Expert: Ron - 5/4/2005

Question
Hi Ron,

We recently bought a home in Ajijic and plan to retire there full time in the next year or two (at the most).  I love to research but I am having trouble finding reliable info for a couple of things.

1.)  The best way to get your mail forwarded/have a US mail address.  After MUCH research, I have come across Handy Mail in Carr. Chapala-Jocotepec; 45915 San Antonio Tlay., Jalisco.  Have you heard anything about them?  I wrote them and immediately got a really informative email back.  I have heard unfavorable reports about Mailboxes Etc.

2.) We have dreams of buying a (very) small sail boat, and have heard that there are nearby lakes that you can swim and fish in.  I see them on the map, but can't find any info about them.  Do many folks sail on Lake Chapala?

I have more questions, but I will ask them later.

Thank you!

Answer
Hola Diana, I have never heard of Handy Mail, but there are several forwarding companies advertising locally.

We receive all our mail via the Mexican Post system and have never missed anything (that we know of) in 6 years. My pension cheques, tax forms, credit card bills, drivers' license renewals, books, etc all arive in reasonable time. The credit card bills are usually almost due.  We very seldom mail north however. We find it quicker to hand mail in at our Church (St. Andrew's) or give to friends travelling north. LCS also has a mail service. Bring stamps down with you.

I think you will have to confine your sailing to the coast. I have seen small sailboats (sharks?)on Lake Chapala but it is really not advisable. Max depth is under 10 metres with many shoals and too much lyrio. There have been several drownings this year...fishermen caught in lyrio and seadoers running out of gas and trying to wade to shore.

The other lakes we have visited have similar problems although there are dams that might be usable.

We recently visited Chiapas and the Sumadero Canyon would be delightful to sail if you get that far south.

Best regards,
  Ron