shindigsailing: Thirty Days in La Paz

It is so easy to see how people can Pause in La Paz. We consider ourselves somewhat "old-timers" compared to the new cruisers just arriving in town for the season. Our love for La Paz grows as we revisit favorite haunts and find new discoveries in town and in the nearby islands.. The town, while over 250,000 in population, feels small and very Mexican, with real resources, infrastructure and mostly friendly, gracious people.

Our first two or three weeks aboard Shindig were spent tackling projects, big and small in the extreme heat of October. There was no AC for Shindig for a long while as Rob discovered many under floor pumps had failed. The recommissioning process takes time and the boat reminds you daily that she does not like to be left alone for the summer.

Rob persevered in the heat, and certainly lost several pounds from pure sweat labor. Thank goodness the local restaurants could serve us fresh fish tacos, ceviches, and ice cold cervezas. Those early evenings were times to celebrate hard work needed to get ready for some serious fun. (No fear, we ARE in serious fun mode now) With a steady stream of friends returning to La Paz, we are enjoying catching up and hearing of their summer adventures, as well as cruising plans.

High up the mast to replace the Tri-Color light that flew off during hurricane Odile

Rob working under the floor to replace one of many failed pumps

Our boat neighbors, Greg and Monica, invited us out on their panga one morning for a little ride. We decided to go looking for whale sharks, which we have successfully found last year. Sure enough, after an 8 mile ride across the Bay, we spotted them. So did numerous other chartered pangas with tourists. Fortunately there were enough for everyone to enjoy, respectfully. We quickly jumped in the water, with dive fins on, to be able to keep up with these large, but docile creatures.

Rob and Nancy swim towards the Whale Shark

Nancy and Whale shark on a swim

Nancy joined the youth orchestra rehearsals at La Escuela de Musica, where she plays cello several nights a week. The conductor now only speaks Spanish, and despite some Spanish lessons, she still struggles with understanding. Fortunately the language and love for music is universal and the mostly younger musicians are all very friendly, and helpful. In return, she gives them music and special coffee candies from the States. There have been a few violins to donate, too. She also reconnected with several different musical friends in town, working on trios or duos. There was an open house concert in early December, but they have decided to postpone until next Spring. Whew!

Shindig's music locker is growing!
Last count was a full size keyboard, cello, 2 violins and a Prakticello

Prakticello makes its debut
This instrument can be disassembled into a small carry on satchel

Young boy tries out Nancy's violin

Early morning spinning and Zumba classes held in a beach side palapa supplement long morning walks on the Malecon. While Rob listens to the morning Net and enjoys coffee with his parents, Nancy is usually at the end of her daily exercise, counting steps on her newly acquired FitBit.
It's a great way to keep motivated with her active girlfriends in the States.

Exercise shack on the Malecon

We also had some getaways to the nearby islands. Rob's parents joined us onboard thier power boat named Elegante,

Rob and Dad hiked to top of the range at Balandra Cove

Shindig and a beautiful anchorage

Nancy gets some paddle time on the SUP near the Balandra Rock, an icon in La Paz.

Bert and Alice enjoying their day at Balandra

How to get back to your boat without getting wet, with one SUP and no dinghy?
Nancy paddles on Rob's back from Elegante to Shindig

Rob's new sport of kite-surfing has finally taken off with the first of the north winds. Our friends from Vancouver, BC are in their La Paz home now and are official wind chasing buddies. After a few windy afternoons at La Ventana, which is less than an hour away, he is harnessing the wind and ripping up the waves. One afternoon Rob was one of over 100 kiters, plus 60 old-timer windsurfers, out on the water. Will post more action shots very soon!