Arluk III

We really should have tried harder to update the blog as we went along but there were some real challenges in getting internet for long enough to compose something. Even here in Cabo at the marina wifi is out because of hurricane Odile. We had a hot motor sail from San Diego to Bahia Tortuga. A 'rolling start' that never actually ended because of the lack of wind. Our watches of 3 hours on and 9 hours off worked well with the four of us so we kept that up for the whole trip. I had the best watch times but made up for it (I think) by doing a lot of the food preparation. We loved Bahia Tortuga-quaint, rugged little town that came alive for the 170 boats from the Baja Ha Ha. Diesel was delivered to the boat by Enrique, garbage guys came around (often), and the water taxi was a easily available for the days when landing a dinghy was challenging due to breaking swells on the beach. A huge beach party potluck was quite the experience-imaging putting more than 500 people through a potluck line! Zak hiked up the hill and took some amazing photos of the anchorage.

We ended up staying an extra day in Bahia Tortuga because there was still some uncertainty about what Hurricane Vance would do. About 30 boats decided to leave anyways and we caught up with them in Bahia Santa Maria. Richard, the grand Poobah on Profligate kept everyone informed and organized. It was quite remarkable that so many issues could dealt with amongst the 170 boats.

Leg 2 to Bahia Santa Maria was a great sail - lots of wind from the right direction. We headed off shore and travelled in a fairly straight line for Bahia Santa Maria rolling up over 200 miles under sail. Zak tuned the sails and kept us moving fast! We arrived in Bahia Santa Maria after sunrise (spectacular sunrises and sunsets on my watches). Endless beaches and just a few fishermens' huts. That night we had a another beach party with live music from a teen band. The next morning was an early start again to make up time so that everyone who had flights etc could get to Cabo on time. And the Baja haha loves to party so off we went to Squid Roe for old music and lots of dancing. Zak was up on centre stage dancing like only Zak can dance! No camera with me but I know hundreds of photos were taken so I'm sure someone will send me one! There were crowds watching from all levels! Lots of fun!

Yesterday was another beach party with awards for the rally and all kinds of other awards and the famous surf kissing contest. Sunday and we are having brunch and typing away at the restaurant. The Baja haha is over - what a great way to travel down the coast of the Baja! Lots of new friends and great memories. Looking forward to moving on again tomorrow.

Thanks to Les and Rick who helped get the boat to San Francisco and to Zak and Ron who crewed on the last three legs. Everything went so well on board with the four of us!

We've had a great time - it's actually hard to even remember what I do for work! Wish I was retired not! I really like the lifestyle, the heat, the wind, the friendliness of everyone around us.