Update from Suzi

We sailed over to Las Tres Marietas yesterday but it was too rough to drop anchor and snorkel. It will be wonderful in the early morning when we finally leave Banderas Bay. We had a wonderful spinnaker run back down to La Cruz and saw two whales pretty close by. David took a couple of pics to send. It is hot here in the marina, but safe and calm, so . . . here I be for awhile.

Update from David

As of Sunday afternoon I'll have my cell phone turned on and will be back in the states, heading to Coos Bay. I have a 4 hour lay over in Houston about the time of the Super Bowl, so hopefully will be able to watch it there with a lot of Texans. Sounds interesting doesn't it ??

La Cruz to Punta Mita

We had a great sail yesterday afternoon from La Cruz back to Punta Mita and saw at least eight whales at various times, breaching, diving, playing, etc. We're back at Jim's this morning, eating cinnamon rolls and drinking coffee. We will have dinner with Jim this evening after we make a trip out to the boat with all the frozen goodies, and we will again show our gratitude and appreciation for all of his gracious hospitality, turn in our key, and make our way back to Sidewinder. We may sail out to the islands off of Punta Mita tomorrow for some snorkling and then head back to La Cruz. We'll be back in the marina on Saturday.

La Cruz

Spent my first full day in La Cruz yesterday, washing Sidewinder with fresh water. She has a big smile on her bow now. The facilities inside the marina are beautiful; we took showers and walked into the little town to have a bite to eat. Found our way to Anna Bananas and proceeded to have several people buy us shots of tequila. Good thing I was able to get something to eat as well. We danced and had lots of fun. These cruisers are a spirited bunch, and there seems to be a great deal of live music all around this town. What fun!

Today I walked into town and bought fruits and veggies, fresh baked bread, hot fresh corn tortillas and a watermelon popsicle for my walk back to the marina. Richard and Virginia are bringing something to barbecue, and we are having dinner together on Sidewinder tonight. They will be around when David is gone, and I look forward to exploring old town PV with them. Yes, I will be fine here on my own and look forward to doing whatever comes my way. Went for a swim this afternoon; I'm trying to do some exercise every day. By the way, David's buddha belly has definitely disappeared; he looks great! Tomorrow we go back up to Punta Mita to pick up the frozen goodies and wish Jim well. He has been so good to us! Guess we'll have to give up our key........bummer! Love to everyone. Suzi

Update from Suzi

We did get our raw water pump, and David installed it this morning. After we pick up ice, we will dinghy back to Sidewinder and sail down to La Cruz marina where we can get a slip and plug into shore power for 24 hours or so, enough time to fire up the refrigeration and freezer. We heard from Richard and Virginia yesterday; they are anchored in La Cruz bay and will be here for a few more days. It will be nice to hook up with them again. We had fun with Jim after picking up the pump from the PV airport. We started happy hour in Paradise Village where Jim keeps his boat and then moved to La Cruz to a place called Philo's Pizza. We ate, danced, played pool, and enjoyed Friday night party vibes. It was fun to be introduced to La Cruz; it looks like a fun place to be for a while. You can see I'm trying to get into this delay the best I can. David flies out next Sunday and Casey is picking him up in Portland. They will drive to Coos Bay, and David's plan is to stay with mom. He's not sure how long he will stay; we will just wait and see what's happening from there.

Change of Plans

David received word that his mother (in Coos Bay, Oregon) is not doing well, so he is flying to Portland on Feb. 1. The long-awaited pump arrived in Puerto Vallerta today, so repairs on the refrigeration system will begin soon. Suzi will remain with the boat at a marina in La Cruz, a village near Puerto Vallarta, until David returns, at which time they will resume their southward adventure. -Kris

Back in PV

We are going to go surfing today; there are lots of guys already out in both surf spots, and the waves look good. We're here at Jim's just to touch base, email, get some ice and a few supplies, and then back out to the boat. Hopefully the pump is arriving tomorrow at the PV airport, and then we will go down to La Cruz marina to fire up the system. We have to come back to Punta Mita to get all of my frozen goodies in Jim's freezer and then we are free to cruise again. We are told the Gold Coast on our way to Manzanillo is the most beautiful. At this rate, we may never leave Mexico!