Great news!
Our regulator and alternator problems are fixed.

Sunday, December 16, at 1500 hours, we departed Mazatlan for Isla Isabel (known as the "Galapagos of Mexico"). Another overnight trip, as we planned it to arrive at Isla Isabel at daybreak to make navigating and anchoring at the Isla easier.

Monday, December 17, we arrive at Isla Isabel 0630 hours, just in time for the beautiful sunrise off the island. Thousands of Frigates filled the sky and humpback whales surrounded us, making for a warm welcome.

Only two anchorages off the island; one is notorious for losing your anchor to the rocks below; the other is very rolly. We opted for the rolly anchorage, off the beach where the blue footed boobies breed.

Isla Isabel formed by volcanic action, is a protected island and run by Mexico's National Parque. The iguanas, Frigates and boobies rule the roost. No predators.

We took our dinghy over to the research center, where the resident scientists and biologists were studying sharks. Sharks!? I wanted to go for a swim later!

My first impression of the island was a mini Jurassic Park. Iguanas were at every step I took. Other reptilians of all sizes scurried around. The male frigates were very active, puffing out their red chests to attract a female. The brown boobies were breeding on this side of the island. What an orchestra of Jurassic noise.

Once back to the east side of the island, where we anchored, we took the dinghy to the shore, where the blue footed boobies breed. What silly birds boobies are! Their long necks and big blue feet make for quite a look as they almost "penguin" walk to pick up those big blue feet. We got as close as we could without disturbing their natural activities and habitat. I was grateful to have my little telephoto camera with me.

Back to the boat for a swim. I had since forgotten about the shark studies at the south side of the island. The water was delightful, clear aqua blue and warm. We put on our snorkel gear to give Pinocchio's bottom a quick check and cleaning.

Humpback whales stayed just offshore of us. Breaching, tail slapping a providing us entertainment for hours.

As evening rolled around, so did the roll in the anchorage, making for a sleepless night, but it was all worth it!