Adios Mazatlan .....Hola La Cruz!!

We bid farewell to Mazatlan and many new friends on October 27th, albeit several days later than we hoped.  Our delay was necessary though as we were waiting for a new thruster controller to arrive from the States.  Waiting for boat parts in Mexico is a common pastime!!

Dock Party Marina Mazatlan

 Dock potlucks are common and a great way to meet fellow cruisers and enjoy some good food and drink.

Dock visitor...water snake

This guy came by to see us off....First one we have seen here!

Hasta Luego to Mark and Jackie on s/v Chrokeva

We will see Chrokeva again in Barra Navidad around Christmas. 

Departing Mazatlan

 Marina Mazatlan is located in the back of an estuary.  We departed at 8:30AM on an incoming tide.  The entry and exit are via a narrow channel ranging in depth between 6 and 10 feet.  The entrance requires constant dredging to keep the channel open, as the currents deposit sand continuously.  Sometimes the dredge will be dead center in the channel, stopping incoming and outgoing traffic for several hours.  Early morning departures are generally problem free.

Sneaking by the dredger

 Passing the dredge I noted that the depth below the keel reached 2 feet!!

Back on the water...good feeling!!

Serena Ray escort!

Passing 6,200 nautical miles under our keel!!!

 Since we left Seattle in April, 2009 we have logged 6,200 nm's. 

Perfect weather for the passage.

 The 180 mile passage from Mazatlan to La Cruz was as good as it gets!  Light breeze during the day and a 3/4 moon at night.  We travel 15 to 20 miles offshore to avoid fishing nets and long-lines.  Long-lines are 1/4mile long lines strung between floats with hundreds of hooks hanging beneath.  Fleets of "shrimpers" pass by during the night...radar to track the boats (direction and speed) is extremely useful!!

Mexican Navy vessel off of La Cruz.



Arriving in La Cruz

 Arriving in La Cruz late morning the following day...approximately 26hrs.  We had good following current and averaged over 7kts.

Serena Ray in the Marina

 The town of La Cruz is refreshing after months in the larger city of Mazatlan. Locals are friendly and welcoming.  La Cruz is also known for its music and eateries....we will be sampling both during our visit. 

Fishing Nets

 The following are random photos of the town.  We walk a couple miles each day, exploring streets and enjoying the sounds and smells.

Main circle near the entrance of La Cruz

One of the night spots...Britannia, live music!!



Sunset on the passage down to La Cruz

Next Saturday, Rosie's best friend Robin will join the crew for a week.  Hope all is well.  Until our next update...Hasta Luego!!!