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 Phoenix
    Sail and Power Squadron

    A Unit
    of United States Power Squadrons® - District 28

    Sail and Power Boating

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South of the Border Rendezvous 24-26 October 2008 The Reef RV Park Puerto Peñasco, Mexico

Some things to know about Mexico; things to bring to the rendezvous

Proof of citizenship. A passport is now necessary for return to the United States from Mexico. There are other things which may be substituted. Check ahead of time.

Mexican liability insurance for your vehicle if you drive. Some policies are available before you leave, and some are available on the way. Most U.S. insurance is not honored in Mexico. Check your policy with your agent.

Other items such as water, your medications and identification.
BYOB. U.S. prices for most things are cheaper.

How to get there
Take I-10 west from Phoenix to exit 112 (Hwy 85) and follow the road south to Gila Bend. Drive through town to the west end, and turn right at McDonalds. The highway sign reads “Mexico.” Follow Hwy 85 to Ajo, Why and Lukeville. Cross the international border and stop for the border light—red or green. (Note: The international border opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at midnight, Arizona time.)
Then keep the PEMEX station on your left at the split in the road. Turn right on Mexico Hwy 8, where the sign reads “Pto Peñasco.” You are now in downtown Sonoyta and heading southwest to Rocky Point. The speed limit is 15 mph in town. The highway speed between Sonoyta and Rocky Point is 100 kilometers per hour, or 62 mph, but you’ll notice the observed speed is “be careful and arrive safe.”

There’s a relatively new road to Cholla Bay. It is a mile before the unpaved road that has been used for generations. There is a paved road that is not marked “Choya Bay,” so don’t take it. Follow the signs. The new road intersects the old road prior to reaching Sandy Beach. It’s a short hop from the roundabout. There’s a PEMEX station on your right. Take a right at the intersection of the paved and sand roads, and follow that road about two miles to the police station. Slow and wave, and look for the Phoenix Sail and Power Squadron banner on the right.

The mileage is about 212 miles from Phoenix to Rocky Point. From Lukeville to Rocky Point, it’s about 65 miles. The average air temperature is 62° F and average rainfall is nil.

You can purchase insurance at the Chevron station in the town of Why, which is about 20 miles north of the international border. There are signs along the way point out other insurance purchase places. For more information, contact Paul Schoonover or other members of the planning committee.

For directions to The Reef RV park, check the map below. It will not be necessary to drive into Puerto Peñasco to get there, and it is an easy drive. John Lusson is familiar with the park.

Information about the area is available from

http://www.rockypointonline.com/mexico.htm

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Cholla Bay Fish Fry 26-28 October 2007

Puerto Peñasco, Mexico

Nobody remembers for sure when the first Cholla Bay Fish Fry took place, but we were all younger then.

As the Phoenix Sail and Power Squadron approaches its 50th anniversary, the consensus is the golden anniversary of fish fry’s may not be far behind. One thing has not changed through the years—the friendship and good times that are a tradition.
And 2007 was no different.

An ariel view of party central from a powered hang glider
of the homes along the shores of Cholla Bay

The format is simple: Arrive at the Cholla Bay area of Rocky Point, Mexico sometime during the week before the Saturday night festivities, make camp whether at an RV park or as a guest at a member’s home, catch up on what everyone is doing, pitch in to help set up for dinner, banter with comrades, protect oneself against the rigors of dehydration, and just hang out.

This year was no different. And once again a full moon provided the dramatic tidal range that makes the area so dramatically beautiful.
If there is any formality to the weekend, it begins sometime Friday afternoon at the waterfront home of Jose and Jan Pallavicini. There, the traditional tequila sunrise libation expertly prepared by Les Ormsby. Members bring hors d’oeuvres to share with others, and the quality and imaginative offerings continue to astound. This continues until Jose announces it is time to go, and the group is herded about a 100 yards or so to Paul and Grace Schoonover’s beach front home. No one lingers because there’s fish frying, cole slaw and beans ready, and appetites to match.

The Friday evening hors d’oeuvres at the Pallavicini's waterfront home	(l-r) Barbara :Lusson, Betty Friedhoff, and Grace Schoonover relax on the porch with a beverage
(l-r) John Lusson, Fred Drawert, Lee Whitehead and Paul Schoonover take their conversations to the patio
Fred Drawert calls the Friday night Bingo	With game sheets and markers in hand, lets play!

Through the years, there have been variations to the format. Once, members chartered a large fishing boat and traveled to Bird Island to see flora and fauna in their natural habitat. We were waited on hand and foot, and forced relaxation was the norm. There have been times when the food was catered, and other changes were made. But, it seemed the favorite was Paul’s deep fryer, Fred Drawer’s help with the cooking, and the traditional fish fry with all the trimmings.

Barbara Lusson lends Paul Schoonover a hand in preparing the dip for the fish	Rose Werner dips the fish, Fred Drawert works the deep fat frier as Jose Pallavicini looks on and Lee Whitehead prepares the coleslaw. John Yount and Ron Werner supervise.
The desert table was very inviting
After dinner entertainment provided by Mexican Dancers	Costumes were authentic and colorful

Lest you believe that the weekend is filled with eating and drinking, there’s much more to it. This year, as in year’s past, the weekend also serves as the perfect opportunity for members taking JN or N classes to use the perfect horizon to take sights as part of their requirements for the course.

D/C Chuck Peterson guided his students to a choice location at the Reef RV park, where many were staying. One of the vexing problems has always been the calculation of height of eye for sextant sights, and it was ingeniously solved by Ron Werner, who just happened to have a transit handy. A hand-made stator was added, and the calculation became child’s play. Preliminary results indicate that the precision of sight taking exceeded expectations, a tribute to Chuck’s excellent instruction. Not to mention the inherent navigational skills that come with being the member of a desert-based, land-locked power squadron.

Sextant sights require a correction for height of eye Ron Werner takes transit readings for an exacting measurement

Junior Navigation students take sun sights as part of the course requirements.

On Sunday morning, everyone congregated at the Reef RV park, a delightful waterfront facility. Members were able to park near each other, and they also were able to find several empty spaces for parking and table and chairs setups. Jerry Anderson presided over his French toast, which was rounded out by a variety of pot luck dishes provided by members. No one went hungry.

Sunday brunch at the Reef RV park

Dig in everyone -- and they did. Jerry Anderson (center with white hat) was kept busy preparing his famous French Toast.

One slight variation from years past was the very real present of Homeland Security at the U.S.-Mexico border. The lines were slow on Sunday morning returning to the U.S. The conversation with security people was more involved although invariably polite. And—as it turned out—a passport seemed to speed things along with our new-found friends.

Let’s try to do it again next year.

Click here for a slide show of more photos from the 2007 Fish Fry

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The information was supplied by The Reef RV Park, selected as the RV center for the squadron for 2007.

We require payment in full to confirm a reservation. A reservation is non-transferable and we require a driver's license at check-in. Your reservation would be held for fourteen (14) days only. Payment needs to be post-marked within three (3) days of the date an email request was sent. Our new seasonal rates for 2007 are as follow:

Please read over pricing, rules/regulations, and refund policy carefully. By sending payment you have agreed to these terms and conditions.

REFUND POLICY
Any modification of this reservation 003092 will result in a cancellation processing fee.
Confirmed reservations which are canceled before fourteen (14) calendar days of your check in date will result in a 1 night cancellation fee. This will be subtracted from the initial payment. We don't hold credit.
A cancellation within thirteen (13) days will result in a charge of one-hundred percent (100%) of your payment. We do not hold credit. There are no refunds or credit for early departures. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS or Credit for holiday dates which includes Spring Break.
Monthly confirmed reservations which are canceled before fourteen (14) calendar days of your check in date will result I a first (1st) night of each month cancellation fee. This will be subtracted from the initial payment. We don't hold credit.
Monthly confirmed reservations cancellation within thirteen (13) days will result in a charge of one-hundred percent (100%) of your payment. We do not hold credit.
Refund checks are sent to the address provided on your reservation request.
No cash refunds.

Holiday Rates (please see our online calendar)
4-Night Minimum required for Beachfront sites.
Beachfront Sites - $40.00 U.S. dollars
Regular Sites - $25.00 U.S. dollars
(March 9th - 24th , April 6th- 9th , May 25th - 28th , June 29th - July 2nd,
August 31st - Sept 3rd, Oct. 5th - 8th, Nov. 9th - 12th, Nov. 19th - 22nd,
Dec. 21st - 24th, Dec. 28th - 31st )

Seasonal Rates 2007 season
*Our rates are designed for 2 person occupancy. Any additional persons over the age of 10 will be charged $2 per night*

October 1st - May 31st (Jan., Feb., March, April, May, Oct., Nov., Dec.)
Park hours for check-in will be 7am to 11pm only (7 days a week)
4-Night Minimum required for Beachfront sites.
Beachfront Sites - $35.00 U.S. dollars Daily
Beachfront Sites - $700.00 U.S. dollars Monthly
Regular Sites - $20.00 U.S. dollars Daily
Regular Sites - $500.00 U.S. dollars Monthly

June 1st - September 31st (June, July, August, Sept.)
4-Night Minimum required for Beachfront sites.
Beachfront Sites - $23.00 U.S. dollars Daily
Beachfront Sites - $640.00 U.S. dollars Monthly
Regular Sites - $17.00 U.S. dollars Daily
Regular Sites - $475.00 U.S. dollars Monthly

Storage (In and out service to spaces is free of charge w/ a three days notice and payment current)
Storage hours for will be 7am - 11pm only (7 days a week)
Per vehicle 1'ft to 30'ft - $40.00 U.S. dollars
Per vehicle 31'ft to 45'ft - $45.00 U.S dollars

Rules & Regulations
We at The Reef R.V. Park track by license plate #'s

1- No parking sideways, all spaces require back in or forward parking.
2- No vehicles, ATV's or Golf Carts on the beach.
3- No speeding (10 mph or idle only).
4- No Cruising.
5- No reckless behavior in vehicles.
6- No fireworks allowed.
7- No disruptive noise after 9 PM.
8- Do not store extra trailers, cars or ATV's, etc. in unassigned spaces.
9- Keep pets on leashes at all times.
10- Owners clean up after your pets.
11- No parking in beach access areas.
12- Keep road ways clear.
13- Do not tamper with R.V. Park property - Moving blocks, covering light fixtures.
14- Do not dispose of grey or black water or barbecue ashes on spaces.
15- No campfires in the park without fire safe containers.
16- Charges for extra hours:
1-5 ($10 Dlls per hour)
6-10 ($15 Dlls per hour)
11-15 ($20 Dlls per hour)
17- No trailers, 5th wheels or motor homes are permitted to enter after 11pm. No tent campers will be permitted to set up after 9pm.

Please do not request any alteration to this policy or ignore it in such a way as to risk eviction and no refund of payment.
Other Expectations: Fireworks are not allowed. Excessive noise or any other form of unacceptable behavior is a violation of the contract and will result in loss of payment and/or eviction. Violations include, but not limited to, parties and using the space as a gathering place.

NOTE: The Reef RV Park cannot be responsible for lack of electricity due to power outages having anything to do with storms, the electrical company (CFE) or by any other means out of our control. Nor can we be held responsible for water shortages which occur due to the lack of water in the town of Puerto Peñasco. If at all possible, every effort will be made to find you other accommodations within our inventory. Occupancy must not exceed the number listed on the confirmation or you are subject to eviction with no refund and loss of Security Deposit. CHECK-IN TIME IS 1:00 P.M. Check in is at the Reef RV Park office. CHECK-OUT TIME IS 1:00 P.M.

Note: Any reservations without payment postmarked on or before their due date may be canceled automatically by our program, and a new reservation request will need to be filled out at http://www.thereefrvpark.com/ if you are still interested.
When paying by personal check or money order be sure that the check has this reservation 003092 in the memo area. We will email you a receipt and site assignment after payment is fully processed (usually between 10 to 14 business days).

Make Checks Payable to THE REEF S.A. DE C.V.,
Mailing address: The Reef S.A. de C.V.
P.O. Box 742
Lukeville AZ 85341

Logistics for the next time

What to bring:

* Proof of citizenship A passport is now required upon return to the US.
* Shoes and clothing that you won’t mind getting wet.
* BYOB and ice
* Sleeping or camping reservation
* Your boat (if possible)
* Mexican liability insurance and any other insurance if you drive. Most U.S. insurance is not honored in Mexico. Check your policy.
* Other items such as water that are helpful when traveling in Mexico

How to get there:

Take I-10 west from Phoenix to exit 112 (Hwy 85) and follow that road to Gila Bend. Drive through town to the west end and turn right at McDonalds. The highway sign says "Mexico." Follow Hwy 85 to Ajo, Why and Lukeville.

Cross the international border and stop for the border light - red or green. Then follow the Mexican border guards’ instruction to either stop for vehicle inspection or continue. If you are going south beyond Rocky Point, you do need a visa and car permit.

Continuing in Mexico, cross the bridge near the large PEMEX gas station on your left at the split in the road. Turn right on Mexico Hwy 8, where the sign reads "Pto Penasco." You are now in downtown Sonoyta and heading southwest to Rocky Point. The speed limit is 15 MPH in town. The highway speed is "be careful and arrive safe."

Theres a new road to Cholla Bay. It is a mile or so north of the unpaved road we have used for the past 20 years. Follow the signs. The new road intersects the old road prior to reaching Sandy Beach. Take a right at the intersection and follow that road about two miles to the police station. Slow and wave, and look for the Phoenix Sail and Power Squadron banner on the right.

NOTE: The international border opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at midnight, Arizona time.

The mileage is about 212 miles from Phoenix to Rocky Point. From Lukeville to Rocky Point, it's 65 miles. From Rocky Point to Guaymas is 340 miles with a car permit and visa. If you are not going south beyond Rocky Point, you do not need a visa or car permit.

Insurance: On weekends, insurance is available at Sanborns on the Ajo/Gila Bend Hwy approaching Ajo. The telephone number is (520) 387-6376. The FAX is (520) 387-6910 (Ajo Insurance Center). You can also purchase insurance at the Chevron station in the town of Why, which is about 20 miles north of the border.

For more information contact any of the committee members listed below. Other Phoenix members are also familiar with the area, and would be pleased to help you plan.

LODGING

Note: Contact Hotels Directly
Dial 011-25-638 and the number
For more listing go to www.puerto-penasco.com/lodgin/html

[1] Best Western Playa Inn	18 Sinaloa Ave, Puerto Peñasco. Tel: 383-5015 1-800-952-8426 Fax: 383-5016
[2] Laos Mar Hotel & Suites	90 Balboa Ave, Puerto Peñasco. Tel: 383-4700 Fax: 383-4705
[3] Playa Bonita Hotel	147 Balboa Ave, Puerto Peñasco. Tel: 383-2586 Fax: 383-5566
[4] Paraiso Del Desierto Hotel	112 Constitucion Ave, Puerto Peñasco. Tel: 383-2175 Fax: 383-5272 Mail: PO Box 463 Lukeville, AZ 85341
[5] Plaza Las Glorias Hotel	13 Armada Nacional Ave, Puerto Peñasco. Tel: 383-6010 Fax: 383-6015
[6] Liuvia Del Mar Hotel	Blvd Benito Juarez 287-B (Nearest to Cholla) Tel: 383-1510 Fax: 383-1513
[7] Princesa Beachfront Condo Rentals	Sandy Beach, Puerto Peñasco. Tel: 1-800-817-6628 (Nearest to Cholla)
[8] Playa Cortez RV Park	Balboa Ave, Sandy Beach, Puerto Peñasco. Tel: 387-1111
[9] The Reef RV Park	At Sandy Beach, Puerto Peñasco. Tel: 383-5790 Mail: PO Box 1172, Lukeville, AZ 85341 email: thereefrvpark@prodigy.net/mx

Click here for more hotel/condo options and instructions

Cholla Bay Fish Fry Committee

Jerry Anderson (480) 837-0043	Fred Drawert (480) 473-8990
Bill Friedhoff (602) 277-1335	Les Ormsby (602) 841-4563
Gene Peterson (480) 515-1080	Paul Schoonover (480) 488-3981
John Yount (480) 816-5667	Jose Pallavicini (623) 975-1834

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This page last updated October 7, 2008