Every morning at 8:30 am there is a VHF radio "net" that we try to check in to. The net is the electronic equivalent of the post office in frontier times. Everyone meets there to exchange news and to make community plans. A few days ago Steve (SV Kavenga) posted an opportunity to gather with others for a float trip with other boaters on air mattresses ("floaties") down the Rio Mascota. The Rio Mascota is a jungle river that we can reach through a convoluted connection of bus rides. Here is what his directions say happens after we get there:

"The hike up takes about 1.5 hours. We will wade across the river about a dozen times. It can be swift on a couple of crossings but most are relatively easy and normally not more than knee high.

The float back also takes about 1.5 hours unless we decide to stop at the swimming hole or hot springs which is at the half-way point.

Rancho Las Vegas is located on a gorgeous bend in the river. They have a restaurant and bar, plus cabanas for people wanting to stay overnight. It is accessible by a seasonal dirt road that departs from the back corner of the Vista Vallarta Golf Course. We will have something to drink and eat there while we blow up our air mattresses and prepare for the float."

Does that sound like fun? Remember its 80+ degrees and pretty sunny...not what you are having in the Pacific Northwest.

We'll report back on the trip after we take it on Sunday. We're also planning on going snorkeling near Los Altos if we can figure out where to anchor near there.