tories are located here. You can stop and watch saddles, sandals, belts, and
other leather goods being made right in the shops. Other sights are the church
of San Antonio and a very old jail that is still in use.
El Quelite: About 40 miles northeast of Mazatlán is a town named El
Quelite. Besides having a beautiful main street, El Quelite is the home of a large
cockfighting ranch. Roosters can be seen individually tied to small white shel-
ters in several rows. Other younger ones are kept in pens. Each day the roost-
ers are pitted against one another to find out which ones are the best fighters.
They are then sold to people who take them to the fights.
I have checked with several Mazatlecos to find cockfighting arenas in the
area, but to no avail. Apparently cockfighting is not illegal, but betting on the
fights is against the law. My guess is that fighting occurs, but in unadvertised
places.
The town also has a great bakery near the cockfighting ranch and a couple
cheese-making plants. The trip is worth it just to taste the great pineapple
turnovers. Follow the signs to the ranch--then ask the caretaker at the ranch
for directions to the bakery and cheese-making places.
They have a charreada (Mexican style rodeo) every third Sunday during the
tourist season. It is much different than our rodeos in the States, but there are
many exciting events. The horses are beautiful, and the Mexican "cowboys"
dashing in their sombreros. The price of admission is about $2 U.S. each.
Don't leave town without trying a meal at Meson de los Laureanos, a quaint
little restaurant that is part of a hotel complex. They have what the owner calls,
"traditional rural Sinaloan food and ambiance." We had a barbecued beef
Mexican dish that was superb. For information call 965-4194 or 965-4143.
Cruises: The coastal city of Mazatlán is a great place for cruising in smaller
boats. They can be booked through your hotel or through a local travel agency.
Fiesta: A big double-decker yacht cruises for about three hours around the
bay. You will see the three islands, the shrimp fleet, Pacifico brewery tower,
pirate caves, and much more. The boat leaves the dock near Cerro Creston at
11:00 a.m. daily. There is usually a Marimba band and a very entertaining
guide. Price is about $20 U.S., half price for kids 5-8 and free for those under
five.
Kolonahe: A large trimaran that departs from the El Cid Marina at 9:30 a.m.
for a five-hour tour of the harbor and deer island. The $30 U.S. fee includes
snorkeling, boogie boards, volleyball, lunch and soft drinks. Telephone 985-
2237 for reservations.
On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 4:30 p.m., the Kolonahe departs on
a sunset cruise around the bay. You get a two and one-half hour ride with
music, snacks and an open bar for about $25 U.S.
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Char les A. Hall