Huatulco, Mexico

Huatulco is the last port in Mexico that cruisers frequent.  It is on the Western side of the Gulf of Tehuantepec and is comprised of 9 different bays.  The photo to the left is of Bahia Santa Cruz.  The large fishing boats and cruising boats are waiting for a weather window to cross the Tehuantepec. We explored some of the bays and enjoyed excellent snorkelling.  Rescalillo Bay was beautiful and very peaceful.   The rocks below guard the entrance to Rescalillo Bay. Unfortunately, we do not have photos between Mexico and El Salvador since Carrie's camera broke.

El Salvador

Arriving at the Estero de Jaltepeque (a.k.a. Bahia del Sol to Cruisers) is a bit daunting.  The boats must pass through the surf and over a bar in order to enter the tranquil estero.  The boat above, Tide 'N Knots, is leaving on a relatively calm day.  It can be quite exciting, but with guidance from Murray and Collette (Tarazed), and Jim and Susie (Sparta), a safe passage can be made. Once inside the Estero, excellent, calm achorage can be taken.  For most cruisers, this is the first anchorage in many hundreds of miles that is not rolly!

Parque El Impossible

One of our first inland trips was to the National Park El Impossible.  It spans almost 10,000 acres and contains the source of 8 rivers, numerous petroglyphs and 4 different ecoregions.   We arrived at the base of the road to the park a little late and missed the bus to the park.  We had to catch a pick up truck instead.  While waiting for the pick up truck kids emerged from everywhere to see us.  Celeste (Sol Surfin') speaks Spanish well and entertained the children and us until the pick up arrived. Pick up trucks are used as public transportation where and when busses don't go.  You pretty much haul your gear aboard with a dozen of your newest El Salvadorian friends and hang on for a bumpy, dusty hour.  It was actually great fun and we were glad we missed the bus.

We stayed at the Hostal Impossible and had excellent accommodations, food and service.  We would highly recommend it to anyone travelling to the park.  Our cabin consisted of 2 bunk beds, 1 queen-sized bed, private bathhroom and a very cool porch.  We hung out on the porch every evening after hiking in the park all day and played Scrabble. The hiking in the park was wonderful and moderately strenuous especially for a bunch of cruisers who have been at sea level for many, many months!  A guide is required to hike in the park and the local youngsters are trained in the wildlife and vegetation of the park.  Our guide was Carlos and he did a great job.  The park was beautiful with spectacular overlooks, swimming holes, birds, animals and petroglyphs.

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