Zihuatanejo Sailfest

 We were introduced to Zihuatanejo Sailfest a number of years ago and have been enjoying the the festivities when our travel timeline matches the Sailfest's dates.

Sailfest tradition was born 2002, when the cruisers, or sail boaters, who were anchored in Zihua Bay, first came together to raise donations to build a bilingual classroom for indigenous children. The result of this event has been vastly successful and through the generous hearts of many people, the school today is able to educated 400 children.

The festival is a seven day event that combines sailing, music, arts, and parties that is supported by many volunteers and international friendship and generosity. It is a joyous and lighthearted event that has a little bit of everything for everyone through events such as a benefit concerts, chili cookoffs, auction sales, rally around the rock sailboat race, gala dinners, sailboat parade, sunset music events on land and sea, run/walk event, a school visit,  Champagne brunch, and ending the week off with a well deserved volunteer beach party. What a party!!

               This is the boat we were assigned to. A beautiful, and comfortable catamaran with an awesome captain/owner, named Tim. He took his time with us sailing up and down the coast from Zihua Bay to Playa Linda and back, and dropping anchor at Ixtapa Island so we could swim. Our time on the boat was 6 hours which we didn't expect, but we were totally thrilled to be able to have such a wonderful and relaxing day on such a beautiful boat.

 

Our Little Beach Village

 Our little beach village has been downsized since the departure of all our friends. We are now a 2 umbrella and 4 person village. Life on the beach has become quieter.

 

Drinks at Daniels

We enjoyed a couple of drinks with great friends one evening being entertained by musician Jimi Mamou at Daniels. Always so much fun!

 

Chines House

 It's amazing that we rarely eat Chinese at home, only to indulge here in Zihua to some of the best Chinese food most of us have ever eaten. Yes, compared to some of the restaurants in Vancouver, it may not be number #1, but certainly a close #2 or #3. And no, I didn't spell the title wrong! That is the name of the restaurant....Chines House ( without the last e). We ordered a ton of food...6 dishes with a ton of rice. Needless to say, we couldn't finish it all, and I forgot to take pictures of the massive amount of food!

 

Casa Nova Restaurant

 After hearing all the great reviews of this restaurant, we were finally able to get a table with a bit of luck. We arrived at around 7 o'clock to a full house, but lucked out because of a reservation not showing up. Lucky us! The food was great, and the entertainment was amazing with Juanito Zihua playing alongside an outstanding violinist. What a duo! And what a lovely evening the six of us had!

                                              Thank you for the great music!
 

A Bit of Kayaking

 We took a day trip to Barra de Potosi for a change of scenery, and also for something different to do for the day. We rented kayaks and enjoyed the serenity of the lagoon and waterways of the mangroves. Our fleeting companions were a variety of birds and the odd fishermen with their nets and small boats, otherwise it was quiet and relaxing. We loved every minute of this experience!

A massive grouping of pelicans hunkered down close to the shoreline at Barra enjoying the abundance of fish.

 

                                           Kim enjoying her kayak

 

Aha! Found my boat! People who know me well, know that my first name is Roxanna.

 

                                  Another species of an egret, through a smudgy lens.

 

       A heron, I missed the larger one, but was able to capture this picture of a smaller one.

 

                                               A black vulture

 

                                           A stork

I've noticed that the shoreline has been a bit altered after Hurricane Rick hit this area last fall. We've never seen the lagoon shoreline so close the the beach restaurants.

 

                                           A lovely, elegant egret

 

After our kayaking excursion we were thirsty and hungry. The beers slid easily down, and the food was gobbled up.

 

                     I've always loved this little shack with its tables neatly arranged outside, which lies on the other side of the watery entrance way to Barra's lagoon.