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La Cruz and onto Paradise Marina

We were back in the La Cruz anchorage after having left Isla Isobel a few days previously. While it is convenient this anchorage is always exposed to the afternoon winds that can at times blast in from the south and west. This makes it somewhat uncomfortable….so we decided we should move into La Cruz Marina again while we waited.

In the La Cruz marina we were on a different dock, one that was much more central, closer to the bathrooms and showers, but there was still dust.

Yes, La Cruz is dusty, very dusty. 

We went daily to stretch our legs and pick up what we needed for the small town of La Cruz. A visit to the bread man to buy his excellent for dough.

Visiting the market for fresh veg and fruit. Dropping off laundry to the laundry lady.

Walks along the malecon/breakwater, looking out across the way.

A week passed and finally we heard from our final destination of the season:

Paradise Village Marina

We were due into the marina on June 1st, but heard 2 days before that we could go in a day early. It was a relief as the first tropical storm was brewing off shore. The skies were cloudy for the 1st time since November.

We entered the marina, and were very happy with our slip assignment as it was towards the outside and so receives some breeze. Plus Chico is well away from most folks and so less likely to get up to mischief.

The marina is set next to the resort, and is considered part of the resort. We can use the facilities, sometimes with a small fee. We spent the first few days walking around getting familiarized. 

The resort has 3 different pools and several minor ones, one is mainly for folks to relax around, the other is more for children and play, hence the slides etc. And lastly there is a lap pool.

There are a number of restaurants and eateries, from right on the beach to a formal restaurant. 

The beach is large and long with tons of shaded seating.

Just next door is the mall with several shops, a grocery and then places like Mac Donald’s to eat at with an indoor play area for the kiddies.

Just along from there is a hospital and full medical facility. There are tour operators, a taxi rank, regular colectivo, and really just everything one might need. All of the area is immaculately kept, and many of the staff speak English.

We took a walk each day out along the entrance pier. Each day the seas were very different.

At the restaurant that is behind the beach next to the pier folks would be eating breakfast. A falcon handler would be there with his handsome bird whose job was to keep other birds away.

We had to smile as the iguanas prowled the area instead of the birds.

We had a few tasks to complete before leaving for home. 1stly was finding a cat sitter for Chico.

Lo and behold, right next to us was Pam and her husband, Eric, whom we had met in Chiapas. Pam readily agreed to feeding and minding Chico.

Off we set into the main Puerto Valleta area to the market to get gifts for home. The main part of the city is an hour’s taxi ride away. We were dropped off right in front of the crafts market.

Inside we quickly made our purchases. Following we went along a small section of the walkway behind the beach.

Stopping for lunch and then heading back to Aeeshah. 

Then before we knew it we were heading to the airport.

“Life takes you unexpected places, love brings you home.”

“It’s a funny thing coming home. Everything is the same, except you.”