Another change in Mexico: we now have a modem for our computer that enables us to send email from the boat rather than take it into internet cafes on land -- technology moves on!
Also new to us: a new Mega supermarket is down the road, a short bus ride from La Cruz. Whatever we can't get locally or at Mega -- we really don't need! What a treat to not have to ride all the way down to Puerto Vallarta for major provisioning. Speaking of locally, the produce we get here in La Cruz every Tuesday and Friday at 5 pm (when the truck arrives, seemingly from the farms) is fresher and tastier than any we get when we're at home -- with a few exceptions, of course, at farmers markets. And the fish -- can't move on without mentioning the fish at the fish market in the marina -- a fantastic variety that is always fresh, delicious, and so reasonably priced.
For the past two Saturdays we participated in the Vallarta Cup Regattas. We had never before sailed a course, making sure to not cross the start line before the official start, rounding buoys, and finally getting to the finish line. The first time we had two friends, Dan and Will, from the boat, Sophie, who are avid racers and they taught us a great deal on how to manage sails while racing. Linda and Kim and their friend Rick also joined us -- a great time had by all. On the second time around, we had a friend, Pam, from the boat TugTub join us, but with only three of us we decided to sail with main and jib alone. Both times we came in third in the multihull class. I hasten to add that there were only three boats in the class, ours being the smallest and, of course, the "greenest."
Last Sunday, we, along with 90 other people, had a spectacular bus ride up to San Sebastian, about two hours away from La Cruz. The road takes you through lush valleys, a few towns, and then winds its way up a mountain, near of the top of which is the charming village of San Sebastian. Philo organized the trip and he takes his whole band, instruments and all, along with a few guest musicians, to play music all evening long on Sunday. During dinner they played as usual, all set up in a corner of an outdoor square where dinner was served. After dinner, a bonfire was built, musicians and all the rest of us gathered around the fire for music until very late. We stayed until 11 pm and music was still in the air. The package included a hotel room, dinner and a continental breakfast on Monday morning. On the way up the bus stopped at a Tequila factory, a small family owned operation where we all had a tour, learned how 100% Tequila is made and even had a chance to taste some of their products.
Our extended time in the La Cruz marina has allowed time for workers to thoroughly clean and wax Damiana's exterior and bottom. Her hull and decks have never looked so nice. We had some plumbing work done inside as well. Staying in a marina offers all sorts of opportunities: night life and boat maintenance.
~~~ Marlene and Roy ~~_/) ~~
currently in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
