After moving into the marina in La Cruz de la Huanacaxtle we found ourselves innundated with activities. The community of sailors and resident ex pats had a continual stream of things to do. The morning net on the VHF announced the days activities such as Christmas tree decorating in the cruisers lounge, pool volleyball and pickleball. The Lusty on Land bar had live music every night which we listened to either in person or from the boat (sound carries!). The Sunday market was delightful with a broad assortment of art, clothing and food. With more people in town with the upcoming Thanksgiving US holiday it was starting to feel like 'peak' season.
One day we adventured by public transportation to the ocean side town of Sayulito with some friends. We had a delightful day wandering the narrow streets, relaxing on the beach with a great lunch and then treating ourselves to gelato before hopping on the hot bus and returning to LaCruz. Sayulito is quaint, vibrant and laid back. Surf shops, taco stands, vegan specialty restaurants and tee-shirt stands line the streets. It had a distinct Mexican - Santa Cruz vibe unlike other towns we'd visited here in Mexico.
Another day we ventured into Puerto Vallarta by city bus. It is a big city with everything imaginable. Many big-box stores like Home Depot, Walmart and Costco -- none of which we could stomach to visit. Cruise ships and tourist boats lined the harbor and condos galore. We were able to pick up another spare water pump at Zargoza marine (essentially a big Mexican West Marine) have lunch and then we were ready to head back to the village of La Cruz. Puerto Vallarta felt too big and too touristy for our liking.
Back at the marina we started our check out procedures. Providing documentation to the Port Captain, paining our bill at the marina, getting a few fresh vegetables to sustain us for the next two weeks as we head to Barra Navidad. We plan to spend the next 8 days poking our way down the Costalegre or Gold Coast of Pacific Mexico.
We left at 1am in the morning with the intended destination of Bahai Chamela. We had to use the motor most of the 99NM , except for the last 4 or 5 hours. As we neared the bay, we realized that the swell was persistent from the SW so we adjusted our destination 8NM to a narrow bight called Paraiso (Paradise) that would have better protection from the ocean swell. This is our first anchorage since heading down to Mexico a year ago where we'd be accounting for ocean swell in our anchoring.
The location was beautiful. Anchored in about 15' we sit off a white sand beach with an apparently exclusive resort that ensures the beach is private -- and we are not allowed access. But that doesn't matter. There are two blowholes in the rocks to our starboard side, and lovely islets off our bow. There is a fair amount of surge here and we spent the first night rolling around--and got wise to deploy a stern anchor for day two.
Dan did some diving under the boat upon arrival and discovered loose bolts on our cutlass bearing. So he tightened those and inspected that our bottom paint so far was holding up well. We love being able to jump into the water when we get too hot and are greeted by lots of curious fish.
Occasionally a couple of kayaks, tourist boat or fishing boat passes by. It is pretty idyllic. On Thanksgiving we traveled 25 more miles to Bahai Tenacatita. This is a large bay that is popular with many sailors. There are 10 boats here and at peak season we are told that there can be more than 50. Everyone is making their Thanksgiving dinner, as we were late to arrive, we picked up our "turkey". Its a bit smaller then we like, but its enough for dinner and for that and the chance to catch it in this beautiful place -- we are very very thankful.
You two are living the life! And you both look like this the way you need to go! Have a wonderful Christmas where ever you will be! Love 💕 you both !