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Still in the anchorage at La Cruz. All is well and the temp are down a bit which is fine with us. Last night we had a thundershower with very heavy rain. This is very rare for here this time of year. This is the first real rain we had here in 8 seasons. It started at 0200 hrs and went for about an hour. As soon as it started i got up and went looking for our rain tarp to catch some of this beautiful sweet water. We did not use this before had a hard time getting it set up but after struggling for about 30 minutes with it, started collecting rain and funneled it to our water tanks. After about 15 minutes one of the corners gave out as the drain did not keep up with the flow and the roll of the boat made the water fly back and forth in the tarp. Collected some and learned more of the procces and that some modifications will be needed. Got soaking wet but it was warm rain so no problem.

We have been noticing much less Whales this year. Normally we can see them almost constant and sometime they swim in the anchorage. Not so this year and we are wondering. The water temp is higher than most years maybe they stay more North?

Arrived Tuesday after a great trip from San Blas. We stopped at Chacala and Jaltemba two charming place along the coast. our crew had liberty and made the best of it. Both anchorages are open to the Ocean and we had to set anchored for and aft to keep the bow in the everlasting swell. Failing to do so will result in period of excessive rolling when the diurnal winds changes.

Light winds and we proceeded under engine most of the way. Monday afternoon we anchored of the Islands (Tress Marietas.) These island lay a few miles of the entrance of the bay of Banderas. The waters, land and sky are full of wild life. The island are volcanic and have great caves. Great for exploring and in the dark passes you can hear the eerie sound of the land crabs moving about. This is a rough anchorage most of the time but this time it was not bad at all so we stayed the night.

On Wednesday our friends Fred and Phyllis left and on Thursday John and Susan. So we have empty boat syndrome. Meaning we miss our company but also enjoy the fact that we have the boat to ourselves.

The next few day we are cleaning and have to deal with a leaky zodiac. it is more than 7 years old and the exposure to the sun and heavy use have taken its toll. Put a patch on but it keeps leaking and have now put latex in the tubes to seal it from the inside. Than take the outboard off and rotate is so that the problem are is covered from the inside with the sealant. Still not sure it is going to hold.

There are big changes in the area. The large building projects have stopped or a proceeding slowly now the demand is drying up. The town of La Cruz is seeing a lot of new changes in town as there are several new businesses set up and houses build. Despite the pullback in the tourist trade from North American the Mexicans from inland seem to be making up for a large part of it. So our overall impression is that most of the Mexicans here do OK.

Dec 7
Departed at 1400 hrs from the commercial harbor of Mazatlan. No cruise ships in sight and just the ferry and a tanker at the docks.
Sailed for several hours till loosing the wind at night.

Dec 8
At the night watch Phyllis had to deal with a shrimper who was on a collision course. This was interesting as we change course 50 deg and it kept coming for us. They normally go wherever while other vessels keep a strait course. Finally looked like we got it all clear and we are clearing it at there stern. Than full stop and hauling the nets. So another maneuver to get clear of them. Keeps you on your toes. After that all clear. Had reports of from "Second jump' hitting three fishing lines but we kept out to sea and where clear. At dawn Isla Isabella on the Horizon. A grand sight with a cloud of birds hanging over it.

1000 hrs. At anchor Isla Isabella in the South crater anchorage at our favorite spot. Had a glorious day snorkeling. hiking in this nature paradise. Water temp 27 Celsius.

Dec 9
Another day in paradise. What a great day. Snorkeling, swimming, zodiac rides and a close encounter with 2 humpback whales 12' away in the dinghy. What a awesome day.

Dec 10
Reluctantly anchor up and underway. Whales galore and fish and birds jumping every where.
1600 Approaching San Blas. This is a tricky entrance as it shoals. This time a dredge is working to get the channel to a controlled depth. Our capable crew brought us in and at anchor in the estuary 1700 hrs. A great night in town. Just in time to see the procession of the Lady of Guadalupe. This historic town is getting nicer every time. This year they upgrade a few roads and a spotless clean down town.

Dec 11
A day on the town and a mangrove tour. Found a new river in the Mangrove and followed it for a few miles. Lots of sea and swamp birds. In the afternoon to the fuel dock and took on 1750 liters of diesel. This should last us to our return to Canada in May. 8.13 pesos per liter. Another night in town and our crew treated us to dinner on the square. A bigger processions and near life threatening fire works.

Dec 12
Sailing away from the anchor out with the the tide. Slow sailing and later flat calm. Arrived 1500 hrs in Chacala. Anchors fore and aft.

Waking up to a glorious sunshine after a cool night. The temperature is dropping now rapidly at night to 16-17 C. There are reports of snow on the ground on the Northern mainland in Mexico.

We have been spending our days cleaning up and polishing the standing rigging. A big job but we pace ourself's to keep it fun. John arrived yesterday and the the rest of our crew will arrive tomorrow. The moon is almost full and the tides are large making the currents very strong up to 2.5 Kts in the anchorage. At times we have someone with a small dinghy getting swept with the current if they have a small outboard or when the try to row. Nothing serious just entertaining.

Wednesday Dec 2 2009.

A quick last shopping trip to Wall mart. This store was just opened last year. We where disappointed by the quality of the produce and especially how unsanitary the stores have become.

All crew arrived before 2000 hrs at night and settled in for the night.

Thursday Dec 3 2009.
Up with the birds and getting the crew briefing underway. Equipment check and procedures. By 1300 underway with a large ebb pushing us along. Watered up and took some fuel in Marina Costa Baja. This is the last fuel dock before we head out. 1630 at anchor in Bahia Ballendra. Clear water and sand beaches. At night strong westerlies elifanti winds.

Friday 0800 hrs. Anchor up and underway under sail. A great try but after 1/2 miles had to start the engine for about a hour . Than the wind came up strong and we sailed. A good strong Northerly and close hauled to clear Ceralvo Island. Crew steering by hand and getting used to the motion. In the afternoon cleared the Island and set course to Mazathlan on a broad reach. Seas around 4' winds up to 25 Gusting 28. A great ride. By nightfall all watches are set and we lost sight of land. This is it. First solo night watches for most of our crew. We decided to do solo to get the feel what it is like. Sailed the whole night and by morning we see lighter wind and diminishing seas. It slowly is getting calmer and by night fall the wind is gone. Proceeded under engine.

Sunday Dec 6 0200 hrs. The land breeze is setting in and we raised the sail again and had a great sail all the way to the harbor entrance of Mazathlan. Arrived just at dawn and at anchor at 0730 in the morning behind the breakwater in the commercial harbor. Clean up and nap time.

Great fun in town. Went out for dinner together at the square in downtown. A nice spot with a international flavor.