Mazatlan

We visited the tourist information booth in La Paz and acquired information about the different options we had for getting across the sea. The guy there was very helpful in calling around to find us information. We found that taking the frieght ferry would get us to Maztlan and be less expensive, although it was still 950 pesos.  The cost included dinner and breakfast.  We made our way out to the ferry terminal Monday around 1030 after fixing my Arkel rear pannier at Ace Hardware.  Arriving around noon we bought our tickets and waited. and waited some more.  The ferry didn't leave until 4. At about 230 they took us over to send our bags through the x ray then we waited some more while they loaded the ferry with trucks.

TMC ferry

After eating dinner which I think was made from scratch, we pretty much waited for the gravol to set in and went to sleep.  Bit uncomfortable trying to sleep on three airplane like seats but it was ok.

look guys... PELICANS!! 

Once we got to Mazatlan we wound our way to the seawall to start our route to our couchsurfers house.  We stopped at a little restaurant and had french toast with bacon mmm bacon.  and checked our emails.

Mazatlan is a pretty touristy town but very clean and welcoming. Along the seawall there were fishermen selling the days catch out of their boats so we stopped to take a look. Mostly because all around the boats were pelicans, gulls, and some other giant bird waiting to catch a nibble of the fish guts. The best part was when one of the fishermen threw a piece to a pelican, he ran away with it trying to gulp it down and in doing so another bird comes up and takes it out of his mouth..must be a hard life for a pelican.  We ended up buying some fish and crab claws and cooked them up once we got to our hosts house.  Ourhost was very welcoming and gave us our own room and bathroom. The bed was super comfortable as well! Thanks again Bryan!

Rigel, me, Bryan

We stayed there for two nights deciding to take the lazy stress free way out and bus to Guadalajara in a few days.  While we were there  we took my bike to Kellys bike shop (the first bike shop since the US) to try and fix the rear rack a little more.  The owner fixed it a bit but didn't do the greatest job on it so we shall see if it holds up.

After leaving Bryans we headed to the bus station to check times and prices then to our chosen hotel; Hotel Lerma.  On our first day in Mazatlan I was told about this hotel as being a really good place to stay that doesn't hurt the budget. So far he is right, although I think I'll charge my tablet somewhere else...

sunset on the boat