La Cruz, Friends, Events

We have been here in La Cruz for almost a month and it has been a whirlwind of activity for us.  We stayed in the anchorage for a day, then moved into a slip 10A14 for the next three weeks to accomplish some chores.  There are positives and negatives to being in a marina.  It's much easier to move about the town when the boat is in a slip.  It's great to meet people that we've known from before as well as new folks, as there is an endless stream of people walking past the boat daily.  On the other hand, it can be tough to get anything done as it is VERY social.

The Mexican Navy on patrol in Banderas Bay.  Fortunately they didn't stop and check us again.

   We took some friends out sailing on Finisterra, to a small group of islands at the mouth of Banderas Bay called the Tres Mariettas.  On the way we saw many humpback whales, turtles, boobies, rays, and fish of all sorts jumping.  I was thrilled to see more blue footed boobies in the bay this year, last time only the brown ones were here.  Also the increase in the number of sea turtles is obvious; there is a breeding/hatching program over in Nuevo Vallarta.  They are everywhere.

This mom and calf were heading right in front of us, we stopped and turned away.

The girls can join this group at 8 yrs. old, this young lady is having her first event.  Note they ride sidesaddle, and somehow manage to stay clean in this dusty area!  They crown them with sombreros and flowers by their parents.

 Next, our friends Tom and MaryEllen arrived from San Diego for a stay with us in La Cruz.  We were glad that they got a chance to come down and visit as the trip down from San Diego to Ensenada, on which they accompanied us, was not especially a fun one.  So, we hit all the local taco bars, Philo's for music, and just relaxed with them for a few days.  We also traveled to Bucerias to watch a horse show or dancing horses.  It sounded like a lot of fun.  After arriving at the supposed start time, we waited and waited and waited.  Two and a half hours later we decided to leave.  Apparently the band was late, although they did finally show up and the "music" was loud and cacophonous.  Worse than the piped in music which was played for some reason at earsplitting levels. There was a procession of finely dressed girls on horseback, a blessing of the event by a priest, and crowning of the new queen of the rodeo.  I guess the rodeo started much later...

Ok, now how to get the sails off and the mast out of the water???

Safely back at the dock.  

      During this time one event did occur that was unexpected.   We went out sailing one afternoon on a friends' boat, there were 6 of us on board.  Lovely day, and the wind was just picking up.  Suddenly, kaboom!  The mast broke in half and was now dangling in the water with sails dragging all about.  Thankfully, no one was hurt, and there were enough capable people on board to get the mainsail off, the jib stowed alongside the rail, and lift the mast and roller furler out of the water so we could motor into the marina.  It was a tense situation which was solved nicely by those on board.  This was a first for me, but Leif has been in many emergency situations and was a great help to the owner in organizing the logistics.

Dinner at Cruzers restaurant.  Tom, Mary Ellen, Leif, Lisa, Ed, Connie

   That evening a group of usl met at the Cruzer's restaurant for some dinner and a chance to decompress.  Now our friends were all heading back to the states for various reasons, so we decided to move out to the anchorage for some space and quiet time.  It's a little rolly but not bad.  We also get the chance to make water and take the dinghy into shore daily.  Our friends Wolf and Judy are staying at a lovely condo nearby which has a swimming pool.  So, they invited us over for a delicious dinner, Mexican train, and the chance to swim finally!

There are dogs absolutely everywhere down here.

 The anchorage is a bit sketchy for swimming as we're not sure everyone uses their holding tank.  I did finally blow up the kayak and did a tour of the anchorage for some exercise.  As I passed our boat I noticed that it looks a bit cruizy as there is a dinghy and a kayak both bobbing off the stern.  And, yes we have our sun covers all deployed as it's hotter than blue blazes, as my mom would say.  Probably only 85-89, but really humid from noon until 6 p.m.
  As I sit here and type, outside I hear the sound gulls laughing, and dolphins blowing right next to our boat.  Sure enough, there is a small pod circling us, rising and falling with the gentle swell.  Nice to be out here at anchor.

Just another beautiful sunrise at the anchorage, looking towards Puerto Vallarta.  There are clouds today, perhaps not quite as hot.