At Boca de Tomatlan, the Question is: ‘How Are You Getting Across?’

How are you getting across?   Whenever we look out across the river Horcones that’s the decision that has to be made. There are several choices: we could wade across, (but we’re not sure yet how deep it is!) or we could sit in a little dingy and have a lovely lass push us across. Or we could take our chances at the narrowest area nearest the sea and try our luck…but it just might be up to our necks.

Last night we arrived here at this little village of about 900, ten miles south of the resort city of Puerto Vallarta. The road hugs the coast and winds past five and six-story villas, the tops of which are the only floors visible.  Out in the water are the dramatic arcas, huge rock formations with boats full of tourists bobbing beside them.  We turned off Rte 200 down a steep cement road and to the waters edge. Across the Rio Horcones is our lodgings..Casa de los Artistas. That was the first time we had to ask ourselves, ‘how are we getting across?’

What else do you have for dinner your first night in a fishing village on the Pacific?  A gorgeous two-kilo red snapper  with shiny eyes is held up before us. Yes, that would be perfect!  A  friendly gent drags a little grill near our table and begins fanning flames to cook it for us.  Margaritas?  Oh yes, bring those. Justin is the proprietor here, he’s 27 and tall and slender and wearing sunglasses (prescription) despite the hour. He came here as a kid and now he’s running his own beachfront joint he calls Mi Ranchito.  He said he wants to stay here forever.

What could be better?  Meeting our group of mostly 50-something inn guests who all turn out be fun and interesting. Taking bites of the perfectly grilled snapper and the obligatory rice and beans, everything tastes so fresh. L00king out at the twinkling lights of a boat navigating the pacific coming home to port.  Ahhhh, Mexico. I’ve missed you my dear, and I am so glad to be in your arms again!