It's Alive!

The generator that is and we are so excited - it works!

Installing the generator took Doug about a month - a very big project and it is great to have it behind us.

The generator: A Kestrel Marine Diesel D/C Generator purchased from The Watermaker Store has had a long life - without ever being used:

• 2004: Steve and Ana purchased the generator and quickly put it in storage
• 2007: We purchased it from Steve and Ana and quickly put it in our storage
  
• 2008: Departed from USA, so stashed the heavy beast in the aft head - and promised to install it as soon as we get settled in Mexico
  
• 2008 - 2010: The generator traveled (in the aft head) from San Francisco, Cabo, La Paz, Mazatlan, La Paz, Santa Rosalia, San Carlos, and back to La Paz (again) and all points in between!

So our generator has traveled many miles without ever being used. But, before we head to the South Pacific next year, it had to be installed so Doug has had his head (and butt) stuck in the engine room (or under our bunk) for a very long time.

This required rebuilding our exhaust system (and adding a new one) replacing our old fuel lines, integrating with our Yanmar engine, building the infrastructure, and lots of trips to the local marine stores!

After all of that, it worked within minutes of turning it on. Pretty amazing that it worked, but also that Doug figured it all out. I married well, didn't I?

A Very Happy (and tired) Captain Doug!

Carnaval in La Paz!

The theme of this year’s Carnaval in La Paz is “Alegría Bicentenaria,” celebrating Mexico’s 200 years of independence.

And you know us, we hate to miss a good time, so we had to check it out!




On opening night Bad Humor (along with the Pig and H1N1) was burned in Effigy.

We saw the Pig, but missed the burning.

Oh well - guess we need to learn how to read a program!



Carnaval continues for 6 nights and includes lots of stages for live music, King and Queen coronations, artistic programs, carnival rides, tons of hot dog and taco vendors, and Pacifico tents.



Of course, Doug preferred the Modelo Chope tent - draft beer - which is hard to come by in Mexico!

We made it 4 nights and enjoyed walking along the malecon, seeing all of the wonderful sites, and hanging with our amigos. You get your exercise and your entertainment - all at one time. Can't beat that with a stick!

Plus we did our share of eating and drinking - of course. Anything we can do to help the local economy...



We attended two of the parades, which were very colorful and entertaining (as you can see).



One of the special "treats" during the parades is throwing (or smashing) the confetti filled eggs on your friends. They don't fly far, but they make a heck of mess.




We had confetti everywhere!




So, if you ever have a chance to experience Carnaval (anywhere) go for it! It is fun, exciting, VERY LOUD, and always entertaining!

Get thee to a nunn'ry...

For chicken that is!

The Cremeria San Charbel in La Paz has the plumpiest, juiciest, chicken ever - and I am not exaggerating! There is a good chance your chicken was just plucked this morning.

You just walk up to the little store, ring the bell, and one of the Nuns will take your order.

Watch out, the Nuns wield a wicked cleaver! They also sell eggs, cheese, and some other fresh stuff.

The Cremeria is located off of the Abasolo, just behind the Mas store on Norte. There is an "official" blue Church sign that will point you in the right direction.

Check it out!