07/23/2011, 28 53'N 113 02'W to 28 56'N 113 27' W
Magic Carpets passage from Isla Partida Norte to Puerto Don Juan, 28 53'N 113 02'W 28 56'N 113 27' W Five hour reach with light to moderate winds from the SSE. One whale spotted at a distance, dolphins frolicking about. Magic Carpets meat line hocks onto a very large very colorful male Dorado he jumps takes one good look at us and spits the hook. Were glad he's free, but wish we got a picture of him. The procedure when the fish on call go out is. Grab the rod, pull in Aladdin (inflatable dingy), pull in teaser, slow Magic Carpet, keep fighting the catch, land the fish, keep it from making a big mess in Magic Carpets white cockpit, fillet & bag ASAP, it takes 4 hands for sure to accomplish this. Mother Nature took our big Dorado but has given us three Sierra keepers and four catch and release. Puerto Don Juan is just like a private fishpond; it's the best natural Hurricane hole in the Sea of Cortez. It's full of claims, oysters and the best eating fish. Were surrounded by mountains prowled by coyotes waiting for big fish to chase little fish ashore just for them. The ever present blue footed Boobies, Pelicans & Gulls diving for their fair share. It's all a constant reminder to us that we a truly in paradise.
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07/23/2011, 28 27'N 112 53' W to 28 53'N 113 02'W
From Magic Carpet Log: July 21,2011 San Francisquito to Isla Partida Norte, 28 27'N 112 53' W - 28 53'N 113 02'W "THERE SHE BLOWS" Enchanting passage two pods of fin back whales, several Lob Tails (showing tail before they dive) And Flipper slapping (whale rolling), for us a fantastic sight! Keeping a sharp watch we were able to detect their present early on. You see their blow spray first some shot 20 feet in the air making it visible from far away. FYI: Adult Fin Whales are up to 89 feet Adult weight, up to 140 tons Longevity, several are known to be over 150 years Birth weight, 2 tons Dangerous to run into a sleeping whale; they have sent many a ship to Davie Crockets locker! This passage was very exciting! Magic Carpet passed within 12 feet of a sleeping/sun bathing Mako Shark, Quite a sight. Lots of blue footed Boobies bounding the water. We can't help wondering how deep they dive, some seem to start 100 feet high. And of course the ever present brown Pelicans and gulls. Fishing has been good for us also, lots of tight lines catch and release. Keeping only the tastiest for Magic Carpet. Ceviche, Sushi, BBQ and even Jerky for latter. And we almost have all the ingredients in the freezer for an authentic Bulavassie - Life is good.
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07/16/2011
From Magic Carpet Log July 16, 2011: Santa Rosalea: Time to head back to Sea the Admiral s at it again thinking about saving a little black female dog. Eight male dogs were enjoying her company when we arrived at the old Marina. Locals say They will take her to the dumps; she is due in early Oct. that's what they do to dogs in Mexico. Early morning departure (4am) from Santa Rosalia heading North to San Francisquito (75 miles). As fate would have it the traditional southerly winds did not prevail. Magic Carpet faced Northerly winds a long 17-hour passage -winds to 10 knots & seas to 6 feet. Then when the seas settled down we encountered tides, ripe tides & currents. Several Turtles came close to look us over. Sunsets at sea are always specials, Just as a full moon was rising we arrived at the inner cove of San Francisquito. It's kind of scary, with a narrow and shallow entrance. We arrived at high tide so we were able to enter with 4 feet under our keel. Magic Carpet is now safely at anchor in 17 feet of water in one of the Sea of Cortez perfect hurricane holes. Mountains surround us - it's peaceful here! With its white sandy beaches & the fishing just outside the entrance is great. So far Grouper, Yellow Tail, Chula all caught on sardine looking lour, trolling from Aladdin.
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07/16/2011
From Magic Carpet Log July 16, 2011: Santa Rosalea: Time to head back to Sea the Admiral s at it again thinking about saving a little black female dog. Eight male dogs were enjoying her company when we arrived at the old Marina. Locals say They will take her to the dumps; she is due in early Oct. that's what they do to dogs in Mexico. Early morning departure (4am) from Santa Rosalia heading North to San Francisquito (75 miles). As fate would have it the traditional southerly winds did not prevail. Magic Carpet faced Northerly winds a long 17-hour passage -winds to 10 knots & seas to 6 feet. Then when the seas settled down we encountered tides, ripe tides & currents. Several Turtles came close to look us over. Sunsets at sea are always specials, Just as a full moon was rising we arrived at the inner cove of San Francisquito. It's kind of scary, with a narrow and shallow entrance. We arrived at high tide so we were able to enter with 4 feet under our keel. Magic Carpet is now safely at anchor in 17 feet of water in one of the Sea of Cortez perfect hurricane holes. Mountains surround us - it's peaceful here! With its white sandy beaches & the fishing just outside the entrance is great. So far Grouper, Yellow Tail, Chula all caught on sardine looking lour, trolling from Aladdin.
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07/16/2011
From Magic Carpet Log July 13, 2011 Great 4th of July party hosted by Greay Richie "Papa - Kilo - Hotel" our Sonrisa Ham Net weather guy. Who every morning gives us a heads up on the conditions we are most likely to face for the next three days plus possible up coming Hurricane information. It was great fun catching up with old friends and making new ones. Thirty-six boats anchored in the El Burro cove area for an potluck feast. Gary's Hot Dogs & fire works were super a good time was had by all. Gary even arranged comfortable weather under 100 degrees. Snorkeling provided with a second and third feast. So it's easy to say we are eating well and living the good life. The wind pushed us out of the party cove and Bahia Conception Bay and a motor sail to San Marcus Island with its fabulous sea caves. After a short stay we sailed to Santa Rosalia ware we are able to give Magic Carpet a much-needed Salt away bath. Checking out a few local Vegie stands, bakery & Taco carts. This year the new marina was full up! Seams like a lot of sailors are taking advantage of the poor U.S. economy putting their moneymaking opportunities on hold and are cruising the Sea of Cortez. The Sea is full of boaters. We are staying for the first time at the old marina, a funky place. The palapa of knowledge & book exchange are fun. It's run on the honor system, want a soft drink or a beer - help your self & make your mark keys for all, pay up when you move on! Old school place we are enjoying it. We plan to head North from here with the winds behind us. It's a short season for Magic Carpet it's with sadness that were already felling it ending and starting to have flashes of responsibility. Glad to have heard Doug & Trish & Cat are safe at "home" in Oregon. We are still numb over the loss of the KMT. Speaking of loss a 80 year old single hander Fred beached his 38 footer after falling a sleep (we think) He's well, boats high & dry maybe a total lose. Put just think he did it- followed his dream - Fred proved it's never to late!
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07/07/2011, Santo Domingo
From ships log 7-2-11
Today's weather from Caleta San Juanico 26 22' N 111 23'W to just inside Bahia Concepcion Santo Domingo.25 51' N 111 50' W, was great a 10 hour passage with eight of them under sail a nice smooth reach with Magic Carpet sometimes doing 7.9 knots:
Gregorio's fishing report: 4 Skippy's released 1 Dorado kept for dinner! Dorado caught on a blue & white skirt. Wind currently (7pm.) at Santo Domingo is from southeast at 5 knot's. Temperature 95 degrees.
A few hours after serving & broadcasting as net controller and giving the above current weather from Magic Carpet. A Chubasco hit! Our first for this season, wind picked up to 50 knots from the southeast. We were with five other sailing vessels anchored at Santo Domingo a shallow (17 to 20 ft) protected bay. All boats held in place. Captain Greg turned on our radar & alarm as soon as the Chubasco came up to makes sure Magic Carpet did not drag. We were held in place by 100 ft of 3/8 chain & a 35 LB CQR anchor. The Chubasco was short lived about 5 hours. All was well aboard Magic Carpet and with fellow cruisers anchored near by. All heading to the Sonrisa Ham weather man 4 of July party at Playa El Burro. July 3 rd early morning Ham radio check ins revealed 2 cruisers in the far north of the Sea of Cortez (Puerto Refugio) suffered damage. One sailing boat went ashore on a sandy beach (they had re-floated her by net time 7:30, and the second had his inflatable in the water with motor on. It had flipped over and over during the Chubasco and he had lost his engine & ores but not the inflatable. That evening we heard for the first time about a large chatter boat out of San Felipe that had sank during the Chubasco with 40 people aboard And presently we understand eight Americans are still not accounted for. We are very saddened for this loss! And understand National News is covering this story! Magic Carpet at this location (El Burro Cove) Has no access to the world except through our Single Side Band Marine/Ham Radio. SO we are posting this ASAP so family & friends will be reassured all is sunshine & roses on Magic Carpet.
At this time we are also in the dark about cruising friends Doug & Trish aboard their beloved sailing vessel KMT heading home to Oregon abandoning their boat. We do not know why, but do know all are safe and are now on a boat headed to Hawaii. Our love and prayers go out to them and we thank God for their safety.
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