La Paz

By the time we left La Paz, we'd had a chance to explore a large number of the area's attractions. Some favorites: Bahia de Balandra, with shallow water perfect for wading/dinghy excursions and the best snorkeling spot around; Isla Espiritu Santo, a national marine park with gorgeous anchorages and terrific hikes; swimming with whale sharks (huge spotted plankton-eating sharks; amazing!!); and frequent walks along the malecon.

The lengthy stopover was good for getting some important boat projects done (a few lingering from earlier To Do lists, plus new ones; it's a boat, so hey, something is always breaking!). More important, though, we had time to meander through many streets/neighborhoods and immerse ourselves deeper into the local culture. Balmy weather, friendly people, and the low cost of living were all appealing--and the supportive cruising community and Marina de La Paz staff were especially appreciated.  Handmade tamales and fresh fruit drinks available from street vendors and palapa restaurants were wonderful treats. Even wandering the aisles in the grocery store, full of products we'd never seen before, was fascinating. (Tip: if you ever see something called cacahuates japones, buy as many as you can! Peanuts with a crunchy, slightly spicy coating; mmmmmm.....)

La Paz--"The Peace"--was the perfect place to spend the holiday season. Now, though, we feel ready to be on the move again. The current plan is to visit a few more island anchorages north of La Paz, cross the Sea of Cortez in the next open weather window, then make a few stops on the mainland side before "parking" in Banderas Bay. That bay (which includes Puerto Vallarta) will be our jumping-off point to the South Pacific, so we will be taking care of a lot of final preparations there. Who knows when the next internet access will be; until then, best wishes to all of you for a healthy and happy 2015!

There are many wonderful sculptures along the waterfront

The founder of La Paz

For just $1, frozen fruit on a stick!

The "Cruisers Club" at Marina de La Paz.
They offered an enormous book trading library, a huge array of DVD's, and accumulated years of La Paz experience
("Walnuts? Try Guadalajara, a store on Serdan"; "Sergio on Navarra does the best welding around" etc...)

One of many wall murals (even on side streets)

Brooms & bins
(sidewalks in front of stores and houses
are swept often, so brooms are sold in many places)

The town square, with government building in the background and a replica of Mushroom Rock (at Bahia de Balandra) in the foreground

Cathedral downtown;
we heard the bells ring every morning and evening

Shade palapas along the beach