Wednesday, April 8, 2015

April 8, Mazatlan

Welcome to Mazatlan! Marne and I arrived in Mazatlan this afternoon around 1pm after a very nice 93 mile, overnight passage from Isla Isabela.  I know that I already mentioned it plenty but Isla Isabela is such an amazing place with things you just don't get to see every day.  So grateful.  After our short stay on Isabela, followed by a fantastic steak and lobster dinner we picked up anchor around 8pm and headed northbound into the night toward Mazatlan.  My track record, with or without weather reports, is not that good for the last 2 or 3 passages and as we headed out of the anchorage I was seriously concerned that history might be repeating itself as we instantly were in 15-17 knots of wind.  15 knots is no big deal but if it built or even continued for many hours through the night the sea state would become very uncomfortable. That added to the fact that it is pitch black and you can't see anything which makes everything you do more difficult.  However, once we pulled anchor we were committed because getting back into that small anchorage surrounded by volcanic rock and a bottom that was very unpredictable, at night, to drop anchor again for the night was simply not an option. Fortunately the winds abated within about an hour and a half and soon the motor was off and we were comfortably and cheaply (ha) sailing toward Mazatlan.  We wound up sailing for 3-4 hours before the winds headed us and died off considerably.  However, I was happy to spend some pesos on diesel and motor over calm seas up to our destination. Whew...actually an enjoyable overnight passage. lol.  

Today we took the bus into old town Mazatlan to the Mercado Municipal to get some fresh fruits, veggies, shrimp and cheese.  The market is amazing.  It is a two story public market overflowing with sights, smells and sounds.  Farm fresh produce, locally made cheeses, fresh caught seafood, spices, and painted pottery are among the items that tantilize your eyes, ears, nose and taste buds.  Tomorrow we will go back to old town to explore the parks, cathedrals and other sights.

Fishing report...ZIP!  We got skunked.  18 hours in crystal clear aqua water and there was not a singe fish that wanted what we were offering.  What's up with that? We did, however, see two sea turtles pass by the side of the boat so closely that we could have jumped off the side and landed on them.  The first one that I spotted had a bird standing on it's back and that is actually what initially drew my attention. I thought it was an old plastic jug or a log or something.  Nope, just a large green turtle enjoying the sun on the surface with his little pal Senor Pajaro. ha.  And that's a wrap for today mis amigos.

Bret and Marne
SV Liahona

Clint - I am comfortably in position to be Johnnie on schedule to pick you up in Cabo.  Marne and I plan to spend 3 or 4 days here before finding a good time to make the crossing which will take us 2 and a half days.  

Syd - More love and hugs from you mom. lol

Karla - Any progress on the personal property list from Scott for the insurance company?  I got your message about Leonard and I would like him to bid without the pipe room or shipping room but keeping the balcony above the shipping room for storage with a hand rail around it.  If you have Lenny's email, that would be helpful Thanks.  Love you.  

Gregg - Yo! Sup pal?  You said to email you that night...about a week ago...which I did and I haven't heard back from you! Hope all is well and hope to hear from you soon.

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