MOVING NORTH AGAIN... AND THE SOLAR ECLIPSE!

We spent almost 3 weeks in the pretty town of Zihuatanejo and its surrounds, before making our way bck north through Ensenada Carrizal, Barra de Navidad, La Cruz, finally arriving in Mazatlán on April 4th, 2024, in time for the solar eclipse, a rare opportunity to view the "totality". Along the way we spend many more fun and memorable times with our buddy boats, and host Jen & Shea in La Cruz.

Guitarfest was on in Zihua; we were able to get tickets to several events and see some incredible performers live, as well as talented buskers on the streets.

Cruisers being cruisers, we also rafted up to enjoy guitarfest outdoor events free, from the water. We were astounded by the talent on display.

We explored impressive Xihuacan ruins outside Zihua, including this arena where athletes played for the honor of being sacrificed to the gods... for winning!

All to soon it was time to head north, motor sailing in light winds on the nose. Photo by SV Tasi.

The crews of StarrE, One World, Tasi and Tino Pai in front of the Xihuacan pyramid outside of Zihuatanejo. It was hot, but we enjoyed exploring the ruins after a crazy ride getting there!

This was the beach that Andy Dufresne escaped to in "The Shawshank Redemption". We didn't find his hut... and we learned that scene was filmed in the Carribean. We were dismayed but made the best of it!

We stopped in at Barra for a couple of nights to buy a new 9.8 HP outboard, and street food with the crews of Tasi, One World and StarrE, our brat(ish) pack.

By March 15th we were back in La Cruz, and celebrated some "slip time" and with cocktails and warm showers!

Jen & Shea joined us for a few days, and we enjoyed spending time with them on and off the water around La Cruz.

We needed to be in Mazatlán in time for the total solar eclipse, and arrived early morning on 4th April after a nice overnight passage from La Cruz.

Our friends Jim & Stephanie on SV Cynthia Anne are based in Mazatlán and they kindly showed us around, including the slightly different "Abbey Road".

We enjoyed old town Mazatlán so much, we forgot to take pictures... except of this great old tree growing through a wall.

As much as we love Tino Pai, it was nice to have a couple of nights at an all-inclusive resort to celebrate Andy's birthday.

The usual suspects gathered to watch the eclipse... the crews of Rio Salado, Tasi, One World, StarrE and Tino Pai were ready with viewing glasses!

Seeing a total solar eclipse is an amazing experience and weirdly moving. Here's proof we saw it, but it doesn't do those few moments justice. Just incredible.

Tino Pai in her slip at Marina Mazatlán. The channel entrance is famously narrow, shallow, and busy.

The view of Mazatlán from the south, the marina is at the northern end of the bay in from the islands at the top left.

Mazatlán's waterfront, a long and vibrant part of the city.

As we departed Mazatlán, Jim & Stephanie gifted us with their favorite lure... guaranteed to catch fish according to Jim!

We proved Jim right by landing this Pacific Sierra not long after leaving Mazatlán. They have delicious, light meat and are one of our very favorites to catch.

As the sun rose on April 12th, 2024, we were approaching the islands just north of La Paz. It was a great feeling to be getting back to Baja, our favorite place in Mexico!