SOUTHERN EXPOSURE

Took another driving daytrip yesterday, along the south shore road this time. Same curiosity of a rental car as last time ---- a Hyundai (Korean brand) Dodge (Chrysler USA brand). Typical beauty spots and scenic lookouts along the way. Every cove with a river flowing down from the mountains has evolved into a fishing settlement or beach-shack spot or both. Exotic names --- Yalapa, Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlan, etc.

Then the jungle road climbs to 2000 feet altitude  to the lost-in-time village of El Tuito. Much cooler, quieter,  more authentic Mexican activity. An old guy rests next to the Revolutionary War hero's statue. The town's bandstand awaits the Saturday night miriachi brass. The rocky roads are brutally potholed, sharp-edged, and unchanged since ---- the Revolution?? Send donations for brake jobs, suspension parts, and tires!

A backroad on the return temporarily turns into smooth pavement --- must be the home of a local politician or druglord? But The Gardener in the passenger seat says the steep shoulders are dry soil almost totally lacking in nutrients. No lush farms here. Back in PV before sunset, we pass a familiar gringo marina area where the boats are bigger than above but Mexico is nowhere in sight. Fishing outboard or cruiser ---- which size floats your boat??