We are in route from Huatulco, Mexico to El Salvador. The Tehuantepec is known for vicious winds, so powerful that they can blow giant tanker ships hundreds of miles out to sea. Waiting for a clear weather window is crucial. As we were not the only other sailboat in Huatulco waiting to cross to El Salvador it means we are out here with at least 6 other boats within VHF radio distance which makes for excellent company. We anticipate the 450 or so miles to El Salvador will take us 4 days and 4 nights and will mostly be a motor boat ride. Our route has us keeping 'one foot on the beach', staying around 5 miles off land.

Last night sea conditions were calm and the same conditions continued into the morning. Calm conditions are wonderful but with little to no wind means it is really hot out. Temperatures this afternoon show 101F in the sun, 93F below deck and 90F in the shade. To remain cool in these temps and for a diversion from reading or napping (or counting the hours that pass by) we took a swim break. We stop the boat, throw out a swim line and walk to the bow, jump off the boat and allow the current pull us to the stern to grab the swim line (see picture above). The water has been crystal clear and quite refreshing even at 72F. More to come .