Accident Free Days on this Jobsite - O

When we travel a 'theme' to the trip usually begins to develop. Last year in Mexico could be entitled "Surf or Die" as we were hell bent to find the perfect combination of waves and tropical ambiance along the Michoacan coast. The tour culminated, after DAYS of anticipation, with the rather anti-climactic meeting of the 60s surf icon, Mike Doyle. For complicated reasons he briefly became our fellow houseguest at Villa Tropical which we rented in Caleta de Campos. The one time world champion surfer once hung out on Malibu beach with such legends as Corky Carroll and was buddies with the real Gidget. As I poured over the piles of surf journals at the Villa, I concocted a script of our eventual meeting... he would walk into the villa, take one look at my 5'1" frame, my authentic so-cal board shorts, my perky "Sally Fieldish" demeanor and promptly dub me the spitting image of Gidget! Alas, the meeting was more on the par of "Waiting for Godot" than "Gidget goes to Michoacan". After a cursory introduction and a couple of "Hi.. how are you"s, we caught only fleeting glimpses of him moving his board from his private quarters to his car at 6AM.

This year in Zihuatanejo the theme is shaping up to be "Accident of the Day". Yesterday, amid the booming and highly unusual big surf on Playa La Ropa, Gerry turned an attempt at body surfing into a body modification experiment. He now can't lift his arm and is living on advil and copius amounts of painkilling beverages. "Mr Surf", who conquered the monster waves last year at Nexpa, ironically met his match on the calm shores of Zihuatanejo Bay. Go figure.

On the other hand, although we have been somewhat "homebound" this year while we recover from our various injuries, we are finding some great places to snack and refuel as we creak our way around Zihuatanejo. A particular favorite this year is 3 Amigos. Angel hands out the snarky witticisms, humor and gossip while Robert, the philosophical American owner/host makes you welcome and comfortable. We have really enjoyed listening to Robert's interesting stories and take on life. Of course the food is great too and the sweet bartender, Belmar, will whip up a generously poured cocktail with style and panache. While some restaurants 'do good food' they miss on the ambiance or warmth factor. These guys have it all. Just down the alley from the Church...