Kachina Sails
| Vessel Name: | Kachina |
| Vessel Make/Model: | Island Packet 35 |
| Hailing Port: | Cuchara, Colorado |
| Crew: | Ken and Mary Strasser |
| About: | Captain Ken, and first mate and cook, Mary plan to spend 3 months in the Sea of Cortez in 2014-2015. We won't predict how far we will travel, the wind and seas will determine that for us. |
11 February 2015 | Marina Palmira
In La paz again!
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.
24 January 2015 | Marina de La Paz, La Paz
Time Flies
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 [...]
15 December 2014 | Marina San Carlos
Wasn't Meant to Be
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.
10 December 2014 | Marina Real, San Carlos
Cast Off
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?
05 December 2014 | San Carlos, Marina Real
Housework on Water
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. [...]
28 November 2014 | Cuchara, Colorado
And the wind still blows..
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.
