2010 Hola Mexico - Missive 4

December 9 - 12, 2010: We left at midnight for this next leg to Los Cabos. Honestly that was really hard to try and sleep a couple of hours prior to leaving. We laid and listened to the howling winds hoping they would calm down to exit the anchorage but pick up enough to sail. By now you should know we are never content with the weather - it's either too much or not enough wind. In this case, no wind and motored the entire way!

We did have some excitement when Mike hailed us about his dropping oil pressure about 2 hours out from Cabo San Lucas. In the end, the boys determined it was a failing oil sending unit sensor and Odessa wasn't in harm's way to damage the engine.

Ponderosa was dragging a fishing line and finally caught a fish, unfortunately it was about 4ft shark. The bugger was quite nasty looking with its sharp teeth; we promptly let him go. Our only other excitement was the ability to wear short and t-shirts. We have crossed the line to warmer weather and I can now whine about being too hot. I know most of you are sick of hearing me talk about cold weather, now you will get the opposite. Careful for what you ask for!

Both boats decided to treat ourselves to the comforts of a marina and we knew some northerlies were going to howl for a couple of days and we were all too tired to deal with lumpy seas and beating to weather. We headed for the new marina at San Jose del Cabo ... "Puerto Los Cabos". When vacationing here in January 2010, Bob & I along with Larry & Karen Nelson snooped around this marina to see what it was like. They sure have come a long way in its development. Art work and beautifully manicured gardens lined the perimeter of the marina. More docks were now installed and mega motor yachts of all sizes filled the marina. We were placed in the low rent district of a $1.00/ft without electricity. But the staff has been wonderfully welcoming and a delight to visit with.

On Saturday, we walked to town to tour the square, had lunch and made our way to the grocery store. Thankfully we knew our way around due to our January visit and hopped the local bus like pros! One thing we did find out about thru other cruisers was the baggers at the grocery store work for tips ... that is their only source of income. Well we felt bad not knowing this when we visited early in the year. Oh well, it definitely is a learning experience and other cruisers pitch in and help explain the customs and "rules of the road". I was pooped when we got back to the boat - lots of walking and of course, it was quite warm. We all felt gritty and sweaty - a quick shower sure was refreshing.

While Sunday is suppose to be a day of rest, both boats were busy with oil changes, boat washing, vacuuming, installing bug screens and generally cleaning up the place after two weeks of traveling. The laundry is calling me but it will have to wait until arriving at La Paz. The local laundry woman wanted $10 (usd) per each laundry bag; quite steep in our opinions.

Brian and Terri on "Off Tempo" rented a car and traveled from La Paz to pick up their auto pilot we brought down with us. They were quite excited to have it in hand and get it installed so they could continue on their trip.

Talk about being excited, both boats are so happy our next passage is only about 25 nm. We finally get to slow down and enjoy this adventure. I guess that is the reward for travelling 2,300 nm to find sun, warm water and slow living. Every day brings simple but wonderful pleasures.

So our next leg is to poke our nose around the corner into the Sea of Cortez north to La Paz. We understand there are beautiful anchorages with sandy beaches along the way. And once in La Paz there is strong active community of cruisers; it should be fun! Hasta la vista!