Preparing for Pacific Puddle Jump 2023
The days leading up to casting off for our grand adventure have been filled with practicing, provisioning, & other preparations. So much work but that doesn’t mean we haven’t made time for some fun.
In our first week of me being back on the boat full time our 3rd crew member, Terry, joined us. A couple days after that we had guests. Two of Chris’ friends came down to La Cruz on the promise of a sail. Our targeted destination was across Bandaras Bay to the tiny town of Yelapa. It’s a place I had heard of before however had not yet experienced. Although Chris described the anchorage as the most rolly he had ever been to in his life of sailing I was looking forward to seeing what Yelapa had to offer.
Before we departed we checked the wind to ensure it would not be coming out of the north. From that direction the wind would create a swell aimed right at us at night creating an uncomfortable scenario. Luckily for us there was a south westerly wind (out of the south west) and we would have a little protection. Another tactic was to pick up two mooring balls, one at the bow and one at the stern, that would hopefully keep us pointed in the direction of swell coming out of the north should the wind shift. Stranger things have happened.
One interesting thing about Yelapa is that the beach there has quite a steep drop off. Less than 200’ from the beach the depth drops to a whopping 65’ at low tide! So, instead of dropping an anchor you rent these cement blocks with first a length of sturdy chain attached followed by a heavy line that is picked up and attached to your boat. As mentioned before we rented two of these, one for the front and one for the back. Once we had the bow tied up securely we had help from the manager of these moorings to pick up the other line so we could attach it to our stern. We were feeling pretty good about our stay.
A second interesting thing about Yelapa is that there are no cars. Four wheelers, motor bikes, gold carts, & horses were the modes of transportation. We stuck to using our feet.
On our first day exploring Yelapa the group of gringos that we were took to the hills for a hike to one of the small waterfalls in the area. It wasn’t too strenuous of a trek which made it easy to meander and chat along the way. Weaving our way along the road taking us out of town we passed plenty of small retreat centers and casitas. Chickens, dogs, cats, & horses were aplenty. Actually one dog took to our group and led us the whole way! This was clearly not this pups first guided tour. We called him Buster and gave him lots of pets
Once at the falls we all jumped in and enjoyed the refreshing waters. Chris, having a background in rock climbing, climbed his way up a short face where he found a landing suitable for jumping off of into the deepest part of the pool. Me having less rock climbing experience and less upper body strength than I would like had to find another way. Of course I wanted to make the jump too! Luckily there was an alternate path and I took the plunge.
Once we had our fill of the falls we found our way back to a beach side restaurant for some sustenance.
Chris & Jesse, our guests, were only with us for three nights before heading off first to a near by retreat then back to Oregon. As for the rest of us we have lots to do to prepare for our departure.
Until next we meet, be well!
Cheryl
