Day 12 - Bahia de Huatulco

November 30, 2007

This is one of those gems in the sand that catches your eye and ultimately your heart and soul. It’s a small town with a spirit, and sophistication of a quaint european village. I’ll come back here. We found supplies, groceries, and friendly people. The towns people, businesses, taxis, merchants, etc. were gracious and fair.

We anchored in the southwest corner of the Bay, leaving plenty of room for the weekly cruise ships making their way inside the Bay to tie up alongside the new pier.

The Oaxacan influence here is strong. In the 1500’s this bay was once a trading bay, called “Cuauhtolco.” Today native arts are still part of the commerce of the town.

Saturday was spent clearing custom; meetings with port authorities, paying fees at the bank, and even a trip to the airport for a final stamping of papers. With the paperwork complete I finally had a stamped and signed Int’l Zarpa in my hands. The next morning we made our way to the fuel dock for diesel and water. I think we set a new standard for how large a boat their fuel dock can handle. Before noon we were on our way. The next leg would take us across the unpredictable Bay of Tehuantepec, and out of Mexican waters. With hopes of reaching Costa Rica before refueling, we’ll first have to transit Guatemala and then El Salvador. A short 5 day run.