Some background info on our current location, courtesy of various guidebooks:
Bay of Flags (Banderas) is a large deep water bay, approximately 23 nm from north to south and 20 nm from the east, where Puerto Vallarta lies, to its western opening. Punta de Mita is the northern point and Cabo Corrientes (Cape of Currents) at its southern tip. The Bay is home to marine life such as sea turtles and manta rays (which we have yet to see) and draws the humpback whales here to calve and mate. Our Keetya I friends mentioned that they've seen mantas when they sailed across the bay to the village of Yalapa.
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle (Cross of the huanacaxtle - a type of tree) is the full name of the fishing based town just outside the marina gate. The village was established in the 1930s. There is a large anchorage nearby as well, which provides northwest wind protection and some protection from swells. We had to check in with the local Port Captain in person and are required to do so to check out. In other locations the Port Captain is fine with marina staff coordinating the process.
 |
| View of marina docks 10 (left) and 9 |
 |
| Bright woven shawls in market |
The town square is very near the marina gates and at times is quiet and restful and at times very vibrant with market stalls or with fisherman laying out their nets to mend. There are
huanacaxtle trees in the square providing shade and look to be quite old from the circumference of their trunks.
 |
| Kelly at colourful Sunday market - town square |
Streets are cobblestone and somewhat hard on the shoe leather, but sidewalks are well maintained and clean. We've explored most of the side streets and enjoyed sampling either drinks or meals at restaurants and sidewalk stalls. There is live music somewhere most evenings as well as movies projected on blank walls, if you are still up (cruisers' midnight....9 pm!).
 |
| Local Huichol art and craft gallery |
 |
| Pottery display at Philo's |
 |
| Bandstand ready for next open mic at Philo's |
For a small fishing village, La Cruz is keeping us busy whenever we wish to take another walk.
 |
| Flowers along marina walkway |
