Chemala is the name of the bay and the name of the town on the east side of the bay, however the anchorage is actually off the town of Perula. This was the area that was supposed to have been hit hardest by hurricane Patricia. Apparently the winds had altered before coming ashore so the damage was minimal in this area. A few palapa roofs had been destroyed but had already been replaced.
Patrick on Tropical Yacht was anchored. He is the Frenchman that is single handing - we met him last year. Michael and Dorreen on St. Leger were anchored just ahead of us. Another one of those rare occurrences that makes cruising so rewarding. These guys had just completed a circumnavigation back in 1993. They have property on Thetis Island, just north of Victoria, and Michael does some relief work as Captain on that ferry. David knew him from various courses and knew that they were on their way back up the west coast of Mexico. He had just mentioned to me that he had not received a response to an email and was wondering where they were. I was looking through the binoculars and told him they were right in front of us! How bizarre is that.
So I jumped in the water and headed over to their boat. David got in the dinghy - too bad he did not have his phone as Dolphins were jumping out of the water about 35 feet away from me! Sorry - no pictures except the ones I my head!
Spent a couple of days reading, relaxing and getting caught with my swimming. After several weeks in PV I was in serious withdrawals!
Georgia B showed up in the anchorage later on but it was too late to visit. And they were leaving early the next morning to head to PV for some work so we only got to visit via the VHF. Too bad - they are the couple from Chili that we met in the marina in Barra. But we understand their need to take advantage of the weather window for rounding Cape Corrientes, Sometime Mother Nature rules our lives.
Next day we went into shore to get rid of the garbage. Enjoyed a lovely breakfast and lattes at Scuba Jazz. Had a visit with Patrick - who is always on a mission to find the best place in town for coffee and good bread! You can always trust a Frenchman to discover that - even in such a remote fishing village as Perula.
We were able to pick up a few provisions and then I swam back to the boat. Seas were calm so even though the distance was far - close to mile - I wasn't fighting the tide.
31-Jan-2016
Where did January go. Which reminds me - I totally forgot my friends birthday. So happy belated birthday Kelly! My excuse - no internet where we have been since the middle of the month! But we celebrated later!
We raised the anchor and decided to head over to Paraiso. This is the place where we had lost and then found our stern anchor and one of my favorite anchorages to date. We were forced to motor as the wind was on our nose.
But as luck has it - the temperature alarm started going off just as we were getting ready to turn into the entrance. This is a very tricky entrance, with lots of rocks and reefs. It is not an area where you want to be having engine problems. So we decided to carry on to Tenacatita.
Motor off and sails up. Thank goodness this is a part of the coast where we have to alter course, putting the wind on our starboard side so we could sail. Neptune was on our side and we were able to sail all the way into Tenacatita. So supports the saying that all plans are written in the sand!
Confidence at Sail. Pictures courtesy of Tim on Lady Midnight
The winds picked up a little so we were able to maintain 3 knots. Not great but we weren't complaining. The only issue was the fact that we would be entering the anchorage at night. At least it was an anchorage that we were familiar with. Lots of boats in the anchorage - 47 - so we decided to anchor on the other side of the bay at La Manzanillo. Fewer boats. Better point of sail.
1900 Anchor is down and we are safely in the anchorage.
01-Feb-2016
Anchor up and we sailed over to Tenacatita. The leg took a bit longer than expected but we were still able to sail for most of it. Even though we did not break any speed records - a sailor is always happier when they are sailing!!!
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