BEAUTIFUL GUANAJUATO, MEXICO

Guanajuato was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988. It is a charming colonial city once known for it's mining in particular, gold & silver. It is also the home to the University of Guanajuato, which has 20,000 students. There are many theaters, museums, art galleries, fine arts shops - a city very much known for it's culture. Peter & I felt like we were back in Spain

CATHEDRALS & BASILICAS

Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guanajuato; Temple de San Diego & Church of Hidaldo

MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING IN GUANAUATO

Instead of the usual museum tours, Peter & I  opted for a guided tour through the mountainous country side with Antonio & his daughter, Susana who run the Cacoaxtile Tours. We were taken up over 2,000 meters & rode down through remote country into the mining lands & semi-deserted pueblos. Saw another whole side of Guanajuato - one that not many tourists get to see.  Was pretty pooped by the end of the day, but it was all worth it!

STREET SCENES

Teatro Juarez; Le Jardin de La Union; Cervantes Statue

MORE STREET SCENES IN GUANAUATO

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC & THE DANCING!!

The music is every where here in Guanajuato. We're having  a beer in the square & there's 3 different mariachi bands playing in 3 restaurants all one right next to the other. The cacaphony of music was muy loco! The more noise,the better is the ongoing  theme here.

NIGHT SCENES FROM GUANAUATO

GUADALAJARA

                      Plaza de La Liberation & La Rotunda of Illustrious Men

                                       Catedral de Guadalajara;  Government Palace

                                    Guadalajara Cathedral & Teatro Degollado

A very eclectic restaurant in Guadalajara known as Casa Luna

TLAQUEPAQUE

Travelling inland. Took a 5 hour first class bus ride into Guadalajara area. Passed field after field of agave plants. Due to the popularity of tequila, this has been a huge source of revenue for the farmers. Stayed at a beautiful Bed & Breakfast in Tlaquepaque which is about 7 km. outside of Guadalajara. It's a wonderful little Pueblo known for its artistan tiendas.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE & THE FOOD

Having a couple of different meals with friends Dave & Marisa off of Pacifico. Fine roof top dining at Barcelona sharing a beautiful paella. Gregarious Antonio, the recruiter of one of the many restaurants along Marina Vallarta.

MARINA VALLARTA

Came across the Canadian Navy training ship, the HMCS Oriole where we had our boat tied up. Was quite surprised to see it because it's usually up in B.C. but it was on it's way through the Panama Canal to get to Nova Scotia for Canada's 150th Birthday celebration July 1.

LA CRUZ

The Marina, the anchorage, the Sunday Market & Ana Bananas bar. 

LAS TRES MARIETAS

This small island group in Banderas Bay is a national park  & is supposed to be a popular spot for good snorkeling & diving. All I can say is that it was pretty pathetic when we were there! Murky waters seem to be the norm in this area.

AT ANCHOR

              We're not the only ones enjoying the seafood!! 

PUNTA DE MITA

Left La Cruz Marina to anchor off Punta de Mita with its rocky beaches. Quite a number of resorts here, but there's also a good choice of beachfront restaurants where we were able to grab  delicious fish tacos. 

SAYULITA

Beautiful Sayulita. This used to be a very tranquil fishing village, but word has gotten out & it is now a very popular resort almost bursting at the seams (we were there during spring break) with the tourist scene. It is still very charming with all sorts of boutiques, restaurants & bars. 

SAYULITA

 The beach scene here at Sayulita is very popular with the surfers, from beginners to the advanced.

PUERT VALLARTA

Went into "town" for the day. Had a typical Mexican breakfast at "Cafe de Olla" & then walked the malecon from El Centro to "old town Vallarta".

LA CRUZ, MEXICO

Staying at the Marina in La Cruz, which is at the northern end of Banderas Bay. A quaint little town with the best Sunday Market!!

NEUVO VALLARTA

Met up with Dennis & Kathy from Vancouver. They came to the boat & then we headed to Nuevo Vallarta where they were renting a beautiful condo.  Spent the day poolside along with Arnie  & Alison who own in the same complex.

CHEMALIS, MEXICO

Another nice anchorage along the route to Puerto Vallarta. I'm actually able to go in the water - clean enough & warm enough....finally. Interesting way to get the fishing boats in & out of the water. Because of the surf, they have to get quite a ways up the beach.  Several ramadas (beach restaurants) line the shore. 

TENACATITA, MEXICO

This little fellow was having a tough time making it into the water, so I gave him a little boost. I hope he survived the waves which were quite formidable.  Anchorage was safe, but a little rolly.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

San Patricio/Malaque was quite the place to spend St. Patrick's day as he is the patron saint of this town & the townspeople take this very seriously!! Festivities started at 11:30 p.m. with fireworks spewing forth into the crowds which numbered into the thousands. It was quite the spectacle & neither Boston or NY can hold a candle to it!!

BARRA DE NAVIDAD-GRAND BAY RESORT

Moved in from the lagoon to the Marina which is attached to the very posh 5 star resort. There are 5 swimming  pools, 7 restaurants, tennis courts, golf course, etc. etc. Peter is going to have a hard time getting me out of here!!

MALAQUE AREA

Headed out of the lagoon to anchor in  front of Malaque, a small town at the other end of Barra de Navidad. Both towns are popular with U.S. & Canadian tourists who come down for months at a time.

FAT TUESDAY - CARNIVAL

 What parade would be complete without your beauty queens?! And don't forget the Aztec heritage & it's music & dancing.

The rides at the carnival were totally suspect!! They were being held together with glue & string. I love my rides, but you'd never catch me on one of those!!!

BARRA DE NAVIDAD

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Arrived at Barra de Navidad onFeb. 22. We anchored in the lagoon for about 5 days so we could get our bearings. About 22 boats in there, but very quiet.We soon got the hang of things & started ordering our pastries from the French Baker. He comes around to all the boats 5 days/wk. with his beautiful croissants, quiches, baguettes, etc. etc. It is all very decadent!!

LAST HURRAH AT JUAN'S "PARISEO ESCONDIDO", ISLA GRANDE

FABULOUS GUITAR-FEST AT "LA SIRENA"

DAVE & HOLLY'S STAY NEAR IXTAPA

A beautiful spot at the Capella Hotel in Ixtapa,  Mexico. Dave & Holly had their own infinity pool in their room!  We were fortunate enough to spend some time with them & they also got to spend some time on our 5 star boat!!!

SAILFEST WRAP UP PARTY ON "FANTASIA"

MANZANILLO, MEXICO

The picturesque anchorage at "Las Hades" in Manzanillo.  Spent 2 nights there & then moved around the corner to Santiago Bay.

MARIAN & DAVE'S VISIT TO ZIHUATENEJO

MarIan & David have been coming down to the boat pretty well every year since we've been doing this. It is always so much fun when they are on board.

BIKE RIDE

Rented bikes in Ixtapa & rode out to Playa Linda. The route was pretty easy, but my bike left a little to be desired.  Had a great day though.

MEXICAN MUSIC

A picture of "the roomies" . Marian & I were roommates back at school 40 some odd years ago!!  Went to Playa de Ropa for the music on the beach. These 3 guys were so good with their harmony. Marian couldn't resist the beach vendors! !

BACK IN ZIHUATENAJO

Doing more of the same.....eating & drinking!!

WATCH OUT FOR THE CROCODILES

Ricardo gave us a complementary ride over to Play Linda to see the crocodiles. They were pretty impressive - there are definitely areas you do not want to go swimming in!!

ANOTHER PARTY!

Juan, the owner of Paraiso Escondido  (hidden paradise), couldn't be more generous. He opened up his restaurant to all the cruisers for a pot luck. Out come 2 bottles of Tequila & the party begins. Juan is a wannabe D.J. & he's got the best music. He played tunes til 9p.m. with everyone up dancing in the sand. He loves to see people having a good time! And don't forget "Tina Tequila" she's our waitress that keeps us well supplied!

BIG BIRTHDAY DAY!!

Once again, good friends, Dave and Marian came down to the boat for the festivities.  Spent the day at Isla Grande where Peter rented a "Big Mable". Was completely embarrassed about it thinking it looked like the lamest ride, but Ricardo was told to "go for it"& it ended up being quite the ride!! Won't mock those people screaming on it ever again! When into Paraiso Escondido where the owner, Juan, plunked down a VERY good bottle of Tequila on the table for "La Reina". It was demolished within the hour with the help of Dave & Marisa on Pacifico. A perfect day had by all!

SAILING TO ISLA GRANDE

Saw some whales too, but they were a little harder to capture. Isla Grande, also known as Isla Ixtapa is a beautiful little spot. The island consists of nothing but restaurants & beach activities.

ANCHORED OFF MADERA BEACH, ZIHUATENAJO

STREET SCENES FROM ZIHUA