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

I hate ’em. Oysters. Put ’em on a cracker, put hot sauce on ’em, it won’t help. Have you looked at them? Like something out of Steven King. Some people love them. They tell me Oysters are high in zinc, protein, omega 3 . . . oh, and they’re an aphrodisiac. To who, I wonder, other Oysters?

They also tell me that the best ones, the freshest you can get anywhere are from the oyster farm east of Rocky Point. One weekend I have friends in town who have always wanted to go. Never one to be a party pooper, I jump into the SUV along with everyone else. I’m sure I can keep a straight face and eat three or four of them. They have beer don’t they?
We pull off the highway at a hand written sign that says “ostionera”. Bouncing down the washboard road we squint into the afternoon sun. “That was quick”says my friend as the estuary suddenly spreads out before us. The shallow water spreads out to the high dunes by the sea, sparkling with light. A small flock of birds takes off as we pull into the dusty parking area. In the shallows are a dozen square boxes that house the oysters, looking like a miniature condo project.
Estero Morua is one of the unique estuaries that dot the coast along the northern Sea of Cortez. Created where the Rio Sonoyta enters the ocean, the mixing of waters creates a place full of life. Most noticable are the birds. A major stop during migration, the estuary is also the nesting site for a threatened species of Tern. Piles of discarded shells have been found that date back hundreds of years. The Hohokan were here, fishing and taking shells back to what is now Arizona to trade. These days Arizonans still fish at the mouth of the estuary, and kayak in the shallow waters taking photos.
An old man with weathered skin and a Dodgers baseball cap greets us at the palm roofed ‘restaurant’. We have the place to our selves, and take up a picnic table center-pieced with bottles of hot sauce, limes and salt. “Now you just want to kind of slide them off their shell into your mouth, and not really chew them, just sort of..” “Larry” I say, “I got it, I know how to eat them.” For me, eating them means a dash of hot sauce, a squeeze of lime, and a good amount of feigned non-chalance.
I switch to straight beer drinking sooner than the others, but it wasn’t bad. These oysters had a very mild flavor. I’m sure that’s why they have such a good reputation with seafood lovers. Still, I don’t love ’em. And three beers later, I’m still waiting for the aphrodisiac effect to kick in.
“Man, that was great, we should come again tomorrow” says my friend. The group enthusiastically agrees. And who can blame them. As the sun starts to set, the pink at the edge of the horizon mirrors in the water. You hear the faint flutter of wings as a flock of birds circle low, almost ready to settle for the night. “I want to come back too” I say. “You?” says Larry, “Oysters are good, huh?” “No. I’m going to leave you guys here while I kayak.”

Head East out of town on Freemont Blvd. Within a mile or so you will see signs on the right announcing ‘Ostionera’ (Oyster Farm).     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

  

    

Sunday is family day in Mexico. In the evening as the sun sets, everyone heads to Rocky Points’ Malecon to enjoy the breeze, take a walk, and people watch.   A Malecon is a public space found in seaside towns at the waters edge, full of food vendors, benches for sitting, and Bandas (a type of brass band). Skate borders and dog walkers stake out their own areas as couples hold hands, watching thier toddlers explore.

    

 

As the choo choo train takes off with a load of kids, a young guy tips fifty pesos to the singer. He takes his girl in his arms, and a drum roll brings the Banda to life. Two trombones, three clarinets, a singer, drums, more horns of some type, and a tuba. A tuba with a microphone down inside it! The sound is like a love ballad being played by a marching band. Fast or slow, Banda music is for dancing. More couples join in as I take photos. I feel a touch on my elbow, and a young boy with a Motley Crue t-shirt asks if i can take one for him. OK. He leads me over to a bench where I find his Mom, Dad, Grandma, and two Sisters, smiling and posing. They have been watching me, and know a picture of them would be just right for a story about the Malecon. Because it’s their Malecon.  By Richard Scott

  

“Una mas?” Chico asks. Hand on a bottle of fine Tequila, my bartender lifts his eyebrow and shoots a look at my empty caballito. “Gracias, but I’m calling it a night.” I say. “Beddy-bye time. Just gonna’ stop for tacos or something first.” “Hang on a minute, I’ll go with you.” says Chico “where you want to go?” Chicos’ bar is at the top of the hill, with a view of the city lights stretching all the way to La Cholla. Looking down, I consider the options. “Well, there’s Erics’ Burgers. Tacos Diego is good too. Oh hey, what’s that place that puts nacho cheese on the french fries…?” Having folded his white towel into a perfect square and drapping it over the bar rail, Chico reaches for the row of light switches. “Just follow me” he says.

A night on the town in Rocky Point is not complete without a plate of Carne Asada tacos covered in guacamole, a cheese quesadilla in homemade corn tortillas, or a hotdog wrapped in bacon. Drive around, you’ll see little places all over. Tables with plastic chairs, bowls of different salsas, pickled onions and cilantro. A TV showing reruns of todays’ soap opera (telenovela). Here are three places that have become regular stops.

El Jefe

The owner greats you with a booming voice, and there always seems to be a crowd at this popular hotdog stand. Bacon wrapped, the dogs are served with a side of fries. Along with the catsup and mustard, there is a squeeze bottle of nacho cheese. Nice. Ask for grilled onions. One block off of Benito Juarez where it crosses the railroad tracks.

El Poblano

Pull up to the curb and you smell the chile, clove, and pineaple marinated pork cooking on the rotiserie, like Greek Gyros. Said to have originated with Lebanese immigrants to Mexico, Tacos al Pastor as served by El Poblano come smothered in guacamole. Squeeze a lime wedge over it and enjoy. This is the reason Coka Cola was invented. At the corner of Boulevard Sinaloa and Simon Morua.

Tacos Chuy

Grilled beef is Carne Asada. It comes to your table folded in a tortilla, nothing more. Now it’s up to you. There is always a red salsa made with roasted chipotle peppers, and a green with bright tasting serano chilies, white onion and cilantro. On the side, sliced cucumber waits for lime and a dash of salt. Horchata, a creamy sweet drink made of rice water and cinnamon, perfectly soothes the chile from your toungue. Tacos Chuy is on Boulevard Josefa

By Richard Scott

Reason #1:  Honest Property Evaluations

Our team of professionals evaluates each property, grades it on a proven scale of 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest, most luxurious property available. The rental price is directly proportionate to the evaluation of the property by both our professional property managers and confirmed by our guest surveys. The 5 Star Rating assures you will experience the quality of the property you reserve.

Reason #2: Best Maintained Properties

Our professional housekeeping and maintenance staff are the best trained, best equipped, and proactive team for caring for the property. Our evaluations, our customer feedback, and our fast response to resolve any outstanding issues is second to none in Mexico. You want your vacation to be enjoyed, not waiting on a maintenance man to fix something that should have already been repaired or replaced prior to your arrival. Stay with us for the best properties in the best condition.

Reason #3: Largest Selection of Luxury Beachfront Properties

We have homes and condominiums located on the beachfront. All have great views, sandy beaches, aqua blue water, and steps away from fun. Choose the property that best meets your need and secure it with our online reservations.

Reason #4: Safe and Secure Reservations

No bait and switch here. Choose your property and plan the fun. Arrive to enjoy the property you booked without concern if it exists, if you will get what you paid for, or if the company will run off with your money. Sea Side Reservations has been in business since 1996. We are financially secure, have a professional staff, and we have onsite Guest Services at most locations. Come stay with us!

Reason #5: Great Locations for Fun in the Sun!

Rocky Point is so close to the Arizona border it is known as “Arizona’s Beach” for a reason. The drive is beautiful, as you will experience a variety of plant-life, an occasional wild animal, safe border crossing, and a comfortable drive to Rocky Point. But why vacation in Rocky Point? The sandy beach, the great resorts, incredible pools, friendly people, comfortable atmosphere, aqua blue water, variety of restaurants, and fun things to do in and out of the water! Visit our website to learn more about Rocky Point – www.seasidemexico.com.

 

The new 2014 Rocky Point Calendar is now available for purchase at local establishments, in Phoenix or by mail order via the web. The colorful calendar features beautiful scenery from the Rocky Point area, helpful reminders, and useful information. Get your copy today as the supply sells out fast.

The calendar can be purchased locally at:

The Rocky Point Times Newspaper

The ProAlliance Insurance Office/Tourism Assist Office

The Segunda This & That Shop in the Old Port

The Premium Services / Petals and Perfums Office

The calendar is available in limited quantities in Phoenix at the “SEVEN13SK8 SHOP” at 351 E. McKinley St., Phoenix, in the Art District. It is located near Central, Roosevelt and 7th Street. Call to check availability at 480-747-4696.

You can also purchase the calendar via mail order by contacting Karen Aldridge at www.rockypointcalendar.com and completing the order form.

Why download the Rocky Point iPhone App? Simple.

It’s Informative. Interactive. Useful. Includes Reservation Information. Temperatures. Dining. Shopping. Nightlife. Taxi Service. Emergency Contacts. Local Maps. Photo Gallery.

You will be better informed with all this information in the palm of your hand. Find new restaurants, and learn about new nightlife spots. This app was developed by Sea Side Reservations for our guests enjoyment.

To download the latest version visit iTunes App Store or click the link below. The new app is also available for iPad.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rocky-point-vacation-guide/id666737317

Everyone likes and appreciates a discount, especially when the discount provides you access to something important, valuable and fun!

When you visit Rocky Point bring your camera because it can save you money on future reservations. We want you to snap a few fun, interesting and unique pictures. These can be shots of anything and everything Rocky Point from the beach, the resorts, the restaurants, shopping, activities or just enjoying the pools. Be sure to include your name, contact info and where you took the pic.

Submit the best pictures with your guest survey and be automatically entered to win! Or email your pictures with information to info@seasidemexico.com. The winners will receive a coupon for a discount off their next stay with Sea Side Reservations in Rocky Point. All pictures become the property of Sea Side Reservations for use in future publications.