Our 2nd Season in Mexico Begins!

On our way!  Douglas has a very comfortable bed in the backseat of the Truck 

We left our home on September 29th to drive to Mazatlan, Mexico. It's approximately a 4000 km drive and we felt it would be well worth the cost and time to do it. First it would give us an opportunity to see some interesting scenery in the United States (i.e. Washington, Oregon, California and Arizona), then in Mexico (i.e. Sonora and Sinaloa). Second it would provide us with access to our vehicle during our stay, and third, we felt it would also provide us with the opportunity to fill our vehicle with supplies needed for this season, as well as the ability to take some no longer required supplies off the boat when we return home.

On the way here we stayed 2 nights each in Portland, San Francisco and San Diego, then 1 night in Nogales, Arizona (near Tucson) , then another night in Navojoa, Mexico. We arrived in Mazatlan late in the evening on Tuesday, October 6th. The drive was very good and yes, it was long too. We picked up some pre-ordered boat supplies in Portland then visited with friends in San Francisco, Tanya and Scott, who recently left their home on Salt Spring Island to sail their boat to Mexico.  They made us delicious chicken tacos aboard their boat, Kialoa, then we watched the sun go down from their cockpit. It was really lovely.  San Francisco and San Diego were both experiencing a heat wave during our stay so we were told temperatures were 20 degrees warmer than normal.

The scenery on the drive down was lovely, with lots of very good rest stops all throughout Washington, Oregon, California and Arizona. They offered full service washrooms with lots of green space, vending machines, picnic tables and pet relief areas, which Douglas very much appreciated.  Once we arrived in Mexico though the only rest stops were at the Government operated Pemex fuel stations.  We were very surprised to see how green and lush Sinaloa is right now, but it does make sense since summer is their rainy season.

We were happy to finally arrive in Mazatlan after the 4000 km drive. I have to say it's very hot and humid here right now. Today the high is 31C but feels like 39 C, due to the 94% humidity. We are thankful we brought a good portable air conditioner down with us as it's the only way we are able to sleep at night. For future seasons we will return to Mexico a little later, to avoid this intense heat.  It was necessary for us to arrive a little sooner this season to prepare our boat for haul out on October 31st. We have arranged to have the boat bottom sanded and painted, as well as a few other minor projects done.  While the boat is being worked on we will either move into a nearby Motel in Mazatlan, or take a drive to Puerto Vallarta for a few days (about 450 kms away by car). We haven't firmed up exactly what we will do just yet, but will do so very soon.

We have settled back into life here nicely. Kim and I had haircuts at Gabby's Salon then I had a pedicure too.  Total cost was 240 pesos (about $19 Canadian) which included washing my hair and putting a braid in it afterwards.  Douglas was welcome at the Salon and received lots of attention from the staff too.

Douglas having a nap at Gabby's Salon

Douglas getting lots of attention from the Staff at Gabby's Salon, and soaking it up too!

We fill our days and nights by taking walks on the beach, hopping in the pool several times a day to cool off, playing pool volleyball, watching movies by the pool under the stars, taking siestas as needed, working on the never ending list of boat projects, and catching up with the many friends we met here last season. This Sunday we are planning to drive to a nearby town called El Quelite for lunch.  Our friends, Eva and Rene, will join us.  We are finding it very handy to have our vehicle here to pick-up groceries, run errands and sight see too!

Douglas enjoying a nearby Tidal Pool on the Beach in Mazatlan

Once the boat work is completed (mid November) our plans are to sail to Puerto Vallarta to the Paradise Village Resort, then on to the Marina at La Cruz (both are in Banderos Bay about 20 miles apart).  It will take us about 40 hours to sail there non-stop. We plan to stay there for approximately 2 months, then return to Mazatlan until the end of March when we will begin our trip (drive) home.  We are expecting family members to join us in both Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan, which is wonderful.

That's about all our news for now. Hope you are keeping well.  Take care and stay warm!