TRAVEL

This little campground is about 100 Km north of

Puerto Vallarta. This painting reminds me always of

the resiliency of the human spirit. You see, in storms

the ocean will wash right over this wall and in a year

or two it will be gone, yet the owners will pick up the

residue of stone and brick and build something else.

Something different to be sure, but they will be

equally proud of it until the next big storm.

The miracle, or the power, that elevates the few is to be found in

their industry, application, and perseverance under the prompting of a

brave, determined spirit. (Mark Twain)

The ecological reserve called Capo Blanco encompasses the

long peninsula in the background. A beautiful 15 mile round

trip hike. Most of it was through jungle with howler monkeys

overhead making sure we knew we were not welcome in

their own inimitable way. We forded fresh water streams,

found hidden waterfalls and met only one other person – the

lady who sold us cola from her little tienda by the roadside.

A magical journey!

My soul can find no staircase to heaven unless it be through

earth's loveliness. (Michelangelo)

View from Playa Nicoya-Costa Rica

Another little Mexican campground, this time about 20

Km south of Cancun. These palm-thatched palapas

provide welcome shade during the day, a gathering-

place for tourists and locals (like the iguana). Miles of

white sand beaches to walk, clear turquoise water to

swim in, the coral reef teeming with colourful fish just

offshore. Although the trees depicted here are salt

pines, the name ‘Xcalicocos’ means ‘Two palms from

one base’ in the Quiche dialect.

I have not tried to reproduce nature: I have represented it.

(Paul Cézanne)

Xcalicocos – Quintana Roo

The mountain ranges of the Sierra Madres in Chiapas,

Mexico, seem to go on forever. The mist rising from

the valleys just as the sun is rising is likely from the

ever-burning charcoal fires the Mayans use for heating

and cooking. There can be frost on the camper when

we awaken, but by 9 a.m. the day is heating up and

we’re ready to explore.

When I think of death, I only regret that I will not be able to see this

beautiful country anymore... unless the Indians are right and my spirit

will walk here after I'm gone. (Georgia O'Keeffe in later years)

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