February 22 and 23 2024, Arriving in Puerto Vallarta and Yelapa:
We got into Puerto Vallarta late on Thursday. We found our lodging and ate dinner. I had tacos; one Asada, one Chicharrón, and one Al Pastor. After dinner we did a bar hop that included 2 breweries: Las Muertos had cool tap handles and marketing. The beer was sub par. Both my Wiessbier, and my buddy’s IPA were flawed, having notes of diacetyl. I left half of mine. Monzón Brewing Company was damn good. I had a tasty black lager. We finished the evening on the balcony of my hotel. I was late getting my lodging booked. So, I just took a room available at the same hotel as buddy-Dave. It was more expensive than my cheap ass likes, but it was only for one night. That resulted in an amazing view. My room overlooks the water and the pier. There was a 24 hour grocery below the hotel. So, we had a quart of Pacifico, and a quart of Carona Familiar. The Familiar is my preference being dryer. Pacifico is a bit sweet for my palate.
Yesterday started with a trip to the ATM, however I could not access it. It was being refilled. One man stood in the doorway, with his hand on his holstered Glock. His partner stood next to him with a Submachine gun slung across his chest, and a holstered Glock. These men had stern faces and were very disciplined at watching the crowd. Another man, also armed with both a pistol and a submachine gun did the work of refilling the machine. I spent a lot of time watching them, and trying to identify the sub gun. It had the magazine inside of the pistol grip like an Uzi, and a vertical fore grip. The receiver was made of stamped steel. I gave up, and guessed it was either Italian or Austrian, and not something I was familiar with. With a Google search, I learned it was a Mexican produced firearm called an HM 3. I gave up, on $$ and found a coffee and a muffin. I consumed them on my balcony until my buddy Dave joined me. We got cash, and ready for travel. With dumb luck we got on the 11:00 water taxi (at 11:15) and were on our way to Yelapa. Before the taxi left, they had us all strap up in life vest because the water was going to be rough. Then the man asked who wanted a beer for the ride. I was still dealing with some dehydration from the day before and did not think a beer was a good idea. So, I got a Pacifico and Dave got the Modeló Especial. I was the only person on the boat, who just happened to have a beer kuzzi in his pocket… (fucking amateurs)
The ride to Yelapa was a fucking adventure. I was not sure I liked it, but I definitely was not board. I kept my stomach muscles tight, to help save my back from the bumps. The ride really was not that bad, but I hope it is smooth when we return.
In Yelapa we staked out in a caffe on the water while we made contact with are AirBnB hosts. I had the Madelo Negra. When fresh, this is a damn fine beer. Light bodied, easy to drink, with subtle roasty notes. It took 2 beers to get to our lodging.
By the time we got settled my blood sugar had dropped and I was having trouble operating my brain. Not quite hangry, because it is hard to be angry in a place like this, but I was definitely verklempt. Cell service is challenging here, and I have an awful sense of direction. I couldn’t locate Dave’s place. We were able to regroup by the pier. Then made our way to an open air beach front restaurant. We shared some amazing guacamole. The chips were cut and fried corn tortillas. Very sturdy with just the right amount of salt. I got sirloin tacos, and Dave got the octopus. I am sure my hunger played into my perception. However, this fucking meal was epic! They figured out how to make sirloin taste amazing. I am guessing it was marinated, and the salt was perfect.
We enjoyed some beverages and the view. I really enjoyed the people watching. I am a big fan of the female epidermis, and I observed some amazing ones.
Yelapa is a charming little town. The roads are foot paths just wide enough for an ATV. There are no cars here. The locals make their living from the sea, and the gringo. Most restaurants and bars are open air. There are a few flies, but bugs are not a nuisance.
That is all for now. I just consumed a breakfast burrito and must get on with the adventure.
