Barra, Chamela and off to Banderas Bay
22 March 2013 | La Cruz Anchorage
Darrell
We had a beautiful downwind run from Tenacatita to Chamela. The weather was awsome as well. We even caught a couple of Jack Creval's (about 22lbs or so) but we tossed them back. The meat is really dark and they are bloody as mammals. We managed to roll into the anchorage around 4pm and get anchored. Nicki and I tried to get into the beach to grab some provisions but the surf breaking at 6 feet so we decided to wait until morning. Man is that a rolly anchorage, and it got worse as the night progressed. As the wind picked up the Mexican Navy rolled in and anchored. I have not checked the photo's yet but I think it's the same boat that anchored next to us in Tenacatita in December.
The next morning we got the dinghy out and headed for shore. The surf was not any different than the night before. We are either getting better or we got lucky but we managed to get to the beach without being swamped, rolled or just flat out sunk... not so for a couple of guys behind us (pictures to follow). The town is very cute and mexican with traditional tienda and carnicerita shopping we have come to prefer. The town square was also pretty nice. We grabbed our supplies and headed back. A local hombre helped us get out, he saw us help the 2 guys right their dinghy and get it to shore. We appreciated the help now that we had a load.
One of the 'goals' Jim and I had for Chamela was to scuba the islands in the harbor. Between the swell, the murky water and the drop in water temperature we scrapped that plan but decided to move the boats out the islands for a day trip, possibly staying the night if it was calmer. We ended up with 2 other boats in a our caravan, Sweet Caroline and I didn't get the other boat name. The islands ended up being just as rolly but the beach was great. We even got Marcus off the boat and did a little hiking. Jim bought up the idea of just leaving for Banderas Bay instead of staying one more night. We all agreed so it was back to the boats, a quick dinner and up anchor at 6 pm.