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Agua Verde to Bahia Concepcion (including Loretto)
Agua Verde was pleasant, but we only stayed for one full day. Upon arrival, there was talk on the VHF radio that the veggie truck would arrive at 5 p.m., so we went ashore to the small tienda for some fresh veggies. We had a pleasant evening with Bill from SV 'Rocky an Brew', and he gave tips on future anchorages. As we were headed to Puerto Escondito, he advised that we may want to anchor in the elipse area. We hadn't planned on that, in that both our cruising books indicated that anchoring in the elipse area was prohibited. We'll have to check that out.

Traveling to Puerto Escondido gave us another dose of reality that our electronic charts are inaccurate by over a mile or two. In the northwest, we were spoiled at the pinpoint accuracy of our electronic charts, and relied on them several times when navigating into harbors in dense fog (along with radar, depth sounder, and our eyes and ears). Once again, our chartplotter had us traveling over land. The e-charts at least get us close, and we use paper charts for in-close navigation.

Upon arrival at Puerto Escondido, we entered the elipse area right behind another Tayana 37- SV 'Blue Moon'. The anchorage was quite nice and had a dinghy dock as well as a morning VHF cruisers net. We met Alain from SV Blue Moon. He introduced us to the API official, gave us info on a great hike into the mountains behind the anchorage and a bit of history of the Puerto Escondido developments (now abandoned developments). While there, we hiked up the dry river draw into the mountains (it was really hot) and enjoyed the scenery, The next day we rented a car and traveled the 25 km into Loreto- which is a quite picturesque town. We visited the mission and several shops. Spending time with Alain and his wife, Mary was quite enjoyable.

Leaving Puerto Escondido, we headed over to Puerto Ballandra on Isla Carmen- a very nice bay and anchorage. Upon arriving, we set anchor, and Steve was in the dinghy (still in the davits) unleashing some steadying straps.... when SNAP!!- the rear bridle seperated and dropped the stern of the dinghy (and Steve) into the bay. Cindy heard the crash and came running up onto deck and lowered the bow of the dinghy into the water. Because the bow was still about 5' higher, the outboard motor was partially submerged. Gratefully, the only casualty (besides the rear bridle) was a pair of Steve's glasses. Fortunatley we have spares on board... and the water was quite refreshing. We decided to stay several days in the anchorage in that the weather was very pleasant, the water perfect for swimming, and it was quiet and calm. Two days later, Steve lost a second pair of prescription eyeglasses... watched them sink quite quickly. Cindy mentioned something about eyeglasses, ears, hose clamps, and duct tape... all in the same sentence.

Monday, 6/23 we raised anchor and headed to Caleta de San Juanico- where we intended to spend a couple of days. The anchorage was a bit rolly and the temperatures were getting hotter, so we moved to Bahia Santo Domingo at the entrance to Bahia Concepcion. A bit nicer, with some breeze. But still hot. So we made the mistake of heading down Bahia Concepcion to Coyote Bay. A beautiful spot, but even hotter, more humid, and no breeze. Even jumping in the water brought no relief. The inside of the cabin is about 103 degrees. We take Buddy to the beach, and he runs to some shade and lays down. He's miserable in this heat. So we raise anchor and head back to the entrance of Bahia Concepcion with the intent of getting to Santa Rosalia the next day. We'll get a spot in a marina, plug in the air conditioner, and sightsee in the mornings

Landscape
Isla Danzante Dragon
chartplotter
Danzante Gargoyle
VicRose in Puerto Escondito
Puerto Escondito Hotel
Cindy on trail
Resting in Sierra de la Giganta
Loreto Street
Loreto Mission 1
Loreto Mission 1697
Loreto Mission Church
Loreto Mission Church Altar
Loreto Streetscape
Loreto Architecture1
The landscape provide subtle changes, such as the strata visible in the hillsides
The southern tip of Isla Danzante is said to resemble a sleeping dragon.  Yep.
I asked Cindy to quit taking the boat on shortcuts over land, even if it is still 144' deep.  The e-charts are a bit "off" here
You may be able to make out the gargoyle face in the center rock
'Victoria Rose' at anchor in the elipse in Puerto Escondido, with Sierra de la Giganta as a backdrop
We found a lot of partially finished and abandoned building projects in Mexico. The 'venice-like' canals and abandoned hotel are examples
We take a morning hike up 'Steinbecks Canyon' in Sierra de la Giganta.  The bolders are the trail.  Buddy did well on this.  We take a rest to rehydrate in what little shade we can find in the canyon.
We rent a car and travel to Loretto for grocery shopping and sightseeing. The streets are well landscaped, the main attraction is the mission church, which has survived over 300 years
The original construction of the church dates to 1697.  The interior of the church is magnificent, even with sunlight coming through the holes in the roof.
Some more of the Loretto streetscape