ONE FANTASTIC CAMPING VACATION

 Loafing on an Uninhabited Island-----No Way

In case you think we sunned on the beach all day, think again. We did new and fun things every day. Our homeport was the island of Espiritu Santo, in the Sea of Cortez. About  25 miles off the coast of La Paz, Mexico, it was a two and half hour boat ride from the mainland. We camped on a lovely large sandy beach.

Los Islotes is a large barren rock island that is actually a bird rookery and a roosting area for pelicans, blue footed boobies, frigate birds, and terns. A large colony of California sea lions also inhabit the island. The sea lions were so curious—they had a great time circling around, over, and under us. They often got close enough to touch if one’s reflexes were quick enough. They were all sizes and ages ranging in color from a light tan to almost black. And all the while it was like  swimming in an aquarium full of beautiful tropical fish including large schools of sergeant majors and king angle fish. We also saw several varieties of starfish, sea urchins, other sea animals and coral.  While we dried off in the boat we watched sally light-foot crabs scampering across the rocks entertaining us.

            We watched a huge school of dolphins playing at sea. We walked and studied tidal pools. The islands exhibit a typical southern Sonoran desert ecosystem, but the region is surprisingly rich in plant and animal abundance and diversity.

We hiked and had botany lessons on local plants. The Cardon cactus grew everywhere. A relative to the Saguaro cactus, it has many more arms (up to 40) which are more clustered at the base. Jojoba grew wild and has an interesting history. The long nose bat pollinates it.

Evidence of prehistoric Indian occupation is abundant throughout the larger islands. We swam in a salt pond. Another day we made an excursion a couple of gorges over and hiked inland about a quarter of a mile to a fresh-water well fully equipped with bucket and rope. What a treat to be able to shampoo our hair!

At dawn one morning a couple of fellows went fishing. Lucky for us they returned with a 25 pound Dorado, known as Mahi Mahi in other parts of the world. It was fascinating to watch the men fillet the fish. It was so quick! Sea gulls circled waiting for the fellow to finish. Sure enough, as soon as the guide walked up to the kitchen with the filets the gulls swooped in and in no time there was nothing left on the beach but bones. They too were fast!

We flew in and out of La Paz for a night on each end of the time spent on the island. Even though we had had a wonderful time in the middle of nowhere, on return it was wonderful to have a long  hot fresh water shower!

CANADIAN SURPRISES

                 Montreal

We noticed on our first meal in Montreal that fries were on everyone’s plate, no matter what the entre was, and we learned later in the week that mashed, baked or scalloped potatoes just are not served in this area. It’s French fries, and how they love ‘em!

Poutine, French fries with cheese curds and gravy, is a typical dish unique to Montreal. 

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After visiting a museum we walked back to Jacques Cartier (square) and down to the waterfront. We leisurely strolled along the street. A couple of gals, sitting at the sidewalk café of Pier Gabriel were enjoying a pitcher of a green drink.

Slowing down, I remarked, “That sure looks refreshing.”

“Let’s stop and find out what it is.”

Inside, the bartender said it was green sangria and explained all the ingredients, starting with white wine. We decided to give it a try. It was really good, but we agreed that sangria is red.

It’s like the blue and yellow candy canes. No. Candy canes are red and white! Sangria is red.

The drinks were tall, rather costly, so it took us awhile to drink them. But we enjoyed people watching and the respite before starting back to the hotel via Chinatown.

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                                        Quebec City

Wandering around the narrow alleyways of Quebec City we quite by accident came across the old stone house, Maison Chevalier. Built in 1752 by a ship owner, the classic French-style is typical of architecture of New France. The firewalls, chimneys, vaulted cellars, original wood beams and stone fireplaces were noteworthy. What a jewel this museum was and it was free. We chit chatted with a docent. The self-guided tour of life in the 17-18^th centuries was well displayed with simple explanations and labels. It was a pleasant find and delightful surprise.

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The staircases are ubiquitous to Quebec City--a reminder of the city’s past,. Upper Town was the home of dignitaries, religious and political leaders, where Lower Town contains the oldest neighborhood in North America. Once crowded with traders, workers and the disenfranchised, now it is a delightful restored smart shopping and historical area.

The Escalier Casse-Cou, also known as the Breakneck staircase, is the first staircase, built in 1893. The 170 steps are built on the site of the original 17^th century stairway that linked Upper with Lower Towns. Today shops and cafés can be found at various levels of the staircase..