We arrived in La Cruz, got anchored by 4:30 pm put the dinghy in the water and went into town. It was Saturday Night and Philo’s was a rockin’! We had beer and pizza for dinner (can’t remember the last time we had that) and great live music entertainment.
We also ran into Kit and Debbie - the couple who had left to go cruising in October of 2006 and Santorini got their vacant slip. They were SO EXCITED to see us. They said that so many people “talk” about going cruising, but so few actually DO IT.
We spent three nights at anchor, a bit rolly at times but mostly quiet. Then we took a slip at the marina for three more nights to charge our batteries, do laundry, etc. It was also nice because Mark could come and go as he pleased without needing us to transport him in the dinghy.
We were surprised at how much the monthly slip fees were, especially since they don’t offer potable water. The marina was pretty empty. We were also told that they increase prices dramatically during high season so a lot of boats go out to the anchorage during those months. Why not keep prices the same and keep more boats in the marina???
Philo’s was closed on Sunday and Monday but we found a great restaurant owned by Joe from Seattle: Live jazz music with a yummy Sunday brunch served up in an elegant tropical patio setting. I alas, was searching for a sports bar to watch my beloved Minnesota Vikings – hopefully with WIFI. No Problem! We asked and Joe set us up in our very own private sports bar WITH wifi. He hadn’t opened it yet because the bar and other furniture wasn’t finished being made yet.
The Vikes lost and looked utterly miserable – but the food, service and atmosphere were unbelievable. Tuesday Night we went to the English Pub “Brigadoon” which was across the street from Joe's place, because we heard they had an awesome Open Mic night. Incredible musical talent is quite prevalent in La Cruz.
Before going into the La Cruz Marina I decided to go to Nuevo Vallarta by bus to check out Paradise Village Marina. I must have walked about 5 miles after I got off the bus – not realizing how far it was. I finally arrived at the Vallarta Yacht Club, tired thirsty and hungry after such a long walk. It was nice. I had a yummy chicken tostada salad and a couple of cold beers to regain my strength.
The Marina Complex, however, was way too “Disney” for our tastes. They did at least offer potable water, but our water maker was working just fine so it wasn’t that important so we decided to stay in La Cruz. It was a much better vibe.
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving Kit and Debbie took and 8 of us cruisers on a shopping extravaganza in their motor home. We provisioned at Costco, Sam’s Club, Home Depot, Zaragoza (marine supply) and Mega Foods. I met Larry on Hobo who was also continuing south with his wife the next day. We spent Thanksgiving at Philo’s. It was pot luck, with them providing the turkeys and again the music rocked.
We left on Friday to head south of Cabo Coriente, on to Chamela.