Northern Sea of Cotez and Internet Withdrawals

We arrived in BLA (Bahia Los Angeles, MX) the first week of September. We were here last year and we loved it. Things have changed and this is what I have to report:

Internet... we got it on the boat last year and though it wasn't fast, it worked. This year, not so good. Reception and continuity is more sporadic than last year and just because you walk to an internet cafe doesn't mean you'll get internet. There will be a waiting line, though!

Speaking of waiting lines, there are over 40 boats in the area this year. WOW! So much for finding a private anchorage. It is too crowded.

Prices... things have gone up price-wise everywhere. Same goes for BLA. Last year it was more expensive here, too. However, this year seems more 'gougy'. Some items can be as much as double what you'd pay in Santa Rosalia, MX. I paid 90 pesos a kilo for chicken here when I only paid 48 pesos per kilo a little further south. Beer is 240 a case versus 186. Butter is 80 pesos a pound versus 40. We haven't eaten out once since we've arrived because restaurant prices are ridiculous.

Fish... we haven't caught a single dorado north of Santa Rosalia. However, the Sierra are in full form and I made a tasty fish sausage... no joke! Out of this world... delicious!

On the positive side, there have been no hurricanes this year (knock on wood!). The water and air have been pleasant. Meeting up with old friends has been a joy.

Since it looks like the hurricane season might pass us by with not so much as a drop of rain, we may head south as soon as next week. We haven't made any firm plans yet, but looks like we may say good-bye to the northern Sea sooner than we expected.