Zihua Feb 18 - Mar 6 (Ginger)

We had a great visit with Rachel and Paul last week, highlights of the week included snorkeling, meals out and a boat inspection by the local navy boat.   Rachel and Paul were kind enough to bring a huge duffel of supplies from home and we're still absorbing the great stuff they carried for us.  Thanks to "team Niem" for getting everything for us and for getting it to Raquel and Paulio to bring to us.  It was great to have a shower and a patio to sit on while they were here.  With the arrival of March our focus on getting ready to head west is clear.  Peter tackled a big engine job and it's great to have the engine all put back together and running again.  March 1 was the Lattitude 38 Puddle Jump party in Zihuatanejo.  In addition to the editor, Andy, two people from Tahiti came.  One was a representative from the Tahiti tourism board, the other a representative of Polynesian Yacht Services.  We've been discussing our strategy for visas to get the most time in French Polynesia and it sounds as if this is one country where having an agent help with the visa may be a huge benefit.  As Americans we can get a 30 day visa upon arrival and then extend another 60 days in Papaete.  Unfortunately, if we want to go to the Tuamotus Papaete is way out of the way.  So, if we use an agent we may be able to get our 90 day visa in the Marquesas and avoid having to post a bond as well.  We'll see as we get closer.  The party was great.  It was exciting to hear french accents and to have a presentation on our destination.  They also brought some "swag" including puddle jump burgees.  There was a drawing for a night at a swank hotel on Nuku Hiva and a black pearl pendant.  We won't be staying at the hotel but there is a new black pearl aboard Marcy.  (Latitude article:  http://www.latitude38.com/LectronicLat/2007/0307/Mar05/Mar5.html#anchor1085433 )  We also placed a large order with Hilda and Ismael for beer, pop, water and gas.  The boat had a distinct list to starboard when the whole order was loaded on the rail.  We felt very lucky to avoid carrying everything in the dinghy.  We're planning to be provisioned and ready to go this time next week and then we'll be waiting for the wind to fill in.