Hoptoad set off down the Pacific coast of the western United States in September of 2021. No hurry, no plan. We were not interested in a big passage from Seattle to San Diego (been there, done that) so we took our time to enjoy places we missed on our first trip. For us, the key is getting into California and Mexico before the Pacific Northwest wind pattern changes to southerlies.

From the US/Mexico boarder we traveled slowly down the outside of the Baja, visiting cities and stopping at anchorages we skipped before. On our first trip we sailed down Baja in 10 days. This time was closer to 6 weeks.

Since then, we've spent the last two years cruising the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific coast of Mexico. Sailing as far south as Zihuatanejo on the mainland, and north to Puerto Refugio. During the hot summer months making extensive inland trips to the Mexico City area, and last year into southern Mexican states of Oaxaca and Chiapas.

After over two years in Mexico, it feels like it's time to continue our trip. So we are headed to La Paz, where we will jump across the Pacific in March. The Pacific island countries have always been a primary destination on this trip. Looking back at our first circumnavigation, we remember the South Pacific as having some of the most unique places we visited: wonderful people, fascinating cultures, and excellent snorkeling.

Initially we had planned to spend a year in Mexico, then loop around the South Pacific before returning home. Having spent two years in Mexico, our South Pacific plans have changed. They say “the plans of cruisers are written in the sand at low tide” (and last about as long).

The (Revised) Plan

After departing Mexico in March of 2024, our first stop will be Hilo, Hawaii. (Possibly via Islas Revillagigedo, some 500 miles west of Mexico) We don't plan on cruising long-term in Hawaii - just quick repair/provisioning stop, and visits from our family. After buying all the food and fuel we can carry, we'll continue westward 2050 miles to the Marshall Islands. From there we will sail through Micronesia, Guam, and up the Northern Marianas islands to Japan.

Some of our fondest memories from the last trip were when we sailed “off the beaten path”, visiting places and people that rarely see a cruising sailboat. We hope the Marshalls and Micronesia will be a similar experience.

Due to the Pacific ocean winds and currents, the easiest way home is a big circle of the northern Pacific via Japan, Alaska, Canada, and then to our new home in Anacortes WA. The timing should be about right to set us up for the return in the fall of 2025.