01/02/2012
Picture of Sail Rock Entrance to Puerto Refugio
Number One New Year's Pledge!
Bring sail blog up to date. Time passes fast when you are having fun. Don Juan the near perfect hurricane hiding hole in the Sea of Cortez. Far north 28 degree 56'n, 113 degree 27'w is full of marine life, better than the best fish market. Don Juan always offers us great harvesting opportunity's Needless to say we ate well, fully protected from the wind and the sea. A great place to catch up on "boat work" entertain fellow cruisers with Magic Carpets signature dish, Bouillabaisse and Artisan Bread with homemade dipping olive oil. We were starting to feel pushed so much to see & so much to do & so little time. Olive harvest was fast approaching 8 weeks - Our son wedding Sept. 10, a command attendance event, not a cruiser attire event. Our goal this season was to sail farther north than ever before, Isla Angel de la Guarda and Puerto Refugio. After a Brief stop at Bahia de los Angeles Village to purchase a few fresh vegetables and lunch at Guillermo's where we were greeted by Herman Hill Baja's (82 year old) Gold prospector and heard of his exercise plan getting ready for his up coming trip into the mountains to retrieve his 40 lb's of his hidden GOLD stash. (just think of the dollar value at today's prices) We than sailed north to Isla Mitlan & Las Rocas where we anchored a few day's sharing the cove with whales the night sounds were fantastic. We enjoyed snorkeling and did a circumnavigation around the island and found it not as exciting as expected. The bird population and nesting area were fascinating. At a lunch break aboard Magic Carpet we were visited by Banditos who helped them self's to Greg's face mask & snorkel , the banditos must of felt guilty and left a few peso's in our inflatable Aladdin that was tied to Magic Carpet's stern. Thank God for spares. Leaving we sailed for Sail Rock a giant Rock white with Bird Poop a great land mark leading the way to Puerto Refugio's west passage. During the next ten days we moved to several different coves. Water visibility changed daily from great to OK to poor. The Marine life and bird life were not afraid of us and were actually interested in us. Baby Seals wanted to swim with us, fish came by to look us over. Pelicans wanted to board Magic Carpet and a Brewers black bird moved aboard and after a few days living with not potty trained bird. We moved to another anchorage and in a few days the bird found us and was joined by his partner.
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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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