Liebling changes course

As the saying goes with cruisers our plans are written in the sand at low tide……. Liebling is changing course. We have decided not to go any further south towards Panama and instead stay in beautiful Mexico. It was a difficult decision for both of us. I have always been hesitant about it but would have gone because I knew Jim really wanted to go and we were so close to the Guatemalan border, but the other day Jim came to me and with tears in his eyes and said I don’t want to go south “We love Mexico and know all about this coast and have so many friends, so let’s just stay here in Mexico and do what we have been enjoying for the last few years.” I totally agreed and with that decision we watched for a weather window to cross back over the dreaded Tehuanapec and get 250 nautical miles back to Huatulco and that is where we are now. Fortunately, as we choose our weather window well the crossing was no big deal and we did sail 40% of the time. Huatulco is truly one of the best places on the west coast of Mexico that we have visited. The anchorages are clear, clean and full of tropical fish and coral. It’s cooler than Central America and the adjacent town of La Crucecita is amazing! We don’t know what the future will hold for us but being here during the rainy cold winter months in Seattle is ok with me. We believe that we will be here at least 2 months so if you have the time we would love for you to take a break from the cold and come visit us. We have reconnected with friends that are here and are looking forward to going on more inland trips to coffee plantations and ruins. Since it is cooler in the early morning we are trying to get up early and do a walk or swim each morning. We get around 12 hours of sun each day with sun rise about 6:30am. Being up and out early we get to see and hear some beautiful birds and flowers. We are staying in the marina and making short 2 or 3 day trips out to the isolated anchorages when we want to get away from civilization. We are going out today to anchor next to friends, swim and enjoy these beautiful waters. I have been volunteering at a local art/craft shop that finishes and markets crafts made by young people from the regions mountain villages. All proceeds are for the building of schools, medical needs, dental and other care in these villages, where none was previously available. We are having Christmas dinner and festivities at a restaurant on the beach in the local town of Santa Cruz which is less than 2 miles from our marina. The big Cruise ships dock in Santa Cruz about once a week. They stay for less than 24 hours and then sail away. For New Year’s Eve, which is our anniversary, we are calling around to the many beach front hotel/resorts and trying to find the best dinner and show to celebrate at. So far a full dinner overlooking the beach, show and drinks will cost $1,099 pesos per person. (about $76 US) As always we have a few boat issues but all is under control. In a few months we may head back across the Tehuanapec to Marina Chiapas (10 nautical miles from Guatemala) and have the boat hauled out of the water for bottom painting and other maintenance. There is no haul out facilities here in Huatulco and they appear to do good work in the Chiapas marina. I will post pictures but wanted to get this blog posted. So you would see how wonderful it is here. There are flights that are reasonable. Jim has been checking the airlines so give him a call if you want for the cheapest fares. Come visit us. We would love to show you beautiful Mexico. Stay safe and have a great holiday season.