The Cliff diver's of Acapulco

Chiapas was indeed a chill experience, as I've already spilled the beans about our time there. But for us, the adventure is all about keeping those wheels turning and embracing the thrill of the open sea. The weather’s just right for our daring dash through the Gulf of Tehuantepec, a region notorious for its tempestuous nature, often throwing temper tantrums with its wild storms and unpredictable seas. Yet, there’s no need to fear, for our captain, Daddy Micha, is the Chuck Norris of sailors—a veritable legend in his own right, renowned for his exceptional ability to tango with the most tempestuous of weather conditions. He has bravely wrangled many storms and has even tangoed with a hurricane out at sea. Sure, it cost him his beloved boat "Samsara 1," but hey, not many can boast about spending almost four days doing the fender raft float in the midst of such chaos! So, with that in mind, we’re all set and feeling as snug as a bug in a rug, ready to embark on this exhilarating journey. The forecast predicts we’ll be dancing with winds ranging between 18 and 25 knots in 3-meter (9-foot) seas—perfect conditions for a quick cha-cha through the danger zone. After completing the usual check-out routine from the marina, which included a thorough coast guard inspection and a necessary pit stop at the gas station for fuel, we cruised out of the cozy confines of Puerto Chiapas and into the expansive, big, bad Pacific Ocean. We set sail in the early afternoon, with a clear goal of covering the first 120 nautical miles before the winds start to show off and the sea gets all dramatic the following night. Our strategy is to tackle the toughest parts of the journey in daylight, ensuring safety and visibility.

From Chiapas to Acapulco, the distance is a whopping 450 nautical miles, and we’ve penciled in a timeline of 4 days for the entire trip, which includes a planned sleepover in Puerto Angel. This means we are looking at two overnight gigs along the way, which should be a piece of cake given our confidence and preparation! The trip to Puerto Angel was nothing short of smooth sailing, and we found ourselves thoroughly enjoying the notorious stretch in the Gulf of Tehuantepec. Pfft, no biggie! Along the way, we had the delightful company of dolphins frolicking beside us, and we even managed to snag a massive wahoo, which we feasted on later—an exhilarating experience indeed! Daddy Micha showcased his impressive filleting skills, and soon enough, we reached Puerto Angel in the early afternoon. Despite its angelic name, Puerto Angel isn’t a harbor in the traditional sense but rather a charming little bay adorned with a fabulous beach and some of the clearest water we’ve encountered since hitting the Pacific. Naturally, we made a beeline for the beach, diving right into the refreshing waters. It was an epic moment for us, especially considering we hadn’t had a chance to swim since leaving Pearl Island in Panama. Returning to our boat, Samsara, Daddy Charly whipped up a delicious meal of fried wahoo, and we were treated to a hefty piece that was simply mouthwateringly good. The flavors danced on our tongues, a perfect reward after a day filled with adventure and the thrill of the sea.

Oh yes, in our last Bark, we yapped about our furry pals in California and how waggingly important it is for us to lend them a paw. In Chiapas, we whipped up a scrumptious feast for our homeless buddies around the marina. Sara and I tossed in one of our food bags and invited all our cold-nosed pals to a grand chow-down. It was pawsitively fantastic! Everyone gobbled up to their heart's content, and then we threw a tail-wagging party with loads of zoomies, sniff-tastic adventures, and epic stick-fetching. It was a tail-wagging blast to see our friends enjoy themselves and take a break from the never-ending food hunt. Please help us give our California buddies a day of joy and donate a smidge of your hard-earned kibble so we can help them forget the fire’s fiery woes for a day.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast filled with pancakes, fruits, Nutella, and steaming coffee and tea that invigorated our spirits, we embarked on the second leg of our adventure to the picturesque destination of Acapulco. As we set sail, the weather seemed to be in a playful mood, teasing us with its unpredictability. Initially, we were greeted by a stunning display of sunshine, bathing the deck in golden rays, and creating a serene atmosphere that felt almost magical. The water was as calm as a napping cat, its surface shimmering like a mirror reflecting the clear blue sky above. However, as fate would have it, the wind, which at all did not would have aided our journey often, decided to take a day off today too, leaving our engines to grumble and sputter their way through the tranquil waters. Daddy Micha, our co-captain and a true sea enthusiast, found this slow pace to be incredibly relaxing, relishing the peacefulness of the moment as he had nothing to do (because "Otto" our autopilot took over and gave Daddy Micha a break). But let’s be honest, for the rest of us, it was as exciting as watching the sky in a cloudy night, with the gentle rocking of the boat lulling us into a state of near-comatose boredom.

SamSara at the anchorage

As the hours ticked by, we yearned for a bit of action, a hint of adventure to break the monotony. By the afternoon, however, the weather decided to turn up the heat. The wind picked up dramatically, transforming the once-calm sea into a lively spectacle of crashing waves and frothy surf. The waves, now animated and boisterous, seemed to take on a life of their own, showcasing their power and unpredictability. With the current working against us, it felt as if we had been tossed into a giant washing machine, spinning and swirling in a chaotic dance. Recognizing that this was not the ideal time to be out in the open, we decided to retreat to the saloon, a cozy refuge from the tumultuous elements outside. Inside, we shut the door firmly against the gusts of wind and the splashes of water that threatened to invade our sanctuary. It was the perfect moment for cuddle time with Daddy Charly, who wrapped us in warmth and comfort as we sought solace from the stormy seas. Meanwhile, Daddy Micha took charge, positioning himself at the helm of the boat, playing captain and steering Samsara with determination and skill, ensuring we stayed on course despite the challenging conditions. As night fell, we settled for a cozy snooze, the gentle rocking of the boat now a soothing lullaby. When Daddy Micha finally joined us for a little warmup, we eagerly snuggled up to him, sharing our warmth and comfort before he had to return to his captain duties. The night wore on, and in the dead of night, we were unexpectedly graced with a surprise guest—a friendly American submarine hunter who decided to tag along for the rough part of our journey. At first, we were taken aback, our imaginations running wild as we envisioned ourselves starring in a thrilling spy movie, being tailed by the coast guard who suspected us of being notorious smugglers. Our hearts raced with a mix of excitement and apprehension. However, our clever Daddy Micha quickly sprang into action, giving them a ring to clarify the situation. To our relief, we discovered that they were not the coast guard at all, but rather bored adventurers who thought, "Hey, let’s be their buddy boat!" It was a super cool gesture on their part, and in those bumpy seas, it was incredibly comforting to know we had a pal watching our backs, ready to lend a hand if things got hairy. This unexpected camaraderie added a layer of thrill to our journey, turning what could have been a daunting experience into an unforgettable adventure shared with newfound friends.

The following day unfolded with a sense of tranquility that could only be compared to a sloth lounging leisurely on a lazy Sunday afternoon, embodying the essence of relaxation. As the sun began to set, we gracefully rolled into the vibrant city of Acapulco by evening, the warm hues of twilight painting the sky. There was an unmistakable sense of ease as we approached the harbor; no worries clouded our minds, for the entrance and anchorage were as inviting and accessible as a 24-hour diner, always ready to serve. The channel leading us in was clearly marked by an array of buoys, each one standing tall and proud, as if they were cheerfully waving us in, reminiscent of an air traffic controller guiding a plane safely to its destination.

The following day dawned bright and full of promise, and we decided to embrace our inner tourists and delve into the rich tapestry of the city. Acapulco, with its lively streets and stunning coastal views, offered a plethora of experiences waiting to be discovered. As we wandered through the bustling markets, the air was thick with the tantalizing aromas of local cuisine, tempting us to sample everything from fresh ceviche to spicy tacos. The vibrant colors of the handmade crafts and souvenirs dazzled our senses, each item telling a story of the region's culture and heritage.

Of course, no visit to Acapulco would be complete without witnessing the world-famous cliff divers, a spectacle that draws thousands of spectators each year.

These daring athletes, with their incredible agility and fearlessness, launch themselves off towering cliffs into the azure waters below, performing breathtaking acrobatics as they plunge into the ocean. Watching them is like witnessing flying fish with a flair for the dramatic, their dives perfectly timed and executed with precision. The thrill of the moment is palpable, as the crowd collectively gasps and cheers, caught up in the adrenaline of each dive.

While the area has certainly become commercialized over the years, with various amenities and attractions catering to tourists, the cliff divers remain a jaw-droppingly impressive highlight that captures the spirit of Acapulco.

Their performances serve as a reminder of the city's adventurous heart and its rich tradition of daring feats. As we sat on the edge of our seats, immersed in the excitement, it became clear that Acapulco, with its blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture, holds a special place in the hearts of those who visit.

We spent a week in Acapulco and left with more friends than a social butterfly at a garden party. People warned us that Acapulco was as dangerous as a cat with a grudge and in worse shape than my old gym shoes. Well, we can't back that up! We felt safer than a squirrel in a nut factory, and the city is bouncing back to its old glamorous self, like a diva after a 2022 hurricane tried to ruin her hairdo.