It’s soup! Not quite siete mares yet, but the humidity has arrived. July in Rocky Point is still quite nice with our temps running 10 to 15+° cooler than the Phoenix or Tucson areas. And…we have the Sea of Cortez! If you’re new to Peñasco, you’ll find that you’ll be using a lot more sunscreen and a lot less lotion. Rocky Point summers not only bring humidity, but also jellyfish and stingrays. Well, the stingrays are here all year long, but as the water warms, they get more active and come closer to the shoreline to mate and feed. You’re more likely to step on one during the summer if you don’t do the “Stingray Shuffle”. You can do a search on our website at www.rptimes.com for articles about this, but in short, shuffle your feet when you walk in the sea instead of walking “normally”. The stingrays bury themselves in the sand, so if you’re shuffling the sand as you walk, you’ll scoot them away, whereas if you’re walking about normally, you’ll step on their back, and the stinger will come up and nail you. Not a fun experience, but don’t panic, every resort can handle ocean stings, and our Cruz Roja (Red Cross) are experts. You can’t always tell if jellyfish are present until you’re out swimming or on your paddleboard, but a good clue is to look along the tideline as you walk the beach. If you see one, you’ll know to be on the lookout. Luckily, they don’t hang around long and usually aren’t thick, so you can still enjoy all ocean activities. If you don’t fall off your paddleboard, then no worries at all 😊
To those of you who escape to cooler climes, consider donating items you don’t need or will be replacing when you clean out your pantry and closets. There are lots of organizations in Rocky Point that will be happy to receive your donations. You are always welcome to drop them off at our offices, and we can always find a home for anything from canned food to your old T-shirts and bedding.
A few things to be aware of if you bring your pet down…heat exhaustion/stroke, noise, stray dogs, and paperwork. Even though it’s cooler here, and they’re likely frolicking in the ocean, they can still develop life-threatening heat-related issues. Dr. Erick of El Gallo Veterinary Clinic told us that he knows of at least 100 local and visiting dogs that died of heat-related issues last year, so know the signs, take care of your pets, and take it easy. Also, be aware that our street dogs tend to be aggressive toward other dogs if you’re out walking. Walking your dog along Sandy Beach is always a safe bet – and a great spot. You do need to clean up after your dogs, and they must be leashed. Rocky Point has lots of strange noises, including loud fireworks, which can make your well-behaved/trained dog bolt from your home, condo, or trailer. The paperwork required to bring your pet(s) to/from Mexico is listed in our Information Pages. We always let you know what is required by law when you enter Mexico and when you enter the United States, and we leave the big decisions up to you. You may get asked for documentation, you may not – you decide what risk you’re willing to take. One we have yet to add is the (fairly) new screwworm paperwork. To re-enter the U.S., you are now required to have a Screwworm-Freedom Certificate, which states that your pet has been examined and is free of the parasite. It is a federal permit and must be issued by a veterinarian certified by SENASICA, such as our own Dr. Leon of Servicios Medicos Veterinarios. They are happy to help you should you want this certificate, and you can see their ad in every edition.
Anita Kaltenbaugh’s article is a must-read this month (and every month, of course). She is working on a keepsake book celebrating a century by the sea – Puerto Peñasco’s 100th birthday and is looking for old photos, memories, and tales! It would be great if you could share so we can all read about this city we love.
A few odds and ends…Repairs have started on Hwy 2 – the San Luis to Sonoyta leg. Repairs are coming on Hwy. 8 – Sonoyta to Puerto Peñasco, and dates should be announced soon. Very much looking forward to those repairs! And, beginning July 14th, you will need a prescription for some additional scheduled/controlled substance drugs that could previously be purchased over the counter in Mexico. You can ask the pharmacy or your local doctor. Wrecked at the Reef on Sandy Beach has changed hands and is back to being The Reef, which was its name years and years ago. Lots of great photos, stories, and memories from The Reef from back in the day! Be sure to stay cool this summer with a mini-split a/c unit from Muebles Coloniales – they have a large variety of sizes and models. I have two (with a/c and heat combo) in my house, and I love them! Please remember that water in Peñasco is a precious resource, so please try to conserve where you can so we can make sure everyone gets water this summer. If you get too warm, take a break and catch the World Cup games at a local cantina and have a super fantastic July. See you at the beach!
