Feb 4 - Last day in Cuidad Constitucion

Yesterday we sat back and rested up while everyone else tried out the side trips. That way we could listen to their accounts and decide which direction to head today on our own adventure outing. The choice was for the better road and shorter drive to San Carlos.

We started the day with a cup of coffee and put our appetites on reserve with hopes of a good restaurant meal in San Carlos. Our drive down Hwy 22 was comfortable due to few cars on the highway and lots of bland but interesting scenery to occupy our time. I love the cacti and birds.

We have been impressed by the focus of the Mexican people on their children. Last night most of the parents had accompanied their young ones to the Folklorico performance put on for us here at the park. Today was no different. As we passed the soccer field, there was a swarm of cars as evidence to the parents gathered to cheer on their young athletes. These fine people obviously put great value on their investment into the next generation.

San Carlos reportedly has a population of just 4500, however the activity on this Saturday made it feel like more. As we explored the rambling, sand side streets and “thoroughfares”, viewing their humble but happy lifestyle. We arrived at the rustic recommended Los Arcos restaurant, but Gary’s stomach “chickened out” and we opted for a visit to the local Mini-Mercado for some packaged snacks as an alternative.

As we sat in our car we discovered there was a group of local workers pouring concrete for a patio and gazebo in the town square across from us. Some people have trouble finding interest in watching concrete being poured but when you have personally poured many, many yards of it over the years; it is so much fun to watch someone else sweat over it. The back breaking task of hand mixing like we did 30 years ago is still standard here. When I approached with my camera, they had fun giving me smiling poses for my shots. They were having fun. These workers appeared to be volunteer laborers spending their day off establishing something attractive and positive for their community.

We watched with interest as a mother with three daughters rode bicycle…one bicycle. All were dressed in identical pink sweats and one daughter (about 6) stood on foot pegs mounted on the hub of the back wheel. Another daughter (about 4) first tried to sit side saddle on the cross bar of the bike but soon slipped off and ended up hiking up the crotch of her sweat pants so she could stand on foot pegs mounted on the hub of the front wheel. Another daughter (about 9) stood with hands on her hips, disappointed that she was missing out on the fun. It was a heartwarming sight and said a lot for families doing things together for little expense.

After their bike ride, I approached the girls as they sat on a street corner. I complimented them on their pink outfits and was rewarded with beaming smiles. Soon I returned to the car for three beanie babies to present to them as gifts. They graciously accepted but soon I had a crowd of little ones waiting for me to exit a small local store with hopes that more gifts would appear.

For us personally, it was a rewarding day of people watching, including another delicious fish feed and pot luck dinner with our fellow traveling companions and a briefing on the 4 year history of the RV park by the English born owner.