Olivia Newton John and Patrick McDermott, in 2005. / GETTY IMAGES

Puerto Vallarta.- Patrick McDermott allegedly faked his death and has been hiding out in southern Mexico

When Eduardo used to serve margaritas to a man he describes as Asian-looking on a remote beach on Mexico’s Pacific coastline, he says he had no idea his customer had been officially declared dead by the US authorities. The man living the quiet life away from it all was none other than Patrick McDermott, the on-off boyfriend of Australian-born 70s pop singer Olivia Newton-John, who in 2005 had boarded a charter fishing boat in San Pedro, California, never to be seen again. After a three-year search, it was concluded that the then-48-year-old must have fallen overboard, and a death certificate was issued. But after 11 years, Australian weekly magazine Women’s Day alleges he is alive and well and has been living the life of a beach bum in a tiny surfing community close to the resort of Sayulita, in the state of Nayarit.

It was just up the coast from Sayulita, in a village known as San Pancho, where McDermott was reportedly spotted less than a month ago sipping a margarita.

There had always been suspicions about his supposed death. To start with, there were no witnesses, and then there was the question of his dire financial straits. He had been declared bankrupt and had debts of more than $30,000; his former wife, actress Yvette Nipar, had accused him of failing to pay child support. In 2010, a team of detectives hired by NBC television said they had tracked him down to Mexico. But it took until now to allegedly locate him in San Pancho, or San Francisco to give the place its proper name.

“San Pancho is a great place to pretend to be dead. I have a friend here who has died three times because he owed the bank money,” says Nacho Berumen, who sells books from the local beach bar. When he sees an 11-year-old photograph of McDermott, he says he has no doubts he has been living here. “This guy comes here all the time, – he’s older now, but he would go for a run on the beach and then come here for a drink. He’s fine.”

San Pancho beach, where locals say that McDermott used to run. / E. R.

Berumen says McDermott told him he used to work for a bank in Chicago. But María, who works in the bar, says he told her he lived in Sayulita: “I remember that he used to ride round in an old car with the name of the town on the license plates.”

San Pancho is popular with wealthy US and Canadian retirees who want to escape the luxury confines of Punta de Mita, half-an-hour away by car. “They come here for peace and quiet, they’re hippies from the 60s,” says Berumen. “We’ve had millionaires on this beach, such as the owner of Revlon, and nobody would have guessed who they were,” he adds.

Locals describe McDermott as a loner who kept himself to himself. The only thing about him they remember is that he would always drink at the same stool. “He was a classic hippie: his hair was straggly, grey,” says Manuel Muro, the owner of El Chile Relleno, a restaurant in Sayulita, adding: “He came here to eat, I served him the house specialty. And he only tipped me 10%. If I’d have known who he was…”

Sayulita is about twice the size of San Pancho and much more lively. Visitors drive around in golf carts, bikinied girls ride about in ATVs, while others swerve in and out of the crowds on skateboards. “McDermott lived here for a while. I have seen him out and about on the beach wearing shorts, looking like some big time surfer,” says Oswaldo Vallejo, responsible for providing water and garbage collection.

The surf instructors also admit to having known McDermott, but don't want to attract the attention of the authorities. “Sayulita lives off the sale of marijuana and everybody has it on them,” says José Alonso Chacón, the owner of Don Pedro, one of the more expensive restaurants in the town.

San Francisco, the alleged hideout of Patrick McDermott. / Elena Reina

As to whether McDermott found a replacement for Olivia Newton-John, the Australian magazine that revealed his location claims he had a German girlfriend, but nobody in Sayulita or San Pancho can confirm this.

“Ever since his photo appeared in the papers, I haven’t seen him around here,” says María. Some locals say he worked on a yacht and would disappear for periods of time. “Nobody will find him in San Pancho. The local people here would hide him, that’s how they make their living,” says Berumen.

Planning a warm weather break but don’t want to settle for an average holiday? If so, then let loose and have the time of your life at Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit, two neighbouring regions in Mexico whose sun-soaked activities and attractions make for a spring destination unlike any other. While there is plenty to see and do there this season, be sure to give our top three, fail-safe suggestions a try to help get the fun started right away!

Soak in the Sun
Say goodbye to the winter blues, soak in the sun and let your stress slip away along Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit’s shimmering coastline. With over 200 miles of white sandy shores to enjoy, you’re guaranteed to find your own little piece of paradise.

For a sure bet, make a visit to Playa Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta, one of the most well known beaches in the region and a great place to go people watching.
Similarly, Nuevo Vallarta is always a popular choice for beachgoers in Riviera Nayarit, offering ideal swimming conditions with miles of warm, crystal clear waters as well as a wide selection luxurious hotels and restaurants just a few steps away.

Embark on a Marine Life Adventure
Get up close and personal with enchanting sea creatures this spring as Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit is truly a dream come true for scuba diving and snorkelling. With ideal water temperatures, excellent visibility and a variety of stunning sites to choose from, there’s a plethora of chances to come face to face with tropical fish, manta rays, sea turtles and more.

In Puerto Vallarta, the tropical haven of Las Caletas is an isolated and unspoiled area that’s only accessible by boat, where visitors are sure to be amazed by the numerous coves bustling with abundant marine life. Tour Operator Vallarta Adventures offers guided snorkelling tours and scuba diving programmess in the area to all skill levels, so that thrill seekers of almost any age can experience the ultimate in marine life adventures.

Likewise, the world-renowned Las Marietas Islands, an uninhabited and protected National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site located just offshore from Punta Mita, Riviera Nayarit, provides ample opportunities to swim with remarkable sea animals and explore a multitude of underwater caves and coral reefs.

Swing into Spring at a Music or Cultural Festival
Warm weather and festival season go hand in hand, and for those who enjoy outdoor, live music venues or cultural events, Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit is sure to make a lasting impression.

Head to Nuevo Vallarta in Riviera Nayarit from 21st –24th April and dance to the Latin rhythms of the fourth annual Salsa & Mambo Festival, an energetic event featuring live concerts, workshops and competitions with professional dancers and DJs from around the world. For more details, please visit: http://www.salsamambofest.com/.

From 16–30 May 2016, hit the streets and celebrate respect for sexual diversity in Puerto Vallarta during Vallarta PRIDE 2016, one of the most important pride LGBTTIQ festivals in the region. Main events will be free, open to the public and include art, culture and entertainment activities as well as movies, parties, parades and fun for everyone. For more information, visit http://vallartapride.com/en/home/.

• Informational signage has been placed along the observation routes on the Camino a Las Minitas, La Laguna and La Boquita, as has a general information placard in the main square.

Four informational signs have been placed along the birdwatching routes in Lo de Marcos during the month of March of this year as part of the many local projects undertaken by the San Pancho Bird Observatory in the communities around the Riviera Nayarit.

“The birds are allowing us to create different programs aimed at local sustainability,” commented Luis Morales, Director of the San Pancho Bird Observatory.

A general information sign was placed in the village’s main square, as have been three additional signs with additional details along the Camino a Las Minas, La Laguna and La Boquita.

The signs include geographical information and a list of the birds, including images of the main ones and a listing of the 40 most common species in the area. They also have a detailed route map with distances and warnings, for example, regarding the presence of crocodiles in the area.

They also include QR codes that link to Google maps and a web page created specifically for networking: http://www.averaves.org/.

The signs include logos from the different local businesses and organizations that are sponsoring them and are interested conservation and ecotourism. The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau is also participating in this initiative because of the importance these birds have as part of the natural heritage of the Destination.

Birdwatching is a recreational activity that can become a source of income for the locals, generating ecologically balanced sustainability and encouraging more responsible citizenship.

Chacala is one example where the training workshops are already bearing fruit. Here the locals have become involved in ecotourism thanks to the programs set in place by the San Pancho Bird Observatory in collaboration with the Guayabitos Rotary Club and the International Rotary.

Fact of the month

Domestic violence is the leading cause of death in women. Every five years as many women are killed by their intimate partners as men and women killed in the Viet Nam War… 54,000.

What's happening

Micro Loans - Economic independence is key to a women’s success in permanently separating herself from an abusive relationship or entering into another abusive relationship. A non interest business loan program was started in the shelter a couple of months ago. The first two participants were able to purchase materials, make their products and sell a number of their products before leaving the shelter. They left the shelter with several months of income. We recently received a $25,000 peso donation to help finance the program. Thank you Dean and Mitch!

What a Drag - February was the day of the big event. The event was a great success thanks to the efforts and sacrifices of many fine people, including Ray and his team who organized the event, Danny and his crew at Act II Stages, the fairy drag mothers, the contestants, the sponsors and everyone who attended. What a great example of how a community can reach out to those in need.

Chili Cook Off - Our wonderful friends at the American Legion Post 14 Puerto Vallarta hosted their annual Chili Cook Off. Many local restaurants and the community as a whole showed their support for the American Legion, Torpedos, American Football, DIF New Life Home for Young Boys and the Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter. A big thanks to the American Legion and the great community support!

Food Sponsors Needed

Proper nutrition is indispensable. Many women and children who show up at the shelter suffer from malnutrition and anemia. It’s essential that they are provided a nutritious and balanced diet. Feeding 28 to 40 people runs about $3,000 U.S per month. Please consider helping to cover this expense with a food or a cash donation.

Healthcare Sponsors Needed

Many women and children arrive at the shelter with internal and external parasites, medical issues and malnutrition. Of course every cold or flu case is quickly shared among all of the children. Medications and medical expenses are currently running between $200 and $250 every month.

Website

Our website, Compassion for the Family, has been updated and is now available in Spanish and English. Please check it out.

Needs

One time and recurring donations can be made through Paypal on the website, by sending a check to Compassion for the Family, 115 13th Street SE, Altoona, IA 50009 or by writing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Donations received from U.S. or Mexican citizens are tax deductible.

Thanks to PDI Companies for their continued support. You can visit their official site at PDI Companies.

Understanding how different foods can help us combat various illnesses can certainly help to keep us on the correct path to long-lasting health not only now, but also in our distant future.

Readers: You may not always drink beer, but when you do, Anheuser-Busch hopes you drink Estrella Jalisco.

You’ve found your dream home in Puerto Vallarta and now you are ready to move and start the next part of your life in our paradise. Great….all except for the moving, which can be stressful for anyone. It’s one of the most common questions we get: What can I bring with me?

During the event two additional Southwest flights to the region were announced for this year: one from Houston to arrive on October 15th and the second one from Denver to start November 1st.

Art, education, culture and sports are just part of what’s offered to kids this summer in the Riviera Nayarit’s different microdestinations.

Following the school calendars, different groups and organizations in the Riviera Nayarit have announced several options for kids and teens to experience fun adventures in the Destination during the current summer vacation season.

The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) shares some of the best options below:

Entre Amigos Community Center Summer Workshops

The Entre Amigos Community Center, headquartered in San Pancho, the Riviera Nayarit’s Cultural Capital, has held its Summer Workshops for the past 9 years, where they have received hundreds of kids ages 3 through 15.

Sports, art, cooking, science, swimmer, exploring, cycling and more are part of the activities that will be held July 20th to August 7th at a very reasonable cost. For more information visit www.entreamigos.org.mx, call 01 (311) 258 43 77 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

VYC Summer Sailing Classes

The Vallarta Yacht Club (VYC) in Nuevo Vallarta invites children and youths ages 7 to 21 years old to join their Summer Sailing Classes from July 20th through August 10th. The sports offered during these weekly lessons include Optimist, Laser and Windsurfing.

For rates and requirements please visit http://www.vallartayachtclub.org/ or call 01 (322) 297 2222.

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Summer Project

Master musician Edgar Durán, working in collaboration with Amigos de La Cruz, is pleased to announce the La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Summer Project, to be held at Preparatoria #6. The course lasts three weeks from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting July 20th through August 8th. It offers dance and music lessons, sports, art and recycling courses for only $50 Mexican pesos.

For more information contact Edgar Durán via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 044 (322) 131 60 89.

Flamingos Summer Golf Camp

Banderas Bay’s first golf green, Flamingos Golf Course, is extending an invitation to its children’s golf clinics for youngsters aged 3 to 12 years old. The clinics include cooking classes, art, science, handicrafts and more.

The camp will be held July 15 – August 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration can be by the week or for the entire month. For rates and reservation details please call 01 (329) 296 50 06 or visit www.flamingosgolf.com.mx.

The goal of the project is to benefit the region in different ways, such as reducing flooding via the absorption of river water, generating more oxygen and reducing the intense heat, to mention a few.

Mexico’s Arbor Day (July 9th) will be celebrated with the first of several reforestation efforts in the Riviera Nayarit, beginning in the Texcamale area of San Vicente. The project will start at 8 a.m. and everyone is invited to participate.

The activity is organized by the Nuevo Vallarta EarthCheck Committee, which now actively includes the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), the Banderas Bay City Council, the Banderas Bay Tourism Trust (Fibba, by is acronym in Spanish) the Nayarit State Environmental Protection Agency (Semanay, by its acronym in Spanish) and the National Commission on Protected Areas (Conanp, by its acronym in Spanish).

“This is a project we expect to implement every year in different areas, always ensuring we plant the right species and that the area will become a strategic starting point for an increase in the benefits of the reforestation,” said Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit CVB.

The Banderas Bay City Council has been prepping and cleaning the area for days, and will be the main donor with a total of 500 saplings. Others involved, including the region’s hotels and the private initiative, will be donating trees and ornamental plants. Schools will also participate.

All of the trees planted are timber-yielding and are species native to the area to ensure easy adaptation; some are protected species. The ornamental greenery will be planted along Federal Highway 200.

Besides oxygen generation some of the many benefits include an increase in the soil’s ability to absorb and retain river water, which will reduce the river’s flow rate during the rainy season; the reforestation will also eventually help reduce the stifling heat.

There are two ways to get to the project area, the first via a dirt road that leads to the Ali Valle nurseries right before the San Vicente Coca Cola factory on the way to Mezcales-San Vicente; the second is via Calle Hidalgo in the town of San Vicente on the way to the Fraccionamiento La Misión.

The most luxurious aspect of the Riviera Nayarit is undoubtedly its lush Nature and the A-list celebrities that enjoy it such as the Sea Turtle, which finds in our beaches a sanctuary at nesting time. Every year from summertime through winter hundreds of thousands of tiny turtle hatchlings make their way through the sand towards the sunset…

We’d like to invite you to enjoy the unique experience of seeing this lovely endangered species up close, a species that is a vital part of the finely balanced marine ecosystem, as well as the shining symbol of the Riviera Nayarit.

There are a number of turtle camps dotting the coastline from Nuevo Vallarta down to Tecuala where you can learn more about the turtles and have the opportunity to help send the hatchlings on their grand adventure.

Liberating sea turtles is a wonderful family experience that raises awareness in your children to help them create a better world.

The El Naranjo Turtle Camp, located near La Peñita and Guayabitos, stands out for its gamut of services, which include camping. Click here to see what they offer and get ready to live it to believe it! http://www.campamentoelnaranjo.org.mx/.

Be informed, educate yourself, enjoy and coexist with Nature! Say “no” to products derived from the sea turtle! To save the sea turtle is to save the planet!

Below please find a list of some of the Riviera Nayarit’s Turtle Camps:

· Nuevo Vallarta
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Campamento-Tortuguero-Nuevo-Vallarta/121581674679274

· Careyeros (Litibú)
https://www.facebook.com/careyeros

· Sayulita
https://www.facebook.com/campamentotortuguero.sayulita.9?fref=nf

· San Pancho
http://www.project-tortuga.org/

· Lo de Marcos
https://www.facebook.com/CampamentoTortugueroLodeMarcos

· Punta Raza (El Monteón)
https://www.facebook.com/CampamentoTortugueroPuntaRaza

· Playa Boca de Chila
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Campamento-Tortuguero-Playa-Chila/166876595779

· Playa Platanitos
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Playa-platanitos-comunidad/554340541339593

· San Blas
https://www.facebook.com/CampamentoTortugueroDeSanBlasAayetsieWakie

· Playa Los Corchos (Santigo Ixcuintla)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ecoturismo-playa-los-corchos/228313027228002?sk=timeline

· La Puntilla (Tecuala)
https://www.facebook.com/campamentotortuguerotecuala

Would you like to experience and enjoy the Mexico of 10 years ago?

When the culture was self-evident through fiestas, crafts and celebrations? When the beach was wide, pristinely clean and uninhabited? Where the only sound you heard was the surf breaking on the beach? When horses and cows rambled down the streets causing cars to slow down and even stop for the livestock congestion? When music was Mexican?

I´m sure this sounds good however… I bet you would still want a full social schedule, with a weekly Tianguis (Farmers Market) and all of the shops and restaurants that you desire? Lo De Marcos offers a weekly Tianguis where you can buy local art, local grown produce, fruits, vegetables, baked goods and on many Saturrday´s you will even enjoy Live Music.

There are local Restaurants that serve a variety of dishes from authentic Mexican Cuisine to Italian Pizzas and Pastas. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner can be had for mere pesos and much less than elsewhere.

Imagine being surrounded by smiling locals and yet amongst an active expat community of Canadians, Quebecois and US citizens that abound for both support and friendship. Lo De Marcos is a place where people are ready to help you without always expecting something in return.

Wouldn´t it be nice to have prices significantly less for rentals than you find in nearby Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita or San Pancho? And still have quality, style and comfort? A town that is small and yet full of options.

You are invited to experience firsthand the up and coming beach pueblo of Lo De Marcos. Lo De Marcos offers an alternative to the noise and congestion of other nearby coastal destinations. Why fight the traffic and wait in line when you can find peace and tranquility in our small quaint pueblo.

Lo De Marcos is still a secret to many and that is why prices are so very affordable. It might not be that way forever, so… now is the time to come and enjoy this quaint pueblo. This is a place where the locals live and enjoy family and friends. Traditions are alive and well, celebrated weekly.

Come for a week or come for the Season – We are sure that you will fall in love with all that Lo De Marcos has to offer and return for many years to come. The town is 50 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta Airport.

It is on the Pacific Ocean, not the Banderas Bay. The beach is long enough to afford strong ocean waves for surfing at one end and peaceful small waves at the other end that are swimmable for all. There are two lava outcroppings that include tide pools for adventure seekers. A river flows to the sea around an estuary with many species of birds. You can hop aboard a tour boat right down on the beach and enjoy a day of Fishing or exploring the nearby beaches many of which are only accessible via the water.

Fisherman, Birdwatchers, Boaters and Relaxation Seekers enjoy this hideaway of Lo De Marcos. Let us know what you are looking for and we will point you in the right direction. We love