Installation of the newly received toilet seat components completed, checked off the list. Thankful to be among those who can sit happy.
We have two heads which is a pretty sweet deal on a boat, we know. So, once fixed, it was time the other head decided to act up. Problem identified by our brilliant captain and the part identified from the exploded view of our Raritan toilet manual. Zeroed in on a very small but important seal.
Our West Marine friend who ordered the replacement seal for us suggested I name this blog post: The Winter of Two Toilets. And so I oblige and acknowledge that you never know what will or won't work on a boat...
We are glad our friends brought down the tiny seal which solved the leak issue and provided yet another happy moment on board. Part of the joy of our lives on Pura Vida is celebrating victories, large and small.
 |
| We didn't venture into the Sex Shop |
After our departure from Guaymas in March, we sailed on a beeline south to La Paz in an attempt to sell our old life raft. That's another story, best told over a beer so we'll skip ahead.
We spent a busy week in La Paz, walking, eating, exercising
and people watching to name a few of our many activities. What a difference
from last March/April Covid onset time to this, a year later. And yet, it was
the same. Maybe others can relate to this awkward feeling. Masking, safety protocols and plenty of temperature taking moments.
As our action-packed days passed (of course, there’s a ton
more to do when ‘in town’), we tossed around a couple of options - it was time
for an excursion.
* rent a bicycle built for two for a ride along the fabulous
beachfront malecon and side streets of La Paz
* swim with the whale sharks in the bay
We eyed up the hot pink double seater bike at the rental shack,
and although sturdy in its structure, the seat could not be raised nearly
enough for our long legs. The staff sure tried! We were all sad and shaking our
heads; it just wasn’t going to work. So, on to finding out more about the whale
shark excursion. We had done this cool outing with friends 10 years prior, upon
our arrival in La Paz from the great northwest.
 |
Ready to slide into the water
alongside the whale shark |
 |
| Staying clear and trying to keep up |
 |
The other 2 couples were from
Mexico City and Queterero |
 |
Unfortunately, the visibility was lousy so
it's hard to envision the grand nature of this fish
- but you can see the spots |
Two nearby places offered the experience and we chose the fun,
local staff who described a fine outing. We were able to sign up with a private
group of four on Monday morning. Good thing they said ‘no go’ on the weekend as
the winds were high and as it was, the visibility was still lousy.
We took
turns and all had a great time trying to keep up with this giant ‘fish’. It’s
not a whale nor a shark but the biggest known fish, we learned from Damion our
guide. Along with Geronimo, the captain, they provided a wonderful excursion on
that cloudy morning, complete with cookies and Fresca. The two staff encountered our whale shark after an hour of scouting slowing in the bay. It was about 30 feet in length; they can achieve lengths
of over 40 feet. Since our last swim, the Mexican government has made big strides in protecting this species and their habitat. Highly monitored and controlled, which was excellent news.
 |
| Dolphin pod jets alongside to check us out |
After one more margarita and live music at the local restaurant, we headed out the next day from La Paz for destinations north.
A dolphin pod wished us a safe journey as we sailed out of the bay and orca whales
blessed as we headed north. What a treat! It’s so hard to capture the
experience on camera, but we do our best.
 |
| Humpback whales playing on our port side |
 |
Before the big splash, momma and baby
and others following |
 |
| Exploring Mulege from the hillside |
