Rally to Paradise

A few days after arrival at Cabo, a "Rally to Paradise,"organized by Dick Markie of the Paradise Marina and the Vallarta Yacht Club in Neuvo Vallarta (a little north of Puerto Vallarta), got underway. We joined over 70 boats in the two and a half day crossing. We had two new crew that we met in Bahia Santa Maria, John and Jeff.

John and Jeff were a great help. We caught so much fish that we had enough to share with other cruisers upon arrival in Paradise.

Dick and Gina Markie and the Vallarta Yacht Club went all out to entertain 70+ boatloads of newcomers. They hosted Banderas Bay Week at several venues, including a spectacular party at Philo's in nearby La Cruz. The bass player on the left is Tom of Dreamseeker, Baja Ha Ha 2003! Philo is on the right. The crowd had a great time at the party.


		/td>

Mother and son were having a good time at Philos. They were just one of the many families that participated in the Ha Ha and the Rally. The center photo is of Dick and Gina Markie, who did a great job of organizing the entire event. To the right are Bill and Mary of Raptor Dance.

A few of us took a taxi to La Cruz in the afternoon before the party. There are more photos of La Cruz in other pages on this site.

While the marina and the Vallarta Yacht Club are in beautiful Nuevo Vallarta, they are situated in a resort.

Puerto Vallarta is a few miles south and is a vibrant city that proudly exhibits art of all forms. We loved walking along the malecon (beachfront) which is rich with sculpture, both stone and sand.

We enjoyed socializing with friends. At left is a photo of us sharing lunch with Bob and Cathy at Le Bistro Jazz Cafe in the historic district. Roy and our friend, Mai, are seated on a chaise near Mai's pool.

One evening while out with Mai and other friends, we ate delicious desert crepes made at an outdoor stand by this happy and welcoming chef.

One day while enjoying iced tea at a palapa (thatch covered beach cafe), we couldn't resist having a palm hat made for me.

Return to the beginning of the Voyages of Jellybean.