On Safari
20 November 2015 | La Manzanilla, Jalisco, MX
Having spent two peaceful days at anchor in the northern anchorage we decided it was time to discover what other delights could be found in Bahia Tenacatita. Stuart had read about an anchorage called the 'Aquarium', renowned for its clear blue water and perfect snorkelling. Of course it was on my bucket list too and so we upped anchor and set off to the entrance of the bay where Playa Tenacatita lies, sheltered by rocky islets . As we made our approach, the seas became increasingly rolly, to the extent that I had to rescue the expresso machine and orange press, always a good measure of sea conditions. Now, my opinion may be old school, but when such measures need to be taken, I am unsure as to the quality of the snorkelling. Added to this, the beach at Playa Tenacatita looked as if it was a war zone. Patricia had stripped the palms bare and all the roofs of their tiles or palm fronds. It would be a few weeks before these hotels, restaurants and palapa bars would be open again.
Instead of the Aquarium, we decided to cross the bay to La Manzanilla, a colourful little town on the southern shore. Through our binoculars, we had spotted the colourful buildings lining the beach, making this little town look exceeding tempting. Of course there was a surf landing to consider but at least the galley could be put back to rights.
Here in La Manzanilla, Patricia had made work for many by way of rebuilding walls, palapa roofs and clearing the beach of rocks thrown up by the storm surge. Sadly much of the white sand beach had been washed away but the colourful buildings along the shore made up to some extent for its loss.
We kayaked ashore without mishap and soon decided to stay forever. After a refreshing jugo naranja for me and Corona for Stuart we were ready to explore. We had read about the crocodile sanctuary at the end of the town, where crocodiles can be viewed in their natural habitat, whist fenced in safely from the town. We found the fence, with several large holes and pondered momentarily upon the health and safety aspects of such a fence. Now, whether the hurricane or poor custodianship were to blame but we didn't need to pay our 25 pesos to see these incredibly prehistoric creatures. Spotting a crocodile sunning itself on the beach was quite surprising but thankfully, we ascertained that no La Manzanilla child had been sacrificed for its freedom. We did, however, feel doubtful about dining in the restaurant adjacent. When we asked, the locals shrugged their shoulders and told us it is hard to keep them in!