Our last sunrise in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. on Tuesday, December 17
Eric checked out with the port captain and the marina office. We did all of the last-minute things to get Kosmos ready for sea, and we untied at noon for our 22-hour passage.
We are happy to report that the seas were mostly calm. In Bahia de Banderas we had some small head seas. When we went around Cabo Corrientes, we were braced for bad conditions since that patch of water was notorious for being confused and turbulent, but it was actually pretty good conditions. Beyond Cabo Corrientes, the swell was from the rear at long intervals and there was little wind chop.
We skipped our normal routine of morning schoolwork and chores, and instead hopped in the car and headed south. As mentioned yesterday, the flat, wide multi-laned (6 – 8 lanes for most of the way) highway between La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Puerto Vallarta paralleled Bandaras Bay. On the bay side, there were many high-rise tower hotel/condo complexes, a huge resort complex with a water slide park and air tram, a couple of military bases, the airport, and a cruise ship terminal. In between, were assorted commercial buildings. The construction was dense and there were few glimpses of the ocean. The other side of the street was also lined the entire way with buildings, though this side had more industrial-type businesses, car dealerships, and strip malls. Except for the median, there was little greenery. Since it was early on a Sunday, there wasn’t much traffic and we made it to downtown Puerto Vallarta in an hour.
As we also mentioned yesterday, shortly after passing the cruise ship terminal, the road suddenly changed to narrow, one-way cobblestone roads upon entering the historic downtown area. The downtown area also had little greenery. Only a few blocks beyond where we’d parked yesterday, there was another stark line indicating that we’d crossed the threshold from downtown to the part of town called Zona Sur.
Thursday, April 29, 2010: Day 6, Joplin, Missouri to Lake St. Louis, Missouri
Via: I44
We are having a great time on the Passage Across America! Fuel consumption is on track so far, although we have gone a few more miles than expected. The car no longer looks as weighted down.
Bit of Eden Bed & Breakfast, Joplin, Missouri:
Adding 2 containers of fuel before leaving the B&B:
Wednesday April 28, 2010: Day 5, Elk City, Oklahoma to Joplin, Missouri
Via: I40 and I44
We are pretty much half way. We have lots of interesting things to report, but as we mentioned before those longer stories are going to have to wait. For now here a sampling of pictures:
Fuel Added: 2 containers (we figured out it is easier if Christi holds the funnel while Eric pours)
Elk City, Oklahoma:
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, American Banjo Museum (you almost can’t get more Americana than this): Continue reading →
April 25, 2010 – Day 2, Gila Bend, Arizona to Globe, Arizona
Via: I8 to 60 (Apache Trail)
Miles: 242
Yesterday’s miles per gallon (statue miles per US gallon) was 42.5. Today’s was a rather low 34 due to the numerous hills and a dirt road. We have made it 553 miles so far.
Here is Eric adding one container of fuel to the tank before leaving the Space Age motel:
Painted Rocks Ancient Indian Site (just outside Gila Bend, Arizona):
Dog Run Saloon — note the no firearms allowed sign on Eric’s left! (Apache Junction, Arizona):
