Back in the Tropics - Barely
24 November 2013 | Entering Mazatlan
Sunny with some clouds & haze. Winds very light.
Just prior to arriving in Mazatlan, we crossed the Tropic of Cancer for the 3rd time. We are now in the tropics, once again. Mazatlan is just barely across the Tropic of Cancer, and doesn't really seem tropical - perhaps "Tropical Light" is a good descriptor.
The "Tropics" is that region of the globe between the Tropic of Cancer (northern hemisphere) and the Tropic of Capricorn (southern hemisphere). The Tropic of Cancer is the parallel of latitude approximately 23°27 north of the equator. It is the northern boundary of the tropics and marks the northernmost latitude at which the Sun can be seen directly overhead at noon at the peak of summer.
We had hoped to arrive yesterday, but it became clear that we wouldn't arrive until about 10 pm. One of our rules is to avoid entering an unknown port in the dark. So, we slowed down and crept slowly along all night so we could arrive shortly after dawn. Our friends, John & Anita from SV Hilbre had already arranged for our moorage and were waiting to catch dock lines. The photo shows our entry into Mazatlan shortly after dawn. It is always exciting to enter a new port, and a bit anxiety provoking also.
Our radio communication had alerted other friends of our arrival and we soon had a reunion with Hilbre, Hal & Nina, on SV Lunacy and Scott & Connie, on Traveler. Hilbre we met in the Sea of Cortez last summer. Lunacy and Traveler we knew from Ensenada, about a year ago. One of our greatest cruising joys is entering a new harbor and finding old friends from earlier adventures. After we've had some rest, we are eager to catch up on all the news.
It's a Wonderful Life - On Adesso!