I would sadly like to pass the sad news that Florence passed away on September 30, 2006. She had a heart attack doing what she loved and that is riding her motorcycle, and every time I hear thunder above I think of her riding that motorcycle in the heavens.

If any one needs to get hold of her family I would like to be the one to help with that. You can reach me at bbb75kevin AtT yahoo D0T com.

Kevin DeWall
Eagle, Eagle County Colorado USA

I spent a week in Puerta Vallarta. Had a great time, and left refreshed and recuperated. Did a little deep sea fishing, and saw a play that was fun.

Deep Sea Fishing In Acupulco

Tuesday morning I left about 8 am and rode to Mazatlan. I was lucky enough to get in before the ferry left for La Paz. Not only did I get a ticket out that day, but I got it for half price ($100.00). The militia was tearing peoples vehicles apart looking for contraban. They told me to cool the bike down so they could inspect everything. I anticipated a huge ordeal, but when it came my turn the agent just walked the dog by, smiled, and told me to go aboard. They never even checked my paperwork.

I met a woman from Cabos on the ferry. She let me sleep in her car with her. Good thing, or I would have been the only woman rolling her bedroll out on the deck with all of the truck drivers. The ferry ride was 21 hours. Isabelle invited me to come to Cabos San Lucas with her as her guest, so here I am. What a beautiful place. Seems everywhere I go, I think about staying. Will probably head North in a few days. I want to beat the heat going home.

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.

I got into Acupulco this afternoon. I am not sure how long I will stay. I got a nice hotel for $16 dollars per night, Coronas are 90 cents and I am right on the beach. I may stay for awhile. I drove from Puebla today. That is east of Mexico city and then down to the coast. I guess I will not go to Panama this trip, since I seem to want to spend some time where ever I go and I figure if I head North now, I still will not get back before the end of April. I love Mexico, both the country and the people. I think I like it better than the United States. They cried when I left Palma Sola and offered me there home any time I want to stay in Mexico.

Saying Goodbye to New Friends in Palma Sola

The Southern Texas Trail Ride from Corpus Christ to San Antonio was an
exceptional experience! It was quite a ride!

The View Up Ahead

The View From Behind

The Stagecoach

Enjoying the Ride

Enjoying Life as Always

Everyone Takes a Break

Alabama canceled their appearance at the stock show and were replaced by Reba. I was disappointed as this is their final tour.

Having A Good Time With Good Friends