La Paz to Mazatlan

Expecting a few days of rest and relaxation in La Paz, the next day we had a look at the weather forecast for crossing the Sea of Cortez to the mainland side. A strong northerly was showing up on all the weather models and we realized that if we did not want to pinned to the Baja side we had better make a run for it and get ourselves out in front of the coming winds.

So a day and a half after arriving in La Paz it was off to the supermercado for provisions and then up with the anchor. With an afternoon departure we would be two nights and one day at sea, aiming for a morning arrival in Mazatlan.  Up until now Alice and I had not done an overnight trip on our own without extra crew on board, so this would in fact also be a rite of passage. Stakes were high as I could see in Alice's eyes that there might be a marriage on the line...

But in the end the weather gods decided that ours was a marriage still worth preserving.  The fishing was good on the way out with two Spanish mackerel brought in (we are starting to not feel like total fishing amateurs now). As night was coming on we had a beautiful fast beam reach for the first 8 hours, then about 24 of motoring, followed by more reaching conditions to finish with a 7am arrival just as the sun was rising in purple colors over the city skyline.

We celebrated the morning with  stiff margaritas and a renewal of our marriage vows. Well that last part is a lie, but it is true that the husband was pleased not to see any daggers in his spouse's eyes.

Then it was time for a long nap. Two hours on two hours off night watches take the stuffing out of a body.

Tied up to the dock at El Cid Marina we now have 4 days of luxurious poolside relaxation. Lucky folks we are indeed.

Caught 2 Spanish Mackerel underway.

Skyline of Mazatlan at sunrise.

Celebratory breakfast margarita at El Cid Marina.    We made it!

I love this place.

Sights of Old Mazatlan.