Resting in Mazatlan

Sunset in Chacala January 21, 2013

One more sunset in Chacala.  Even though I now have many photos of sunsets in Chacala, I guess I can't resist one more.
January 22 saw us leaving Chacala, and according to the weather forecasts, we were to have smooth seas and not much wind.  When we left Chacala our ETA in Mazatlan was 25 hr.  6 hours later our ETA was still 25 hr....that is disheartening, but I now know that your ETA is when you arrive!!  So the seas were right on our nose ( perhaps 2 m and winds held around 20 knots with a high of 23)  and so were the winds...we are just lucky I guess??  But, we did have a full moon and a magnificently starry sky!!  And it was much warmer than I thought it would be.   The trip was no better or worse than the previous 2 years, but this year I was not afraid, merely uncomfortable.  As it turned out we ended up making the trip in about the same time as last year.  For some period of time  we were as slow as 3 knots, but the winds shifted a bit, and we eventually got back up to 6 knots.
The dog and I were pretty queasy, but in retrospect that may have been (in  my case) partiallly because I was starting to get sick.  (There is some kind of flu that begins with an upset stomach and moves onto sore throat, etc.  I am now in the sore throat phase.)
28 hours later we shot into our slip in Mazatlan...Bob came in a bit fast but  he hit reverse, and all was well.
The highlight of the overnight for me was waking up, going into the cockpit and feeling that we, for some reason, were almost on shore.  Our path took us through about 16 shrimp boats...it was eerie ...I felt as if we were sailing through a channel that was brightly lit on both sides.  Shrimp boats have a plethora of lighting, sometimes making it difficult to know where they are going.   One boat was close enough that we could see the men working on deck.
And whales...of course my camera was no where near when we saw huge whales nearby and in the distance.  I feel jaded though, as I really don't get excited anymore as whale sitings are an everyday occurrence.
And once more we were caught in a long line...and only about 20 miles from Mazatlan.  We thought we were in the clear and then there it was.  We followed the line for about 2 km, and then sailed over it, but the line caught in the rudder.   Bob was able to cut the line but some it was still caught on the rudder.  We dropped anchor at Stone Island, and Bob went in and removed the offending line.  The water at this time of year is somewhat cool so he was a bit numb after his swim.  On the other hand, it did really wake him up...he had had only 2 hr of sleep (not all my fault).  I was on watch and doing fine but he had 2 - 1 hr naps, and said he was refreshed, but when dawn came, he was exhausted.   I, on the other hand,  probably slept for 6 hr, which is the only time that I wasn't feeling sick.  Poor Patches stayed up the whole time as the seas worry him, and worst all he wants to be held.  Sitting in the cockpit holding him is tiring to say the least. 
After we had settled into our slip, we went to visit our friends, Corinne and Brian,who rent a condo overlooking the marina.  Lucky for us when we dropped in, we had a dinner invitation from them,  and they had already invited Jean- Ives, Sam and Eleanor for dinner that evening.  So there we were with a group of friends who were our neighbours in Grindstone.  What an evening...great meal at their place followed by music and dancing at Gus y Gus.  Often I have trouble sleeping...after many hours with little sleep, followed by drinks and dancing, my head hit the pillow and I was out until 7 am. 
So how did Bob spend yesterday?   He worked on getting the boat to leak...n my opinion it is counter intuitive to want your boat to leak, but he was rejoicing when he had succeeded in getting the stuffing box to leak.  He assures me that even if the stuffing pops out,the bilge pump can handle the water that would come in??  This unnerves me as do through hulls but I have succeeded in blocking that out of my mind.
The trip this season was good for me.    My anxiety level has diminished greatly and I do enjoy the boat life.  When the seas are bigger they don't frighten me but they are uncomfortable and I do feel a bit queasy.
The overnight trips still bore me, as I can only admire the stars for so long!  Then my brain wants to sleep.
Once more we met old friends, and made new ones.  That is for me the best party of cruising!!
Oh yes...now our SSB radio is working great.  What more can you ask for...a radio that works and a boat that leaks??

Rolling in Chacala

I wasn't going to write anything today, but we had such a 'strange day', that I felt I must write.
First of all the weather forecast was really good..that is almost a first.  The seas were a bit bigger than the forecast, but they mellowed as sailed north.  Can you believe that we sailed for about an hour?  Of course just as the forecast predicted, the winds subsided to nothing.
When we were in site of Chacala we saw not one boat in the boat.....and yes we are the only boat in the bay.  That may change but I doubt it.
I had my first ride in the new dinghy which is quite diffrerent to the other one.  It is smaller but that is not the main difference...it is much deeper, and for some reason I can get into it more easily!!
Bob has been experimenting with raising and lowering it, and now knows what he must do for the fine tuning.
Tomorrow we will leave here about 8 and hope to be in Mazatlan in 24 hr.  What more can I say?

Photos taken at the La Cruz market

This morning I took some photos when we were at the market.  Julie and Mike..I am sure you will recognize someone in the band.

Last Day in La Cruz

January 20
The weather looks okay so we still plan to head north tomorrow...one night in Chacala and then the dreaded overnight to Mazatlan.  Temperatures are lower so we anticipate having to wear our 'woolies' during the night.
This morning it was chilly, by that I mean 20C/68F.  Temperatures are all relative.  In Canada we kept our house at 20C in the winter and turned the heat down in the night.
Last night we enjoyed our evening of flamenco guitar and dancing.  The restaurant served a meal which consisted of Mexican snacks and Spanish tapas....very nice, all in all.
Various people that we have met over the years are here in La Cruz.  We have renewed some old acquaintances.  It is a popular place as there is much to do in the area.
Yesterday I went to hear a lady talk about the new immigration laws.  Some of the things that she said were in contrast to what we were told in Morelia.  She is a Mexican who will do all the paperwork for you so I guess she wants business..
Today we do all the thiings to get ready to leave....fill the water tanks, stow stuff away and a general check over to make sure we are 'ship shape'.
Now I am off to the Sunday market to buy goodies to make our trip better..that really means make my life easier.
I may not be blogging until we get to Mazatlan and I hope that is January 23, but if the weather changes we will hang our in Chacala until the time is right.

Photos of new ceiling and upholstery

Squall starting in Tenacatita Bay (early January)

Squall has arrived with 36 knot winds

Morning After the Squall

"Mama boat and new baby boat" La Cruz

View from the dock toward La Cruz Marina

 

 View down the dock at La Cruz

Daily living on the boat

Just so that you don't think that our lives are all fun and games (HAHA), here is a typical morning for us.
Today I did a major cleaning.  We have a stainless steel stove, kettle and coffee carafe.  Yes the myths tell us that stainless doesnt rust....yes it does!  So I spent an hour cleaning stainless and now have sparkling stainless.  This news will surely make your day.
Then down on my knees for some floor cleaning.  The floor is easy to clean but if I don't get right on the floor then I miss all those nasty corners.  Of course daily there is the cooking and basic cleaning.
Bob actually hired someone to clean and wax the exterior stainless and it does look very nice.  Probably I wouldn't have noticed but 'real sailing people' apparently notice such things.
As I write  Bob has taken the new dinghy (rowing it) over to the fuel dock to refill our fuel cans.  Yesterday he was able to buy real diesel fuel cans (yellow in colour) which believe it or not was a small miracle.  We have looked far and wide in Mexico  for the proper cans (must be yellow for diesel), so when he found them, even though they cost a fortune, as does everything for a boat, he bought them. Another earth shattering piece of information for all my readers.
During my cleaning and tidying today, I turned a blind eye to our V-berth, which now looks like a high class marine garbage dump.  It has our old dinghy, sails of various sorts, and I could go on but won't.  Before we leave, I will rearrange stuff so that it won't be flying around the boat if we hit rough weather.  Notice the optimist here saying "if we hit rough weather"?
The weather has warmed up to normal but we still have cloud.  The cloud doesn't bother me as it keeps the temperature down a bit.  The humidity is reasonable so all in all anyone holidaying should be happy.
Only 3 more sleeps here and we are on our way north.  The time goes by so quickly when we are in a marina or anchored in somewhere like Tenacatita.  In fact,  now the only time that creeps by,  is when we hit rough weather, and now my definition of rough weather is quite different than it was even a year ago.  That means that now even when seas are 6 feet I am okay...no fear just discomfort.  And, according to real sailors, no one likes big seas and/or high winds. 
Now I am looking forward to our flamenco night and of course the Sunday market.
On Sunday we are having lunch with some neighbours from Patzcuaro.  They have a house in a village near PV, and a house in Patzcuaro.  An ideal situation as they come here in the cool months and live in Patzcuaro during the hot part of the year.
Unless next time.

New dinghy!!

Big news..we bought a new dinghy today!!  The little red devil was literally falling apart at the seams.  Bob plans to take it back to Patzcuaro and fix it...then hopes to sell it.
Tonight is movie night...The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo...we have seen it but will go again as it was a movie that we enjoyed.
Last week at "A Taste of La Cruz", we stopped at a kiosk serving Greek food.  The lady was very blonde but her husband did look Greek.  Then I overheard her tell someone that she was of Icelandic origin...so I asked her if she was from Manitoba.  The last place they lived was in Winnipeg and indeed she is an Icelander from Gimli!!  They now have a Greek restaurant in Bucerias.
At the Sunday market there was a man from Aberdeen, Scotland who makes and sells British style meat pies.  His quiches are delicious as are the pies.
Last night we sat in our cockpit listening to a band at the clubhouse...we have front row seats without having to buy drinks!  After that we watched a movie starring Jodie Foster and John Lithgow...it was a bit weird but interesting.  No we do not have a TV on the boat.  We watch on my computer.
The weather seems to be settling down, but it is still somewhat overcast.  If the trend continues we should have a decent trip north, but as per usual that remains to be seen.
No news is good news, and that is what we have now.  Gentle rocking motion, warm temperatures, and we are about to go out for lunch.

Oh What a Beautiful Morning

After several days of completely overcast weather, we have the sun back.  Yesterday the north winds really cooled us off.  Bob was in a sweat shirt and I was wearing my fleecy pyjamas.
Cooking dinner last night was, for once, a pleasant experience, as it was cool enough that we enjoyed the warmth from the oven.
It looks as if the winds are abating somewhat, but for the most they do blow from the north, and we need to go north!!  So far it does look as if we can leave this coming Monday, but we shall see.  As it is anywhere, the weather can change rapidly.
Since we have arrrived in La Cruz, we have enjoyed the amenities of the marina.  Bob has been trying to fix our dinghy which is springing leaks everywhere.  It is a pvc dinghy and certainly has not held up very well.  It looks like we will have to invest in a new dinghy!!  Ours is only into year 3, but it would seem that we have a "lemon".
Marina La Cruz is such a busy place.  I can see why people get 'stuck' here as you can go on day sails to lovely little coves around the bay, and there is much to do to keep a person busy.
This Saturday we are going to a restaurant for an evening of flamenco (not the German restaurant) and Spanish tapas.  Tonight we will go to Ana Bananas to sample their food and entertainment.
For the past 2 days I have felt 'off', but today I seem well again.  There is a cold going round and as I had a sore throat, I was a bit worried that this was going to hit me.  My stomach was also queasy but today no quease!!
My latest find in a tiny store was 'real dill pickles'.  I am going back there and buy a few bottles as I would enjoy them at home.  In our area we can buy sour pickles but not real dills.  Amazing what makes me happy?!
The other night we had 6 people on our boat, in the cockpit, for drinks and nibbllies.  What surprised me is how comfortable it was.  Boat people seem to be able to squash into small places.
Life is pretty mellow these days, but I am already making mental preparations for leaving on Monday.  I am getting better at knowing what needs to be done.

German Restaurant, Spanish Flamenco and all in La Cruz

January 12
Yesterday morning, at 2 am, saw us arriving in La Cruz.  No moon,  so trying to pick a spot in the anchorage was quite a challenge.  All the lights on shore made it very difficult to see mast lights on boats.  THEN, when we were anchored, we started dragging anchor.  The anchor did catch, and we were asleep in minutes!  At 7 am, which is daybreak, we moved into the marina, and Patches and I dashed for shore....after 22 hr Patches was happy to see dry land.
After breakfast, cleaning and lunch we all had a nap.  The boat was hot but we all napped in the afternoon.
In the evening our treat was to go back to the German restaurant called what else,  but "The Black Forest", for dinner and music.  After rounding Cabo Corrientes, which in my mind is equivalent to rounding "The Horn", I enjoy an evening of good food and music...my reward for hours of bashing!!  Every Friday the German restaurant features flamenco music, by a duo, who of course are not from Spain, but are German.  Nevertheless they are excellent.  This couple reminds me of  "The Gypsy Kings" and they do play music that we have on a GK CD.  Their music makes you want to dance and dance I did, with a group of women.  When I joined them I told that my husband would not dance with me.  To that, one of them said, "Boyfriends dance with you but husbands don't."  She had a point!
So how was our trip to La Cruz from Tenacatita via Chamela??  The seas were heavy from Tenacatita to Chamela...about 5 to 8 feet, and the wind was from the north.  The weather forecast was correct so no surprises.  On Thursday morning we left Chamela at 9 am, knowing we would arrive in La Cruz in the early morning, but this decision was based on high winds coming on Friday.  The seas were bigger than the forecast said (what else is new), and we bashed for hours. As we passed Ipala, I looked longingly  in that direction, but Captain Bligh aka Bob  told me that we had to press on, and on we pressed.  Rock and roll takes on a whole new meaning when you are in high seas.  Oh yes and the winds did get up to 28 knots, even though  that was double what the forecast said.  Going around Cabo was actually nicer that the bash from Ipala to Cabo.  In Banderas Bay, the seas calmed and the wind dropped....we could even get some wind in our sails which made for smooth sailing across the bay.  The trip took 17 hr, as did the trip when we went south, even though the trip south was much pleasanter, we still took the same amount of time.
During this bashing, we had waves splashing us on all sides.  My face was covered in a layer of salt which is quite an unpleasant feeling. Unlike previous years, I was not afraid, just uncomfortable but I think most people are in that kind of situation.
When we arrived in the marina, we were sticky, stinky, and salty!!  As I luxuriated in the shower, I thought how much I appreciate the small things in life, like a hot shower. 
As I said, the time in Tenacatita was relaxing and fun.  Anchoring there is such a peaceful experience (yes we did have rain and some high wind), I am always sad to leave.  Tenacatita is unique in that there is a social life.  Every year the bay has a major who organizes bocce ball, volleyball, swims to shore, and of course the Friday raft-up.
Much to my surprise Bob suggested that we stay in La Cruz for 10 days, before heading on the last leg of our trip.  That means I get to go to 2 Sunday markets. 
Today there is an event here called "A Taste of La Cruz".  Many restaurants set up booths and of course there is music...I believe a Cuban band plays tonight.
Now for a more mundane note, I must finish defrosting the fridge.

Heading North

We started heading north yesterday..after a wonderful, fun and restful time in Tenacatita.
This is just to let you know that we are on the move and plan to be in La Cruz tomorrow. 

Paradise Lost for awhile

Remember my joy at seeing the sun yesterday.  Shortly after writing the blog weather started coming in..wind, rain...more wind and rain.
Then we heard a call for help.  A boat had lost its rudder (perhaps 6 miles from us).  Apparently a large wave hit the rudder and knocked it off.  The boat was within 3 miles of rocks and breaking seas..sounds far enough but isn't.  Lucky for them there were 2 boats nearby.  But the boat with no rudder was spinning in circles which made it difficult to approach.  Finally a panga went out and the panga was able to catch a line and give it to another sailboat.  A big sigh of relief as now the boat was being towed back.  Enough you say??  Yes but then a squall hit.  We registered winds up to 36 knots.  As this was happening the boats were coming in and trying to anchor.  There was a happy ending as everyone got safely anchored and no one was seriously hurt...as I understand it there were cuts and bruises.
During the night we had abit of wind off and on but this morning we have blue skies, no wind and everyone is basking in the lovely weather.
Needless to say we did not go to shore yesterday as the weather was awful.  At about 5 we took Patches in and we all were wet.  If we had waiting another half hour we would have been fine as the rain stopped and the winds mellowed.  Who knew?

Happy New Year

Here we are still in Tenacatita, and today the sun is shining.  Paradise lost its glow the past 2 days as we have had alot of rain during that time.
There was quite a flurry of excitement in the anchorage just before the New Year.  A snake was found on a boat, and before it was  seen in the galley,  the owner of the boat stepped on it, and of course was bitten.  Lucky for him it was not a killer type of snake.  So,  after that I insisted that we close the hatches when we left the boat.  The night after we heard this news I kept waking and hearing sounds...what kind of a sound would a snake make  climbing the anchor chain?  Bob says that it would make no sound!!  Thank you Bob.
New Years Eve was a very different experience.  A progressive meal was the order of the evening.  Appetizers were on 1 boat, and there we brought in the New Year at 6 pm, but midnight Greenwich time.  Then on to another boat for the main meal.  The last stop was for dessert.  During the first 2 stops, it was pouring rain!!  Can you imagine 21 people on these boats?  Our boat is comfortable with 2, crowded with 4...you get the idea.
We were home at about 9 but we did not make it up for midnight.  I thought the fireworks would wake me, but not!  There could have been many snakes climbing our anchor chain and I would have been oblivious!
Yesterday it rained all day.  Bob took the dog to shore when the rain abated, but other than that we were on board.  I read most of the day.  We collected enough rain water to fill our camp shower bag.  Yipee  rain water to wash my hair.
With no sun to power us, we had to start the motor to charge all our gadgets.  This morning our solar panels are soaking up the rays, as are we.
Today we will lunch on shore rain or shine.  One day cooped up is quite enough. Strange how the boat shrinks in size after about a day.  And of course everything feels damp. 
Happy New Year to all of you.