We decided that we really had to do a bit of exploring in this area, particularly knowing that a short distance away, and a very decent hike …. are petroglyphs over 2000 years old.

Heading towards Alta Vista we set off on a 3 km hike into the jungle.  This area is unbelievably lush, and once you get off the beach I think the vines would threaten to cover everything if left unattended.  I truly expected Mowgli to come along, swinging from the tree tops on those long vines.  Vivian was more than a little nervous …. a few squeaks out of her as she claimed that she was WAY out of her comfort zone.  I think she was afraid that it would be Ka she saw, not Mowgli.

We were very happy that it was a bit overcast today, and we were  thankful to be in the jungle for enough of it that we weren’t collapsing with the heat.  (just the humidity)

The trail led us through citrus groves and guava orchards – incredibly beautiful.

The most colourful butterflies kept us company along the way.

Love the way this little guy blends in with the flowers.

Orange trees everywhere.

We did try one that LOOKED ripe …. it most definitely was not.

More than a few cows wondered where we were going …

It was 3 km in for this hike, and so lush in that jungle setting.

These “strangler” trees wrap their way around other trees until they have virtually taken over!

Some of the petroglyphs were moss covered, others very easy to visualize.

So many spots in Mexico contain areas like this – something created by the human hand thousands of years ago – still here for us to view.

Hot, tired and happy – perfect photo opportunity.

It was quite a strange feeling in this area, where people lived and worked thousands of years ago, and it still contains a bit of that mystical feeling.  This is certainly one of those moments that stays in the memory bank.

We really had to wonder if an earthquake sometime in the past scattered all these boulders.

This area is well known for pineapples, bananas, and salt production …. the sea salt definitely has the taste of the ocean, unlike sea salt we have purchased in the stores at home.

Just as critical as salt …. sweet!!  Mexicans love their sweet treats and they are in abundance everywhere.

Sweets galore, mostly made of coconut or tamarind.

Bags of sea salt for sale.

I forgot … limes also!  They are growing everywhere.

Far off in those hills they also have coffee plantations.  We bought some today that was roasted last night!

Fresh pineapple here never seems as acidic as it is at home.

If you haven’t had fresh ceviche at a beach, or beach town … what are you waiting for?

We’ve certainly had a few adventures trying to find beaches  ….. signs stating that a beach is ahead, however we come to a locked gate or such a big puddle we can’t progress any farther.

I think we we would all agree that Chacala is a wonderful destination for a relaxing beach holiday.  If you do happen to see a beach vendor, go ahead and buy those peanuts – they are amazing!

This is a very small village, our casa is right beside the kindergarten – naturally a family lives there also.

These kids are probably 6 and 4 – they have been busy folding their own laundry off those clotheslines!

After tonight it is time for us once again to say:

Hasta la vista la playa (see ya later beach) and head back to a cold winter at home …. until January!