Parting words from Paula

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--- 2.6.08 - Tenacatita ---
Wednesday morning we headed for the river entrance to begin the jungle
tour. Tho a bit shallow we managed to get through the entrance with
only minor bumper car action. The River meandered back and forth and was
lined with mangroves on either side.
The first part of the trip the water way was open and the sun
illuminated the bird life in the trees. As the cruise progressed the
channel narrowed and trees grew together creating tunnels. At some point
our cruise began to resemble the Disney Jungle Tour with our combined
imagination and Rebecca's tour guide narration. Floating bark became
shed crocodile skin. Mangrove limbs hacked away to accommodate pangas
became menacing fingers of doom ready to pluck unsuspecting cruisers
from their dingies. Thankfully, we reached the end before things got
too out of hand.
The path ended up into a lagoon with a clearing to one side where others
had beached their rides. We walked a short distance up a dirt road and
found ourselves on the beach with several restaurant options for lunch
and refreshments. It was very leisure lunch, a fact we could not
change if we tried.
Heading back down the river, the current was now speeding us along as
the tide was going out. We were still in the more shaded parts of the
river when we caught sight of a white bird just up ahead. Glenn turned
off the motor and we coasted up to it for an up close photo op. Just as
we were poised with cameras in hand, the darn bird few off down the
tunnel and around the corner out of sight. How inconsiderate, we were
still focusing! As we round the the next bend, there it was again.
Everyone scrambled to pull out there cameras. Just as before it waited
till the last moment and gave us a great butt shot. We continued in
this attempt for about four or five times, determined beyond reason to
capture the elusive egret that was mocking us all the way. In the end,
we were convinced that it was all a conspiracy and the egret was really
an animatronic escapee from the Tiki Room!
By the time we got back to the river entrance the water level was too
low and we had to carry the dingy around to the beach. We stopped
a while to chat with some of the cruisers from our anchorage. Today they
were having a beach social. The guys were having a lawn bowling
tournament and some of the girls were in deep contemplation over a
variant of dominos called "Chicken Foot". One gal was making and selling
jewelry to supplement her cruising expenses, and I felt an irresistible
urge to assist her with her goal. All the cruisers were friendly, chatty
and willing to share their stories and experiences with us.
When it was time to leave, everyone hit the beach. Rebecca, Monica and
I decided to swim back to the boat. That night our neighboring cruiser
loaned us the dvd "McHale's Navy for our viewing pleasure. We were able
to look for the places in the movie that we had seen earlier that day.
It was a great finale to the day.
Paula


-- Feb 7.08 ---
Thursday morning we pulled up the anchor and made for Barra de Navidad
only a couple of hours further south. The trip is smooth and
uneventful. As we approached the harbor entrance we kept and eye out
for the many shoals (sand bars) laying in wait to stop us in our tracks.
We picked our way through and set anchor in the lagoon, joining up
with many new cruisers.
The town of Barra de Navidad is charming and we enjoyed exploring some
of its nooks and crannies. We had lunch at one of the many restaurants
that over look the beach and ordered up fish tacos and cervazas all
around. The other side of the harbor is more of a resort area with
modern amenities so it was the best of both worlds.
That night we hung out at the bow of the boat enjoying a little star
gazing and the the reflections of boat lights in the water. As we sat
there we could here bits of conversation from other boats drifting
across the still water. It was a great way to unwind from the whole trip.
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--- Feb 8.08 ---
Friday morning and we are on the radio placing an order with the
"French Baker" for croissants and baguettes. The french baker is
located in town and takes to his dingy each morning and visits the
harbor and lagoon with his wares. It's fun to watch him ping pong from
boat to boat as he makes his way to us. He is a very popular man and
It's best to call in ahead of time to ensure your favorite treat is
available.
Today we head to the resort side of the harbor to make arrangements for
our flight home tomorrow. While there, we wander a secluded part of the
grounds and spy an iguana sunning itself on the manicured lawns. He
quickly decides that three is a crowd and high tails it to the nearest
hedge.
Tonight we hoped to relax and enjoy one last starry night before heading
home tomorrow. But in the morning we discovered we were taking more
home than just memories. Tragically, we were the victims of the "no
seeums". To our discomfort, every piece of clothing we put on chafed
and rubbed and served to remind us that Paradise is not without its
pitfalls.
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--- Feb 15 ---
Both of us have now found our way home and have had a week to plug in
and catch back up with the faster, busier pace of SoCal. Looking back on
the trip, we had a fantastic time and saw some amazing things and new
parts of the world that we will never forget. I hope you have enjoyed
the adventure of our three weeks and roughly 1300 nautical miles with us.
So this last email brings to a close this voyage but there are more on
the horizon. If you want to be included in future mailings send me a
quick note.
We'll keep you posted.
Paula & Rebecca
If you have any remarks you would like share send them to
paula@indigoharbor.com