More and more, people see Rocky Point as a place for eco-tourism. Whale watching, hiking the Piñacate Biosphere Reserve, kayaking the estuaries – all are ways to get in touch with the natural beauty found here. Lots of wildlife can be seen too. Studying and protecting this unique place where desert meets the sea is the job of CEDO.

The Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO) is in Las Conchas on a sandy hill above the beach. One day finds CEDO researchers in a remote camp working with fisherman, the next night, wading in a tide pool, leading a group of school kids as they discover life hiding under every rock. Recently they were called on to do something a little different.

“We have one nest in front of CEDO. Another one is about 500 meters to the northeast, near the coast too.” Hiram Peña Bonilla, CEDO Assistant Director, got a call from someone walking their dog. “The Osprey was caught in a fishing net, and couldn’t fly.” Ospreys are eagles that dive dramatically into the sea to catch breakfast. They can be seen flying overhead hauling huge fish in their talons, a look of open mouthed surprise on the fish.
All over town their nests are found someplace high, often a telephone poll. Ropes, sticks, and other sea debris are used by eagles to make their nests. This time, using fish net had turned the nest into a trap.

“The fire department helped us with a truck, and two of our guys went up to cut her loose” said Hiram. Ospreys are powerful birds, and they can hurt you. As they worked, the eagles mate flew above their heads, shrieking and trying to scare them off. With a lot of care the bird was secured, then the net was cut from her leg, allowing her to fly free once again. Hiram said “once they removed the net, they found it held an old foot from another Osprey, who presumably died this way.”

But today was a happy ending. The staff at CEDO did on a small scale what they do every day – protect a part of the local environment. Go to their website to find out more about CEDOs’ programs for sustainable fishing, protecting endangered species, as well as the educational tours open to the public.                       By Richard Scott

Photos by Hiram Peña

 

 

 

El Tapeo (ubicado en Playa Bonita) el lugar ideal para encontrar una gran variedad de vinos en Puerto Peñasco, ofreció el ambiente perfecto para la presentación de “Hombres Valientes”, la mas reciente novela histórica del escritor nativo de Puerto Peñasco, Guillermo Munro.

El pasado Sabado 3 de Mayo, ‘Don Memo’ como le dicen con afecto, estuvo en esta ciudad como parte de un tour promocional que está realizando en algunas ciudades de Mexico para presentar su mas reciente libro, que tambien la llevará proximamente a Estados Unidos iniciando con su presentacion en Phoenix Arizona.

“Hombres Valientes” habla del intento faillido de Henry Crabb por conquistar teritorio Mexicano en 1857. Caborca Sonora (dos horas al este de puerto peñasco) fue el sitio de esta batalla donde los pobladores locales exitosamente defendieron su tierra, muriendo unas 100 personas, incluido Henry Crabb.

Personas viviendo el extraordinario y muchas veces dificil ambiente de Pimeria Alta, desierto del norte, es el tema en este trabajo de Guillermo Munro; ha escrito tambien novelas como “Las Voces Vienen del Mar” describiendo un rustico pueblo de pescadores que fué Puerto Peñasco, tambien escribió “La Ruta de Los Caidos” que cuenta la historia de inmigrantes cruzando el desierto durante la Gran Depresion.

El trabajo de Guillermo Munro, uno de los mas reconocidos escritores Sonorenses, fue recientamente adquirido para realizar una pelicula dirigida por Bertha Navarro, que será filmada en Sonora.

La presentacion de “Hombres Valientes” en El Tapeo fué presenciada por unas doscientas personas. El programa incluyó lecturas de sus libros, comentarios y la oportunidad de tener un libro autografiado por Don Guillermo Munro.

Home made fudge. Jewelry. Hand woven baskets. Rocky Points’ Shimp Park (or Plaza Camaron) turns into a craft fair two Saturdays every month when the Mermaids’ Market sets up shop.

Mermaids’ Market is the creation of Russ and Naomi Black, Puerto Peñasco residents who support the work of local artisans through this event. On the first and third Saturday monthly, October through June, ‘Mermaids’ is the place to be for fun shopping, live music, and food from local vendors. Look for special events too. Last month saw a pirate costume contest and cajun cooking (shrimp boil, red beans and rice, yum). Mermaids’ Market runs 10am to 3pm on the first and third Saturdays, October through June. More information is available at Mermaidsmarket.com            By Richard Scott

Located at the port where the sunset cruises come and go, Bacanora Grill is a new restaurant serving distinctively Sonoran dishes. Mexican home cooking.

For example the Caldo de Queso, cheese and potato soup. Squares of fresh farmers cheese, mixed with chiles in mild cream of mushroom type broth. On the side, quesadillas in thick home made flour tortillas.

Sonora is known for it’s beef and seafood. We try the parillada, a plate full of carne asada, chorizo, and ribs fresh from the grill. Enough for the two of us, we decide to add the chiles stuffed with shrimp, wrapped in bacon anyway. Everything is so fresh!

Why ‘Bacanora’? It’s a town in the heart of the state at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountains, a place to find all the best food Sonora has to offer. But it is also the name for the alcohol made from the agave plant that rivals the Tequila made down in Jalisco. What’s it like?

We order a Margarita. Bacanora not Tequila. Hmmm, right away you notice a smoky flavor. Kind of like Irish whiskey. Tastes good with the lime. Next time we have to try the Bacanora Mojito!       By Richard Scott

Bacanora Grill is by the boats before you enter the Malecon / Fish Market area. Open from 1pm to 9pm
638 690 7777

“Cuando me coroné dos veces campeón nacional, el periodico ‘El Imparcial’ empezó a escribir la historia de mi vida y fotos con letras grandes llamandome ‘Un Gallo de Pelea’, despues la gente empezó a llamarme así tambien,dijo Juan Francisco Estrada, explicandonós cómo se le empezó a conocer con el apodo “El Gallo”.
Es oficial, El bi-campeon mundial de Puerto Peñasco defenderá su titulo el proximo 26 de Abril aqui en su pueblo natal. Fué el mismo Juan Francisco quien pidió que esto sucediera.
La gran pelea se realizará en el nuevo Centro de Convenciones de Puerto Peñasco Sonora.
Los aficinados podran ver a su Gallo y Richie Mepranum pelear por los titulos peso mosca WBO/WBA.
Abrá 8 combates antes de la pelea principal.
El Centro de Dialisis local sera el beneficiado, los aficionados al box tambien! Juan ‘El Gallo’ Estrada estará cumpliendo su meta de tener un evento para la gente de su pueblo, sus ‘homies’.
Los boletos ya están a la venta !

by Richard Scott

“When I became 2 time national champion, Imparcial started captioning my stories and photos with giant letters ‘UN GALLO DE PELEA’ (a real fighting rooster) and then the people started doing it too.” Says Juan Francisco Estrada, explaining how he came to be known as “El Gallo”.
It’s official. Rocky Points own world champion “El Gallo” will defend his title April 26th here in his home town. And he is the one who pushed to make it happen.
The fight takes place at Puerto Peñascos’ Convention Center.
Fans will get a chance to watch Gallo and Richie Mepranum battle for the WBO/WBA Fly weight titles. There will be 8 bouts before the main event. The local Dialysis Center will benefit, boxing fans too! Juan is fullfilling a long time goal to have an event for the people of his home town. His ‘homies’.
Tickets are on sale now.

by Richard Scott

Jerry Cañez is a busy guy. His catering business, Jerrys’ Banquetes, prepares the food for a lot of the weddings in Rocky Point. Well known as a teacher, his

University courses in Culinary Arts share his skill and creativity with those looking to make a career in food service. And then there is Players’ Sports Bar. On Benito Juarez, Players has a clientele devoted to the hamburgers, served on homemade bread.

Jerry provides service for more intimate events for those spending some time in Rocky Point. At a recent small get together for family and friends at Sonoran Resorts, everyone enjoyed a four course meal on the patio, overlooking the city lights. It’s a great alternative to going out.

For those reserving their stay through Seaside Reservations, Jerry is currently offering a 10% discount on his catering services.    By Richard Scott

Jerrys’ Banquetes 638 115 0983
Jerrycanez@hotmail.com

Olympia Watson carries a notebook with ‘All you need is love’ printed on the cover. “This is my philosophy” she tells me. As Event Planner for the Sonoran Sky Resort, her love for creating just the right setting for an anniversary, a wedding, or any get-together is neccesary for success. So is being really organized.
“Can you be playing when the guests walk in?” She asks the sax player while posing for a publicity photo. We stand next to the elegant leaded glass doors of the Los Volcanes Salon, inside the Sonoran Sky. “This is an intimate dinner party for Valentines’ Day,  just a few tables. But we can have receptions for 200 people here, plus a band.”

The Girl from Ipanema plays as people take their seats. Candlight and gold table cloths, champaign glasses and waiters in black and white. A pleasant murmur of conversation as a full moon rises outside the tall arched window.

“My work as planner is free for clients using Sonoran Sky Events” says Olympia. “We offer great packages for beach weddings right here at the resort”(see the offer for Seaside Mexico Reservation clients below).
Chocolate covered strawberries complete the dinner, and the guests head to the elevators. Olympia leads the way. “Oly” someone asks, “what’s next?” Pressing the ground floor button, she smiles over her shoulder “A surprise.”

The swimming pools glow neon blue in the night as we pass them on our way to the beach. A strong ocean breeze, not there before dinner, tries to push us back into the lobby. This is not the surprise Oly had in mind.

Two helpers struggle to hold the orange paper ballon, as another flicks a lighter over and over, trying to light the candle that will make it fly. “Play something please.” Touching the arm of the sax player as she goes, Olympia casually walks to where the guests gather. Quickly she gets one, and then a second balloon lit. Disaster averted.

A toast! Glasses raised to a wonderful time at a beautiful place. Everyone ‘ooohh’s as the glowing balloons slowly rise. Up above the lights of the Sonoran Sky Resort, the moon waits to meet them. As if it was planned.

by Richard Scott

You can reach Sonoran Sky Events at 01 638 108 2107

 

Saturdays at The Hut are usually busy, during Spring Break even more so. Tonight, a casual announcement in Facebook fills every inch of the place with RCPM fans. Roger’s in town, and has decided to mosey on down to the bar and light the place up with an acoustic set..

Three songs in and you would think this is a family reunion, not a bar gig. Everyone sings every word to every tune. “I usually won’t play ‘Mekong’ ’til later in the show. . .” The palm leaves shake in the roof as the crowd roars back. Seated with his guitar, Roger looks into the audience right in front of him. “but when young fans find our music, we like to make them feel welcome.”

 

 

 

Arms in the air, standing on chairs, singing at the top of their lungs, the crowd is no match for Roger Clyne. Even after playing it a thousand times, he seems intent on making this the definitive live version. “…for fifteen thousand miles” shouts the crowd, as if maybe they agree that it is.

Peacemaker fans in Rocky Point may be hearing more of their favorites as, rumour has it, Roger looks to be taking over The Hut in the near future. At the very least, the two recent spontaneous appearances show how important the town is for his music, and for him personally.

 

“Has anyone got some Mexican Moonshine? I promise to make it up to you.” Between songs, Roger takes a moment to recharge, tell stories about the music, chat with fans, and toast those who are celebrating their birthday. Up steps a fan with a caballito full of Clynes’ trademark Tequila. Raising the glass high, Roger begins “..here’s to..” “LIFE” yells the lady at the table next to me. It’s a lyric and a sentiment shared by everyone tonight.

by  Richard Scott

“The idea is to bring many artists together. A lot of artists together can make an event that draws more of the public.” Nacho Ortega directs the Cultural Corridor, a gathering of local talent. Along with organizing the event, Nacho plays acoustic bass with the Jazz ensemble Soundsets, always participating at the Corridor.

  

Always holding the event at a different place gets art into every part of town.
Sunday afternoon, April 6th will find Rocky Points’ creative community interacting with the public at the Plaza Freemont near Freemont and Sinaloa Blvd.       by    Richard Scott