After leaving Aculpulco, I went North to Ixtapa. I had planned in staying in Zihuatenjo, but someone at a stop sign recommended Ixtapa. As I rode into Ixtapa an SUV followed and drove beside me, taking pictures for about 5 miles. Don't be surpised if you see me on the next Leanin' Tree card. I spent time in Aculpulco jet skiing, snorkeling, and hanging out on an island with a family I met there. I almost rented an apartment and stayed, but decided to keep going. I will probably drive back down with the truck.

After leaving Aculpulco, I went North to Ixtapa. I had planned in staying in Zihuatenjo, but someone at a stop sign recommended Ixtapa. As I rode into Ixtapa an SUV followed and drove beside me, taking pictures for about 5 miles. Don't be surpised if you see me on the next Leanin' Tree card.

Going to Ixtapa was an expensive choice. My tab for one night was $250 dollars. I met three women from Wisconsin at the pool bar at the hotel. They let me tag along with them to dinner and dancing at Carlos and Charlies. It was a treat to be able to speak english and be understood.

I am in Puerta Vallarta until next Tuesday. Things are going well. I got stranded on the beach a couple of nights ago and have about 100 insect bites on my arms and face. Traveling along the coast through the mountains was very slow going. About 20 and 30 miles per hour. I found myself in a small pueblo and stopped to inquire about a place to stay. They said it was very far before I would find a place with a hotel, but there were some cabanas outside of town. I pulled down into the cabanas which were on the beach and proceeded to get my bike stuck in the sand. There was no one to be found at the cabanas.

I walked back to the road and talked two young girls, who were walking, into helping me get my bike out. They assured me that I could not find anywhere else to stay before dark. I found one of the cabanas open, so I moved in. After I had unloaded the bike the owners came. I talked them into 15 dollars for the night. No food, no water. Fortunately I had a little cheese and a 1/2 pint of brandy in my bag and I convinced the owner to ride his bicycle to town for 10 pesos and get me a bottle of water. I didn't want to risk getting stuck traveling in the sand in the dark.

There were turtles on the beach, but by the time I got up and took my cold!!! shower, they had already laid their eggs and split. All I saw were the many craters left where they had buried the eggs.

I wish I had an on road/off road bike, as there are so many places I would like to explore, but am afraid to take the heavy street bike. I met a couple in Tuito whose sister owned the hotel I stayed in. They live close to Palm Springs. They offered to lead me to a good hotel in Puerta Vallarta. The roads were steep, winding, and had a lot of gravel spots from construction, so it was good following them.

They led me to the hotel, got me situated, and gave me their address in Palm Springs so that I could stay with them on the way home from L.A. The good thing about Puerta Vallarta is it is populated by Americans and Canadians. Many who spend their winters here. I have been able to gleen a lot of information about how to deal with the paperwork of spending more time in Mexico. I got directions to the American Consulate. I will go there tomorrow and get my permits extended. I am taking a needed reprieve here. Nice hotel on the beach, hot water, air conditioning, no insects, no chickens, cable TV, and the first hair dryer I have seen since I left the states. I am "traveling light and staying balanced" and having a great time.