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El Fuerte: Alfonso delivers
a refreshing margarita |
Our boat secured at Marina Palmira in the bay of Topolobampo, we began exploring the quaint town of Topo with its meandering malecon (which by the way, translates to pier) lined with Paseos de Lancha, tour boats ready to take groups out to visit the islands and surrounding quiet little bays. There's a famous local dolphin that draws tourists for the hope of a glimpse. The hillsides are full of homes and businesses colorfully painted.
Chickens of all sizes, shapes, colors and ages seem to rule this quiet little town. They are everywhere - underfoot as we walked the malecon, up in the hills, along the sidewalks and roads, in and out along the shops and restaurants. As you can imagine, the morning cacophony is quite remarkable. Never saw a chicken for sale at the butcher shop so I think they are 'top dog' here - although there are plenty of dogs wandering the streets as well, chickens seem to 'rule the roost'.
The bus ride from Topolobampo to Los Mochis is about 30 minutes along rich farmland. Los Mochis has a colorful history, too; it's a very busy and industrial city with a large mercado and plenty of agricultural business. Locals were helpful as always. We also enjoy wandering around there, with plenty of walking and exploring. From there, we caught the next bus to El Fuerte, about an hour twenty inland.
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El Fuerte: Cultural mural right outside our hotel.
A worker was touching up the paint one day.
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We spent 4 days in El Fuerte. After our first night in the hostel, we upgraded to a nicer hotel. Note to self: when searching for lodging, don't take the least expensive option. It was adequate but the entire street was under construction so that didn't add to the experience. It had rained so a muddy mess. We bumped it up a notch to a much nicer hotel, right in the town center.
Now we are underway to La Paz so I'll sign off for now. It's a long journey out between the buoys, but the water is getting rougher so time to close up shop.
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This mural tells the story of the Conquistadores
and their interactions with the local Indians |
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| Mike, the BBQ king, at sunset at Marina Palmira |
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A muddy mess
after the rains |
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Check out the light
fixture in our room |
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| Hotel El Fuerte - a fabulous upgrade, right in town |
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| 3 guys were busy painting the lobby, working daily |
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| Moon rise in the town |
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Rio Fuerte - swiftly moving as the dam released
water for irrigation in the agricultural state of
Sinaloa; we did a bird watching and petroglyph tour |
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| View from the old castle in El Fuerte - + a great museum |
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| The birthplace of Zorro! |
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Colorful artwork,
furniture, flowers everywhere
in our hotel |
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| At the Botanical Gardens in Los Mochis |
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| Happy Hour |
