The Town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

These are the ritzy villas on the hill to the east side of La Cruz.

At first light on Monday we saw the mountains of Punta Mita in the distance, passed by the Islas Tres Marietas, aware of the unmarked rocks that are charted to be in the passage. Another 25 miles and we were into the Bay of Banderas by 9am. We headed to the anchorage that we have heard so much about off of the marina and town of La Cruz (de Huanacaxtle). We are well anchored with about 15 other boats. There is some swell, but not uncomfortable.

This poor guy washed up on the deck during the passage to PV

This is the breakwater just beyond which we are anchored.

The breakwater has incorporated these cool sculptural castings -- made from giant dixie cups?

One of our neighboring boats has not had human residents for quite some time it seems.

It's cool off time!

The weather is … HUMID. The sun doesn’t really break completely through the overcast sky. We both felt exhausted and spent the rest of Monday napping, resting, and staying cool by jumping in the water. At 88 degrees it barely reduces your body temperature, but the cool rinse off with the shower at the transom is refreshing. The fans in the boat are wonderful -- one in the galley, at the salon table, at each of the bunks. Again, we feel so lucky that Solar Wind came equipped for tropical cruising including the window sunscreens, fans, shade covers, etc, etc. that we might not have ever thought we would need from our NW sailing experience.

Nightly sunset over Punta Mita

By Tuesday morning we started to feel like waking up and we spent the afternoon and evening exploring the town of La Cruz on foot. With the building of a new marina, La Cruz has been discovered by cruisers, and land-based ex-pats who have been opening restaurants, charting businesses, and building colorful homes off the cobblestone streets just up from the beach. To the north are the resort areas of Salulita and Punta Mita, just to the south is the small beach town of Bucerias. and beyond, around the curve of the large bay are the lights of Puerto Vallarta. These are all connected by modern and inexpensive buses. We plan to stay at least a few more days. It is a very secure feeling anchorage (and free lodging) with the adjacent towns accessible and friendly.

A risky crossing on the Marina driveway

Here are some photos from our self-guided walking tour of La Cruz. There are so many wonderful scenes. We love the blend of old and new, of wild life and cultural life. We continue to practice our Spanish. Some days feel like we are sliding backwards, but on some level the language must be sinking in… Here is the wonderful mix that is La Cruz: