Kachina Sails

Seems we don't get too far from Baja. After working on boat problems, we went around the cape to Muertos, then Frailles. Listening to the weather report, we took off at 2am for Mazetlan. The sea did not hear the report, and miserably choppy conditions from the side caused us to turn back at about 5am. We could not envision a full day and another night to reach Mazetlan, when we'd be there barely a week and return to Baja. So we are in LaPaz for carnival. We've made the acquaintance of several more boaters, had some great shore walks, and seen some beautiful sunrises. The boat is working well, maybe the owners are wimps.

when you're fixing things. Finally, off the dock and a beautiful overnight, moonlit motoring to the mouth of Concepcion Bay in tandem with Walkabout. The next day found us at one of our favorites, San Juanico. After spending a relaxing day there, we went south to Isla Carmen and Ballandra, where we were one of 2 boats. After having said never again, we ended up going to Puerto Escondido where some things have improved: hot water in the showers, new mooring balls, a great little tienda selling tasty hamburgers, and some things have stayed the same: no Pedro's or the Modelerama at Tripue, gas (maybe), the HPYC locked up.
From there we went to Agua Verde (pictured) Not without shredding an alternator belt. We went ashore with the folks on Puna, to the little tiendas. Actually the 2 of us were the only boats in the bay till the hugh cruise vessel Safari Endeavor anchored the next morning. We went a little south to Los Gatos, one of the lovely rocky anchorages south, and the next day all the way to San Francisco. Along the way we sailed through a group of 4-5 fin back whales, spouting up a storm, so exciting. At San Francisco, with about 12 other boats, we spent a rolly, uncomfortable night. Heading out the next day, with no alternator due to problems, we encountered 10-20 knots south west winds with very choppy seas. As we neared the La Paz, the wind and seas settled, and luck smiled on us, getting a slip at Marina de La Paz. The last few days have been filled with repairs, maybe that pesky alternator has finally been repaired. Now we will decide what to do next, but in the meantime we are enjoying being in one of our favorite places - La Paz

Should have figured..., pay the marina, park the truck in storage, cast off the lines , anchor off shore, get up at 11PM and start off on your 15 hour journey across the Sea of Cortez, with a full moon, little wind, shooting stars, and guess what: battery issues. After dealing a couple of hours with low battery warnings, cranky alternator, and broken alternator belt, we reversed course and anchored back in the bay. Following a couple of hours sleep, we returned to dock, retrieved the truck and took off to Guaymas to buy four new batteries. Too tired to go out and start over again right away, we awaited without results the return of the stainless guy, in hopes he could fashion a lift for our new dinghy motor ( it's too heavy to lift like the smaller one). Then we just decided we'd go when the weather and our shore chores were done. This morning was spent hiking up the Tetas de Cabra, outstanding mountain here in San Carlos. Quite steep, rocky, and challenging, but the view was worth it. Then to celebrate our safe return, we spent the afternoon at the Captain's Club having delicious chili rellenos, cerveza, and cheering on the Broncos. We'll give the stainless guy one more morning, then we'll try this again, but I'm not saying when as I think that's the jinx.

The list is getter smaller. Kachina seems to be all put together for a sea trial today to check out the water maker, and then anchor in Algadones (Cotton ) Bay prior to leaving about 4AM to go across the sea to Punta Chivato. We decided to omit Santa Rosalia this trip, we did check out the town last time, and we should be good to stay out for a couple of weeks on the foodstuffs and beer (most importantly) that we have accumulated here in San Carlos. Even though we are anxious to get going, the idea of immediately going out to sea for 12 hours straight is a bit daunting. But we need to go then, or we’ll be at dock at least through the weekend as another set of northerly winds is expected. Does it seem like too much wind and too little beer dominate our plans? Hm?

And so we have arrived in San Carlos, ready to depart on a idyllic voyage across the sea! No so fast there, that’s just in the minds of the uninitiated seafarers. Let me clarify the picture. When you arrive, go down to dry storage where the boat is on jack stands in midst of dry weeds and mosquitos. Change the prop zinc which has eroded and corroded since last you saw it.. Swat mosquitos, then put on the long sleeve shirt.
To bed at Adalai’s Motel, a fine establishment for only about $20/night. The next morning head off to the marina and watch the boat be deposited in the water and then motor to the dock to tie up. So far, very good, the motor started and we tied up without a glitch. The next couple of hours are spent with a hose, brush, and soapy water getting off six months of dirt and bird crap, along with a nest and a dead bird, removed from the outside of the boat. Once inside, it’s pretty good, just blown in dirt and dead crickets. Remove enough stored gear from the inside so that over the next two days, the contents of the truck can be trekked down the dock and unloaded into the boat. This is all before Ken’s list of “dos” get top priority. Well, it’s now Thursday, and the soonest we can get to sea is Monday, IF the all the tasks are finished and the winds cooperate. Nevertheless, a day working on the boat at dock beats a day shoveling snow from the driveway, and it certainly makes a beer in the hand at sunset worth the effort. When we actually embark, I’ll post as I can get to wi-fi. Perhaps about more than housecleaning tasks, maybe we’ll even see a whale!

Today is the final day here, packing up the truck and doing the last minute things. Sad to leave our dogs and family, but have a feeling the good weather and water in Mexico will lessen the sadness in a few days. Hoping to see some friends in the Sea, and to make some new friends also.