Gabriellas grandapa
04/18/2009, Aqua Verde

I had a nice passage from Isla Partida to Aqua Verde with sailing for half the time. I love to anchor in close to the beach with my stern anchor out to keep me in a permanent position instead of swinging all over the place. I teamed up with the good folks on Cirque to go to Easter dinner at a restaurant. I asked the day before if they would be open and they said they would be serving fish filet and tacos. So we walked the rock ledge around to the main beach then into the village to the restaurant. We had to wake them from their siesta and they really didn't want to cook for us. So we told them to forget it and walked back to the dinghys. Such is life in these outpost villages. I had plenty of frozen food, so wasn't that concerned. I climbed to the highest peak over looking the anchorage and took some pics...check them out in the gallery.

Comments [0] | | More

Gabriellas grandapa
04/18/2009, La Paz (City of Peace)

I had a wonderful stay in La Paz. I rented a bike for a day so I could get to see a lot of the city. I was on my way to Tel Cel to buy a 3G laptop modem and a guy opened his door on his pickup and I smahed right into it. Threw me to the gound and I got a few cuts and scratches and a big bump on my elbow. Then a short time later I was almost run down by a guy who thought bikes shouldn't be on the road. Even though La Paz is not a bike friendly city, I still like it here. I enjoy the routine of having a nice Pescado filet dinner or Arrachea tacos or eating at Applbees, then strolling down the malecon and getting a nice ice cream cone. I also like the grocery stores here. They have stock that is influenced by the gringos who visit them. So I stocked up my freezer with frozen dinners, bratwurst, and ice cream. I checked the weather well on about 4 different sources and headed out out to the islands after my good-byes. I spent the first night at Caleta Partida and the next morning headed up to Isla San Francisco. About an hour out I turned around and went back to Ensenada Grande(next door to Caleta Partida). It was just too junky and the wind was on the nose. About 3am I awoke to the boat getting these annoying little slaps on the side of the boat because I was sideways to the incoming waves. So I weighed anchor and headed north. What a difference a day makes in weather conditions. It was so nice that I kept on going all the way up to Aqua Verde, bypassing San Evaristo.

Comments [0] | | More

Gabriellas grandapa
04/02/2009, La Paz (City of Peace)

Left Isla Isabella and headed north for an overniter to Mazatlan. Pulled into the old harbor to anchor in the Club Nautico anchorage. This is the anchorage where last season I dragged my anchor and went against the seawall when a couple of Pangero fisherman saved my bacon. Of course, since then I thoroughly check my anchoring no matter how exhausted I am. I spent 2 nights at the old town anchorage then move about 7 miles over to the Marina Mazatlan area to take a dock space at my favorite Singular facility. The manager here was transferred to Guaymas, so I will get to see and deal with him when I get there. His girlfriend, Alma is currently managing this facility and is doing a fine job. A new girl is working here and of course I became smitten again. There is something about the Singular girls that I'm attracted to.....they are CUTE, bubbly, and downright fun to be around.....how's that for description. After 3 days there I decided to catch a good weather window to sail across the Sea of Cortez to La Paz. I said goodbyes to friends I have been sailing with up and down the coast of the Mexican Riviera. Then I said goodbye to the girls at Singular and they pleaded with me to stay longer(they need someone to laugh at/with). Off I went and the weather predictions weren't even close to what they said. Needless to say it was a little uncomfortable....but not all that bad. It was nice to pull into La Paz, one of my favorite places. Downright GORGEOUS sunsets and a nice laid-back atmosphere. I'll be here for about 10 days then start my northward migration to all the anchorages on Baja.

Comments [1] | | More