Thursday, November 27, 2014

Sophie's Report on The Mexican Revolution

The Mexican Revolution

Hello, friends and family! Today my mom and I went and saw the traditional Mexican parade, celebrating the Mexican Revolution! 

Many dancers in the parade were wearing traditional outfits, as you see here...


In 1910 the revolution first started, when many people rose against the president, Porfirio Diaz. Now, usually, a Mexican president can only be president for 4 years, but Diaz had been president for 30! See, he would sneak in and tweak the votes so everyone would be voting for him. Also, if someone tried to run against him he’d send his thugs to convince him otherwise.

Now, one of the rebels was named Pancho Villa, he rose with about 300 other men and women. Diaz realized he was not going to be able to stay strong much longer, for he has going on 80, so he singed over his power, and died in Paris 4 years later. Viva Mexico!

After that, Madero, a man who had tried to overthrow Diaz years before, retuned. He was immediately made president. But he found himself in a sticky situation; all the Mexicans wanted different things for Mexico. Madero spent 2 years trying to meet all their needs and wants, but failed. A war broke out again, but this time against Madero. After 10 days of this, it was finally resolved and a new man was put in charge, Huerta. But Huerta didn’t stay for long, there were many years of difficulty for Mexico after that. And that is the Mexican Revolution!



Long Overdue Update

Ok - Apologies are in order; Mea Culpa, Lo Siento, otra vez y otra ves

So, we are alive and doing well....We are in La Paz, at Marina De La Paz and it is pretty awesome. Getting here was a bit tougher than anticipated.....a quick update.

Sunset after Bahia Santa Maria
We left Bahia Santa Maria a few weeks ago. It's a beautiful place.  It was a nice trip and we were graced with some of the most beautiful sunsets.





We motored into Cabo San Lucas with the Haha fleet and settled into the wind down phase of the flotilla. The Latitude 38 organizers were great. While there are some downfalls to coming down the coast with the Haha, there were many more positives, the least of which was meeting many new friends and knowing that buddy boats were never far away. Most importantly, Profilgate (the organizing boat) did a great job. We owe them a big Gracias.

The anchorage in San Lucas was a bit rough. We were already fighting a battery issue (they would not charge completely) and the added wear and tear of the rolling was exhausting....We headed into the Marina in Cabo San Lucas and found refuge at a slip with slight damage to the pier. Hurricane Odile did quite a number on the city and the port. However, we were impressed with how quickly they got the necessities up and running, despite the politics of the immediate aftermath. We spend one week there and then Motored out to near by Los Cabos. Only three hours away, Los Cabos was a stark contrast to San Lucas. The sheltered cove was quiet, a nice restaurant, and decent internet. We were only there for one day, but wished we had left the hustle and bustle of San Lucas a few days earlier.

We left for Bahia Los Frailes, motored the whole way (again).  Anchored in a fairly rolly area but our flopper stopper helped. The next evening we left for Bahia Los Muertos - locals are trying to rename it Bahia Los Suenos - the latter name being far more appropriate. We spent a day and a half here. Great beaches, a nice restaurant, crystal clear water. We loved it. I discovered that my prop zinc was completely gone and replaced it. It had only been 6 weeks since we put a new one one, so something is clearly wrong with our electrical systems - save that for another post.

We left MuertosSuenos under the cover of darkness with the intent to roll into LaPaz mid morning - about a 10 hour trip. We motored - again. And, this was a rough passage. In Short - We got our butts kicked.....it turned out to be a 14 hour trip. I will gloss over the details, but let's just say we are happy to be in La Paz, at the dock and working on our electrical system.

While here, we plan to take advantage of our time and do a few unplanned activities. Sophie and I are getting SCUBA certified, local horseback riding lessons, working on the brightwork (no surprise) and hanging out with a few friends. Kelly and Sophie took in the Revolucion Parade - see next post. We are headed to a nearby church for Thanksgiving today and of course just getting caught up on a bit of rest.

The todo list is growing, but that's ok. we are on vacation, right? Um.....
So - again with the apologies for the update gap. I will be better.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Sophie speaking

Why hello there to all my relatives and friend scattered out in the world! Today is my moms birthday and we are ceabrating by going out to a nice but not fancy, dinner! Also,  we were  delayed yet another day because of the wether, but I can't really complain because it so nice here! I miss you all and hope to here from you all soon!
 -Sophie

Happy Birthday Kelly!

We had a nice day today We woke up not knowing if we were heded south or not, due to hurricane Vance. Turns out the Haha organizers leaned to the safety first side of things. This gave us the opportuntity to celebrate Kely's bithday in style; chimichangas on a hill top, overlooking the bay..and out boat :)

We will see what tomorrow holds for weather..  Headed back to the boat where no doubt Monty has wondered if we have abandoned him forever....


Saturday, November 1, 2014

Bahia De Las Tortugas

OK - Quick Update....
1) Getting online is harder than anticipated
2) We made it to Bahia De Las Tortugas Wednesday Night - anchored at night -- that was fun...
3) Having to chase down a battery problem - grrrr
4) Sophia learned to surf yesterday - it was pretty cool to see!
5) Yes there is a storm "Vance" South of us. We were supposed to depart today for Bahia Santa Maria but the HaHa flotilla chose to wait it out. I am reassured by the safety conscious team....
6) Haha organizers are great.

Ok - I need to take these precious online moments to update my weather programs....and download more books to Sophie's Kindle....

Cheers All