Sailing with Family in Banderos Bay - April 2013

Vinnie, Maya and Dylan spent Spring Break on Mariah at Banderos Bay.  We returned to visit some of my favorite spots on the bay. Since the Blog already covered these areas, Ill just attach photos with some details. Vinnie's sister, Menaka, arrived later in the week and visited with us while she stayed at the Paradise resort.

  Vinnie and I spent the first day taking multiple buses for groceries and to replace needed supplies that were stolen. We must have visited 4 or 5 stores. It was a hot and tiring outing. Luckily, the kids could stay at Paradise Resort and play at the pool and relax on Mariah while we slaved away.



 Day 2 we took the public bus to Salulitas. The iguana photo was taken in a back patio behind a surf store where Maya bought a swim suit. They called it an iguana garden where several iguanas roamed the trees freely and tolerated the tourists snapping photos. We strolled the shops and found some shade on the beach and had sodas so cool off.






 We departed Paradise Marina for Punta Mita and the search for surf.  Vinnie's friend SueAnn and her 2 kids came along for the day and took the bus back. We all played on the water with kayaks and paddle boards and later had lunch at El Coral beach restaurant. 

We later attempted surfing the small breaks ashore. It was great fun watching Vinnie and the kids surf.  Vinnie caught a few waves with the Boogie board. Maya said a few waves "caught her" and Dylan won the grand prize of standing up on a wave (I was also on the same wave so could witness the event). I must say that Dylan would be a natural surfer due to his swimming skills and balance.  Vinnie and Maya also scored points for catching waves even if not able to stand.

 The next day we motored to the Marieta Islands which are the bird sanctuary. It was a little too choppy to snorkel so we took the dingy to the beach and hiked around the nesting "blue footed boobies" found only here and the Galapagos

 We took care to walk slowly around the nesting birds but it wasn't our fault they nested right next to the trail. They squawked and pecked as we walked by but kept to their eggs.

 One sign on the Island reported that centuries ago these islands were used by natives for sacrifices. No wonder these islands seem so spooky.

 

 From the Marietas, we sailed to Yolapa and hiked to the local waterfall in town. It was another hot and irritable day so we had some drinks at a local beach club where we paid a few bucks to take Dylans picture with an iguana.

 As always, I couldnt resist taking a cool soak under the waterfall.

Vinnie and the kids were not too excited about hiking up the valley to the swim hole and I didnt think they would enjoy the rustic stops on the way back to Paradise Village so I decided set sail back to the comforts of the resort. 

Dylan on the beach at Yolapa befriending an iguana.

 



  Here are Maya and Dylan and friends back at the Pool at Paradise Village Resort where they are much cooler and happier with friends.

Maya was invited to go jet skiing with a friend...Look out world!!!

Here is Dylan enjoying the rush of a water slide.

Again here is Dylan riding the mechanical bull during the western night buffet. There was also line dancing, a live band, and some traditional dancers.

 Here is Dylan again in his natural habitat.

Vinnie and I went paddleboarding up the mangroves until a resident warned us about the 12-15' crockodiles that live near by so we rush back to the boat a little spooked.  Later we all took the dingy in search of crocks but only found the sign in the photo.








So that concludes another Painter adventure in Paradise which included Puerto Vallarta, Paradise Resort, Punta Mita, Marieta Islands and Yolapa.

Vinnie, Maya and Dylan returned home and to school last week and here I sit at the Paradise Marina waiting for a weather window to begin  my return trip home. The first leg will be from Banderos Bay back to Cabo San Lucas. Luckily, there is a South wind predicted tomorrow (friday) through the weekend so maybe I will have a rare downwind trip heading North. Cross your fingers.

So cheers for now and hope all is well with you all!!!
Ken and Mariah