We departed Mazatlan on 10 March, and had a fairly pleasant 3 day run, crossing between the Baja peninsula and mainland Mexico for the 6th time. Coming out of Mazatlan, we were able to sail a light south wind on a beam reach for about 60 nm before the winds died and we started up the engine.
This guy followed us for hours, he must have been lost in the middle of the sea
A marlin jumping out of the water!
Instead of heading straight for La Paz, we spent a couple of nights anchored out, enjoying the beautiful scenery and clear blue waters of the Baja. We anchored in Bahia San Gabriel on 12 March, but after an uncomfortable night of southerly Coromuel winds (and paying out anchor rode at 2am on a plunging foredeck...), we moved to Puerto Balandra. The clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches of this perfect anchorage inspired many photos of the lovely AEOLI in the idyllic setting.
On 14 March, we headed to the Marina Costa Baja in La Paz to rendezvous with the Negilskis for a much anticipated family get together.
You know you're getting close to the Costa Baja when you start seeing the mega yachts...
We spent 9 days in Mazatlan enjoying the Carnival festivities (3rd
largest in the world!) and the beautiful city of Mazatlan. Carnival was not as rowdy as we expected, really more of a family affair with young children, older people, and a huge low-key crowd enjoying the festivities.
Fireworks
Who's that Pacifico girl?
Our new friends Eddie and Chris from Four Sisters
The Parade
Finally getting to try the Tostilocos (a bag of Tostitos with ceviche added)
We had a great dinner at a restaurant along the malecon and watched the parade from the patio, much nicer than standing in the crowds on the street
This guy holding up the parade while doing as many push-ups as possible...
Bullfight
The bullfight stadium was packed, and despite being such a gruesome event (to Canadian and American eyes), there were only a handful of Mexican teenage hipsters outside protesting. The bullfight consisted of 3 different events: a matador bullfight, an equestrian bullfight, and a group of young matadors swarming a bull together. All with flair and music! (note: pictures and videos of
the bullfight are not for the faint of heart).
Plaza de Toros
Matador vs. bull
Just before the kill...
Just after the kill...
Which of course makes you want some popcorn...
Equestrian vs. bull
Bull charging the line of young matadors
Once we had recovered from Carnival, we spent several days in and around Old
Mazatlan. We enjoyed a walking tour of Centro Historico with Phil of S/V Barlavento. The architecture is beautiful, and the area is filled
with great restaurants, museums, and cultural events. The view of the
city from the top of Cerro Creston, where the El Faro lighthouse is located, is
worth the hike. After spending some time
in the city, we understood why Mazatlan is a cruiser favourite.
Mercado Central
Catedral Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion
Ash Wednesday
Quaint architecture and the ubiquitous golf-cart-turned-taxi-cab
Teatro Angela Peralta
Machado Museum
Lovely restaurants all around Machado Square
View of the city from the top of the Freeman Hotel
Playa Olas Altas
International guitar festival
The richest gelato you will ever eat!
View of Mazatlan from El Faro lighthouse
Solamente hoy. Mañana no hay tacos o cerveza.
We departed Mazatlan on 10 March and had an easy 53 hour run across the Sea
of Cortez back to the Baja.
