Tsunami Warning and Passing Tsunami, February 27, 2010

We awoke this morning with the report of a severe earthquake in Chili and tsunami warnings for areas around the Pacific, including Mexico.  The direction of the tsunami would reportedly parallel the coast and because of the angle of Banderas Bay, would most likely not affect us as we are tucked deep into the bay in a protected magrove estuary.

We were on our boat at 11:45 this morning when the tsunami was expected to pass by Puerto Vallarta.  This is what we did notice from our vantage point.  It was high almost slack tide and the water was up to the base of the leaves on the overhanging mangrove trees behind our boat.  About 12:00 noon, the current behind our boat picked up to 6-7 knots on an ebb flow.  The ebb flow was pulling from the bottom and the previously blue green water turned mucky brown.  The water under the mangroves, dropped about a foot and a half to two feet, and the water under our boat and floating docks was swirling around and boats were dancing about.  The ebb lasted for a couple of minutes, then stopped, and reversed it self with a small flood.  This action to lesser degrees occured a couple of times.  By 12:15, other than brown water, and the normal ebb after a high tide, the tsunami had passed us by.

All is well in Puerto Vallarta.  Hope other areas are only mildly affected as well.

Bali Hai ~ Bagpipes ~ Sun Shades ~ Parrots and Tigers ~ SSCA Party hosted by Commodores Kay and Steven Van Slyke (author of Sex, Lies, and Spinnakers).
 

Where exactly is Bali Hai?
We've been copying charts for our sail to the South Pacific along with other crusiers that are going on the Puddle Jump.  Just exactly what are the coordinates of Bali Hai?   Our co-op group in this first picture is sorting out 233 charts by boat at the Vallarta Yacht Club.   Roz has been the organizer of the endeavor and Patty on Armagh has been the ever faithful pickup and delivery person.

Of course afterwards, it was beer and Margaritas for all.

By the way, BALI HAI, is an imaginative composite of South Pacific Islands,  courtesy of James Michener

Bagpipes

Yet another beautiful sunset picture on one of our evening walks.  This one had a little different tune.  As the sun was setting, we heard bagpipes ushering her into the sea.

 Sun Shades

We finally got our new Shade Tree sun covers installed on the boat.  The back part fits as planned.  The front part needs some modifications. 

The tie downs were supposed to wrap around the wood rail not the safety line.  When this is corrected, the two hooped tents will be the same height and fit better.  Nevertheless, we are pleased with the cooling effect on the boat.

You've seen pelicans before, but this male is developing a burnished head coloring indicative that mating season is on its way.

Parrots and Tigers
We have a mini-zoo next to our marina, with a terrific collection of beautiful parrots and tigers.

"The peacock has nothing over me!"

"Make sure you get my right side.  It's my best."

"Really!  You're both so shallow" 

  

"You mean there's more to life than a broken nail? "

"I hope those blabber-mouthed parrots are on the lunch menu!"

Seven Seas Cruising Association Potluck and Pool Party

Russ and I have been associate members of the Seven Seas Cruising Association for the last 7 years.  To become a commodore (full member), we need to have lived on our boat for one year and had a 1,000 mile passage without stopping.  We don't qualify yet.  We've been on the boat for six months and have traveled considerable miles, but have not made the big jump yet.  By this September, we should be qualified for full membership and then will need to be sponsored by 2 exisiting commodores.

Here we are attending a Seven Seas party with veteran sailors and fledglings.  Hosting the party were commodores Kay and Steve Van Slyke.  We had a lovely afternoon listening to tales of the South Pacific, asking, and receiving sage answers and advice to the questions we had.  Steve took the picture.  But here he is, hat in hand......no not passing it, but getting ready to pull tickets for the raffle.  

 

Steve is the author of the murder mystery Sex, Lies, and Spinnakers

We have an autographed copy that we plan to read while we are crossing the Pacific.