Moving on

1/11/13

Tenacatita beach was wonderful, quiet and we mostly had the bay to ourselves. We went to the beach, and on clear days snorkeled at “the Aquarium” On day 3 Mariposa, another Tayana 37 we had met in La Cruz came and anchored in the bay. It was good to see them and we are looking forward to getting to know them better. They have a beautiful boat and Joanne and Chis are a wonderful source of information, and really nice people.

We stayed at Tenacatita beach until we heard on the morning net that there was a panga trip heading to the small town of la Manzania on Friday. Since we were down to our last cup of fresh milk, few eggs and even fewer vegetables, the decision to move was made. One more snorkeling trip and we tidied the cabin and raised the anchor to head to the busy anchorage of Tenacatita, a whopping 5 miles.

Tenacatita was just out of our sight at the beach, but it sounded like they must have 50 boats and they had activities that would put a summer camp to shame. 1Pm, swim to the beach, then dominoes or bocci ball. On Fridays there is a raft up pot luck where everyone ties their dinghy together and passes around appetizers, trade boat cards, books and generally have a lot of fun

1/9/13

Started out on Monday for Paraiso, a very small anchorage probably an hour or less from Chamela. We were ready for a little quiet time and this small spot in front of an Estate home seemed like it would fit the bill. It was everything we had hoped for, except there were 2 other boats that had already had the same thoughts of solitude. While we could have fit, using both a bow and stern anchor to prevent swinging, it just didn't feel right.

Just a couple of hours further was Bahia Careyes and while it was not high on our list, we decided the “Mexican Rievera” with it's mansions and condominiums was worth a visit. When we arrived, the chart the guidebook provided just didn't match with what we were seeing, and we glumly decided to head further south to Bahia Tenacatita. This is where I hooked a beautiful Dorado, some of the prettiest and best eating fish around. Unfortunately JUST as he was along side the boat, I started to bring him up into the boat while Marcus gaffed him, he got away. We had chicken cacciatore for dinner.

We arrived around 4pm and planned to anchor in the North anchorage, next to an excellent snorkeling spot dubbed “the aquarium”. Tenacatita is one of the most popular bays on the “Gold Coast” of Mexico, and we were astounded to find no one anchored there. It was lovely and we had a nice quiet evening there.

There are a handful of homes scattered along the bay, and a restaurant nearest the entrance as well a a large pink hotel nearby. The story goes that 2 years ago a man came and claimed title to the land here. There were small tiendas and restaurants that lined the beach and he bulldozed most of the tiendas and through everyone out. Not sure of the validity, but it is said that he bribed a judge to obtain title to the and, and the battle is on in the Mexican Legal system. The restaurant houses the guards that are established here to keep everyone away from all the land and buildings except the beach, which is government land. I believe the Jefe (boss) lives in the big pink hotel. It is so sad to think of the people that lost their businesses.
It is still a beautiful place and the snorkeling is wonderful. So we have our lovely peaceful anchorage after all.