Making a Life Out of Surf, Sand and Shrimp
 Sara Perry - The Oregonian
| | The quiet Mexican fishing village of Sayulita has been home to Oregonians Patty and Paul Southworth for nearly 10 years. |
"What's not to love about Sayulita?" Patty Southworth asks as we watch a group of surfers catching yet another idyllic wave on a brilliant 80-degree February afternoon.
This quiet Mexican fishing village, an hour's drive north of Puerto Vallarta, has been home to Oregonians Patty and Paul Southworth for nearly 10 years and is a favorite vacation spot for Oregonians, like me, who savor its friendly atmosphere, delightful beaches, delicious food and laid-back style.
Once a high-powered saleswoman, Patty spends her days teaching surfing while Paul, a former salmon-fishing guide, steers his boat and adventuresome tourists out to the Pacific Ocean for deep-sea fishing and snorkeling around the nearby Marietas Islands. With their two teenage sons, the Southworths have chosen a lifestyle many would love to emulate.
Here's a brief glimpse of their life, as well as a recipe for coconut shrimp that will have you wishing for more.
Why did two Oregon natives move to a warm, sunny spot like this?
You answered your own question. Actually, we've always loved Mexico and we wanted our kids to experience its culture and learn the language while they were still young. Initially, we wanted to stay here a few years and live off some rental income back in Oregon, but then we found this house in town, facing the beach and a stone's throw from the best surf break around. Five years ago, we built Captain Pablo's Restaurant in front of our house, right in the sand alongside our surfing, fishing and snorkeling hut.
What's your life like?
In the morning, I pick up a cup of coffee, my longboard and walk a few steps to the beach, ready for another day of surf lessons. I've taught people from everywhere and every walk of life. Some have never seen the ocean and with a few lessons are up on their boards, exhilarated by the ocean's power and their own accomplishments. Just the other day, a 73-year-old lady whose life dream was to surf come hell or high water stood up on her board and caught a wave.
What do you miss most about Oregon?
The hardest part is not seeing my mom Helen Brown. She is a big part of our lives. But in July and August, when it's hot and muggy here, we spend the time with her in Portland, where the summer is always lovely. Paul misses the salmon fishing, especially on the Clackamas River. In fact, he says when he dies that's where he wants his ashes spread. . . . I think we'll save some for here.
What's it like in Mexico for your kids?
Aside from learning Spanish, Dylan and Travis have learned one of the best lessons in life: Less is better. Our house is simple; we have no TV and with the beach and ocean as their backyard, they surf, fish, dive, kayak and live a dream life.
After watching all that high-energy surfing, I'm hungry and it's not even lunch. Oh, well, time to sit under Captain Pablo's thatched-roof palapa, bury my feet in the sand and eat. What do you recommend?
Captain Pablo's coconut shrimp. It's one of our most popular items. Adrianna Padilla is the restaurant's cook; she does a marvelous job in this open, outdoor kitchen. I'll ask her to tell me the recipe and translate it onto a napkin for you to take back to the States.
Captain Pablo is at Las Gaviotas No. 8, Sayulita, Nayarit; phone 001-52-329-29-12070; email: pandpsouthworth@hotmail.com.
Sara Perry: sara@saraperry.com; The Oregonian, 1320 S.W. Broadway, Portland, OR 97201 |
Vallarta Weddings
Vallarta Living | March 2006 
Tell a Friend
Site Map
Print this Page
Email Us