van wyk journeys +33 very little wind, humidity ~75%
We decided that we should do at least one hike while we were here. So I found one that we could get to by bus and was about 30 km south of PV starting at a town called Boca de Tomatlán.
We got up early at 7:00 a.m. to get on a bus at about 9:00 a.m. When we arrived at the stop we saw one full bus pulling away and three waiting to load up. That first bus and the lineup of people behind the three waiting were all workers going to the resorts and roadside stands along the 31 km drive, we were the only tourists on the bus. By the time we arrived at Boca we were the last of four people on the bus.
Boca de Tomatlán is a small fishing village that also works supporting the tourist industry. This is a poor town probably like most of the towns around Mexico.
From another blog we read, it was recommended that we pick up a torta at the stand just down the street from the bus stop, so we did. But we quickly realized that we needed an interpreter to figure what a torta was and what the options were for loading one. Turns out a torta is a large grilled bun filled with meat, veggies and some sauces so we ended up with a hot surprise when we sat down to eat them. Joan’s meat was just ordinary ham slices but mine was filled with mystery meat which might have been pork. The warning I got from Joan was beware of Montezumas revenge but it turns out the warning was not warranted, I survived the torta just fine or maybe it was the Cerveza that we found on ice an hour and a half into the hike that saved me.
We knew that there was a small beach or series of beaches along the way but what we did not know was that the Mexican entrepreneurs were hard at work along the way including Colomitos beach. We turned a corner that led back to a series of waterfalls and there was Jose asking us if we would like a Cerveza. So we sat down on a rock and ate our torta and washed it down with a cold Cerveza.
In the gallery, there is a series of photos that revolve around our stop at this beach but what you won’t see is a photo of the beach as it was high tide. Not only was the tide high but it was a bit of a challenge getting up to the stairs with three feet of water swirling around us. But we made the short climb and continued on our way wet running shoes and all.
While we started our hike the temperature seemed bearable but as we continued on the temperature climbed as did the humidity, both of us were drenched by the time we got to Las Animas.
We were greeted by a small dog lying on the sand in the shade of a palm tree, just looked at me as I took its photo. Las Animas is a small fishing village accessible only by water or hiking in. As were entered the village we saw a banana boat and a para-sail traveling across the shallow bay in front of us. Tourists were lounging under their umbrella sheltered tables in front of one of the beachside restaurants.
After a quick Cerveza and a snack, we grabbed a water taxi back to Boca resulting in a 15-minute trip back. That after spending 2 hours hiking the 5-kilometer route was a charm. Back in Boca, we wandered back to where the bus dropped us off and there waiting for us was another bus. So we hopped on. While on our way back to PV three heavily armed troop carriers with a nice big 50 caliber machine guns on top manned by a soldier quickly passed us. These were quickly followed by about 11 more open troop carriers each one had a 50 caliber mounted on it also manned and about 6 to 8 soldiers in each vehicle. One soldier saw me taking photos and not so politely indicated that I was to stop and that I did and very quickly.
The busses to Boca de Tomatlán. 
The sleepy dog that greeted our bus. 
This is the street side stand where we bought our tortas from. 
The main street of Boca de Tomatlán. 
That way to Las Animas. 
This donkey guards the start to the hiking trail, not really, she was just standing next to the start of the trail. 
The map of the coastline from Boca to Las Animas. 
Interesting photo of some men washing what I thought were clothes in the river but actually were bags of some sort. 
We actually passed through people’s yards and on occasion what looked to be separate parts of their homes. 
A view out to the Bay of Banderas from the mouth of the river. 
Boca de Tomatlán’s water taxis hard at work. 
Joan with the Bay of Banderas behind her. 
Here is the first bridge that we used to cross a small ravine, seems to be needing a few repairs. 
Just one of several very nice houses on the hike. 
And another one on the other side of the river’s mouth. 
Yes this is the hiking trail with one set of many sets of stairs to climb along the way. 
And more steps bordered with top notch handrails conforming to no specification what-so-ever. 
And more vintage trail photos. 
The board walk leading to Colomitos beach. 
The Bay of Banderas with high tide covering Playa Colomitos. 
The signs says “take care of mother nature”, at Jose’s cerveza bar and grill at Playa Colomito. 
Jose and his cerveza fridge behind him, must be expecting more tourista. 
One of five small waterfalls behind Jose’s cereza bar and grill. 
Waterfall #2 and #3 way in the background. 
Here is Jose’s companion just a little spider, it would fit into the palm of your hand. 
A not too shy heron at Playa Colomitos. 
And the trail continues, watch your step Joan and Bill. 
And yet another shot of the trail. 
Another of the many beaches along the way. With the tide being high this would have been a wider expanse of sand. 
White sand beach. 
An unexpected find, a funicular going up to a building, not sure what the story was though. 
Welcome to Las Animas 
Las Animas beach and waterfront. 
This cute little dog was waiting for us as we made our way down to the beach at Las Animas. 
A shy Maca, this is the best photo of this beautiful bird, as I got closer it climbed over the top of the cage and stayed there until I moved away. 
The Maca’s little friend, kept chatting but seemed a little nervous as I got closer. 
From the waterfront in Las Animas. 
The beach from the end of the pier in Las Animas. 
One of 14 or so military vehicles that passed us on the way back to PV. Seems the soldier with his hand up did not like his photo taken, I stopped taking pictures right away. There is something compelling about military fatigues and loaded military weapons.