Whales, whales everywhere!
11 January 2009 | En route to Chacala
VC

Well I know this doesn't look like much, but it gets better if you zoom in. We had seen several humpbacks on the way down to Chacala from San Blas blowing and splashing at various distances from the boat. Then as we were coming into Chacala Bay these two came directly towards us and then passed us within photo taking distance. Unless they are leaping out of the water, whale photos tend to be unremarkable, but here it is anyway.
Chacala is lovely. Google it and you will see what I mean. It is being somewhat developed, mainly by retired American and rich Mexican people, but on the whole the houses and few small hotels are pretty eco-friendly and not ostentatious or out of place. The beach is beautiful too with few people on it except at the weekend when it gets a little busier. Lots of little beach side restaurants; all palapa covered from the sun. The village is basic and only has one dirt road through. Long may that last! Sleepy and quiet is good as far as we are concerned. We may stay here a week or so, not sure yet and then continue on to Jaltemba or Rincon de Guayabitos. From there we go on to Punta Mita and a very brief stop in the flesh pot of Puerto Vallarta because we have to go to the marine supply store there for a few things like varnish and line. We are thanking our lucky stars that we have such a simple boat, no water maker, no pumps and better than anything no smelly holding tank. Twelve boats have been in Chacala the last four days and four of those had problems with their water makers or automatic pumps.
Our tip for 2009 - downsize and simplify everything.