June 1 - 4, 2023

Thursday I changed the engine oil and filter.  It took a while to pump the oil out, but it went well otherwise.

I did some adjustments on my jacklines (safety lines), worked on my sun tarps and checked out the anchor and windlass to make sure they were ready to go, even though I probably won't need them on the trip.

Friday I did a thorough deck gear check, worked out the tie-downs for the deck jerry cans of diesel.  I did some more packing to make sure everything is secure.  My inspection by immigration will be tomorrow at 9:00

Saturday I was up and going early.  I hosed down the deck (so dirty here), took a shower, ate and was ready for my inspection.  The inspector showed up just after 9.  He never came onboard.  I showed him my paperwork and he seemed satisfied.  Then he explained that I needed to pay 1,000 pesos for the exit fee.  I was never told anything about a fee before this.  I had already liquidated most of my pesos but I had some US currency.  I finally paid him in a mix of pesos and dollars.

Next it was off to the fuel dock.  I headed over there around noon.  When I got there there were already boats at the dock and a queue in the channel...  I motored around for over an hour trying to get in.  Every time a slot opened, a motor boat would run in and take it.  I finally went back to my slip for a break.  I walked over to see what I could do about getting to the dock and (of course) it was empty.

By now I was hot, hungry, thirsty and tired.  I went over to Del Gato and ordered pizza and a beer.  Satisfied and refreshed with at least two more meals in a box, I headed back.  I made it into the fuel dock at 4:30, got fueled up and worked on getting everything secured on deck.  By now the wind was up and the tide low and darkness was approaching.  On top of that I was really tired, so I asked the guard if I could just stay docked at the fuel station until Sunday morning.  He said fine.


So, I spent the night at the dock, got caught up on my blog postings and am now ready to leave Mazatlan, local time about 8:00.


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