Chacala

We arrived at the oceanfront town of Chacala, population about 300, on November 27. From the anchorage, this is a picture perfect tropical paradise.

Going ashore requires first extending two air filled tires on the stern of the dinghy, then (not) riding a wave as it breaks just offshore. If it is done right, just as the bow of the dinghy touches the bottom, everyone jumps out into 2-3 feet of warm ocean and pulls the dinghy ashore ...BEFORE the next wave comes from behind and swamps you. If done wrong, you will ride the face of the wave you neglected to stay well ahead of and very likely be swamped by that wave as you near shore. Practice, practice.

Ashore are several palapas (thatch roofed restaurants) waiting to serve Mexican breakfast, lunch and dinner. A scattering of small stores has minimal necessities for restocking boat supplies. I asked the owner of the palapa with wi fi service, where we spent the warmest part of each day, to get me some chicken for the boat. She sold me eight 1/2 chickens for about $2 per pound. They're in the freezer now.

We are daily joined ashore by the crews of several other boats here with us: La Sirena, Capricorn Cat and Jake among them.