We’re at 30,000 feet and I’m already losing my tan .... Donna and the ladies left this morning, before us. We said our goodbyes at the Villa, and wished them all safe travels and a Happy New Year. After the ladies’ departure, Angel and I returned to our suite, where we called the bell desk for bag storage, and then headed down to the grill for our last margarita and lunch. At the grill we said goodbye to our loyal servers Jesus, Carlos, and Chris. With full stomachs, and a tequila buzz, we boarded the air conditioned bus for the 45 minute ride to the airport. We arrived at the airport about two hours before departure. Check-in was a nonevent, and the plane arrived and left on schedule..
Since I have a little time to kill right now, I’ll revisit our tour to the Tequila Ranch and Hacienda Las Moras … After leaving the village of La Noria, Marco drove us back toward Mazatlan, and to a slightly lower elevation, where we entered through the gate of the Tequila Ranch. The ranch is easy to identify as it is fronted on the highway by a live cactus fence. The primary crop for the “ranch” is blue agave. Marco told us that a mature blue agave plant is about seven years old. The agave “ranchers” harvest the “heart” of the plant when it becomes mature. This portion of the plant kind of resembles a monster pineapple. The leaves of the blue agave are discarded. The heart is processed and then the pulpy liquid is fermented for up to 11 months in a series of large wooden barrels until ready for consumption. The result is a high quality, smooth tasting, “Reposado” grade tequila. Now, we couldn’t leave the “ranch” without tasting a bit of the stuff. Marco had a simple and tasty margarita recipe that he shared with us; Reposado tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice, and grapefruit soda … salt around the rim … that’s it! We each downed two drinks. Susan and I also had a “traditional” shot with a little lime and salt. The ladies bought a few “bottles to go”, and then Susan posed for a photo under a beautiful 200 year old tree, before we boarded the van. We were feeling no pain as we rolled down the road to Rancho Hacienda Las Moras.
Las Moras is a mile or so off of the highway, and accessed by a bumpy, dusty, dirt road. You should drive slowly if you value the underparts on your vehicle. Las Moras sits in a small valley. You first view it from a scenic overlook, and then from a small white chapel that sits on top of a hill before you head down to the hacienda. I believe the posted photos show this detail.
The ranch has several “cabins” that rent for about $280 US per night. This price includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Las Moras is also a working ranch … horses, cattle, chickens, turkeys, goats, and sheep … maybe more. It’s fun to walk around the grounds and view it all. We passed through the main house and interior sitting area, then wandered around the pool, restaurant, and bar, before seating ourselves at a table. We were still full from La Noria and Tequila Ranch machaca, tortillas, and drink; but politely ordered a bowl of guacamole, some chips, fresh salsa, and cervesas.
We left Las Moras about 4:30 and were back at Emerald bay at 5:00. The ladies had plans to attend the Mexican Fiesta at the Playa Hotel. Angel and I had a “date” with some coconut shrimp at Playa Bruja. It had been a wonderful day. Now we would have an equally nice evening.
No comments:
Post a Comment