Isla Espiratu Santo (Bahia San Gabriel) to La Paz

The beautiful water and beach of Bahia San Gabriel!

We pulled into the crystal clear waters of the Bay at San Gabriel on the Island of Espiratu Santo at 7:30 a.m on December 5^th.  There were about four other sailboats anchored in the Bay. We anchored, straightened the boat a bit, had some bacon and eggs for breakfast, then got the dinghy into the water and motored to the beach with Harley. On our way, we stopped to talk to a neighboring boat, Nomad from Anacortes Washington, who were on their dinghy just leaving the beach coming our way. We said hello and asked the best spot to land at the beach.

Taking in the beauty

Rick and Harley headed back to the dinghy. Playtime is over.

After we pulled the dinghy up onto the beach, we took a hike planning to walk to the other side of the island to Bonanza Bay. We made it half way there and we still could not see the ocean, so we figured it was way too far and turned around and walked back. While walking on the dried up desert terrain, Rick saw a huge crab, thought it was dead and went to flip it over with his shoe and low and behold it was still alive! The crab was a long way from shore! So it was quite a surprise when the crab started swinging his long front legs and pinching his claws.

Unexpected Crab!

We soon got in the dinghy and rode along the shore making a stop along the breakwater where there were tons of Frigate Birds perched in the trees. They were also soaring overhead hunting for food. They are known for robbing other seabirds for food and snatching seabird chicks from the nest. They can also be recognized by their black feathers and long, deeply forked tails and long hooked bills. The male Frigate bird has a red distinctive pouch that puffs up during breeding season to attract females. We just so happen to see lots of male Frigate birds doing just that.  It felt like I was witnessing something from the National Geographic Channel.

 

Checking out the Frigate Birds by dinghy

A male Frigate bird front and center.

After our little adventure we got back on the boat and took naps. We were very tired from our overnight trip. We each maybe slept two hours the entire night. The boat was rocking and rolling too much for adequate sleep.

 

Notre Isle at anchor…the only boat left.

In the afternoon we were invited over to Nomad for some snacks and ice tea. Nomad was a pristine 49’ Jenneau Sailboat. It had all the bells and whistles anyone could want on their boat. It had a brand new Iverson Dodger and Bimini with screens that enclosed the entire cockpit. The owners, Pam and Hank were very nice.  We are always amazed when people with such fancy expensive boats are nice to us in our 1976 Taiwanese built boat with dried grass for wind curtains. I do like our Rifiki because it’s a sturdy, heavy (30k pound) boat and I feel safe in it (most of the time).  

The next morning, Pam and Hank left, and Rick, Harley and I stayed. We ended up being the only ones left in the bay. Was their something they knew that we didn’t?  We went to shore with hopes of actually hiking all the way to Bonanza beach. No matter how long and how far it was! It was a treacherous walk for Harley! The sand was hot on her feet and every time she went to find shade from a bush or a cactus, she would get her paws filled with giant prickly burrs. She would stop and pull them out with her teeth. For the ones she could not remove, Rick and I would help her even though it left our fingers bleeding. They are the sharpest and most stubborn burrs, we’ve seen. 

 

Cruising around in the dinghy

Several miles later we arrived at Bonanza Bay! It’s a long white beautiful sandy beach that stretches two miles north to south. The water is a beautiful turquoise blue color and shallow due to a sand shelf that runs throughout the bay. There are millions of white smooth polished seashells lining the beach.   We spent most of our time swimming and then walking the beach looking at the shells, hunting for the perfect collection.

We only spent about an hour and a half here because we had a long walk back and wanted to get back to the boat before dark.

That evening was the windiest, rockiest night we have had yet! The winds were high (24kt plus) and the swells were big and constant.  Felt like we were riding a bucking bronco! We are glad that when we anchored we really backed down on the anchor to dig the anchor in firmly. The direction of the winds would have blown us right onto the beach if not for a good holding anchor.

After a long sleepless night, we woke to a still windy and rocky morning. We thought it would calm down if we waited before leaving for La Paz. We didn’t want to stay too long either in case the weather got worse. Again, we decided to go anyway. There was even worse weather coming the next day so we sort of had to get to La Paz by then to wait it out. It would be a safer place to be….more protected.

So Rick was able to pull the anchor up by hand despite the movement of the boat and the winds. We left Bahia San Gabriel around 11:00a.m.  It was a bit hairy leaving the Bay. The swells were HUGE and on our beam. They were so big that I actually cried at one point and asked Rick to take over the tiller for a moment.  I really felt like the waves were going to roll us over. Rick reassured me that WE WILL NOT TIP OVER! After a few deep breaths and changing our direction slightly so we were being hit so hard by the waves, I relaxed some. It was uncomfortable for a while, and I just got used to it.

A couple of hours later, the winds died down and the water was almost smooth as glass. 

We arrived at La Paz and found a slip at Marina Palmira by 3:00p.m.

San Carlos to San Juanico, Isla Coronados & Puerto Escondido

San Juanico early morning...

After a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner at Shots at Marina San Carlos with all of our boating buddies, we headed to San Juanico the next morning, November 25^th. But first I need to comment on our Thanksgiving Dinner. One, it was great to be with our friends…felt a little like family. And secondly, the meal that was prepared for everyone was so delicious that we all wanted seconds or even thirds! There was Turkey with Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans with a light cream sauce, Stuffing, Cranberry Jelly, and a fresh baked biscuit on the side. And to make the dinner complete there was a sliver of Pumpkin Pie with a dollop of whip cream on top for dessert.

Waiting for Turkey Dinner...

Back to Friday, the 25th….We headed out of the Marina around 10:30 a.m. and made a quick stop in the anchorage to pick up an alternator that John and Boni on S/V Ingenium had borrowed but didn’t need after all. They rode out to us on their dinghy from their boat, handed us the part, said goodbye and zipped back to their boat.

Boni and John

The winds were light and the sun was shining. It was a beautiful day! The winds weren’t exactly going the direction that was forecasted by WindyTy or Passage Weather, but eventually the winds were with us and we had a beautiful sail during the day, through the night and into the morning. The winds did not go past 17 knots. And the swells never reached beyond 1-2 feet. We did not have to run the motor once! The only time we turned it on was just outside of San Juanico Caleta because the winds pretty much stopped.

 

Just outside of the anchorage of San Carlos

Just outside of San Carlos

We entered the bay around 9:06 a.m. the next day, November 26^th, anchored and both took naps to catch up on sleep from not really sleeping much during our overnight sail.

Found this little Squid that washed up on the decks during the night.

We're not sure how this Scorpion got on deck!

As soon as we woke, Rick put the dinghy in the water and we all went to shore. Harley of course was the most anxious to get there. 

 

Rick taking Harley to shore

The next morning, S/V Dream Catcher with Margie and Chuck aboard, arrived and anchored near us. We had first met the couple while we were in San Carlos in the boatyard. So it was nice to see someone we knew arrive. Later that morning we went for a little hike. It was pretty warm out but such beautiful views from the top of a mountain.

Dream Catcher

Me and Harley looking at the beach from up on the cliff

An Osprey we saw protecting her nest up on top of a Pinnacle

The 28^th we met up with Margie and Chuck on shore and went for a nice long hike. It was a beautiful hike and it was fun getting to know Margie and Chuck better. Margie and Chuck are from Eureka originally and have been sailing for the past 20 years. So they have lots of stories, lots of sailing knowledge and are happy to share their experiences.  I really admire Margie; she is the confident, knowledgeable kind of sailor I’d like to be someday!

Margie, Chuck and Rick 

From the top of the mountain looking down on our boats in San Juanico Bay

Pink Sunset

Anchored facing this rock

The next morning, Margie dinghied over to our boat and helped us get our SSB programmed again. For some reason, we had lost all of our programmed channels from the previous season. While Margie was down below in our boat, S/V Espiritu, whom we had last seen in San Carlos arrived and also anchored nearby. Chris came by not too long after they had anchored in his dinghy to say hello.

 

Sunrise

On the 30th, the following day, me, Rick, Harley, Margie, Liz and Chris all went for a long hike and stumbled across a small ranch tucked away in the dry desert like terrain. The ranch was not fancy but very well kept up. The grounds in all of the animal stalls were clean and free of waste. They were also all groomed and raked. Spotless! We saw horses, mules and donkeys. We also saw a goat, some chickens and peacocks. There were greenhouses thriving with gardens of vegetables.

Saw this beauty on our way to the ranch.

Rancho

Cute little Goat

Mule meets Dog

So friendly

There was one man present on the property but the owner was not there whom we really wanted to see. We wanted to ask him if he had any vegetables or eggs we could buy.

As we wandered around the property, petting the horses and looking at the other animals and birds, the owner, Jose rode in on a horse while pulling another horse behind him. We all introduced ourselves and told him how much we loved his ranch. He unfortunately did not have anything to sell us, but did offer us what eggs were in the Chicken Coop.

 

Jose

Jose, the Ranch owner talking with Rick, Liz and Margie

We left the ranch and walked back along a dirt road to the beach where our dinghies were. On the way we bumped into another rancher on his horse. He was friendly as well!

Notice the crease in his shirt…Have you ever seen a cowboy with an ironed shirt? Pretty impressive.

That night the winds piped up to 24kts so we had a bit of a rolley night at anchor. Not much sleep.

 

Our last sunrise at San Juanico

The next morning we sailed over to Isla Coronados following Dream Catcher in their sailboat. It was about a four-hour trip.

Margie on Dream Catcher

A little cool as we arrived in Los Coronados

As soon as we arrived in Isla Coronados, I put the SUP board into the water, and Harley and I got on top and I paddled us to shore. As soon as Harley relieved her tiny bladder, we went back to the boat. No sooner did I get back to the boat, Margie invited us to go snorkeling with her. So Rick and I got our snorkeling gear together and swam over to the nearest reef to meet Margie. We saw some really cool fish as we swam around the reefs that were close to shore. After about 45 minutes, I started to get cold and was ready to get back to the boat.

That night was a windy one. It was so windy that Rick slept out in the cockpit just to make sure that the anchor was holding.

It was still windy the next morning, December 2nd, when we woke up. We were planning to move on to Puerto Escondido but not really sure about the winds. We decided to go for it anyway.

Harley glad the stormy weather is over so she can go back up on her perch and keep watch

Well, this turned out to not be a very comfortable sail! The winds were between 25-29knots most of the trip and on our nose. The seas were sloppy as well!

As we approached Puerto Escondido, the winds finally died down and we went inside the bay and picked up a mooring ball way in the back of the anchorage. That was sort of a mistake since we were pretty far away from the dinghy dock.  And the winds really seemed to blow where we were.

That afternoon we went to the Marina office, checked in and then went to the restaurant on the same level as the office and had a very good meal….an expensive one, but really good!

Rick enjoying a little paprika encrusted ahi tuna & a limonada while overlooking the Marina/Anchorage

Puerto Escondido anchorage in the daytime

Dusk at Puerto Escondido

To pay for a mooring here was very reasonable. The charge was about $10.00 US each night. That included the use of the restrooms, showers, laundry-room (one free wash and dryer).

Next day we got in the dinghy, bringing our large camping size backpacks with us. We had plans to get to Loreto by cab to do some provisioning. We were very low on food…all fresh fruits and veggies were gone.

So we had the Marina office get us a cab. And forty-five minutes later a van arrived and took us to Loreto, which is about 15 miles from Puerto Escondido. It was a fun cab ride because I was practicing my Spanish with the driver, Ramon. 

When we got to our destination in Loreto, Ramon dropped us off and said that he would meet us at the Super Ley Super Mercado around 1:30. He did not ask us to pay him for the ride yet. He said we could pay him later. Seemed pretty trusting to us! I offered to pay, but he declined. It was an expensive fare as well. It was 1000 pesos for round trip, which is $50.00 US. If we just did a one-way trip it would have been $60.00 US.

So we walked around Loreto on cobble stone roads surrounded by overhanging tree branches. We walked to the water and walked along the Malecon. Then back into town, had lunch and made our way to the Super Ley and stocked up on groceries.

This mission was founded in 1697. It's the oldest mission in Baja.

Beautiful Hotel…inside and out.

 

This boy won this bicycle in the Christmas Bicycle drawing.
 It was an event to raffle off bicycles to the children of Loreto

Cute little outdoor restaurant

We stood outside in front of the Ley and waited for Ramon.  At 1:26 p.m. a green van arrived, just like Ramon’s. Rick and I thought how punctual he was! So, we got inside the van with our heavy backpacks and off we went. But something didn’t seem right. Rick asked me if the driver was Ramon. So I asked the driver and he slowed the van way down and said, “no!”  I told him that we needed to ride back with Ramon! “Necesitamos Ramon!” So the driver eventually pulled over and called Ramon. Ramon arrived within a minute or two. We transferred vans and headed back to Puerto Escondido. Ramon seemed a little annoyed with us. He told us that we should have waited until 1:30p.m.  We apologized profusely! I guess I didn’t pay too much attention to what Ramon looked like, since all I could see was the back of his head. Which was a head of dark curly hair. That was the same kind of hair that the other driver had.  Ramon seemed to lighten up a little and I continued practicing my Spanish with him. He seemed happy to oblige. 

When we arrived back at the Marina, we paid Ramon and gave him a pretty good size tip since we had made an awful mistake back at the Super Ley.

It was a wet ride back in the dinghy to our boat! It was quite windy and choppy in the anchorage. Lucky for me I brought a poncho in my backpack and it helped to keep me a bit dryer.

The next day, December 4^th (Rick’s Birthday) was windy as could be and this was our day we had to leave. It was supposedly our weather window to leave, but the weather looked bleak. There were “Buffalo’s” (white caps) in the anchorage. We recently heard white caps being referred to as “Buffalo’s”. We are not sure why, but now that’s what we call them when we see them. I like to say it because I love Buffalo’s! I wear a nickel on a chain around my neck that has a Buffalo on it.

We thought we’d wait out the weather for a bit…maybe it would calm down.  So, we brought our towels and clean clothes to use the showers (which were FREEZING cold) and our laundry to the Marina. The wind was not calming down even after a couple hours of fiddling around at the Marina.

Around noon, we said the heck with it and untied from the mooring ball and decided to go to Agua Verde, which was going to be a 4 or 5-hour trip. After Agua Verde we planned to go to Isla San Francisco the following day. All that changed! As we got our further from Puerto Escondido the winds calmed down and we motor sailed with our Jib and double reefed main.  We had a lumpy ride and the waves getting up to 8’ were coming at our beam. When we got to Agua Verde we realized the waves would be pounding us in the anchorage as well so we decided to skip it and Isla San Francisco and just do an overnight trip all the way to Espiratu Santo…Bahia San Gabriel.

 

Enjoying the ride

San Carlos, Sonora Mexico

Sunset on our way from San Carlos to San Juanico

More work to be done in San Carlos.

November 8^th while working on the boat in the boat yard, Rick noticed that our Monitor wind vane (which steers the boat) was extremely bent out of shape and there was a huge dent on one of the stainless steel posts along with a tear. This was not good news! Especially since we cannot get parts in Mexico and to repair it would be a huge expense.  This was not due to the hurricane. This was at the fault of one of the boat transporters. Our guess is that a boat was backed into the wind vane. We weren’t sure how to handle the situation. We were counting on the Marina office to not claim any responsibility, but we gave it a go anyway. We talked with the manager, he came by and took a look and right away said exactly what we were thinking, that it had been backed into by one of his driver’s. He then told us he’d send out one of the best stainless steel welders in the area and have him repair the damage (at no cost to us). We were both blown away! Within two days, the wind vane looked good as new.  Rick had to do some fine-tuning to make it work smoothly which was a little tedious, but hopefully it will work just as it did last season.

Monitor WindVane…after repairs.

That same day, we were expecting our friends Margo and Robert to arrive in San Carlos. They have their boat, Nomad, parked at the same Marina that we will be in, Marina San Carlos. Well, unfortunately they were detained at the border and were delayed for a day or two. It was a case of mistaken identity for Robert and he was not allowed into Mexico. It will be a long process to correct the situation so he and Margo headed back to Santa Rosa, Ca where they plan to hopefully get things resolved and be back after Christmas. But, before they flew home, Margo was able to take a bus into Mexico and get to the boat in San Carlos for a quick overnight stay. She delivered some parts to us that we had asked her to bring and we gave her a stove of theirs that we had brought with us in the RV. After the exchange, we had a visit over at the Captain’s Table near the Marina. 

The next day, we worked on getting the sails put back on and we did a lot of patching on the boat hull where blisters had formed and been removed.  

Ready for paint!

It’s quite a lengthy process before you can actually paint the bottom of the boat.  First, you have to dig out the blisters, which makes a big hole. Then you sand the area, wash with water and clean it out with Acetone afterwards.  Then you put epoxy in each hole, which is followed up with a thickened epoxy. And when that has dried, it needs to be sanded again. THEN, the hull is washed off and left to dry and FINALLY it’s ready to paint! Rick painted the entire bottom with a roller brush and I just did the spots where the roller could not go. It took two coats, which was completed in two days.

 

Bottom paint complete!

On November 10^th, our friends on SV Toccata, Marilyn Gibbs and Steve Dees stopped through San Carlos on their way to Mazatlan where their boat is stored. They caravanned from the states with a friend of theirs, Mike who also has a boat in Mazatlan.  We had a nice visit over at Palapa Griega overlooking the beach. Later that evening we had an early dinner at Shots at the Marina, which was very enjoyable. The sun was setting with a light breeze blowing as we sat outside overlooking the Marina and eating and listening to live guitar music.

Marilyn Gibbs and Steve Dees on S/V Toccata from Anacortes, WA

Marilyn and Steve's friend, Mike

Taj from S/V Shawnigan

Christian and Taj from S/V Shawnigan.
We knew Christian from when our Ericson was docked in
Sausalito years back.

The next day Rick did some more things on the boat that needed to be done, while I took Harley on a walk to the Bank. Due to the swift decline of the Mexican Peso we wanted to get as much cash as possible to last us for a few months at a good rate. We were not the only ones with that same thought. The ATM machines outside of the bank were lined up with other Gringo’s. So much so, they actually ran out of money. This is one of the reasons the people of Mexico are not too thrilled with us American’s, because with the Peso low, it makes things very expensive for them. But on the other hand they do like us because we spend our money here.  

That night, we met up with Steve, Marilyn and Mike again. We tried out Hammer Heads for dinner also at the Marina. We had such a fun night…lots of laughs and great food!  We were sad to say goodbye at the end of the evening to these three but we know we will see them somewhere along our way. At least we hope so!

The following day, Monday the 14^th, there was not much I could do on the boat; it was more of the things that Rick needed to do. So, I gathered the laundry and put it in my large camping backpack and dropped it off at the Lavanderia in the Marinaterra Hotel. From there I walked a mile and a half to the Ley Supermercado to get a few groceries. I tried to limit what we needed to save my back. Even though I cut back on purchases, my back kept hurting a little more and a little more the further I went. It was pretty hot out as well so I made a stop at a Smoothie stand along the way. 

Once back to the RV at the boat yard. I emptied the backpack and then walked back towards the Ley for a hair appointment I had at 2p.m. This was about a mile walk…still hot out. 

The hairstylist was not quite ready for me, which was fine. It felt great to sit down on a soft comfortable couch and wait in the air-conditioned salon.

A half an hour later, it was my turn! Oh boy! I’d been hearing such good things about this hairstylist that I had such high hopes for what the result would be. The color process went well. I asked for highlights, but she told me in the best English she knew how that she was going to color all of it. It turned out pretty good. Then it was time for the cut. I told her in the best Spanish I knew how that I wanted it the same, as it currently is, just shorter. She nodded as if she understood. Next thing I knew she takes out a razor blade and starts cutting my hair with it. I was mortified! But thought well…maybe it might be ok so I crossed my fingers and did not interrupt her.  She was really trying hard to style it afterwards to make it look like I had more hair than was left.  She asked me as she took the cape off, “you like?” She looked so pleased with her work and I didn’t have the heart to say, no… not really, so I told her she was an artist! She took that as a compliment, smiled and brushed off what was left of my hair onto the floor. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough and to turn the corner and put my baseball cap on! It was a quick walk home because I was walking as fast as I could cursing at myself for getting my haircut to begin with. As soon as I got to the RV, I ran inside and went straight to the bathroom, wetted my hair down and broke out the blow dryer and flat iron. Oh….and also a pair of scissors (one side was slightly longer than the other). I fiddled around for quite some time. I was in a hurry to fix my hair before Rick came back to see me. I knew he would for sure leave me at the docks for sure once he laid eyes on me.

I was hoping to have a haircut like this...

Just as I finished re-doing my hair, Rick walked into the RV with his usual wert whirl whistle (he does this every time I get my hair done. Sometimes before he even sees it. I guess in a past life someone really got on his case for not noticing a new hairdo).  Anyway, when he really took a good look at it, he said, “it’s not THAT bad”. Then he told me I looked like the actress, Linda Hunt. Ha Ha.

After that fiasco, I walked back to the Hotel Marinaterra to pick up the laundry.  Our clothes, sheets and towels smelled so nice and were folded neatly and then packaged all together in an airtight plastic bag. Then I walked back with a fully weighted down backpack back to the RV.

While I was gone, Rick finished painting the boat bottom, finished fixing the wind vane and some other things that needed fixing.

That night we decided to go to Hammerheads for dinner. We both shared a Pizza, which was quite good!

The next day Rick finally decided to get to a doctor for the stomach pains he’d been having on and off for the last couple of days.  The pains were so bad at times that it forced him to double over. So, I called a doctor that was referred to us from one of the boat brokers at the Marina, and got Rick right in.

The doctor was very knowledgeable and explained everything so clearly in English. He really took his time and was very thorough before diagnosing. He just seemed to think Rick came across some bad salsa or something (in case you didn’t know, they “recycle” the salsa at some restaurants here…and you are likely to pick up something that way.  So the doctor prescribed Rick some antibiotics and off we went.

Boat yard dog, Pinto, who came to visit Harley daily.

On the 16^th of November, we did a little more painting on the boat bottom, put up our wind curtains and the Dodger. We also went into the Marina office and made a reservation to have our boat put back into the water the following day. It was time!

Captain Kirk from S/V Due West came to assist!

This sweet man helps grab lines to pull boats into the water.
 He ties the rope around his body and leans and pulls the lines.

Getting Notre Isle ready for travel over to the Marina

Notre Isle being taken to the Marina

Rick and Kirk

Maryalice and Kirk

The 17^th we “splashed!” Notre Isle was put back into the water and we motored her over to a slip on A dock with our friend Kirk on standby in his dinghy in case we needed help getting into the slip (Notre Isle does not turn on a dime…she’s quite heavy!).  Once at the dock we worked all day cleaning the topsides and down below, removing all unnecessary items and then putting on all of the things we needed that we brought from home.

In the evening we decided to spend a little time on the boat and watch a movie just to sort of get used to being on the boat again.  After the movie was over, we walked back to the RV only I was having trouble walking. I was trying to walk in a straight line, but my body had a mind of it’s own and was pushing me to the left. Rick said I looked like a drunken sailor and he escorted me back to the RV. I felt wonky up on my feet, so went to bed right away.

Harley feeling glad to be back on the boat and assuming her usual position.

The next morning I woke up feeling fine and walking normally. Thank goodness! We still had a lot more work and organizing to get done.

The “water lady” came and brought us 24 jugs of water, 19 liters each or 5 Gallons. Her boyfriend/employee and she would carry the jugs to our boat, and I would open them and Rick would pour them into our water tank.  As my mom used to say, “many hands make light work”. I wouldn’t say it was light…but it did make the job easier.

Later that night after getting all cleaned up, we went out to dinner to Sunset Bar and Grill located at Algodones Beach in San Carlos with our boat buddies. Heidi & Kirk from SV Due West, Kimi & Trevor from SV Slow Flight and Don Diel from SV Wind Charmer and Chris & Liz from Espiritu. The restaurant was really cool! Not only was location spectacular, the décor, ambiance and food were amazing! And of course the group of people we were with made it very fun!

Liz from S/V Espiratu and Heidi from S/V Due West

Don Diel from S/V Windcharmer and Trevor from S/V Slow Flight

Kimi from S/V Slow Flight, me, Heidi and liz

Rick, Kirk, Chris from S/V Espiritu, Trevor and Don

Sunset at Sunset Grill

Next night was spent at the RV Park to recharge batteries and use water etc. Right next door to the RV Park a wedding reception was going on which meant lots of loud music till the wee hours of the morning! Somehow we slept through it better than usual.

Sunday the 20^th was the day we ran errands in the RV and eventually dropped it off at the RV & Boat storage. From there, Rodolfo (the caretaker), drove us in what he calls his “limo” …a red ’75 Volkswagen Bug, back to the Marina.

So now…we are down to only one place to live.  Even though we are confined to smaller quarters, it’s actually a lot simpler.

As you may remember, we were headed to Bahia Concepcion yesterday, November 21. But a couple things interfered with those plans. The main issue was the weather. The high winds and waves came a day early and we didn’t want to get caught out in an uncomfortable sail! Secondly mid-morning, I started my drunken sailor walk again and figured I’d better get to a doc and figure out what’s going on.  Kimi was kind enough to chauffeur us.

After the doctor visit, I had to take it easy so I got comfortable on the couch where Rick joined me for a marathon of Damages drama series.

Highly recommend this Drama Series! Glen Close is incredible in this!

Tuesday the 22^nd, I woke up feeling pretty good, but took it slow just to be safe. 

While eating our fruit and yogurt, we listened to the Cruisers Net on the VHF at 8:00 a.m.  We heard that the President of Mexico and the Governor of the State would be in the area tomorrow between 9-3p.m. and that all movement in the Marina would be prohibited. So, basically no one can come into the Marina or leave it. That would explain the large truck full of Marines that have been here for the last few days making themselves known by planting themselves in different spots around the Marina. They are dressed in full combat gear, holding their assault rifles (FX-05’s) and probably carrying 30lbs of ammo in their vests. Each time we have walked by we say, “hola” or “buenas dias” and their reply is usually the same. Always friendly. One day, things got a little friendlier than I would like though. I happened to walk into the ladies restroom, opened the stall door and to my complete surprise there was a male marine sitting on the toilet with his knees exposed, pants piled up around his ankles, and looking at his phone! A loud, “OOPS!” was the first thing out of my mouth as I quickly shut the stall door and ran out of the bathroom! I was completely embarrassed and waited outside for him to leave before going in again.  As he left the bathroom he made no eye contact with me or me with him! We were both way too embarrassed!

Later this afternoon I took Harley for a walk to the Marinaterra Beach Club so she could get a good swim in. Once we got there and Harley was swimming around, I looked further out and saw a school of Dolphin swimming, leaping and playing in the water!

Thanksgiving is in a couple of days and the good thing about having to stay here is that there is a big Thanksgiving Feast at one of the restaurants here at the Marina. We will be joining some of our friends at one big table and will be surrounded by lots of other boaters. It will be a nice way to spend Thanksgiving.…second best to a Thanksgiving with family.

Sally and Haley

Peanut

Harley getting some play time in.

Scruffy

And hopefully the day following Thanksgiving, we can be on our way. We’re just waiting for two consecutive days of good sailing weather.