In search of exotic places
We just didn’t want to leave Barra de Navidad. The first class marina which is part of a 5 star resort and therefore affording us nice pools, great eats and a clean, quiet atmosphere made us feel at home.
And fresh baguettes and croissants delivered by the french baker did not make moving on easier. But we wanted to see more and so we have to get up and leave toward or next destination – Manzanillo.
Puerto Vallarta was a nice, comfortable stay. But the dominant presence of american retirees made us feel like being in the US rather than Mexico. So we were in need of some authentic Mexican culture and food. And so it was good bye to PV.
Just as we left the port, a huge whale was swimming literally under and across our boat, come up for air and dive under. It was a bit nerve racking, but an amazing experience. The photos don’t to the experience any justice.
We stayed one night at Ipala, a small fishing town just beyond Corrientes. Just us and other sailboat as we headed out in the morning.
It was a nice day sail along the coast, nicknamed “Mexican Cote d’Azur” as the countless mansions along the coastline proof.
We had to leave Mazatlan to meet Angel’s sister, Anna and Vanessa, Angel’s sister in Puerto Vallarta. We split two overnight sails with a short stay at Isla Isabella and get a few hours of rest.
It’s a wonderful island home to many wildlife with a crater at its center. We had loved to land on it and do some hiking and sightseeing, but due to high winds it was just not safe.
Spending two days in Cabo San Lucas was enough. Jet skis, cruise ships, para sailors and beach partying was enough and we couldn’t wait to leave Cabo and cross the Sea of Cortes towards Mazatlan.
Wind was on and off and we motored a good portion of the stretch. The sunset was breathtaking and we can across several sea turtles, each in it’s own and alone in the midst of the ocean.
We approached Mazatlan the next day in the evening. It was already dark but fortunately the harbor entrance was clearly marked and we dropped anchor without much hassle.
After two days in high winds at Bahia Santa Maria, we were overdue for a departure. Another overnighter to Cabo San Lucas should bring our long sought tropical weather.
At about 5am, I spotted a light that got bigger and bigger far out in the horizon. An hour later a mini-town appeared about a mile to our port side. We caught up with the Carnival Cruise ship the next day in Cabo San Lucas.
After spending two days in Turtle Bay, and celebrating New Years Eve, we are eager to head south with hope for warmer weather.
I mean, Turtle Bay is a gorgeous, big bay with calm water, there is just not too much to do. In January it’s just not warm enough to swim and hang around.
With the paperwork behind us, we leave Ensenada knowing that we were faced with our first overnight sail. The temperatures were supposed to be in the high 40’s low 50’s, and that’s not too bad considering it’s December.
Well underway, we caught our first fish. A Bonito is not considered the best quality, but makes for yummy fish tacos nonetheless.
Ensenada is a major port town and tourist destination. It is also the main port of entry for most boats coming from the north.
With Angel finally on board, Christmas behind us and a decent weather window, we left San Diego early in the morning on Dec 26th.
As a perk to staying in Ventura West Marina, we were allowed a courtesy stay at West Marina in San Diego for one week. This came in handy, as it allowed us to prepare our paperwork, get provisioning done and wait for a good weather window.