We met Jaye and Irwin in Mazatlan. We were dock neighbors and instantly bonded. They are a fun and colorful couple... friends for a lifetyme. June 26 marked Irwin’s 70^th birthday and we were invited to go along with them and their friend Steve off s/v ‘Veraizon’ to El Triunfo, Mexico... an hour outside La Paz.

Will the madness ever end???? WHEN will our monthly expenses be under $5,000????

Since purchasing HOTSPUR, we have spent oodles getting her up to speed. It’s not that we didn’t expect this... when you buy a boat you are going to have expenses. It’s just that no matter how much you prepare your mind for the inevitable, the panic that sets in when you see how much you’re spending is also enormous!

I have been asked by a number of people what our experience was crossing the border on foot from Calexico, CA to Mexicali, MX... carrying three large duffel bags and three backpacks... acquiring the proper legal immigration papers... and then finding our way to the bus station... one woman and two kids unaccompanied... in an unfamiliar border town.

It's been a while since we last reported, but the kids and I made a trip to Arizona while Jim stayed behind to babysit the pets and watch the boat at anchor in La Paz. We reunited with Jim's dad and my two sisters and their children; it was fantastic! 

This was fun... I was contacted by Kathy Parsons at WomenandCruising.com and asked if they could post my comment I made to one of their posts under their Blog section. Women and Cruising is an inspirational and informational site dedicated to sailing and cruising women. I sent them some pictures and info and this is what it looks like:

http://www.womenandcruising.com/blog/2010/06/boat-jobs-pink-or-blue-violet-meri-says/

Captain No Beard

Although La Paz is not a main destination for international tourists, it is a very popular destination for Mexican tourists. So, authentic Mexican cuisine is abundant.

Being back in La Paz has meant endless social gatherings for us. It has been wonderful after working so hard in Mazatlan. We have reconnected with old friends and met new ones along the way.

La Paz is an awesome place! If you need parts for your boat, you can likely find them in La Paz... unlike Mazatlan. Hotspur came with a PUR35 watermaker...the exact same model as what we had aboard Windfall. We found last year in the Sea that we wished we had more fresh water for more frequent showers and laundry. Jim was going to build an engine driven watermaker. He has the plans to do the job and has the connection to get the parts. However...

We left Mazatlan on June 1st... our 'sea trial' and 'maiden voyage' combo aboard Hotspur. We arrived in La Paz, Mexico June 3rd.