Shopping for Sherman's new battery

Yesterday, we wandered in to the town of Etzatlan. Had to pick up a few things, as well as do some shopping for Sherman's new engine battery.

Last time we were here, two and a half years ago, you had to walk into town alongside the highway. Now, they have a foot and bicycle path!

Blue sky and sunshine

And warm temperatures too. It's been fantastic weather here in Jalisco farm country. They could probably use some rain, but that wouldn't be normal for this part of Mexico at this time of year. Highs of 30C (86F) and lows of 13C (56F).

Perfect.

A few glitches along the way!

Yesterday was a travel day for us. In fact, it was our first travel day with our motorhome Sherman in over two years! And we were pretty excited.

I was a little concerned about Sherman's engine battery though. I had a feeling it needs to be replaced.

"Something doesn't smell right!"

We wasted the morning away yesterday. Had a couple of coffees and teas, then Ruth made bacon and eggs for a bit of a late breakfast. Spent some time on the internet, and read our books a little bit.

We had been planning on going into the nearby town of Mazamitla, but that would entail taking a bus that goes by infrequently, or a taxi.

Manhattan Vacation Rental

We recently spent three nights in Manhattan's Lower East Side district of New York City. It's a great area to stay in if you're looking for everything that New York City has to offer. Walking distance to some of the most vibrant parts of the city.

Chinatown. Little Italy. And of course the world famous Brooklyn Bridge.

Down time

Although we enjoyed our four months in southern Africa, we never felt like we got a lot of relax time in. We wanted to experience as much as possible because you never know when we'll get back there. Here in Mexico however, we don't feel the need to rush about.

So yesterday, we took advantage of that.

New RV Park in Jalisco, Mexico

Yesterday morning we were up bright and early. Sherman was going to stay at a new RV Park. Quite a change for him, as he's been parked at the same place since March 16, 2012! We had taken him for a drive a couple of times over the past two years, but he hasn't been to a new RV Park in that time. Hard to believe.

Yesterday, he got a change of scenery. Except it's only a kilometer (less than a mile) down the road!

A fiesta in town!

There was to be a parade in town yesterday morning, but it was supposed to start at 9:00am. We were a little late getting going, so we missed the parade but we still saw most of the participants in the central plaza of Valle de Juarez.

I should tell you a little more about this little town.

Sherman needs a bath!

For those of you who don't know, Sherman is the name of our motorhome.

Sherman has been parked here at Hacienda Contreras RV Park near Valle de Juarez, Jalisco, Mexico. He's been been parked here since April 1st of 2013, almost one full year without us!

He was sure happy to see us yesterday. And we were happy to see him!

What a day...but we made it!

Thrilled to be back at our motorhome Sherman and with our friends at Hacienda Contreras RV Park!

But what a long day it was to get here.

When we left you last, we were on our way to the Cancun airport. It was about 9:30pm and our flight departed at 1:40am. We gave ourselves lots of time because we were taking local transport and weren't sure how that was going to go.

Beach Palace Resort (day 3)

Best day yet, from a weather point of view. Perfect temperatures, hardly any wind, and mostly sunshine.

We didn't do very much though! I guess that's the idea, although they certainly do have activities should you wish to take part. Seems to me we took part in a lot of food and drink the last three days!

Beach Palace Resort (day 2)

The day started out okay, but around the noon hour the clouds moved in. And then the skies opened up and it poured with rain for a couple of hours here in Cancun. But we still had a good day!

Beach Palace Resort (day 1)

Shortly after 9:00am yesterday morning, we said good bye to our couchsurfing host Carmen and her dog Ghia. Thanks for having us Carmen, we enjoyed seeing you again!

We were headed to the luxury all inclusive Beach Palace Resort. All we had to do was to figure out how to get there!

Spring break? No thanks!

Yesterday morning we went for a walk on the beach. A long walk on the beach!

Where we have been staying is in the city of Cancun, not the hotel zone. So we're actually about 4 kms (2.4 miles) walking distance just to get  to the beach.

Day trip to the island of Cozumel

Up bright and early yesterday morning at 5:30am in order to catch the 8:00am ferry to the island of Cozumel. We had to walk to the bus station, then take the bus to Playa del Carmen, then take the ferry to Cozumel.

It didn't go as smoothly as we planned!