Oct. 20th
Woke up our first day in Mexico. As usual I was up early and got on the computer so I wouldn't wake anyone else on the boat. My nephew Ryan informed me that my Dad had passed away, it wasn't unexpected but it still hits you when it happens. Rest in Peace Dad.
After Lisa and Sontian finally got moving we ran some errands then moved the boat to another marina in down town Ensenada, not as nice a marina, but half the price, and we had a chorus of barking sea lions all night. Still ileagal in Mexico, turn about is fair play.
Woke up our first day in Mexico. As usual I was up early and got on the computer so I wouldn't wake anyone else on the boat. My nephew Ryan informed me that my Dad had passed away, it wasn't unexpected but it still hits you when it happens. Rest in Peace Dad.
After Lisa and Sontian finally got moving we ran some errands then moved the boat to another marina in down town Ensenada, not as nice a marina, but half the price, and we had a chorus of barking sea lions all night. Still ileagal in Mexico, turn about is fair play.
Oct 21st
spent the day exploring Ensenada, typical tourist town in Mexico. The locals here are very friendly and helpful, they really try hard to understand my few words that I know in spanish. We met some more cruisers in the marina many of which will be heading south, some into the Sea of Cortez and some to Panama and still others will be heading to Galapagos and then the Marquesas. All sound great to me.
Oct. 22nd
Checked in with imigration and customs, we're now leagal for up to 6 months, again the people at imigration were helpful all but the girl at the bank who was busy with Facebook with a line of people trying to get checked in. Watching the weather it looked like we would be leaving on Thursday the 25th.
Oct. 23rd
Got an e-mail from Amcat, Hurricane Sandy is threatening the east coast our plans are once again on hold. We will be staying in Ensenada until we find out what the storm is going to do.
Oct.24th-25th
more exploring of the city, went to the beach to watch Sontian Kiteboard, very cool. Until some punk stole his gear bag.
Oct.26th
We took the boat out sailing then returned to yet another marina here in Ensenada where we know people. This is the most protected marina in the area, and a great place to leave the boat if we go to work. Just playing the waiting game right now, ready to work or head south.
spent the day exploring Ensenada, typical tourist town in Mexico. The locals here are very friendly and helpful, they really try hard to understand my few words that I know in spanish. We met some more cruisers in the marina many of which will be heading south, some into the Sea of Cortez and some to Panama and still others will be heading to Galapagos and then the Marquesas. All sound great to me.
Oct. 22nd
Checked in with imigration and customs, we're now leagal for up to 6 months, again the people at imigration were helpful all but the girl at the bank who was busy with Facebook with a line of people trying to get checked in. Watching the weather it looked like we would be leaving on Thursday the 25th.
Oct. 23rd
Got an e-mail from Amcat, Hurricane Sandy is threatening the east coast our plans are once again on hold. We will be staying in Ensenada until we find out what the storm is going to do.
Oct.24th-25th
more exploring of the city, went to the beach to watch Sontian Kiteboard, very cool. Until some punk stole his gear bag.
Oct.26th
We took the boat out sailing then returned to yet another marina here in Ensenada where we know people. This is the most protected marina in the area, and a great place to leave the boat if we go to work. Just playing the waiting game right now, ready to work or head south.
For those of you that don't know: Always & Forever is taking a break in Ensanada, Mexico, While Lisa and I are in New Jersey Adjusting claims from Hurricane Sandy. Hope to be back on the boat before the new year.
Jan. 3rd We made it back to Ensenada. We spent a week provisioning the boat, and waiting for a weather window to head South. While we were in Cruise Port Marina waiting we met several other cruisers also waiting to head south.
We Finally were able to leave for our first stop, which was Punta Blanca, it took us 48hrs. to get there. Along the way we encountered some problems, our engine quit, and the generator quit. The sailing was good however and the fishing was also good. We caught 2 tuna, but had to release them as we had no power to keep them fresh.
The next day we set off for Turtle Bay, there was a good wind, and we were making good time, then things started getting tough around 10pm. The winds picked up to about 30knots and our out haul broke leaving our mainsail flapping in the wind. We had to reef in our genoa so far that steering was difficult, but we could still make some headway. We got into the lee of Isla Cedros and I was able to make temporary repairs to the outhaul, and we continued toward Turtle Bay. Around 3am the winds were now blowing between 30 and 40 knots and the seas were BIG.
With the sails reefed in we were making headway, but were unable to make anyway into the wind so we were drifting toward Hawaii. I knew as soon as the winds let up we would be able to sail back to our destination, there was the question, WHEN would this be?
About 1pm. the winds subsided enough to put out some sail and get moving, we were now making good time and made it to Turtle Bay just as the sun was setting.
We spent the next 3 nights in Turtle Bay making repairs, We fixed the generator first, then the outhaul and found that our genoa sheet was ready to break so we replaced that and I did some sewing on the clew of the genoa as well. With the help of another cruiser we finally got the engine running and were ready to leave Turtle Bay. While in the Bay we made friends with some of the other cruisers heading south, including one couple that helped us fix the generator; Ken and Danita. We decided to buddy boat the rest of the way down and around the peninsula. Our first stop would be about 50 miles south of Turtle Bay in Bahia Asuncion. We got there just as the sun was coming up, then spent most of the day sleeping. We left at 4am the next day and sailed, (motored) down to Punta Abreojos. Along the way we saw a few hump back whales, and we hooked into some Yellow Tail. we were trolling a cedar plug tied onto the cleat and I had a squid lure on my rod, both got hit simultaneously. got them both. When we got anchored Ken came over to help finish cleaning the fish. I was able to get them gutted and in the refridgerator underway.
That night the 4 of us feasted on yellow tail, rice and corn. YUM!!
The next morning Lisa went into town with Ken and Danita While I packed the rest of the fish and kept an eye on the boats. It turns out that this little fishing village does pretty well. The beach is lined with pangas (small fishing boats) that are running in and out all day with their catch. Lisa said the town was very nice and the people were also friendly and helpful.
We left Punta Abreojos in the afternoon and made a 130 mile run down the coast to Bahia Santa Maria, along the way I hooked into a Maco Shark, quite a catch for the small rod and real I was using. We arrived in Bahia Santa Maria the next afternoon, it is a beautiful Bay just north of Bahia Magdalena. We spent one night here before cruising around to Bahia Magdalena, where we anchored just outside a small fishing village in Man-o-war bay on the northwest side of Bahia Magdalena. While there we ran into a couple from Germany that we had met in Bahia Tortuga a few days earlier. We met for dinner that night at the Cantina in the village, and exchanged stories and pictures from the last few days.
The next morning we pulled anchor and headed to another anchorage near the entrance to Bahia Magdalena, where the Gray Whales seem to hang around and feed. We got into our Dingy and went over to get a closer look at the very gentle and very large gray whales. It was amazing how they would come over to the boats and how gentle they were as they rubbed up against the small boats.
After our whale encounter we left for Cabo San Lucas about 160 miles southeast of Bahia Magdalena.
We Finally were able to leave for our first stop, which was Punta Blanca, it took us 48hrs. to get there. Along the way we encountered some problems, our engine quit, and the generator quit. The sailing was good however and the fishing was also good. We caught 2 tuna, but had to release them as we had no power to keep them fresh.
The next day we set off for Turtle Bay, there was a good wind, and we were making good time, then things started getting tough around 10pm. The winds picked up to about 30knots and our out haul broke leaving our mainsail flapping in the wind. We had to reef in our genoa so far that steering was difficult, but we could still make some headway. We got into the lee of Isla Cedros and I was able to make temporary repairs to the outhaul, and we continued toward Turtle Bay. Around 3am the winds were now blowing between 30 and 40 knots and the seas were BIG.
With the sails reefed in we were making headway, but were unable to make anyway into the wind so we were drifting toward Hawaii. I knew as soon as the winds let up we would be able to sail back to our destination, there was the question, WHEN would this be?
About 1pm. the winds subsided enough to put out some sail and get moving, we were now making good time and made it to Turtle Bay just as the sun was setting.
We spent the next 3 nights in Turtle Bay making repairs, We fixed the generator first, then the outhaul and found that our genoa sheet was ready to break so we replaced that and I did some sewing on the clew of the genoa as well. With the help of another cruiser we finally got the engine running and were ready to leave Turtle Bay. While in the Bay we made friends with some of the other cruisers heading south, including one couple that helped us fix the generator; Ken and Danita. We decided to buddy boat the rest of the way down and around the peninsula. Our first stop would be about 50 miles south of Turtle Bay in Bahia Asuncion. We got there just as the sun was coming up, then spent most of the day sleeping. We left at 4am the next day and sailed, (motored) down to Punta Abreojos. Along the way we saw a few hump back whales, and we hooked into some Yellow Tail. we were trolling a cedar plug tied onto the cleat and I had a squid lure on my rod, both got hit simultaneously. got them both. When we got anchored Ken came over to help finish cleaning the fish. I was able to get them gutted and in the refridgerator underway.
That night the 4 of us feasted on yellow tail, rice and corn. YUM!!
The next morning Lisa went into town with Ken and Danita While I packed the rest of the fish and kept an eye on the boats. It turns out that this little fishing village does pretty well. The beach is lined with pangas (small fishing boats) that are running in and out all day with their catch. Lisa said the town was very nice and the people were also friendly and helpful.
We left Punta Abreojos in the afternoon and made a 130 mile run down the coast to Bahia Santa Maria, along the way I hooked into a Maco Shark, quite a catch for the small rod and real I was using. We arrived in Bahia Santa Maria the next afternoon, it is a beautiful Bay just north of Bahia Magdalena. We spent one night here before cruising around to Bahia Magdalena, where we anchored just outside a small fishing village in Man-o-war bay on the northwest side of Bahia Magdalena. While there we ran into a couple from Germany that we had met in Bahia Tortuga a few days earlier. We met for dinner that night at the Cantina in the village, and exchanged stories and pictures from the last few days.
The next morning we pulled anchor and headed to another anchorage near the entrance to Bahia Magdalena, where the Gray Whales seem to hang around and feed. We got into our Dingy and went over to get a closer look at the very gentle and very large gray whales. It was amazing how they would come over to the boats and how gentle they were as they rubbed up against the small boats.
After our whale encounter we left for Cabo San Lucas about 160 miles southeast of Bahia Magdalena.
After about 20 hours of motoring I hooked into a giant fish, which I fought with for over an hour. As soon as I hooked it the winds picked up and we couldn't slow the boat down enough to bring him in. He kept running and the line kept paying out. At one point I thought he was going to take all the line right off the real. I got about half of it back before it snapped. It was still alot of fun, wish I could have at least seen what it was.
The next 8 hours went very fast, as did we. The winds were behind us at about 20 knots, with following seas. ( this never happens ) The boat hit 8 knots which is its maximum hull speed and we were cruising at 6 to 7 knots for the better part of the last 8 hours. So nice to sail that fast. We pulled into Cabo San Lucas about 8:30pm and Lisa and I headed to Cabo Wabo for a beer. After about an hour we hit the wall and went back to the boat to sleep. Lisa and I have good memories of Cabo where we spent a few days with some very good friends a few years ago. wishing they were here with us again.
The next morning I was getting ready to wash 3 weeks of salt off the boat, as it seems to crystalize on everything, and the boat hadn't seen fresh water since Ensenada. Just as I started taking out the cleaning supplies a local man walked up and offered to wash the entire boat for $40.00 US. I immediately handed over the bucket. By the way, he did a much better job than I would have done.
While he is washing the boat, Lisa and I have time for a bit of snorkleing and exploring.
We spent 2 days in Cabo and met up with our friends Terri and Kat who work for Southwest Airlines, and happened to be in Cabo for a few days while we were there.
We moved the boat along the bottom of the Baja Peninsula about 20 miles to another marina called Puerto Los Cabos which we were told was less expensive; turns out, that isn't the case. oh well.
Lisa and I took a taxi into town where Terri and Kat were staying, and we took 3 weeks of laundry with us. We spent the night with them in their condo, had a little wine and a great dinner, while we did laundry.
While here in Los Cabos waiting for a weather window to head north a few of our cruising friends have showed up also waiting for the opportunity to head to LaPaz. Looks like we have enough people here to have our own little Super Bowl Party.
The next 8 hours went very fast, as did we. The winds were behind us at about 20 knots, with following seas. ( this never happens ) The boat hit 8 knots which is its maximum hull speed and we were cruising at 6 to 7 knots for the better part of the last 8 hours. So nice to sail that fast. We pulled into Cabo San Lucas about 8:30pm and Lisa and I headed to Cabo Wabo for a beer. After about an hour we hit the wall and went back to the boat to sleep. Lisa and I have good memories of Cabo where we spent a few days with some very good friends a few years ago. wishing they were here with us again.
The next morning I was getting ready to wash 3 weeks of salt off the boat, as it seems to crystalize on everything, and the boat hadn't seen fresh water since Ensenada. Just as I started taking out the cleaning supplies a local man walked up and offered to wash the entire boat for $40.00 US. I immediately handed over the bucket. By the way, he did a much better job than I would have done.
While he is washing the boat, Lisa and I have time for a bit of snorkleing and exploring.
We spent 2 days in Cabo and met up with our friends Terri and Kat who work for Southwest Airlines, and happened to be in Cabo for a few days while we were there.
We moved the boat along the bottom of the Baja Peninsula about 20 miles to another marina called Puerto Los Cabos which we were told was less expensive; turns out, that isn't the case. oh well.
Lisa and I took a taxi into town where Terri and Kat were staying, and we took 3 weeks of laundry with us. We spent the night with them in their condo, had a little wine and a great dinner, while we did laundry.
While here in Los Cabos waiting for a weather window to head north a few of our cruising friends have showed up also waiting for the opportunity to head to LaPaz. Looks like we have enough people here to have our own little Super Bowl Party.
The Monday after the Super Bowl, we left Cabo San Jose and sailed about 30 miles to a beautiful anchorage called Los Frailes (the Friar) This cove is recognized from the water by a rock formation that resembles a man climbing up the cliff. "this is the friar."
We saw many hump back whales on the way to Los Frailes, but the most amazing part of the journey were the many small rays, they look like manta rays, jumping out of the water everywhere, a crazy site. We watched them for hours, and at night you could feel some of them hitting the boat.
This was supposed to be a quick one night stop on our way up to LaPaz, however we enjoyed the next day snorkeling and checking out the beach, and delayed our departure until the following day.
On Wednesday we left Los Frailes and rounded the corner heading back North into the Sea of Cortez, our next stop would be another little cove called Ensenada de Los Muertos. (The Cove of the Dead) Not sure how this cove got its name but it used to be a port for shipping out silver that was mined in the mountains nearby. The mine closed down years ago, and the cove has become a launching area for local fishermen, in their little Pangas. On the west side of the cove there is a great little resort. The resort has a resteraunt and swimming pool that they open to boaters, so we took advantage.
We saw many hump back whales on the way to Los Frailes, but the most amazing part of the journey were the many small rays, they look like manta rays, jumping out of the water everywhere, a crazy site. We watched them for hours, and at night you could feel some of them hitting the boat.
This was supposed to be a quick one night stop on our way up to LaPaz, however we enjoyed the next day snorkeling and checking out the beach, and delayed our departure until the following day.
On Wednesday we left Los Frailes and rounded the corner heading back North into the Sea of Cortez, our next stop would be another little cove called Ensenada de Los Muertos. (The Cove of the Dead) Not sure how this cove got its name but it used to be a port for shipping out silver that was mined in the mountains nearby. The mine closed down years ago, and the cove has become a launching area for local fishermen, in their little Pangas. On the west side of the cove there is a great little resort. The resort has a resteraunt and swimming pool that they open to boaters, so we took advantage.
Los Muertos was a very nice anchorage, despite its name, (cove of
the dead). We left early in the morning headed for La Paz. We will be sailing
against the wind so by leaving at 5am. We will at least have the currents with
us for the first half of the journey, as we sail between the Baja Peninsula and
Isla Cerralvo. This area has strong currents as the tides ebb and flow. On our
way through the channel we hooked into a tuna, which put up a good fight for its
size. Then as we passed through the canal de San Lorenzo into Bahia de La Paz we
saw another humpback whale. We finally made it to La Paz about 5pm. And dropped
anchor in the harbor. La Paz is a popular destination for cruisers and every
marina is full with waiting lists to get in, as we found out when we arrived.
The next morning we called a new marina that had plenty of open slips. After
hearing what they were charging for slip fees it’s no wonder people were
anchored rather than tied up. Lisa and I had work to be done on our boat as well
as on Lisa’s teeth so we needed to get into a slip for a week or so, we went
into the office of Marina Cortez and explained that their fees were not in line
with the other marinas in the area and that was why they were half empty. We
negotiated a fair price and moved the boat into this marina where we met some
more wonderful people.
Coincidentally Carnival was starting the day we got into town,
with a parade every night for 4 nights in a row, along with live music and late
parties. You know you’re getting old when you just find this annoying. The
parade was good, but it was the same parade every night.
Lisa and I invited our friends Ken and Danita to join us on a day
sail around the Magote (a piece of land separating the harbor from the Bay). We
were told that a whale shark had been spotted in this area. One of our life
goals has been to swim with a whale shark; they are large docile creatures that
I find amazing. It turns out we found one and Lisa and I both had the experience
of a life time as we jumped in and swam alongside this amazing
animal.
After a week in the marina Lisa had her Dentist appointment and
we had all of our repairs finished on the boat so we headed out to “The
Islands”. Just north of La Paz there are several Islands of interest, the first
is Isla Espiritu Santos this island is a protected area and has abundant fish
life and beautiful coral. At night it is like a light show in the water, as the
schools of fish disrupt the phosphorescent algae in the water. (I was told it
was fosflourescent algae) I can’t find a correct spelling for that word
however.
After a few nights exploring the first 2 islands we had to get
back to La Paz so I could finish up some important classes necessary for
work.
the dead). We left early in the morning headed for La Paz. We will be sailing
against the wind so by leaving at 5am. We will at least have the currents with
us for the first half of the journey, as we sail between the Baja Peninsula and
Isla Cerralvo. This area has strong currents as the tides ebb and flow. On our
way through the channel we hooked into a tuna, which put up a good fight for its
size. Then as we passed through the canal de San Lorenzo into Bahia de La Paz we
saw another humpback whale. We finally made it to La Paz about 5pm. And dropped
anchor in the harbor. La Paz is a popular destination for cruisers and every
marina is full with waiting lists to get in, as we found out when we arrived.
The next morning we called a new marina that had plenty of open slips. After
hearing what they were charging for slip fees it’s no wonder people were
anchored rather than tied up. Lisa and I had work to be done on our boat as well
as on Lisa’s teeth so we needed to get into a slip for a week or so, we went
into the office of Marina Cortez and explained that their fees were not in line
with the other marinas in the area and that was why they were half empty. We
negotiated a fair price and moved the boat into this marina where we met some
more wonderful people.
Coincidentally Carnival was starting the day we got into town,
with a parade every night for 4 nights in a row, along with live music and late
parties. You know you’re getting old when you just find this annoying. The
parade was good, but it was the same parade every night.
Lisa and I invited our friends Ken and Danita to join us on a day
sail around the Magote (a piece of land separating the harbor from the Bay). We
were told that a whale shark had been spotted in this area. One of our life
goals has been to swim with a whale shark; they are large docile creatures that
I find amazing. It turns out we found one and Lisa and I both had the experience
of a life time as we jumped in and swam alongside this amazing
animal.
After a week in the marina Lisa had her Dentist appointment and
we had all of our repairs finished on the boat so we headed out to “The
Islands”. Just north of La Paz there are several Islands of interest, the first
is Isla Espiritu Santos this island is a protected area and has abundant fish
life and beautiful coral. At night it is like a light show in the water, as the
schools of fish disrupt the phosphorescent algae in the water. (I was told it
was fosflourescent algae) I can’t find a correct spelling for that word
however.
After a few nights exploring the first 2 islands we had to get
back to La Paz so I could finish up some important classes necessary for
work.
On March 2nd we left La Paz Buddy Boating with our
new friends Sandie and Brian. We motor sailed up and out of The bay of La Paz
and then South to Los Muertos, Where we had stopped on the way North to La Paz.
We anchored there for one night before starting across the Sea of Cortez toward
Isla Isabella.
Isla Isabella was described to us as “like a miniature
Galapagos”. It took us about 58 hours to get across to Isabella. Just before
arriving we caught 40lbs. Wahoo. The timing was perfect we had just finished
all the fish on the boat that day.
Just as we finished cleaning the Wahoo, Brian and Sandie finished
their hike on the Island, so we suggested that we bring some fish to their boat
for dinner. After dinner we played cards until it was time to return to our boat
for bed.
The
island is a bird sanctuary and has been featured by Jacques Cousteau and
National Geographic. Lisa and I spent several hours hiking on the Island, among
colonies of birds nesting. It felt like we were in the middle of a Nature
channel special as the Blue footed and Yellow footed Boobies squawked at us for
getting too close to their newborn chicks or for carefully avoiding their eggs.
As we hiked up the hill to see the Boobies we walked under nesting frigate
birds, the males displaying their puffed up red throats and the awkward chicks
watched us with their fuzzy white heads.
Isla Isabella is uninhabited, except for the warden who oversees
the bird sanctuary and the seasonal
fishing camp on the southern end of the Island. The next day Lisa and I
took the dingy out and spent a couple hours snorkeling near the island. After
snorkeling we prepared for a morning departure over to the mainland and the
historical town of San Blas. (preparation included Lisa making chocolate chip
cookies).
new friends Sandie and Brian. We motor sailed up and out of The bay of La Paz
and then South to Los Muertos, Where we had stopped on the way North to La Paz.
We anchored there for one night before starting across the Sea of Cortez toward
Isla Isabella.
Isla Isabella was described to us as “like a miniature
Galapagos”. It took us about 58 hours to get across to Isabella. Just before
arriving we caught 40lbs. Wahoo. The timing was perfect we had just finished
all the fish on the boat that day.
Just as we finished cleaning the Wahoo, Brian and Sandie finished
their hike on the Island, so we suggested that we bring some fish to their boat
for dinner. After dinner we played cards until it was time to return to our boat
for bed.
The
island is a bird sanctuary and has been featured by Jacques Cousteau and
National Geographic. Lisa and I spent several hours hiking on the Island, among
colonies of birds nesting. It felt like we were in the middle of a Nature
channel special as the Blue footed and Yellow footed Boobies squawked at us for
getting too close to their newborn chicks or for carefully avoiding their eggs.
As we hiked up the hill to see the Boobies we walked under nesting frigate
birds, the males displaying their puffed up red throats and the awkward chicks
watched us with their fuzzy white heads.
Isla Isabella is uninhabited, except for the warden who oversees
the bird sanctuary and the seasonal
fishing camp on the southern end of the Island. The next day Lisa and I
took the dingy out and spent a couple hours snorkeling near the island. After
snorkeling we prepared for a morning departure over to the mainland and the
historical town of San Blas. (preparation included Lisa making chocolate chip
cookies).
WOW! So we take off for a nice easy 40 miles or so over to San Blas, MX. The water is calm and the breeze is light, we are about 12 miles off shore, when our boat becomes covered with hundreds of bees, yes hundreds. So we quickly zip up the cockpit as they continue to swarm on the boat I continue to drive the boat while Lisa gets the fly swatter and takes care of the ones that find their way in. This continued for several hours. Lucky for us we did have some wasp and hornet spray so by the time we got to San Blas getting out the docklines was manageable. wierd but true.
San Blas was a busy port in the 17th century where the Spanish would repair their ships and ready them for their trips north along the west coast. There are remains of an old fort where the locals had to the off the British, the Dutch, Pirates, and other Spanish, according to the Docent at the fort.
Lisa and I met a couple Ladies at the marina, Kathy and C.J. that were sailing their boat Shanon. They had sailed it down from B.C. Canada and They leave it down here for the summer and return home. The 4 of us took a jungle tour on a Panga up San Christoval Creek to the La Tavora springs. Along the way we saw many crocadiles and as many species of birds as I have ever seen anywhere. The trip was very enjoyable and at the end was the fresh water spring that feeds the creek, where we went swimming and had lunch. The town of San Blas is real Mexico, not like most of the tourist areas that we have been to. There are fresh fruit and veg stands and fish stands all along the road. Lisa and I bought some clams and shrimp along with some fruit that we had never seen before. It was all very good. After 2 days in San Blas, Lisa and I said goodbye to our new friends Kathy and C.J. then headed South to a Beautiful little bay, where the town of Chacala sits. This town is a vacation spot for many people from Guadelajara and there seem to be quite a few Canadians as well. It seems as though the Americans are missing out, mostly due to the misleading, unprofessional dramitization of the U.S. media. Mexico is as safe, if not more safe than the U.S. We have found the people here to be quite nice and helpful. I guess like anywhere you just have to be aware of your surroundings and stay out of shady neighborhoods.
OK. off the soapbox
Chacala is a small village with a row of Palapa style restaurants lining the beach, across the street from these touristy Palapa's is a small pizza joint, called Surfer's Pizza, This place is owned and operated by 2 brothers, Diego and Bernardo these 2 brothers are hard working entreprenuers that are raising other younger siblings. The brothers are 18 and 16 years old, and the younger one Bernardo is still in highschool. The pizza is excellent, and I know pizza. These boys are very inspiring.
We spent 2 nights at this anchorage before heading further south into Banderas Bay. Banderas Bay is a huge bay, about 20 miles from the north point, Punta Mita, to the inside, Puerto Vallarta. We stopped about half way, in La Cruz at Marina Riviera Nayarit. We met up with some old friends here Susanne and Joachim, who we last saw in Cabo San Jose.
San Blas was a busy port in the 17th century where the Spanish would repair their ships and ready them for their trips north along the west coast. There are remains of an old fort where the locals had to the off the British, the Dutch, Pirates, and other Spanish, according to the Docent at the fort.
Lisa and I met a couple Ladies at the marina, Kathy and C.J. that were sailing their boat Shanon. They had sailed it down from B.C. Canada and They leave it down here for the summer and return home. The 4 of us took a jungle tour on a Panga up San Christoval Creek to the La Tavora springs. Along the way we saw many crocadiles and as many species of birds as I have ever seen anywhere. The trip was very enjoyable and at the end was the fresh water spring that feeds the creek, where we went swimming and had lunch. The town of San Blas is real Mexico, not like most of the tourist areas that we have been to. There are fresh fruit and veg stands and fish stands all along the road. Lisa and I bought some clams and shrimp along with some fruit that we had never seen before. It was all very good. After 2 days in San Blas, Lisa and I said goodbye to our new friends Kathy and C.J. then headed South to a Beautiful little bay, where the town of Chacala sits. This town is a vacation spot for many people from Guadelajara and there seem to be quite a few Canadians as well. It seems as though the Americans are missing out, mostly due to the misleading, unprofessional dramitization of the U.S. media. Mexico is as safe, if not more safe than the U.S. We have found the people here to be quite nice and helpful. I guess like anywhere you just have to be aware of your surroundings and stay out of shady neighborhoods.
OK. off the soapbox
Chacala is a small village with a row of Palapa style restaurants lining the beach, across the street from these touristy Palapa's is a small pizza joint, called Surfer's Pizza, This place is owned and operated by 2 brothers, Diego and Bernardo these 2 brothers are hard working entreprenuers that are raising other younger siblings. The brothers are 18 and 16 years old, and the younger one Bernardo is still in highschool. The pizza is excellent, and I know pizza. These boys are very inspiring.
We spent 2 nights at this anchorage before heading further south into Banderas Bay. Banderas Bay is a huge bay, about 20 miles from the north point, Punta Mita, to the inside, Puerto Vallarta. We stopped about half way, in La Cruz at Marina Riviera Nayarit. We met up with some old friends here Susanne and Joachim, who we last saw in Cabo San Jose.
On March 14th we left Chacala for a 40mile sail down the coast, to Bandaras bay. As we rounded the point to enter the bay we discovered another breeding ground for whales. This time it was humpbacks. We hadn't seen this many whales in one place since we left Magdellana Bay, on the Pacific side of the Baja Penninsula. We carefully negotiated our way through the whales, then came across a giant Manta Ray. I would estimate it was around 12' across. As we slowly crept along to get pictures of it, thinking it would swim away, we bumped into it and it freeked out. With a big slap of its wing, which reached all the way up the side of our boat and slapped the boat, he was off. This was a new sighting for us and very exciting. We finally stopped in La Cuz, MX. They have a new marina there with all the amenities, but when you leave the marina it is a nice little mexican town, with a few gringo hangouts. We went out for dinner with Suzanne and Johachim, our friends from Germany that we met way back in Turtle Bay. It was a farewell dinner with 7 of us. The total bill was $27 USD. Thats what I'm talkin about.
The next day our friends left for the Marquesas, and we left for Nuevo Vallarta.
Nuevo Vallarta is a Marina development just north of Puerto Vallarta. We stopped here and got a slip thanks to our friends Brian and Sandy, who were already there. Every marina in the area was full because of a big regatta that was happening the following week. Of course we just showed up unanounced, and assumed we would have a place to park the boat for 10 days. luckily we did.
We spent 2 days on the boat at the marina and spent some quality time with our new friends, Brian and Sandy, then we grabbed a taxi and headed to Puerto Vallarta, where we would spend a week with a great group of people, some of which we met up in Washington and the others were their friends and family.
March 17th St. Patricks Day
We arrived at the condo and met up with our friends Jim and Maila, who introduced us to the rest of the group, and what a great group. We spent the next several hours celebrating St. Patty's Day. The next morning we were introduced to orange blossums, an alcoholic breakfast drink. The next few days were spent exploring Puerto Vallarta during the day and then going out and partying at night. Jim and Maila had been coming down here for many years and have many friends in the area, 2 of their friends Freddy and Cynthia own a restaraunt, where we had dinner on two occassions.
On Thursday the 21st Lisa and I took the entire crew out sailing, this is the most people we have had on the boat, 11 of us. Everyone had a great time and the weather was perfect, calm for the first half of the day and a good breeze for the second.
The last night we were in town was my 51st Birthday. Freddy had his chef prepare the wahoo that we had caught along with several house specialties. Cynthia, the party planner put together an impromptu Birthday party that I will never forget. Complete with party favors, masks, decorations and a cake. Thank you Freddy, and thank you Cynthia. Mostly thank you to Jim and Maila for the invitation and the introductions. Lisa and I had a GREAT time.
The next morning Lisa and I had to leave. We sailed out to Punta De Mita about 20 miles from Puerto Vallarta, at the North enterance to Bandaras Bay, where we anchored for the night.
Sunday morning the 24th we pulled anchor and motorsailed for 2 days almost 200 miles up to Mazatlan, along the way Lisa caught 4 Bonita, and I got 1.
The next day our friends left for the Marquesas, and we left for Nuevo Vallarta.
Nuevo Vallarta is a Marina development just north of Puerto Vallarta. We stopped here and got a slip thanks to our friends Brian and Sandy, who were already there. Every marina in the area was full because of a big regatta that was happening the following week. Of course we just showed up unanounced, and assumed we would have a place to park the boat for 10 days. luckily we did.
We spent 2 days on the boat at the marina and spent some quality time with our new friends, Brian and Sandy, then we grabbed a taxi and headed to Puerto Vallarta, where we would spend a week with a great group of people, some of which we met up in Washington and the others were their friends and family.
March 17th St. Patricks Day
We arrived at the condo and met up with our friends Jim and Maila, who introduced us to the rest of the group, and what a great group. We spent the next several hours celebrating St. Patty's Day. The next morning we were introduced to orange blossums, an alcoholic breakfast drink. The next few days were spent exploring Puerto Vallarta during the day and then going out and partying at night. Jim and Maila had been coming down here for many years and have many friends in the area, 2 of their friends Freddy and Cynthia own a restaraunt, where we had dinner on two occassions.
On Thursday the 21st Lisa and I took the entire crew out sailing, this is the most people we have had on the boat, 11 of us. Everyone had a great time and the weather was perfect, calm for the first half of the day and a good breeze for the second.
The last night we were in town was my 51st Birthday. Freddy had his chef prepare the wahoo that we had caught along with several house specialties. Cynthia, the party planner put together an impromptu Birthday party that I will never forget. Complete with party favors, masks, decorations and a cake. Thank you Freddy, and thank you Cynthia. Mostly thank you to Jim and Maila for the invitation and the introductions. Lisa and I had a GREAT time.
The next morning Lisa and I had to leave. We sailed out to Punta De Mita about 20 miles from Puerto Vallarta, at the North enterance to Bandaras Bay, where we anchored for the night.
Sunday morning the 24th we pulled anchor and motorsailed for 2 days almost 200 miles up to Mazatlan, along the way Lisa caught 4 Bonita, and I got 1.
Monday afternoon we arrived in Mazatlan, entering the marina through a very narrow channel. The chart showed a large rock just in front of the entrance, neither Lisa nor I could see it. Never hearing anything about it from other cruisers I began to feel uncertain about what I wasn't seeing, so I called the marina. They told me the rock was to my starboard side and it was marked. We had seen the bouy, but it was way over away from the enterance and not at all where the chart had shown. All was well.
Lisa and I spent 2 nights in Marina Mazatlan, where we discovered that one of our house battery banks was shot, and we had to disconnect it so it wouldn't drain the other. We also found a LED running light to replace our burned out stern light.
On Wednesday morning we left and headed back across the Sea of Cortez. It took us about 2 days to get across to La Paz.
Just 70 miles outside of Mazatlan I saw something jump about 30 meters off our port side, I called to Lisa to come see what it was. A huge Marlin was headed straight for our boat jumping out of the water as if we had it on a line except he was headed our way, his last jump was no more than 3 or 4 meters away from us, then he turned 90 degrees and continued jumping as he swam away behind us. WEIRD BUT TRUE.
Also on Lisa's watch, Lisa saw a Blue whale so close in front of our boat that she turned in order to miss it. This shook her up a bit, as we had just attended a seminar in Puerto Vallarta explaining how this women had to abandon ship after being struck by a whale.
We dropped anchor in a familiar bay near La Paz at 6 am. on Good Friday morning. Lisa and I went to sleep for a few hours, then started to clean and prepare the boat to be hauled out in a few days.
Later that day we moved to a new anchorage where our friends Ken and Danita were anchored.
Its now Holy Saturday as I sit here in this quiet anchorage thinking how blessed we have been on our adventure, all the wonderful people we have met and the friendships we have cultivated and the places we have seen and the marine life we have witnessed. And having each other to share this incredible experience together with. All this and we have just begun.
Lisa and I spent 2 nights in Marina Mazatlan, where we discovered that one of our house battery banks was shot, and we had to disconnect it so it wouldn't drain the other. We also found a LED running light to replace our burned out stern light.
On Wednesday morning we left and headed back across the Sea of Cortez. It took us about 2 days to get across to La Paz.
Just 70 miles outside of Mazatlan I saw something jump about 30 meters off our port side, I called to Lisa to come see what it was. A huge Marlin was headed straight for our boat jumping out of the water as if we had it on a line except he was headed our way, his last jump was no more than 3 or 4 meters away from us, then he turned 90 degrees and continued jumping as he swam away behind us. WEIRD BUT TRUE.
Also on Lisa's watch, Lisa saw a Blue whale so close in front of our boat that she turned in order to miss it. This shook her up a bit, as we had just attended a seminar in Puerto Vallarta explaining how this women had to abandon ship after being struck by a whale.
We dropped anchor in a familiar bay near La Paz at 6 am. on Good Friday morning. Lisa and I went to sleep for a few hours, then started to clean and prepare the boat to be hauled out in a few days.
Later that day we moved to a new anchorage where our friends Ken and Danita were anchored.
Its now Holy Saturday as I sit here in this quiet anchorage thinking how blessed we have been on our adventure, all the wonderful people we have met and the friendships we have cultivated and the places we have seen and the marine life we have witnessed. And having each other to share this incredible experience together with. All this and we have just begun.
