Hangin' at the House

Here at Playa San Diego it is a very warm sunny day with a nice afternoon breeze.  I walked down to the ocean's edge before noon.  Not thinking I neglected to wear my beach shoes. It was a quick dash down and a quick dash back when I got to the dry HOT sand.

It has been a quite day here with no beach merchants and no one else visible for miles on the shore.

Time in the pool has been very enjoyable.  The temperature under the patio shade tree is warm but not hot. 

It seems like the breeze has kept the waves down, but the surf is constant and calming to us. 

Friday, leaving day, is quickly encroaching upon us with mixed feelings.  We would just as soon stay, but jobs and family await as does a new hip for my wife. As said by General MacArthur " I will be back". And we will, with any luck.

For more information on this wonderful property, please visit:

http://www.vrbo.com/425359

Travel Safe, Travel Often.

 

A typical breakfast fixed by Jackie and her staff. 

El Tunco

We ventured over to El Tunco today. El Tunco is basically a surf destination with several restaurants and souvenir shops.

As with many of the smaller beachfront towns here,  space is very valuable. Parking is at a premium if you are not staying at one of the hostels or hotels.

The shops are full of trinkets,  bathing attire,  and sandals.  Prices are negotiable.  If you are "el gordo" like myself you probably won't find a tee-shirt to fit.

As I have said before, most of my pics of town are on my camera so they may show up here in a week or so.

I did not see the remarkable surf when we were here that we did at El Zonte. It is probably there, just not when we were.

I compare what I have so far seen to west coast Mexico around Manzanillo, 30 years ago. Manzanillo at that time did have several large resorts, however. The beach area is grossly un-commercial,  and still laden with locals living within sight or at least hearing distance of the shore.

Watch in February for our El Salvador trip web site. Sponsors are showing great interest all ready.

Travel Safe, Travel Often.

What I notice at Playa San Siego

As one of us has bitten into the Montezuma Revenge pill, the day has been spent at Casa Cajun.

Families came to the beach mid morning and left before noon. Now at 3 pm, they seem to be back in force.  Fewer people are working on Sunday which for the most part is dedicated to church and family time. Don't we wish more of that happened at home?

There are horses all over the beach for rides, music abounds,  and kites are flying.  Horse rides can range from less than a dollar to over twenty dollars, depending on the color of your eyes. Locals pay  a lot less and have a lot less.

We found out that there was a dolphin stranding Wednesday.  Fishermen tried to turn it back to the sea unsuccessfully.  A sling was fashioned and a government agency took the mammal for care.  Word is that the dolphin will recover and be able to be released back into the sea at some point.

Vendors were a bit more prevalent on the beach side of the house today. One person with a horse stopped and asked if he could drink from the spigot outside the fence. No problem. 

There is a good breeze here this afternoon which actually keeps the waves down somewhat.  There is still surf, but the wave action is less than most days.

You do not hear shouting and arguing with all the people out front. Everyone seems to be getting along, knowing it's back to work tomorrow. We still have four days to enjoy this country.  I am sure we will venture out tomorrow to see more of El Salvador.

Travel Safe, Travel Often. 

Esencia Nativa

Esencia Nativa is a surf hostel in El Zonte. Just off highway 2. It is very unassuming until after you enter the gates.

We found people of all ages there. Some reading books, some making new friends, and others surfing the last waves of the day.

The hostel is nestled in a small beach community of families who have lived there for generations.

Alex has taught numerous locals the are of surfing and how to teach it. It has become their passion as well as their livelihood. We watched surfers out on the big waves and tykes near shore with boogie boards riding the remnants of the big ones.

Alex told us how he had extended his surf teaching to down syndrome victims. He is very proud of being able to accommodate these challenged people. When Esencia was last remodeled care was taken to make most parts of the comples handicap accessible.

This is not a one time destination. Those who come here make friends quickly and return as a.group. the commeradery is uncanny. 

We had a beer and a pizza while we were there. The beer was frosty cold and the thin crust pizza was absolutely delicious.

If you are a surfer or want to be a surfer Esencia Nativa is the place to go without draining your bank account.  Tell Alex Roberto and Roxanna said Hola if you go.

Again, the better pics are on my camera and we will edit this page in a week or so.

Playa Dorada

Yesterday we drove to Casa Tortuga.  Ok I missed the turn. To me the road to the beach  looked a little rough. I guess I was expecting four lanes of black top.

When we got there we were greeted at the gate and given a complete tour by the caretakers. They then sat us at a magnificent wooden table and served us red snapper, rice, and fresh cucumbers and tomatoes.  DELICIOUS.

The property only looked similar to the photos I had seen at Elsalvadorbeachrentals.com. Everything was better.  There were virtually no " duct tape" type repairs and everything was sparkling clean.

We couldn't resist the sun drenched huge swimming pool.  In we went. Chilly but comfortable.  We were later told by the property manager that because they are having a cold front come through weekly on average that this cooled swimming pools quickly.

We used a bedroom as a changing room and again clean and comfortable with lots of storage space for clothes and travel items. Impressive.

The beach is long, sparsely utilized and beautiful. There are fishermen just down the beach and for swimmers the surf could be a bit intimidating without a board. Most of the beaches we have seen in El Salvador are more for wading or playing in the surf. Surfboarding opportunities are seemingly everywhere in El Salvador. 

We did have a visit from Alex Naboa from Esencia Nativa. He was informative and a joy to visit with. More on Esencia later.

There were five tunnels to go through going to and returning from Playa Dorada. They were very dark, unlit, and the walls were the rock they were cut through.  On our return there were people walking along the roadside and a few within the tunnels.  One guy was carrying a goat that we presumed was roadkill. He probably was a hero when he got home.

Casa Tortuga is a wonderful property. Pictures here are ok but there will be more from my camera in a week or so.

Casa Tortuga

Today we spent most of the day at Casa Tortuga.  As it has been a rather long day,  I will just say this about C.T. Pictured don't do it justice.  I will post more info and pics tomorrow.

Friday

Sitting on the patio at Casa Cajun this morning it is relatively cool 73 degrees.

As I watch the waves break in the ocean out front I see the pelicans following the crest of the breakers. To me it appears they are playing the waves. To them, I presume, they are looking for small fish jumping out of the fury of the crashing water.

Breakfast will be served soon, and then on the road to Casa Tortuga for the day. With decent roads the trip there should take no longer than an hour. With five tunnels to go through and many large trucks on the road the trip could take longer, however. If it happens the highlight of our visit will be a turtle release into the mighty Pacific.

More details tonight when we return to our base at playa san diego, El Salvador.

Travel Safe, Travel Often.