This is Part 2, of a 3 part story done by Rotarian Terry Cooper about his experience wintering in Mexico.
 
Escaping Winter in Rincon de Guayabitos – Part 2
 
After spending several winters in the Palm Springs area Carol and I decided to spend the winter in a small fishing town called Rincon de Guayabitos half-way up Mexico’s Pacific coast just north of Puerto Vallarta. We decided to give up the biking, hiking trails, fine arts, frequent rain and cooler weather in the Palm Springs California during the winter period (and the constant stream of divisive American politics in the media) for walking along the ocean and enjoying the almost constant sunshine and warm weather for the Pacific coast. Best of all – no driving! The town, like many along the coast, draws many domestic tourists (especially on the weekends and holidays) but relatively few foreign visitors compared to Puerto Vallarta. Most of the visitors are Canadian with few Americans or other nationalities. Mariachis and indigenous Huichol musicians roam the soft white sands, offering to serenade you for a small fee. Others offer exquisite skewers of freshly caught tuna or prawns grilled in a smoky marinade and doused with hot sauce and lime juice. The Saskatchewan Rough Riders obviously have a contingent of Rider fans down here in Nayarit. One can’t avoid their promotional material whether walking the beach or attending the market in La Penita de Jaltemba. During our visit to the market in La Penita de Jaltemba it was obvious that the sellers were appreciative of the Canadians. However, President Trump ... not so much.
 
  
 
Carol and I decided to stay in a colourful, beachside hotel with twin pools and an outdoor jacuzzi but with an outdoor kitchen and patio and locked off bedroom. Some say we are just one step up from camping given the close proximity to other residents in the complex. There is little privacy but we enjoy meeting our neighbours as they come and go from their rooms.
 
  
 
We had planned to spend a few days in Puerto Vallarta before heading home April 1 but we received a  notice mid March from the Alberta Retired Teachers' Association (ARTA) telling all members who have their ARTA Emergency Travel plan that they must be back in Canada within 10 days or else their insurance won't cover any coronavirus related issues. It took some time to get our flights changed but left March 21 a day before WestJet cancelled all flights home. Up until this time Mexico didn’t seem concerned about the Novid-19 virus but on our way to the airport we did see notices advising locals to begin social distancing. Shortly after all beaches were closed and access to the fishing villages was restricted to local residents only. Rincon has just opened to visitors. Hopefully this virus will be contained soon so we are able to return again next year to this area.