March 10, 2018 Maurata to Playa de Pascuales, Mexico

We were up early enough to watch the sunrise over our little bay at Maurata and see the sailboat taking off. We walked the beach looking for any signs of turtles, but saw none. There were some shore birds we hadn’t seen before in the shallow waters of a small river that spills into the bay. The fishermen were all getting ready for their day, as well.We said goodbye to our little camp spot and headed up the road stopping at a few pullouts and beach turnoffs to look at the shore. We turned down one road at Colola and were surprised to see the big sign marking the town/beach area. It was so tiny – maybe 20 houses!At the next pullout, high above the beach, was another sign marking the area of Aquila. There were several cars stopping there with families taking pictures by the sign!We continued down the road and encountered a carnival moving their rides and equipment heading south. I have to be honest, I am not sad they are going in the opposite direction! Too much noise with the carnivals!!We passed miles of banana fields and thought it was interesting that they bag the bananas as they are growing. Bagging protects the fruit against damage caused by insects and other animals and was first started in 1956 in Guatemala. The practice helps increase yield and improve fruit quality. When we reached Tecoman, we headed out to the beach at this roundabout. Some sort of dancing animals?We stayed at this same spot six years ago at Playa de Pascuales. Because it is a weekend, there will be more activity on the beach. We are at the dead-end of the road, next to the beach. We asked the police if we could park here and they said yes, it is very “tranquilo y seguro” (tranquil and safe).We walked the beach for a long distance. The sand is almost black, so it is hot and required flip-flops to get to the cooler, wet sand! Most of the wet sand is on quite a slope so we got a good workout!Many of the restaurants along the beach have small pools – not much bigger than backyard wading pools, but big enough to keep kids entertained!After dinner at the restaurant next to us, we walked out to watch the fishermen and the sunset. We got more than we bargained for. There were a couple 4-wheelers and a motorcycle crossing the water where a river comes out to the ocean. The first quad went through, timing his crossing between the surf coming in.Next the motorcycle was giving it a try. He got out partway and the waves started coming in stronger and stronger. The first man across on the quad stood on the shore telling him when to go and he finally made it through! Then came the final quad and they all raced across the sand. I was sure they would get sucked up in the waves!The sun set and the beach is still busy with lots of families and friends building fires and hanging out. We can hear the music from a couple of the restaurants and know that it is definitely Saturday night in Mexico!