Life in Banderas Bay

Hola!  Sorry we've been somewhat delinquent in our blog posts...the old saying, "I get up in the morning with nothing to do, and when I go to sleep, I'm only half done" has certainly applied to us!  We've been busy, but "busy" down here has a rather different meaning than up north.  Sure, we've been working on various projects on "The List" nearly every day, but the work is at a rather leisurely pace, compared to working in our previous lives.

We've been anchored out at La Cruz for the past 8-10 days.  The town is small, but has what we need in terms of tiendas for groceries, tortillas, wonderful fresh fish, and access to services for repairs to several "List" items.  We've now had our genoa repaired by the local sailmaker (now working on a minor recut of the foot of our mainsail, necessitated by the addition of the bimini cockpit covering in Seattle before we left.  We had hoped the recut wouldn't be necessary, but it really is, and this will help us greatly when we need to head back upwind).  We've also found a skilled canvas worker in town who is making dinghy chaps for our inflatable dinghy.  The "chaps" are a cover for the tubes which protect it from the tropical sun, a necessity to extend it's life in these parts.  We were also able to get our boom outhaul car welded by a local welder who did beautiful job w/ TIG setup, now stronger than original, it's good to go.

La Cruz panorama, stitched together from 13 iPhone images.

Typical La Cruz streets

One bummer has been the inverter/charger, that we mentioned in the previous post.  After installing the new circuit boards, it remains kaput, and we've decided to order a new one from the states.  We're getting around 125 amp hours daily from our solar panels, which is just barely enough to keep our batteries charged, marginal if we want to have a freezer full o' fish (and the all important ice in our sundowners!!!)  Unfortunately, importing parts, especially expensive ones, isn't easy...anyone ever heard of a treaty called NAFTA?  Apparently it's not all it was chalked up to be, as we need to pay 35% duty on imports.  The loophole is if you document that you're a "Yacht in Transit" by obtaining a "TIP", or Temporary Import Permit.  This permit has proven to be rather elusive in Puerto Vallarta, and we've now hired an agent to expedite the process, in order that we can get friends Glen and Carol to bring the rascal down with them when they come to visit next week.  Many fish tacos are at stake here, given the price of the new part, so our fingers are crossed that our TIP arrives soon!!!  (yes, the chances look slim!!!!)

We've really been enjoying getting to know the area better, taking buses everywhere we need to travel.  It's always an adventure, but we have about an 80% success rate that we'll get on the right bus...not too bad!  And when it's not right, well, you get to see yet a new place!!!

Fisherman build and repair their nets by day, go out fishing by night

We've been enjoying seeing both old friends and new here in La Cruz.  Long time amigos Mark and Vicki arrived with their boat Southern Cross for a few days, and are now heading south again.  This anchorage and marina is a great gathering place for cruisers, with an outdoor movie every Thursday night (Master and Commander and Captain Ron so far), potlucks on the beach, swap meets, bocce tournaments, etc.  Laundry has been interesting, as it's the same price or cheaper to have someone wash, dry and fold your clothes than to put the coins in the machines and do it ourselves...a bit of a no brainer, eh??  Been kayaking most days with our inflatable 'yaks.  One favorite trip is a 40 minute paddle to Bucerias, a nearby town, for breakfast on the beach. 

Cindi negotiating at the farmers market

Catch of the day, heading for a tasty fish stew!!!

We'll be here in Banderas Bay for a few more days, exploring Yalapa tomorrow, before Glen and Carol arrive next week.  The plan will then be to head south with them to Chamela, Tenacatita, and Barra de Navidad.  The water should be warmer down there (area is known as the Mexican Riviera!), and we look forward to more swimming, snorkeling and fishing as we work our way south.