Barra de Navidad almost a week

Cloudy weather again.  How strange it is to have cloud for more than a day.
Today we tried to get money from the ATMs in town.  No luck as one had no money and the other just likes to grab your card for about 5 minutes (scarey).
The French baker was around so more Danish and baguette.   So good.
Tomorrow we will head to Melaque (only a few miles) where there is a real bank.  Bob needs to buy something for his saw as he is about to cut another hole in the boat to out in a vent for the propane.
The mosquitoes are being held at bay by our stinky coils which burn all night.
Big find yesterday...Wine for about $3.50/bottle!!!   Of course that just means we can drink more wine.
This afternoone we will dinghy over to a seaside restaurant and spend a few hours there eating and of course taking a look around the tiny village of Colimillo. 
I downloaded the works of Jack London and am finding that he has written much more than what I would call his 'Northern Stuff".  I am still working on the life of Gandhi as it requires more concentration to read and absorb. 
Once more yesterday we had a runaway boat.  It is a little sailboat that seems to be on its own.  The anchor is a joke.  Last evening as it was wondering around the lagoon, a group herded it into the back of the lagoon.  It should stick there and I mean stick in the mud!!
Boat people are very helpful.  I guess   we all know that someday we may need help so it is a good idea to 'pay it forward'.
It is afternoon now so I can have a cold beer.  Cheers to all of you.

Fun in Barra

Yesterday we went out for dinner with friends.  So big deal you might think.  For us it was,  as we went out in the evening, and we seldom leave the boat at night when we are at anchor.  Anyway we had a great time with some new friends.  After our dinner we walked a bit.   As it was Saturday night, there was much going on...lots of music, people in the street.  We took a water taxi and it was interesting to see how they navigate in the dark.  All the taxi drivers seem to know this lagoon to the nth degree.
When we had gone into Barra, we had seen a wedding taking place.  The wedding party chose to let us celebrate with them as there was quite a spectacular fireworks display later on in the evening.   Finally we were off to bed at 12:30 am ...that is very late for us when we are on the boat.
Patches has his 'sea legs' now.  In fact he wants to jump into any dinghy or panga that comes close to him.  He seems to have gotten over many of his fears.  Yesterday when confronted by a bee, he looked at it and then seemed to ignore it.  He will jump from our dinghy up into the boat if he gets the chance.  What next?
Yesterday we stocked up with diesel, gas and water.  That will take us back to La Cruz.
Today Bob has removed the ceiling over the sink in the galley.  He is replacing a clutch (something to do with sails) which entails tearing the boat apart. That may be a slight exaggeration.   At least so far there is nothing too messy about the job.
 I have finished the teak oiling.  Yipee.  Not hard work just oily!
Comparing last year and this year, we certainly see differences.  For one thing the weather.  We have had more cloud and less wind this year than last. 
This year we keep seeing multitudes of small fish.  Here in the lagoon they are floating dead on the surface.  I asked about this but was told that it was normal.  Last year we did not see this.  Perhaps it has something to do with spawning. 
As for boats, there are far fewer boats than last year, and again that is everywhere we have been.  Who knows why?
Time is flying by.  In another week we will start going north. 

Enjoying Barra

Once again we are enjoying our stay in Barra.  It is the time to restock our supplies in order to make our journey north.  Last year we had water and beer delivered to the boat...more water than beer I might add.  And of course there are the visits from the French baker.  Today we savoured his multigrain bread with our Greek salads.  There is a new service in the form of the 'laundrey boat'.  How nice not to have to share our stinky clothes with the other people travelling in the water taxi.
This morning we breakfasted at Banana's with Mary and Tommy.  What a pleasure seeing them again.
They were telling us that the weather we encountered last year was not the norm.  This year apparently is more the norm...hot and humid with less wind.
Yesterday we spent some pleasant time at the Sands Hotel.  It is a place that welcomes those of us who anchor in the lagoon.  You can dinghy there and use their facilities as long as you spend a bit of money.  You can also pay a nominal sum to use their facilities for the entire day.  Sometimes we feel the need to vacate the boat but we dont want to go to a restaurant.  The Sands is a perfect haven. 
We are such a lazy lot here but the heat and humidity does that to you.  Every day we continue to do small jobs but after an hour of work it is quitting time.
My niece, Mags, suggested that I include our position to make it easier for people to see exactly where we are.  I have done that.  Just click where it says 'Location'  (at the bottom of the blog) and you should see where we are.

Barra de Navidad

This is a catch up blog.  Our signal in Ten Bay was quite weak so I didn't bother trying to upload.
January 24, 2012
Here we are in Barra de Navidad.  After about a week in Tenacatita we were ready to move.  This morning at 7:30 am we left Ten Bay after a wonderful time there.  What a pleasant week.
Last Friday we took a panga into La Manzanilla.  Our panga driver was Juan, who drove carefully and delivered us to La Manzanilla dry!
The Friday market was in full swing and it was a delightful place to visit.  Can you believe that they had fresh raspberries, strawberries and blackberries?  I bought a quantity of raspberries which we proceeded to snack on as we toured the market.  Of course there were many lovely items but being on the boat (with no storage room) really cramps my shopping!
Friday was a busy day as it is the raft up happy hour.  Most people in the bay came to the raft up.  I do enjoy hearing everyone else's stories as it puts our experiences into perspective.  Most sailing people are so very committed, unlike myself.  I almost feel guilty listening to their rapturous feelings.  Certainly I enjoy all the sea life, sunrises, sunsets, and the sailing itself, but I could also walk off the boat tomorrow and not miss it.
Most days in the bay were spent doing odd jobs and going to shore.  Bob replaced two vents with solar fans and that was a huge improvement (especially to the 'aromas' in the head).  I have started oiling the teak in the V-berth...a little everyday and I should finish in a few days.  It will take me that long as our v-berth is full of stuff and has to be moved every time I oil, and then replaced the next day.
This year I am more adventuresome in my cooking, so our meals have been better.   We actually still have some chicken breasts left from La Cruz.  I was able to freeze them so every few days we have chicken.  When in Ten Bay we usually go to a local palapa restaurant for fish or some other seafood.  The food is very good and the beer is cold..what more could you ask?
Remember the devil dinghy of last year?  Bob bought dinghy wheels and it has tamed the dinghy.  What a difference.  I am not suggesting that we won't be knocked into the water by a unforeseen wave, but so far has made s huge difference in our landings.
As for sailing, there is a dearth of wind.  Apparently this is not just local.  We are not alone in motoring rather than sailing.
My Kindle keeps me occupied when I have time to spare.  Since last August I have downloaded about 125 books and read about 100 of them.  Right now I am reading a sort of biography of Louis L'Amour.  Because of his being quoted in another book I was reading, I decided to download some of his books.  I was pleasantly surprised.  He is a descriptive writer and apparently writes about nothing (more or less) that he has not experienced.  I am also reading a autobiography of Gandhi....quite a contrast, but both interesting.
It is hot in Barra...not a breath of air moving.  Ten Bay was hot but we had land and sea breezes.  We shall see if that happens here.
Tomorrow morning we should have fresh baking from the French Baker.  With that thought I will say bye for now.

Tenacatita Bay...still as beautiful as ever.

January 18

Yesterday we left Chamela and spent a quiet 5.5 hr motor sailing to Tenacatita.  Once more we had virtually no wind to help us, but the seas were going our way so we did manage 6 knots most the way.
It was a relaxing trip all in all.
Last year when we arrived here I made Bob anchor way out in the bay because I was anxious about being close to other boats, etc.  This year we have anchored much closer to shore and close to the dog beach.  Patches is a short dinghy ride from the bathroom
It is now hot but I was surprised  at how cool it was last night.  Perfect sleeping weather.  We all had a long sleep, and are well rested today.
This morning was a big morning as we had our first shower in 4 days.  What a treat that was!  I have luxuriated in being clean. 
This afternoon we are going into the little restaurant for a meal.  It is also an afternoon of bocce ball and perhaps even volleyball.
Tenacatita even has a mayor for the season.  Robert, the mayor, and his wife Virginia came to welcome us.  We had met them in Mazatlan and I am reading the book that Virginia wrote.  Her description of what has happened in their sailing lives has been a comfort to me, as once more as in many things in life, we are more the norm than not.  Always reassuring.
Tenacatita Bay really is a gem.  It is a large bay but is not crowded with hotels, condos, and restaurants.  Our view is of sandy beaches and palm trees with a hotel here and there.
 There is a village on the far side of the bay.  We plan to visit La Manzanilla sometime in the next few days.  Apparently there are numerous restaurants and good stores for provisions.
Life is good.

From La Cruz to Chamela

Chamela Bay

January 16, 2012

Here we sit once more in Chamela Bay.  Last year when we tried to  turn into Chamela our steering quit.  This year we entered the bay with steering intact.  Much nicer.

We did leave La Cruz at 4 am Saturday morning (January 14).  Both of us were concerned about leaving the marina in the dark so didn't sleep very well.  Bob did an admirable job of getting us out of the marina.  He is getting much better at this steering business.

Our trip across Banderas Bay was without incident and we motor sailed at over 6 knots, sometimes even 7.  And then we entered the ‘Cabo Zone’.  Bob would say that it was a piece of cake, and compared to the gale we were in last year it was.  BUT..The seas were muddled around the cape…wind waves one way, swell the other and then we had a bit of wind for a while.  The autopilot did not like the mixture and it quit.  After about 2 tries of resetting it, Bob took over the steering.  The nasty stuff lasted about 2 hr and then calm returned.  I know that I over react to those situations, and I know that Cabo can be much worse but when I am in the thick of it, the dog and I get very anxious.

And what does Patches do under those conditions?  He wants to be held the entire time.  I tried to take him below but he wouldn’t stay,so there we were all together in the cockpit just rockin’ and rollin’.

At noon, 8 hours after leaving La Cruz we arrived in Ipala.  This year they have even more aqua culture than last year so we had to anchor out a bit more which translates into more rolling.  After we were anchored, a cold beer was in order followed by a nap.  In to shore we went about 3 pm for our celebratory lobster meal.  It was just as delicious as last year.

When we returned to the boat Bob decided to clean a water filter (the water that cools the engine passes through this filter), and while removing it, a fitting broke.   Bob then  by passed the filter (removed it) and replaced it with some fitting he had on board.  Needless to say we did not have the correct fitting with us.  As my confidence was shaken and  my nerves were frayed, I had some moments of real anxiety.  Then I realized that I was very tired and definately over reacting.  Even so I kept waking up and worrying. 

January 15, 2012

Sunday morning we were up bright and early  (6 am) as we had another long day ahead.  Chamela is about 55 miles from Ipala and we were hoping to make it there before dark.  (If not Patches would have a long wait for his ‘beach visit’.)  The winds were practically not existent for most of the way.  All the weather forecasts had said northwest winds and guess what?  They were southeast AND we were going southeast.  That is not a recipe for good sailing. In the afternoon a little breeze came up and up went our headsail.  The main is almost always up to catch any wind and to stabilize the boat.  For about 2 hr we increased our speed dramatically and that enabled us to arrive in Chamela at 5:45 pm.  We had left Ipala at 8 am so we were happy with our arrival time.  It is dark at about 7 pm.  There was time to ready the dinghy for a quick trip to shore.

Chamela always has some surf so we decided to use the dinghy wheels.  Yes they do make a difference.  We have made 2 trips in and the results have been good.  Of course the surf has not been huge but now I can jump out with the dog and Bob can drag the dinghy into shore.  Before I would hold the dog and help drag. 

Patches has developed a new set of phobias.  Perhaps a shrink is in order.  Waves used to terrorize him but now he is fine with waves.  His nemesis at the moment  is any kind of bee or bee like insect.  Yesterday he saw a wasp in the cockpit and as a result stayed below all day.

When we went into shore this morning Bob was able to find the fitting we needed,  and now has replaced the little piece of copper that he  used with a plastic fitting about twice as long.

Chamela seems to have been ‘discovered’ and by Canadians.  This morning I saw 6 pick ups, all either from BC or Alberta.  The beach itself is much cleaner than it was last year.  According to Bob, the town itself has a good hardware, large grocery store, and a pharmacy.  I am sure they were there last year and we missed them, or not.

This morning has been a working morning.  I have cleaned the fridge and Bob has been cleaning the exterior of the boat.  That wind that hit us off  Cabo was dirt laden, and left a covering of mud on the bow of the boat.  Bob is finickity about the exterior but does not seem to have the same interest in the interior.

Yesterday when we sailing, I was below reading.  I chanced to look up at Bob in the cockpit.  He had the radio blaring out ‘60s tunes and was singing and dancing in the cockpit obviously enjoying life on the boat.   Happiness personified!!  It is not often that one sees Bob outwardly showing joy.  It made me happy just watching him.

It is a beautiful sunny day today with just a bit of a  breeze to keep it fresh in the boat.  The boat rocks gently while I sit writing this blog.  When I am sitting here, my anxieties seem so ridiculous.  Let’s hope this too will pass. 

Leaving La Cruz

January 13, 2012

A few posts back I said that we were leaving La Cruz on Monday, but the weather has changed our plans.  Now our departure time is 4 am tomorrow morning.  Leaving La Cruz always has to happen at a weird time when you are going south as there is a cape to deal with and you do not want to do that in the afternoon.  With any luck we should be around the cape before noon but who knows what will happen.
The past 2 days have been so relaxing.  During the week we have done little jobs and other than shopping for provisions today we had nothing pressing to do today.
On Wednesday evening we went to the German restaurant in La Cruz.  What a pleasant surprise!  As I wasn't that hungry I had a cheese appetizer (Camembert with cream cheese I think and various spices)which turned out to be scrumptious.  Bob had a variety of German sausages served with mashed potatoes...all nicely seasoned with herbs.  And the beer!  That was probably the best.  Although it was a dark beer, it was not heavy and oh so good.
When we arrived, there was another couple seated,  and staff and guests were all speaking German.  I was sorry that we couldn't join in.
Once more we have enjoyed La Cruz.  The marina itself is well maintained and the staff are helpful.  More importantly is the activity.  Every day brings a new offering of activities.
It will be several days before I am on line again as we will be stopping overnight in Ipala which has no internet connection.  Perhaps Monday will see me back on line.
Have a great weekend.

Quick wake up call

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Last night at about 4 am I was awakened to the sound of big and small splashes around the boat.  When I looked out, the water around our boat and in the marina, was frothing with small fish,  and of course large fish eating the small fish.  At daybreak in came the birds.  Pelicans were everywhere.  When I stepped out of the boat I felt a wet plop on my arm.  Anointed by a pelican!!  Isn't that supposed to be good luck?  Yes I was wide awake after that.

Bob and I at Chacala with sunset in the background.

Yesterday we worked until about 1 pm and then walked into the village which is a very short walk.  Lunch was a tasty pizza at Philos.  They have some different combinations so we tried the goat cheese, sundried tomato and pineapple pizza.  Delicious flavours and they do blend well.
Bob is get his exercise again today as he is carrying diesel from the fuel dock.  He decided it was easier to carry the fuel than take the boat over.  Everytime we have gone to the fuel dock, there has been a huge cruise there and we then usually take a half hour to fill our tank.  This time no waits and great exercise for Bob.  We think his arms are about an inch longer now.
https://picasaweb.google.com/111933993919433146121/

Photos

This morning I have finally uploaded photos to my web album.  Just in case I missed sending you a link by email here are some  links to follow.
https://picasaweb.google.com/111933993919433146121/20120106ChacalaAndMatanchen?authkey=Gv1sRgCIXD2fOkqaGm4wE#

https://picasaweb.google.com/111933993919433146121/20120104BobSDolphinPhotos?authkey=Gv1sRgCNOjuPX-7qnWtgE#

https://picasaweb.google.com/111933993919433146121/20120102StoneIsland?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLdy_D6orrj0QE#

Paperwork and stuff

January 9

As the marina office and port captain's offices are closed on the weekend, today was the day to do that business.  After we paid and finally were in possession of a key that lets you on the dock and into the washrooms, we headed to the port captain's office only to find it had been relocated.  Trying to find it was interesting, but after a few meanderings there it was by the fish market. 
Then it was off to buy provisions.  One little store is remarkable in what it sells and for its great prices. After all that it was time for lunch.  Enrique's restaurant had moved down the street so off we went (all 30 m) to see his new venue.  The restaurant is well cared for and has a friendly helful staff.  They had mahi mahi as one of the  fish dishes.  The food was excellent.  Most meals come with rice, potatoes, garlic toast and a salad.  The fish serving is large and can be ordered to your taste.  We always have it done in garlic and grilled. 
Later I wandered into a little store only to find it had lovely ladies wear.  This year I left my cottons at home (as when cotton gets wet it seems to stay that way) so I was looking for shorts and tops in cotton blends.  They had just what I wanted in the line of shorts and top.  Success.
Bob spent part of his day tearing the boat apart.  How novel!  He checked the autopilot, and found nothing amiss.  Similarly he could not find the ghost in the antennae. 
La Cruz Marina has a bonfire night on Mondays.  Off we all went to a lovely evening around the fire.  You can buy hot dogs, beer and wine if you so desire which we did desire!  A full moon, light breeze, sparkling ocean reflecting the moon made this almost too good to be true. 

Sunday in La Cruz

January 8

Our morning started with a breakfast buffet at the marine restaurant.  Mimosas added a definite kick start to the day.  The buffet was excellent.  No need to eat again for many hours.
Sunday in La Cruz is a fun day as it is market day.  Last year the market filled the town square and this year it has doubled/tripled in size.  The biggest change from last year is the addition of food stalls.   Organic coffee, whole grain muffins, pesto, and much much more in the line of foods.  The most nostalgic item there was a VW van painted in vivid colours!!  A '60s reincarnation!
Many of products in the market had been produced by non-Mexicans.  This too was different from last year.
After our visit to the market, we had a quiet day.  Both of us did some cleaning (inside and out), followed by walking and reading. 

Happy in La Cruz

January 2 – 7, 2012

Happy in La Cruz Marina

As our first 2 stops did not have great Internet reception, this blog will cover about 1 week.

On January 4 we sailed from Stone Island in very different conditions than last year.  Firstly Patches and I were very relaxed, and that was the greatest change.  Secondly, instead of leaving at dusk with little light, we left about 9 am..  That meant we had many hours of sailing in the sunshine.  Thirdly, we had an almost full moon, which provided a marvellous glow.

  During the day we spotted many whales (more than last year) and dolphins swarmed around the boat.

But, of course nothing is perfect.  The moon set at about 4 am, which left us in pitch-dark conditions, and getting nearer to shore.  Remembering that last March there were many fishnets around Matanchen Bay we were very hesitant to keep sailing in absolute darkness.   Therefore at about 5 am  we decided to heave to until dawn.  There we sat waiting for the sunrise.  At about 6:30 we had enough light to start moving again.  Of course we didn’t see 1 net!!  What we did see were pangas (fishing boats) in every direction.   Lesson learned:  leave Stone Is later to arrive at Matanchen around noon.

The only other wrinkle in the first leg of our trip (other than no wind) was the auto pilot…yes again.  It would turn itself off and who knows why.  When turned on again it would work for a time and then off it went again.  When that happens the boat starts turning in circles…not pleasant.

Matanchen Bay was a bird lover’s paradise this year.  We soon found out why.  The bay was a veritable fish nursery and the birds were glutting themselves.  When we were going to shore by dinghy the fish were jumping everywhere including over the side of the dinghy.  Bob slapped one down before it landed in the boat.  Who knows what Patches would have done with a fish flopping around in the boat??

January 6 saw us off to Chacala Bay, which was a mere 21 miles from Matanchen.  (I love 4 hr sailing days.)   As we had bypassed Chacala last year in favour of Guayabitos, we were once again in new territory.   What a pleasant little place and I mean little.  Surprisingly by dusk there were 8 boats anchored in the tiny bay and we managed to stay clear of each other.  The bay was calm and it was a relaxing stop.

The village of Chacala itself has changed a lot since we were there last (by land).  About 10 years ago, we drove there from Sayulita just to take a look.  It happened to be Good Friday and Chacala was over run with people.  We came we saw and we left!  At this time of year there are tourists but it is quiet.  The biggest surprise was the number of very nice homes around the bay.  When we went ashore we had a meal in a ‘wine bar’.  The menu ranged from cappuccino to English fish and chips!!    The fish and chips (served with English malt vinegar), Bloody Mary, and the cappuccino were all excellent

On Saturday morning  (January 7)we waved goodbye (sorry about that) to Chacala with a promise to return and set off for La Cruz.  Still no wind!  The ocean was flat which did allow us to motor at top speed.  What is top speed?  6 nautical miles/hr.  which is about 12 km/hr.   Once again Bob was disappointed in the lack of wind but he did put up both sails (new sails I might add) in the Bay of Banderas.  We roared along at an amazing 7 knots for about a half hour.  Bob looked like the Cheshire cat during that time.

By 5 pm we were sitting in the restaurant in the La Cruz Marina watching the sunset.  After another excellent meal, we were ready for a very early night.

After our first week things are going well.  As you can guess this has been a totally different experience compared to last year.   All of us are more at ease.  That  makes for a better experience.  But the overnight sails still leave both of us grumpy because we don’t sleep very much.   Eventually we will be able to get more sleep on overnights (I hope).

Both of us noticed that we are working together as a team.  What a shock!  It has only taken 28 years.  Who knows what miracles lie ahead?

In the boat again!

January 3, 2012-01-03

Happy New Year to all my family and friends,

A year ago today we made our first attempt to leave Mazatlan by boat but had to return because a hose blew.  That was followed by other minor disasters and we finally left on January 10.

  Yesterday we left Mazatlan Marina accompanied by Corrine and Brian (next door neighbours when we lived at Grindstone Point in Manitoba), and had a lovely trip to Stone Island.  Stone Island is only 2 hr from the Marina but when going south that counts.  The first stop when going south is about 24 hr for us, so being in Stone Is shortens the time that Patches has to wait to go to the toilet.  He still will not go on the boat.

Now I will back track about a month in our lives. 

At the end of November we returned to Mazatlan (my first time in 8 mo) to finish all the jobs on the boat.  It was a fun 2 weeks as we worked in the day and enjoyed the company of our friends at the dock happy hour, or went out in the evening with our friends from Manitoba. 

When we returned to Patzcuaro in December we were accompanied by our former neighbours, Corinne and Brian (they lived next door to us at Grindstone Point.). 

December is a great time to be in Patzcuaro as there are lots of festivities.  Our 2 weeks there was spent doing a little sight seeing, walking, and lots of nights around the fireplace.  Corinne helped me decorate the house, and both she and Brian were a great help when we had our 6^th Annual Christmas Eve dinner.  Brian was the bartender and Corinne was there for whatever I needed.  Bob, who normally does the dishes, did not quibble when Corinne and Brian took over that job.  Bouquets to our friends for sharing Christmas with us and sharing the work as well.  We hope we can do that again.

On December 23, we were treated to lasagna by Jean.  What a thoughtful person.  She knew we were gearing up for Christmas and invited us over so that we wouldn't have to cook on Dec 23.  Thank you, Jean.

Back to Christmas Eve.  Six years ago we had our first Christmas in Patzcuaro.  The workmen left the house and our 2 guests, Gemma and JP, arrived a few hours later.  Now 6 yr later, they are still there to help celebrate, but each year the number grows.  This year we were 12, and I believe that is a good number to stay with.  To our Christmas Eve guests, we thank you for all the joy that you bring to us all year round.

Christmas Day we walked across the street for a lovely meal with Stella and Isidro.  I wonder if Isidro is still eating ham??  One of the best things about our new house, are our neighbours, Stella and Isidro.

On December 26 we drove back to Mazatlan.  Driving in Mexico always holds some surprise.  This time we were in a ‘traffic jam’ on the highway for about an hr.  The problem was at the toll both…we were in the slow line, of course.  Who knows what the problem was?  Perhaps they were training a new guy or the computer was down!!  What ever it was we were at a virtual standstill for an hour.

Back in Mazatlan, we spent our time shopping for boat provisions and resuming our happy hour on the dock.  It almost seemed a sacrilege to hold a dock party without Julie and Mike.  But we managed to squeeze some enjoyment during those hours. 

New Years Eve was quiet which was our choice.  I think all of our festivities of the last month caught up with us.  After an excellent meal with Corinne and Brian we were off to bed but did make it up to ring in the New Year.  New Years Day saw us sipping beer on the beach at Cerritos, followed by a fabulous potluck dinner.  Nadine your eggnog is the best.

Yesterday afternoon we unleashed the devil dinghy again.  Our only glitch there was searching for the key to the padlock, which turned out to be hanging g on the hook where it had been left last March!  Off we went, all 5 of us, in our little dinghy.  Getting to the restaurant is the best here as there is a little inlet with no waves (most of the time).  We were able to debark without getting wet.  At the restaurant we were 8, and kept the waiter hopping who kept us waiting.  At about 4 pm, the cool breeze sent us back to the boat quickly.  It is always a surprise when the temperature drops that fast.  We said goodbye to our friends and off we went to the boat to warm up, and it was warmer on the boat.  I believe 9 pm found us both in bed.  And yes it is still dark at 5 am, and at 6 am!!  Coffee was on early.

This morning was ideal; warm with little wind.  (We are anchored off Stone Is with about 5 other boats.)  Patches got his morning walk, and we are back at the boat working on radios, etc.

The weather looks good for heading south, which means that tomorrow we will leave, barring unseen difficulties.  Our tentative plan is to reach San Blas on Thurs, Chacala on Friday and La Cruz on Saturday.  La Cruz is a favourite spot of ours so we will stay there for at least a week.  Note that I say ‘tentative plans’ as it seems that sailing is a very tentative endeavour when it comes to having a schedule.

If you read my Jan blogs last year, you should note a change in tone.  No doubt I have qualms, but the fear that I felt last year, has dissapated.  Of course the thought of high winds frightens me, but I dont dwell on all the things that can go wrong.  Last year we had many major and minor problems, but Bob got us through them all.  There is no doubt that we will experience other difficulties this year but I think I will be calmer in the face of adversity (maybe?).  I hope so.