12/20/24-Friday-Day 14 “Muy Tranquilo!” (Very Calm!)

“Muy Tranquilo” This is the mantra I keep repeating in my head this morning as I prepare myself for what I am sure is going to be a stressful, confusing and possibly hectic day at the port offices trying to determine ferry schedules and pricing for not just our truck but all three of the rigs in our group, thankfully we are not alone in this endeavor and between the six of us I’m confident we will figure everything out. Heather and I grab breakfast and coffee at the small cafe adjacent to the campground and we all then head out to restock on water and groceries. 

Josh and Darci are the first to arrive at the port and when the guard, in Spanish, asks their reason for being at the port today, Josh in his limited Spanish manages to convey his intentions of making a reservation by simply saying “Mañana…mañana, mañana, mañana…” Which translates to “Tomorrow…tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow…” This surprisingly works and the guard directs them to a parking area where we arrive soon after followed by Mark and Michele. We all walk across the busy parking lot filled with families looking to take the passenger ferry along side semi trucks lining up for the commercial ferry. Of the two options we all prefer the commercial ferry as they allow you to stay with your camper and so we make our way to the TMC Ferries office. After about fifteen minutes and a combined effort from all involved we at least think that we each have a reservation to board the ferry and cross to mainland Mexico on the first of January. We all brim with excitement at the thought of starting the new year aboard a boat bound for new experiences and new places!

While the rest of the group leaves the port to find us a beachside camp for the evening Heather and I head back towards La Paz in search of an ABS/Wheel Speed sensor for the front of our truck. After about fifteen minutes in the parts store the clerk informs me that he does not have the sensor but can get it in about three to four weeks. As we will be boarding the ferry in less than two weeks this clearly will not work and I thank the man for his time and patience in dealing with my lack of Spanish. We head back out of town and find our friends set up on a spot that we had stayed at last year down the beach and away from the crowds of people camped at Playa Tecolote.