Monday, December 11, 2017

Fonatur Marina in Mazatán

What a difference a marina can make as we travel.  5 days ago we moved the sailboat 5 miles north to another marina - called Marina Fonatur.  The people here are very friendly and the facilities so much better.  Needless to say my spirits are also better. It is a haul-out marina so serves people who are getting repairs done and that is why we are here.




As I understand it, Marina Fonatur is one of seven marianas in the Sea of Cortez thus is run by the Mexican Government.  It has 24/7 security and is very clean.  There is also a Cross-Fit facility in one of the buildings on the premises.  There was a competition there this weekend.



The facility is very clean and nice.



There is only one dock for this marina so we were fortunate to get a space.



Here is a picture of Dan and Mike when we first went to meet Rick, a recommended mechanic by two independent sources.  We were able to snag him as he was riding his golf cart around.



We came to this marina because our starting circuit needs to be looked at. Currently we experience intermittent starting of our engine (perhaps you remember from an earlier post). The engine runs great now, but it just doesn't always start when we want it to.   He has quickly looked at the situation and believes the wires are all corroded and need to be replaced.  He also wants to cut an access hole from the head (bathroom) to the engine so it will be easier to work.  Once that panel is cut, the engine will have access from four sides which I am told is pretty favorable for any engine work that needs to be done down the road.

The plan thus far is some work will be done in a day or two and then we will depart south for some more remote anchorages, swimming and snorkeling.  We will schedule the final part of this wiring overhaul for the first week in March.

Meanwhile we have not been idle as we've had projects to attend to.  My SUP board cover was attacked by birds at one of the anchorages.  Below you will see that I am attempting to sew on sun-brella fabric patches.  Time will tell how that will work out.  It has taken awhile as I have to go through several layers of fabric and some foam.  I guess that is why some cruisers bring sail rite sewing machines for this type of repair.



I met a cruising couple on SV Ka'Sala who told me about a veggie truck that comes to a nearby marina 3 mornings per week!  Plus for a limited time, there is a fish vendor too.  We have enjoyed  shopping for fresh stuff this way.  We loaded up our bags this morning as well.



On the way back I noticed this interesting looking plant. I thought it looked like an octopus with many more legs and I think that is because I am reading a book about an octopus.



I also noticed some glass shards on top of the concrete wall that borders our marina.  This would certainly keep most intruders out.



Dan had a cold for a couple days, but seems to be on the mend now.  He has used this time at the marina to redesign our swim platform.  He had to do some fiberglass work and added a few boards for support and to make a more stable landing platform.  It came out great.   (Below he is making a template out of cardboard.)



Here is the finished product.  The platform has to be removed when we fold the ladder up, but it will be an easier place to dive off.



I have enjoyed swimming in this pool to cool off.  It has one lap lane and the rest is only about 3 to 5 inches deep.  I wonder if it is because people like to just sit there and stay warm from the sun, but let the water cool them.  Since I have not seen anyone else use this pool, it is only a guess.




One morning I paddled my SUP board to meet  Lyneita from SV Ka'sala who thought she might paddle her kayak. I went around the area called Gilligans Island.  It appears that while this might have been a more active area, it is currently in decline as these structures were empty.



Just around the corner however was a very nice resort and marina called Marina La Isla and this is where I met Lyneita on her sail boat.



Lyneita was happy to have another female to paddle with as was I. We explored one of the many estuaries that surround the marina. There was a golf course and some nice properties.  We did not see anyone outside on their porches but did notice workers taking care of the properties.






We went to an island with many birds nesting on it.  Plus if you look closely, you can see this 2 foot iguana!  Several years ago when Lyneita and her husband were in their dinghy in this estuary, they were warned about a crocodile!  (We did not see any this time, if there are any.)  The farther south we go though, I should be careful!



Dan and I took a taxi to the beach.  We are starting to get antsy and are feeling ready to leave soon.  There are lots of high-rises really close to the water. The surf was up and we had a nice walk.



The sunset is calling us to get out on the water again.

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