I would rather be on a boat with a drink on the rocks than in the drink with a boat on the rocks!

James explains his misfortune of running agound not once but twice. Lessons were learned and no one was injured in the process. A perfect example of bonehead moves on the water.

Mexico Update

200 hundred miles to go. We did two overnight sails. Stopped for a day at a unnamed spot for a rest. Next morning another 100 mile sail. It was great. Motoring thru the night, I had the 1am to 4am slot. The moon was out and 75 degrees. I decided to put some cushions on the deck and went out from the dodger. Music playing and just me and some passing dolphins. I thought about many of the woman I had dated in my life. I remembered one that I had not thought of in a while. She was possibly the most beautiful women I ever met. She and I were judges at a beauty contest. It was a sweet thought. We made in to Ztown at about 9am. We had breakfast and then went into town for lunch. During lunch, a local (Enrique) stopped by the table and asked if we were sailors. He had big dreams of sailing the ocean one day. I got his number and he gave me a ride to the hotel. Had a quiet night at a lovely spot I was staying, Aura del Mar Hotel. The next day I invited Enrique to go for a sail on a beach catamaran. The wind was about 8 but it was great on the Hobie 16. We had a nice sail and the wind died just as we came in. Lunch on the beach was awesome. Took a nap and the headed over to the Guitarfest opening night. I was there a while but was not feeling my best so went home early. I was a bit dehydrated. On Sunday we headed for Grand Isle for lunch and swimming. It was a 2 hour motor each way. On Monday I got my ritual going. Breakfast, massage and a swim. I did the same each morning. Other highlights included a concert on a huge trimaran with 80 guests. Another night we went down the beach for a concert in the sand. Wild horses romped by at one point. These last two shows, I joined Mark and Cindy who I had met earlier on the voyage. I said good by to my new friends and crew knowing we will meet again. I think I mentioned the boat Elizabeth Heather will be circumnavigating and I hope to join her in the South Pacific in 2027!

Pacific Mexico Cruise

We had a day sail to our next overnight anchor. Chamela is a great stop. In the morning I swam to a nearby boat. I introduced myself and he asked if my wife was at Disneyland? Huh? He says we met on the Haha and I had told him my story. Good to see you Andrew. We then headed to Parioso just down the way. One of my favorite anchorages and we are the only boat. After lunch we head to the beach for bocce. Losers have to cook dinner. Game on. Lets just say our team did not cook that night. Next day we head for Tenacatita. A cuisers's paradise. 30 boats in the bay and bocce on the beach. We went to the dingy raft up with some food and met the fleet. We annouced there wold be a jam session on our boat at 7:30. Sure enough 8 or so dingys showed up as well as lots of guitars and flutes. We had a blast and I met some folks I hope to see in Ztown. Had a nice swim the next morning. One gal reported she swam with dolphins nearby. That evening we headed over to Delta Swizler for drinks and food. Good times and a chance to meet more cruisers. Off for an overnight sail tonight and then the Guitarfest in Ztown.

sers.

Trouble in Paradise

I arrived in Puerto Vallarta on Saturday afternoon. My friend Jim and I had no problem finding the boat only 2 miles from the airport. A swimming pool nearby was refreshing. All was well. Sunday morning, all hell broke loose. We walked out the marina gates to see a bus on fire on our way to provision. That's wierd. We continued to the store and the streets and sidewalks were almost empty. We provisioned and I went to see about a cab. The manager told me there were no cabs available. What? Then we heard about the drug cartels and the distruction. We found a cab and saw alot of smoke in different areas of the city. We sheltered in place that night to let things cool down. We took off on Monday and were one of a handful of boats on the water. We headed for Yelapa and hit the beach for food and bocce. It was nice to be far away from the violence. On Tuesday we headed out early for a 40 mile run to Ipala. Its well protected and that was welcome as the winds hit 25 on the way down. Big waves and a bit of surfing on our 45' ketch. Our next big stop is the cruisers paradise of Tenacatita. More soon onboard Heather Elizabeth. Below: Yelapa waterfall.

Departing for a Sojourn in Mexico

I am heading back to Mexico to meet up with my Haha boat and sailing the best that Mexico has to offer. The 350 miles between Puerto Valarta and Zihutanejo are spectacular. Lots of beautiful anchorages, stunnung sunsets and tons of wildlife. We are heading south to experience Guitarfest. 20 or so artists play on the beach in a concert setting. After the first event, they all scatter to venues in the city. I was there during my 2019/20 voyage and vowed to come back. Six onboard and temps in the mid 80's every day. We have Starlink aboard and I plan to update the blog a few times during the voyage. Stand by!

Diving in Indonesia

Wow!