We finally made it out of Banderas Bay to do a little cruising. Chamela was an overnight passage, and we had great wind, and a really nice sail. The boys were all really glad to get back in the water, but the spear fishing has been a bit disappointing. We stayed the first couple nights at the main anchorage, where there is a little town, but we never went ashore and explored. Then we moved to anchor off a small island group in the middle of the bay. This was magic.
Logbook – February 7, 2014 (Punta de Mita to Chamela NE)
Passage Log Highlights
1030 Engines on
1045 Depart Punta Mita
1108 Engines off – Spinnaker
2300 Genoa only
Daily Notes
Skipjack x 2 😦 😦 make it x 4
Alex spotted a shark
Bonita!
Finally, another sunset at sea
Logbook – February 8, 2014 (Punta de Mita to Chamela NE)
Passage Log Highlights
0157 Genoa. Wind died @~0115
0655 P engine on, genoa furle
0800 SB engine on
0819 Arrive Chamela
Daily Notes
KK4WYW (This is my HAM radio call sign)
Boys spear fish – huge pargo
Depart Punta de Mita Feb 7 at 1045 – Arrive Chela Feb 8 at 0819We anchored on the very north side of Bahia de Chamela near the town of Perula, although we didn’t go ashore.
Anchor waypoint – 20140208 Chamela 19 34.979 N 105 07.962 W 23 ft Main Chamela anchorage near the town of Perula
Tim speared a pargo, which was tasty on the BBQ
Email to family and friends dated February 8, 2014
Subject: Chamela
We had a great sail to Chamela… dropped anchor at about 8:15 this morning. We started on a light spinnaker run out of Banderas Bay and by the time we were rounding Cabo Corrientes we were flying along at 8 kts. We had that kind of speed until we dropped the spinnaker in the evening, just because it was getting dark. Of course the wind died and we limped along most of the night at about 2-3 kts, but it worked out fine since we approached the bay just as the sun was coming up. The boys caught a lot of fish, and after 3 Jack Crevalles and 4 Skipjacks we were all a bit discouraged, but then they landed a Bonita late in the evening and had a sushimi snack. We are tired, but looking forward to a day of playing in the water. Love and miss you all,
-D.
At 2/8/2014 3:51 PM (utc) our position was 19°34.98’N 105°07.96’W
Logbook – February 9, 2014 (Chamela NE)
Daily Notes
Made a comprehensive to do list for puddle jump
Boys played in the surf
Watched Gravity
Palapas at PerulaCan you spot the two gringos in their swim shirts?
Logbook – February 10, 2014 (Chamela NE to Chamela Isla Cocinas)
Daily Notes
Boys forgot my birthday 😦
Spearfishing – no fish
D – paddle to beach – brief exploring. Met Roger & Susan SV Second Wind. From just south of San Jose. Susan retired elementary school teacher.
Black bean soup – B had 4ths
Hot & gooey chocolate cake w/ choc fudge sauce
Dinghy fishing – no fish 😦
The weather allowed for us to move to Isla Cocinas, an island in the middle of Chamela BayWe anchored off the north side of Isla Cocinas
Anchor waypoint – 20140210 Chamela 19 33.135 N 105 06.426 W 16 ft NW side of Isla Cocinas
I paddle boarded to a small beach on the north side of Isla Cocinas, a small island in the middle of Chamela BayThe boys making me a birthday cakeHappy momma. Reading and drinking a glass of CA Chardonnay (not pictured) while the boys make ac akeThe boys had gone out spear fishing in the morning to get me a “sashimi fish” on my birthday and came back empty handed. So, they tried dinghy fishing in the afternoon. No luck at that either.
Logbook – February 11, 2014 ( Chamela Isla Cocinas)
Daily Notes
Generator – 4.9 ours on 1 full tank of gas (0.75 gal –> 400 AH)
Afternoon at the beach on the sw side of Isla Cocinas. Boys spearfish
D- snorkel & walk. Met couple who own lodge near Punta Mita
We dinghied around Isla Cocinas to a gorgeous beach on the southwest sideBrenden speared a small green jack the day after my birthday so that I could have some sashimi
Email to family and friends dated February 11, 2014
Subject: Nice birthday
hanks for all the happy birthday wishes! I had a great day here in Chamela. Well, it started off a little shaky, because the rest of the crew actually forgot, but then Tim was on the computer and saw the happy birthday e-mail from my mom… Brenden made me flowers out of legos, and Alex and Brenden baked a chocolate cake. They tried twice to catch some sashimi fish, once spearfishing and once dinghy fishing, but no luck there. I enjoyed a nice paddle and explored the little beach, and then I relaxed with a bottle of Chardonnay that Gary and Marsha brought me. Brenden kept my glass full. We will likely head a little further south soon to a bay called Tenacatita, but for today we are going to enjoy this spot anchored among the islands in the middle of Chamela Bay. Love and miss you all,
-D.
At 2/8/2014 3:51 PM (utc) our position was 19°34.98’N 105°07.96’W
It had not yet been a year since we hauled out in La Paz to put on fresh bottom paint, but we decided to haul out again in La Cruz before heading out to cross the Pacific. One of the main reasons was to re-“paint” the sail drives for better performance but we also put a different kind of bottom paint on this time. It was a whirlwind of work with a silks class or two sprinkled in for good measure. We were all itching to be done with marina life for a while.
The boatyard was on the north side of the marina
Logbook – January 31, 2014 (La Cruz Anchorage to La Cruz Boatyard)
Out in the bay to dump heads, make water, and fish. B has a moral objection to using live bait.
Haul out- decided to paint bottom too
Mom’s princess status revoked – manual labor for everyone
Dinner at Charlie’s – B made a kitty friend
Approaching the travel lift
The culprits. We need to redo the antifouling on the sail drivesA nice pressure wash before coming out of the slingsBacking Exodus into her parking spotThe boys scraped off the barnacles that survived the pressure washOur new outboard motor mountA game of Uno at Charlie’s Pizza
Logbook – February 1, 2014 (La Cruz Boatyard)
Daily Notes
Show (Golden Kingdom) @ Octopuses Garden.
Pool party @ marina w/ 10 peso tacos
These popsicles are like a little slice of heaven. And only 10 pesos.Brenden read the survival guide that Grandpa brought, and he even took notes
Logbook – February 2, 2014 (La Cruz Boatyard)
Daily Notes
B – sick, Alex – puffy eye
Matero’s bday party and potluck
Met Sonrisa – Nick & Melissa. Lots of Draw Free.
Didn’t watch the Superbowl, don’t regret it
A pinata for Matero’s birthday. Alex was the biggest kid there and he destroyed the pinata!
Logbook – February 3, 2014 (La Cruz Boatyard)
Daily Notes
Christopher (6 yrs) came over to play
D/B – Paradise Village for weather seminar 😦 then Mega
Dinner at Francoli (?) calzones & pasta
Working on the bottom paintSail drives and props all cleaned off and ready to apply……the Propspeed!Bottom paint, check. Wax and buff, check. Look how shiny new Exodus looks.
Logbook – February 4, 2014 (La Cruz Boatyard to La Cruz Anchorage)
Daily Notes
Morning silks class
Back in the water
Dockside for rigging check w/ Mike (PV Sailing/North Sails)
Back to La Cruz Anchorage
Ta-da! Another day at silks classThese next few photos are the view from the balcony at El Jardin del Pulpo (the coffee shop that hosts the silks class)Goofing off at silks classThis seems to be B’s favorite poseAlex in the middle of a flipThey call this “the diaper”Stretching out after silks
Logbook – February 5, 2014 (La Cruz Anchorage)
Daily Notes
T – sick
Logbook – February 6, 2014 (La Cruz Anchorage to Punta de Mita)
Passage Log Highlights
1115 Engines on
1132 Depart
1153 Engines off. Main + genoa.
1233 Watermaker 3 hours
1513 P engine on (SB on later)
1549 Arrive Punta de Mita
Daily Notes
Jack crevalle 😦 x 3 😦 😦 😦
Whales everywhere
Boys lose iPads for 2 weeks
Movie night – Ender’s Game
Email to family and friends dated February 6, 2014
Subject: Cruising again
We splashed back in the water yesterday, and after a (very) quick rigging inspection we spent the night in the La Cruz anchorage. Today we sailed around the bay, caught 3 (yes 3) Jack Crevalle 😦 😦 😦 but on the bright side there were whales absolutely everywhere. We just dropped anchor at Punta de Mita and either tomorrow or Saturday we are going to head south down the coast and actually do some cruising again. We have decided with time running out that we will depart for the puddle jump from here in Banderas bay, so we will come back here in a couple weeks to do final provisioning and a couple minor projects in order to be ready to jump by March 1. Love and miss you all,
At 2/2/2014 1:45 PM (utc) our position was 20°45.00’N 105°22.15’W
After over a month in marinas we were happy to be back out on the water again. Gary and Marsha were here for a visit, and we spent a day and night at Punta de Mita, which is at the north end of Banderas Bay and known for its surfing. We also spend a day at the Tres Marietas Islands. Alex had an ear infection, and I had a head cold, so we didn’t get to participate in the surfing and snorkeling, but we did get to eat some of the yummy dorado. We also spent some time back in La Cruz, this time in the anchorage, not the marina.
Logbook – January 22, 2013 (Paradise Village to La Cruz)
Passage Log Highlights
1624 Engines on
1744 Arrive La Cruz
Daily Notes
Speedo not working
Logbook – January 23, 2013 (La Cruz to Punta de Mita)
Email to family and friends dated January 23, 2014
Subject: Out of the marina
After a month in marinas, we are finally back out on the hook. While we enjoyed the hot tubs, wifi, high pressure showers, easy access to shore, etc. it is really nice to be out on the water. Mom came to visit for 5 days while we were at Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta, and Gary & Marsha are here right now. We spent last night at the La Cruz anchorage and came up to Punta de Mita this morning. Brenden and Tim did some surfing today, but unfortunately Alex has another ear infection. We’ll likely stay here a couple days then head back to La Cruz for the weekend. Love and miss you all,
-D
At 1/23/2014 9:47 PM (utc) our position was 20°44.57’N 105°22.41’W
Logbook – January 24, 2013 (Punta de Mita to Tres Marietas to La Cruz)
Passage Log Highlights
1058 Engines on
1105 Depart Punta de Mita
1130 Whales + fish on (jack crevalle)
1255 Arrive Tres Marietas
No time stamps for passage back to La Cruz
Daily Notes
Reelin gin lines to anchor @ Tres Marietas – snagged a 4.5 ft 27 lb dorado
While pulling in the lines getting ready to anchor, the boys snagged a nice doradoTres MarietasSnorkeling at Tres Marietas
The La Cruz Sunday MarketLunch at the Sunday Market (Thanks for humoring me with a smile Marsha!)
Logbook – January 27, 2014 (La Cruz Anchorage)
Daily Notes
Dinner at Frascati – yum!
Dinghy ride with Grandma and Granpa
Logbook – January 28, 2014 (La Cruz Anchorage)
Daily Notes
Shrimp market
Silks class for the first time
Silks classBrenden made it to the top. We always knew he was part monkey. (The funny part of this picture is in the lower left corner what is Alex doing with his foot on Johnny?)It seems Alex is also part monkeyWaiting their turn at silks classTa-da!
Paradise Village is a resort and marina, which I heard recently referred to as “San Diego South.” There’s a Starbucks, a McDonalds, a Subway, a Baskin Robbins, and a grocery store where you can get most US items. There is also a pool and a beach that the kids have really been enjoying. Not exactly our typical destination.
Paradise Village is in Nuevo Vallarta, roughly half way between La Cruz and Puerto VallartaThe Paradise Village resort and marina
Logbook – January 12, 2014 (La Cruz to Paradise Village)
Gramma Nay is here!Brotherly loveOK, that’s more like itT and D lounging by the poolEvery Sunday they have a “welcome” party with free snacks and drinks, and infomercial for all the restaurants…a fun show with dancing and fire……and games for the kids. (Alex won this, but as you can imagine the crowd was not necessarily on his side given he was competing against much smaller children. He did share his winnings, candy, with the other kids.)It’s the boys responsibility to raise and lower the dinghy
T – seminar in La Cruz – Navigating with Google earth
D/Alex – pool – Alex made friends and played basketball
French bread pizza
Hot tub/whirl pool
Good morning Paradise Village
Logbook – January 15, 2014 (Paradise Village)
Daily Notes
Beach day!
Radar seminar
Spaghetti & meatballs
The parrots are bilingual. They say hola and helloAll 3 boys riding the surfA photo of the usual photographerEnjoying the wavesGetting some schoolwork done at the Yacht Club
Logbook – January 16, 2014 (Paradise Village)
Daily Notes
Alex – pool & beach football
Full moon potluck @ yacht club
Tim up the mast
Tim went up the mast to replace our VHF coax cable through the mast. We have MUCH better reception now.From the mast looking toward the harbor exit
Logbook – January 17, 2014 (Paradise Village)
Daily Notes
Mom home
Rental car – PV to copy charts from Kavenga
This photo and the next one are at Marina Vallarta (not Paradise Village). D took a day trip up to borrow paper charts from s/v Kavenga and make copiesD at Marina Vallarta
Logbook – January 18, 2014 (Paradise Village)
Daily Notes
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Logbook – January 19, 2014 (Paradise Village)
Daily Notes
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Logbook – January 20, 2014 (Paradise Village)
Daily Notes
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B got some new toys, because Grandma and Grandpa are here!
Xmas Eve dock party on Dock 4 – kids running around everywhere
Met Sand Dollar – 3 kids
Email to family and friends dated December 24, 2013
Subject: Made it to Banderas Bay yesterday
We are currently anchored off of La Cruz, which is north of Puerto Vallarta in Banderas Bay. Yesterday, we reconnected with one of the kid boats we spent the early summer with, and the boys hung out at the marina swimming pool with their kids. La Cruz is a nice town, big enough to have most things you need, but small enough you don’t feel like you’re in the big city. It is smaller than both La Paz and Loreto. We plan to go into the marina for a couple weeks to work on boat projects, starting tomorrow, so while we have some slow internet access on the boat right now, hopefully from the marina it will be better. Brenden should finish 4th grade today, so the boys are going to get a week off of school for Christmas. Tomorrow we are going to take a bus into Puerto Vallarta to visit customs (we found an issue with our boat import permit, yikes, not good timing when the Mexican gov’t is cracking down and impounding boats!) and do some last minute Christmas shopping. Love and miss you all, -D.
Email to family and friends dated December 24, 2013
Subject: In the marina
(FYI, the last email that just sent I actually wrote on Sunday. I guess it was stuck in the outbox when I thought I had sent it. ) It’s now Tuesday, Xmas Even, and we came into a slip in the marina yesterday afternoon. We have internet from the boat, but not on all devices and it’s a bit spotty. Hope you are all enjoying your holidays! -D.
Logbook – December 25, 2013 (La Cruz Marina)
Daily Notes
LC rotten turkey 😦 Yummy dinner anyway. LC, TBV, Dazzler. Nice wine! Good times
Another dock party – gingerbread houses
MERRY XMAS!
Christmas morning. I guess Tim was naughty this year (although, obsidian, not coal)Like the wrapping paper?Merry Xmas out of Legos… of course!Exchanging gifts with Lady CarolinaThe Christmas day spread on Lady CarolinaThe guys… Craig (True Blue V), Dan (Dazzler), Tim (Exodus), Steve (Lady Carolina). Australia, US, and Canada represented.There was a dock party on Christmas night and Alison (Kenta Anae) brought out the fixins for the kids to make ginger bread houses. Brenden loved it!
Steve – long line in dinghy – Alex & Kyle to the rescue
Taking advantage of being at a marina. Tearing up the cockpit floor……and cleaning/vacuuming out all the lockers
Logbook – December 27, 2013 (La Cruz Marina)
Daily Notes
Homemade cinnamon rolls. More cleaning
Alex fell off dock w/ the bike. Tim retrieved it with the dinghy anchor.
Dinner at Red Chairs w/ Sand Dollar and Fluenta
Homemade cinnamon rolls… mmm…Alex fell in the water riding the bike and when choosing between holding onto the bike and drowning, he chose wisely and let go. Tim retrieved it from the bottom using the dinghy anchor (after trying the boat hook and magnets)
Logbook – December 28, 2013 (La Cruz Marina)
Daily Notes
Tim fixed Alex’s head – our boat is the poo boat. We had a bilge full of poo.
Dinner w/ LC & kids from Sand Dollar at Los Twins
The streets of La CruzThe streets of La CruzOut to dinner at Los TwinsSometimes you just need a conch. This night it was a ketchup bottle, but Steve still wasn’t listening
Email to family and friends dated December 28, 2013
Subject: Hi from La Cruz
We are having so much fun here in the marina. There are kids everywhere! We have met another boat called Sand Dollar and they have a 14 year old boy and a 12 year old girl, so there are some older kids for Alex and Kyle to hang out with. Brenden is still as playful as ever and spends most of his time with the younger kids. We went out to dinner last night with their family and another family that has an 8 and a 10 year old (and a 3 week old!) OK, it’s not all fun and games in the marina… Tim has started ripping out our cockpit floor to repair it and make it water tight again, and with shore power I have decided to vaccuum every square inch of Exodus. It’s been raining a lot and night before last we had a lot of lightening. Love and miss you all -D.
P.S. We have full internet from the boat now. In fact, when connected to internet I can telnet from this account so I don’t have to use radio time.
At 12/28/2013 1:59 PM (utc) our position was 20°44.57’N 105°22.41’W
Logbook – December 29, 2013 (La Cruz Marina)
Daily Notes
Nothing to report (empty log book)
Logbook – December 30, 2013 (La Cruz Marina)
Daily Notes
Rainy, rainy day. Back to school. B started 5th grade.
Kids played games in the VIP lounge after school w/ LC & SD
Carolina stopped by “to drink” 🙂
All the kids here for spaghetti dinner
Logbook – December 31, 2013 (La Cruz Marina)
Daily Notes
Soccer game on the beach
Laundry lady gave back 100 p that fell out of Alex’s pocket
Southbound net
Dock party moved to the VIP lounge due to rain. Ukeleles, fireworks, lots of wine
Beach or soccer field?Soccer field
Email to family and friends dated December 31, 2013
Subject: Happy New Year’s Eve
It has been gray and rainy for the past 5 days but yesterday was a real downpour. I didn’t even leave the boat and all the kids just went up to the marina lounge after school to play board games. It’s not raining right now but it’s still dark and gray, but I’m hoping it will clear up for our new year’s eve dock party. Hope everyone has a great new year’s eve! Love,
-D.
At 12/28/2013 1:59 PM (utc) our position was 20°44.57’N 105°22.41’W
D all dressed up for New Year’s Eve and doing the Southbound evening netNew Year’s Eve… it was supposed to be a dock party but the rain drove us all inside the lounge at the marinaThe big kids hung out on Exoduswhile the younger ones played games in the loungeCarolina and Shauna (Sand Dollar)A jam session inside……and out
Logbook – January 1, 2014 (La Cruz Marina)
Daily Notes
Late start – boys slept in until almost noon
Lots of reading about the South Pacific
Kids milling about – eventually went to play soccer
Victoria (“Newt”) helped me with dinner – ham & potato soup
Logbook – January 2, 2014 (La Cruz Marina)
Daily Notes
Nothing to report (empty log book)
Can you find the iguana?The plaza in La Cruz
Logbook – January 3, 2014 (La Cruz Marina)
Daily Notes
Canopy tour El Eden & Tequila Tasting w/ Sand Dollar, Appa, Kenta Anae
Hanging out at the Oxxo waiting to be picked up for the canopy tourThe kids are all ready to goThey wouldn’t let us take our cameras on the actual zip line tour since they had their own photographers and they wanted you to buy their photos. So, this is the closest shot I have to actually zip lining.Everyone listening intently to the instructionsAfter the canopy tour there was a restaurant to hang out at and a pool to swim inAlex getting ready to do the rope swingBrendenAlexThe kids climbing up to do the rock slideAlex and Kyle making their way upBrendenAlexThe kids played a game of cards after swimmingThe canopy tour was on the set of the movie PredatorAfter the canopy tour we went to a tequila factory……and did some tastingWhile the adults were drinking tequila the kids played with gunsThe whole gang
Logbook – January 4, 2014 (La Cruz Marina)
Daily Notes
Backsale & swap meet. Lost iphone in the bathroom, Brenden made a sign which led to the return of the phone
Free beer at the pool, Alex played volleyball in the pool w/ other kids
Studying for the HAM license Qrz.com
Bake sale to raise money for a kids’ charity (Brenden and I baked the sugar cookies on the right)Fun at the marina poolI lost my phone and Brenden made this sight, and it led directly to the return of my phone
Logbook – January 5, 2014 (La Cruz Marina)
Daily Notes
D – first run since La Paz?
Sunday Market with Alex
Dock party bday for Zion (Heavy Metal)
La Cruz MarinaThe path for my morning runNo, Tim isn’t going gray, that’s dust from sandingThis looks like trouble. My first instinct was to stop the fun since clearly someone could get hurt, but Tim’s voice inside my head said, “take off the bubble wrap” so I took photos insteadNice save on the Doritos!
Email to family and friends dated January 5, 2014
Subject: Still in the marina
We are still happily enjoying the marina life here in La Cruz. It’s a nice change to have hot water high pressure showers and an easy walk into town with all kinds of provisions. One of our first days here we went to the vegetable market and I loaded up with as much stuff as I could carry, and Carolina laughed at me saying, “you know, they have this twice a week.” We had a great time on the canopy tour on Friday, hopefully you’ve had a chance to check out the photos on facebook. Yesterday there was a cruisers swap meet and one of the local charities for kids had a bake sale so we made some cookies to contribute and Alex was the “moneyman” at the booth. Today will be a boat work day since there is no school, but I’ll sneak out for a little while to go to the Sunday market for some empanadas and fresh squeezed orange juice. Love and miss you all,
-D.
At 12/28/2013 1:59 PM (utc) our position was 20°44.57’N 105°22.41’W
While at Paradise Village for the Marquesas seminar, Carolina wanted to swipe some bananas
Logbook – January 7, 2014 (La Cruz Marina)
Daily Notes
D – Bus to Bucerias to walk around. Mega.
T – Contracted for stainless work
A/B – played in the square
I took a day trip by myself to explore Bucerias. There is a very easy public bus system around Banderas Bay.The plaza in BuceriasOyster standThe beach at BuceriasBuceriasBuceriasBuceriasBuceriasWe missed The Crazy Bitches by just one night!Bucerias
Logbook – January 8, 2014 (La Cruz Marina)
Daily Notes
Me, Shauna + 11 kids to Punta de Mita
Alex, Kyle found the bread guy
Dinner @ Gecko Rojo
Shauna (Sand Dollar) and I took 11 kids for a day trip to Punta de Mita (the northern point of Banderas Bay)There is supposed to be good surfing, but it was pretty flat calm when we were thereThe kids could barely even boogie board……but that didn’t stop the funThey built a hot tubFrom Fluenta’s condo up on the hill overlooking La CruzThe cockpit floor, still a work in progressThis is a new stainless steel support to mount our outboard motor on during long passages
Logbook – January 9, 2014 (La Cruz Marina)
Daily Notes
1.5 school days
Dock party on dock 3
Logbook – January 10, 2014 (La Cruz Marina)
Daily Notes
Chart party – D, Carolina, Leanne
Dentist appts
Dinner @ Red Chair – met John & William (Alouette)
Logbook – January 11, 2014 (La Cruz Marina)
Daily Notes
Baking day w/ Victoria (& Brenden, Alex, & Jonathan)
Dock party for Rachel (Moments) 27th bday
Exodus is so tiny!Our baking party with the Fluenta kids, Jonathan and VictoriaHappy Birthday Rachel! This was our last night at La Cruz, we had a birthday dock party for Rachel (Moments)
After a failed attempt at getting around Punta de Mita, we finally arrived in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle on December 21 and we stayed in the anchorage for a couple days before heading into the marina.
Logbook – December 20, 2013 (Chacala to the North side of Punta de Mita)
Passage Log Highlights
0859 P engine on
0916 Retrieve stern anchor
0922 SB engine on 0950 off
0929 Depart Chacala
0950 Water maker on (4 hours)
1653 SB Engine on – TWS 13.2 kts from the W
1651 Arrive N side of Punta de Mita
Daily Notes
Boogie board over board
Strong winds from WSW – new anchor destination
Depart Chacala Dec 20 at 0929 – Arrive North side of Punta de Mita Dec 20 at 16The wind direction was coming from the WSW so we couldn’t beat down around Punta de Mita, so we tucked in for the night on the north side, hoping for better wind conditions in the morning.
Logbook – December 21, 2013 (North side of Punta de Mita to La Cruz)
Passage Log Highlights
0704 Engines on
Depart (no time noted)
0820 Engines off. Genoa
1047 P engine on. Main only.
1156 Arrive La Cruz anchorage
Daily Notes
Lots of skipjack on passage
Explored La Cruz – dropped laundry, tiendas, beers @ Philos
Fluenta! Boys stayed at Marina with Victoria & Jonathan
Dinner @ Tacos on the Street w/ Lady Carolina. Drinks after on LC.
Depart North side of Punta de Mita Dec 21 time unknown – Arrive La Cruz Dec 21 1156The La Cruz AnchorageJust relaxing on the boat as we pull into Banderas BayBack with Fluenta!
Logbook – December 22, 2013 (La Cruz Anchorage)
Daily Notes
B finished 4th grade
Shrimp dinner on LC with TBV, Dazzler, Waneskewin, Moments
The La Cruz anchorageThe La Cruz anchorage at sunset
Chacala was magical. Maybe it was the stark contrast of the lush, green, tropical, anchorage compared to what we had grown accustomed to on the Baja Peninsula, but all I can say is that it was jaw dropping dramatic. Or maybe it was that we hadn’t been in surf for so long and the boys were able to spend hours each day boogie boarding and even learning to surf. Or maybe it was the wonderful beach that just beckoned you to relax all day and ignore all of your boat chores. Or maybe it was the great friends we were with enjoying nice meals ashore. Or maybe all of those things…
Logbook – December 14, 2013 (Matanchen Bay to Chacala)
Amazing whales en route – slapping tail and breaching
2 sierras – B gave one to Joel
Sleepover & a movie on Exodus
Brenden actually took these whale shots because I was paralyzed by it and didn’t want to miss anything while I went to go get a camera. Thanks Brenden!Depart Matachen Bay Dec 14 at 1135 – Arrive Chacala Dec 14 at 1630Stern anchoring was required at Chacala because there was little protection from swell from the predominantly northern winds this time of year
Logbook – December 15, 2013 (Chacala)
Daily Notes
Beach day! Beautiful Chacala beach lunch (camarones) at a palapa.
Boys boogie boarded for hours
Dinner/snack at “Vino Bar” with disappointing vino
Email to family and friends dated December 15, 2013
Subject: San Blas and Chacala
We stayed 2 nights in San Blas (well, actually Matanchen Bay, which is just south of San Blas) and now we are about 20 miles further south at Chacala. San Blas was a lot of fun. We took a tour in a panga up the Tovaro River where we saw amazing wildlife: birds, iguanas, turtles, crocs. We stopped at a Crocodile “zoo” which was really quite depressing, but there was a cage with a couple possums next to a cage with a bobcat and the curious possums and the bobcat who clearly wanted to eat them could have kept the boys entertained all day. There was also a stop at a restaurant with a fresh water pool with a rope swing and I’ll let you guess who had more fun with that, Tim or the boys. We had enough time to take the bus into town and see a little bit of San Blas, but we had to be back off the beach before dusk so we didn’t get eaten alive by the no-see-ums. Chacala is a picture perfect tropical anchorage… we have clearly left Baja and arrived on the mainland. There’s light surf, so we’ll probably try some surfing today. Because the northern point of the bay is not very prominant, the swells wrap around it and come in here without much dampening, so we had to set a stern anchor to keep our bow pointed into the swell, and while it’s pretty bouncy it’s not nearly as bad as if we were taking the swell beam on. I have a cell signal now, not sure about internet. Love and miss you all,
-D.
At 12/15/2013 1:45 PM (utc) our position was 21°09.72’N 105°13.65’W
Lunch at a palapaTrue Blue V and Lady Carolina (both Island Packets)
Logbook – December 16, 2013 (Chacala)
Daily Notes
Checked in w/ Port Captain. Discovered our TIP (Temporary Import Permit) has expired
Boys played in the surf
Minecraft & rum after dinner w/ LC
The boys heading to the beach on their surfboards
Email to family and friends dated December 16, 2013
Subject: Visits
Well, we will be in Banderas Bay within a few days, and after that we will be in the vicinity of the Puerto Vallarta international airport for several weeks. This would be an easy place to fly into if anyone is interested in visiting… -D.
At 12/15/2013 1:45 PM (utc) our position was 21°09.72’N 105°13.65’W
(Spoiler alert: we will get some visitors…)
Logbook – December 17, 2013 (Chacala)
Daily Notes
Computer day – Tim showed me how to embed photos in my essays w/ html
Afternoon beach – Steve injured boogie boarding
Logbook – December 18, 2013 (Chacala)
Daily Notes
D/T – hike to the crater. Help w/ directions from Mar de Jade
Boys – dinner @ Choc Mool w/ Joel and Kyle
D/T – dinner at Bernard’s w/ LC & TBV. 2 bottles of vino tinto for 3. Vodka tonics w/ LC @ Exodus. Who has the conch?
Dinghy on the rocksTim and I went for a hike up to see a volcanic craterThe view of the anchorage from up on the hillThe crater. We talked to a guy nearby who told us it was like a swamp and that there were alligators in it.
We anchored in Matanchen Bay, which is just south of San Blas. We didn’t stay very long because this place is notorious for no-see-ums and mosquitos. We spent an amazing day going on a jungle tour up the Rio Tovaro and doing a little bit of exploring San Blas.
Logbook – December 12, 2013 (Isla Isabel to Matanchen Bay)
Closed up the boat to keep the no-see-ums out. So hot! Flashbacks of summer.
Steve/T/Kyle – Shore excursion to arrange our jungle tour
This blue footed fellow was nagged by our fishing line and had to hang out with us while he dried outDepart Isla Isabel Dec 12 at 0600 – Arrive Matanchen Bay Dec 12 at 1419Matanchen Bay is a large bay near San Blas, and we anchored far out to try to avoid the mosquitos and no-see-ums.I think we need to get updated charts (this shows us anchored on land). Spoiler alert – a year later we were navigating with satellite imagery.
Logbook – December 13, 2013 (Matanchen Bay)
Daily Notes
No-see-ums so far so good
Jungle tour – Steve kept apologizing b/c it wasn’t as good as last year
We saw birds, crocs. turtles, iguanas. Croc sanctuary was sad. The boys like the possums
La Tovaro Springs – restaurant & rope swings! Boys (including Tim) loved the rope swing
Fast panga trip back, caught the bus to San Blas to the plaza
Fresh veggies at the market (asparagus, green beans, and mushrooms!) Beers and ice cream
“Ruins” up on the hill – 18th and 19th century Spanish church & fort
Taxis back. Mmmmm sautéed mushrooms
An early morning departure for the jungle tourAdvertising everywhereThe road between the beach and the river (where we picked up the jungle tour) is lined with palapas selling banana and coconut breadThank you for your visit, have a happy tripAll aboard the panga, ready for the tourWe stopped at a crocodile “refuge” but it was really quite sad, like a small zooBaby crocsThis kitty really wanted to eat the possums in the cage next doorThe possums kept the boys entertainedCarolina really wanted some ham, but these guys were a little on the lean sideRope swing!!!After the jungle tour we caught a bus into San BlasTim and Steve wanted to go get a beer, and I suggested they take the kids to get ice cream too, while the rest of us hit the market. What good fortune that they found a bar right net to an ice cream shop.RelaxingHeading to the 18th/19th century Spanish ruins on the hillThis way to the ruinsThe old church of San BlasThere’s only about a 40 ft drop on the other side of that windowEveryone do the “Exodus Pose”What’s left of an old Spanish fortA photo shoot in progressA hurricane in 2002 destroyed some of the fort so they have recreated some of it. Looks pretty cheesy.
Isla Isabel is a very old volcanic island with a crater in the middle. There are probably way too many photos in this album, but I was having a lot of trouble down selecting. Isla Isabel is known as the Galapagos of Mexico, and hopefully you will see why.
Isla Isabel – the best protection is from north winds, and we lucked out with mild weather while we were there
Logbook – December 9, 2013 (Isla Isabel)
Daily Notes
Awesome hike around the island. Boobies, frigates, and iguanas. Amazing views. W/ LC, Dazzler, TBV.
Potluck on Exodus. Leanne – amazing lasagna. Met Tisha Baby – Richard and Pam
Email to family and friends dated December 9, 2013
Subject: Made it
We pulled into Isla Isabel around 3pm yesterday. We were the first of our group to arrive. It’s a rocky bottom here, and we are used to nice sandy bottoms, so Tim was in the water diving our anchor when everyone else started getting here, so one by one he dove everyone else’s anchor too. Leann called it Tim’s valet parking service. We caught a couple Dorado en route so we are going to have everyone over tonight for a cookout. We were all too tired to do anything last night, well, except the kids, they go together with Lady Carolina to watch a movie. We explore the island today, so we’ll see about this “Galapagos of Mexico.”
-D.
At 12/8/2013 2:51 PM (utc) our position was 22°15.93’N 106°28.08’W
There is an abandoned research center. While we were there some pangas showed up and the people camped at the research center.These are manmade artificial reefsFish campI wonder if Tim has lens envyThis is called “Stinky Lagoon” on the chartWith these outhouses nearby it may be appropriateThe volcanic craterDazzler Dan gave Brenden a brief photography lessonThe blue footed boobies were a bit skittish, so it was hard to get close to themThis momma just stayed perched on her nest as we ate our lunchBrenden made a nest of his own
T/B/Craig/Steve – spear fish – 3 “mystery fish” and 8 langosta
Amazing snorkel – Alex/Kyle – 2 parrot fish + 1 green jack
Twitchy fish – unnerving!
Dinner on Exodus with TBV & LC, Leanne’s amazing video of Isla Isabel
We had a seafood feast!The boys had to do some night swimming to unwrap the float line from around one of the props
Logbook – December 11, 2013 (Isla Isabel)
Daily Notes
Island adventure to see the baby boobies & the lighthouse. Lots of blue footed boobies @ the lighthouse. Tremendous views.
Family snorkel – circumnavigated the island. Alex – rainbow runner. B – green jack. T – lots of videos.
Clam/fish chowder. To bed early.
Email to family and friends dated December 11, 2013
Subject: At least one more day at Isla Isabel
This island is amazing! We hiked the island day before yesterday, and hung out with the frigates and the blue footed boobies. (Jen, I was wearing my running shoes with the bright blue coloring, so Carolina tried to get a photo of me with the boobies, but they wouldn’t quite let me get that close.) Yesterday, we snorkled, and I think it might have been the best so far in our whole trip. Today, I want to go back on the island with my better camera to see if I can snap some better photos. We’ve had two huge cookouts on Exodus the last 2 nights, the first with all the Dorado we caught on passage and then yesterday the guys speared 3 huge mystery fish and some lobsters. And to top it off, Alex and Kyle speared a couple parrot fish, so Carolina also made some ceviche. Not too shabby. Love and miss you all!
-D.
At 12/9/2013 1:25 PM (utc) our position was 21°50.60’N 105°52.94’W
A very small church on a hillThey wouldn’t say what was so funnyThe frigates were everywhere!Tim tried to coax this momma into showing us what she had in her nest. She didn’t budge.Love birdsThis momma showed us her eggPlease no playing loud music at the iguanas
This was a 2.5 day passage from Play Bonanza (on Isla Espiritu Santo) to Isla Isabel. We had just the right amount of wind. Not too strong and not too light, and we were able to sail the entire way. We caravanned with Lady Carolina, Dazzler, and True Blue V, and we kept an open VHF channel so we were able to easily stay in contact.
Depart Blaya Bonanza, Isla Espiritu Santo Dec 6 at 0915 – Arrive Isla Isabel Dec 8 at 1516
Logbook – December 6, 2013 (Isla Espiritu Santo to Isla Isabel)
Passage Log Highlights
0915 Depart Bonanza
0926 Engines off. Main + genoa
1145 Fish on! Skipjack 😦
1536 Main (1 reef) + genoa (1 reef)
Daily Notes
Caught a nice dorado – 4 ft, 20 lb. Came off the stringer 😦
Caught another dorado!
Email to family and friends dated December 6, 2013
Subject: Mainland Bound
Hi all, We left La Paz late yesterday morning and anchored here at Playa Bonanza, which is on the SE side of Isla Espiritu Santo (near La Paz). In about an hour we will be departing for the mainland, with a stop at Isla Isabel (the “Galapagos of Mexico”) if the weather cooperates. Right now it’s gray and raining, but the winds are still right, so we are still a go. We will be caravaning with 3 other boats: Lady Carolina, Dazzler (single hander from Marina del Rey), and True Blue V (a couple from Australia). It will be between a 2-3 day passage, so not too long. We are very excited about getting over to the mainland and seeing new territory. Shout out to Gavin who came through surgery yesterday… we love you buddy!!! Love and miss you all,
-D.
At 2013/12/03 2:42 PM (utc) our position was 24°09.90’N 110°19.48’W
A large freighter……passes right through the middle of our caravan (that’s Lady Carolina and True Blue V)Happy during a day time watch
Logbook – December 7, 2013 (Isla Espiritu Santo to Isla Isabel)
Passage Log Highlights
0545 Main (2 reefs) + genoa (2 reefs) wing & wing
1321 Main + genniker
I have missed sunrises on watchAlex throws in the treasure map in a bottle (we left a treasure in a cave at Ensenada el Cardonal on the Isla Partida)Brenden hanging out on the net practicing his sailing knotsAIS is working on the chartplotter display
Email to family and friends dated December 7, 2013
Subject: Passage going great
We had a great day and night of sailing and made good. Winds have died down a bit so we have slowed with them. We should arrive some time tomorrow. All is well on Exodus.
-D.
At 12/3/2013 2:42 PM (utc) our position was 23°16.93’N 108°06.17’W
Logbook – December 8, 2013 (Isla Espiritu Santo to Isla Isabel)
Passage Log Highlights
0433 Main + genoa (1 reef)
0803 Main genoa
1316 P engine on
1443 SB engine on
1516 Arrive Isla Isabel
Daily Notes
Sonrisa net
Lady Carolina 22 18, 106 35
Dorado #3 🙂 Yucky wasabi 😦
Email to family and friends dated December 8, 2013
Subject: AOK after night #2
Once again the winds have died in the morning, so we are going to be hardpressed to get there before sunset. If we don’t make it we will “hove to” offshore for the night and then go in and anchor in the morning. It’s a new anchorage for us and there are reefs around it so we don’t want to arrive at night. We will be close so we may bit the bullet and engine up if we are only going to miss it by an hour or two. We’ll see.
Happy belated birthday Nana!!! We tried to text you yesterday through the inReach but I’m not sure if it went or not.
Love and miss everyone!
-D.
At 12/8/2013 2:51 PM (utc) our position was 22°15.93’N 106°28.08’W
We’re havin fish tonight!Reading the guidebook about mainland MexicoLand Ho!Rounding the east side of Isla Isabel
Gresham Family Exodus 