Wow, how time flies. I got into Puerto Escondido last Tuesday after a great sail up from Agua Verde. Actually the very first part of that leg I saw winds over 25 knots and enough wind chop that water was coming over the bow. But it settled down and turned into a nice sail.

I had met Si Bon, Steve, from San Diego and his current crew Tom the day before. They were unsure of the pass and followed me through. There are quite few islands and reefs around but the guide books, especially Shawn and Heather�'s provide the navigational info you need.

Karen arrived Thursday. Getting from La Cruz to Puerto Escondido is not as easy as you might think. Two planes, three stops, an overnight in La Paz (because of timing) and then a 4-1/2 hour bus trip that lets you out in the desert. Luckily I timed it right and met Karen alongside the highway and we managed to get a ride to Tripui before getting another ride to the marina.

This area is pretty remote but the people that live in the area are all very friendly and helpful with rides. I�'ve only had to pay for one cab back from Loreto. Meeting other cruisers, locals, and even a rancher from Agua Verde along the way is very interesting. The trip with Salvador the rancher was particularly fun. He told us of his family and ranch in Agua Verde. How the two years of draught has produced no grass for his cows and how they really need rain this year for his cattle to survive.

We've been doing some provisioning, hiking, and even lounging around the pool at the "resort" in Tripui. I"ll add some more pictures to the Puerto Escondido folder when I get some better internet.

Sirocco is back in PE but some of our other friends are still South. Don�'t know if they will catch up before we head out again, probably Monday or Tuesday.