The marina of La Cruz at Huanacaxtle is large and there are boats of all sizes and types. Most sailboats are part of the cruising fleet that, like us, cruise the coasts of Mexico and the Baja.  The village of Huanacaxtle was a small fishing village before the Marina was built and it still retains some of its cobbled streets and village atmosphere, even though the Marina overshadows the area. While the town is small it does have some restaurants, a pharmacy, a couple of grocery stores and a couple of butchers. It also has a small massage spa, and Philo’s a nighttime hotspot with live music. Outside of the Marina is the anchorage area that hosts many boats not wanting to stay in the Marina.

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Boats come and go all the time and while you check in with the Marina, you are still required to report your arrival to the Port Captain who has a small office behind the fish market. Just a short bus ride along the main road is Bucerias with its fine beaches and active nightlife.  Buses can also be used to get to Punta di Mita with its beaches and restaurants.

Wednesday 29 January 2014 – We caught up with internet items in the morning and then relaxed in a beach Palapa eating and drinking with our friends Lane and Vicki.

Thursday, 30 January 2014 – The day was spent cleaning the boat and talked briefly with our neighbors on Dodger Too who have cruised extensively. They were headed off to do some exploring of inland Mexico for a few days. They let us know that friends of theirs had been following our blog; the first indication of anyone other than family and friends watching our travels on Hilbre.

Friday, 31 January 2014 – Using the local bus, we went with friends to the Mega Store to do grocery shopping. This is a large store, about a 20-minute bus ride from La Cruz.  In the afternoon, there was a celestial navigation seminar in the VIP lounge at the marina.

Most people seem to have the Davis Mark lll plastic Sextant and I saw only one traditional metal Sextant.  The presenter was knowledgeable having been a navigator for the US Navy. Most people there seem to have issues with performing the sight reduction process and this is mainly what was covered.

Saturday, 1 February 2014 – We have now been in La Cruz since Tuesday afternoon and the days seem to have gone by quickly. Today we spent catching up on the Internet and enjoying the company of sailing friends. Anita took her turn at the massage parlor before we joined a social event in the marina with Tacos and drinks by the small pool.

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We can see this is a place that might be difficult to leave with so much going on, things to do and events to participate in. It is focused on cruisers planning to do the ‘Puddle Jump’ or the voyage from Puerto Vallarta to the South Pacific.

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Sunday, 2 February 2014 – This morning, we went to the Farmers Market which is held each Sunday at La Cruz.  It was larger than we expected with lots of handicrafts, music, and dancing. It is held next to the Fish market and it was interesting watching the fishermen clean and fillet the large Yellowfin Tuna and Dorado.  The fish market is a permanent fixture of the Marina and was probably an agreement made with the fishermen when the marina was built; it is quite new and well equipped.  There is always a good daily selection of fish and shellfish available at this market. The Farmer’s portion was a small area, however we did buy some fresh Strawberries and ground coffee.