It's been a few days since I updated this blog. We have been here at Paradise Village Marina for a longer than we had intended. We have had some more mundane experiences as we get ready for the next move. It was time for my dermatology check-up. I found a great young woman doctor who did a very thorough check. She of course found things to burn off and biopsies to take. Fortunately is was only Basal Cell and not Melanoma.

We are trying to get the boat ready. It is decision time. Insurance requires that we are above La Paz, here in Banderas Bay or into the South Pacific by hurricane season. We feel that by the time we continue south for a few weeks, we will have seen a great deal of Mexico, both on the coast and inland. We are leaning towards the South Pacific. We have gone to a seminar for the Puddle Jump. This is a rally of boats that leave from many places at many times, but all head for the South Pacific. It would require finding at least one crew member to divide the watch. We have a couple of possibilities. It's a big step. Mexico is very hot and humid in the summer, both in the Sea of Cortez and here in Banderas Bay. Without airconditioning (we could put it in), we would be uncomfortable. It's a big decision because then you have to decide where to go next. New Zealand makes the most sense.

There have been many chores to do, but we feel we have made some big strides ahead. All 10 portlights are finished and gleeming in the sun. You can see some pictures on the blog. This has been a two year project. Anyone who has replaced portlights knows just how challenging and time consuming it can be. Then it was time to varnish. If the portlights gleem, the rails need to do so too:-) She looks very pretty.

The Vallarta Yacht Club has lots of interesting things to see and do. We have gone to hear a jazz concert and a presentation on the humpback whales that are mating in this bay a this very moment. You can see mothers and babies and lots of activity. The presenter was terrific. They even had super bowl so all of us boaters who don't have TV could enjoy it.

A real joy was the turtle release. They lay their eggs on the beach here in this bay. They had been endangered, but through the work of volunteers they are carefully relocating the eggs and allowing the turtles to hatch away from predators. They keep them up to 24 hours and release them at night when the birds can't see them and the fish don't see their shadows in the water. It was a great experience. Once again, check the blog to get the whole experience. Here are the two url's for the videos: http://youtu.be/DMjeRgFHPFw and http://youtu.be/b9SXup8vAms It was really lots of fun. We will be leaving in the next couple of days for points south. Probably not farther than Manzanillo. Mostly will be at anchor so internet connections will be limited. This is a big month, as Parker turns 3 and Jim and Cathy have an anniversary. Congratulations all around. Lots of buddies in this boating community. The Watsons left last week to go south, the Reeds and the Backus' leave tomorrow. We will follow soon.