The heat is on

Bahia Agua Verde, BCS, Mexico

What have we done since we arrived in Agua Verde?

We have successfully launched the dinghy - the motor worked first time.

We have visited the village, a short walk from the beach, a couple of times. Bought some supplies at the local tienda (mini-mart), had some refreshments at the restaurant (looks like someone's house), observed some sort of Sunday evening fiesta with the crowning of a "princess" or two (Not really sure what that was all about) and watched some young people dancing to traditional Mexican music (soundtrack from Grease). Ate some tasty tomales at a stand set up by some local ladies. Being cruisers, we left the party before the real fun got going of course - we had our own fun navigating to the boat in the dark - we forgot to turn on the anchor light before left in the afternoon.

We joined two other cruising couples on a panga ride a short way up the coast and hiked up a steep trail to see some caves and associated cave paintings. Note: Cactus make very poor hand-holds - try to avoid them!

With the temperatures now averaging about 35C during the day, and only cooling off to about 28 at night, we have been spending some time in the water during the heat of the day. The water temperature is still only about 23C so it feels pretty cool when you get in. Some great snorkeling just a short distance from the boat.

On the mechanical side of things, I have managed to adjust the alternator belt - only took the best part of an hour. When I had the engine compartment open, we could hear water dripping. Our dripless stuffing box was dripping. I was able to put some compression on the fitting and secure the allen screw that had come loose - looks good now.

Our solar power is "just" able to keep up with our power requirements now, with the fridge and freezer running much higher duty cycles as the ambient temperature in the boat is rising. If it gets much hotter, they probably won't quite do it. My advice to anyone contemplating this type of cruise is that there is no such thing as too many solar panels.

We will probably hang around here another day or two before moving a little further north.

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