Trouble in paradise: Big Timber couple has pool-side seat to Puerto Vallarta cartel chaos

Foreboding crept over Big Timber residents Joe and Becky Linn-Todisco as they watched billowing smoke from burning vehicles and buildings in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from the safety of nearby Velas Vallarta Resort on Sunday.

No airplanes could be seen in a usually busy sky. "El Mencho", one of Mexico's most powerful cartel leaders, was killed that day during a joint operation led by the country's army and special forces in Tapalpa, about three hours from Puerto Vallerta by car.

The cartel was wreaking revenge by blocking roadways, lighting vehicles and convenience stores on fire across Mexico, according to international coverage. Calm persevered at Velas Vallarta during the surrounding chaos.

"It was spooky with the black smoke," Becky told the Chronicle shortly after the couple returned to their room from the pool. "If we didn’t see it on the news, besides the anxiety of the people who were here and the lack of waiters around the pool, we would have known nothing."

Throughout the ordeal, the resort allowed the Todiscos and other guests to stroll along the resort's beach, swim in the pool, and travel freely on campus. Guests were advised not to leave the hotel property, go to the local marina, or head downtown. Plenty of food and drink was available.

"Besides the smoke and fires, most of us (guests) were not inconvenienced at all," Becky said.

Velas Vallarta Resort workers stayed the night. The Todiscos ended the evening watching the sun dip below the Pacific Ocean.

By Monday, Becky said, it was paradise as usual. Resort workers returned home, public transportation resumed and airplanes taxied on the runway whisking travelers home. The Todiscos originally planned on returning to Big Timber on Thursday, so their Billings flight was unaffected.

"All in all, the cartel and Mexican government kept the chaos to Sunday and part of Monday, and the country is back to normal for the tourists," Becky said. "The people of Mexico are still as friendly and welcoming as they were before. Joe and I never felt unsafe at any moment! The odd and eerie part was the energy of the people and the lack of airplanes coming and going."

The couple said they intend on returning to the holiday destination sometime soon.