Dec 25 - 28

Christmas Day was different for us this year, but great fun.  Usually we spend Christmas in Patzcuaro but this year, because of a change in sailing plans, we were on the boat in Barra de Navidad.  Of course we missed our usual festivities in Patzcuaro but we enjoyed a new set of experiences.
At about 1 pm on Christmas Day we went to The Sands as that is where the boaters were meeting.  It was a potluck meal with turkey having been cooked by a few people..cost was about $4/person!!  After a wonderful meal, the gift exchange took place...I am sure you are familiar with this type of exchange...each person receives a number and when your number is called you pick a gift, open it and then someone after that may 'steal' it from you.  We ended up with a bottle of wine and a lovely wine opening set (stolen from a friend..no shame!)
Patches went with us to the Sands..not our best plan as there were other dogs and that led to a little scene.  We had been sitting by the pool but wanted to join our friends under the palapa.  Bob was bringing Patches in when a lady arrived with a cute fuzzy dog who was somewhat bigger than Patches.  This dog looked at Patches and then proceeded to put his paw on Patches' head..sort of like a priest blessing a person.  Patches was momentarily dumb struck, but then the growling and snarling set in.  We exited back to the hinterlands and had our meal.  We were able to rejoin the group later when all dogs were in different corners.
At about 4 we left, back to the boat and then onto our friends' house in Barra for another delicious meal..drinks and meeting some new people.  All of us were ready for an early night as it seemed that all we had done for too many days was eat, drink and be merry!!
On Dec 28 (yesterday) we left Barra for Tenacatita.  No wind.  Motored the entire trip of about 2.5 hr.  The seas were easy so we did motor at more than 6 knots. 
For lunch we went into shore.  The restaurant was hopping and we waited for 2 hr for our food...much beer was consumed.
Friday is the Mayor's Raft up here in the bay.  We met some new people and renewed acquaintance with others.  There was much laughter and of course the stories (The theme was who has helped you or vice versa in times of duress while sailing.)..and of of course every one of us has had those times while on the boat.
Yesterday evening we had a cool breeze and I slept soundly for the first time in weeks.  In the early morning, I put on a fleecy top and needed a light blanket.  What joy to be sitting here with no sweat running any where on my body.
When we took the dog to shore this morning I swam in.  The shore always looks so close but never is.  It was a refreshing swim and now I feel so sanctimonious.
Tenacatita now has over 20 boats anchored.  Someone told us that there have been as many as 60 boats here.   It is a lovely place to be and we will probably stay here for 10 days, depending on the weather.