Home again. Remembering San Carlos

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The birding was so fun.  Lots of winter visitors at the Estuary, on

the beach and on the islands off shore.

We hiked one morning in Nacapuli Canyon outside of town.

A Blue Footed Boobie--found here and in the Galapogas Islands

We took a boat ride to see some sea birds and these two dolphins were

playing with us.  Stayed right with the bow of the boat.

Nice drive back north toward home until. . .we got close to border crossing and then it took forever.  The line up went on for miles.  Nothing to do but inch forward for 3 hours!! Worst I have ever seen it. Holiday travelers? Who knows.  Very annoying 

Full day

The same cold front that went thru Arizona made its way down here.  Luckily the wind died down from yesterday and the sun did shine, so this mornings nature boat ride was enjoyable.  We saw Blue Footed Boobies, a Blue Heron rookery, among others.  And bottle nosed dolphins that love to play with the boats much to our delight.

That rock is full of Pelicans, Boobies, cormorants,  and seagulls. But all you can see in the photo is thier bird wash!

In the afternoon we drove to Empalme where we heard there was a Sunday market.  It was a huge flea market, vegetable market, swap meet, everything under the sun for sale. 

Stopped at the Estuary on the way back to check out the migratory shore bird population.

Tons of birds.  Really good birding this time of year.

And then some more fish tacos!! 

Food

If nothing else, we have been eating well. Christmas dinner at "Sunsets"  a beach restaurant with a sand floor and an upscale menu. Owner greeted each Christmas customer and saw to everyone's needs personally. My fillet was the best ever.  Turned cloudy so no sunset at Sunset's but wonderful dinner.

Seafood bisque on a bed of coals!?!?

Desert. Cream canola and a small cup of eggnog laced with (a lot of) amaretto.  Yum

Christmas at San Carlos

Ceviche at a beach restaurant as the sun sets

Low tide as the sun slips behind Tetakawi 

Christmas Eve boat parade from Charley's Rock

Birding and a picnic lunch

Christmas morning. Will is cooking breakfast.

San Carlos

Just arrived in San Carlos, Sonora in Mexico. We're here for the Christmas weekend.  Left Tucson  before 6am and crossed the border at the crack of dawn.   Checked into our condo at noon.  Its small, just right for the two of us and overlooks the marina and a lovely view of Tetakawa, the iconic mountain just at the edge of town. 

Warm, partly cloudy, calm winds. Very nice. Sitting on our deck watching two big pelicans cavorting in the water in front of us.

Desert Museum

Perfect thing to do on a perfect Arizona afternoon. We spent it out in the desert at the Desert Museum just enjoying the day and, walking the trails, lunch at the cafeteria, did the bird show which is always a highlight.  We had planted ourselves right next to one of the handlers and got a good closeup of Harris Hawks on thier flight demonstration.  There is a new exhibit about vultures that just opened yesterday. 

Kiln fire

First kiln fire in weeks and weeks. A couple of new glazes that turned out  pretty well.

Wednesday morning

Wednesday morning pottery class Christmas party. Fun group

Newest project.

Will whipped a few of these plant hangers out from glass scraps. They turned out great.  We first saw them at the 4th Ave Street Fair last weekend.  One of those. . .huh, I could do that. . .moments. Will did the soldering of the glass, I attached the chain, added resin and artifical plant, and hung the beads off the bottom.

Fruit cake

I know it's Christmas because my fruit cake showed up at my door. I look forward to getting one delivered every year. . .thanks Doug and Tammy.  Looks like I will have it all to myself as no family coming this Christmas.  Ok, Will gets a piece.
    

Home again in Tucson

Hated leaving these two little girls.  They are both active movers and shakers.  Hard getting a picture where they are both sitting still.

Did come back to warm, sunny temps. . .and clear air!  Definately feels good to be home.

Fall color into winter. .Shanghai style

We found a few Japanese maples for fall red 

The ginko leaves stay green up until they drop off.  The minute they turn yellow they drop off.

The sycamore trees that line the boulevards just dry up and turn brown. Keeps the ever present street cleaners busy. They are out there every day picking up trash and keeping sidewalks clear. Government employees.

Winter decorations.