Sound Effect does the big U

14 November 2012
23 April 2012 | Punta Gorda
13 April 2012 | Gasparilla
12 April 2012 | Gasparilla Marina
04 April 2012 | Gasparilla marina
03 April 2012 | Gasparilla Marina
01 April 2012 | Gasparilla Marina florida
30 March 2012 | Gasparilla Marina
27 March 2012 | Gasparilla Marina
21 March 2012 | Gasparilla Marina
13 March 2012
12 March 2012
10 March 2012 | Cancun area
09 March 2012 | Quintana Roo
07 March 2012 | El Cid
03 March 2012 | Marina El Cid
03 March 2012 | Puerto Morales
01 March 2012 | Puerto Morales Mexico
28 February 2012
24 February 2012 | Texan Bay

Ek Balam

13 March 2012
Ek Balam was our final Mayan site of the trip, so got up early, did Church and breakfast, and off to the site. We arrived early enough as this is not a major attraction. However it is a wonderful small city with probably some of the best bas relief carvings still intact. The picture is looking down from this temple which obviously you are still allowed to climb. This climb goes back to our theme of personal responsibility if you fall its your fault! Connie wouldnt go to the top but I did and the view was spectacular. You could probably see thirty miles, flat as a table top so any bump in the landscape is probably a temple not discovered yet.
We left here, and drove toward Cancun on the "toll" road. It was recommended and it was flat, straight and no one was on it. In 3 hours of driving we saw 5 cars!. Then we hit the toll booth and found out why. It was over $20 US for the privelege to use this road. No exits, no services nada!
In the afternoon we took in the Playa del Carmen strip. This is a closed off street with sunglass, tee shirt, jewelry and food vendors each trying harder than the last to get you to buy. We had enough in short order and drove back to the boat.
Now we are awaitng a weather window to cross to Florida. About 425 miles so we need 3-4 days to be sure. Once again it will be an uphill slog, oh how I miss down wind sailing..... just a memory.
Comments
Vessel Name: Sound Effect
Vessel Make/Model: Dufour385
Hailing Port: Tacoma WA
Crew: Jim & Connie Merritt
About: Jim and Connie have been sailing since 1975 and have owned four different boats. Racing and cruising Puget Sound Jim has earned a 100 Ton Coast Guard License and US sailing instructor credentials
Extra: Dreaming about full time cruising for20yrs, Jim and Connie have been actively planning for 5 years since participating in the 2005 BaJa Ha Ha

Who: Jim & Connie Merritt
Port: Tacoma WA