More Regatta, and a Trip to San Sebastián , The Paris of America

An ounce of practice is worth more than

Tons of preaching.

Mahatma Gandhi 

Little girl by old bench

Mike spent part of an afternoon racing with Lanea and Conor on s/v Moondance, an Islander 36, on the third and last day of the Banderas Bay Regatta. They had unparalleled sailing conditions.

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Regattas and Hot Spring Along River

Travel is an investment in yourself.

The Cultureur 

Hot spring view looking upstream

Known as “La Cruz” to the locals, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle may have gotten its name after the body of an indigenous woman was buried at the base of a giant Huanacaxtle tree. In tribute, a large cross, 6 feet by 3 feet, was carved into the trunk of the tree. The name stuck when people began to say “Let’s meet at the cross (Cruz) of Huanacaxtle (Elephant Ear Tree)”.

Sabay Dii – Welcome in Laotian

Don't mention sunburns.

Believe me, they know.

Unknown 

Bright blue Mon-O-War jelly fish with long tentacles

The other evening, Mike and I visited a newly arrived sailboat at anchor in the Chacala bay. s/v Sabay Dii, which means much more than ‘welcome’ in Laotian and her Captain Didier, were indeed very humble and welcoming. The vessel carried a French flag and I just had to say Bonjour!

Altavista Petroglyphs

A handshake beats an autograph.

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La Pila del Rey (River basin of king) - low water line at this time of year

Up early today to visit the petroglyphs of Altavista. First time we have to use an alarm clock in a long time. We are not used to that anymore. We left early to be back before the heat of the day.

Chacala [Náhuatl] – Where There Are Shrimp or Lobsters

Fighting for peace is like

Screwing for virginity.

George Carlin 

View of the bay from the volcano area

An absolutely beautiful tiny cove you would not know existed, especially sailing from the North, if you were not particularly looking for it with the help of way-points, cruisers’ guides or word of mouth from other sailors, you would easily miss it.

Matanchén Cove - Cauldron of Fish and Bird Activity

If you try to fail, and succeed,

Which have you done?

George Carlin 

Our favorite little boy at Ishmael's restaurant, Oscar

We are sitting at anchor having a glass of wine at sundown in the cockpit. Nikki cannot seem to stand seeing me quiet and relaxed so she attacks my left leg, growling, playful – needing attention just like any kid.

Matanchén – From Salt to Fresh Water Jungle and Large Crocodiles

It is not the mountain we conquer,

But ourselves.

Sir Edmund Hillary 

But wait, there are also crocodiles! (prohibited to swim due to crocs)...

Weather update: Wake up in the morning at 67F, mid-afternoon reaches about mid-80F, water temperature is 73.4 – 76.1F. In the backgrounds are sugar canes, coconut, banana and mango trees waving in the breeze. Great weather and scenery!