Rather than simply take the ferry from La Paz across to the mainland, we tried our luck at hitching a ride with a sailing boat. The ferry would no doubt have been a dull drawn-out affair. Much simpler to go on down to the Marina La Paz and put a notice on the board…
‘2 round-the-world cyclists looking for a ride to the mainland. Minimal sailing experience, but willing and keen to help out any way we can.’
The following morning we returned at 8am for the morning ‘net’, a radio call round for current news and information. I tried my hand with the VHF radio and put onto the airwaves our search for a boat. No response that day, but undeterred, we returned the following day and repeated the call.
That afternoon I received an email from Kevan. He had a 42ft boat, was sailing to Mazatlan the next morning, and could take us both as well as our bikes in returning for sharing watch duties.
A brief visit to meet Kevan and the following day we were loading our bikes onto Alex II and soon motoring out of the marina.
A week later and we arrived in La Cruz, just north of Puerto Vallarta. Fully rested up and ready to resume the bike journey south… I loved the sailing and must tell you about the night watches and whales, dolphins and sunsets, turtles and tuna, missed marlin and calm seas… but another time.
Great story Helen. Getting on yacht, so cool.
I know exactly what you mean by night watch. One of my favorite things about sailing. It is the closest feeling we will ever have to floating in space. As soon as you start to get bored a pod of dolphins come visit.
We are in Ecuador heading South. You may catch up if we do not get our truck out of customs soon. Thank you for sharing.
Unfortunately my trip is ending in central America. Only 3 months left now! Hope you get your truck out of customs well before then though!