Shallow anchorages

Sometimes we choose an anchorage based on its proximity to a beautiful place we would like to explore, like Puerto Los Gatos, with it’s undulating red rocks. 

Puerto Los Gatos with Serenity in the background.

Sometimes we choose an anchorage because it’s a good jumping off point for an inland adventure, like the Copper Canyon Train Adventure.

Jeff watching the world go by.

Sometimes we choose an anchorage because it promises a beautiful hike and we need to stretch our legs, such as the hike from El Mezteno to an overlook of Caleta Partida.  

Overlooking Caleta Partida after an uphill scramble.

Sometimes we choose an anchorage because we want to explore the nearby estuary by dinghy and put our Birds of Mexico field guide through its paces, like at Bahia Amortajada. 

Dinghy ride in the estuary at Bahia Amortajada.

Sometimes we get stuck at an anchorage and are glad for it, because in that time we are forced to peel back the layers and appreciate all the wonderful facets that may not have been immediately apparent. Sometimes we choose to stay put.

Playa Arbolitas, a short walk from Bahia Frailes.

Sometimes we choose an anchorage because it has come highly recommended by other cruiser’s or our guide book. 

Sometimes the elements force us towards the nearest anchorage. We’re just so tired that we change plans mid-passage and seek refuge in the nearest bay where we (hopefully) are able to rest up.

Sometimes our decisions are based almost entirely on mileage from one anchorage to the next.

Sometimes we choose in the hopes of seeing a friendly and familiar face.

Sometimes there’s a movie theater within walking distance and we want nothing more than to sit in an air conditioned room watching people speak English.

Sometimes we put a lot of thought into our next anchorage. We research, we agonize, we ask for recommendations. Sometimes we close our eyes and point our finger.  

Sometimes our decisions are based off of practical considerations. We may choose an anchorage because we’re running low on water and there’s a dock with a hose nearby or a desalination plant that’s willing to sell, or because we’ve run out of fresh produce and we’re desperate for the sweet crisp crunch of an apple, or because we’ve been away from internet for so long that our families are getting anxious to hear from us.

And sometimes, we choose an anchorage for a more shallow reason: because we think it would make a really neat picture. Las Hadas was one of those anchorages. The all white (nearly deserted) hotel and resort on the hillside was a beautiful backdrop for our bright red Serenity.

 

Las Hadas resort near Manzanillo, Mexico

It didn’t hurt that there was a restaurant with wifi, a movie theater, lots of street food and plenty of grocery stores to re-provision nearby. Once we made landfall we met a group of families on vacation from Lake Chapala, just outside of Guadalajara. One woman, Claudia, and her husband are raspberry farmers for Driscoll Berries, which as far as I’m concerned, makes them local celebrities. I was glad for the opportunity to nerd out about agriculture in Mexico while sipping a cold Corona.

But really, we stopped for the photo opp.