The reason we've been here in Banderas Bay for so long is due to the fact that three weeks ago I applied for my Mexican Temporary Resident card (FM-3). I was told that it would take 2-3 weeks to be processed. Today I went to the local Mexican immigration office, was finger printed and issued my FM-3... making me a temporary resident of Mexico. There were many reasons for my decision to become a resident of Mexico, the biggest benefit is that I no longer need to return to the US every 6 months to be reissued a tourist visa...as I am no longer a tourist here. I'm sure that most of my Mexican friends will still consider me a tourist just the same.
Since we had to wait around the general vicinity anyway, we decided to make the most of it and have been busy exploring the beautiful Banderas Bay. On Monday we departed Puerto Vallarta and sailed over to Yalapa (pic) for a couple of days. Yalapa has no road access, everything there must be brought in by either boat or mule. We hiked through the towns VERY narrow streets and up to a cool waterfall. As always I was amazed at how friendly the townspeople were as they pointed us in the right direction towards the waterfall.
We are now back on the hook (anchor) in La Cruz and will be busy, busy, busy, getting ready to leave Banderas Bay next week and continue south. At this time we are planning on staying in Mexico for the remainder of this year...subject to change of course.