We saw the small town of Xcalak right about noon and in true Mexican fashion, we spotted the reef with breakers and dry parts sticking above the water. This reef pass was harder to see than the previous ones we had gone through. Conor hailed “local knowledge of Xcalak reef pass” on the GPS and almost immediately a friendly English speaking voice answered us and gave us precise, accurate info on how to navigate through the pass. After we confirmed the information, a small Panga boat with two young Mexicans drove up and waved at us to follow them through the reef pass. What a friendly place we thought! The Panga boat sped out the reef pass after we made it through with big smiles and waves but our buddy on the VHF introduced himself as Don and chatted a bit with Conor about the town. Don, as helpful as he was, did continue to monitor our VHF channel long after we and the Salty Dog were anchored safely. Later that night he even offered the internet at his house for us to use after hearing Ted say he couldn‘t pick any up on his boat.
The next day Con and Ted, after doing some captain things, did go by his house to say hello and thank him for the VHF assistance. He’s an older guy who use to sail competitively and had some good, salty stories to tell the boys. Xcalak is an even sleepier town than Punta Allen but full of friendly people and a few stores to buy some, uh, essentials. (beer). We made an attempt to check out of Mexico and visited the port capitan, although we already knew that this was unlikely. We still wanted to make an effort, in case things had changed. But just as we suspected, no one could check us out. We were told the appropriate thing to do was to check in and check out of Isla Mujeres, although the port captain there didn't offer that option when we asked. Whatever,....we tried. The second day we were there the wind really picked up so Conor decided to dive in and check the anchor before it was dark out. I said thanks and thought nothing of it until he was banging around on the scoops getting back on the boat. Penny and I went out to check on our boy and we were greeted by four large delicious looking conch! What a lovely windy afternoon surprise! We had delicious cracked conch for dinner that night. Perfect meal to get us ready for the next passage to San Pedro, Belize.
The next day Con and Ted, after doing some captain things, did go by his house to say hello and thank him for the VHF assistance. He’s an older guy who use to sail competitively and had some good, salty stories to tell the boys. Xcalak is an even sleepier town than Punta Allen but full of friendly people and a few stores to buy some, uh, essentials. (beer). We made an attempt to check out of Mexico and visited the port capitan, although we already knew that this was unlikely. We still wanted to make an effort, in case things had changed. But just as we suspected, no one could check us out. We were told the appropriate thing to do was to check in and check out of Isla Mujeres, although the port captain there didn't offer that option when we asked. Whatever,....we tried. The second day we were there the wind really picked up so Conor decided to dive in and check the anchor before it was dark out. I said thanks and thought nothing of it until he was banging around on the scoops getting back on the boat. Penny and I went out to check on our boy and we were greeted by four large delicious looking conch! What a lovely windy afternoon surprise! We had delicious cracked conch for dinner that night. Perfect meal to get us ready for the next passage to San Pedro, Belize.
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| Hasta la Vista, Mexico |
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| 9.5, enough said (would have been a 10 if the toes were pointed) |
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