After several weeks in La Cruz, it was time to head south towards the beautiful Gold Coast, about 100 miles south of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay. Our first stop would be Tenacatita, the storied anchorage we would return to again and again over the next two months. Tenacatita is a glorious parking spot for several reasons:
- super protected due to it being a “bay within a bay”
- long, deserted sandy beach lined with palm trees
- jungle tour up a meandering river, complete with mangroves and crocodiles
- excellent snorkeling
- beautiful scenery
- laid back palapa restaurant
- …and a fun little surf break!
We loved our time there.
Another huge factor of loving this place was all of the kid boats we met and spent many (many!) afternoons hanging at the beach with. We developed a close community and that added so much to the trip. And there were so many kids for Josie and LouLou to hang out with! Many afternoons slipped away into twilights surfing and chatting on the sand. We had pot lucks and Ultimate Frisbee games. Jeff led a photo expedition up the lagoon to find crocodiles. One morning, the older kids met on Ohana for pancakes, boat school, and surfing. Jeff went spearfishing with the other dads. LouLou spent hours swimming and playing in the sand with her buddies. Once a week, we would head three miles across the bay to pretty La Manzanilla to buy some more supplies. At night, we played with our ukulele band, the formidable Tres Ukes. Jeff shot some incredible drone footage of a mama and baby humpback whales. It was magical, and I know when I remember our year in Mexico that Tenacatita will be the highlight.
About ten miles south of Tenacatita is another lovely spot, Barra de Navidad. We stayed in the marina several times, enjoying the fabulous facilities, including a three level pool with TWO waterslides. You can guess that Josie and LouLou had an excellent time there. The grounds of the hotel connected to the marina are stunning, and we spent many hours exploring the expansive property. One particularly interesting location was the abandoned hotel, a beautiful building that had been completely left empty. Josie and her friends visited several times and even found some bats! Spooky. Another fun adventure in Barra was hiking out to the secret beach on the ocean side of the resort. Super strong waves prevented any swimming, but the views were amazing – sweeping vistas of white sand and crashing whitewater spilling for miles south.
My Aunt Kathryn and her friend Peggy came to visit us when we were staying in Barra. It was so great to have a visit from someone from home. Kathryn has been coming to stay in colorful Melaque, a beachside town just north of Barra, for many years. We spent an afternoon in Melaque visiting Kathryn as well, and we stocked up on provisions at Super Hawaii.
Sara, what a fabulous adventure! You look lovely in the photos. I will be in Guadalajara March 1st, Ajijic an Puerto Vallarta til the end of March. My sister and I are going. Sounds so tame next ti your year in Mexico. Are you home schooling the kids?
Anyway, so nice to see how your life has evolved. Take care and ENJOY!
I love following along in your great adventure!
We sure miss you all!
I was wondering when you would post a new blog. Your family has certainly had an adventure to remember for all time. Glad you posted your adventures and pictures. Love to all of you. Auntie Ann
Sending love to you and the family – always love reading about your adventures and my hope is that you will have many many more opportunities to take on longer voyages!