We rang in the New Year much the way we said goodbye to the old, chillin’ in Sayulita—barefoot and pants free.
Part of being a good parent is letting your kids make their own mistakes. Who am I to say he’s going to regret these tattoos when he gets older?
My dad and his wife, Kathy, are in town for the week. We don’t spend nearly enough time together since I took off traveling all those years ago—so it’s great to have them here.
Ouest has been trying out some new boards lately. Here she is shredding a five-ten, and drawing applause along the way.
Quick little birthday celebration. Can’t believe I’m sixty-two already.
Trying out another board. The surf shop guys tried and tried to talk her out of a hard board and keep her on the soft tops. She wasn’t having it.
He just threw a television over the railing. Full-on rockstar.
Sayulita traffic jam.
We went on a booze cruise out to the Marieta Islands today. I have to say, I was really expecting this to be a horrible experience. After all, I’m a world traveler, not a gringo schmuck that enjoys being talked down to and made to look the fool by sarcastic Mexicans. That’s how I think of this sort of thing in my mind while I’m saying, “Sure, let’s do that.”
Reality was far different. The boat was great. The drinks flowed freely with amazing service, but without any beer bongs or drink, drink, drink, chanting. The food was good (Ouest ate three plates of ceviche). Christ, I couldn’t find anything to get on my high horse about.
One of those experiences that you could never have in the U.S. And probably with good reason.
“Okay, so we’re going to swim through this cave and every minute or so a set of waves will come through that will smash you against the ceiling if you aren’t fast enough.”
Actually, they never even said that. There was zero warning about what we were getting ourselves into when we donned life jackets by tying them around our waists. Apparently they gave Ali sort of a queer look when they asked her if both kids were going.
Umm, yes?
Nothing like risking your kids’ lives so they can have the experience of…
…this?
So yeah, the Marieta Islands part of the boat trip was the least enjoyable part of the Marieta Islands boat trip. Everything else was good fun.
If I ever have to set up a LinkedIn account, I’m going to use this as my profile picture.
21 Comments on “Family Fun”
I love how Lowe is checking out what’s in your dad’s wife’s drink! Oh, and those kids are fearless.
Dude.. you almost lost your toupe… heh… double sided tape….:) Great post just shitting you.
Awesome profile photo when you need it! I cannot believe you are 62! Wow I was impressed with Ali and now you. I’d say that your gypsy lifestyle is great for keeping you young. Envious? Heck yes! You guys rock and while I live vicariously through your adventures it does inspire me to do what “pseudo-adventures” I can in my own life. Thanks!
He’s just messing with you, Linda. I believe he’s closer to 42 than 62!
Yes he is. See the tcox comment below.
Happy Birthday Pat (at any age you want it to be.)
Linda
I’ve learned a lot from your travels and from my daughter who worked in the tourist industry (charter sailing and day sail cruising.) The two of you together could write an awesome book, How Not To Act Like a Tourist When on Vacation.
Heck no she doesn’t need a soft top! She’s got this! Little shredder. Just keep stepping down her boards until you have her on a shortie groveler around 5’0 to 5″2. It will blow your mind how fast she will transition.
I love following your adventures in Sayulita. I actually have a couple of friends that live there now and they love the area! My husband and I house sat for them a couple times when they lived in Antigua, Guatemala and one day, we will make it over there to visit! Anyway… Happy Birthday!! Your pictures never fail at being amazing and the slide pictures from your booze cruise are definitely keepers. I am really impressed with Ouest’s surfing as well… she is much braver than I am, being that I am partially afraid of the ocean! Eek! Hope you enjoy your next campground and town.. safe travels 🙂
We never did get out to those islands down there… pretty good at avoiding those kind of touristy things. But that did look like some fun. 🙂 Those pictures gave me the hankering for heading down to Mexico again. Happy Birthday Pat!
TYPO!! There’s no way you’re 62! Your profile picture reminds me of Alice Cooper. Your wife and kids are awesome. Your life is awesome…
Cheers, Peter and Shelagh.
Let’s see … (2016 – 1/4/74 + 2 kids) * sqrt(-1) = 62 years old !!! … yep, I get it!
62!!! Wow Pat, you don’t look a day over 52. Ha Ha Ha.
Dude. I’ve reading your blog for years. This may be favorite ever. Loved the fun and the shock of no “high horse.” Personally, I think you’re just losing your edge.
When I grow up I want to be Ouest.
Ouest, your pirate drawing looks awesome! I bet you are drawing all kinds of things from that book. Make sure you mail me one of the drawings for me to hang on the wall.
Probably one of your best posts, Pat. Love the pictures of the cruise. Too bad your kids are so nervous around the water!!!! Thanks for sharing and Happy (ahem……. “62nd”) Birthday!!
Hahaha. 62!!! Looks more like 82!
Wow, happy B’Day.
Glad you are enjoying life down in the sun. When does the fair start, I think it’s January right?
Great photos as usual! In the first one of Ouest and Lowe in the pool, what is that in the sky? Is it a bird, is it a plane, is it……………….?
Mariposa!
Feliz compleanos, old man!! You’re going to need a new rack on top of the bus for Ouest’s quiver!! 😀