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From La Paz we retraced our route.  La Paz to Muertos, Muertos to Frailles.  It was very different to see those two anchoragges so empty of boats.  Fewer than a half dozen in either location including power boats. Totally opposite traveling with the baja boats when it was difficult to find a good spot to anchor.  We had our choice of spots which somehow made anchoring appear more difficult. The little cantina in Muertos only had 3 customers all evening.

We had a great trip from Ensenada de Los Muertos to Puerto  Vallarta. We left on the tail end of a norther and flew across for the first  day, sailing at 6-8 knots in 10-20 knots of wind. Full main and 140 furling head sail. Seas were about a meter, pushing us along, surfing above hull  speed. Otto has began to fail us—so we spent a couple of hours hand steering till Michael could finish installing the lines to the monitor.  Monitor  loved the beam reach after I figured out a few adjustments.  Later when the wind died, Michael managed to rig up a bungie cord which made Otto happy….

The watches were pretty easy. Michael took 8-10 p.m. Jan 10 to midnight.  Then the night was split between w/Michael midnight to 4 a.m, Jan and Jordy-4:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.  For some reason Jordy was intent on the morning watch, althought she could have stayed in bed-must have been the lure of those wonderfully colorful sunrises!  We didn’t see any other boats. Second day, Winds fell, seas calmed and it was motoring time. First we motor sailed and then, for the last 18 hours or so, used the motor alone as the wind shifted south and lightened to about 2-6 knots.

During the trip, we saw rays jump out of the water as if trying to fly, putting on a show that lasted for a while. We were also treated to playtime by a huge group of porpoises, jumping and moving  across the bow. There seemed to be dozens.  Everytime it looked like they were gone another group arrived-amazing how large they are and how fast they swim.

It was a red letter trip in a couple ways.  First, Jan was able to stand watches despite her recovering foot injury. That was great! Especially for the aging captain. Second, Jordy learned to do her business on the foredeck. Michael took her forward on the leash they always use for walks, waved a green poop bag at her a few times, and that was it. Such a smart dog!

In all a most marvelous trip—we had estimated 60 hours at sea and arrived in a little over 50.  Conditions were calm enough Jan got two loafs of bread baked-one sandwich loaf—one cinammon raisin bread.  Love the Mexican Chips and Guacamole—their sandwich bread not so much!

Staying at Paradise Village—all the privilages of a 5 star resort-including a swimming beach and several restaurants and pools—all for under $25 per day!

We are now sitting at the pool…