We’d heard only that Huatulco was a good place to wait for a weather window before crossing the Tehuantapec, a bay known for terrible wind and waves. What we didn’t know is that it is a gem of a town. Michael called it the “Mexican version of what they imagine a gringo would like. They were spot-on, at least for this gringo!”
For one thing, Huatulco is probably the cleanest Mexican town we’ve encountered and one of the friendliest. The manager of Marina Chahue drove Michael on two trips to get fuel–and also provided larger jerry jugs–because they don’t yet have a fuel dock. Here, Mark oversees the fueling, which is the perfect job for a crew member. The Captain, instead, finds himself on his knees.
In this picture, you can see where the genoa track lifted. But even that worked for good, as it allowed Michael to find a much better sheeting angle further aft.
Michael couldn’t get over the way Huatulco’s city leaders care about their sidewalks. This is one area sadly mismanaged in most other Mexican towns where stumbling blocks litter the pavement. Not here, apparently. And, from the looks of things, the sidewalks are kept in pristine condition.
Here’s the main drag through town.
It costs $20 (pesos) to go anywhere in town by taxi. That’s less than two dollars US. And, according to Michael, the drivers all wear uniforms and the taxis are all well maintained — again, unusual.
Tour boats ready to go.
“Senor Puck’s Restaurant is a very nice,” writes Michael. “Most reasonably priced and located quite close to the Marina. We all enjoyed the food. It is run by three Canadian fellows, who are doing an excellent job of it.”
I’m not certain if this last is also Senor Puck’s, as Michael only titled it Beach-side Restaurant.
Sea Venture has now checked out of Mexico, after visits from Customs and Immigration. As we experienced everywhere in Pacific Mexico, the officials were friendly, helpful, and gracious. As the Immigration official stamped Michael’s FM3, he wished him a good voyage, and told Michael he’d see him on our next trip.
Oh, I hope so. I hate the thought that we’ll never go back. So many wonderful memories of our years there….
Fabulous pics, N. Really love this travelogue. You must be “homesick”.
Very. But, as Michael says, I’m also missing the sleepless nights at sea. We much prefer to mosey places, where the night watches are spaced more and so less exhausting. But this is a delivery run for him — delivering himself and Sea Venture back to me!