What We Did to Survive

Banderas Bay is a lot bigger than it looks. We cruise through the water, picking up speed the farther we head into the bay, but after a half hour we’re still working our way toward the middle.

Sailing is surprisingly relaxing. The water is smooth, and sunlight filters through the clouds in a pretty way—so long as we ignore the dark and grumpy clouds on the horizon.

Birds fly beside the boat. Locals in water taxis wave at us and Captain Keith, and I’m relieved to see some other people on the water.

We reach the crowded main stretch of Puerto Vallarta. The beaches are packed with colorful lounge chairs, straw umbrellas, and beachfront restaurants.