Sunset over la Paz
11 February 2014 | la Paz
Eduardo/perfecto
Hola,
This past Sunday Barb and I took a few layers of salt from the bikes we brought down on our trip and rode the Malecon in town which is a 4 mile stretch of tiled walk-way along the waterfront. Sunday is family day and the locals were out in force, family picnics and kids everywhere. Mexican families seem to really enjoy each others company and you frequently see at least three generations spending the day together.
Last week we sailed the 12 or so miles to Isla Espiritu Santo and anchored in Bahia San Gabriel which is a beautiful crescent shaped 4 mile beach. We hiked the hour and half hike through a saguaro forest over to the other side, Bahia Bonanza. The frigate birds were nesting in the mangroves and it is their mating season. Watching the males showing off, trying their best to impress the ladies was entertaining and interesting. Seems that is not a species specific activity.
We have met many interesting couples with great life stories. Our immediate neighbors just sold their home in Malibu and are here on their 44 Hardin. He has an amazing resume as a composer. Ever hear the anthem from "Rocky" or the soundtrack from tv's "Star Trek". How about "Good Will Hunting"? Another couple took delivery on their Lagoon 46 catamaran in France and simply sailed her here to la Paz. Makes our trip look rather small. They are former winery owners from Placerville and one of Californias first wineries to grow organically produced grapes. Everyone we have met could not be more welcoming; both cruisers and Mexicans. It is a real treat to go exploring in town and get directions from locals who, although we don't understand much of what each other is saying, somehow find a way to communicate. By the way, if you have not been to la Paz, it is a real Mexican city, not a south of the border Orange County as is Cabo. The contrast could not be more evident.
Toward this next weekend we, along with the Hardin owners, are going to buddy boat up north for awhile. We will be out for a week or so and they a couple of weeks. We plan on a different anchorage each night. One place I want to visit is called Los Islotes. It is there that people swim with the friendly colony of sea lions. I am not much for swimming in winters' cold water but may give it a shot.
Barb is enjoying our adventure, those who were concerned about retirement on her part, I think it safe to say, should not worry. Barb, as you know, being more social than I, has made really fun and interesting friends.
On the 28th of this month we head back to Santa Barbara and see Zach, Anne, Steve and the girls. Anne has planned a win/win scenario; we have a place to stay (their house), we watch the girls while they trot off to Hawaii for a few days. I return to la Paz on 3/10 while Barb goes to Ohio until 3/18 to see her Mom (90) and my Dad (95).
Barb has promised to post the next blog after we return in a week or so.
Hello to everyone.
Eduardo