0600 hrs. Saturday, December 1, departed San Jose Del Cabo with destination of Mazatlan, another overnighter.

We've had fair winds so far since we've left San Francisco; however, they have been from the least favorable direction. Not the usual prevailing wind direction.

Instead of the prevailing northwesterlies blowing down the Sea of Cortez, we had East-North-East winds early in the day (tight reach) and then North-East winds later (close reach)...go figure. All in all it was a comfortable passage across the sea. Winds are always on the Nose of Pinocchio! Serves us right I guess for naming our boat Pinocchio!

Along the way, I discovered a great use for cool bagged wine...ice pack! I must have stayed in the sun too long and not consumed enough of liquids other than alcohol, which resulted in heat exhaustion. Where does one get ice on a little 33 ft sailboat? A Wine bag on my head worked great! I was able to carry on my night watch duty, albeit still hot and befuddled.

David had a different sort of "attack"...it was David vs. the Boobies! As evening came up upon us, five Boobies joined Pinocchio's path across the sea. The masthead looked like a perfectly good spot to land for a rest. Fearing a broken masthead wind indicator, David armed himself with his trusty, powerful flashlight. As each Booby made its attempt for a landing, David "shot" at it with his flashlight! They wouldn't give it up...tenacious seabirds they are, despite their silly name! David's antics were quite entertaining and helped keep my mind off my heat-exhausted body for quite some time. In the end, as in "David and Goliath" David won the battle. But in this story, it wasn't a giant, just a curious and tired flock of Boobies looking for free ride.

I was on early morning watch Sunday and enjoyed the sight of daybreak over distant Mazatlan. As the evening sky lifted it's dark lid, revealing a distinct, terra firma horizon, I proclaimed "land ho!"

Entering the Mazatlan breakwater at a low tide was probably not the best decision. Between the shorebreak and the low water, we had a couple of "Oh s...! moments. At 1200 hrs, Sunday, we arrived at Marina El Cid to the surprise of the dockmaster. She was amazed we made it in. Note to self: check tides next passage.

Lots of interesting sailboats in the marinas here which will keep David occupied for a few days of dock walking. We plan to visit old town Mazatlan today to check out the Mercado, Cathedral, and maybe a hike up to the lighthouse.

Hasta Luego!