SVSoulsticeAdventures: Chamela and Paraiso

CHAMELA AND PARAISO
February 2, 2019 - February 10, 2019

Both are a paradise and offer small islands with waves of the sea dancing up the rock walls and explosive white wash to give a powerful display of when sea meets land.

In my last entry, I did mention we traveled 95 nm south to Chamela. We had a fabulous sail on a broad reach and arrived in the morning to find a glorious long tan beach and multiple islands that called to be explored. We spent a full week here enjoying the little town of Perula which included Tuesday night's community center event. Our friend Brian, on Cat2Fold, was playing guitar that night so we went for the show. It was $100 pesos per person for a great taco dinner and a fun evening of open mic. The proceeds go to the school or the local Catholic church. We got rid of some dance build up with other friends, Heidy and Peter, who went with us for the show. In Chamela, we enjoyed paddle boarding, snorkeling walks/runs on the beach and fishing off the dinghy. Stephen was gifted 2 handfuls of tiny squid by a local fisherman at sunrise and he immediately got several hits on his line. The panga fishermen are out every morning and evening. You see the birds crowding their boats as they clean their fish while at anchorage the birds reap the rewards of the chummed water. The live squid bait helped Stephen catch two crevalle jack, one that made him lap the boat twice with 4 rounds around the anchor chain - flashback to La Cruz anchorage when I caught one... He also caught a little unknown white fish and eventually a Queen Jewel, similar to sea bass. We shared our fish with Heidy, Brian, and Peter on a potluck on Cat2Fold in a south anchorage in Chamela. The south anchorage is absolutely beautiful and intimate. There is some surfing for beginners and we were going to check it out but winds picked up our last day in the south anchorage and we decided to move back to the north end again for better protection.

We left on February 10, 2019, in the am to Paraiso as it is only 8 nm away from Chamela. We chose to tow the dinghy and put the paddle boards in our new fancy J hooks. This way we would be ready to play as soon as we got to the anchorage. On the way down, we did see a group of bat rays swimming. We turned around to get a closer eye and maybe even a picture but they went further under water. Often times when disappointed about not being able to capture the beauty of nature to share, we tell ourselves, some things are just meant for us and our memories. It is easy to get caught up in wanting to photograph everything but it is important to put the "phone" down and just relish the moment.

Paraiso has a small anchorage that can only host a few boats. Peter on SV Dawn Treader made the sail with us, it was really a motor, but unfortunately, there was a big yacht in the anchorage. There are other fingers of bays but hazards abound. SV Dawn Treader and Soulstice put out both bow and stern anchors due to the swell and tight anchoring space but Peter came to find he had his anchor mixed with some rocks when he dove it. He did not feel comfortable staying as the swing room was tight and not many outs, so he went on to Tenacatita which is only 22 more nm south. Our plan was to head there any way in the am. We dived our bow and stern anchors and were reassured as both were nestled in sand and no rocks were noted close by. Paraiso is noted as a "gem" in the guidebooks, so we wanted to check it out but we were advised it would be small and only a good anchorage in calm conditions. Winds are going to pick up this Monday and we need to be in a more protected anchorage like Tenacatita. Stephen and I did enjoy our day at Paraiso with some snorkeling and checking out the tiny surrounding islands and secluded beaches via paddle boards.

We will head to Tenacatita/Manzanilla in the am where we plan to spend at least a week there.
Photos below are a mix of Chamela and Paraiso

Leaving Chaamela

Entering Paraiso

Tiny secluded beach next to our anchorage in Paraiso. Pangas were taking some folks to the beach during the day as there is one resort noted on a larger beach on the east side of the anchorage.

Entering via the West entrance of the bay we are going to anchor in for the night.

The resort on the East end of the bay where we are anchored in Paraiso.

The large yacht in the anchorage with us in Paraiso. Peter on SV Dawn Treader was behind the yacht but left because of the potential for a fouled anchored and tight spacing.

This rock with amazing crashing waves was right next to us.

I copied this from someone off their FB page - i love it.

Stephen paddle boarding

Paddle board to check out the islands

Chamela - one sunset eve

Very spiritual pose - ha!

Sea Bass on a bed of fried rice with veggies - ta da!

Heading to the south anchorage of Chamela with Cat2Fold ahead.

Following Cat2Fold, Brian and Heidy to the south anchorage of Chamela

Thanks to Heidy who shot this of us coming back from a fishing mission! The success of the sea bass:)

Tuesday night music at the Community Center in Chamela - Look who is helping with percussion on the right - hee hee. Brian is the tall gentleman with dreads playing guitar.