Sea Side Reservations Blog

“There are two big events in Rocky Point” my old realtor friend tells me, as we enjoy Bloody Marys on the sunny patio of Colins’ Cantina. “The Roger Clyne Concert, and the rest of the year.” Well, everyone knows there is a lot happening in Rocky Point. All the time. But when Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers come in June, it’s as if someone picked the place up like a snow globe and shook it. From the first guitar chord to the last hot dog at JJ’s, Circus Mexicus is the definition of a Rock and Roll beach party. New things are happening this time, and the stars seem to be aligning for a Peacemakers show unlike any before.

What things?

‘The Independent’ is out. It’s the groups’ 7th album, written, produced, and recorded by them. Songs from ‘The Independent’ have been road tested during a just completed tour, and will be on the set list this weekend.

Circus Mexicus gets closer to being a full blown festival with the inclusion of headlining acts on Friday night. The Sand Rubies and Cracker will be there.

The bar formerly known as ‘The Hut’ is now Banditos, owned by none other than Roger Clyne. It is fast becoming the base of operations for the singer when he is in town, as recent solo gigs demonstrate. It’s sure to be headquarters for this years show, as it is right across the street! Circus Mexicus has been in this spot before, a natural ‘ampitheater’ that slopes down to the stage.

Always full of excitement and surprises, Circus Mexicus is what starts the Summer spinning in Rocky Point. Go to Peacetimegoods for ticket information, and Seaside Mexico for room reservations.      By Richard Scott

Schedule of events

THURSDAY June 5th
Kick Off Party / JJ’s Cantina
7:30pm Random Karma
9:00pm Ghetto Cowgirl
10:00pm Hickman-Dalton Gang

FRIDAY June 6th
Main Stage
7:00pm Shurman
8:00pm Sand Rubies
9:30pm Cracker

SATURDAY June 7th
Eat & Greet / Banditos
6:30-7:30pm Peacemakers and guests
Main Stage
7:00pm The Black Moods
8:00pm Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers (with The Jons)

SUNDAY June 8th
PH Naffah’s Hot Dog & A Smile / JJ’s Cantina
11:00am Ghetto Cowgirl
12:00noon Sand Rubies
1:00pm Shurman
2:00pm The Black Moods
3:00pm Shawn Johnson
4:00pm Elvis Before Noon
5:00pm Random Karma

 

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Every place has its’ traditions. Pioneer Days, Home Coming, and Fourth of July fireworks are memories for those from the U.S., especially of if you are from a small town. Not too long ago, Rocky Point was a small town. It grew up with its’ own mix of special days. But above all others, the most important and anticipated was El Dia de la Marina, which today has become Marina Fest.

Marina Fest is a week when the fair is in town, and starts with a parade of the young ladies who want to be festival Queen. There are musicians and comedy acts too. But originally there was just one special day to honor the sailors of the Mexican Navy (known as the Marines). For someone growing up here, it was the best day of the year.

“We waited all year for this, we did” says Caperina. “Everyone, even poor people, dressed up. The whole town wore blue and white, because it was for the Marines. Everyone lived at the fair, no one wanted to go home.”

Like Memorial Day in the U.S., the fun and excitement was only part of what the day was about. “Shrimp boats, and ships from the Navy gave rides. All of the town was there.” A tradition that continues today. “An offering was made to remember sailors and fishermen who had been lost. A wreath of flowers was placed in the sea.”

Friday night will see the coronation of this years Queen. The fair continues throughout the weekend, headliner Susy Aguilar performing her tribute to the late Jenni Rivera on Saturday. On Sunday, June 1st, ships of the Mexican Marines will again be open to the public. By Richard Scott

 

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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

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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

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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

 

 

 

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By Richard Scott

Esta semana el Gobernador del estado de Sonora, Guillermo Padres Elías y el Alcalde de Puerto Peñasco Gerardo Figueroa Zazueta, inauguraron oficialmente el nuevo centro de convenciones de la ciudad.

Este lugar ha estado funcionando anteriormente, durante los ultimos meses se han realizado allí eventos como el baile de Gala de Blanco y Negro, tambien la pelea del heroe Rocaportense, el bi-campeón mundial de boxeo Juan Francisco “El Gallo” Estrada.

En Puerto Peñasco hay algunos espacios para eventos publicos (Los Volcanes Ballroom en Sonoran Sky Resort, Quinta Ventura en el centro de la ciudad son solo dos ejemplos) pero ninguno con la capacidad del nuevo Centro de Convenciones. Aproximadamente 4000 personas asistieron a la pelea del “Gallo” Estrada; localizado justo pasando el “Cholla Mall” en una area desértica, el Centro de Convenciones tiene acesso fácil para los residentes del pueblo, también para quienes viven en los de desarollos Turísticos en Sandy Beach.

Los oficiales de turismo pretenden traer eventos de alto nivel a Puerto Peñasco, ahora que contamos con este lugar tan espacioso y moderno.

Dias después de la ceremonia de inauguración, las autoridades de la ciudad celebraron en este lugar a las mamas en su dia (10 de Mayo, Dia de las Madres en Mexico), mas de 2000 mamás estuvieron celebrando con musica, comida, y regalos. Será interesante ser testigo del impacto que el nuevo Centro de Convenciones tendra en los eventos publicos de Puerto Peñasco.

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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.

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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

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