Friday, 14 March 2014 – Today it was windy but clear and we went into Melaque to do some grocery shopping. While in Melaque, I was reminded of some little known American, Irish, and Mexican history. The area consists of three beachfront villages: San Patricio, Villa Obregon and Melaque; they are all generally referred to as “Melaque.”
The village in the center, San Patricio, or St. Patrick, is named after a battalion of mainly Irish but also other European citizens who fought on the side of Mexico against the Americans in the Mexican American War of 1846-8. The Battalion was formed and led by Jon Riley. The town of St. Patricio has an eight-day celebration which ends late on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, with a big firework display in the main square. It was quite an unexpected sight to see the main church decked out in hundreds of Shamrocks along with the main square hosting a large Shamrock.
The battalion fought with Santa Anna in many engagements throughout Mexico serving with distinction. Most of its Irish members were deserters from the US Army and any San Patricio’s captured by the U.S. Army, were treated and punished as traitors for desertion in time of war. Seventy-two captured men were charged with desertion by the Army. Two separate courts-martial were held, one at Tacubaya on 23 August, and another at San Angel on 26 August 1847, following which, 48 were sentenced to death. Most of them were hanged in a mass execution at Chapultepec on 10 September. Although more than 9,000 U.S. soldiers deserted the army during the Mexican American War, only the San Patricios were punished by hanging. The men have continued to be honored and revered as heroes in Mexico.
Those not executed received 50 lashes on their back were branded with the letter ‘D’ for deserter on their cheek and forced to wear iron yokes around their necks for the duration of the war. Some of the San Patricio’s that escaped are on record as having made use of the land claims promised them by the Mexican government. Supposedly, some settled in the town of San Patricio, named in their honor.
We bought so many groceries we had to use a taxi back to Barra and then get the water taxi to take us directly to Hilbre.
John & Bruce 
Us
Saturday, 15 March 2014 – This evening, we were invited to a roof-top party in Barra. Three houses share an extended rooftop area which is where the party was held. We were with Jeff, Debbie, Bruce and Pascale. The party started about 9:00 p.m. and went on into the early hours of the morning. We got back to the boat by water taxi as the three houses were located in one of the canal areas of Barra.
Sunday, 16 March 2014 – After last nights party, we took the morning to relax in the pool. We later found enough energy to wash the boat.
Monday, 17 March 2014 – Today is a Mexican holiday, this time the celebration is for Benito Juarez’s birthday. It also happens to be St. Patrick’s Day and Melaque is having a big celebration with fireworks. We went into Barra for Ice Creams and Barra was crowded due to the holiday.
at the Golf Club 
Jeff & Debbie
Tuesday, 18 March 2014 – This morning we had lunch at the Golf Club with Jeff and Debbie and then relaxed by the pool. This evening, we had dinner at Andres (In the Resort) with Bruce and Pascale.
Wednesday, 19 March 2014 – A relaxing day at the pool.
Thursday, 20 March 2014 – Another day spent at the pool and in the hammocks near the beach. This evening, the resort held a buffet reception for the people staying in the Marina. This is always a popular event and so you need to go early, or you miss out on the tasty snacks. A lot of the cruisers from the anchorage seem to show up for this as guests of the individuals in the Marina.
Friday, 21 March 2014 – We went into Barra to do some shopping and then do some advanced preparation on the boat prior to our planned departure next week. The local fishermen have continued to report there is a cold current close to the coast as they are landing Halibut.