Chacala to Puerto Vallarta

December 29th

I'm not to be outdone by this program!!!! Here is a picture of Eagle in the bay in Chacala. We sat for hours in the open dinning area of Mer de Jade relaxing, eating, and talking with a woman (ex merchant marine) who lives here and in Alaska who is working with Mer de Jade to get scholarships for the local kids to go to high school. How different life in the US would be if children were not given the opportunity for an education. We are truly the priveledged on this planet. Although, learning to live off the land and having close family ties is not all bad. Phileta and I discussed the pros and cons of education. I like having options. Here many do not have that.

Back to the journey south. We made it back to the boat before sunset. Enjoyed sunset then took a nap to prepare for an all night sail to PV. Left at 2300, no moon, and calm seas. Put up the sails when we felt a breeze. Took them down and start the engine hour later when the breeze disappeared. The stars are incredibly bright when the moon is gone. I've probably said it before, but I'm amazed that I can see outlines of the mainland. The phosphorescence in the water looks like lightening bugs in the water. The drone of the engine is the only noise we hear.

Charts and GPS are not truly accurate in Mexico for some reason. Maybe a Bermuda Triangle kind of thing???? Anyway, we use the radar at night to make sure of what is "real". We approach Punta de Mita before dawn and decide to sail on towards Las Tres Marietas rather than try to work our way around the point, between rocks, especially those for which "verifiable GPS waypoints have not been determined"!!! The sun is helping us out by the time we arrive closer to the islands and we save ourselves an hour going between the point and the islands. The seas are picking up and unfortunately the wind is on our nose so we can't put up the sails, unless we want to spend all day tacking back & forth. We are tired and Zak & Jessica are scheduled to be flying in the next day.

Whale spouts can be seen out here as well as dolphins. Sunrise is beautiful. I do love this life. It's amazing how the fishermen come out in this open rough water in tiny boats! We still have 15 plus miles to go to Marina Vallarta in PV where we have a slip reserved for the week. the wind and swells lighten as we approach the center of the bay and we are being passed by outgoing whale watching tours and fishing boats. Ah, a hot shower will feel great.

We arrive at our slip by 1300 and find that there is no hot water for showers and they and the broken toilets are 1/4 mile from our slip. The marina is surrounded by shops, restaurants,a hotel, condos, and men wanting to sell you sailing, canopy, or fishing trips. These men seem shocked when we say we have our own boat. We discover how wonderful our little shower is and appreciate our dear Eagle even more.

This bring y'all up to Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico where we have been for a week. I'll give posting pictures a try again tomorrow. Doesn't seem to want to work tonight. At least they are not lost.

Blessings to all,

D & P