So the ferry schedule said it left at 8 PM but we noticed our tickets said 10 PM. However we were supposed to be there at least 3 hours prior to departure. Hmmm... So being conservative we showed up at 4:30. Neil ended up talking to a local John Deere mechanic who said that yes, the ferry is supposed to leave at 10 PM but when it actually leaves is anyone's guess. We also spoke to a retired corrections officer who spent his 24 year career working at Fulsom State Prison. He was cycling his way from California to Panama. He told Neil he had done three 200 km days that week, riding from 7 am to 12 pm. Pretty nuts when you see how narrow the roads are and how fast everyone goes.We loaded at about 6:30 and got our room. The loading for us was easy but you don't actually wait in line to board or unload. When you're ready you go. There were a lot of trucks that needed to be backed into position. A bit of a show. The ferry was very nice, almost like a hotel or cruise ship. We wandered around a bit then headed for the bar. The ferry left after about 2 margaritas (10:15 I think).
In the morning when we got up there was still no sight of land. However we also now had know idea when we were supposed to get to Mazatlan. So I went for a coffee. HA! I waited in a long line for a while to find out the only coffee machine was broken and there was no hot water. Okay, fine. So we waited for a while longer to have breakfast only to be told that there probably won't be enough food so forget it. Okay. BC Ferries is looking pretty good right now. We finally got into Mazatlan and unloaded by 12: 20 or so.
Getting out of Mazatlan was pretty painless but we got a bit of help from a taxi driver who was very helpful. Driving through these busy streets is where I wish we were set up for taking video from our bikes. Very colourful and busy. You think you must be going down the wrong street because it's so narrow and run down but it's actually a main drag.
We went to Playa Novillera for Christmas Eve. It was barely a village but we found a decent hotel on the beach and a good meal across the street.
Christmas Day we headed for Guayapatis which was a very busy town where mostly Mexicans go for the Holiday. We treated ourselves to a nice steak dinner for Christmas (and a few margaritas).
We're now in Barra de Navidad. It's another touristy town with lots going on. Very festive right now between regular gringo tourists and Mexican families on vacation. It's interesting to wander the streets at night and during the day. The riding has been awesome. We've been traveling the secondary highways so we get a lot of variety in both the riding and the sights.
Here's a few pictures.

Nice beach near La Paz, Baja C. Sur

Not our ferry but just like it.

Coming into Mazatlan

Tug boats had to put the ferry into dock

Free-for-all unloading

Lunch on the side of the street.

Not Christmas carolers but kind of.

Very busy beaches.

Typical beach vendor.

Cool chopped Bug

Beach at Sayalita

Another hawker

The other heritage twins.

...what did you call me?

Lush hillsides south of Puerto Vallarta

Lots of agriculture

Pizza anyone?

Oh yeah, the Spanish is getting better but I must have said something wrong to the girl at the front desk of our hotel when we checked in last night. She is pissed at me for something; won't even acknowledge me. Anyway, I'll practice a bit before I speak to her again. Talk about pressure!
Hasta Luego