We're taking this party inland.

We had every intention of sailing the Sea of Cortez this summer, till reality struck. It's hot here, like really hot. Rightfully so, the Sea of Cortez snugs up against the Sonoran desert. Most people describe the summers here as "sitting in an oven with a hair dryer blowing on your face".

Terrapin on the hard in Guaymas, Mexico

During the first few months of our adventure, our conversations with other cruisers began to feel rehearsed. After hearing of our plans, people would inquire about the air conditioning unit we don't own and then ask specifics about our beefy deep freeze we don't have. Most conversations would end with a sympathetic, "Good luck" and the same "these people are nuttier than squirrel turds" look. Most people haul their boats out for the summer and get the hell out of Dodge. We're leaving for a few months too.

Where are we headed till October?

Put your hands together and give a warm welcome to the colonial town of San Miguel De Allende. Located at 6200 feet above sea level, this town is steeped in rich history and will offer us a great 'home base' as we plan to explore other great Mexican cities for the next few months. It was while we were having another one of our "What are you doing this summer" conversations with another cruising couple that we first heard of San Miguel De Allende. They spoke about it's cobblestone streets, European influenced architecture and most importantly, the cooler summer days they planned to enjoy.  

Phil and I plan to brush up our Spanish, and we are excited to visit places like Mexico City, Oaxaca, Guanajuato, etc.  We've already contacted the SPCA in San Miguel De Allende, and they are eager to meet their new kid volunteers for the summer ... we will not be coming back with any more animals! Emma is stoked on the free children's art classes offered by the library and has packed all 500 pounds of her art supplies. Captain Fluff can't wait to cool his kitty parts and gain some distance from all of us.

 So what's the best part about heading to San Miguel De Allende?  Our new mode of transportation!

Feast your eyes on this!

"Pepe" our white Beluga

Oh no you didn't! Oh yes, we did. Phil and Aimee have bought a loser cruiser!! I'm almost certain that somewhere in the wedding vows, tucked next to the promise of always seeking an adventure with a cold beer in hand was the vow to never, ever own a mini van. Like most shameful minivan owners, we're not proud of this purchase. What can I say? Desperate times = desperate measures. With 5000 pounds of school supplies, a need for transportation all summer and a 16 year old cat in tow, we did the unthinkable. 

We will be returning to our boat in October, ready to sail out of Mexico towards Central America and through the Panama Canal. Till then, we're taking this party inland.