Bob and I began our day, yesterday, with the usual walk beginning at 6:00. Bob slept on the lounge, on the patio. He said it was comfortable and he had a restful sleep. The night temperature has probably no lower than 60 degrees, and the sound of the waves hitting the beach lulled him to sleep.

The Emerald Bay Junior Suite has two full-sized beds, a kitchenette with refrigerator, a cook-top, a nice bathroom with tub and shower, a dining table with four chairs, and a large patio, with two well-padded adjustable loungers. The Jr. is very comfortable for a couple, or two singles. A third person makes it interesting, but workable. The lounge chairs on the patio, work as well, or better than, a futon or rollaway. If you have a family with children, you may want a Master Suite. The Master, which is slightly larger, has a separate bedroom with two beds adjacent to the kitchenette and living room. The living room has a sofa that can be used as a sleeper. If you are traveling with a number of people, the Master Suite also has two bathrooms. If money is not an issue, Emerald Bay offers a third option, the Villa. The Villa has three bedrooms, a full-size kitchen and dining area, living room, two bathrooms, patio with loungers and barbecue, private pool, and overlooks a driving range. They are quite spectacular and will set you back a few pesos.

Our day at the beach and pool was uneventful. The three of us are in fully-relaxed mode now. Phil and I spent most of the late morning and afternoon at the beach on loungers under a cabana. Bob worked on pottery, and was social.

At 4:00, Bob and Phil split a double for happy hour. I met them at the shuttle at 5:00. I also ran into my friend, Drew, who Angel and I had met last year. It was good to see him again. Drew and I made quick plans to go dove hunting for a day while we are here. I’ll see if that works out, and will write about the event, if it does. Drew is at EB with his mother, wife, and three beautiful children.

When we arrive at Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan, I hail a pulmonia. I ask the driver, “Cuanto cuesta ir a Pancho’s?” He responds with, “40 pesos, amigo.” and we scramble aboard. Phil and Bob ask where I’m taking them, as the whole action has been swift and they’re not sure what I’m up to.

We enjoy a brief open air ride to the Golden Zone, and Pancho’s Restaurant. I pay the driver and hussle the fellas up the steps and down a long corridor lined with shops selling articles made of silver, pottery art, t-shirts, and Cuban cigars. We approach the hostess at Pancho’s. She questions our number by raising two fingers and saying “two”. I respond with “No, tres, por favor.” Bob, who is captivated by just about anything he sees in new territory, finally catches up, and the hostess seats us at a window table overlooking the beach.

The waiter is with us, lickity split. He introduces himself, and we do the same. We order drinks. He is back, almost immediately with the drinks and menus. After some discussion, Phil and Bob decide on the Mexican plate that runs about 95 pesos. I go for the ribs. They are 129 pesos. Pancho’s has a great menu, that includes seafood, salads, and fabulous desserts.

After taking our order, the waiter quickly returns with fresh chips, salsa, limes, and something very “especial”, marlin stuffed jalapenos. Holy smokin’ bedukka, those things are mmmm…mmmm good! We work our way through the “free” appetizers as we sip our drinks and marvel at the scenery. The vendors work the beach below us, but are not bothersome. A couple of very cute, busty gringo girls, bounce by on rented ponies, with playa cowboys in hot pursuit. Our main course arrives. Bob and Phil are pleased, as am I. Pancho’s serves food of excellent quality and huge portions. We’ve not been disappointed in the past, and it appears little has changed. We enjoy our meal and a fantastic sunset with Deer and Wolf Island as the backdrop. After we finish the main course, our server clears the table and returns with toothpicks and a “free” kalua and cream finisher. I love how this place treats customers. Never rushed, and oh so nice! After another ten minutes, we ask for “la cuenta”. Phil picks up the tab. The whole dinner with drinks included is about $42 US.

I take the boys on a Golden Zone tour by foot. We stroll to the right as we leave Pancho’s. I point out various restaurants, then approaching a high stone wall that parallels our sidewalk, I tell my crew that this is the Hotel Playa. We walk through the gate and into the lobby where I guide Phil and Bob through the premises and to the beach. We are welcomed with a wonderful view along Av. Del Mar to Centro Historico and the El Faro lighthouse. The Playa is an older hotel, that caters mostly to Mexican touristas. However, gringo is spoken there, and you will be welcome. The Playa has a beautiful beachside bar and dining area. The drinks are powerful, and inexpensive. We haven’t sampled the food, so no opinion on that.

We move on from the Playa. I take the fellas toward Av. Gaviotas and our turn toward home. We pass by Tony’s. Angel and I have eaten lunch at Tony’s a couple of times. The marlin tacos are good, and a bucket of ice cold Pacificos on a hot day in the Golden Zone, can be had at a reasonable price. Tony’s starts rocking with loud musica later in the evening. The “younger ones” among us tend to gather here, the ElCid, and Fiestaland, late at night.

Bob has been interested in the Panama Restaurant and Pastrieria since arriving in Mazatlan. He had heard of the place from friends. The Panama is about three blocks from Tony’s, heading toward PB Mazatlan, and along Av. Gaviotas. When we reach the Panama, Bob asks if we would like a pastry for breakfast. Phil and I nod in the affirmative. Bobs enters pastry heaven and through the window we watch him choose three nice pieces for the morning.

We continue walking toward the PB for a few more blocks, then I hail a pulmonia. The boys have had their walk. We arrive back at PB Mazatlan just in time to catch our shuttle to Emerald Bay. Bob picks up the 40 peso tab and we board the bus. Today, we have the luxury shuttle with nice seats and AC that works. It must have been in the shop for a few days before this, as we had been riding in one that was less comfortable.
We finish off the night back at Emerald Bay, with Monday Night Football, in the room, on ESPN. It was a great game, but three of us traded naps throughout!

Bob and I were up and walking at 6:05 this morning. After and hour, we returned to the room, so I could pick up my discount card (10% off at EB on drinks and food), and we strolled down to La Cordeliere for coffee. Phil was still sleeping soundly. Bob and I had a relaxing three cups each. Total cost with tip was 50 pesos, or about $4. About 7:45 we went up to the room and woke up Phil. Barb and Kathy called the room to confirm our plans for the day. Bob and Phil decide to take them up on the “City Tour” they have arranged with their Dr. “friend”. The tour has changed a bit, as I thought it might. The Dr. will be picking them up at 8:30 here at Emerald Bay. All takers will share the cost of the van and buy the Dr lunch. I think it’ll be a good tour, and have encouraged Bob and Phil to go. The total cost of the tour is somewhat “in question”, but you’ll never be “burned” too badly here, so “play the game” and enjoy yourself. Since Angel and I have “been there, done that”, I’m opting to stay put today. I’ll track down Drew and his family, and “catch up”. Hasta luego!