We awoke with the sunrise, the daylight a promise of hoisting sails. Time to leave Barra de Navidad…it had blessed us many ways, this barrio and snow bird destination. Many people, both local and expats, helped us prepare with errands and expertise, relaxation after overwhelming moments and hot work days. This time in Mexico was a bonus to our pretrip but for many reasons, it is time to move on from laps around the Barra neighbourhood.
Cher Brian and I ate a last breakfast together then prepared to hit the “road”. Securing the cabin also ensured it was tidy. Unfortunately there was no wind in the laguna so we fired up the motor and began to haul up anchor. It was caked in sand bar mud, and pulling up buckets of water to rinse the chain was wearisome. When the line broke on my bucket, I had the excuse to jump in the unusually clear lagoon to fetch it. Cleaning the chain from the water seemed efficient and I got a work out treading water while splashing with the bucket. Jeff from S/V Rockstar, North Vancouver, rocked up in his dingy and I was able to perch there while we rinsed and loaded the anchor chain. Once the anchor was up and it was making water to cool, we circled Kashmir with Russ and Adriana, and Mischief with Trevor to say adieu. They have been helpful and partners in preparations Kashmir is headed for Hawaii then Vancouver, Trevor is working on selling Mischief.
Just out of Barra’s lagoon we got some wind, so Cher and I attached the jib, hoisted the main then the jib and we cut the motor. The 30 minute sail to Melaque was a great end for Cher’s time with us, a summary of her hard work and help with Kayak, and a great beginning for me, to experience an easy sail for the first time with Kayak.
About into anchor, birds were swarming and dive bombing fish, the schools were under attack by the flocks, bombarded and devoured. It was a unique and entertaining sight.
We could feel the cool pacific breeze between rocky outcrops as we dropped anchor to liaise once more with land.
Last chance at online contact, a few more galley and hardware supplies to pick up and saying goodbye to Cher preceded a walk back to the dingy and spending the last of our pesos on Pacifico and big straw hats. It seems that I have a big head. It was hard to find one to fit over all those curly brains.
I was encouraged in Melaque to see one bin on he sidewalk labeled “Solo Plastico”. Unfortunately more plastic lay in the street, sure to make it to sea, than resided in this one bin. Plastic 6 pack holders are a worrisome menace as well. They trap fish and birds and are abundant in the land of cervezas. Each one I found I relieved it of its entrapment capabilities.
In an attempt to depart before sundown, we quickly paddled through surf to the boat, secured the dingy, took down the bimini, hoisted sail and anchor and faced the sea. A magenta sun shone in the west as we headed south. Winds were powerful yet created choppy swell. We bounced around for the first 5-6 hours.
Shaking hands and connecting eyes, worlds, Brian and I entwined our lives on this boat in this ocean. Just us two to make it to the next stop.
We sat side by side on the windward side of the boat. How do we feel? Brian, in his element, is thrilled to finally begin an adventure he attempted years ago. Years and salt have seasoned him, to be wise yet human, knowing his passion and pushing it to learn from mistakes. (These should be minor!!)
I’m buzzing with anticipation of this challenge I have plopped myself into. Each time I take the tiller I feel nerves firing and I sense vibrations across my being. Learning and pushing comfort zones thrill me yet create slight unease. Successes bring smiles.
Very excited to be underway but the boat was erratic in its swings and sways, bobs and bounces. Sunset was radiant but night blues overcame the warmth. The navy sea glowed a phosphorous white with wind caps. A teal grey sky quickly ticked to midnight with a few stars hung amongst. Humid clouds and a new moon kept the night dark, illuminated by our excitement, bioluminescent flashes and a few constellations. Nerves crept in with the darkness. The concerns of the worried parties I had left on land became apparent. I am relying on my abilities and those of Brian’s. On favourable weather and common sense. On fate. On destiny. Motion sickness in the cabin helped none. Nerves and nausea are not a good mix. Outside with air, horizon and a sense of direction my queasy stomach eased immediately. The attempt at being horizontal in the ¼ berth was sure to bring up my last Mexican meal. The solution was to sleep outside. I leaned in with my team and boat mate to relax and took residence on the leeward side Waking often was a great trade off for a calm inner contents.
Fears were raised within me when Brian busied himself in the cabin. Images of pineapple bludgeoning or worse filled my usually stressfree mindset, to be calmed when he’d pop from the hatch to check on me and on direction. And so the dark night progressed until skies lightened to the promise of a new day
@4:30pm
16° 48’ N
106° 45.5’ W
~2-3 knots / hour
Travelled 82 nm
Green in the Blue 