Paradise. Our time in Puerto Escondido could not have been better. Such a rich mixture of wonderful experiences. When we return home we´ll be able to add photos of us releasing baby turtles into the Pacific Ocean...the rich foliage of the tropics in the aftermath of the rainy season, and sandy beaches and warm sea that just seem so far removed from an English winter.

We were so lucky to meet M and S in Creel, and they offered if we were passing that we stay with them for a few days. They often spend time in Mexico to escape the fierce winters in Prince George in Canada, and stay in a beautful house - with sea view - while they enjoy the sun shine. After being on the road for so long it was also great to stay in a real home, and have the warmth and kindness of ´real´ people. We spent 3 nights with them, and the interlude gave us a kick start into travelling again. It was the longest we have spent anywhere since we left home for the C 2 C walk in September. (We did spend 4 days near Lake Louise in Canada, but moved our accomodation every day...)

We enjoyed an afternoon at one of M and S´s favourite beaches, about 30 km from Puerto. It is only known to locals, and has huge surf - but also a channel behind a rocky outcrop that was perfect for swimming - although the currents still challenging as the tide came in. That evening we popped down to the main town beach - Zicatela - as the surfers are usually out at dusk. The surf was over 10 foot high and clean, and Jim took lots of photos as the sun slipped away. Just before sunset we spotted some ´action´ at the lifeguard station. Several people were gathered around a large plastic tub and tiny turtles were emerging from their nest. They were slightly smaller than your hand, grappleing their way up out of the sand. The lifeguards that look after the beach also look after the turtles, and to pervent their nests being plundered by Iguanas or locals. They take the eggs and re bury (in a safer place) as part of the turtle protection programme. The new hatchlings were placed into the plastic tub until nearly sun down, and then the tub carried to around 20 metres from the water line. I could not believe it when they then marked a line in the sand, and allowed people to stand behind the line and release a turtle each...the adults, not just the children! The turtles have to experience the walk to the sea in order to get their bearings. Our turtles will be ready to breed in 8 years, and (like slalmon) will come back to the very beach that they were born. It was a real struggle for them as they were constantly knocked back by the waves, but, guided by the fading light of the sun, eventually they all made it. Could things get any better? The following day, another beautiful beach, some snorkelling and the taste of freshly squeezed mango juice under palpapas...we joined M and S for their meals and experienced some real local cuisine, safe in the knowledge that it wasn´t making them ill, so we should be OK too. One evening they took us for a meal in an ex pat type bar, live music, good food (a version of a Sunday roast)... dancing....what a life. Many people leave their home countries to ´visit´ Mexico for 6 months a year, and some even move there permanently. M says the coast on the other side of Mexico is even more amazing....but that the weather is not so predictable. We are still far from acclimatised here, and have to be careful to stay out of the sun and rest in the heat of the day. We are drinking ´like fish´- which of course works out quite expensive with the bottled water. We knew it was time to move on, but it is with some reluctance as we´ve found so much here that just takes our breath away. Our thanks to M and S, who´ve made our time in Puerto Escondido so memorable and for sharing a bit of their paradise with us.