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.
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