The Orchids and The Exotic Flowers of Sinaloa

Sinaloa has an amazing biodiversity. The ecosystems vary from offshore islands, wetlands (which are confined in the more of 650 Km. of cost line), deciduous and sub-deciduous forest, pine-oak forest, etc. It is in the deciduous forest where the highest concentration of an impressive plant biodiversity remains, and many of them are endemic species. Such is the case of the gorgeous pink orchid Barkeria Dorotheae that blooms during the rainy season in the most rugged areas of the Western Mountains Ranged or Sierra Madre Occidental. This orchid belongs to genus that has 15 species of epiphyte orchids which are found in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panamá. Epihyptes have well developed roots which attach themselves to a tree for support and also to benefit from the tree’s nutrients. I have seen these orchids grow on a palo de Brasil tree but they also are found on the Tecomate tree. The large green fruits of the tree make a striking contrast with the intense pink of this orchid. It is believed that orchids are eternal since in nature the life of the orchid is connected with the tree that houses them. There are known plants that were connected half a century ago and they are still growing healthy and flowering in many collections.

Another colorful flower that makes their presence in the deciduous forest is the poinsettia belonging to the genus Euphorbia spp of the Euphorbiaceae family. The Spanish name is Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) and is given since the flowering coincides with the Chistmas season. This flower is native from Mexico and it can be known by the following names as well: Pascua, Sijoyo, Flor de Bandera or flor de Santa Catalina. It blooms from November to February in the most humid areas with the abundant vegetation such as cliffs and Canyons. This shrub can grow between 3 and 5 meters and the intense reddish leaves often captives the observer. This flower became known to the rest of the world during the colonial era when people would adorn the Churches during Christmas services.
During the dry season on the edge of the hills you can see the bright flowers of the Rosa Amarilla and Clavellina trees. The bark of the Rosa Amarillais in demand by folk healers and many people of the communities use the same tree to cure diabetes and other illnesses. Wildlife such as the White-tailed deer benefit from the flowering trees and loves to snack on the Clavellina and Palo Alto flower.
The spider water lilies flower during the rainy season. This exotic plant is strictly aquatic and can be admire along the river banks and streams.
This is just a small sampling of the exuberant botanical beauty that Sinaloa possesses and some of the flowers that you may see in the deciduous forest. There is always something new to see and admire when we enter the rugged mountains of our State. The orchids are protected by PROFEPA, SEMARNAT or CONANP (Government organizations). Sinaloa is caring more for the environment and organizations are looking to create and preserve more wildlife in areas where there is high biodiversity.
One of the great things about Marina Costa Bonita Villas Resort is the preservation of the natural vegetation more than that, it plays an important roll in the landscape and design to make a Resort environmental friendly. The previously existing trees and plant were keep so it was the natural habit of many species. To learn more about it visit: http://www.marinacostabonita.com

Driving to Paradise

When you cross the border you will be asked to identify yourself and you will be issued a visitors Visa, valid for six months. When you live Mexico, the United States immigration service will require you to present a valid US or Canadian Passport to re-enter.

You will have to make a deposit of 200 USD on your registered vehicle to encourage you to bring the car back with you. The customs agents prefer a major non-Mexican issued credit card. You can pay in cash but it must be in dollars. When you leave Mexico, your deposit will be cheerfully refunded. You should also purchase an insurance rider at the border to cover you in Mexico. Shop around on the internet and purchase when you cross. You must carry a valid driver’s license.

It is just as safe to drive on Mexico’s “major” highways as it is in the United States or Canada. If you are polite and can say “good morning, good afternoon, please & thank you” in Spanish , you will find that everyone you encounter will be more than gracious and try to help you even when you can’t converse in the national language. Mexican people are genuinely friendly by nature.

The “autopista” is Mexico’s version of the turnpike. It provides a limited access environment most of the way to Mazatlan except when going through towns and cities. There are few loops or bypasses. The speed limits on the Autopista range from 80Km (50mph) to 110Km (70mph). Stops signs are red and white octagons that say “Alto”. A handheld translator or book might come in handy. There are toll booths along the way to pay your “Cuota” and this stop can also give you a break from the journey because you’ll usually find rest rooms and snack bar. Having Mexican pesos to pay the toll is best. They always give you a “Nota” (receipt), but count your change.

Make sure you fill up your tank at reasonable intervals; in other words, half-full is a good idea until you get more acquainted with this route. “Pemex” gas stations (the only choice) are more abundant these days, but just to be safe remember to fill up when you are in a populated area. The choices in grade are Magna or Premium. Most passengers vehicles run fine on Magna (regular). Make sure the pump is set at “0” before the attendant starts pumping. It is best to have Mexican pesos available to pay and always ask for a “nota” and count your change. Some stations, not all, accept major Credit Cards. Gas prices in Mexico increase a couple of cents every month to keep up with inflation. There are no spikes in prices and you will find that the cost to fill your tank is now a lot lower here than it is at home.

If you get hungry or tired during the drive, your best bet for a good restaurant or a clean and comfortable Motel is in the cities along the route.

If you need help in an Emergency, SOS phones are place along the high way (dial 066). Federal Police and Green Angels will rescue you.

Most retirees who spend the winter in Mexico drive down, and has always been a wonderful experience, because the natural Mexican beauties along the way. Mazatlan Real Estate has captivated a lot of people and now they live the dream of owning their own piece of Paradise.

Fancy-Dress/Masked Ball

Tonight a very important event is taking place in Marina Costa Bonita, The Cocktail Party for the official announcement of the Carnaval’s traditional Baile de Fachas (Fancy-Dress/Masked Ball).

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Dolphins, Whales and Sea Lions

This time of the year is great to see dolphins, whales and sea lions. If you take your boat out now, don’t forget your camera because you will witness the most spectacular show, dozens of dolphins, gray whales with the new born baby whale swimming beside, turtles slowly swimming next to your boat and lazy sea lion resting and sunbathing on a rock formation. It is a great experience to have for the whole family.

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Carnaval de Mazatlan 2011

Do you recognize me, little mask?

That was very typical to hear in the fancy-dress/masked ball of Carnaval de Mazatlán.

Carnaval de Mazatlán 2011 is bringing back a wonderful tradition “El baile de Facha y Fantasía”. The Cultura of Mazatlan department in coordination with the enthusiastic board of the Orfanatorio de Mazatlan are in charge of making this come to reality, all founds raised will be to benefit Orfanatorio Mazatlan.

This famous ball was for many years very representative of the Carnaval in Mazatlan, but unfortunate and as time went by it disappeared; well this year and after 111 years from been created, is arising from the memory to the colorful reality and welcome by the enthusiasm and festive mood that distinguish the Mazatlecos. As follows a little bit of history taken from Carnaval de Mazatlan official site.

Between costumes and royalty

Don Miguel Valadez (the city chronicler) described: during the very first carnivals everybody wear costumes and masks they made jokes and their happiness made a new word in which they lived for a few days. People from the area and foreigners came by ships, wagons or horses seeking for that brief but intense world of fun party.
In 1900 Mazatlan had its first Carnaval Queen, a beautiful North American Wilfrida Farmer (Winnie as everybody called her). Winnie made a magnificent entrance to the city on a tram pull by horses and as companion Teodoro Maldonado along with the entourage, the happy ministers and a whole operetta company. On Tuesday’s Mardi grass parade she was on a beautiful black steed, she was a magnificent horse woman.

That year was celebrated the very first masked ball in Círculo Benito Juarez across the street from Plazuela Machado, the article was written by the poet Don Esteban Flores who was also the director of the news paper El Correo de la Tarde.

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Wetlands In Mazatlan and Its Surroundings

Along the Sinaloa coastline there are large wetlands, urban wetlands, estuaries and coastal lagoons. All of these ecosystems are of great importance to the migrating aquatic and waterfowl, since they serve as their, resting and refugee areas they depend upon during their long migration along the Pacific route. There are more than 50 species of migrating birds that strictly depend on these important refugees. For birdwatchers, wetlands provide some of the most exiting habitats because they contain all sorts of spectacular species of birds, such as teals, ducks, goose, pelicans, cormorants, herons, ibises, spoonbills, shorebirds, oystercatchers, etc. When one goes birding to the wetlands, there are well-defined habitats and this makes it a unique experience since we can learn about bird’s social behavior, feeding tactics, and their cycles of annual migration of the different species.
Within the 18 municipalities of our State there are a great number of wetlands of varying sizes. Two of the largest bays that are important nesting areas for the Branta bernicla are Santa María and la Reforma. One of the most striking birds that visit us from the north is the American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynochos). With a wingspan of 3 meters, this is one of the North america’s largest and there are few more spectacular sights than a flock of White Pelicans wheeling and turning in unison. These birds nest mostly in colonies at large lakes in the interior west and then migrate to lagoons and estuaries along the coast of the southern US and Mexico for the winter. Unlike the coastal Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), which dives from the air, White Pelicans feed while they are swimming, putting their heads and bills under water to scoop up fish and crustaceans. Often they gather in large groups and they work as a synchronized team. Before sunrise, they look for the feeding grounds, where they congregate sometimes more than 1000 individuals, resembling a huge white patch in the estuaries. Local fisherman names these birds “Borregones” or “Canadian Ducks”.

La Laguna del Camarón is the remains of the El Sabalo estuary one of the last urban natural refugees of the black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna Autumnalis), where a colony of more than 1000 birds used to inhabit less than 2 years ago and 10 years ago, an active breeding colony of approximately 80 pairs of Black Skimmers Rynchops niger lived. The American White Pelican could also been seen in large flocks in this estuary. These are just a few examples of the resident and migratory avifauna that once existed and depended on the former El Sabalo estuary.
As the learned Edward Wilson mentioned: “One can say that in each country there are three different type of richness: material, cultural and biological. The first two we understand very well because they are substance of our daily lives. The biological richness is taken with much less seriousness. This is a serious strategic mistake and one that will be more regrettable as time goes by”.
The only urban wetland that has been preserved thanks to the efforts of conservation biologists is El Yugo estuary. This small body of brackish water shelters more than 180 species of resident and migratory birds.
Now Developers are very concern about environment and natural resources. One of the projects very thoughtfully planed is Marina Costa Bonita where regional flora and fauna were respected, more than that it plays an important roll in the landscape.
Mazatlan is rich in natural resources and natural beauties, but the wonderful weather is one of the main reason why not only birds but a lot of people prefer to have their Home in this beautiful place that we call Paradise. Learn more about Mazatlan Real Estate.