Traveling from Zihuantanejo to Seattle in 2023

 Read at your peril, I will post this excerpt on my blog as a reminder to all travelers how things were in 2023.

We both, the Countess and myself, hate the airport experiences, but apparently are a necessary evil.  This trip home was remarkably smooth with some unexpected detours (one anyway).

It starts with a taxi ride from Casa Iguana to the airport, but we got a newish taxi with great AC and a sedate driver.  We asked him to take us on the scenic road out the back way from Zihua.  There were several new homes/buildings going in.  It makes sense as the new concrete road has power (maybe water too?)  The road was finished all the way to the airport highway and put through, about 4 years ago and goes through some most excellent sea and valley overlook view properties in it's 10? mile length.  ($500 peso ride)

The lines at the check in at Zihua were shortish but grew after we got in line, that was the longest delay in the entire trip!  That line was maybe 15 minutes, but then we were there exactly at the 2 hour before the flight.  We both saw families with HUGE amounts of luggage.  UGH  We checked our one small bag each for the first time and found that a better experience than carry on.

After getting the boarding passes we steeled ourselves for the Mx TSA and found NO line.  We were the only ones going through!  Shoes/belt could stay on!  Lori's hip gave the usual metallic scan issues but that is to be expected.  I guess next time I fly, the same will occur with my new knee/s!

The wait at the airport was tolerable as ice cream and water were easily purchased and the crowd was quiet.  We did find a Westjet flight that was direct from Vancouver BC to Zihua and will research it for the next journey to Mx.  

Boarding in the B group with only our little backpacks was a treat, putting on the face masks for the flight while the bus filled up behind us, we were in the 7th row.  No need to stash heavy stuff overhead.  3.5 hours to LAX and we had an empty seat in our row!

LAX has that interminably long walk to customs but when we got to the line snake there was another group from Asia (huge group) just starting to arrive.  We got in line with only 3 families in front of us so that line was short and the exam from the Border agent was really short and sweet.

The checked luggage had to be retrieved, which was new to us as usually we are carry on but it showed up and we had to roll it a short distance and some agent from AK air took it and we were out into LAX and heading to get back into TSA approved space.  Again, minimal line, maybe 3 bodies?

This time there was a SNAFU at TSA as we were told to take out all large electronic items and phones.  We did, but neither us or the others near us considered a Kindle a large electronic item.... We had to send our backpacks back through again...  Shoes off, but belt and wallet were fine.  Into the LAX nightmare!

We went to our favorite food vendor (The Golden Road) that has sit down spaces and waitstaff who bring you menus and food and take care of you!  There was a line waiting to get in and some QR code thing that I signed up for putting us #20 in line!  While I was registering the QR thing, the line went away and a waitress came up and asked us if we would like to be seated!  We got a booth for 4, ordered a great turkey melt with fries and ice tea.  Great food and service!  When we had finished eating we had moved up to #17 in the QR thing.  We made it to our gate with 20 minutes to wait until boarding (Group B again) and found on take off we had an extra seat empty in our 7th row again!

There was an issue, all was not perfect in flight land.  In row 5 (the last in First Class) there was a screaming child!  OMG!   I would have throttled it and so would Lori.  I took out my hearing aids and put in ear plugs.  All gooder!  Traveling with children?  Paying First Class and then have that noise right there???  Issues all.

We got to Seattle a bit early (2.5 hour flight), were the last ones on the shuttle train to baggage claim!  Claimed our luggage and found our shuttle to the Marriott parking right away!

Adventure time started then, as I unlocked Zorro (the 2023 Subaru Outback I had purchased less than a year ago) and loaded the luggage.  NO start!!!  Apparently, we discovered sometime north of Seattle, we had left a map light on when we had arrived at the parking at 04:00 hours on our trip going to Mexico and not noticed it.  The battery was too low to start the car!  What to do??

The parking lot concierge was a young man who had a very small jump box device came out after we asked him to.  We all looked under the dash for the hood release (I had never used it) for maybe 5 minutes..  It was hiddenish.  Then with the hood popped, the safety release was also tough to figure out, another 5 minutes.  Once that was done though the jumpbox worked perfectly and we warmed up the car a bit and were homeward bound.  Dry roads at 38F and very light traffic at midnight all the way to Maryville and then some good rain.  

We exited at Smokey Point and had all green lights home!  (4?)  It was a very smooth journey.

No precipitation at Griffin Hill, but it had just rained, getting the luggage in was a dry experience under a half moon and Milly the dog was VERY happy we were home!  So were we!

Sleeping in our own bed is a luxury!  With the outside temperature 40 degrees colder this morning we had to add more layers instead of just putting on a swimsuit.  So it goes.  The Big Dark is behind us and the days will be longer tomorrow than today!  Our 'vacation' from our day to day retired living was wonderful and relaxing!

GHEDI Fall 2023 The few, the Proud

 

THE GHEDI:  Fall of 2023

This event was held the day after the Equinox occurred.

The weather was dry until the last bit of the first round.  Then it rained pretty good.  Umbrellas were required for watching the second round.

There were 8 brave souls who showed up to have fun.  The fun factor was not reduced by this light turnout.  We played as a group of 8.  The round on the 18 hole course introduced the option, USE the ring!  It was an extra throw and take your best shot on the drive.

All players had an option to use the ring and it worked for about 1/4 of the holes that someone hit a good ring throw.  They are hard to control.  The Count lived up to his nickname of 'Lord of the Ring' on a few holes.

This may have been the smallest population for a GHEDI ever, but the fun was still there!

Bloody Mary's were mixed and distributed to all on arrival.   Ron was doing the mixing!

The group photo was taken after the first round and before the Championship round on the 10 hole course.  The rain had commenced by then and the heater and fire table in the clubhouse were a good thing.

8 players after a first round of disc on the 18 hole course.

When asked to do something odd for the photo, this is what we did.

Kudos and Props to the photographers of the round.  J-Lo and Gazza did the documentary with the cameras.  

There was a CTP/Ace Pot.  Winners were Hawkeye, Doorman (2 CTPs) and the Count.  The Ace Pot was taken by Ron! on the last hole of the tournament on hole 10!

The closest thing to an injury was PK finding the hot wire in the pasture.

The clubhouse, pre disc .  Note the Bloody Mary in the hands of the Count.

There was no awards ceremony as we ended the final round.  Too wet and it was time to hit the road but all was good.

J-Lo doing her turbo best to get a bird on hole 2.

PK taking his only bogie of the round on hole 3.

The second round was played somewhat differently than in past GHEDI tournaments, but with success.  

No partners were assigned for a best disc format, instead the 3 brave souls were all playing Cali disc golf with one extra stroke free per hole.  PK, Ron, and Hawkeye had a good competitive round with the lead changing nearly every hole.  They were observed by the Doorman and the Count.

Final result was Ron and PK at par with Hawkeye at  +1.  Close game!!!

The Doorman teeing off on 7, a CTP hole and he collects after taking Ron by 1/16".  Hawkeye measured with a string for the mediation.

J-Lo teeing off on 8.

The group trudging off after playing 9.  Heading for the clubhouse and a snack? before continuing.

The photo documentation on Hole 11 is remarkable.  Also a point to note, the camera shy Gazza is only shown in the group photos.  Next time that will be rectified if possible.

Some classic awards:

First Place on the 18:   PK  (-11)

Hot Chick award:         J-Lo (+1)

Nutcracker:   PK hitting the electric fence

2nd Place on the 10:  A tie with Ron and PK for first and 2nd.  (both with par)

Forget Me NOT:  Doorman (losing his bag of disc as he went over the fence to retrieve his disc on 14.)  There was a bag of discs left in the clubhouse by Gazza. 

PK with a fairway approach on Hole 11.

PK with his tee shot on 11.

King Tutt teeing off on 11.

The Count after his throw and the Doorman getting ready to throw his ring on 11.

J-Lo teeing off on 11.

Hawkeye preparing for his ring throw on 11.

The Doorman watching his flight of disc or ring? on 11.

The Gallery observing on hole 11.

The Doorman assessing a throw.

Hawkeye shooting his approach on 11.

PK and King Tutt assessing their approach on 11.

The Lord of the Ring prepping for a big throw on 14.
This use of a ring was good for a Bird!

Hawkeye mapping out the ring throw on 15.

King Tutt and the Doorman consulting.

The group on the largest tee pad in the world getting set to throw 18.

The  GHEDI tournament is remarkable for the fabulous attitudes of all involved.  Positive attitudes prevail.  In the course prep with the assistance of Eye and Cajun (neither one played due to previous commitments) to the scorekeeping by The Doorman. The smiles by all during the event made for a great day!

GHSDI 2023

The GHSDI TOURNAMENT

Griffin Hill Solstice Disc Invitational, 

(GHSDI  is pronounced GHOSTY!)

June 17, 20223

 

A bit of history:

This event in 2023 is the second annual occasion.  It is a replacement for the Spring GHEDI (Equinox) which has been going since 2008.  The spring event, while always fun, was just a bit too damp and cold.  It snowed 3+" during 3 episodes and the rain was consistently soaking during most of the other affairs.

Last year, 2022, an experiment was tried, the result was the GHSDI (Pronounced ghosty, decreed by the Scorekeeper).  The gooder weather found in mid June tipped the scales to abandon the spring adventure in favor of this much better weather.  The Fall GHEDI will continue to occur.

The clubhouse as we waited for the start.

The weather:  

As predicted, it was chilly for the middle of June with a high of 56F.  However, it was dry on the ground and nothing fell out of the sky!  A bit of wind but no matter.  As a matter of record we should have had 70F but the weather had it's own way with us.

The attendees:

The sign up sheet had 32 (the limit) at one time and one official Wait List thrower.  Three unexpected arrivals came but everyone got to play!  24 players on the course for the opening bell.  Perfect sized tournament!

The Group Photo

The food (a Potluck):

To give the devil his due:  B.Eh contributes his amazing Bloody Mary's for all who would like one before the registration even opens.  The popularity of this is evident in the photo above by looking for an orange solo cup in hand of many of the players.

Kelli adding style to the course! Another Thruster!

The Count made a corn chowder, Garry made his award winning British Chili, Cajun made a Jumbalia, there were meatballs, Lefty made some exquisite coffee cakes, Melodie brought some shrimp in a sauce, Kelli made fresh chocolate chip cookies, the Rear Admiral brought some experimental sugar cookies, and there was a bunch of other food items.  No one went away without extra calories!

Teeing off on Hole 1 for the Team 10

The largest group playing on the 10 hole
championship
course.  Team 10

The Play:

The score card tells all!

The results:

There are multiple awards given out at the end of the action.  None is more coveted than the 2nd Place Award.  This trophy has it's roots in the Science Olympiad for Lakewood High School.  The team of high school students, coached by Count Ferrari, took 2nd place.

It has been awarded many times and it keeps coming back for more admirers.  It goes to the pair of players (one has to take it home) who come in 2nd in the Best Disc Doubles (Team 10).  A tradition wsa established that the recipient takes it home and adds an embellishment.  The net effect of all this attention is pretty garish but fun.

This year it was won by B. Eh? and the President.  The President took it home and the Count received a text the next day...  The wife says it has to go in the office or garage.  NOT suitable for the front room!

What will the President do?  Stay tuned as it only has to wait until the Equinox to return it.

The President from the Upper Left displaying the 2nd Place Trophy.

Awards:

There were many awards given.  

Best Rookie:  Katherine (+27)

Nut Cracker:  Red Dragon almost getting over a fence straddle.  OOOH!

(Note:  This was a remarkably un-injured day, this trophy is awarded to the most injured)

Forget Me NOT:  Turbo / Biscuit (Left stuff on the course)

Biscuit celebrating his 40th Birthday and enjoying his youth!

Straight Shooter:  Cajun (most aces)

Dragon Chaser:  7th Place on the 18

Course Clean UP:  Jerry Garcia, B-Eh,!, Cajun

Hot Chick:  Melody +2

CTP payoffs:

Hole 4:  Cajun with an ACE

Hole 7:  PK

Hole 10:  OKAJ

Hole 15:  Turbo

Who is this MYSTERY Cajun?
Ace and CTP payout.

Playing Hole 5/18 going UP 199'

The winner of the Rookie Award standing 
next to hole 18/18.
Can you hit the broad side of
a barn?

Contemplating the throw from 
the largest tee pad in the world.

Relaxing at the clubhouse between rounds

The manure pile hazard with Dragon Chaser waiting to make his bird shot.
Waffle Dough and Cheetah looking on.

Coach shooting for a bird shot on 9 with the pond in the background.
Lefty and Melody watching as they play to 11.

Teeing off from 15/18
A CTP hole.

Cheerleaders, The Doorman and the Rear Admiral

A putting contest:

It cost the players $1 for each round.  Winner is the last person to standing, when only one disc remains in the target. IF every disc misses, then all players are back in. 

The Ring of Fire takes place in the largest tee pad with a ring 10m in radius.  A count is made, 3,2,1, throw and all discs are sent to the target.  We had three rounds.  Cajun was the director and the winner of round one.

A Note for the IRS:  Cajun won one CTP, half of an ACE Pot, and one round of Ring of Fire.  It paid well, nearly $50!

NOTE:  Put the video on full screen to see the action!

The Ring Of Fire

Another view with a bit of magic!

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Mariners Preseason experience, 2023

A very packed stadium, 8,800 ish.

 Preseason baseball is SO MUCH more interesting than any sort of other sport in the dreary days of winter here in the Seattle area!

To be able to fly out to Phoenix AZ and experience the sun again is life affirming!  This was the plan made in December of 2022, setting up an excursion for Feb.25-28.

The President (Larry or LD) is my baseball oracle and answers my questions as they come up, no matter how mundane.  It is very nice of him to do so and he is the ideal person to set up our tour! 

Accommodations, car rental, tickets to the stadiums, ideas for outside leisure pursuits, etc...  He has to work and travel too much but that travel for his work has made him expert in spotting bargains when he is NOT on the company expense account.

The flight down:

We each booked our own flight, my own being paid for with air miles.  Alaska Airlines flies to about 8 destinations from Everett's Paine Field and Phoenix was one of them.  It was my first exposure to this airport.  I will state for the record that this airport is the BEST I have experienced in my life!  The waiting lounge looks like a private luxury club and parking is right across the street (Note:  Parking is expensive but very convenient.)

TSA is still TSA but once past that this is very nice.  The view has the Olympics (snow capped) beyond the air field.  I think there are only 4 gates to board from..

The flight down was 2.5 hours and no issues.  I had upgraded my seat to Premium getting me a free drink, extra leg room, and easy carryon luggage storage  because I was boarded in Group B.  Tthe President using his MVP Gold status was booked into the emergency row with special chocolate bits and boarded in group A at no extra charge.

Nice way to travel.

The ground transport:

With our carryon luggage we deboarded and made our way to the rental car LD had set up from Touro, a private owner allowing his car to be rented for $52 a day.  Taking the Sky Train, walking about 4 blocks and finding our 2022 Hyundai Elantra in a dirt parking lot next to the Crown Hotel.

There are a LOT of white four doors down here!
This is a 2022 Hyundai Elantra.

Lock box on the window revealed a key once decoded and photos of the car taken prior to take off. This was a nice 4 door sedan.  LD programmed his phone to direct us to the ballfield and we parked for free ( a bonus with all the preseason games).  There are a bunch of retired guys directing traffic to the parking areas.  Very easy!

Baseball:  

Sat Feb 25 vs Angel L 5-1

Sun. Feb 26 at Royals L8-7

Tues. Feb.28 vs Guardians W9-8

(Mariners preseason record at time of writing this blog: 3-4)

The weather was in the mid 70s and just gorgeous.  We had seats in the shade (good idea for us) for about $25 each seat.  Just above the third base dugout.  As memory serves the Mariners lost due to using a pitcher that is less likely to make the club.  Some of the likely starters for the season team, were playing and they seemed to go away after the 6th inning but ??? 

Our first game of the trip, sitting in 75F sunny weather.  Pretty good stuff!

This was close and free parking!

This stadium is very nice but there are limited food choices.  I settled for kettle corn and water..  Cash is not used, credit card or maybe phone payments only.

Waling about and taking in a circuit of the ballfield was a good idea.  The stadium was pretty full as it was a Saturday game.  The average age went up quite a bit for the weekday games.

Players signing autographs on their exit from the field.
Evan White, Sam Haggerty and ?

The fans are really excited about this season and the players appear to be a capable team, having made it to the second round of the playoffs in 2022 for the first time ever!

While were at the 2nd game I texted to a group of friends after Jared Kelenik hit two homers back to back!  I was told to go to a certain seat in the stadium to say hello to Dixie, mother of Jimmmmmaaaa.  That was not possible but as we were in the wrong stadium for her season tickets.  The search did get me interfacing with local police and ushers but that went smoothly.  I did find Dixie on Tuesday and that was great fun.

Medical Room:

A medical emergency of sorts came to pass as LD had an allergic reaction to something unknown.  He had to have an IV stuck in with Benedril and then seemed to be fine for the rest of the trip.

Not a vision done by photo shop.  Swelling and passing out were the worst symptoms.

Accommodation:

Morning coffee was very fine on our porch.

We drove to our Tiny House found by LD on VRBO.  Dr. Clark Campbell, an optometrist owns it and has been putting many rentals on his two acre horse farm in Scottsdale.  Very peaceful and since all hotels are high priced at this time, the money for this is not out of line.  Cost was $570 for the three nights.  LD got the loft queen bed and The Count got the futon on the main floor. Both were comfy.

This tiny house option was luxurious and while small, had all the amenities one would want.

LD demonstrating the sliding TV storage..

The auxiliary half bath outside the tiny house.

We went to Fry's Grocery for breakfast food and vodka.  We had very relaxing starts to our days and evenings.  Fresh squeezed orange/and grapefruits picked outside our door really enhanced the experience.  Our landlord even loaned us an electric juicer that was VERY efficient  and easy to use.

We would go through approximately 10 oranges a night and another 10 in the morning.  No shortage of them.  We had purchased a manual ($5) juice squeezer at Fry's but it was not even close to the electric one in terms of getting the juice out of the orange! The little juicer was donated to the tiny house.  We returned the loaned electric one to the owner.

Sunrise at 07:00 and 35F (ish)

There were three horses outside in the compound and another couple rentals but not being used so basically we had the place to ourselves.  Very quiet and private.  Seriously superior to a hotel!

Our very quiet neighbors.

Activities beyond baseball:

Disc golf:

There are many things to do in Phoenix but we limited ourselves to one day off from baseball to play a day of disc golf.  The Mariners lost that day to the Cubs by a score of 10-1 so that was a good time to not be there.  We played first on a course that was set up for the upcoming (the next weekend) for a Pro Disc Golf tournament and we found it to be long and missing a bunch of baskets since it was prepped for the pros.  

 

We then went off into the desert to a more manageable course of shorter holes.  Did not see one snake but were convinced they were in the neighborhood.

Our disc score for the desert course.  The Count did not throw well!

Sunny location:

We managed to find a Starbucks on the Arizona State University campus and found that just sitting in the sun with an iced drink was one of the best things we could be doing.  We did that two days!  An activity to be repeated on future visits.

The sun was a treat to hang out in. We found an iced coffee and enjoyed the luxury.

Oranges and Grapefruit:

Back at our ranch location, we were entranced by the access to too much citrus!  It just seems to grow all over and is ignored mostly by those who live there.

One of 4-6 orange trees on the property.  

LD in full juice production.  Cut, squeeze, garbage disposal and pour.

This is the brand to get!  So easy to use and very easy to clean too.

Cribbage:

In addition to binge watching Formula 1 racing on Netflix we got in 23 games of cribbage with a final score of 15-8 in favor of The Count.  Two skunks were put on LD but most games were a delta of less than 10.