Bahia Bandaras to Tenacatita

The run south to Tenacatita and then on to Barra de Navidad would include stops at Ipala and Chamela. The goal was to avoid an overnight passage by making multiple stops.  Last year we made the overnight run both heading south and again when we came north.  It takes a bit longer this way, but is much more relaxing and enjoyable and hey isn't that why were out here doing this.

After leaving Yelapa we headed off shore a few miles to give Cabo Corientes a good wide margin.  The cape is known for its nasty winds and waves and the closer to shore you are the more enhanced it can all be.  For us though it was not to be.  We motored in light wind and light seas.  It was one of our easier passages.  It was a long day though and our stop in Ipala was a welcomed respite.  We arrived just before sunset and after getting the anchor set jumped in for a swim in the now 80 degree water. Dinner and we were off to bed quite early for our run further south to Chamela.

The next morning we were again off at sunrise for yet another long day for the run to Chamela. Enroute we had many whale sittings to keep us invigorated. The coast along this stretch is known as the Happy Coast and it pretty much lived up to that reputation today as we made our way again under motor and light sea conditions. When we arrived in Chamela there were about 8 other boats already there.  We did our usual thing and proceeded in past the others and dropped anchor close in and just off the beach. We dropped the dinghy in the water and went ashore to stretch our legs.

The following morning we went back into town for breakfast at our favorite jazz cafe.  We met up with Nancy from sv Shindig who informed us that Rob was under the weather and at the doctors office.  There is a bug working its way through the fleet.  After breakfast we were back to Talos IV and underway by noon for what turned out to be a fantastic day of sailing as we worked our way down to Tenacatita.

We motored out of Chemela and once clear of the islands that lie just to the south end of the bay we hoisted the sails in winds off the beam at about 10 knots.  Seas were flat and Talos IV was at her best. Winds shifted forward and increased to about 13 knots a bit later and we were making great time as we headed south.  More whale sights capped off a wonderful day.  We literally sailed right into the anchorage, dropping our sails just before motoring in to set the anchor.  I wish they could all be like this.

Our plan is to stay here in Tenacatita for a few days and then head into Barra de Navidad.  Days were filled with kayak paddels to the beach and swimming in the incredibly warm water.  One day we motored over to La Manzanilla on the SE corner of the bay.  Paul wanted to watch the Seahawks vs New Orleans game.  It was great to walk the streets and hit some of the spots we stopped at last year, especially the espresso shop at the end of town.  And of course, topping off the day was the Seahawks victory, setting the stage for this next weeks game vs the San Francisco 49'ers.

Sorry no pics to post.  It seems that all the photos we took last year are enough for now.