Thursday - Sailing to Isla

J, Jerr and I were preparing to go bright and early.  We had to check out with Armondo which was effortless as he operates El Cid very professionally.  Beth, Brenda and Leon were informed of a proposed 10am departure and true to form, they arrived at 10:30.  We actually got going around 11am.  The wind was out of the north/northeast which was the exact direction we were heading, the seas were pretty calm with 1 to 2 ft waves.  We followed Mahalo Nui out and headed north.

We went out far enough to take advantage of the northbound current but not so far as the seas would be rough.  We trolled one line and ran through a school of Bonita and brought one aboard.  As usual, Catie and Cocoa went nuts.  We released the fish and continued following Mahalo Nui.  While the temperatures were in the high 80's and we had a 10~15 know wind, the sun was relentless and it was hot.  Brenda took advantage and enjoyed the sun.

Brenda was even brave enough to take a tour while underway

Beth and I take our jobs as crew very seriously but always find time to enjoy the ride.

Leon brought a couple of coconuts aboard and about 1/2 way Brenda wanted a drink.  Being the multi talented captain, I made it happen.

Brenda enjoyed the fresh coconut but didn't want rum as it was just too hot.  Leon and Brenda enjoyed the meat of the fresh coconut too.

Following Mahalo Nui along the Hotel Zone of Cancun.

Shortly after this picture, Second Chance pulled alongside and started a water balloon battle.  We use biodegradable balloons and Mahalo Nui actually scored the first hit but since Second Chance had more crew, we were able to finish about 5 hits ahead. 

Beth, Catie and Cocoa enjoying the ride.

Leon trying the helmsman position.  Good thing I had it on autopilot.

On the approach to Isla Mujeres, the reel started screaming and Leon caught a fish.

 As usual, fish on Second Chance are for Catie and Cocoa.

Approaching El Milagro Marina in Isla Mujeres Mexico

We made it to the dock, as did Mahalo Nui without incident.  Jamie and Julio were on the dock and happy to see us return.  Vince and Kristine, with their dog Yeti, stopped by shortly after we docked to say Hi and give us the latest local info.  After getting things secured and hooked up, the land lubbers were very happy be back on land, or at least the dock.

We all headed into Isla Mujeres proper for dinner and walked around a little before catching the UltraMar ferry back to Cancun and headed to the resort.  J and Jerr stayed at El Milagro aboard Second Chance to babysit Catie and Cocoa while Beth and I went to Cancun with Brenda and Leon.  The insurance agent was coming out tomorrow morning to check out the boat again before it gets hauled out of the water at the boatyard.  Now that the "rescue" portion of the incident is over maybe actual repairs can start and get going with getting sailing again.  J and Jerr were looking into getting an apartment on Isla for the time she will be there which conservative estimates are a month.