off all day yesterday so we just hung out here. We did get patches of blue sky in the afternoon and we took advantage of that to go for a walk, but by evening it was raining again.

Payback

We have to think that all this rain is payback for the three and a half months of perfect weather we had last winter! Well, it may be wet, but at least we're not cold and that's the most important part.

Hacienda Contreras (day 11)

Well I hate to keep going on about the weather, but it's kind of affecting our day to day activities! Normally the rainy season is over by now, but this latest hurricane has put a "damper" on things!