We had an uneventful and pleasant overnight passage from Barra De Navidad to Banderas Bay and anchored in the La Cruz anchorage for a few days to wait for our reservation at Marina Vallarta on Monday Feb 28 only to get an email on Friday Feb 26, when Barb messaged them looking for our slip assignment, that they would not have space for us. We needed the time at the dock to have some stainless-steel welding done, which we had set up based on the marina reservation. After a few frantic calls and emails to nearby marinas, Paradise Village came through for us. A permanent boat was leaving on a 5-day trip Sunday night. We could use their slip until Thursday afternoon, but not a minute later.
Our welder brought his equipment and supplies to the boat Sunday evening and was back at the boat Monday at 8 am. The project started with a panic but ended with some time to spare so all was good, and we got some nice shiny side rails. Oh, and there was a pool at the marina as well so yes, we had to suffer with that as well.
On the topic of boat work, I noticed that the mounting plate for the gooseneck (the part that holds the boom on the mast) was moving ever so slightly when its not supposed to move at all. A quick check with the boat yard and they could get us in the next day to have 30 rivets drilled out and replaced. Much better than having the boom fall off! Barb got a lesson on a Sailrite sewing machine too, but Steve did most of the work repairing a dinghy seat cover. Thanks Steve!
My cousin Alan and his wife Tara spend the winter in Mexico, and we have tried for three years to catch up with them, but they have always been on the east coast when we were on the west. This time they were in Bucerias, right next to the La Cruz anchorage. We took them out for a day sail and some whale watching and they reciprocated with a day at their condo enjoying the pool, a couple of card games and a BBQ dinner, thanks Al and Tara! It was great after so many years to be able to catch up with them.
We are waiting in Banderas Bay for Barb’s sister Sandy and our brother-in-law Marc to come down. The plan is for them to sail with us back up to Mazatlan then over to the Baja side. While here we caught up with several friends, (sailing vessels Sedna, Salish Dragon and Agave Azul,) from the past few years of cruising and all alumni from the 2018 Baja Ha Ha Rally.
First was a quick transit bus ride up to Punta De Mita and a walk about in the town. Of course, that leads to lunch at a beach side palapa restaurant. 50 pesos per couple each way makes for a cheap date.
Cheryl had the third anniversary of her 21st birthday so we all headed to downtown Puerto Vallarta to Pipi’s to celebrate the occasion. A fun night was as had by all.
That same group got together and hired a van and driver for a road trip inland to San Sebastian del Oeste. An old silver mining town located about 1500 meters up in the mountains. Cruising on the coast its easy to forget how mountainous Mexico is. San Sebastian is one of Mexico’s Pueblo Magico’s which are a group of 130 small towns across the country, recognized for their cultural significance. The trip included a stop to make our own tacos and the obligatory tequila tasting stop. Another awesome day with our favorite cruisers.
Once Sandy and Marc arrive it looks like we will have a couple of days here waiting on weather then we’ll be headed to Mazatlan.
Following up on our previous post. If kidney stones, were a test, I passed 😊
Hi. More adventures. Good Derick is great a spotting things that aren’t quite right. We also enjoyed the trip to San Sebastián. Loved that there is a school there, hotel, restaurant and even a goldsmith. I got some silver earrings from him. Enjoy your trip to Mazatlin and safe drive home. Look forward to seeing you .