After leaving Mazatlan I bypassed Isla Isabella and San Blas to go straight to Chacala so I could get a good Mahi-Mahi dinner and be in the comfort of the tropics. I was not disappointed as the weather was a little better and the Filete de Pescado Veracruzano style was the best since arriving back in Mexico. It also doesn't hurt to be having your delicious dinner in a nice palapa on the beach with all the pleasant viewing that goes with it. It is still Navidad and Ano Nuevo vacation time and the place is busy. After spending only one night in Chacala I sailed over to La Cruz (Puerto Vallarta) to anchor for a couple days while I resupplied at Costco. On the sail over I saw breaching Humpbacks and some Blue whales playing with a panga full of whale watchers. Then a large group of dolphins surrounded me....I love it when there is so much sea life around while on passage. After spending 2 rolly nights in La Cruz and getting all my goodies (Jelly-Bellys, etc.) I headed out for Barra de Navidad not knowing whether I would stop at Ipala or Chamela for a nights rest. I ended up sailing straight through because the winds were perfect, if not a little stiff, to go the entire passage. I did it in 22 hours from pulling anchor in La Cruz to parking outside of Barra waiting for sunrise. It was such a fast passage that I had to slow down and wait for light to enter the lagoon. The photo is of sunrise right outside Barra. Oh yeah, on the sail down there were more whales and dolphins along the way. Once I got settled in I strolled up the hill to Joannas' house and visited with her make arrangements for the video conference with the schools. Today I was walking in Colomilla (the community where the school is located) and a lady came out of a little lunch type restaurant and said Hi Felipe. It is so nice that the locals recognize me. Then walking down the main street I passed by Pablitos house and there he was in the yard and the look of sincere happiness to see me was so rewarding. Pablito is the boy (about sixth grade) who took care of the keys to the school and would let me in each day I went to work there and then lock it up after I left. They trusted this fifth grader with the keys, but not me. I'll spend a few more days here then sail on up to Santiago/Manzanillo.