Our Favorite Things, Feliz Santa Semana (Happy Easter), and it's Fools Day even in La Cruz

We seem to be finding every excuse in the book NOT to leave La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. The Sea of Cortez beckons us, we're supposed to hook up with friends in Bahia de Concepcion, and we're keen to spend some quality water and snorkel time in Mexico's aquarium (OK, we want to kill fish and eat them), yet we can't seem to unglue ourselves from this delightful port.

Some (but not all) of the things we like about La Cruz:

Anchoring in the Bahia de La Cruz - it's a big, easy anchorage with room for lots of boats. From this anchorage you have a beautiful view of the entire Banderas Bay, the mountains in the distance across the bay, the lovely beach of nearby Bucerias, and the stark contrast of the condominiums and high-rises of Nuevo Vallarta. It provides excitement too, for it seems that whenever the wind kicks up to 20 knots some boat or buoy invariably drags anchor, causing a flurry of activity as cruiser dinghies and local pangas band together to put things right. A couple of weeks ago, little Duct Tape dragged anchor and ended up on the rocks, and her owners were still inside the boat and didn't even notice until it was too late!

Photo by Julia Siudyla, Pulished in 'Lectronic Latitude

Luckily Duct Tape motored out of the boat yard a couple of days ago so it seems her damage was quickly repaired. On Easter Sunday a buoy that marks a wreck at the harbor entrance decided to go walkabout and we could hear the entire drama on the VHF radio.

Marina Riviera Nayarit - After two weeks of anchoring out we motored into the marina and "Yacht Club" to prep for the Banderas Bay Regatta and to live the good life of hot marina showers and (mostly) good wi-fi. I requested a big, single slip that was easy to back into and they gave us a a terrific location, 11-A4.

The fuel dock is just across from us so when we leave it will be easy to refuel. The security guards are always on duty and very friendly and attentive. They don't have working laundry facilities but do have a laundry pickup service. (Actually there is a huge self-serve laundry facility over at the Fish Market but it has never been opened. All those lovely, unused machines...such a shame.)

Ikuai Sailor Pub - Don't be fooled, this is actually fine dining in an open-air, thatched roof environment, to which the prices will attest. However, this second floor restaurant, located at the marina, has a killer view, good drink selection, good food, and incredibly friendly and attentive staff. The bartender Marisol is one of our favorites as she always has a brilliant smile and friendly word for us. The staff doesn't care if you eat there or just hang out and have a drink, no copping attitudes here.


April Fools doing their thing on April 1 at Ikuai

On Saturday nights they have a great duo, Luna Rumba, that plays very enjoyable Latin Fusion.

Fish Market and Sunday Farmer's Market - The Fish Market is across from the "Yacht Club" over by the fuel dock. Tons of fresh fish and shrimp and other things you might need to prepare your fishy delights. Every Sunday a Farmer's Market sets up along the walkway where you can find lots of things you won't find anywhere else such as a variety of organic food, freshly baked breads, local crafts, arts, and other food and cosmetic items.

Philo's Bar - Not only is the place pleasant and welcoming, it caters to cruisers. For a small fee you can use their Cruiser's Lounge with excellent wi-fi, free coffee and tea, free calls to the U.S., and showers. They even provide the soap and towels. Philo is a musician and there always seems to be some sort of music featured on stage. La Cruz has a huge music scene, but the funny thing is it always seems to be some combination of the nine or so musicians that we always see! We've seen them in various iterations at Philo's, Britannia Pub, Oso's Oyster Bar, and the Sunday Farmer's Market. No matter, we always enjoy the music. 

Octopus's Garden - Great place to hang out and use wi-fi, enjoy their collection of Huichol art (for sale), wonderful patio, stage for live music, salsa lessons, and they have the best coffee in La Cruz. We arrived late for lunch one day (yet another time change screw up) and they made lunch for us anyway! That's a big plus in our book.

YaYa's Cafe - Owner Silvia has created one of the most delightful patio atmospheres we've ever encountered. She keeps the place spotlessly clean. We've heard mixed reviews about the food, but honestly, the breakfast we had was one of the best meals we've had in Banderas Bay. To tell you the truth, after Ensenada and Cabo the food here has been a bit of a disappointment, but the chilaquiles and eggs at YaYa's, along with a big glass of icy, frothy Cafe Frio was one of the most satisfying breakfasts I've had in a long time.

Tom enjoying WiFi, breakfast and Pink Flamingos at YaYa's

Chilaquiles rojos con huevos estrillados...yum!!

Also, best book exchange I've found so far, she's got shelves and shelves of free books.

Anclar Marine - This is the boat maintenance company owned by Merle and Allison of the S/V Kenta Anae berthed just across from us. 

Home to Anclar Marina and the McAssey Family

They are a wealth of local information and advice and they will watch and care for your boat if you leave it in La Cruz for the winter. They are from Canada and home-school their intelligent kids Matero and Shandro. Yesterday the boys were on guard against frigate birds landing on anyone's windex. Are these useful kids or what?

April 2, 20:00, update: Merle and Allison have spent over 24 hours straight coordinating a rescue of a boat that was beached at Nuevo Vallarta. We just heard they finally got the boat floated (a traditional Chinese Junk) and she will be towed somewhere so the her damages can be repaired. Many boats and people participated in this rescue.

Kenta Anae hosts an Easter Dock Party Potluck

Santa Semana - We were warned that all Mexicans head to the beach during the Holy Week that precedes and includes Easter. Ain't that the truth! The beaches are packed, the malecon is filled with families strolling and enjoying the view, temporary Michelada and shrimp coctel stands are set up to satisfy the hungry crowds, and the Tecate Girls are on station at all the big Superstores. I was at the Mega yesterday and the place was pure pandemonium with beer stands, scantily-clad babes, throbbing music, and guys shouting out deals on the loudspeaker. The Road Less Traveled Blog has a brilliant write-up on this holiday phenomenon - And God said..."Let the Beer Flow"!!

The People - Because cruisers are so transient we tend to make acquaintances quickly, or not at all, merely nodding to the same people as they pass by on the dock. However, we have learned that every single person has a story. Some people, like Lynn and Pat (from SCYC) on Cricket, have been cruising for 20 years! Some are young families just getting started. Last night we met a young family on Rebel Heart that is cruising with a little girl, a newborn, and another on the way! We're amazed at all the boats that cruise with kids, most of whom seem to be happy and well-adjusted to the cruising life and hanging out with weird grownups. Charlotte from Rebel Heart did a great blog post on Cruising With Kids.

Little Cora (and dad Eric) from Rebel Heart. I hope we run into this family again.

We even had a visit from "old friends" back in the states when the Waterloos and Dukes drove down from their deluxe vacation resort in Punta de Mita:

There is lots more to like about La Cruz. We hope to come back again next season and discover more Favorite Things.

Wed April 3 Update: It's a miracle! We're leaving La Cruz bound for La Paz. We hope to arrive there in three days. See you then!