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.

Scenes from around La Cruz

We have been enjoying La Cruz for over a week now, and have started to venture out to other areas as well.  The boat jobs have been accomplished; varnish, wax, clean, etc.  Bryan Savage's show was excellent, and we see him in the mornings as well out walking.

Local dancers at the Sunday marketplace.

A day in the life at Marina Nayarit.  Dogs swimming, fishermen fixing nets, sailboats arriving.

   One event was the engine belt replacement, which ended up taking 3 long days of searching refactionarias (auto stores) for the right size.  This can be challenging as one needs either a car, or endless bus trips. Fortunately our friends on Sirena ferried us all over creation to find the right belt.

Band practice at 5a.m.

On one early morning( 5a.m.), after a late night, we were awakened by a rather loud Mexican band playing.  Since we couldn't sleep with the music playing, we went for a walk to find it's source.  Alas, in the middle of town, on a corner, there was a small band set up practicing their music.  We still don't know what the occasion was, but they were quite good.  Probably had jobs and the only time for all to get together to practice was 5 a.m.
  Yesterday we took a cab and a bus into Puerto Vallarta, stopping to drop off some blankets that we definitely don't need down here at the local DHL delivery service.  $200. later, our 2 packages will arrive in the states in 3 days.  Most expensive blankets we ever bought!  But, space is more valuable on the boat.  Then, on to PV for some lunch with Wolf and Judy, friends of ours from our first trip down.  I ran into Judy in the bano in Cabo on our way down last time, then caught up with them later in La Cruz.  We had a nice lunch at a very American/Canadian place called the Cheeky Monkey.  I wouldn't exactly recommend it, but it did have $1 beers.  Afterwards we walked the malecon, the beach, stopped for some local students presenting folkloric dances and later an art walk in old town.  It was quite a busy afternoon and evening, and ended with a bus ride back to Bucerias and a collectivo after that.  Collectivo's are mini vans that are a blend of taxi and bus for the local folks.  They are cheaper than a taxi, but more expensive than a bus.

As we were already up, we took a long walk and saw this fellow near the beach.

   I'm still a little unhappy that I haven't gone swimming yet, but soon.  It's my own fault, I need to pump up the kayak and get myself out into the bay for some clean water, and hopefully no sea snakes or sharks.  Yes, they do have sea snakes here.  I saw a lovely yellow and black banded one last trip down.

The view from La Cruz across Banderas Bay to Puerto Vallarta.  Quite clear this year.

   Also... after much thinking and wine, we have come to the conclusion that it might be better to stay in Mexico, go back up into the Sea of Cortez this spring and not head south until next fall.  We didn't get to see as much as we had hoped the last time, so this would give us a better chance to see more.  Also, it would give us a head start towards heading south in the fall, and we could make it to Panama in one season, not having to stay the summer in El Salvador or Costa Rica, yet have time to tour and visit. We shall see...  

Cabo San Lucas to Punta de Mita and on to La Cruz

Jan. 23, 2014
We left Cabo at 10:30 a.m. after refueling at a very busy fuel dock.  Motoring out we passed a large cruise ship which was surrounded by pangas waiting to swallow up the passengers and take them ashore.  The sea temp. was 77 degrees, and light winds.  We had wondered where the flying fish were, and after several hours of motoring, a few flying fish took off ahead of our bow.  They traveled for about 100 yards and then dove back down.  The only remains we found on deck were some small squid that were flung up with a  bow wave.  One had the misfortune of landing on our bimini, leaving an ink stain behind as a memento.

One of our flying friends who joined us along the way to La Cruz.

   We sailed for two days and nights, with the seas starting out calm and flat and ending with a cross swell and 12-14 knots of wind abeam.  For some reason, we both were quite tired on this leg, and couldn't wait to hit Punta de Mita to get the hook down and get some rest.  We did see some Blue Footed Boobies finally, and Humpback whales and of course dolphins.  Arriving at the Tres Mariettas at midnight, we motored on to Punta de Mita and arrived at 2:30 a.m.  This is not my favorite thing to do, arrive in darkness, but we were careful when entering the anchorage and got the anchor to set quickly.  Ah, finally in Banderas Bay, and almost La Cruz, our favorite place to hang our hats for awhile.

The view of a small enclave near Marina Riviera Nayarit, and La Cruz, from the anchorage.

  Morning came and we woke up around 9:00, sat around for awhile then decided that we really wanted to be in La Cruz, so off we went.  We did have wifi, and cell service, so checked emails briefly as well.  The anchorage in La Cruz was really crowded, about 48 boats, but we found a nice spot to ourselves near the entrance to the marina.  There was a huge swell running and some boats were talking about moving as it was supposed to get even bigger.  The waves sent up huge spray along the coast as we traveled from the point.
On the VHF we heard Sirena calling another boat, so Leif hailed them, our friends Connie and Ed.  Alas, we met them for "tacos on the street" one of our favorite places to eat that serves rib eye tacos for about a dollar each.  And now they also serve wine, beer, and margaritas, used to have to bring your own if you wanted something stronger than coke.
   The next morning, Sunday, it was time for the weekly open air market, so no rest, off we went.  It's great to be back here, seeing many old friends and already meeting many new ones.  Today we are having the hull and topside washed and waxed for $200., this would be over twice this much in Calif.  Also someone in to check the refrigerator which is now working great, unfortunately.  He can't fix it if it won't quit.
Tonight we are meeting with friends at the new restaurant called "Oso's" to see Bryan Savage, an excellent sax and flute player.  Tomorrow it's off to Philo's for some pizza and live music as well.  Gotta love this place.  We did notice that many boats have left already, which is a good thing.  We are thinking that we will head south this year after all.  Probably leave mid-February and get as far as we can before hurricane season.  It's so cool to wake up and here the Mexican music from the boat worker's radios.