Cheap eats that are muy bueno!

Steve and Ana have been showing us such a good time, which includes lots of wonderful and interesting places to eat. The best shrimp tacos are made by this lady (behind the counter). They are fried, but we didn't care. The only problem is that you never know when she is going to be open, so you need a backup plan. Also, be sure to bring your own cervesas!


This lady is only open for dinner and late night eating for the partying crowd - right outside of her home. She makes wonderful hot dogs wrapped in bacon and super burritos stuffed with shredded beef. Hamburgers too, but we haven't tried those. Again, bring your cervesas!

Marv and Ardy, from Odyssey, just got into town and joined us for dinner. It was wonderful to spend time with our Gate 11 buddies!




Rancho Viejo is a little more upscale (inside dining) and serves arrachero beef (and other goodies) by the kilo, which comes with all of the fixings. Everyone morning, the staff roasts tomatoes, peppers, onions, and tortillas on the big grill. It smells marvelous. Check it out!

I am definitely getting a reputation at these places. They love to watch me drink margaritas and laugh - crazy American. We went to Rancho Viejo for breakfast and the waiter asked me if I want a margarita - hah!

Easily distracted...

I promise, we are doing some work on the boat, but we are easily distracted! There is so much going on (especially this time of year) and you know us - we hate to miss a good time.

Fern and Brian (new Canadian friends) invited a bunch of us out to their beautiful home - right on Bahia La Paz. It is an amazing place with a pool, outside bar, and the lovely palapas. As you can see, we made ourselves right at home and enjoyed the festivities!

We had a send off for sailing vessels Rainshadow, Vindsang, and Sea Horse at Tequila's. They were all heading back to the states for the holidays. I don't think any of them were too excited about the weather conditions back home, but were looking forward to seeing family. We were having a good time - as you can tell.


Just one of the many places the girls visited on our shopping adventure - The Sex Shop. Just kidding - we couldn't resist the photo op!

Sights and sounds of the holidays...

We have enjoyed being in Mexico for the holidays - lots of colorful sights and lots of noise. The markets and homes are strung with beautiful pinatas (made locally) and decorated with colorful lights and Christmas decorations. Every night we here fireworks (mostly firecrackers) going off and live music that plays almost all night - way after we have gone to bed!

On the Malecon (walkway along the beach) there is lots of decorations, plus a huge Christmas tree - very pretty. Yesterday, Ana and I delivered plates of Ana's homemade goodies to the Malecon workers. They always take such good care of the Malecon and we appreciate it. It was wonderful to see their smiles when Ana delivered her gift!

The marina is also very festive with lots of boats lit up with holiday lights - including ours. Yesterday, the local sailing club hosted a Christmas Eve potluck. We had a great turnout, plus lots of wonderful food.

Christmas Eve was spent at Steve and Ana's home where we played games (way too late) and ate yummy tamales. A wonderful way to spend Noche Buena (Christmas Eve)!

We have been watching the USA weather and hope you are all staying warm and dry (as we sit outside in our shorts) - hah! Please send photos of your white Christmas!

We received a wonderful Christmas video from the Phil Warren's - check it out!

Feliz Navidad and Happy Holidays to All!

Doug and Carla

Happy Birthday, Anessa!

Who would have thought you would turn out so good, huh? But you did!

Sorry we couldn't be there to help you celebrate your 39th birthday, but we are definitely thinking about you!

Love Pear

Shave and a haircut - 2 bits!

Well, not really 2 bits, but it was pretty in- expensive. Doug had the traditional hot-towel shave with a straight- edge, plus a haircut for $10. Doug has been searching for one of these for years (at the right price) and loved it! The locals got a kick out of us watching and photographing the event.

Ana arranged for the girls to have our haircuts at a local salon - Laura's. She did a great job - fast, efficient, and cheap - $9. We were both happy with the results. Good thing - I was about ready to start chopping - my hair was making me crazy. For my team in NM - it is almost the SWIFT haircut!

After the haircuts and shave, we went to celebrate at La Paisa with a bucket of Pacifico's. Believe it or not, this is Doug's first beer at this place - the chair had a blow out. The locals got a big kick out of Doug falling on his butt - so did we. I am so glad that Steve is fast with his camera!

Totem arrives (yeah), big margaritas, and dressing up!

Sailing vessel Totem arrived safely last week! It was wonderful to visit with the Giffords (Behan, Jamie, Niall, Mairen, and Siobhan) and share sailing stories. We haven't known the Giffords very long, but some people come into your lives and it feels like they have always belonged. That's the Giffords! We know we will continue to share our good times, adventures, and margaritas!

The girls hit the pavement and went on a shopping adventure that took us all over La Paz. We were pooped and needed a break and some refreshments. We just happened to go to the Bismark, which has the biggest margarita - yeah! It was a two hander and very good - I would highly recommend it!

Yeah, that is me dressed up - as dressed up as I get these days! The local sailing club holds a monthly luncheon for the ladies. Ana rounded up a bunch of the girls and we had a great time meeting new folks and telling our sailing stories.

Best sailing picture!

We love this picture! It was taken during the start of the Baja Ha-Ha rally when we were leaving San Diego. There are about 140 other boats leaving at the same time - it was a spectacular view and very colorful.

This is the first time that we flew our brand new spinnaker - it turned about beautifully! Doug and Crit did a wonderful job of getting it rigged just when we needed it. You can't tell, but all of us are wearing our "big butt" costumes. Boats were sailing by hollering at us to show our butts!

Our good friend, Ben Warner, followed us out to photograph the event and got lots of great photos of Moondance (including this one). Thanks, Ben!