Monday, 18 November 2013 – Anita went Line Dancing at the Palapa. This is a popular activity for both cruisers and Americans who live near the Marina.

Tuesday, 19 November 2013 – The Devil’s Backbone and Mazatlán

The big news for Mazatlán today is the opening of the new highway between Mazatlán and Durango. The old road between Mazatlán and Durango was something of a challenge and was called “The Devils Backbone” as it snaked its way across the Sierras. The 6-8 hour white knuckle drive has been cut to just over 2 hours and Mazatlán is hoping this will have a positive impact on its economy, especially tourism.

The old road was something of a notorious killer, very scenic but in poor condition with many switchbacks. Driving it was always considered a high risk activity.

The new road with its 61 tunnels and 115 bridges has the highest cable stayed bridge in the world (Baluarte Bridge) at 1,321 feet above the valley and is 1,706 feet long. This new road connects with other major highways in Mexico which means Brownsville, Texas, is a mere 12 hours away. Easy access is now available from the interior or east coast of Mexico to the Pacific coast.

Flying Home – As we had no luck confirming a marina reservation in Puerto Vallarta, we decided to book flights home with Alaska Airlines via Los Angeles. After the laundry was complete we went over to El Cid to swim and relax around their pool.