Wind And Waves

Here is the area of Chacala in relation to Mexico. In the state of Nayarit (a little bigger than Maryland) A small fishing village and coconut plantation….brought to life by a woman named Laura (great name!) De Valle, an American Doctor, a zen Buddhist and vegetarian with a strong commitment to helping the less-fortunate. She built a lodge to house visiting American medical students volunteering at the local health clinic she founded to serve the Mexican poor. Chacala started attracting others with similar ideals, along with ‘eco-tourists’ looking for a tranquil, unspoiled and little-visited beach-town ‘off the beaten path’. They could stay in her rustic lodgings (and eat vegetarian) when there was room, and even pay a reduced rate if they volunteered on projects designed to help the community. (wikipedia)

Unfortunately…….I didn’t know all this before I got there! I just knew it had a wonderful “feel” and I was very excited to be there. When I was younger, my family took a road trip down to Guaymas, Mexico. I remember being SOOO excited that we were going to Mexico, I looked forward to it for weeks. We piled 5 of us in our Landcruiser and drove down. No AC! It was soo hot! I couldn’t wait until we got to the tropics and could see a palm tree. We never did!! THough it was a wonderful trip….I always felt a little bummed we hadn’t reached the tropics. So now, on my trip, when I look out from the boat and see land that is lush and full of palm trees……..I am extra excited. Not to mention the thrill of anchoring at night and then waking up in the day to this beautiful view! All I have to do is jump overboard for a morning swim and go to the land to explore! Actually, though I did go swimming, Eric and I blew up a kayak and rowed in and walked all around the cobble-stone streets. Then……we sat ourselves on the beach under a palapa and enjoyed a margarita. 🙂 I was soo happy. It was one of those moments you wish would last forever. Eric even got some pictures. I’m not sure he knew what to do with all my happiness!