AHHH Mazatlan

1/18/2011
Mazatlan The carrot that has dangled in front of me for weeks. Tropical, exotic, fanciful and fun. Since we left San Diego, we have been saying; once we get to Ensenada Turtle Bay Bahia de Magdelena Cabo San Lucas Las Frailes Mazatlan things will calm down, it will be better. I am usually the first in line to “enjoy the journey!” but I must admit this has been a more difficult trip than I ever imagined. But here in magical Mazatlan, we are relaxing. The anchorage here is calm and free. There is a $5 dinghy dock charge, but it includes amenities like wifi, free showers (oh so luxurious, not, but free), and is right on the bus line, only .60 US)
We had a really nice passage, left San Jose del Cabo around 4:30pm on Sat, chasing Wendelin, who was 2-3 hours ahead of us. We headed straight across the Sea of Cortez hoping to avoid the cape effect we had run into on our last attempt to go up the coast to Los Frailes. It was much better this time, and we sailed probably 26 hours out of the 43 hour passage. Works for me!

Arrived Mazatlan Harbor around 11:30am on Monday and dropped the anchor. Wendelin had arrived shortly before us, and were a welcome sight, as we were unable to reach them on the radio the entire trip across the sea. I can never understand how 2 boats can leave close to the same time, be heading the same direction, about the same speed, and never see or hear from each other. I suspect the radio antenna may have a bit of a problem.

While getting our bearings, I saw Sweet Destiny anchored right next to us. I have been following their blog since before we left San Diego! We rowed the dinghy over and introduced ourselves. Since we were “followers” they had read our blog as well, and it was great fun for both of us to meet face to face. Scott and Kim are leaving today, but I am sure we will see them again down the coast.

This morning, happy surprise, Picara was anchored nearby, so the Ensenada gang is starting to get together again! Part of cruising is the meeting, parting, and meeting again of cruisers. It is really nice.

So, our current plans are to sight see, possibly get our transmission rebuilt (one of the stressors of the last passage) and just plan relax. AHHHHHHHHH Mazatlan