Coming to town next week, bringing good times all the way from Tempe Arizona…well yeah, RC and the Peacemakers, sure. But a weekend of great music starts Thursday, June 5th with Acoustic Carpet, performing in Las Conchas Park.

The Las Conchas Community Relations Committee is putting on the show, and like all of their events, money raised will go to good causes around town. Rocky Point is lucky to have a number of people who put their time into helping others. Every year, Las Conchas puts together a full calendar of events that support those in need, including a massive yard sale and beach bocce ball tournament.

This is the second year that Acoustic Carpet has played here. Talented guys, they perform their own songs, as well as covers that turn into long jams. The perfect vibe as the sun sets. Like a big back yard party, bring your lawn chair and pop a cold beer. Sing along. Watch the kids dance barefoot under the twinkling lights. Maybe you will too.

The 2nd Annual Concert in the Park starts at 6:30pm on Thusday, June 5th. The cost is 5 dollars. All proceeds to benefit the Community Relations Committee Charities. Local singer-saxophone player Richard Scott will open the show. The Park is located in Las Conchas, near Cedo. Look for the signs.            By Richard Scott

You have probably researched your next vacation getaway using the internet. And while most hotels, restaurants, and resorts have their own websites full of info, we know that some of the frustrating details of travel just might get left aside. If your hotels’ electricity cuts out every night, are they really just celebrating Earth Day? A review from someone who has already been where you want to go is invaluable.

Enter TripAdvisor.com. Since 2000, TripAdvisor has been the place to read comments from people who have actually gone to the top of the Statue of Liberty, danced Carnaval in Brazil, or had lunch at McDonalds’ in Mindanao, Philippines (“over other burgers in town Mcdo cheeze burger is what i love most..because of their cheeze so cheezy!”). Along with their personal experience, travelers give a rating. For the past four years, TripAdvisor has awarded a Certificate of Excellence to those who are ranked among the best, worldwide. This year, Rocky Points’ Sonoran Sky Resort received the honor.

“The award celebrates hospitality excellence and is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor. Establishments awarded the Certificate of Excellence are located all over the world and represent the upper echelon of businesses listed on the website.” states TripAdvisor. Making this an even bigger deal is the fact that this is the first time vacation rentals are eligable.

Sonoran Sky sits on beautiful Sandy Beach, and feels more intimate than some of the larger places. Still, it is a complete resort with its’ own spa, restaurant, banquet facility and swim up bar. One nice touch is a gym with exercise machines that face out over the zero-edge pool with a view to the Sea of Cortez beyond. That’s got to be healthier than watching the latest crazyness on T.V., no? Sonoran Sky offers one to four bedrooms that are complete with kitchens, some with jacuzzis on the patio, and a feel for the architecture of Old Mexico.

The 2014 Certificate of Excellence Award from TripAdvisor confirms Sonoran Sky Resort as among the best that Rocky Point has to offer.  By Richard Scott

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.

El Tapeo (located by Playa Bonita on Sandy Beach) is a great place to go for a glass of wine in Rocky Point. A place with an atmosphere just right to present “Hombres Valientes”, the latest historical novel by Puerto Peñasco native son Guillermo Munro. This past Saturday, May 3rd, ‘Don Memo’ as he is affectionately known, made a stop in his home town as part of a promotional tour that has taken him throughout Mexico, and includes an up coming presentation in Phoenix Arizona.

“Hombres Valientes” tells the story of the ill fated attempt by Henry Crabb to annex Mexican territory in 1857. Caborca Sonora (2 hours east of Puerto Peñasco) was the site for a battle where the local citizens successfully defended their land, resulting in the death of over 100 members of the raiding party, Crabb included.

The theme of people living in the extraordinary and often difficult environment of the Pimeria Alta, Sonoras’ vast northern desert, recurs in the work of Guillermo Munro. His previous novels include “Las Voces Vienen del Mar”, set in the rustic fishing village that Rocky Point originally was, and “La Ruta de Los Caidos”, telling the story of immigrants crossing the desert during the Great Depresion.

One of Sonoras’ most well regarded authors, Guillermo Munros’ work has recently been chosen as the bases for an up coming feature film, produced by Bertha Navarro and to be filmed locally in Puerto Peñasco and the nearby Piñacate  Biosphere Reserve.

The presentation at El Tapeo saw close to 200 people attend. The night included readings from his work, and a book signing.     By Richard Scott

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

Guess which state has the highest percentage of boat owners? Surprisingly, it’s Arizona. Being right next door, so to speak, Rocky Point is the closest ocean access for boaters who want more than a lake. Every May for the past 10 years, the Cinco de Mayo Regatta brings the beauty of sailing catamarans to Rocky Points‘ waters.

What’s a Regatta? It means ‘race’. Part of a series of races, this event is hosted by the Phoenix Hobie Fleet 66. The popular and innovative Hobie Cat design is on display, with 3 or 4 races each on Saturday and Sunday, May 3rd and 4th.

Lay your blanket on Sandy Beach during Cinco de Mayo weekend, and enjoy the show. The friendly folks from Fleet 66 will be happy to talk about the boats they love. Who knows, you may become a convert too. Many start in the sport by becoming crew members.

The Cinco de Mayo Regatta is on Sandy Beach, Rocky Point May 3rd and 4th. Tucsons Fleet 514 hosts the other big sailing event of the year, the Pinata Regatta, during the first week of October. For more information see the Fleet 66 website.
By Richard Scott

“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