Randy got recalled to US Airways sooner than we expected so Elvis is back in Paradise Village Marina. We would have had to return regardless as the generator failed and then we had engine problems. We made it as far as Barra de Navidad but really wanted to go to Z-town during Sailfest (http://www.zihausailfest.com/ ).
While in Barra, our favourite lunch spot was Mexico Lindo. They make fresh tortillas by hand daily and offer a variety of sopes, huaraches, tacos, burritos, sopa de tortilla, enchiladas etc., all for a very low price.
Roan, the boat cat, did not fare well as we had two guests on board and we were constantly ripping the boat apart to try to repair the generator, then the engine and then checking the dripless seal. Roan was licking his tummy to the point where it was bald and oozing. Our neighbours found a baby armadillo that was malnourished and suffering. Since they were taking him to the vet in Melaque, I quickly gathered up Roan and stuffed him into his carrier. $50 later he had prednazone and an antibacterial/antifungal spray. 8 days later he was almost cured.
Randy left Barra on January 11, 2011 to get back to get his medical and vision re-checked before ground school. So there I am with a sick cat and a limping Lost Elvis. I managed to round up two crew members (Dave - Shoot the Moon and Guss a friend from Barra), to help bring Elvis home to Paradise Village.
We left Barra in some strong winds. Marina Isla Navidad had us stuffed in a slip surrounded by mega-yachts. Thanks to a couple of friends and their dinghies, we managed not to get too twisted around in the docks and launched for Bahia de Banderas on January 13 at about 4 pm. We had the snot kicked out of us the entire way. Ten to twelve foot waves on our nose and 15 to 25 knot winds, on our nose. Poor Roan the boat cat was so sick, I had to carry him to his litter box and as I did, we both got air time. After about 18 hours of getting pounded, without sleep, we rounded Cabo Corrientes only to be surrounded by a thick fog. We have no radar due to the lightning strike. Eventually, the fog lifted in time for us to see our destination.
After an uneventful landing, I took my crew to lunch at Ocho Tostadas, thanked them and sent them back to Barra.
Roan slept in a cubby hole for two weeks after that adventure coming out only to eat and use his box. He'd give me the stink eye whenever I tried to be nice to him. Now on week three he is back to his old habits such as "helping" me make the bed, sleeping on my stomach or my head and begging to have my meals (especially if they involve shrimp, chicken or steak). He's a good pirate cat. He'll be even more handsome when his tummy heals completely.
I have the use of Kim and Dave's truck (Maluhia) until they return to Paradise Village in April. It's great because I can take my laundry to La Burbujita instead of using the terrible laundry service in Paradise Village Mall (I'm convinced she uses no soap and she's expensive).
