May 7:  Mexico is really coming alive for us.  The Monterrey Mountains must remain mostly a mystery.  Spectacular views were only glimpsed through the thick cloud cover.  Craggy and steep, but with verdant forests, they seemed a mixture of the Rockies and the Smokies.  The canyons hike fascinated me, but the weather did not cooperate, so we headed for the sea.

The guidebooks say excellent maps can be had at any Pemex station.  They caution against camping on the beach.  They advise that non-alcoholic beer is widely available.  All untrue.  We are still mapless, but Google Maps has provided steady guidance.  

This gorgeous beach, almost without people, exceeds those in Playa del Carmen, and includes none of the tourist hassles and expense.  We are travelling like Mexicans on vacation, pouring our cash into gasoline, and camping free.  Look closely at the rainbow cloud, a phenomenon I have never experienced before.  A good omen.