La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

While I had a great time with friends in La Cruz, there was also a note of sadness this week.  I was finally contacted by the daughter of a friend who went missing in May while attempting a singlehanded voyage across the Pacific.  I had not heard any news since May, and began fearing the worst.  An extensive search for Richard turned up nothing, and no one had heard anything from or about him.  He has been declared legally dead and a memorial service has been held for him.  Richard was a neuro-psychologist and fascinating to talk to.  He was the kind of man who did not suffer fools lightly, so I was honored to be considered a friend. He will be missed.
On a happier note, I spent a delightful couple of days with friends Bob and Maureen in La Cruz.  They had rented a lovely little casita overlooking La Cruz and Banderas Bay while their boat was in the yard and invited me to spend the night.  First time in a long while that I've slept in a bed that didn't rock me to sleep (unless there is a special dispensation for couch surfing).  Dinner at the yacht club and coffee and eggs benedict served in the morning wasn't bad either.  After breakfast, we went to the first public market of the season in La Cruz.
And of course there were a few boat projects back on Circadian.  But the projects are pretty minor now: mostly cleaning and taking care of annoying little details.

Richard in La Cruz in April before leaving on his final voyage

Walking into La Cruz from the bus stop

My first new acquaintance

The town square

Marina Riviera Nayarit, the marina in La Cruz

Tropical fish swimming around the boats in the marina

Looking at the anchorage from the breakwater

Sunset dinner at the yacht club

The full moon rising as seen from our table.

Sunrise from the casita

The public market is right on the waterfront

It had a large assortment of foods and crafts

 

A left-over from the Day of the Dead celebration

Free music from this excellent group, a smaller version of

the Gypsy Kings.

A 'personalized' poster on a public bus.

It says "Queen of Mexico and Empress of America."

Refinishing the port cockpit seat (that got the most traffic).

Center section cleaned and coated twice with Primo Teak Sealer.

Outside sanded.

Two coats of Epifanes RapidClear on the outside finished the job.

Still have to do the starboard side, of course.

Cleaning the deck awning.

Although it was filthy, because it was a coated fabric,

it was pretty easy.