Grammy made it to town with dog in tow. We all hung out in San Pancho (San Francisco) today. The town is only five miles up the road from Sayulita, but is another world entirely. It’s pretty plain to see that once Sayulita is completely overrun it will spread out and gobble up San Pancho. The locals and the land developers have long been preparing for it. But for now it is a perfect little spot. The town is basically one main street running from the highway for about a mile until it dead ends at the beach. Along the way are a dozen pretty good looking restaurants, a surf shop, fruit stand, small grocery, and anything else you can think of that a small Mexican beachside village should have. And on the beach, instead of hundreds upon hundreds of gringos, there were a dozen or two.
Killing some time before my mom’s arrival we decided to pop in to the marina at Nuevo Vallarta. There we found almost all of the same boats sitting right where we left them. Strolling a marina does not give us any tinge of longing just yet, that much was clear. I’ll tell you something else in all honesty—I really can’t even entertain the idea of ever owning a monohull again. Just looking at them I cringe a little bit. Why? Because of the cluttered mess that they all become. Look at those cockpits and bowsprits below—could those boats be any less pleasant aesthetically?
All right, that might not be the only reason why.
What? If I could buy superhero underwear at Target that is all I would wear around town too.
Either Ouest is getting taller, or Grammy is getting shorter. Or some combination of the two.
19 Comments on “San Pancho”
Yay! Grammy is there!
I love your photo journalism and agree with the thought about boats, having been there, done that. It’s not that O is taller of G shorter, it’s your camera that’s more powerful than before!
Re-reading this post: pointy boats out, but is the door open for the dark side boats? The crew would love life on Magic….
Alan, would you be open to leasing Magic to us? Say a thirty-year note at 1.2%. 🙂
I just knew it! Goin to the Dark Side!
Sorry to bum ur dreams. Magic sold last year (Feb.) after just 3 months on the market. Might see her sail by…or on the hard in Guaymas off season…
Your adventures are killing me. Spring WILL NOT come to Pennsylvania. Maybe I need to get myself a Winnebago and go south.
Pennsylvania. Is that up near Maine somewhere? I was led to believe they only had summer and winter there. And yes, Hil, you do need to get yourself a Winnie and head south. In fact, everyone should—if only for one year of our long lives. We’d be happy to have you down here.
Just another day enjoying life. Sweet.
Monohulls are for blue water and economy. Maybe try a cat with a couple of big diesel engines. I remember reading on some sail forum years ago about a couple who bought a cat and ended up going around the world with no experience. 🙂
Interesting. You’ll have to let me know if you come across that blog. I bet it’s a really good read. Wonder if they wrote a book?
Damn, missed seeing you again! Our boat is to the left, dock B, and yes it’s a monohull, but we still would have you on board for sundowners if you are still in the area …
Cracks me up about the monohulls, here here. And Naia has that same donkey surfer ball cap that Ouest has. 🙂
I can verify How cold it is in PA. I came through today and got SNOWED ON!I am a couple adventures behind you (pointy boat), but I’m just as glad to get started. Looks like y’all are having a blast!
Thought I’d say something regarding monohulls vs ugly old buses but realized it would be a waste of time.
Have you stopped in Punta de Mita? It always seemed much quieter to me and we had some of the best roasted chili salsa out there on the beach.
Bochitos, don’t you just love them!
I followed your blog and read your book to prepare myself for my daughter’s circumnavigation on a 38′ catamaran. Like you, the Eventide crew had limited to no experience sailing before setting out on their journey. They left St. Thomas the end of October and currently are 5 days into their Pacific crossing, heading toward the Marquesas. Last night I checked in to catch up on Bumfuzzle. Pleased to see you are in Sayulita. We owned a house in San Pancho from 91-07 and that is where our children spent a lot of time growing up. Thought it interesting you and our daughter have switched places. Thanks for the comfort you have brought me as I follow their adventure. Wishing you and your family all the best! Carry on!
Awesome, thanks for commenting. Let us know how the crossing goes.
“I really can’t even entertain the idea of ever owning a monohull again. Just looking at them I cringe a little bit. Why? Because of the cluttered mess that they all become. Look at those cockpits and bowsprits below—could those boats be any less pleasant aesthetically?”
Don’t you hate when your words come back to haunt you? This made me laugh.