The cruising community is always looking for an opportunity. And as soon as the word got out that one of their brethren will be making a return trip to the States, an opportunity was found! In the roughly 24 hours since I decided I would be taking a buss ride to San Diego, the coconut telegraph has spread the word to the several hundred cruising boats and it turns out that many people have items they would like brought down form San Diego. So, instead of taking the buss, I will be renting a car roundtrip from La Paz, to Bakersfield, Ca and then back to La Paz. We made the roughly 1000 mile one way drive last December, so I know what I'm getting into. It will add a few days to the overall trip and be a bit more tiring than just sitting back on the buss, but it will make the entry and exit into Mexico easier with the boat items. It will also help out a good number of people who are having me pick up everything from 200ft of 5/16 anchor chain, a new Belmar alternator, and their mail in San Diego. I made the announcement on this morning's cruiser net and my VHF instantly sprang to life with people willing to chip in some gas money to get their new gadget driven down form the States.

I'm planning on leaving Saturday or Sunday morning right before sunrise and driving to Guerreo Negro on day one, with drive day two taking me across the US/Mexican border and crashing in San Diego. Once in San Diego, I will drop off my radar dome at a repair facility, then continue to Ventura to drop off the V-drive and then head to Bakersfield to visit with my family and pick up some items out of my storage unit. I expect to start the return trip by December 6th, but the exact timing will depend on the successful repair of the v-drive.

I may be tired after the trip, but I know a way to relax once I'm back to La Paz and besides, it's not everyday you get to help out a bunch of people, which is what cruising and life is all about in the end. And just think, all this is being done without any Big Government program or bailout, interestng food for thought!