I’d like to tell you that the old gringo is hunkered down at the beach writing this column, and suffering the heat and humidity that is August in Puerto Peñasco, but…NOT! You’re reading this in August, and I’m getting ready to pack up and head to the cool pines of Strawberry, Arizona at 6,500 feet above sea level to enjoy the cool mornings and evenings, visit old friends and, generally, relaxing until October when I’ll return to beach and beautiful Peñasco.

It’s no secret that the heat and humidity bothers us old timers. At least it does me and many of my friends who are…er, old timers. Swim-up bars and air-conditioned hotel rooms are not what we remember, or plan on availing ourselves of. Many of my beach neighbors have already retreated to cooler climes, patiently enduring the few months away from this little corner of paradise that we call home for much of the year.

We have a new bowling alley here and it’s a “first” for Peñasco. Situated on Calle Campeche a bit north of Calle Mariano Matamoros (near Manny’s), I’ve heard they have a ‘cigar’ room. I plan on checking it out, but it will be after the deadline, so I won’t be writing about it this month…but stay tuned. In any case, if you’re looking for something to do, why not try ‘kegling’ which is what they used to call bowling back in olden days?

A fellow columnist (Cap’n Greg), who has written for the magazine for many years, posted a piece about the many referrals for places to eat, shop, entertain, etc. that he has given out over the years and the various responses and reviews he has gleaned. (Hint: not all are favorable). I have to agree with his assessment. To paraphrase Honest Abe Lincoln- “you can please some of the people some of the time…etc., etc.”

At any rate, those of us who live here, and have lived here, for many years are used to people asking for referrals on where to eat, shop, etc. and we are used to the various responses from “I loved it!” to “I didn’t think it was so great.” It’s what makes the world go ‘round. Differences in opinion, likes and dislikes, tastes and all that.

My editor, Lannette, has a great insight into the Puerto Peñasco vibe and her editorials are spot on. She’s always on the cutting edge of new and exciting things going on in our little corner of the world, as well as travels outside of town to other fun places in Mexico.

We run the gamut from exciting adventures to tranquil relaxation here in Peñasco, and always have. Watching the sunrise (for you early birds) or sunsets is an exhilarating experience no matter how many times you see them. Of course, the heat and humidity of August and September make those moments (sunrise, sunset) the only real time that you can truly enjoy those things until the fall.

As you can tell…I HATE humidity! High temperatures are bearable, especially with the sea breeze. That and having worked in the pipe trades for 40 years in the greater Phoenix area have inured me to those 115-degree days…but humidity? Well, let’s just say if I had to choose a torture to endure, it would be high temps AND humidity!

That being said, if you’re reading this in August, and you’re in town, you obviously don’t find it too uncomfortable. More power to you. In times past, many places in town would close for the month of August. Fewer and fewer do today because of the tourist traffic. More is the pity. The slower pace that was the ‘old’ Peñasco has morphed into the semi-hustle/bustle of the tourist mecca we have become.

One thing that tourism has done for us recently is the push to get our roads repaired in a timely manner. If you are new to town, you probably think that the roads are in awful condition…and they are, but compared to how bad they are usually, they could be an ‘autobahn’.

I don’t know why the powers that b in Sonora don’t take a greater interest in keeping the roadways in good repair, but they don’t. If you travel in any other Mexican states, the difference is noticeable. Anyway, thanks to tourism and the need to keep the ‘gringos’ coming here, some of the local businesspeople have stepped up and effected repairs to the main roads around town. The owners of Esmerelda Resort recently had the potholes on Highway 8 (from Sonoita to Peñasco) repaired on their dime. A huge “THANK YOU” and an ‘attaboy’ are in order for them. Stop in at Diego’s Tiki Bar on Sandy beach and hoist a glass in their honor!

In the meantime, swim up to that pool bar and have a frosty Margarita! Enjoy Peñasco!