Yippee! Whales breaching as we sailed south from San Blas to Chacala (a six hour trip).
Chacala in the morning with just a few folks wandering about - viewed from Hoku Pa'a.
Ashore we had a good stroll along the beach...
...and were surprised to run into Barry and Karen from our Victoria swim club! That reminds us of an American cruiser who joked,"don't all Canadians know each other?"
As more beach-goers arrive, the banana boats come out. This one is trolling for customers.
Vendors get busy, too, hawking blankets, hats, beach toys, sunglasses, and food at "almost free" prices. The sellers are courteous and did not pester us when we declined their offers.
Many people enjoy the surf rolling in, whether at the vanguard of the crashing wave, or hanging back with a drink in hand while the spent water washes over them.
The waves can reach impressive heights. We were here in mild weather so all was well, but we have heard that it can get very dangerous and lives have been lost.
Dinghies aren't meant for surfing so to go ashore one uses a protected area west of the beach. The fishers have a dock; dinghies tuck in a bit north of that and pull up onto a tiny beach.
We appreciated that many businesses catering to tourists were small local enterprises. This little town seemed quite popular with Mexican tourists, as well as some tourists from farther north. While Chacala would not be a good place to stock up, basic provisions are available. We enjoyed lunch in town but didn't take advantage of their deal to buy a chicken and get a free shower.
Probably not to code in Canada...
This cobblestone street had a nice view down to the water and an impressive bougainvillea bush (tree?).
It's always fun to come across what we think of as "house plants" growing at the roadside.
These pretty fruits (about 1-2 inches wide) resembled small red bums. We have no idea what they are.
Time to head back to the boat.
Bjarne enjoying the nice lighting toward the end of the day.
All that surf makes for a rolly anchorage so many boaters keep their bow into the waves by using a stern anchor. When we pulled ours up in preparation for departure, this tentacled critter was clinging on!
Bjarne coaxed the little octopus onto a leaf then put our guest overboard. We were surprised and pleased that it did not release any ink - dark blotches from our last stowaway had only just faded! As we sailed off toward the south, we bid both the little octopus and Chacala farewell.