Run For The Border: THE BUCKET, GIVE ME THE BUCKET!!

On the way to Yelapa

On Tuesday, February 28th after almost two months of scrubbing tinkering and pulling wrenches we pulled out of Puerto Vallarta and set course for Yelapa, a little anchorage about four hours away. Almost everything went off without a hitch. Morgon took the helm just out of PV and had it for the entire trip, the weather was great, the seas a little rough. We had wind on the bow so motored for the trip and the little Perkins ran great, no overheating or blowing black smoke.

So why do I say "almost" everything went off without a hitch? Susan got seasick. Not just a little seasick but heaving pina colada (first mistake = pina colada) over the rail, body shivering, fighting shock seasick. I've done some research on seasickness as I knew that this could be a problem for her, and what I found is that 20% of the population are immune to it. This is somehow linked to the 20% of the population that are real assholes. I am immune to seasickness. So for those budding cruising couples out there let me offer some advice. If you find yourself the lucky asshole that is immune to seasickness an attempt at sympathy is what is called for when your spouse has her head hanging over the rail blowing chunks. Do not roll your eyes and sarcastically spout off "Awww Jesus, so we're moving up and down a little. Big deal, suck it up" or tell your son to "Quick! Drop a lure over the side, this is really gonna bring the fish!". These types of responses will only have you headed straight for the boat broker once you tie up.

So once we had dropped anchor in probably the rolliest anchorage I had ever seen (it was calmer on the open seas) we helped Susan into the dingy and then ashore. With her feet on dry land she turned to me and for the first time in three hours said something other than " THE BUCKET, GIVE ME THE BUCKET!!".

It was "I hope you like it here, because I'm not getting back on that f#&*ing boat".

I at least knew enough to curb my mouth, just respond "okay honey" and go rent a room.

The good news is that while I didn't have the foresight to find an anchorage that was calm instead of like being in a washing machine I was able to find one that there was only two ways out of. One was by boat, the other a month long trip on the back of a mule. I think she really considered the mule.

So after two days in Yelapa we started planning our escape. No drinking, not the day before or the day of the sail. Eat a light breakfast, drink lots of water and above all, take Dramamine an hour before we head out.

It worked great. We had a three hour uneventful beautiful sail to La Cruz. Even spotted a couple of whales. Besides the bucket episode the last week and a half has been great. Yelapa, while a terrible rough anchorage, is an incredibly breathtaking place. We trekked through the jungle to waterfalls, handfed vultures (sounds creepy but it was pretty cool) and just took in the beauty of the place for three relaxing days.

La Cruz is just northwest of PV. We headed here because it was a shorter sail than around Cabo Corrientes and would be easier for Susan. The marina here is only about four years old and wonderful. Its like living in a country club. The showers are shiny, new and have an endless supply of hot water. Security is great and the daily fish market is incredible!

Our plan now is to just take it easy here for another week or so, go out for short day sails, and see if Susan will be able to acclimate. I have hope!