RJ and Mike with their wake boards.

RJ and his friend Mike’s plane landed on time. It was a hot sweltering day and they approached us looking like typical Canadian tourist landing from the arctic cold. It took less than a minute to get the sweatshirts off and by the time we stopped in Zihuatanejo they were stripping in the street to get their shorts on. We were on a mission to get Mexican fishing licenses for the two boys. It is the law in Mexico that all persons on board must have fishing licenses, whether they fish or not. Unfortunately being Sat. we were unable to get the needed items. We were told to come back Monday morning and that we could purchase them at that time.
This made the decision for the next destination. Zihuatanejo harbour. It would be a short dinghy ride into the office to pick up the needed licenses. Mon. arrived but this time the internet was down and we still could not get the licenses. The nice gentleman told us to tell the authorities that every attempt was made and due to circumstances we were unable to get the needed paperwork. So off we went hoping not to run into any unforeseen problems.
Prior to entering Ixtapa marina, we had stayed the evening at Isla Grande (Isla Ixtapa). We deemed this to be a perfect anchorage to take the boys for the week. The island is surrounded by reefs making it a great snorkeling destination, has generated waves great for body surfing. Beaches, and a lake like atmosphere, great for swimming, kayaking and fishing.
We went fishing for two days but only manage to snag a bonita. It was tasty, made into fish tacos. Mike enjoys fishing tremendously, RJ not so much.
The snorkeling proved to be advantages for Ken and I as the boys swam and cleaned the bottom of the hull for us.
The boys kayaked over to the club med in hopes of having a beer. Security kept them on the beach. On the return Mike leaned a little too much to the right and tipped. RJ hooked his rope up to Mikes kayak and towed the filled kayak back with Mike pushing from behind. They had forgotten to take the bailing pump.
The landing of a dinghy on a surf beach would be their next challenge. Landing was a huge success. While looking for some basic supplies they ran into 2 retired Calgary firefighters that knew Ken. As it turned out we met up with them later in the week. We had dinner with Al Rothery and Brenda, Gary Borkristl and Dana.
Getting off the beach not sooooooo perfect. The dinghy came home a little damp on the inside. But all in all they did pretty well.
It looked to me like the body surfing and boarding was their favorite pastime. The waves were respectable breaking over them at times. I could be weeks getting rid of the sand that came back to the boat.
RJ was a little bummed thinking about the 90 plus degree weather he was living the past week and returning to -24 Celsius.
RJ and Mike’s plane was departing on time. It was a hot and sweltering day and they left us looking like typical Canadian tourist leaving to return to the arctic cold. RED!

Leaving. Hard to believe this tall lad belongs to us!