Bottom Cleaning

Because of the warmer water, barnacles grow very fast and the boat bottom must be cleaned every 2 to 4 weeks.  We hired some local workers with an air compressor.  They use plastic scrapers and plastic pads to remove the barnacles and other growth.  Three people worked for over one hour with the grandpa in the boat using 2 anchors and the outboard to keep the air hoses within reach of the divers. It appeared to be a 3 generation operation with middle aged Ernesto in charge.

Playa Linda

We took a bus from Zihuatanejo to Ixtapa and Playa Linda.  The bus ride was like a roller coaster ride at an amusement park down a steep hill (only thing missing was the seat belts)!!!  There is a "natural" crocodile reserve at the beautiful beach area.

Relaxing day on Playa del Ropa

 Playa la Ropa was named after pirate clothing was found on the beach long ago. It has beautiful white sand and surf. We lounged all day until the loud music and volleyball games began.

Sailfest in Zihuatanejo

Sailfest is an annual event lasting five days to help raise money for the local schools in Zihuatanejo. Just a few of the events include racing, Chili cook-off, silent auction, sail parade and benefit dinner. These pictures show people loading onto boats for the sail parade. Many of the school children went sailing on S/V Patricia Bell. All the boats took their passengers for an excursion over to Ixtapa and back.

Zihuatanejo

10 Knot Wind, Calm Sea, Full Moon - Awesome sail

Overlooking the anchorage

Sunrise

A chihuahua wanted to adopt us.

Las Hadas - Manzanillo

 Anchored in Las Hadas near Manzanillo.  Manzanillo is a large commercial shipping port making it a busy harbor.  We loved the large market covering a large city block. Deena caught a little girl playing with the eggs her mother was selling at the market. She was talking to them and giving them names.

We enjoyed watching the superbowl at Dolphin Cove Restaurant near the anchorage. The anchorage was exciting on the weekend when the wake boarding boats were making circles around all the sailboats.

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Carrizal

Fish caught on the way

Carrizal is a small anchorage away from everything.  There are no buildings or people on the shore.  Snorkling is excellent.  We joined 4 other boats on the shore for a camp fire in the evening.  Everyone brought instruments and we had an incredible time.