10th December, 2023

Through the Years

It was ten years ago when Jay and I finally untied the lines and set sail for places unknown. I couldn’t help but reflect as we walked down the dock at Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta this past Thanksgiving weekend. We began our cruise out of Channel Islands Marina in Oxnard, California, although it felt like it really began when we left San Diego and headed for Mexico. We had sailed southern California many times, but not in Mexican waters. At least, I hadn’t. Jay had as he bought Cadenza in La Paz. For me, this part of the journey was new and exciting and a little bit scary if I’m honest.

We arrived in Ensenada in the middle of the night with transmission problems. It’s not a great way to start a trip. But we rallied. I remember being at the helm as we headed into the bay. It was a beautiful sight; land covered with twinkling lights. We had only planned on staying in Ensenada for a few days but ended up staying three weeks while the transmission got fixed. It was a good introduction to Mexico.

Mexico is full of color. The people are warm and welcoming and have a great sense of humor. There is music playing everywhere. And the fish tacos! So good. And inexpensive too. We were directed to the best street tacos and after walking in the hot sun for what seemed like miles of twists and turns, we found THE taco cart. You know the food is good when there are lines of Mexican nationals waiting for their turn.

Traveling down the Baja coast was probably the most adventurous part of our cruise. There are so many remote anchorages with tiny villages. Sometimes we had to sail straight through for one or two nights at a time without stopping.  And night sailing, while romantic and bewitching, can also be challenging and scary.

We took our time and spent an entire month sailing down the coast before arriving at San Jose del Cabo. We explored the communities, bonded with other cruisers, and learned to exist on our own. We fished, watched marine life, and marveled at the moon. It was wonderful.

But that was only the beginning.

Since then, we have sailed the Sea of Cortez where the water is a clear turquoise and the sand a bristling white against a desert terrain. Quite unique. Once while anchored at Bahia San Gabriel, dozens of dolphins swam into the bay. I got into my kayak and paddled amongst them. What a treat to be so close to this special species.

We crossed over to Mazatlán and if you haven’t been, you must go to Old Town. It hosts hundreds of historical landmarks boasting the beauty of their architecture. The art is abundant and exquisite. And don’t miss Angela Peralta Theater. Jay and I went to a performance there. We were impressed with the music, both the orchestra and opera singers. The building itself is an architectural wonder.

From Mazatlán, we sailed south as far as Zihuatanejo. So many different adventures. Too many to recount. Along the way, we decided to keep our boat at Paradise Village Marina. It is first-rate and convenient to fly in and out of Puerto Vallarta. Plus, Banderas Bay is one of our favorite places to sail. There is almost always a good 15-knot wind and flat seas. Not to mention the daily visit from the whales. We love the diversity of the surrounding towns and the lush green jungle rising along the mountains. It is from this location that we continue to cruise year after year.

Anniversaries are a way to celebrate important milestones in one’s life. I am one lucky girl.

Leaving Channel Islands Marina 2013

Cadenza in Barra de Navidad, Mexico

Cadenza at anchor