Now that the ATV is running smoothly again, it was time to bring the big trailer back to life. We inherited this trailer when we moved here. It's a lot bigger than the small one Kevin rebuilt from scratch after the fire in the carport... the one we use every week for fishing. We use the big one now and then for heavier items, like logs and dirt. Kevin used it this past week and as he pulled it behind the ATV, he felt the whole thing shaking. He looked around and the sides were lopsided. Not good. Totally unstable. We noticed the bottom of the trailer was deteriorating. 

When I looked at it, I thought that was the end of our trailer. But what do I know? Kevin said it wasn't a big deal... an relatively easy fix. We went down to San Marcos to buy a few nuts and bolts to replace the old rusted ones. When we got home he took everything apart, and put it all back together again, added some aluminium to cover a gaping hole to add extra strength. Of course he did... because that's what my hubby does. 

Just an update on our ATV... last Monday, Kevin was able to finally start the ATV (I didn't have to tow him into San Marcos... phew). We drove to get the emission test done and passed with flying colours. We then promptly drove the ATV around the corner to the mechanics to get a full service done. We left it there for two days. We got the call on Wednesday that it was ready to pick up. The mechanic said the carburetor needed a good cleaning and he changed the spark plug, too. It runs beautifully now. 

Bigger news, on Friday, President Solis came to our little village of Rio Blanco to celebrate the completion our new bridge. He went to two other rural towns before he arrived at ours, and by the time he did arrive, the weather had turned nasty: it was lashing down with rain. There were about 40 or so neighbours waiting for him and we all had to cram into Martin's rustic restaurant. It was certainly cozy. There were approximately 15 police officers standing by as security. No one was searched. No weapon detectors. Just simple people waiting for a government official, who happens to be a really humble and decent guy. The mayor of Santa Maria said a few words of appreciation, thanking the President for the infusion of investment in our region. The government has invested the equivalent of $1,205,500 U.S. for a new bridge, road improvements, women entrepreneur programs, agricultural programs, etc. The President stood up and said a few words, too. I shook his hand, which is as close as I'll ever get to shaking any president's hand, I'm guessing.

When the rain finally subsided, we all went out for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. It's fair to say that even the rain didn't dampen the mood. There was a camera crew capturing the event for the nightly news, which is a pretty big deal around here. It's not often something big like this happens in our midst. I'm very grateful for the experience (unfortunately, Kevin had to leave early to tend to the ponds... we know where his loyalty lies).

We're not sure exactly what's going on with our ATV (quad) these past few days... one minute it starts up without any problem and the next minute it won't start up at all. Kevin thought it might be the spark plug, so on Friday I went into San Marcos to order a new one. This ATV has been a work horse, never gives us any problem and Kevin rides it around the property often... it's incredibly useful when we're fishing. Kevin and Martin catch the trout and put them in the trailer behind the ATV. Kevin zips down with the load to the weighing station. The system works beautifully. Kevin also uses it when lugging wood from the wood shed down to the carport, and transporting the fish food sacs up to the hatchery. 

Yesterday, Kevin tried starting it just to see what would happen and it started right away. We thought maybe the humidity from the rain was making it temperamental. Kevin tried to start it again today, and although the engine turns, it just doesn't go all the way. Very frustrating. We're not fishing tomorrow... instead we've been asked to fish on Tuesday for Roberto. So, I'll be towing Kevin who will be sitting on the ATV all the way to San Marcos to the ATV repair shop. We're hoping it's nothing serious... probably just needs to be serviced and cleaned up. We hope.

Oh, and remember that rope across the river that Kevin installed, where he glides the lantern down above the river to attract the beetles. Well, it's working like a charm. We still a few knocking on our windows, but so much less than previous years. Well done, Kevin!!!

Our five bulls (Willis, Rocky, Redford, Cruz and Rain Man) are all growing and getting so big. They are not the tiny rescue bulls they once were. They are doing a great job grazing in the pasture and with the rain lately, everything is incredibly green. 

Our hens (the Bettys) are all very healthy and doing well. The last batch weren't as hardy and we lost three; We have 15 hens and they lay between 14 and 15 eggs a day. Very productive crew.

We haven't seen the heron in several weeks. Kevin did see a quetzal a few days ago, so that was fun for him. Frankie is no longer wearing the cone. We had to keep an eye on her in the beginning because she was still obsessed with gnawing her paw, but everything is good now. Bobbie McGee is mellowing out ( she'll be 3 years old in August) and the two of them seem to be enjoying each other's company a lot more, which is nice to see. 

I guess that's about all the news for this week. I'd like to thank all those of you who continue to follow our journey. Our adventure started nearly five years ago and we've had such an amazing time, always stretching and learning. All adventures though, given enough time, become simply "daily life". And to know that people are still interested in reading about our daily experiences is humbling. So thank you. We appreciate it.

Well, the rainy season has officially arrived. It's been raining a few hours a day for the last week now. The river is rising a little, too. Nothing to worry about. In fact, it's nice to know that everything is getting saturated, the pasture is growing green again. The lushness is intoxicating. The air is extra fresh. The bulls are enjoying munching morning, noon, and night, too!

We had lovely guests from Arizona, Molly and Gary, stay with us for four nights last week.They were arriving after dark and didn't want to drive, so we arranged for our taxi driver friend to pick them up at the airport. Here's what they had to say in our guestbook... click here.

Here they are catching their dinner (and ours!)