Going to La Paz (Monday, Nov. 10th - Thursday, Nov. 13th)
Cabo Pulmo
One of the best dive spots in Mexico being that it has the largest reef on the pacific coast. It is also a Mexican national park and our first stop from Cabo San Lucas. As you guessed, we started at 5am, as we wanted to make sure we made it around the point before the weather turned treacherous. This had happened to Steven and Susan before and they told of taking a real beating. On this day, it was smooth sailing and we made it to our anchor spot about 1pm in the afternoon. Yippee – time to play. We anchored in a spot on the chart that showed permissible, and just outside of the designated park area. We all then proceeded to jump into the water - ahhhh so refreshing and pretty, who cares that it is totally salty (like the med). Susan and I decided to swim to shore for a little exercise and explore the beach. As we approach, I see Brian has decided to join us and has almost caught up. The beach was long and in some places the sand felt like powered sugar, it was so soft. When we approached some of the structures, we ran into a couple of Americans. They said the little town had 4 restaurants and 3 dive shops – no way! Also, the town was powered completely by wind and solar. Okay people, if a remote little town in Mexico can do this, with all the US brain and braun, we should manage to do this too! After talking with some folks and Susan finding a dog to pet/play with (immediately upon hitting the town), we left to swim back to the boat as it was getting dark. At dinner we all decided to stay the next day, so the boys could dive the ref and we could go snorkeling, swimming and just have fun. The place was so beautiful. The next day did not go as planned however, with us being informed that the chart was incorrect, parking (anchoring) was not permitted and the Federales have been called (out from Cabo). Needless to say, we bugged out of there pronto (along with another boat)! We were not going to wait and argue the point, even if we did think it was just one local making it up, who didn’t want us there.
View from the boat.Bahia De Los Muertos
So Los Muertos means the Bay of the Dead. Not what you think though, it refers to dead man anchors for large ships that they used in some Mexican war, not I see dead people. But, due to the latter impression by folks, they unfortunately renamed it to Bay of dreams (negating the historical reference of the name). It was another beautiful setting and immediately upon anchoring, we dropped the dingy in the water to go ashore for dinner. As it turns out, two ex NFL players just recently bought the place (the only thing there) and Brian had a good friend that played ball with Klye ? . It’s a small world folks. Anyhow, the food was delicious and we decided to stay the next day to play. Also, the weather was not conducive for getting into La Paz. The next morning, we loaded up dingy and all took off towards the rocky shoreline. The snorkeling was amazing. Susan and it came across huge schools of small, medium, and large fish, sometimes all on top of each other. Wow. For dinner, we had a repeat performance but this time we went earlier. We enjoyed a beautiful bonfire, as well as free internet access and phone (anywhere to the US or Canada). Needless to say, I took advantage of that!
Ponga's lined up at the beach
Brian at the Restaurant/barLa Paz
Needless to say, we were up at 4am- surprise, surprise. Again, due to weather and current, we shoved off in the moonlight. It was really beautiful, the sky, stars and color of the water. It totally reminded me the last scene in the movie the Hunt for Red October. Anyhow, again, we had pretty smooth sailing going between the island of Cerrvano and the Baha peninsula. However, due to the wave rebounding between the two land masses, I totally got sea sick – urrgh! I immediately took some medication (sturgeon), but alas it was too late. Oh well, it ended fairly soon once we rounded the home stretch and entered the San Lorenzo channel. Docking was a bit tricky at the Marina, as it was very tight quarters, port side tie off and our captain hadn’t done this maneuver in quite some time. It went smoothly as all hands were on deck to make sure it did. Wow, a marina- that’s the good life; hot showers (a full 5 minutes!) and real litter boxes- yippeeeee! The marina (De La Paz) is very nicely maintained, with a bar/restaurant, laundry facilities on site and centrally located to the town. That night, once we got settled (and showers), we went to Steven and Susan’s favorite spots to eat. It was great. What can I say about La Paz, well, a lot. It is a great beach resort town. Complete with a shopping street, a cathedral in the center and a water front – the Malecon. It is fairly modern place, coffee shops, internet, grocery stores along the lines of a super Safeway, etc. It still however, has that great Mexican feel to it, and the food it awesome. So little time, so much to eat. I just wish my stomach an intestinal system was working better. We had the privilege of being here on Revolution day – Nov 20th and witness to a huge parade down the length of the Malecon (several miles). It was truly a site, with school bands, and dance groups, and floats and, so much more. We also ran into our friend from the Ha Ha – Niki. It was so good to see her, I had thought we’d lost touch, but was secretly hoping to run into her in La Paz as she is currently living down here. We ended up spending the day and going out to eat with her and her friend, then dancing and a couple games of pool. So much fun and she is into beading too! We are going to have a bead party soon!
One of many statue's on the Malecon! Bonita!
Susan & I enjoying Ice Cream at the Polka Dot tree shop
Revolution Day Parade
The Catherdral in the center of town The next day it was off to the beach (Tecolote) with Brian, Susan and I. Another fun adventure insured as we had to take the bus. However, it was a first class, plush experience that none of us were really expecting. We thought it would be old school, with no air conditioning, and chickens on board, where they leave the front doors open, you know, like you see in the movies. We spent the lovely day soaking up the sun, drinking tequila sunrises, shell seeking, and playing in the water. Well, I got out once Susan asked if I felt a stinging sensation. I didn’t at first but then felt it on my thigh and calf. Needless to say I got out.
Tecolote Beach!The next day we took off to go explore a nearby island- Isla Espiritu Santos for a few days (5 to be exact Nov 22nd - 26th). This is when I noticed a rash in the spots I felt the stinging at the beach the day before. So mystery solved, I didn’t have bug bites after all, but were getting little stings from the water. Good to know.
There is so much to say about the island that I’ll post that another day (with pictures).
We wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Turkey Day! I myself am very thankful for the opportunities I have had in my life and continue to have. As well, as all the wonderful friendships I have made thus far.
There is so much to say about the island that I’ll post that another day (with pictures).
We wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Turkey Day! I myself am very thankful for the opportunities I have had in my life and continue to have. As well, as all the wonderful friendships I have made thus far.
Blog at you later! ~Meow & the Brian
