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Chacala, a seaside gem


By Lowell McCulley | February 4, 2026 | Category Sailing 2026

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Chacala

Here’s a Chacala description straight from Shawn and Heather’s cruising guide, and it’s too perfect not to share:

“Chacala is the quintessential anchorage most people dream about when setting sail for the warm, tropical anchorages of Pacific Mexico. Its clear blue waters lapping at a white sand beach, surrounded by lush vegetation and coconut palms, makes Chacala an easy favorite on most boaters’ lists. Here, the easy pace of mañana time takes precedence, where nothing could be more important than enjoying a stroll on the beach or a cold cerveza under a palm?thatched roof.”

This write?up is so spot?on I had to quote them.


Monday, February 2nd

Whales greeted us along the 22?mile leg into Chacala, surfacing off our beam as if escorting us in. We had the anchor down early in the afternoon. It’s Mexico’s Constitution Day holiday, and the beach is absolutely packed—families everywhere soaking up perfect weather.

After a little lounging aboard, we head into the fray. Mezcal palomas ordered… and of course, service is slow. While we wait, the Mexican family at the next table hands me a generous shot of tequila over ice from their cooler—classic beach hospitality.

The restaurant specializes in a beautifully filleted whole fish grilled over mesquite, so we order one, and suddenly the day is slipping away. A quick wander through the tourist shops, then a long walk to the south end of the beach where we stop for a sunset cocktail.

And then—something unexpected. A music video crew is filming right there on the sand as the sun drops behind the point. A pretty magical way to end the day.

Tuesday

Today is hike day. Staying active is important when so much time is spent aboard, so we set out on a loop trail climbing the mountain ridge south of the anchorage. I bail early after getting my fill of uphill, while Chris and Paul push on to the top.

Back in town we grab lunch, do a little sightseeing, and stop by the port captain to check in. Then it’s back to the boat for some rest before dinner ashore tonight.

Tomorrow we’re off to La Cruz near Puerto Vallarta—planning an early start around six. I can definitely see why people fall in love with this little gem of an anchorage.


Until the next update

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What a night of solidarity and awesome music with Bruce Springsteen and the East Street band. 3 hours of joy!
Bruce’s full setlist 

Main Set
1. War (The Temptations cover, with Tom Morello) 
2. Born in the U.S.A. (with Tom Morello) 
3. Death to My Hometown (with Tom Morello) 
4. Clampdown (The Clash cover, with Tom Morello) 
5. No Surrender 
6. Darkness on the Edge of Town 
7. Streets of Minneapolis 
8. The Promised Land 
9. Two Hearts (with snippet of Marvin Gaye’s It Takes Two) 
10. Hungry Heart 
11. Youngstown 
12. Murder Incorporated 
13. American Skin (41 Shots) (with Tom Morello) 
14. Long Walk Home (with Tom Morello) 
15. House of a Thousand Guitars (solo acoustic) 
16. My City of Ruins 
17. Because the Night (Patti Smith Group cover) 
18. Wrecking Ball 
19. The Rising 
20. The Ghost of Tom Joad (with Tom Morello) 
21. Badlands (with Tom Morello) 
22. Land of Hope and Dreams (with Tom Morello, includes People Get Ready snippet) 

---

Encore
23. American Land (with Tom Morello) 
24. Born to Run 
25. Dancing in the Dark 
26. Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out (with Tom Morello; tribute images of Clarence Clemons & Danny Federici) 
27. Chimes of Freedom (Bob Dylan cover, with Tom Morello)

What a night of solidarity and awesome music with Bruce Springsteen and the East Street band. 3 hours of joy!
Bruce’s full setlist

Main Set
1. War (The Temptations cover, with Tom Morello)
2. Born in the U.S.A. (with Tom Morello)
3. Death to My Hometown (with Tom Morello)
4. Clampdown (The Clash cover, with Tom Morello)
5. No Surrender
6. Darkness on the Edge of Town
7. Streets of Minneapolis
8. The Promised Land
9. Two Hearts (with snippet of Marvin Gaye’s It Takes Two)
10. Hungry Heart
11. Youngstown
12. Murder Incorporated
13. American Skin (41 Shots) (with Tom Morello)
14. Long Walk Home (with Tom Morello)
15. House of a Thousand Guitars (solo acoustic)
16. My City of Ruins
17. Because the Night (Patti Smith Group cover)
18. Wrecking Ball
19. The Rising
20. The Ghost of Tom Joad (with Tom Morello)
21. Badlands (with Tom Morello)
22. Land of Hope and Dreams (with Tom Morello, includes People Get Ready snippet)

---

Encore
23. American Land (with Tom Morello)
24. Born to Run
25. Dancing in the Dark
26. Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out (with Tom Morello; tribute images of Clarence Clemons & Danny Federici)
27. Chimes of Freedom (Bob Dylan cover, with Tom Morello)
...

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Eagles at the Sphere. Our celebration for another trip around the sun.

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Shortly after our wedding 56 years ago. Where does the time go?? Happy anniversary to my beautiful bride.

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Mazatlán to Barra de Navidad part 1

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Jan 3rd 2026. Looks like it's going to be a good year!!

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Happy New Year to all our friends#NewYears2026#JJsCantina,#ChollaBay,#puertopeñasco,#Felizañonuevo

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Thanksgiving week in Cholla Bay#chollabay #mrfishtaco #jjscantina #seaofcortez #puertopeñasco

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