Time to say adios to Mazatlan

El Cid resort statue near our 'back door' to the bus stop

INTREPID II has had a lively time this past week in Mazatlan: arriving in thick pea-soup fog after an overnight passage from Matanchen Bay; being welcomed by our cruising friends at the El Cid marina dock and caught up in the Carnaval festivities for Saturday and Sunday; fireworks, street parties, lovely buffet meals and a comfortable seat for the colourful parade.  It was a great start to our stay.

Once we moved to dock B, with ready access to the resort grounds and the very good bus service, we explored Old Towne once again, caught up on boat chores, visited a huge tent of arts and craft from a variety of states in Mexico and purchased a few mementos.  There were leather goods, embroidered clothes, hand woven wool rugs, health products, leather shoes, pottery, jewellery, wooden carved goods. All manner of crafts as well as ice cream to enjoy while considering what to purchase or just to admire.

Captain considering purchase of baskets from of Michuacan

We both got 'presentable' again with a visit to a hair salon, rode the green bus to the Mega grocery store for provisions and sampled a few cervezas and margaritas.  It was hard to resist heading up to the comfortable chaise lounge chairs by the pool to read and sun tan.  We did that twice.  How decadent!

No one anticipated the events of the Japanese earthquake and resulting tsunami on March 11. Cruisers all tied on extra lines and stayed close by to observe the water for surge and current, as we tried to assure family and friends we would be fine.  The port was closed until early afternoon when the port captain advised the red flag could be lowered and boats could once again head out.  We've had swirling current in the marina for days after.

A few days ago we started monitoring the wind and weather forecasts as well as the tides to determine a likely time to head out.  We decided a few more days would give us a better chance to leave early morning at high tide.  Now the time seems to be at hand.  One more day to fill water tanks, change filters, stow gear, calculate mileages across the Sea to possible anchorages such as Los Muertos, Isla San Francisco, the east side of Isla Partida, La Paz.  Winds are forecast to be from the west and northwest, the direction in which we will be headed. Our hope is to sail and we will pick our destination based on favourable wind direction or the path of least resistance.

At minimum we will be travelling for 33 hours (estimating our speed at 5.5 to 6 knots) and always attempt to reach an anchorage well before nightfall.  Our SPOT messages go out to our family and a small group of friends to advise we are underway and when we have reached our destination.  It is a good communication tool when we have no access to phone or Internet.

Baja California Sur here we come again.  Looking forward to visiting new places and revisiting last year's favorite spots.