My mom was supposed to visit this week, but in a blunder that we are certain could only happen with this family, she thought the trip was for March 14th, not February 14th. We set up her visit, airlines, hotels, and all, so that’s partially to blame for the miscommunication. We waited out at the airport, all excited to see her, and then watched as her flight came through the arrivals gate without her. Only when we got home later, without Grammy, were we able to call her. Ring, Ring.
Grammy: “Hello?”
Us: “Where are you?!”
Grammy: “I was on the other line,” she said, completely unaware.
Us: “Huh?”
And this is how we ended up horseback riding on the beach at Stone Island without her. I don’t know exactly how much time we’ve spent in Mazatlan over the years, but it has to be closing in on one full year if you add it all up, and yet somehow we had avoided Stone Island all this time.
The island really isn’t an island at all, but from downtown it does require a five minute water taxi ride, and once there it really does feel like an island, completely removed from any frenetic city-life activity. It also felt quite removed from Mexican life, as the place was crawling with gringos and cruise ship passengers. Not that it was a bad place to spend an afternoon. We had a good time. The beach was nice, the guys at the restaurants were friendly, and the beer was ice cold.
We spent an hour galloping down the beach. Lowe was allowed to ride free this time, and he took his job very, very, seriously. While the rest of us laughed and joked he sat stone-faced watching his hands on the reigns and making sure he did his job perfectly. Watching him, I knew exactly the thoughts that were going through his head. He was getting one of those rare tastes of being a man—doing something he probably couldn’t control, but wanting to control it nonetheless. He did great, and I know that when we told him what a good job he did, that he was beaming with pride—straight-faced or not.
I’m sure everyone knows how much I love having a little girl, but I am really grateful to have a boy to watch grow and to be able to truly understand on a different level than I probably ever will with Ouest.
9 Comments on “Stone Island”
Holy Macaroni – the four of you on horse back ALL looking at the camera! The planets must have been aligned just right.
Lovely, lovely post Pat. Thoroughly enjoyed it! We are hanging in Melaque in our VW. Time has gotten long and we are heading for Valle de Juarez (by Mazamitla) on Friday. In the mountains, it will be a welcome respite from the humidity.
We have two grandsons, 3 and 1 in the Vancouver BC area. We just discussed how we wish (….and could maybe see) our son and daughter-in-law, choosing this same style of family-life. It would definitely suit them. I know she checks on your blog regularly. Thanks, from all us 50+’s, who did not, nor could not have fathomed, raising our kids this way. Ouest and Lowe are delightful, wise and amazing children who have, even in their young years, learned the value of a life beyond the walls. This life to them IS regular and amazing.
Thanks for continuing to inspire on all levels!!
I agree with Nancy and Doug. Back in the day when my kids were little we couldn’t have imagined living and raising our children like you are. Instead we yearned for a steady job in a factory and felt blessed to have that lifestyle. Who could have inmagined the internet back before the age of PCs, back in the day most folks were saying “but what is it good for”?
Thanks for sharing your life with so many and inspiring us all.
As for the missed flight, I think my family could have easily done the same. 🙂 But I’m sure Grammy will make it up when she does actually get there because she probably feels worse than all the rest of you combined.
We completely agree with you Nancy! Wouldn’t it be great if more kids grew up like this?
be very careful with girls and horses. we started with much the same type of ride on a beach in Huatabampito and now have 2 competing for Quintana Roo. 🙂 So sorry to hear about Grammy. i bet the kids were so upset…
Yeah I can agree 100% I have 2 grown girls, and I love them. But, my little boy is a different thing all together. Not, a day goes by when I do not thank God for all of them, but especially now for the little guy. And yes, one thing that I just can not adapt to is the somewhat half cold beer here. There is definitely something wrong when the tap water is colder than the beer.
We are expecting our first in June after living nomadically for years. We’ve been having a blast going back and re-reading your posts from 2009 in anticipation of Ouest. You guys always make it hard for us not to want to raise our kids on the road (or water)!
Wonderful post about raising your children. Kudos.
What a dream! Your family and adventures are so beautiful. I was getting irritated by all the Trump bullshit in my Facebook, and I come over here to see the love and joy in the world.