Tide Pool Reflections

This is one of my favorite pictures from Mexico 2015.  I loved the clouds and the way they reflected so beautifully in the tide pools.

Beach Glass and Seashells

The seashells on the beach in Puerto Penasco are generally very petite and delicate and also quite complete.  The tides here are generally very gentle, so shells don't get very worn.  I am always on the lookout for shells with holes worn into them, so I can use them for sewing or jewelry.  I also collect beach glass for jewelry.  I am happy with what I found this time!

Low Tide at Sunset

We loved our sunset beach walks!  Beautiful, always.

Deck Shadow Inspiration

The morning sun on the deck at my sister's Mexican home caught my eye.

Fish Salad Dinner In Mexico

This is a salad I made with the fish left over from the previous day's fresh caught fish.  Yum!

Fresh Fish - Sea of Cortez

The Sonoran desert in Mexico (where Puerto Penasco is located) is quite a productive area.  Local fishermen catch fresh fish every day, and a variety of fish can be purchased at the port for daily consumption.  To the west, at the top of the Baja Penninsula, is a vast farming area, where many fresh vegetables are produced.  In Puerto Penasco, vendors stand at street corners selling fruits and vegetables and that is where I got this fresh asparagus!

Sea of Cortez Big Waves

Usually, the Sea of Cortez at Puerto Penasco is quite calm and placid.  It is a small body of water, and fairly shallow.  Occasionally, the wind kicks up, and the waves do too. 

Another Amazing Sunset in Mexico

This Year's Books Read in Mexico

As I mentioned before, our time in Mexico is a real vacation.  No Internet, no TV, no phone, and of course, the language barrier.  We spent a lot of time reading.  This is the stack of books I brought along and I read all the novels plus most of the non-fiction books.  It is amazing to have so much time to just indulge in a series of good books!

Colorful Mexican Pottery!

 We love shopping for colorful glass, pottery and rugs in Mexico (above).  This year, I decided to bring back a variety of small plates (7" diameter) in every pattern I could find.  I found nine different designs, shown here (below), but I purchased a dozen, so there are some duplicates.  I think they will be fun to use for appetizers or for desserts.

Amazing Mexican Sunset

Yes, those colors are real.  No Photoshop at all!

Tamale Vendors on the Beach

On weekends, the tamale vendors come around on the beach with their wares to sell.  My favorite is the two grannys who come with tamales and burritos, piping hot in a cooler.  Yum!

Sunset at Puerto Penasco

I will try not to bore you with sunset photos......I took a lot of them.  We walked the beach every evening at sunset in order to photograph the drama.  I have hundreds of photos from those walks.  The colors change so quickly at sunset on the beach!

Pelican Parade in the Sky

 At sunset, as the tide was starting to go out, the pelicans would begin migrating east to the nearby estuary, where they would find easy fishing. 

Dusk at Low Tide, Puerto Penasco, Mexico

Sunset View From the Margarita Deck

My sister's beach house has 4 decks.  The margarita deck is on the roof and the view is spectacular!

Bougainvillea in Puerto Penasco

Bougainvillea were blooming in many of the yards in Puerto Penasco.  Such a glorious sight for us in late winter!

Puerto Penasco Shrimp

Puerto Penasco is a small fishing village at the top curve of the Sea of Cortez.  One of the main things they fish for is SHRIMP, and they catch them BIG!  We went down to the port market every day to shop for the evening's meal of fresh caught fish or shrimp.  This day, I did not buy the largest shrimp I could find - but these are still very nice.  I sauteed them in butter, olive oil, and garlic.  So yummy!  (note my hand on the left side of the plate for size comparison).

Beach Walk at Dusk

This is a picture of Joe on our first beach walk of this visit.  We arrived in the afternoon, and after settling in, we went out on the beach at low tide as the sun was setting. 

Foggy Morning in Mexico

As I mentioned last Friday, we are recently returned from an extended visit to Puerto Penasco, Mexico.  This is the first morning view from the deck of my sister's house on the beach.  The Sea of Cortez is hidden from view behind the fog, which didn't stay long - it is rare to see fog like this here.  Joe and I were able to spend 10 glorious, peaceful days there!  More pictures to come!