We escaped from La Paz exactly as planned on 12/3. Leaving at
slack water, and with the help from our neighbors, we made it out of the
marina and headed up the channel to the fuel dock at Marina Costa Baja.
While we were in line at the fuel dock, we met a nice young couple on sv
Echo. After filling our fuel tanks we motor bashed to Ensenada de la
Raza on Isla Espiritu Santo (renamed Isla Jacques Cousteau). We arrived
in time for a quick dinghy ride to reconnoiter snorkeling sites and a
glorious sunset. We did see a turtle in the anchorage, but didn'€™t get
close enough to identify the species. After it got dark, we heard sea
lions hunting around the boat.

The following day we did some boat chores, made water, did some
snorkeling, and had a siesta. We snorkeled at Isla Gallo and found the
water somewhat cloudy with not a lot of fish. Our new 3mm wet suits
worked great. We met another nice young couple on sv Indy. We didn'€™t ask
if the boat was named after the dog.

On 12/5 we moved to the next island in the archipelago, Isla Partida. It
was a one hour trip, and light air so we motored and arrived at Ensenada
Grande before lunch. After nap time (it'€™s a tough life in the islands)
we went for a snorkel. This time the water was much clearer and we saw a
greater variety of life. Linda’s keeping a list in the guide "€œReef Fish
Identification"€ and is up to about half a dozen so far.

On the agenda for today is baking bread, making water, a hike ashore and
more snorkeling. Weather is 78 and sunny, with a breeze in the
anchorage. Outside of the cove it'€™s blowing 20 from the north and we can
see whitecaps. We’ll stay here for a day or two until the wind calms
down, then go north and find another island. With the sun shining, the
solar panels let us make fresh water to rinse the salt off our
snorkeling gear and run the fridge to keep the beer cold, so we'€™re happy.

--
Sent via OCENSMail satellite email service.
www.ocens.com