Cruise ship barely fits in the Santa Cruz harbor!
We departed Barra De Navidad over a month ago with stops along the way to Huatulco, where we now sit and wait for the elusive weather window to cross the ominous Gulf of Tehuantepec. The Gulf of Tehuantepec is infamous for Force 8 gales of N wind called Tehuantepeckers, or T-peckers for short. We’ve been thinking about this moment for a couple years, so the waiting is killing us. We did arrive here in January, notably the time of year when the wind strengths peak, so waiting should not be a surprise! Unfortunately, the marina is closed due to a winter storm and silting, so we wait hot and sweaty at anchor. We do take day trips, but mostly are tied down to staying near or on the boat. Still, there must be lessons in this wait time. I am on a 23-day streak of Duo Lingo, learning Spanish. Somehow the “emotions” lesson is so apropo: Enojado (angry), Aburrido (bored), Cansado (tired), Preocupado (worried), Triste (sad), and the highly anticipated – Contento (happy). Haven’t learned the word for grateful yet, but I will and do have many reasons to use it. Starting with the buddy boats we are traveling with, Paradisea and Sonamara. Turns out even reviewing weather maps is better shared with others.
Chicken wings, potato chips, olives and Fried Grasshoppers a specialty of Oaxaca
Today is Day 10 of the wait and the T-pecker effect is making its presence known. Waves are rolling in to Bahia Chahue, rocking our boats at anchor and I feel un poco enfermo (sick). Michael checks Predictwind and assures me that the waves should subside in another 24 hours more or less. Espero (I wait).
When you need an attitude adjustment, it’s time to take a breath and reflect on the special moments along the journey. Here’s a snapshot of our travels Barra to Huatulco.
*Recommended: click on photo to start slide show, hit escape to return to post.
Sights from Underway
People
Anchorages
Touring Around
The Divers of Acapulco: Quite a history. Generations of divers have been diving here since 1934. Book to be published later this year telling their story,”Divers of the Pacific”.
Fort Museum, Acapulco: Great historical museum at the old fort.
Acapulco, Around Town
Huatulco Area
The Wait is Over
First Sundown in T Pec, Paradisea
On Day 13 of our wait, a short weather window came to light. Our friends encouraged us to take the plunge. We departed on Friday, January 11 at 1700 to cross the Gulf of Tehuantepec. It was a calm and beautiful passage. We sailed for only a few hours with sunrise on Saturday, then motored on through Saturday night, arriving Marina Chiapas on Sunday morning. I have such awe and reverence for this great ocean we travel on our small boat. Agradecido (grateful)!
What was all the fuss? Smooth sailing (& motoring) to cross the Tehuantepec!
Wow!!!
Nice job in that crossing-LOVE all the colorful pictures and descriptive writing.
Ohhhh, to be Cruisers-we aspsire…and, it’s gonna happen!
Thanx Michael and Lisa.
🙂
xox Laura
Thanks Laura! I can’t wait to your adventure begins!
Great photos as always! Congratulations on the t pecker crossing. I look at it on Windy almost everyday. “Because we’re Cruisers”!
Thanks Rich! It’s funny how the things you worry about turn out to be no big deal:) can’t wait to hear more about Tally Ho…
So nice to pictures! They are great! You look happy and content with life. So very happy for you!!
Thanks Mary Jo! It’s a good life. Hope you are enjoying the beauty in NC!
do you have any advice for checking in to this port? Our friends arrived from Costa Rica today. We are blue water sailors and are concerned they were told to drive 3 hours inland via rental vehicle to check in. This does not match up with our experience cruising Mexico. Thank you.
If you are at CoCos customs is at the airport and is a 50 dollar cab ride or rent a car for the same amount and get your shopping done too. This was easy to do from marina Papagayo…