tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88447519402243858742024-03-12T18:17:11.974-07:00Solar Wind's AdventuresMelinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-40072644518814487852013-08-09T00:39:00.000-07:002013-08-09T00:39:06.846-07:00Homeward Bound -- Hawaii to Sequim Bay <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Day 1 – Thursday, June 27<sup>th</sup></span></b></div>
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<b>Whoohoo! We’re off!</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
We left the dock at Ko Olina Marina (Barber’s Point) on the west side of Oahu
at 0900 as planned. A freighter, named the “Overseas Anacortes”, escorted by
two tugs, followed us out. </span>AIS (our computer run vehicle identification system)
told us they were bound for San Francisco, then maybe on to Anacortes? They
will soon be days ahead of us!</div>
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We motor sailed about 4 hours in light wind along the
leeward side of Oahu – beautiful coastline – rugged, Kelly green and mostly
undeveloped– we think it might be where they filmed Jurassic Park. <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> Good-bye
Hawaiian Islands -- thanks for the rest stop.</span><br />
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As we neared the Northwest point of the island, the wind kicked up quickly to 25 knots – the trade winds whipping around the corner and creating lots of chop too. We double reefed the main and continued beating, taking a NW heading of about 340 and starting 4-hr watches. Louise had an active watch from noon to 4 and I put together simple lunch food.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: white; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">The squalls came up through the early
evening and night. They are clearly seen coming in the daylight – sheer grey
sheets reaching from the low dark clouds to the water surface. At night they
show up on radar up to 12 miles away. We rigged the staysail before dark, and
furled the jib for each 15-minute squall. They only brought a little spitting
of rain – but they did bring dramatic clouds and a double rainbow before
sunset. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louise is getting her sea legs and hanging on in the galley.</td></tr>
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More squalls through the night kept our sails small and
speed low, but Friday morning we are cruising along again at about 7 kts and
making a NNE heading – straight for Seattle! Probably not for long – we have
sent our position report to Commanders' Weather -- the professional weather routing
service we have contracted to provide forecasts and recommendations. It will be
interesting to see if they mail us back any changes in their proposed route. It
seems funny to be taking a non-traditional route, after the months of studying
the classic route – but it’s not a traditional year. This could save us many
miles – we also may need to back track if they guessed wrong. But for now, we
are headed in the right direction. The boat likes to beat and Sully handles the
heading well. All in all, a good first day and night. Looks like we will put
120 nm on the odometer in our first 24 hours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV93InCsTyNktatp51rVNJFqw92Az7CoAbNnL0hInKoxxiHF0U22qItuboyIQV0Nppp76d8UxzMztaTFEMVpuzdXs6FYXkNNtxUuNr5h56Pnn_5Wx8NapULXHxn7eatyoZRT-sSgqxpuMx/s1600/IMG_2348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV93InCsTyNktatp51rVNJFqw92Az7CoAbNnL0hInKoxxiHF0U22qItuboyIQV0Nppp76d8UxzMztaTFEMVpuzdXs6FYXkNNtxUuNr5h56Pnn_5Wx8NapULXHxn7eatyoZRT-sSgqxpuMx/s400/IMG_2348.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had one great spinnaker day early in the passage.</td></tr>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><u>Another 24 hours to the NE </u> </span></b><br />
<b>It’s
now Friday, June 28, and Day 2</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">. A smooth
ride, beautiful sunny weather, and a star-studded night. If this were the ride
all the way, I’d (maybe) sign on to do it again! Really no problems. Also, no
fish. Mid-day yesterday, the tuna plug (last of our stock) got a big hit…
ZZZIIIING… SNAP! At the same time, the second line that was out from the other
side of the boat went slack with a broken line. </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">We think a big fish that stole
the tuna plug also hooked the second lure in its struggle to escape as it came
in all entangled in the first line. </span>Oh, well. We still have a packed freezer
and are just beginning to make a dent in the produce and pre-cooked casseroles.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teaming up to furl the jib</td></tr>
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Everyone took a turn for a shower today in the cockpit – the
water is only slightly warm, as we have not run the engine since leaving the
marina – but the sun is warm and the cool water feels good. Louise is trying to
keep on plenty of sunscreen, but is still getting some ruby red shoulders –
it’s such an intense sun here close to the equator.<br />
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There are more sea birds so far
than on the Eastern side of Hawaii. They appear in groups of 2, 4 or more. We
don’t know the species, but they look especially aerodynamic – super sleek,
with thin knife blade shaped wings, fuselage bodies and pointed tails – maybe
terns? They swoop and circle at high speed, swiftly gliding on the wind
currents and rarely flapping their wings, coming down within inches of the
water surface. We have yet to see one land, dive, or get a meal out here. We
found one small flying fish on the deck so maybe they are scooping up their
snacks faster than the eye can see.</div>
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We are keeping on our 4-hour watch
schedule. I’m going to trade with Louise tonight, as I have had the lucky 4-8
watches, which means 8pm to 4am hours to sleep in the dark. She’ll get a few
days on that schedule. It’s also the best because you have sunset and sunrise –
just beautiful!! </div>
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We have not had squalls in the last
24-hours. We are emailing our position to the weather folks – they
overestimated our speed, so while we are headed in the direction they
suggested, we are not as far along the route as they estimated. We need to make
some more easterly miles if we are to be close to their routing. So really, the
unknown of the pressure systems and the anxiety that comes with doing a
non-traditional route are our only concerns. We think we are doing the right
thing – it’s a risk – the payoff could be big in timesavings. The stakes are
high if we are forcing ourselves into either a High-pressure system with no
wind, or a Low that brings stormy headwinds with it. We shall see. .. AND the epic
journey CONTINUES…</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">It is now Wednesday, July 10, our 13<sup>th</sup> day of
the crossing</span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">.</span> While we took a hiatus from
daily blog entries, there has been no break in the daily and nightly bounce of
the ocean, and the rolling along of miles – not always in the most effective
direction, but miles under the keel nevertheless. While our daily routines have
become familiar – each of us in our own rhythm of sailing, sleeping, eating
according to our watch schedule – the days are also comprised of diversity that
is handed to us by nature or is of our own making. We’ll write about a few of
the highlights. Louise contributed these following three entries!</span></div>
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<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">The doldrums and the water is fine!</span></u></b></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBbnXg2bNuhXybBo0lMPkIzAjaqDpVCFM71MLni4HiB00nYt3VtrOcAtInFdcqmYMSj7hLkDz92-JVsUER9mB4kKUJO22vvow-pc6X5xEqn3uKYhBpqWny5iM4MLejPKbs9sCbqjZnfeg/s1600/P1080418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBbnXg2bNuhXybBo0lMPkIzAjaqDpVCFM71MLni4HiB00nYt3VtrOcAtInFdcqmYMSj7hLkDz92-JVsUER9mB4kKUJO22vvow-pc6X5xEqn3uKYhBpqWny5iM4MLejPKbs9sCbqjZnfeg/s400/P1080418.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a>Today is day 13 of our crossing.
For the most part we have had plenty of wind…though not always precisely in the
desired direction…..as you will see if you track our route via the Delorme
website.</div>
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Two of the days we experienced what
they call the doldrums (that is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>NO WIND).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We motored a long
while; but then it was high time to save our fuel for events, possible and
supposed, later in our journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The motor time is valuable in many ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water maker works when the motor is on and we have warm
fresh water!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we need to
conserve fuel, so we killed the motor, lowered the sails and drifted pretty
much in the direction we wanted to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The boat lay quietly in the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These were fine days for doing laundry, swimming and showering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, there is some anxiety amongst the
family about any swimming at sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will set the scene for you and you will see that you, too, would have
jumped in for a refreshing dip!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First off the boat is practically dead in the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we trail a line behind the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We take turns so that there is one
person on board at all times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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And
lastly, the sharks aren’t dumb….they are nowhere to be seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
The only activity out here is our own,
an occasional commercial vessel, our albatross and an abundance of flying fish,
which are the color of the deep blue sea and about the size of a mountain
trout…not exactly dangerous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
sharks are closer to shore, where the eatin’ is good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, I will admit to looking down into the blue more than
once, just to make sure, but there are definitely no sharks out here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in the water and Lanham dropped a
bolt for me to follow as it fell…..I could still see it as I came up for air
about a minute later….the deep blue is gorgeous!!<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8844751940224385874" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">The things you can catch on the high seas!</span></u></b></span><br />
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Mostly, on the high seas, you tend to stay seated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you don’t, quite often you bare
the bruises of not quite managing to move in precisely the direction you had
intended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should see my elbows
and knees!</div>
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Lanham and I were in the cockpit when we noticed that the
dinghy was hanging quite unevenly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lanham jumped up and moved with ease (as he does every time he moves on
the boat).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He jumped up on the
upper ledge of the transom and, leaning out over the rigging that dangles the
dinghy, pulled up the slack in the lines on one side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dinghy was once more in balance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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He glanced down into the water behind the boat and,
‘’there!’’:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>something green and
moving, about a meter deep:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>fishing net!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The net was
most certainly caught on the propeller:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>not good news<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Thank
heavens we hadn’t started the motor …)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But now…imagine this…Solar Wind is speeding along and this net must be
dealt with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed the grab
pole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lanham got out on the
transom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(yes, he was wearing his
life vest…)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held on to him from
inside the cockpit as he got down on all fours and hooked the fishing net.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it wouldn’t budge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What now… I suggested we walk the
fishing net forward of the propeller, hoping that it would come free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We attached a line, after I had managed
to tangle it every which way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lanham walked the net up the side of the boat …and…there came the
fishing net!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(about 4 square
meters of it)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would have a
great story to tell Melinda, who was sleeping in her bunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(BTW…. I, for one, cannot believe how
much I sleep on board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, the
watches are tiring ….but, somehow I can’t even manage to read for very long….I
lie down in my quarter berth…I think, ‘’I’ll NEVER get to sleep with all this
noizzzzzzzzz….)</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8h2JKZuQBdWpwEvv8TftNyoiEWTQu4mUfKq617PI442HkPaJy8ATjeX27TWyMBdG9r7VuOgI2ChHtNTYxr1Hr4a5x0H0GEh6Skuf2S7jij3A6z6fmOKHR1cSUSe7iUhlfS-kHvuIVWF1/s1600/P1080441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8h2JKZuQBdWpwEvv8TftNyoiEWTQu4mUfKq617PI442HkPaJy8ATjeX27TWyMBdG9r7VuOgI2ChHtNTYxr1Hr4a5x0H0GEh6Skuf2S7jij3A6z6fmOKHR1cSUSe7iUhlfS-kHvuIVWF1/s400/P1080441.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a great thing to catch with the propeller</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, our next question was, of course, ‘’did we get it all?!
How do we know for certain that the propeller is free of net?’’ We need a
webcam!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, once again, the trusty
cell phone came in handy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lanham
and Melinda had a waterproof case that would hold Melinda’s phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He taped up the seams, just to be sure,
and he attached the phone in its waterproof case to a sail batten, long enough,
flexible and strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We set the
phone on video and he scrambled down to the transom and submerged our
handy-dandy Solar Wind mobile webcam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All we needed were a few seconds of clear video.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we took the phone out of it’s case
and played the video….there it was:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the propeller was totally net free!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hooray!<br />
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWiiNkPzxzErEwXEyvzURId5PD6XuRAiEdY_X_ki9RB-p8X5YICP3WxLV9YnUND0sbQWmSUSakEUsLP1P-j3SOs1SjkZwyTubVj6_5WczqP3VeyPqwFND6mA86Hafo7i1AwQR6BjMUQw2/s1600/IMG_2353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWiiNkPzxzErEwXEyvzURId5PD6XuRAiEdY_X_ki9RB-p8X5YICP3WxLV9YnUND0sbQWmSUSakEUsLP1P-j3SOs1SjkZwyTubVj6_5WczqP3VeyPqwFND6mA86Hafo7i1AwQR6BjMUQw2/s400/IMG_2353.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the "junk" floating by us in the Pacific</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<!--[endif]--><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Bump, BUMPPPP….</span></b></u></h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What was that!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Something big!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behind the
boat we see a full length log, 50 centimeters in diameter come a rollin’ up to
the surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow! That might have
done some damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lanham and
Melinda are immediately opening up the floor of the boat checking for leaks;
but Solar Wind seems to have rolled with the punches and has maintained her
course beautifully. We guess that the bow of the boat must have hit the side of
the log and set it spinning, under the hull, where it hit and rolled down the
keel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We only heard 2 contact
sounds, so we are guessing that the propeller was spared.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br />
There is a lot of trash out here in
the northeastern Pacific!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Melinda
and Lanham say we are seeing more than they saw down the west coast or in all
of the Mexican waters. Much of it seems fishing related and the currents cause
it to collect in a huge patch or gyre near the center of the North Pacific
High. They call it ‘’flotsam’’ and not all of it is benign! Just after the log
encounter, we spotted a metal barrel bobbing up and down directly in our
path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lanham navigated around that
rusty object that might have done dangerous things to the hull of the Solar
Wind!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What must the fish and birds
think of all these strange objects in ‘’their’’ ocean.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br />
The albatros that has accompanied
us on this crossing thus far had a moment of confusion over a fishing lure that
we had trailing from the boat yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We heard a ‘’hit’’ on the fishing line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We looked aft, and there was the albatros, bobbing on the
water’s surface pecking at our plastic lure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily he didn’t bite at the hook and was able to fly away
freely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pulled in the line and
saw that half of the lure was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hope the bird didn’t swallow…haven’t seen him yet today!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">The Red Slipper Rescue</span></u></b></h3>
<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The morning sun and breeze have
been great for keeping socks and underwear rinsed and sun-dried. Doing laundry
usually goes hand in hand with transom showers. Standing in the laundry bucket
and letting the shower run-off fill the tub – one leads to the next. We agitate
the clothes as if we were stomping grapes for wine. It was one of our bigger
laundry days and with the boat in a no-go drift we had plenty of time for
cleanliness. Following her shower, Louise had dressed for the day – it was the
4</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><sup>th</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> of July so she sported her red and white striped T-shirt and her
patent leather red flip-flops. We all three were clean and dressed when Louise
headed up to the bow to check on the laundry that was drying on the lifelines.</span></h3>
</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtr7JkJTyns350TZHhV3oXUIp8L_nGMW7-V9jvkRZE_G7ZZg01ZqwNUQebTHdgh90CwTbNFL4MzAAl4ZNQVqw9BBs5wWaOlXZ4zQ5tR82coQ8tsKLydOnPv_Ofa3oR7O86fUh3ipcDdFh/s1600/P1080434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtr7JkJTyns350TZHhV3oXUIp8L_nGMW7-V9jvkRZE_G7ZZg01ZqwNUQebTHdgh90CwTbNFL4MzAAl4ZNQVqw9BBs5wWaOlXZ4zQ5tR82coQ8tsKLydOnPv_Ofa3oR7O86fUh3ipcDdFh/s400/P1080434.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louise doing laundry on a slow day at sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We heard a little squeal and Weeza
pointed to her red sandal, floating high on the water alongside the boat and
slowly starting to drift back toward the stern. She was more than ready to say
bye-bye to it when Lanham saw it and like Clarke Kent, whipped off his clothes
down to boxers, tossed his glasses behind him toward the cockpit and dove on
top of the sandal. Louise and I were still in the process of putting out the
stern line we use for swimming when he arrived back at the swim step with
flip-flop in hand. We chastised him for his daring move and he pointed out that
the boat was drifting without sails at a speed of 0.0 kts and had been all day.
So instead we thanked him and helped him back aboard.<br />
<br />
As Lanham dried and dressed
we all started looking around for the glasses he had dramatically tossed aside
before attempting the rescue. Nowhere to be found. Slowly it began to dawn on
us that he might have thrown the glasses overboard, ugh -- not a good trade-off
– a plastic sandal for prescription sunglasses! As we were about to accept this
grim possibility, he found the glasses in good shape, down in the galley. His
toss had sent them through the companionway into the cabin. Laundry done and no
missing gear! Lanham guarantees he won’t be so heroic when the boat is
underway.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<h3>
<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Flying Fish Bait</span></u></h3>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAal9WTSrkOV1pZwr8kovISartWF60M6bEJ8mouMlg1VcutyPN-kKtZ9TQ9H1vOysNwP-P-qMOT0dnFDqsft2-xjPT63XuVtOrDOottV045Gku6exTVYm-icSkggcs7MR5lUvbwZlLAu97/s1600/P1080436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAal9WTSrkOV1pZwr8kovISartWF60M6bEJ8mouMlg1VcutyPN-kKtZ9TQ9H1vOysNwP-P-qMOT0dnFDqsft2-xjPT63XuVtOrDOottV045Gku6exTVYm-icSkggcs7MR5lUvbwZlLAu97/s320/P1080436.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Our fishing luck has continued to
plummet. The fish must know Marcus is not aboard, or maybe we are not quite as
determined or diligent as he was. We have had a few hits, but even with
130-pound test line, the fish out here in the deep just grab the line and snap
it! For several days even the flying fish were not sailing by around the boat.
Then with a sudden “whap” a six-inch flying fish landed at our feet in the
cockpit. It gave a little struggle to live, but we had already decided that it
looked like bait and might be our best strategy for catching a bigger tastier
fish.<br />
<br />
Our lures were getting taken one at a time and our supply had dwindled.
So the little flyer sacrificed his life for our bait, but was eaten in one
swift bite by someone bigger who knew how to avoid the hook. We’ll keep trying
– maybe we’ll have more luck when we hit salmon waters off the Washington
Coast.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Whoops! Ugh!</span></u></b></h3>
</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRWoZtP0krCBnoUzpE0W7eJmd5tk3_DICZ6C7VRbinNpiRiiDXqahLw4LqU8MXTBSpvhaUKVUqtpOb3lQPWzxoVzyvGd6uE61j0_1-YiOxEdGgNga8seT3K2jYtaFom6MUogQood5-VEe/s1600/P1080483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRWoZtP0krCBnoUzpE0W7eJmd5tk3_DICZ6C7VRbinNpiRiiDXqahLw4LqU8MXTBSpvhaUKVUqtpOb3lQPWzxoVzyvGd6uE61j0_1-YiOxEdGgNga8seT3K2jYtaFom6MUogQood5-VEe/s400/P1080483.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanham under his pile of pillows during his down time in the pipe berth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we’ve said, squalls have been a
big part of the scene in this part of the ocean. Because of all the weather
changes there is a lot of reefing and unreefing of the mainsail, and even more
furling and unfurling of the jib. Louise and I are able to unfurl, putting out
more sail when the wind is down. The problem is that shortly after there will
be too much wind, the boat becomes overpowered and Louise and I quickly become
overpowered (in the arm muscles) when we try to furl to reduce the size of the
jib. We have experimented with a system for using a winch to furl,
and it works for one side, but not for the starboard tack that we have been on
for days. The outcome is that Lanham is pretty much “on call” 24/7 to come (out
of a sound sleep?) and help us furl some jib when a squall is starting to stir
the air.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii38kaXkZCCxit6c0Cjpx37DCCgNuHuzNIP0ECX_ZxPqBs4DeTmDla0rGJNvmAeHdNHsP2UH5D8jQDDk-xwoY_z3c6waCr4DehTR2P5eSTRsVIAWJpd-i1qLndIMws8xaTwBBUzRTn5GqU/s1600/P1080406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii38kaXkZCCxit6c0Cjpx37DCCgNuHuzNIP0ECX_ZxPqBs4DeTmDla0rGJNvmAeHdNHsP2UH5D8jQDDk-xwoY_z3c6waCr4DehTR2P5eSTRsVIAWJpd-i1qLndIMws8xaTwBBUzRTn5GqU/s400/P1080406.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanham serving us all a celebratory "juice"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One evening, as we readied for
night, Lanham was on deck doing the “reefing dance”. The sail was covering the
deck and as he stepped forward there was suddenly no surface below his foot --
his leg went straight through the open hatch. He slammed to the deck with an
“oof,” catching the weight of his body first with his ribs, then his elbows and
shoulders. I was next to him in a second and Louise and I think that within ten
seconds we both mentally went through all the possible horrifying scenarios
that could follow if he was seriously injured.<br />
<br />
Within a few long minutes he got
his wind, and was able to get up --with at least one cracked rib and some aches
that he treated with aspirin for the next few days. We’ve all heard the
well-known rule about closing all hatch covers before doing work on the deck.
It happens faster than you can imagine! Lanham thought he might need to lie
around and give us orders for a few days, but the feeling wore off. We feel
lucky and relieved.</div>
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<br />
<h3>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><u>Making Contact</u></span></b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9D5-Onb6D3VEdUqbgZnnrRt10GzBpYmBr0wadcnDsp3rT82BWlJyLqRT0TEobDixatdc99jdgKZXgWksbW7YAU_u9_lILx_MTQzRCfL3qXMxw_2h2FkMYbxP54jOaaLa6tGzo9Mb4f7X/s1600/P1080444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9D5-Onb6D3VEdUqbgZnnrRt10GzBpYmBr0wadcnDsp3rT82BWlJyLqRT0TEobDixatdc99jdgKZXgWksbW7YAU_u9_lILx_MTQzRCfL3qXMxw_2h2FkMYbxP54jOaaLa6tGzo9Mb4f7X/s400/P1080444.jpg" width="300" /></a>Standing
watch on Solar Wind means you take your 4-hour turn to be in the cockpit, hand
steering or helping Sully steer the heading as close to our ideal course as the wind will allow. Often, with the wind direction shifting within about a
100-degree range this requires pretty active “watching” of the instruments and mast-head
indicator, some keen listening for the beginning sound of a luffing sail and
some quick wheel turning or button pushing to keep the sails full and maintain
optimum course. While small course adjustments are constantly made, the wind
speed is often changeable -- falling or peaking—and on watch you decide whether
it is a temporary decline, a momentary gust, or a strong and lasting change
that requires more sail to be put out (for speed) or some of the sail area
reduced (for control and safety). While most of our sail reefing can be done
from inside the cockpit, it is easier with two people and so being on watch
often means calling or waking someone to consult or give you a hand. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw195wG1d319Uf9Pj5P5iEO_V-HEskLBylRygttiIyOM4mXo9VkO6dmAX0lB65nbB1kWzNs_D561FR55xPA8nylIuUKn07qwvIVjAtG9AC0-Pcu31vXiBYpo3wogGQ-nJPX_6BWHFl17ah/s1600/P1080464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw195wG1d319Uf9Pj5P5iEO_V-HEskLBylRygttiIyOM4mXo9VkO6dmAX0lB65nbB1kWzNs_D561FR55xPA8nylIuUKn07qwvIVjAtG9AC0-Pcu31vXiBYpo3wogGQ-nJPX_6BWHFl17ah/s320/P1080464.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYnxAhqzza6-lKyCy4w1H5UHiUT-aRrpDwuQ1KbZBuZO_v8V-UJbXpn8-M5ecnqJPmp9iffyfq854hB3ZqAIKjeUMZgL4OUxe50CQnutVSyELVpZBJLqtHgqlWwKLRGCqjcMIyfnTR19A/s1600/P1080463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYnxAhqzza6-lKyCy4w1H5UHiUT-aRrpDwuQ1KbZBuZO_v8V-UJbXpn8-M5ecnqJPmp9iffyfq854hB3ZqAIKjeUMZgL4OUxe50CQnutVSyELVpZBJLqtHgqlWwKLRGCqjcMIyfnTR19A/s200/P1080463.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdb9BWV-2UrZuq_zBmwpphTkzHf75kgEiS7OAaKeM7pTIVbiyrmZ_f9eV6-0KrMNrK1BWb8ewUoAUkd0KUz9jGyfnEwvp6JNap8J2_rYo9vAaqNyX0u_wdZG7u_cstXGF2EFk-Xs1IkdW/s1600/P1080460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdb9BWV-2UrZuq_zBmwpphTkzHf75kgEiS7OAaKeM7pTIVbiyrmZ_f9eV6-0KrMNrK1BWb8ewUoAUkd0KUz9jGyfnEwvp6JNap8J2_rYo9vAaqNyX0u_wdZG7u_cstXGF2EFk-Xs1IkdW/s320/P1080460.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Most often nighttime watches are
quiet, solitary, peaceful, and contemplative. The stars have been dramatic. Not
super bright but such a vast dusting – almost more pinpoints of light than
darkness between. We saw our first thumbnail of a moon a couple nights ago and
hope we have some more cloudless nights as it waxes and sends us some
moonshine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br />
Of course, the main task of one on
watch is scanning the horizon for other ships or large debris during the day,
and at night, peering through the darkness for lights on the horizon and
staring at the radar monitor when it comes on every 10 minutes. It is easy to
get a little complacent about this “watching” when night after day after night
after day… we see not a soul out here in the vast waters that stretch in every
direction. And then quite SUDDENLY there can be a vessel… and the fun begins!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Yzl9-N1zWQlUic6P-NJpyMjB8SWtpzzRhiemCRUxi12gsfD7V3NcVn0WiekFI0V_c5voLh6fDA-R1qjZLh2vnLF7T2CELk6JPw2n5dJ2dDO4mfdDtwlOmshJlmjdE1weIAZhj5uj8BjT/s1600/P1080409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Yzl9-N1zWQlUic6P-NJpyMjB8SWtpzzRhiemCRUxi12gsfD7V3NcVn0WiekFI0V_c5voLh6fDA-R1qjZLh2vnLF7T2CELk6JPw2n5dJ2dDO4mfdDtwlOmshJlmjdE1weIAZhj5uj8BjT/s400/P1080409.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese War Ship 181 appeared on the horizon <br />
two days off Hawaiian Islands, <br />
but was blocked on radar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our first contact was made not far
off of the Hawaiian Islands. In daylight we saw a grey military-looking ship
the size of a skyscraper dead ahead about 2 miles away, and a second similarly
large ship further off. Two miles is closer than we like to be until we know
that a large ship sees us and we know what it’s plans are. We put out a call on
the radio for the vessel in our latitude/longitude vicinity. A voice came back,
with a strong accent and after several polite attempts we got his message:
“This is Japanese War Ship 181. I see you. Please maintain course… Bon Voyage.”
We had flipped on radar to try to get a read on his distance and course, but
strangely this huge target never showed up on our monitor. We watched as
Japanese Stealth Ship quickly moved across our bow and were amazed to see two
helicopters take off from the flight deck while beside us. Her companion ship
passed on the other side without making contact. Wish we knew more about where
they were headed and was their mission secret or just mysterious?<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7H_wcmHEdMpQh6csNP_W1OK3XwWmR1BsgrQOOGy1e9a9JSg6p4mBgdPfVR6JPHhiDPSdK2SdWu5o3klJAsPEKJUPJE-jjPZpPzZLxDYFA4cpL3TK3JgIPtN4ZRQ6CVnuvNN99PvlcD43X/s1600/P1080466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7H_wcmHEdMpQh6csNP_W1OK3XwWmR1BsgrQOOGy1e9a9JSg6p4mBgdPfVR6JPHhiDPSdK2SdWu5o3klJAsPEKJUPJE-jjPZpPzZLxDYFA4cpL3TK3JgIPtN4ZRQ6CVnuvNN99PvlcD43X/s320/P1080466.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
We have made radio contact with at
least two more ship captains – both in the wee hours of darkness. One vessel
overtook us, and we don’t think saw us until we radioed to ask his intentions.
We think this was a freighter and the chatty pilot said he wished he was on a
sailboat instead. While the person on watch can quietly hail another boat, the
voice that comes back over the radio is usually booming – and it’s exciting
enough to bring everyone out of their berths to see the lights and hear the
conversation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13XGIBE0ys5HiVxPoXW_nYPN7GCpIRXF-pIf5FSZiQNrkOo43JOhnQ7cRx01VV00Agf9XDMCTxlenePble_oTRSLs5OotRKYJC-RZxtabrz0KAJp5-BPzbpyBBUxJ3B1xzQrafzxNM6fh/s1600/IMG_2377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13XGIBE0ys5HiVxPoXW_nYPN7GCpIRXF-pIf5FSZiQNrkOo43JOhnQ7cRx01VV00Agf9XDMCTxlenePble_oTRSLs5OotRKYJC-RZxtabrz0KAJp5-BPzbpyBBUxJ3B1xzQrafzxNM6fh/s320/IMG_2377.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Another night we all three watched a slow-moving tug and barge
coming toward us, and then begin to make a wide slow turn in front of us. We
altered course to slow down and take his stern. The captain was a little sleepy
sounding and we wondered why he decided to execute his turn across our path
when he has the rest of the big empty ocean available. The tug was headed to
Hawaii and like others, he was friendly and glad to make contact, wishing us a
pleasant evening and safe trip. Being back in US waters we have already seen
more commercial traffic than our earlier passages, and we expect to get even
busier on the radar and radio as we near the Washington Coast shipping lanes.</div>
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<b><u></u></b><br />
<b><u></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEl5qYkGf0DZ2gh_ab7566SJql1QfKp3fpKiMMJtP4ty-Ys6KnFf-o_qyr6nhN0KefjZNPqwQqPX53mmBGISQbgFHYQ1mXoBRS6kruvD9ZjvKzgQQB6htH5FJGNZ4zO7O1ZyGb4KirlKjs/s1600/P1080465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEl5qYkGf0DZ2gh_ab7566SJql1QfKp3fpKiMMJtP4ty-Ys6KnFf-o_qyr6nhN0KefjZNPqwQqPX53mmBGISQbgFHYQ1mXoBRS6kruvD9ZjvKzgQQB6htH5FJGNZ4zO7O1ZyGb4KirlKjs/s320/P1080465.JPG" width="320" /></a><b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<br />
<h3>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Everyday Diversity</span></u></b></h3>
</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qrCgNeuQTlj-0rNlVgVoOe3eG29wR1UVBUEQtxAfB-vaj_m4-9vyXIDWUDF1ZKIyopbMmW4xM6vKhUhdurgr_wKq_ES0U1NNu0zs9nijd1BbSOYZg-JMFPtMScRdZYhb_6fII76nO2FU/s1600/P1080412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qrCgNeuQTlj-0rNlVgVoOe3eG29wR1UVBUEQtxAfB-vaj_m4-9vyXIDWUDF1ZKIyopbMmW4xM6vKhUhdurgr_wKq_ES0U1NNu0zs9nijd1BbSOYZg-JMFPtMScRdZYhb_6fII76nO2FU/s400/P1080412.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The captain cooked up a little celebration<br />
when we hit 40 degrees north latitude -- keeping up crew<br />
morale!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">It’s Saturday, July 13</span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
according to the calendar and if we are counting correctly, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">it is </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Day
17</span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">. </span>And Louise says she <i>still</i></span>
hasn’t been bored on the trip! Actually, none of us would probably use the word
boring to describe the passing of time. Some other words come to mind – tiring,
wearing, constant, sometimes inspiring, sometimes frustrating, sometimes
empowering, sometimes humbling and definitely, L-O-N-G. While parts of the
routines are certainly repetitive, there is diversity in everyday and night.<br />
<br />
The weather, wind, clouds, and sea state provide constant variety in our vista
and in the feel of our outdoor cockpit room. The cockpit doors remain off, so
even in the salon we feel and hear the strength of the wind in the rigging and
the waves against the hull. It’s cliché but there really are so many moods of
the ocean. The color of the water changes with the hours of daylight – from
silver grey, to brilliant turquoise, to deep violet-black, and to green in the northwest waters. Sometimes it has the
motion of a water bed, rhythmic rolling wave trains that rock you to sleep, or
bigger rollers that lift you and set you down peacefully. Other times it’s up,
up, down, up, over, SLAM – the bow of the boat ramps off a big wave and Solar
Wind gives a shudder from her keel to masthead.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_LdwfZN6Mon4rdYZVnk99k7ASlz0oJf4WTeRhDkxAte74BGIsHl-9Ox48xq32oBuXDQNKmIfpO5v8he-l7J9XTHPSpAhpAbBPesR8dnSY3bdUOGpD7HQpVY2utlYuL-S3uFSZCILr4XK/s1600/IMG_2370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_LdwfZN6Mon4rdYZVnk99k7ASlz0oJf4WTeRhDkxAte74BGIsHl-9Ox48xq32oBuXDQNKmIfpO5v8he-l7J9XTHPSpAhpAbBPesR8dnSY3bdUOGpD7HQpVY2utlYuL-S3uFSZCILr4XK/s320/IMG_2370.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
During the 16 hours of light,
the sky transforms many times – we have transitioned from mostly wispy high
clouds to dark grey heavy thunderheads to puffy white sunlit cumulus to thick
fog with the misty air that tells you you’re inside the clouds – if you don’t
like the weather, wait 5 minutes. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJTaZW83y5IFe6NE_zeNJvlw2aALD9QrVr9mNSAyHaFvfj9XMXBsAwg6-gFyLOJXmZ84Wyr0ziEzfPRhDc_Wt0f-IFAnkuZBaKavMLIramG7k8xFiKglp_Wx5-vPvYo3PEaCAuEiQceSo/s1600/P1080453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJTaZW83y5IFe6NE_zeNJvlw2aALD9QrVr9mNSAyHaFvfj9XMXBsAwg6-gFyLOJXmZ84Wyr0ziEzfPRhDc_Wt0f-IFAnkuZBaKavMLIramG7k8xFiKglp_Wx5-vPvYo3PEaCAuEiQceSo/s320/P1080453.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So
what makes today different? Maybe it’s a visit from the albatross that we think
is surely the same fellow entertaining us (and watching out for us?) with his
graceful soaring around the boat. Maybe, it’s the night of phosphorescence
streaking from our wake that is the brightest yet. Shower day, laundry day, time to read a book? Maybe, it’s something of our
own creation – like dinner!<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4Gk3zsRqXC5rthamvQ_ovyxLKM3hK6-N7ZKLRMY4WuExqTUYVdObDmNEW2z5hzUTXe-6j2WQrbqYZ7LJSltUmvZQ83ZpCagDq9SBPqOXQ3nHdcbrhjYZNBPY32CMERcM88HX94c9xCtt/s1600/P1080450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4Gk3zsRqXC5rthamvQ_ovyxLKM3hK6-N7ZKLRMY4WuExqTUYVdObDmNEW2z5hzUTXe-6j2WQrbqYZ7LJSltUmvZQ83ZpCagDq9SBPqOXQ3nHdcbrhjYZNBPY32CMERcM88HX94c9xCtt/s320/P1080450.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpDRLXx5NGIk5Y-iA2zu6zOz3fp0Twq1PPUwbbns-AZrgJL924rt6pX1po95eaTRN-jH2-g0BST7yoC0LOh7h-AGprlXimHknLDwLcxQBOiP5jPgLm-p3Q_9-YOOCkVIRQ-oJTZko2L1s/s1600/P1080439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpDRLXx5NGIk5Y-iA2zu6zOz3fp0Twq1PPUwbbns-AZrgJL924rt6pX1po95eaTRN-jH2-g0BST7yoC0LOh7h-AGprlXimHknLDwLcxQBOiP5jPgLm-p3Q_9-YOOCkVIRQ-oJTZko2L1s/s320/P1080439.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Litte treats like garlic stuffed olives<br />
become a highlight of the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We’ve continued to eat well. Louise
and I have fun taking turns concocting simple, but delicious and nutritious,
meals. Last night was seasoned rice, sautéed carrots with onion, and talapia
fillets (out of the freezer dept, not, unfortunately, off the pole). Tonight,
it’s baked sweet potato and pork. We’ve baked beer bread, carrot spice cake,
and tortilla chips. The stores are holding up well (except in a couple
departments). We will be cutting it close on coffee and wine (of course). Most
challenging may turn out to be a shortage of propane. We left Hawaii with one
full tank, and didn’t bother to find a place to fill the second, only because
we have never come close to using one up. Alas, we have used about 2/3 and are
starting to think about unheated foods.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9wcEcYxydKiKW1TzK13sAMzBh6HNCalq602jK1rG280oDOhvGufIhWjOHWWdEUGxh7AK3UOg1jWQn6VLlztn74Whe7TL3zJ3ciQdM3kocH3BNK9lWLR8B9d3_jh1L6LF_g15L-RblTf9/s1600/P1080442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9wcEcYxydKiKW1TzK13sAMzBh6HNCalq602jK1rG280oDOhvGufIhWjOHWWdEUGxh7AK3UOg1jWQn6VLlztn74Whe7TL3zJ3ciQdM3kocH3BNK9lWLR8B9d3_jh1L6LF_g15L-RblTf9/s320/P1080442.JPG" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louise kept up her workout regimen -- even sitting on the boat<br />
is pretty good core work</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><br />
<br />
Another
diversion has been “movie night.” Several evenings the seas have cooperated and
we have gathered ‘round Louise’s computer for the rather unreal sensation of
being taken away to another time and place while continuing to course through
the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Most memorable was sitting in the cockpit,
streaming smoothly through the massive ocean while listening on surround sound
speakers to the ordeal of Tom Hanks and his crew orbiting the moon to get
safely back to our planet aboard Apollo 13. A bit unreal… and a great escape
from our own escapades!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u></u></b>
<b><u></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br /></span></u></b></span><br />
<h3>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Energy and Cooking Woes</span></u></b></h3>
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rZi7WQwQYmr4p4sw4mZl31qeMhuwfU8HKUlxxMQnChXyDlwoAFbWTz9sxxR5yzOTOovPkRvntaPglb6gpFBt_qYKjmKmlbzKDR-1D1TmnPW2uyKeG2QQRDOUS5SqO07bbRq5D3HHgyZm/s1600/P1080446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rZi7WQwQYmr4p4sw4mZl31qeMhuwfU8HKUlxxMQnChXyDlwoAFbWTz9sxxR5yzOTOovPkRvntaPglb6gpFBt_qYKjmKmlbzKDR-1D1TmnPW2uyKeG2QQRDOUS5SqO07bbRq5D3HHgyZm/s320/P1080446.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Command Central</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Day 18 and 19</span></b> have brought new variety, challenges, and worries.
The battery bank has been niggling on Lanham’s brain as he reads the figures on
the Emon (energy monitor) which give digital readings of volts and amps
remaining, consumption and recharge rate. Rather suddenly, the voltage readings
have been less than normal. They come up when the engine is run and alternator
engaged, but run down quickly when sailing. As of yesterday morning we have
gone on an energy diet. After making a list of Luxuries, Basics, and Essentials
we are cutting out the luxuries such as the house water pump (we have foot
pumps instead), have gone to blasting the fridge a few hours a day and turning
it off at night, and are doing more hand steering to save power used by the
auto pilot.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMm6ut2lW08kvfQ-aMm7CXxrAgto4sGTokAH9kkrR7SRptqqaN_wCC186SPX91uK2Nzy8itxIcDW_peUW0PvAobVqPorvP97O-vsYjl-SKgaFq9Dem1TKd5y_-3nNHCg1MJG7iSHnx1q87/s1600/P1080497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMm6ut2lW08kvfQ-aMm7CXxrAgto4sGTokAH9kkrR7SRptqqaN_wCC186SPX91uK2Nzy8itxIcDW_peUW0PvAobVqPorvP97O-vsYjl-SKgaFq9Dem1TKd5y_-3nNHCg1MJG7iSHnx1q87/s320/P1080497.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our "Good Luck" bands, gifts from <br />
cruising friends, have not let us down!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
At the height of our worry, we contacted the Coast Guard and in a
very poor connection were able to communicate our intended arrival date at Cape
Flattery and let them know that we might be coming into port without running
lights and radar. Rebooting the Emon, replacing the alternator belt, topping up
the battery cells with distilled water, checking the specific gravity with a
hydrometer and keeping the solar panels tuned toward the sun even in overcast
skies have made a little difference. The numbers look better a couple of days
later and it appears we will make it the last 10 days, if we continue to watch
consumption. The battery bank is only a little over two years old, so we should
NOT have to buy new batteries… but we’ll see…</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Meanwhile</b>, the mid-night attempt to boil water for that
precious essential cup of coffee resulted in no flame at the propane burners –
we knew that we were down to a half tank of propane – could we really have gone
through it so fast?? Horror<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-- ten
days to go, no hot coffee or tea, no warm meals? How could we have calculated
so incorrectly? We’ve never had to watch the propane supply before? First the
batteries, now the propane – the luxury cruise is truly over! At times like
this it helps to think about how many boat systems <i>are</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> still working and how much more dangerous or
desperate our situation </span><i>could</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> be.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPETl36uGpm9DdqiEWHg0q6osH7K1Wd2Z_vJZTBS7gRRYRHBn4YHr7Kqt2Sec1eqUZiHBrOuekOYddk8V5oCOEkBx3fRb3rKl8KtWZ3wfVKY4k2Qq2onuio2OWi3MkVAlc9hiGkilCoebH/s1600/P1080451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPETl36uGpm9DdqiEWHg0q6osH7K1Wd2Z_vJZTBS7gRRYRHBn4YHr7Kqt2Sec1eqUZiHBrOuekOYddk8V5oCOEkBx3fRb3rKl8KtWZ3wfVKY4k2Qq2onuio2OWi3MkVAlc9hiGkilCoebH/s400/P1080451.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figuring out the "new" cook free menu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Necesssity (and comfort) being the mother of invention and
all that, we got creative. Melinda and Louise inventoried the entire food
stores, down to the bottom of the lower lowers where there were canned fruits
and veggies from before departing Seattle (why would we have dipped into those
when we’ve had fresh peppers and pineapple?). We moved everything that could be
consumed without cooking to the top and front, made lists, and brainstormed
combinations that sounded like meals. </div>
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In the meantime, Lanham rigged an alcohol
burner to sit on the gimbaled stove top and by rationing the 2 liters of
rubbing alcohol we had on board we were able to warm one meal a day and boil
the occasional pot of water. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6GWNVzh1HF_N4QER4gNAeC7SwbSF0M4b0lpQ_IYW0cb3Al_47WAWYPUhAGW8Xale-P3YubQFpmu38F_E0TIlELQXS0XuGH7_erjArMbqbgNXFjbku9w9Ax-Ta8peNHE6vMgqMh2jVA-H/s1600/IMG_2363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6GWNVzh1HF_N4QER4gNAeC7SwbSF0M4b0lpQ_IYW0cb3Al_47WAWYPUhAGW8Xale-P3YubQFpmu38F_E0TIlELQXS0XuGH7_erjArMbqbgNXFjbku9w9Ax-Ta8peNHE6vMgqMh2jVA-H/s320/IMG_2363.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The alcohol burner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our most critical need was for a way to consume
caffeine when we’d get sleepy during watches. Lanham’s secret chef talent
devised the instant coffee cookie. All of your powdered coffee, mixed with a half brick of cream cheese, and a little butter and sugar, made a potent mocha frosting
that we used on Mexican vanilla wafers. They of course also had to be rationed,
so you relished your half a special cookie and the little lift it gave you. We
were able to stay quite satisfied and healthy with granola bars and bran cereal
with soymilk, canned tuna, chicken, or pork with canned beans, corn, tomatoes
and cheese. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41MGme_mv5gnzT1ilzpKv_N9w6E3236rdHCyN_NsGY7oS1Zt8CqBsqMH-qYeX1pRee2h5SNayblz7-kNnlkwU0HtWvcOxVivtdWqlMweT6ZviWZoSh5TKhcuId0T_RzSgLtRJSBe0YA_8/s1600/P1080478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41MGme_mv5gnzT1ilzpKv_N9w6E3236rdHCyN_NsGY7oS1Zt8CqBsqMH-qYeX1pRee2h5SNayblz7-kNnlkwU0HtWvcOxVivtdWqlMweT6ZviWZoSh5TKhcuId0T_RzSgLtRJSBe0YA_8/s400/P1080478.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weeza mixing up her no-bake peanut butter power balls.</td></tr>
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We had plenty of peanut butter but not that much to spread it on so
we concocted no-bake peanut butter energy balls with granola and chocolate
chips, dusted in cocoa powder. We made sun tea, miso soup, and scrambled the
last of the Mexican eggs over the alcohol burner. (Yes, we did use all 10 dozen
eggs we started with and only a few went bad and overboard – we kept them
un-refrigerated, near the waterline and against the cool hull. The motion of
the boat was enough that we did not need to turn them.)</div>
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<br />
So… in the final chapter, the batteries continued to heal
themselves and we had plenty of power for lights, radar and radio all the way
into port (we will be watching and trouble shooting this fall).</div>
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And… when we went to take the empty propane tank out for
refilling, it was not so empty. A bang on the regulator got it going. It’s not
yet reliable (we will be redoing the wiring to the solinoid). The trip may end,
the boat projects, never.</div>
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<h3>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">We Were Not Alone….</span></u></b></h3>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggP2Cv3nHm4JKeOLTu0CSiXbB1hXlZkwVZwXZ_AgMlkHHEfCa0eLqENFE2xaEiF37afBBibyr0mrLvmMtYmCxuUACbAt8Qr3Y_CGIyjpH43_9DaQ6VhStVmbOfVqS-d7F1670k3hnTYzYS/s1600/P1080470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggP2Cv3nHm4JKeOLTu0CSiXbB1hXlZkwVZwXZ_AgMlkHHEfCa0eLqENFE2xaEiF37afBBibyr0mrLvmMtYmCxuUACbAt8Qr3Y_CGIyjpH43_9DaQ6VhStVmbOfVqS-d7F1670k3hnTYzYS/s400/P1080470.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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As I passed the torch at midnight, from my watch to Lanham,
the full moon lit a patch of water and my ears tuned to hear a long slow exhale
of air and slosh of water off to starboard. We both listened and it came again,
and again. An auditory hallucination? more likely a sleeping whale. And sure
enough, here is what Louise writes about the next morning:<o:p></o:p></div>
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They call it ‘’the big pond”, and that it is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BIG!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I talked about my upcoming trip to cross the Pacific from
Hawaii to Washington State, many of my friends would comment on the supposed
monotonous view:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>water, water
everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My experience was that
the view was ever changing, fascinating:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the color of the water, the shape of the swell , the cloud formations,
the wind waves, the stars and the moon at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your vision changes, you learn to have an ‘’eagle’s
eye’’…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it was, on a day with
moderate swell and plentiful white caps that my eye caught a different movement
on the horizon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There, at 2
o’clock (that’s how we often described the location of a citing…)…there was a
difference in the white foaming sea water….I waited and watched…suddenly a grey
whale shot vertically out of the water, twisted and went crashing back into the
water, fin pointing towards the sky!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All three of us watched and laughed as the whales played in the surf and
the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We weren’t alone out
there and that felt good.</div>
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<h3>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">On Target… Finally</span></u></b></h3>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">After Day 20</span></b>, we are finally on
more or less of a rhumb line for the Strait of Juan de Fuca. We have gotten our
last of 4 five-day forecasts from Commanders’ Weather routers. While their
description of the ever-changing North Pacific High and all the other little
high and low pressure ridges, troughs, and zones we have been routing around is
a little lost in translation, we find we can finally head more East than north,
west, or (heaven forbid, south). And… better yet, the wind is clocking around
as predicted and we get the sleigh ride of a broad reach. Full sails out,
rollers higher than the dinghy on its davits, and 140 to 155 mile days! Again,
we have put out a warp to help steer as we surf down the face of giant rollers
going our way. For the most part the swell is harmonious and Solar Wind is
happily heading to the barn.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRPMh1iqhBIqzF_eqL5YmoeB_1N-fGyvkiHjY3zvt3TznSZwSsFL_I4dm1Ej7u5-_Xp-3Q-V_9UiTrg8uyHiLrj-jxHENH_UXn-xMusFDtE4CQhCiyVkKUc0uTcYaiDQ-O8Ms2QiD51Jy/s1600/IMG_2376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRPMh1iqhBIqzF_eqL5YmoeB_1N-fGyvkiHjY3zvt3TznSZwSsFL_I4dm1Ej7u5-_Xp-3Q-V_9UiTrg8uyHiLrj-jxHENH_UXn-xMusFDtE4CQhCiyVkKUc0uTcYaiDQ-O8Ms2QiD51Jy/s400/IMG_2376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuTEjbpxkk32TGILLGpD5WHLLZQR8qBXe3aCh0bCz6x1N6Krnl1lU468QpMd1pjhXdpoN418wfjvltSzwBV3epjy3DJdkiM6J95zT6AcKSBWDbYEak8RBeAi88AcqU527rVLcmSZBqt-W/s1600/IMG_2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuTEjbpxkk32TGILLGpD5WHLLZQR8qBXe3aCh0bCz6x1N6Krnl1lU468QpMd1pjhXdpoN418wfjvltSzwBV3epjy3DJdkiM6J95zT6AcKSBWDbYEak8RBeAi88AcqU527rVLcmSZBqt-W/s320/IMG_2378.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bundled up coming into Neah Bay, after 26 days out</td></tr>
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We start to recalculate our days to go, figuring
out the variables in order to intersect Cape Flattery in daylight hours, and
refigure our fuel consumption, maintaining a reserve of 20 hours for making it through the straits should we need it. With our northern progress and the
increasing latitudes has come “chilllly weather.” We are in full foulies, hats
and gloves.<br />
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Sleeping in layers of clothes inside sleeping bags, and even
putting on socks with our shoes for the first time in 10 months! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxxr_GQEPIthzvvAJt_fWEXhOLy8UE8SEq2qRgDbbIjo5pGUlnHTTd-mUUDANsQUS0VPmegO53WuhSi5oEBtvKG_gAzVYi_hIcPKEA7LPWBh6ar9A2hx78HXMHpxe9u9784IKObs7ctIr/s1600/P1080484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxxr_GQEPIthzvvAJt_fWEXhOLy8UE8SEq2qRgDbbIjo5pGUlnHTTd-mUUDANsQUS0VPmegO53WuhSi5oEBtvKG_gAzVYi_hIcPKEA7LPWBh6ar9A2hx78HXMHpxe9u9784IKObs7ctIr/s320/P1080484.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaulNLu_Ssy3pK4wHwaGI31bc-k6oRoNXadWOyt-YMnPy5Ljkr-44wRgc4A6S7z3Y_K8vK3Q3Ljafx27ARoo4YivCS5emBfCyxrmk0LkcQRtczqCD7ylhailqfD4HRF_UmEOy4AqUei4y/s1600/P1080476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaulNLu_Ssy3pK4wHwaGI31bc-k6oRoNXadWOyt-YMnPy5Ljkr-44wRgc4A6S7z3Y_K8vK3Q3Ljafx27ARoo4YivCS5emBfCyxrmk0LkcQRtczqCD7ylhailqfD4HRF_UmEOy4AqUei4y/s320/P1080476.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last (and biggest) tuna caught in the Pacific</td></tr>
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A couple
memorable events in these last days included reeling in a fat (maybe 25lb) Big
Eye tuna to share at the family homecoming, and the reinforcing of the newly
cracked radar arch. (ugh!) Even with the welding done in Mexico to reinforce it, the
pounding of the ocean crossing was too much. Back to the drawing board and
designing modifications.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<h3>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Land Ho!</span></u></b></h3>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Through
the fog and against the current, we rounded Cape Flattery about 8pm on Day 26.
The seas had been choppy and mixed around the cape, the 4 hour motor since we
had lowered the sails had taken 8 hours. Due to the ebb tide, our 6 knot engine
speed was only moving us 2.5 knots over the ground. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6OtkQuq2iDJUPzlHRYKhob87WNuHh5Rh7ucSiY5cJkpa_Bc1LSxmHOylAn4MvSNCCJ5Yfz5foU2e01lc2IAF46hKT_tx_LGcRDuaGW_bCncTcMQuh9uuxbFHrZtQvIKTVNbHGbh_Dh7u/s1600/IMG_2380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6OtkQuq2iDJUPzlHRYKhob87WNuHh5Rh7ucSiY5cJkpa_Bc1LSxmHOylAn4MvSNCCJ5Yfz5foU2e01lc2IAF46hKT_tx_LGcRDuaGW_bCncTcMQuh9uuxbFHrZtQvIKTVNbHGbh_Dh7u/s320/IMG_2380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As dark settled, the full
moon came up, the ghostly image of Tatoosh Island and surrounding rocks
appeared through the fog, the swirling tidal currents calmed themselves and we
motored toward the surprisingly numerous lights of Neah Bay. Having called the
Mini-Mart at the Makah Marina earlier in the day, we were told to pull in
anywhere and so we glided into a slip between fishing boats. Jumping to the
dock proved to be challenging as we forgot that we had lost our land legs, but
we tied up, toasted with a tired nightcap and slept like babes in the absolute
stillness of the harbor.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMwM3aWtcrBy69f5opAjegyVF6bkk7ol0Xr8tlS643lS_gJ6WhfWyb2165qXeoNoTF2dTVGQOuQ96NsUlXBmZVjPOwupkfD8gq7c5hdK-dOmObc3pNzdUYP46VPtxrRdHwh4jqd0gJH2t/s1600/IMG_2389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMwM3aWtcrBy69f5opAjegyVF6bkk7ol0Xr8tlS643lS_gJ6WhfWyb2165qXeoNoTF2dTVGQOuQ96NsUlXBmZVjPOwupkfD8gq7c5hdK-dOmObc3pNzdUYP46VPtxrRdHwh4jqd0gJH2t/s320/IMG_2389.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQx6bPEwx9ROO9l7Xx7TJLhzATzQrpSRtVZQpqQpid708LV5yFbGxXg16odHe_29yhOPy1FYUXz4PoxE3Syc2x1K1iKrLMkSqUHnOR7UoZlKttjWg5htPbPOWrLmcKMZZ1tr3ScLPpnsc/s1600/IMG_2390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQx6bPEwx9ROO9l7Xx7TJLhzATzQrpSRtVZQpqQpid708LV5yFbGxXg16odHe_29yhOPy1FYUXz4PoxE3Syc2x1K1iKrLMkSqUHnOR7UoZlKttjWg5htPbPOWrLmcKMZZ1tr3ScLPpnsc/s320/IMG_2390.JPG" width="243" /></a></div>
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We
fueled the next morning at Neah Bay. Pleading “poor fisher people” with a kind
local who was at the fuel dock after his successful morning salmon catch, we
were gifted a 10-pound Chinook to take home with us. </div>
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A long day of motor
sailing through heavy fog brought us into Port Angeles about 6pm. The giant
freighters, barges, and Polar ice-breakers that are anchored throughout the
harbor appear out of the fog like visions. Our radar and AIS was useful up
until the end. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRVMn4MjqzegNERyiHc8s_HxlFz058JrFXRplkPeuA1yKE-sQ1lcbQUmWFglSOdkt718YKIM5OXGQ9LJ9zwzUT6L2QvrNfeSWEinByER-0WHvhqOGxI0O8Sbg2g4d2XeYUIXmqvw-op_w/s1600/IMG_2437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqyPEpOlB-O0sDQpwkzDPZQNG3FJpSnOFseyF69QHluqw68r8afZoUsEdf6XPS5OqFv0SQmyutEzyqkTwzF9eKoYE3nax_bRQ-YpSR95nhQCBMqvtRVy2Bz7ELjW_YXi1FdorfWU5IOX-/s1600/IMG_2403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqyPEpOlB-O0sDQpwkzDPZQNG3FJpSnOFseyF69QHluqw68r8afZoUsEdf6XPS5OqFv0SQmyutEzyqkTwzF9eKoYE3nax_bRQ-YpSR95nhQCBMqvtRVy2Bz7ELjW_YXi1FdorfWU5IOX-/s320/IMG_2403.JPG" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRVMn4MjqzegNERyiHc8s_HxlFz058JrFXRplkPeuA1yKE-sQ1lcbQUmWFglSOdkt718YKIM5OXGQ9LJ9zwzUT6L2QvrNfeSWEinByER-0WHvhqOGxI0O8Sbg2g4d2XeYUIXmqvw-op_w/s400/IMG_2437.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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Read all about our reunion with terra firma and family in Louise's words:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: 19px;"><u><b>The fog lifted, to show us the way home….</b></u></span><br />
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<span lang="NL">After 4 weeks at sea, as Solar Wind approached
land off of Cape Flattery, there was no land to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Motoring through dense fog on a 41 foot sailboat, when there
are mega-tankers in the area, is no fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The most that can be said for it is that the motor was making hot water
and the fog provided enough privacy for showers on deck….a not unimportant fact
as we neared civilization!</span></div>
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<span lang="NL">Our first destination was Neah Bay Marina, our
final approach:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>around
midnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Above the fog there was
a full moon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we neared the
Marina a narrow slit in the foggy ceiling created a small opening for the
moonlight to shine down on the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To me, it looked like a landing pad for a UFO.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like a scene from the the sci-fi movie:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Close Encounters of a Third Kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one was out there, it was still and
dark, except for that one spot of light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Off toward the shoreline we could see the lights of Neah Bay Marina, an
authentic fishing marina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quietly
we pulled into our slip at the marina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were one of the few pleasure boats among the rusty fishing
boats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Melinda jumped easily onto
the dock to secure the bowline and I followed to help, but my legs just
crumbled beneath me after all those weeks aboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No harm done. I got up and staggered around trying to help
with the lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That night we
slept WELL, the marina was so quiet.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRqSN3Acst6ikyvOpC8XSZvz3Bq3fsSV78lfr0aeR3VpHgdyysr3nP8mCd734izgpT8oE8XMd6YjDKpogOEfJ32832d4uqSnwRzRg1BkUAV6Du8WB6nJBHPtIq8p94zZFf6A5LUPV4fGj/s1600/P1080505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRqSN3Acst6ikyvOpC8XSZvz3Bq3fsSV78lfr0aeR3VpHgdyysr3nP8mCd734izgpT8oE8XMd6YjDKpogOEfJ32832d4uqSnwRzRg1BkUAV6Du8WB6nJBHPtIq8p94zZFf6A5LUPV4fGj/s320/P1080505.jpg" width="240" /></a><span lang="NL">The next morning we tanked up and were on our
way, once again motoring through even denser fog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around 6 pm, as we approached Port Angeles, our destination
for the next night, the fog lifted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gigantic cargo ships and high-tech ice breakers were to the left and to
the right of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The harbour at
Port Angeles is huge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no
problem slipping between the larger vessles; but we were grateful for the
daylight and the clearing of the fog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had a good meal in town and slept well, looking forward to seeing the
family the next day at Sequim Bay Point!</span></div>
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<span lang="NL">We were forced to motor again, through even
denser fog, the next morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
could hear the fog horns of the big ships but visibility was no more than 200
feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lanham figured that we would
reach Sequim Bay around 2 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
noon the fog began to lift…. we felt the sunshine, saw the Olympic Mountains
and Dungeness Light House:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we were
getting close!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was gorgeous
weather and spectacular scenery and our spirits lifted with the fog!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTtejdv2K32w7Hif-ex5e_LvClBz-5eJdcPecA5CUkC5lSfC2xTppOfzi8ooxDP2X9nYuxm1hdllvhu6Im0K2FSJL2NuIupuHpsgnTfqrTOAXYXZRn3HkHLuZMQqUVGnH8Go33dd6sutV/s1600/P1080521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTtejdv2K32w7Hif-ex5e_LvClBz-5eJdcPecA5CUkC5lSfC2xTppOfzi8ooxDP2X9nYuxm1hdllvhu6Im0K2FSJL2NuIupuHpsgnTfqrTOAXYXZRn3HkHLuZMQqUVGnH8Go33dd6sutV/s320/P1080521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="NL">We saw the opening to Sequim Bay in
front us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hoisted our
flags!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We put on our dutch sailing
bandana’s!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We assembled our noise
makers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cried and hugged Cub and
Melinda, thanking them for providing me with a ‘’once in a lifetime
experience!!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But where was the
family?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one on Travis
Spit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were we early or late?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did we have the right day?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to civilization….. Melinda called
on her cell phone and here they came, with tooters and banners!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2UKfpgxctLcbYwbLF-2IVsu_8FgIl978WUdVRu46R1VxzjYRsZdoYa2B8CjBgFPm-8r6WmFjEkpHxDpUO29EewmbdncGSGNRq1Hs9srjcXpCmcEn7Dp-EXb-H_c1xbAXTT4bKv9Wj6iq/s1600/IMG_2450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2UKfpgxctLcbYwbLF-2IVsu_8FgIl978WUdVRu46R1VxzjYRsZdoYa2B8CjBgFPm-8r6WmFjEkpHxDpUO29EewmbdncGSGNRq1Hs9srjcXpCmcEn7Dp-EXb-H_c1xbAXTT4bKv9Wj6iq/s400/IMG_2450.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooo!Whoo! Making some noise at our homecoming!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqIUHH42cLpgiVlDbeXCwRGwIDo6lVZycR4NFxCYUSw_ZSbjj7GIazl4fMbYZArWndumEwKick4KKsQEEaV8yuI05LFQyHUYaObsFPjOQeYmxXLSsb9-Ywrvq4omKpU9nvWIUk3WF8c46/s1600/P1080530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqIUHH42cLpgiVlDbeXCwRGwIDo6lVZycR4NFxCYUSw_ZSbjj7GIazl4fMbYZArWndumEwKick4KKsQEEaV8yuI05LFQyHUYaObsFPjOQeYmxXLSsb9-Ywrvq4omKpU9nvWIUk3WF8c46/s320/P1080530.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The "cold wet" welcome committee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4DhbTgQR3GrPdJvvUqmG5Kijub2Au9e6pF9nWzvG9vUNioKWl6nEwLIjuscNVHx6dV86fDTjVCWxhXiS58vTewt6b6KY8iZ6cSB6UBpm-jhB231jlNXP4zUAIcFf1g0Uj88X1R6KRxDN/s1600/P1080508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4DhbTgQR3GrPdJvvUqmG5Kijub2Au9e6pF9nWzvG9vUNioKWl6nEwLIjuscNVHx6dV86fDTjVCWxhXiS58vTewt6b6KY8iZ6cSB6UBpm-jhB231jlNXP4zUAIcFf1g0Uj88X1R6KRxDN/s320/P1080508.jpg" width="240" /></a><span lang="NL">Bekah and Ethan braved the cold water
and swam to the boat!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
waiting for them with a hot shower, plenty of hot water after all of that
motoring!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gary rowed his dinghy
out and jumped aboard to greet us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We loaded ourselves and my luggage into the dinghy’s and rowed ashore to
the waiting family!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hugs, hugs,
hugs….tears and laughter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carol
brought a really fine picnic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were HOME!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made it!!!</span></div>
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<span lang="NL"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">PS… A final reflection from Louise</span></span></div>
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<span lang="NL">Number one question that I have heard:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘’would you do it again?’’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My answer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘’Absolutely!!’’</span></div>
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<span lang="NL">I expected an adventure; I got one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew it would be difficult,
physically and emotionally; it was!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had no idea how beautiful it would be!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew it would be tiring; it was exhausting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought it would be scarey; it
wasn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would I do it again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, yes, yes!!<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
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<h3>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Family Reunion</span></u></b></h3>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r-eZrPZUDRcGpdHXSl8_SrhJi8qtOQJubVUJfZaLHUjhFtoAFi-njgrwysb_iaAGxOuT7U1fJVr3ad3DMQ_3CBQb3LE4ySqpt8Ivp6cyfPsdnZIS4Npj4ANS2mJn0M9zXPmSpxbeBE31/s1600/P1080552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r-eZrPZUDRcGpdHXSl8_SrhJi8qtOQJubVUJfZaLHUjhFtoAFi-njgrwysb_iaAGxOuT7U1fJVr3ad3DMQ_3CBQb3LE4ySqpt8Ivp6cyfPsdnZIS4Npj4ANS2mJn0M9zXPmSpxbeBE31/s320/P1080552.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
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The
Deal and Devin clan outdid themselves with Welcome Home banners, cheers,
applause, and even a cold water swim out to the boat!</div>
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The family had 4 glorious days in perfect weather to play,
talk, eat, rest, hang, and eat some more, centered around the beautiful newly
finished Dungeness Cabin belonging to Carol and Gary. </div>
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<br />
The cabin was a
foundation when we left Sequim Bay in September...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvSxCkZ0SkiyXaX9JK2_xDg9-CrVBS8EFG75UtcG9szdTb5HtQVMhoOPfmnEbsDGn3vf6ze_fAej_kYJw_naDvShKz7A42pZAq466MojBCbce38VlkiKQI3OBpXduwb8zVRFdXEZAMl2A/s1600/P1030099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvSxCkZ0SkiyXaX9JK2_xDg9-CrVBS8EFG75UtcG9szdTb5HtQVMhoOPfmnEbsDGn3vf6ze_fAej_kYJw_naDvShKz7A42pZAq466MojBCbce38VlkiKQI3OBpXduwb8zVRFdXEZAMl2A/s200/P1030099.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3guEbxVSHUVcm3G8iJxG4pGvcD6wVN4QPd14NP-w_RkshYHNpIB9Ko56RdrLE7dzhEnO45an59uYxbrRO6K_uuCwhF0HlfkOH0lLyUbVQxhelVE2JDTFF1sSFC6PrOr7cD3HvgtbGGa9/s1600/P1080554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3guEbxVSHUVcm3G8iJxG4pGvcD6wVN4QPd14NP-w_RkshYHNpIB9Ko56RdrLE7dzhEnO45an59uYxbrRO6K_uuCwhF0HlfkOH0lLyUbVQxhelVE2JDTFF1sSFC6PrOr7cD3HvgtbGGa9/s400/P1080554.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "perfect" elegant family get away...</td></tr>
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and is now a family retreat –
what an accomplishment.<br />
Highlights included badmiton and pickle ball
tournaments, a wood-fired pizza party, and nephew, Chef Josh, creating an
edible masterpiece with the tuna and salmon we brought in from the Pacific.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> Thank you family – all! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAETFdBBhV7G_25bPeg7ABV8AXT8Ei5yjijcjVbm53hwxt07DRKuDC20djEjGjfPtDJeeJ0dNUwraTcUnMboVmVfeX8b6p3zd5YJwbn8phsUYqwATHeXPgVKhLFeVP5ozVN2Fvdj3ocT14/s1600/P1080516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAETFdBBhV7G_25bPeg7ABV8AXT8Ei5yjijcjVbm53hwxt07DRKuDC20djEjGjfPtDJeeJ0dNUwraTcUnMboVmVfeX8b6p3zd5YJwbn8phsUYqwATHeXPgVKhLFeVP5ozVN2Fvdj3ocT14/s400/P1080516.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful bluff at Sequim Bay Point</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfllPnJmrWHS2keQLsca_V0DUmEo9hhGxKclM261cS6YXvUaC1eR6CI2vrAZoIXHTGy1zTuRwoRNvK5-6tEa2PHZVP9E2u22P_Gm-L1qDDaL_o5UdexSYSufkQgfqZJ0yuUQIbQCJg25NF/s1600/P1080553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfllPnJmrWHS2keQLsca_V0DUmEo9hhGxKclM261cS6YXvUaC1eR6CI2vrAZoIXHTGy1zTuRwoRNvK5-6tEa2PHZVP9E2u22P_Gm-L1qDDaL_o5UdexSYSufkQgfqZJ0yuUQIbQCJg25NF/s400/P1080553.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and view from the "cabin"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGxNAaSjwSQ3Ll0mJDqzcBCbihjqEfK3GABKu3Kz7QjrqcJz3L7cWCCJY-MD0fjRohtb9MrgSmOVtrSQ1MQVr0Fu3bDx7iM6ntwOjkS3rxdJQsp8-BUqHFwwqz1igbLYUkHIc-VTHfNTc/s1600/P1080540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGxNAaSjwSQ3Ll0mJDqzcBCbihjqEfK3GABKu3Kz7QjrqcJz3L7cWCCJY-MD0fjRohtb9MrgSmOVtrSQ1MQVr0Fu3bDx7iM6ntwOjkS3rxdJQsp8-BUqHFwwqz1igbLYUkHIc-VTHfNTc/s320/P1080540.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family waits patiently for Solar Winds arrival.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_9GUumtqc3rJl4eDVG8TBZZkPfGlEjJmARPYr_rmEaBuG2eE-0tJlo3D9J9BfIsKABQ7W7NHnrKO46as7N17uXqLSXN571CcJVme3ak6TWry72OZYGdwKXE-0lA0HyG9LJSq51uPcGpI/s1600/P1080544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_9GUumtqc3rJl4eDVG8TBZZkPfGlEjJmARPYr_rmEaBuG2eE-0tJlo3D9J9BfIsKABQ7W7NHnrKO46as7N17uXqLSXN571CcJVme3ak6TWry72OZYGdwKXE-0lA0HyG9LJSq51uPcGpI/s320/P1080544.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Champagne all around!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaH4lwYVuYQzysPT0ktT_WogYol7GyoFi3hRhHwFQDeVFZxyI6bSk8kJUVKgVsuZfIcy-NKpcwGXQrCZYyB4pLtlKGnedLFDcCWTYtlPbYcuzFXCP8CmzWLodfEzAz6R0YzVcivnCf5Ez/s1600/P1080546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaH4lwYVuYQzysPT0ktT_WogYol7GyoFi3hRhHwFQDeVFZxyI6bSk8kJUVKgVsuZfIcy-NKpcwGXQrCZYyB4pLtlKGnedLFDcCWTYtlPbYcuzFXCP8CmzWLodfEzAz6R0YzVcivnCf5Ez/s320/P1080546.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan Devin makes a toast to our safe return!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_DIxNNglHlvItA-MrHJ09YjAmXBu4MxeqZDI2bgg7rZRy7F2aUomzsEj7gzxrcbAd4-KSZFo-5_AyivEci8WQhnxuTnNACVCOMbLUeuoXetmU_rJaIi6McjaF1wllbdyF9DUEHIwhcb3/s1600/P1080570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_DIxNNglHlvItA-MrHJ09YjAmXBu4MxeqZDI2bgg7rZRy7F2aUomzsEj7gzxrcbAd4-KSZFo-5_AyivEci8WQhnxuTnNACVCOMbLUeuoXetmU_rJaIi6McjaF1wllbdyF9DUEHIwhcb3/s400/P1080570.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sisters reunited</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some photos of our family time together --<br />
nothing tough about living in the Northwest this time of year!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh's fresh tuna salad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna took time out from Bar Prep to welcome us at the dock</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUH2CCoNE746b2jtICeynDKZKkjFS1QpC3yRKCB3USGgpLLpS_vepaejEfgdILSbA2qGNW8OwnNQEGiry_K_v0XVdEwBsQm8Y6j5aktuJq_Bu8G58e-dHcCKxS1NO3cZWafaQx0NExBOP/s1600/P1080671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUH2CCoNE746b2jtICeynDKZKkjFS1QpC3yRKCB3USGgpLLpS_vepaejEfgdILSbA2qGNW8OwnNQEGiry_K_v0XVdEwBsQm8Y6j5aktuJq_Bu8G58e-dHcCKxS1NO3cZWafaQx0NExBOP/s320/P1080671.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Austin Texas family enjoyed a boat trip back to Seattle<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br /></span></u></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Dock Welcome and </span></u></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Motley Cruiser Reunion</span></u></b></span></td></tr>
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We
were welcomed to the dock at Elliott Bay Marina by more friends, family, and
fellow cruisers! Within 48 hours of our homecoming a group of cruising friends
we met in Mexico congregated in Seattle, hailing from Vancouver, Santa Barbara,
Reno, and Durango! </div>
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Thanks friends, for welcoming us to our old hometown and new condo. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-RaibcJgsMampMsgjRR6UQdvYaKVlQGhwsndQ6w1inSRcdBBhUri_Yih1YejbBI9brkZEV7WzF3reD5x5zwz-TA9xNdM5IvhoXtg9ExY5dORNZ7MUtmyHT6CkT_iR_pLTG8dxyNSZyPS/s1600/P1080686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-RaibcJgsMampMsgjRR6UQdvYaKVlQGhwsndQ6w1inSRcdBBhUri_Yih1YejbBI9brkZEV7WzF3reD5x5zwz-TA9xNdM5IvhoXtg9ExY5dORNZ7MUtmyHT6CkT_iR_pLTG8dxyNSZyPS/s320/P1080686.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are many acquaintances and fellow sailors to whom we send good
wishes for fair seas. We are closing out this Blog for now. Thanks for reading
and for living the year with us – it’s been a trip!</div>
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Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-92053141281336931582013-06-26T21:01:00.001-07:002013-06-26T21:01:25.083-07:00Playing and Prepping <h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow; font-weight: bold;">... the HAWAIIAN ISLANDS...</span></h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon rainbow over the foothills above Lahaina -- view from the boat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YEAH Louise!! Our new #1 crew! Thanks for signing on.</td></tr>
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<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> We have our new crew aboard and are enjoying a last few days
in the Hawaiian Islands. Louise arrived in Lahaina on Friday, the 21<sup>st</sup>.
She rented a car from the airport, which turned out to be a huge help for our
final provisioning and errand running. Marcus flew out the same day – they
probably passed on the highway!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A calm moment on the mooring buoy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clouds provide the entertainment</td></tr>
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We spent the afternoon grabbing some groceries and heading
out to Solar Wind in the rolly, rolly Lahaina anchorage to nap and cook. Louise
felt a little seasick just bucking up and down on the mooring buoy and started
up with a scopolamine patch. The good news is she hasn’t had a touch of
seasickness since, even though we have had a chance to practice in some pretty
rough seas.</div>
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Louise and Melinda headed to Kehei for a hotel night, with
Louise up at 5 am to meet her dive boat. She had a spectacular couple of dives
at the Molokini Crater – everything she had been hoping during her months of
practice and certification course in Holland.<br />
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She was so well prepared that she
blended in with all the experienced divers on the trip. She rented an
underwater camera to capture some of it.<br />
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Melinda enjoyed a leisurely morning at
the hotel with internet. Lanham had some alone time on the boat for –
installing rebuilt water pump, rechecking all systems, and studying weather
routing.</div>
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Saturday and Sunday were huge provisioning days. Louise and
I shopped first for ingredients to do some prep cooking and meats for the
freezer. A second trip for dry goods and finally, for fresh produce. Decided we
could get the quantities we needed at a reasonable price at Safeway right in
Lahaina, rather than making a trip to the Costco on Maui. </div>
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We had the luxury of
a laundry and gourmet kitchen at the home of our friends, Christine and Dan,
within walking distance to the dinghy dock. </div>
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Before Marcus left he also got to hang out at their home and we all had a wet and wild try at surfing!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcus got to relax a day at Christine and Dan's </td></tr>
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Being out on the mooring buoy meant
numerous trips with heavy loads back and forth with rough seas each time.
Provisioning for a 4-week crossing is a big job – being off of the dock made it
even bigger! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and we gave it our all on the surf beach out front</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCjqf6yPo7kttsKi20qO7sAQbbuXcDv8hHdWZs2q-hy7AkJNJJe6hXWPQkzo2YlUG_SwgygEttl78PxyxX00SdllXyhaJINII5SJbEnZoxs4K31rE_Lf2e_lzmbRGDX3EgAegz6qTJm6D/s1600/IMG_2289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCjqf6yPo7kttsKi20qO7sAQbbuXcDv8hHdWZs2q-hy7AkJNJJe6hXWPQkzo2YlUG_SwgygEttl78PxyxX00SdllXyhaJINII5SJbEnZoxs4K31rE_Lf2e_lzmbRGDX3EgAegz6qTJm6D/s320/IMG_2289.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The car was loaded repeatedly with groceries<br />
shuttled to Solar Wind</td></tr>
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We baked lasagna and chicken tortilla casseroles for the freezer.
Christine donated pre-frozen fruit and fresh mangos, limes, and herbs from her
garden. And we had a lovely, restful evening of BBQ ribs, mango margaritas,
berry pie and a classic Maui sunset from their oceanfront deck! Thank you
Christine and Dan!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2nyyuzXDNRlT64fnf0ZzQpspN8vIr1Q-VF-8IMzglwJZIlHpkkUL-UvCUDLnoC075jjfkh0lVzOvzTljy28gWSezCDlIdLzRpIkwXFYJlqH5-KkwVTsUt6v3KTYwxfcxvZDY3oGX6pMR/s1600/P1080294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2nyyuzXDNRlT64fnf0ZzQpspN8vIr1Q-VF-8IMzglwJZIlHpkkUL-UvCUDLnoC075jjfkh0lVzOvzTljy28gWSezCDlIdLzRpIkwXFYJlqH5-KkwVTsUt6v3KTYwxfcxvZDY3oGX6pMR/s400/P1080294.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful home and convenient kitchen of our<br />
generous friends in Lahaina</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyk8ikLMqC-nmSZhBNIrE4F32InMKX4H4Kb8CJD9a48nrOP4kMyerDxpUW-O7k-QU2yfEljT-0ZZXjMGEw6_IIyKdSI11X7So_9GlOQPdta2X5cIKQc9uoXRd8gv5N65InJlU-PBXY4l-/s1600/IMG_2290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyk8ikLMqC-nmSZhBNIrE4F32InMKX4H4Kb8CJD9a48nrOP4kMyerDxpUW-O7k-QU2yfEljT-0ZZXjMGEw6_IIyKdSI11X7So_9GlOQPdta2X5cIKQc9uoXRd8gv5N65InJlU-PBXY4l-/s320/IMG_2290.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNR-NjGWL-X6suzUQ69YC5rNwzS2rqxkp5clsOrWj4gUPWOdpLRX73mGEznyl8sxSPINVs9d8r6Jd1PeOIDXIDiMl6C9fdOwl-g8gNjpB6wtwJ4P_QiNyezfxY4_U-M5wnOqJW98OsGqt0/s1600/IMG_2291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNR-NjGWL-X6suzUQ69YC5rNwzS2rqxkp5clsOrWj4gUPWOdpLRX73mGEznyl8sxSPINVs9d8r6Jd1PeOIDXIDiMl6C9fdOwl-g8gNjpB6wtwJ4P_QiNyezfxY4_U-M5wnOqJW98OsGqt0/s320/IMG_2291.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So nice to catch up with an old friend</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCngVvbXteiFZDV5Kv-WPnhzohVsbEa4MHuk0-l12xMbpcHkxouHenlZGxsAIAm1tKJlmQB55qBMSissznrl8zONxWjTu-0UcX6IbGL_6mkh9OKUyawHFO3HrPR-2iUDPnJfg7-jyhUyR/s1600/IMG_2292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCngVvbXteiFZDV5Kv-WPnhzohVsbEa4MHuk0-l12xMbpcHkxouHenlZGxsAIAm1tKJlmQB55qBMSissznrl8zONxWjTu-0UcX6IbGL_6mkh9OKUyawHFO3HrPR-2iUDPnJfg7-jyhUyR/s400/IMG_2292.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sunset from Christine and Dans<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXz0awmQnyDO7cAEPHOGROplM-imG0Ho2P3kVZlHotkE4N37IU0aQ_4Y9u06ups02picaNuZ8_BVwgzujGnt0QcPikI5GluXlsiRQ7UJn9Ib9Epy0bmQg436iTKEXyYWSk227KMgXwP7VY/s1600/IMG_2305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXz0awmQnyDO7cAEPHOGROplM-imG0Ho2P3kVZlHotkE4N37IU0aQ_4Y9u06ups02picaNuZ8_BVwgzujGnt0QcPikI5GluXlsiRQ7UJn9Ib9Epy0bmQg436iTKEXyYWSk227KMgXwP7VY/s400/IMG_2305.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahh, the sunny islands</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTI04jLheHRnQH_Gxs8ezDBkGNL7HkgjPjWEf1Rdh9aIF82pKVB3sRMiwOdAlneytyeGBOo51YyTIA5Dkpp7tW2M6xiAv_S9Vd5brRfhSmwClt_eDEqaiKX5npUpqZLeYWJu47AyIAx33/s1600/IMG_2313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTI04jLheHRnQH_Gxs8ezDBkGNL7HkgjPjWEf1Rdh9aIF82pKVB3sRMiwOdAlneytyeGBOo51YyTIA5Dkpp7tW2M6xiAv_S9Vd5brRfhSmwClt_eDEqaiKX5npUpqZLeYWJu47AyIAx33/s400/IMG_2313.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to anchor for the night</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MsoFppGdNn855VP54bwZqmUJ2iTPE4CZOI3Eabki5cfrB273zhAqBs0tvtD7bVDxA9p-SQft4YBuL1-fzdCXNTqvh4J_BQwlnSCt6ILq0zFFdVQ2q91-Ri1D3VPCucDMSf6d1x-I6ymM/s1600/IMG_2295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MsoFppGdNn855VP54bwZqmUJ2iTPE4CZOI3Eabki5cfrB273zhAqBs0tvtD7bVDxA9p-SQft4YBuL1-fzdCXNTqvh4J_BQwlnSCt6ILq0zFFdVQ2q91-Ri1D3VPCucDMSf6d1x-I6ymM/s320/IMG_2295.JPG" width="320" /></a>Monday morning, we took off for the west side of Lanai. We
spent the morning going over safety systems on the boat with Louise. It was
smooth motoring, and we put the sails out to practice raising, rigging, and
reefing. We anchored at Kaumalapau Harbor and though the evening winds blew
hard we had good holding. We all jumped in the water with our snorkel gear and
had a wonderful time swimming above the reef, looking at all the colorful coral
and small fish.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNFg3MYlGhboiBuikvET9lKSHzdMPKYDpDRvTrxnpsxZ9GSYM_9ulVoRfyBmV8rP6XMVYAaIS_fkvWUrvD9D_SDIoXH490wvtBPN19jKkk3b4g0eUDSBsmY13M66tjcXSQsoreuGAR0ao/s1600/IMG_2316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNFg3MYlGhboiBuikvET9lKSHzdMPKYDpDRvTrxnpsxZ9GSYM_9ulVoRfyBmV8rP6XMVYAaIS_fkvWUrvD9D_SDIoXH490wvtBPN19jKkk3b4g0eUDSBsmY13M66tjcXSQsoreuGAR0ao/s320/IMG_2316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weeza jumping in the beautiful water at our first night's anchorage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV96XwvqED9ByRt0iZcnT_CbLUuBtB9ur4YJA_-kvGyvZwwghsFaxk42RSfwuhsdrIYw0NcG3FQZV_9AERLO1dWJuO1ZDvQn7OsnNOvx2AprcePPtUvAhiIUX21IKL3PegoXS30Ao2yFGD/s1600/P1080322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV96XwvqED9ByRt0iZcnT_CbLUuBtB9ur4YJA_-kvGyvZwwghsFaxk42RSfwuhsdrIYw0NcG3FQZV_9AERLO1dWJuO1ZDvQn7OsnNOvx2AprcePPtUvAhiIUX21IKL3PegoXS30Ao2yFGD/s400/P1080322.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dramatic cliffs of Lanai</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bundled up for spray and squalls crossing to Oahu</td></tr>
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Tuesday was a romp of a sail. We got a 4am start and 12
hours later, pulled into Ko Olina Marina on the island of Oahu. </div>
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It was some
rough seas, lots of wind, and fast sailing – a perfect shakedown for Louise to
gain confidence in Solar Wind and experience with hand-steering, using the
autopilot, radar, and navigation software. She’s a quick study, not afraid to
ask questions, and getting her sea legs (despite all her new bruises). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We passed by Waikiki, the strangeness of skyscrapers rising out of the ocean<br />
and were glad we were not stopping there.</td></tr>
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Once
tucked into the marina we had a fancy dinner out (thank you, C & G) –
beside the koi pond on the luxurious grounds of the Marriott resort next to the
marina. The place is a sprawling development, about 20 miles north of Waikiki.
Probably a good place to push off from – maximum contrast to our life at sea.</div>
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We are now planning to leave from here on Thursday, the 27<sup>th</sup>.
The weather picture does not support going northeast further to the island of
Kauai, and Hanelei Bay where we thought we would take off from. We will get a
weather forecast in the morning and probably sail off around mid-day! It’s like
so many challenges that one can take on – once you have committed to doing it
and you have thoroughly prepared there is a sense of “readiness” and a feeling
of “bring it on.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Or is that a
feeling of “the sooner we get started the sooner it will be over”?)</div>
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The standard route from Hawaii to Seattle is to ride the
clockwise rotation of the wind – first north or even northwest up to the
latitudes of Canada, then east and finally south toward Washington coast. From
the weather faxes and forecasts that we have read so far, the traditional North
Pacific High is not yet stable and consolidated as it “traditionally” is by
this time in the year. We have decided to hire a weather router (Commanders’
Weather) to give us forecasts and advice on routing since there will likely be
several decisions to make once enroute. It seems like a good investment (total
cost will be about $250) for the peace of mind and an “expert” meteorologists
opinion. We will talk to them several times and follow their advice for a
departure window. Once out, they will send us five-day forecasts with
suggestions for routing and will notify us as changes in the forecast. We will
send them our position and conditions everyday and they will be following us –
along with all of you -- all available through Sailmail. The router we are
talking to says it will be a “fun puzzle” to get us through the weather in the
most comfortable way. Oh boy, fun. We are ready to go and up for it (whatever
it may be!)</div>
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We will post updates on deLorme (though don’t mind about
the miscellaneous messages that are sometimes attached to our spot – we don’t
know why). We will try to answer sailmails when we have time, and we will post
the end of the epic saga when we arrive at Sequim Bay around the 24?? of July.
Love to all and no worries!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;">AND... Post Script from Louise to all who follow the blog...</span><br />
<h3>
<span lang="NL"><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span lang="NL">My summer of 2013..</span></h3>
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<h4>
<span lang="NL">Thanks to Cub<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Melinda’s year long adventure with Solar Wind, and
thanks to their invitation to join them for any part of the journey… I have the
‘’once in a lifetime’’ opportunity to sail the Pacific aboard Solar Wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have never done this on my own….thank
you, Cub and Melinda!!</span><span lang="NL">Presently (Wednesday 26 june)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we are docked at Koolina Resort Marina
on Oahu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning a fellow
sailor stopped by to make compliments on Solar Winds riggings and outfitting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that he could see that a lot of
thought had gone into it, along with the hard work of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>preparation.</span><span lang="NL">Maybe that is why my trust in Solar Wind grew
by the minute yesterday as I had my first watch of 3 hours at the helm in winds
of 20 knots, gusting to 30…and 6-8 foot swells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a <b><u>wild ride,</u></b></span><span lang="NL"> but
Solar Wind handled it beautifully as did ‘’Sully’’ the auto pilot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t do badly when I turned
off the auto pilot….but it’s such a relief to turn ‘’Sully’’ on and just stay
watchful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the crossing of
80 nautical miles from Lanai to Oahu. We had gotten up early for a 4 am
departure (Wednesday morning, 25 june).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We made good time and arrived in the Koólina Marina at 3 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a trip to sail by Waikiki with
all it’s high rise buildings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sooo
glad we didn’t stop there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came
across quite a bit of traffic and the radar warned us in plenty of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cub and Melinda are clear on their
instructions and they go into detail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nonetheless, I asked Cub not to leave me alone on my watch, with the
seas as rough as they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></h4>
<h4>
<span lang="NL"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />Last night, we had a great dinner at Chuck’s
Steak House on Carol and Gary….THANK YOU!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great food, good wine….there was a Luau going on near by and
the music was fun to hear, if sometimes too loud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our table was at the edge of one of the many beautiful water
features that are placed amongst the meandering foot paths and gardens in this
gigantic resort.</span></span></h4>
<h4>
<span lang="NL">As I write it is Thursday morning, 26
june.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laundry is turning the
marina machines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cub is getting
the last weather reports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We plan
to take off to cross the Pacific tomorrow morning at 9 am!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a change in plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The original plan was to sail,
overnight, to Kauai for a take off to the northwest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the weather is such that we will be able to ‘’cut the
corner’’, heading in the right direction from the launch….saving us time….good
news!<br /> </span><span lang="NL"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<span lang="NL">Aloha to you all!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See you in Sequim, or Seattle, or Ten Esschen…wherever we
meet again.</span><span lang="NL">Love to you all!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Louise</span></h4>
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<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-62882466987405728072013-06-22T15:30:00.000-07:002013-06-22T15:30:30.690-07:00Westward Ho! Mexico to Hawaii<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<h3>
Here we are -- small boat, big ocean, 3 tired people, making the best of some very bumpy seas! Day after day after day, or so it seemed, for 20 days (oh, and 20 nights). </h3>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
We left Cabo San Lucas on May 25th and arrived at Lahaina Harbor early on the morning of June 14th. It has now been a week since we walked on land and we are finally ready to look back at the passage with a little more perspective and perhaps conjure more descriptive adjectives than "Ughghg!" </h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
In fact some of the photos we took provide indisputable evidence of some beautiful outlooks and even some smiling faces. But then again, we only brought the camera out when we could manage to let go of our white-knuckled handholds without falling down. </h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
All in all, it was a <i>fast</i> passage of a very <i>long</i> distance with some moments, hours, and even days of beauty. Never truly scary, just dang uncomfortable and relentless. Already, hindsight is blessing us with selective memory. </h4>
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For those die-hard fans among our readers, I am going to just go ahead and paste in the daily log that I kept underway. Within are the daily life details, more than you'd want, but also some of the thoughts and moods as they evolved with the miles. It's not quite "real time" but may give you the flavor of being there with us.</div>
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As I post this, we have said "Good-bye" to Marcus and "Welcome Aboard" to Louise. Lanham's sister is joining us for the last leg -- we used to think she was sane! We are enjoying a last few days in Lahaina, appreciating the generosity of friends Christine and Dan for offering their home for laundry, prep cooking, and relaxation. We did a dive with Marcus and Louise is off on a dive boat for the morning. We plan to head northeast through the islands on Monday, the 24th. Perhaps push off from Hanalei Bay, on Kuai on Friday, the 28th. If there was another creative way to get Solar Wind home to Elliott Bay we would probably be pursuing it, but we think we have one more long passage in us and it will be sweet to be home. The next post will probably be from Sequim Bay on the Olympic Peninsula, where we hope to meet family and friends around the 24th of July. We expect nothing and are prepared for anything! Thanks for following along and all your good wishes and support!</div>
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<h3>
Running Commentary <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Mexico to Hawaii Journey</h3>
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<b>DAY 1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday,
May 25</b> – Fueled up, 8am departure from the San Jose del Cabo Marina. By mid
afternoon we had rounded the cape at Cabo and by early evening we were saying
goodbye to our sight of land. At the 4pm watch change we noted a 360 degree
water view. 2-3 foot swells. We motored the first 4 hours, with 8-10 knot winds
from the NNW. Starboard tack, close-hauled and lots of bumping in the confused
seas that we hope are the influence of land. Not as many sport fishers as we
expected, no small to medium dorado on our line as hoped. Watched first setting
of the big orange ball to the west. Voices of Mexican pangueros gave way to
voices of Pilipino and Taiwanese freighter crew. <br />
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We are remembering what it was like
on the ride from Seattle to San Francisco and relearning to walk with knees
bent, hand on grab-rails, ready to brace against anything firm with your back,
knees, shoulders and head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
remembering how to live where nothing stays where you set it. Must be similar
to learning to perform everyday functions in space without gravity. We are
better prepared with our systems this time and have eliminated some of the
crashes and strange chafing noises. This is NOT the easy sail advertised, YET.
We know why everyone wishes you “following seas” We are looking forward to
them. </div>
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We stuck to our 8 – 12, 12 – 4, 4 –
8 watch schedule. Single reef and small jib for the night.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcus cooked our first dinner off-shore -- pan fried steak and potatoes.<br />Note the decorative peppers and the (momentarily) clean, calm galley</td></tr>
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<b>DAY 2 Sunday, May 26 </b>– From Sat 8am to Sun 8am we had a 120
nm day. Not bad. Today we are still in big swells and (our least favorite)
CONFUSED SEAS! Wind has stayed consistent at 10 – 25 kts, but mix-master seas
with 8 – 10 ft swells are enough to make you loose your cookies. Which poor
Marcus did and has been fighting all day. He thinks what finally caused him to
succumb to Mal de Mer was the smell of gutting fish! The guys caught a 4-5
pound yellow fin tuna and had a larger something on line. After 20 minutes the
line broke at the swivel and took one of the new promising lures. BOO!</div>
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Marcus stopped eating and worked on keeping water down,
trying to sleep it off. Ugh.</div>
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Lanham and Melinda kept the watches
going. We now have the staysail up and the main double reefed – conservative. I
had to wake Lanham twice in the night. Once to help me furl some jib, and again
when we had a big freighter about 2.5 miles off and I wanted to be sure we were
not on a collision course. We were able to get a more westerly heading, but had
to slow the boat down to do that through the night. The full moon is beautiful
and really helps visibility. It was partially cloud-obscured as were most of
the stars. We are wearing full foulies at night – the cockpit gets wet from dew
and some spray. It’s comfortable to be bundled, and then a pain to come inside
where you are immediately overheated. I’m trying to stay hydrated but regret it
every time I have to take off all the layers to pee. We seared some of the tuna
in hot sesame oil with ginger and had it with garlic pasta. Marcus thought
about trying some noodles but stuck with water for the night. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpYs95KiQvW5S0ldi_cj1KAa4GcdlrVjc5ImlQdD-64s_Rrsw4VwYqaZV5VR040nt750A0kiQWT7a1_3PmrkxNiQXp9Rp7aWI4hQ6now3paauIcR0ObuSHlguphxH8G4ZryxvSVWMr8I9/s1600/P1080153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpYs95KiQvW5S0ldi_cj1KAa4GcdlrVjc5ImlQdD-64s_Rrsw4VwYqaZV5VR040nt750A0kiQWT7a1_3PmrkxNiQXp9Rp7aWI4hQ6now3paauIcR0ObuSHlguphxH8G4ZryxvSVWMr8I9/s400/P1080153.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcus stuffed in the quarter berth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznFUo_VxKaKOYWSt3ZH0oOWrhCw35JC3GXlx7blkP28VvMp5K3P_08ZQZn8Juhx15UX52oKOUNUQ2-p7XUzM_2gYdKXYTnrjCgBpOTqMNijUMQ0PPvPAjo5NIzCMMhh22jWFWKxm-YDOy/s1600/GOPR2727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznFUo_VxKaKOYWSt3ZH0oOWrhCw35JC3GXlx7blkP28VvMp5K3P_08ZQZn8Juhx15UX52oKOUNUQ2-p7XUzM_2gYdKXYTnrjCgBpOTqMNijUMQ0PPvPAjo5NIzCMMhh22jWFWKxm-YDOy/s400/GOPR2727.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little island<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>DAY 3 Monday,</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b> May 27</b>– We made 124 nm in our 2</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><sup>nd</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
24-hour day. Marcus still resting and recovering and now trying a scopolamine
patch. It was a pretty tiring day. We are sleeping in about 3 hour segments,
and sometimes sleep just doesn’t come, given the rocking and rolling. Marcus
has made the quarter berth his space and says it is comfortable. Lanham and I
take turns in the pipe berth, and I have also had some luck sleeping up against
the port wall in the forepeak. It is nice that we are on one tack, and one tack
only. It rolls you to the outside of the hull and keeps you there. The key is
to get tired enough that all you can do is sleep. Being awake, moving inside
and out is a lot of exercise! This afternoon when I came off my watch I made a
loaf of beer bread. Good vehicle for butter and real comfort food. I made a pot
of chicken soup – something easy on the stomach. The dried soup mixes are a
good base, with rice, pre-cooked meat, and some extra veggies. Still eating
fresh veggies, but very disappointed in those that I vacuum packed. They did
not like it. Must have off-gassed, broke the seal and went fast. The vacuum
packer worked great for the frozen meats and for grains. I saved the poblano
peppers and tomatoes from going overboard by roasting them. Now we’ll have a
few more days to eat them.</span></div>
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Keeping it all together -- and loosing it again!</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was laughing (and swearing and ok, maybe tantruming, too)
about what is involved in cooking on the boat – it’s an athletic activity. Food
is stored in 4 different main compartments on the boat. Within each compartment
are bins, and bins behind the bins. I had made lists for each compartment and
each bin, but they were outdated after the last minute shopping and we try to
update as we use things, but that’s proving to be unreliable. Reaching what you
want could involve any number of yoga poses or strength building moves that you
might do at a gym for health and fitness. On your knees, on your tiptoes, on
your belly, on your head. Getting everything out, but not leaving it out
because it will fall down, spilling something, then cleaning up the spill and
spilling it again. If you are lucky the spill will just be on the counter or
sink, not inside the refrigerator or cabinet. As you hold the bowl (set on your
non-skid pad) at a 40 degree angle, get out the milk (emptying the left frig
top of veggies so the tray can slide to reach the milk on the right side) and
pour it into a measuring cup (switching to holding the bowl with your elbow)
over the sink to catch spillage, put the milk away (veggies are still out but
have rolled away – get them later), crack two eggs over the bowl, set aside the
shells to go overboard later and stir with the spatula after you retrieve it
(and wash it) from behind the gimbaled stove where it just slid, and the person
on watch would like a glass of water and the non-skid pad that was holding
everything just skid. Advice: Plan on one-course meals (one pan, even better)
and keep your sense of humor. If spilled milk is our biggest problem – Hooray!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXbhKbhwPCr7n7NJ_qZHyw4blHul9s_rnwvhddIdRKG6xVNuF4HwGry8QSFuAATltZbKsBY1Yse_cy3qRcs8vFQQCSnj585h1Xel_aV8edOCwzXsr_CY6LgWyGZbbcDzvCVY4d08s-AIm/s1600/GOPR2758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXbhKbhwPCr7n7NJ_qZHyw4blHul9s_rnwvhddIdRKG6xVNuF4HwGry8QSFuAATltZbKsBY1Yse_cy3qRcs8vFQQCSnj585h1Xel_aV8edOCwzXsr_CY6LgWyGZbbcDzvCVY4d08s-AIm/s400/GOPR2758.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M & L navigating, sailmailing and talking on the radio</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tonight
we were able to make good communication with the “Motley Cruisers’ Net”. This
is what we call our informal non-ham net of folks who rallied in La Paz and
enjoyed cruising together and staying in touch while in the sea these last few
months. Everyone (who’s awake and not out to dinner) tries the same frequency
on the Single Side Band radio at 9 am and 7 pm. We had not made contact with
any of the group for a few days and all were anxious to hear that we were well
and to offer their sound opinions on weather and routing. There is lots of
experience within the group and it is so nice to have familiar voices and other
eyes looking at our position on a chart and coordinating it with the same
weather files we are looking at.. They confirmed the idea of taking a more
southerly heading now, gaining more of a reach rather than beating, even though
Hawaii is WNW. All believe that we will make faster progress to the west and
will hit NW trade winds in about 2 days, (longitude 125 or 130) making it more
comfortable, easier on the boat and overall faster to make this small
adjustment off the rumb line. We tried this over night and were pleased to be
making easier and faster miles. Our third day’s total mileage was a whopping
144 nm!</div>
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<b>DAY 4 – Tuesday, May 28</b> – The days are marching along and adding
up. Marcus is recovered today. Lanham took a long watch last night and I took a
long sleep – what a nice new outlook. I slept (or stayed in the bunk) from 10
pm to 6 am. Lanham woke me with a cup of coffee ready and it was nice to watch
the day open. Overcast this morning, and broken clouds most of the day. Some
sea birds, dolphins playing on the bow. The ocean is a place of swimming birds
and flying fish. The sea birds that we have seen are swooping low and into the
water, fishing at great speed. Last night, just as the sun was setting and our
fishing lines were pulled in, Lanham and I watched in amazement as 4 and 5 foot
tunas were jumping completely out of the water across the stretch of ocean that
we could see off the port side of the boat. Dolphins were dipping up and down
among them. We don’t know if the dolphins were hunting the tuna or if both were
going after some smaller flying fish. Quite amazing to watch the action.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVypdLW8bU66wylnxxTWFEtXOmy-9tYRtDMmfzYIOGNoGzvhvNYhyphenhyphenkVtEV66IdtjOPZYOzVKq3JJyJKeLPvU4uzJjqWd3PW3Lm_Sx_keuRjnk8P7EasEqgYhiz9abWy2hWON3AU0z2417R/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVypdLW8bU66wylnxxTWFEtXOmy-9tYRtDMmfzYIOGNoGzvhvNYhyphenhyphenkVtEV66IdtjOPZYOzVKq3JJyJKeLPvU4uzJjqWd3PW3Lm_Sx_keuRjnk8P7EasEqgYhiz9abWy2hWON3AU0z2417R/s400/IMG_0098.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our rare visitors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMfydd568IIudrw1ZEqHhO_offQOky_sPl5Lp7veCJfiLFCuCqwNvuD4SJsIflcTZM3N8eTOx9q2gdL8NgfCfRlEBsFLxB2Rqv47WMFFfwRtc6XP1IqgkmAg1WScH02DKuQqeGYKn4yL1/s1600/P1080181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMfydd568IIudrw1ZEqHhO_offQOky_sPl5Lp7veCJfiLFCuCqwNvuD4SJsIflcTZM3N8eTOx9q2gdL8NgfCfRlEBsFLxB2Rqv47WMFFfwRtc6XP1IqgkmAg1WScH02DKuQqeGYKn4yL1/s320/P1080181.JPG" width="320" /></a>Since the fish (big ones we guess)
have taken several of our new and handsome lures, Lanham and Marcus have taken
to making their own. Lanham was trolling his creation, built of a small spent
flare tube (he shot it off on his watch with no attention from crew or would-be
rescuers – we have been carrying expired ones along with our new fresh dated
rescue flares) Duct tape, a shiny granola bar wrapper, and a wire leader with
hook completed his rig. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZyXhmFBp0pORIcSi8juppHH8DR-u5jSyQImSr_VV3vLjwSqA2PewieaCBwGCS3Y-ezrrbe10JKtTRMeXuU1gtELVSK5R3HIB5lXJxZD4SWOZj4xWpqbedHPdW2gcnCSY_MV8MWMZOTc_/s1600/P1080186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZyXhmFBp0pORIcSi8juppHH8DR-u5jSyQImSr_VV3vLjwSqA2PewieaCBwGCS3Y-ezrrbe10JKtTRMeXuU1gtELVSK5R3HIB5lXJxZD4SWOZj4xWpqbedHPdW2gcnCSY_MV8MWMZOTc_/s400/P1080186.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our bigger keepers -- we kept 3 and eventually released about 15 Dorado</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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He actually got a bite – we think from the coloring,
maybe a juvenile Dorado, but too small to keep. Kids will eat anything! Marcus
fashioned a lure from his toothbrush, and it too caught him a dorado.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7cyH2jqQU9gFAyYpMQsXOMA_9_9gVTU8yEKsO0LJoXcyvuijcrUNugSS16yRGW8J7jsVk2dUGjyheiFm1vsWApVDQLhOS4gRpSrw-KPlyFJC81OKSJQw9u7jgRmDaJ4AYrXlqM3IxWhR/s1600/P1080157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7cyH2jqQU9gFAyYpMQsXOMA_9_9gVTU8yEKsO0LJoXcyvuijcrUNugSS16yRGW8J7jsVk2dUGjyheiFm1vsWApVDQLhOS4gRpSrw-KPlyFJC81OKSJQw9u7jgRmDaJ4AYrXlqM3IxWhR/s320/P1080157.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The homemade granola bar lure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pY5ZSsN_BbVxGh7JjI08pYRvix6IAotLz2Lg4NOPlDFAEy2LEHdZUZlm6PC1cAXppx43_WR3tRjdJ0HK9bEq2mFm6QnRxXhHtXemx_f5y5tXYesVaJd65H1XvFmEhUMjGyNQgbzxF6DE/s1600/P1080178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pY5ZSsN_BbVxGh7JjI08pYRvix6IAotLz2Lg4NOPlDFAEy2LEHdZUZlm6PC1cAXppx43_WR3tRjdJ0HK9bEq2mFm6QnRxXhHtXemx_f5y5tXYesVaJd65H1XvFmEhUMjGyNQgbzxF6DE/s320/P1080178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yet to be patented "toothbrush lure"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We are now racing along at 7 to 8
knots, only taking occasional slams with the bow and are heading up a little
closer to our 270 deg. “magic line” to Hawaii. Time to go do lunch dishes,
think about dinner plans, and take a nap. I’m on again from 6 -10.</div>
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Dinner turned out to be a big bowl
of guacamole with chips (the last of our avocados) and the last of the tuna
with rice, soy sauce and wasabi. It was a fix your own plate when you’re ready
to eat meal. A lovely watch, and another humanizing nighttime of sleep!</div>
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<b>DAY 5 – Wednesday, May 29</b> – The
sailing is getting more comfortable. We are less heeled and the rhythm of the
bounce is more consistent. I can feel my abs working to keep me upright as I sit
here at the salon table with the computer strapped down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Standing in the cockpit, you are in a
constant balance pose, working your calf and thigh muscles. Marcus described
the difficulty that we all experience trying to pull our pants back up after using
the head. He said he thought at one point he was going to have to lay down on
the floor to do it! The sensation of motion and the sound of rushing water is
unceasing! We have enjoyed some hours of music through the cockpit speakers. I
guess it’s been a little too bumpy for guitar practice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iN-pGZ_6r-NIQmUH_e6MCWcWCF1hkmiz0IYSUdMaZRLA7BxhcDf0P76x7uEvdGe6Lcrms5DjBe18gAjkU5CowQL0MGI_g0bl8NNQWz25CtTVodcohTiZz82Y5_L1t7_xoLwP5EndljHx/s1600/GOPR2748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iN-pGZ_6r-NIQmUH_e6MCWcWCF1hkmiz0IYSUdMaZRLA7BxhcDf0P76x7uEvdGe6Lcrms5DjBe18gAjkU5CowQL0MGI_g0bl8NNQWz25CtTVodcohTiZz82Y5_L1t7_xoLwP5EndljHx/s400/GOPR2748.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today
was a grey and misty day – very NW feeling. We motored from 3 am to 7 am, in
order to make water and top up the batteries. It turned out to be a good time
to add a little to the fluky speed, and we now have a tank of warm water that
will last a day or two. It is better for the watermaker to run with the high
voltage provided by the alternator, so running the motor for a few hours every
3 days or so will probably be our habit.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhtToGlu3JqmaNrbjVSF89wcyrg7Jqjx9LvpsDunT__O84Pg84cM9Kuou8mg4ywFtcwr8KTxaYzqQdN5jSKM-vIr3e8D5xHkZnMdXkXIcN2dXm9S6WiYJWuMd1RJbCBEDYh9pp5sT63J5/s1600/P1080215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhtToGlu3JqmaNrbjVSF89wcyrg7Jqjx9LvpsDunT__O84Pg84cM9Kuou8mg4ywFtcwr8KTxaYzqQdN5jSKM-vIr3e8D5xHkZnMdXkXIcN2dXm9S6WiYJWuMd1RJbCBEDYh9pp5sT63J5/s400/P1080215.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging it out -- is that a storm cloud in the distance?</td></tr>
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Today turned out
to be our first laundry day at sea. Lanham tried all morning to fall asleep.
(He had woken to a wet pipe berth this morning. Not sure where the water is
leaking in. Probably the hatch or air vent) He is drying, airing and duct
taping the suspected area. No real luck with sleeping, so he kept his spirits
and energy up by taking a shower and doing laundry, once the sun finally hit
the cockpit about 2pm. We all helped hang the clothes to dry, with a line
suspended from the forestay to the back stay on the sunny side of the boat.
Just as we got everything up (no small feat, clipping in to the jack lines with
harnesses just to go up and set the clothespins) we watched as a big black
cloud headed our way. “That’s rain! …we need to get the clothes in and reef the
main.” We did, and 5 minutes later we watched the black squall pass well to the
north of us and the sun poke through. We congratulated ourselves on the great
teamwork and practice run, got the laundry back up, and took it down still damp
before the next squall with rain an hour later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dry enough for now – we’ll put it out again tomorrow.</div>
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<b>DAY 6 –
Thursday, May 30</b> – Melinda's Birthday Day! </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXTs1xAysmhgB04xT6HTjSdGhj9f0Pi36B7HsVtqlhTgE62VmsZtMsgQG_tP6MusHkjARFHMBSBWI0TAlxPfD6u0PzUZwBBv4r1CJzlrmsENYbA4KjohoiOs_nRNFF-8mMKA85lzFAinh/s1600/P1080166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXTs1xAysmhgB04xT6HTjSdGhj9f0Pi36B7HsVtqlhTgE62VmsZtMsgQG_tP6MusHkjARFHMBSBWI0TAlxPfD6u0PzUZwBBv4r1CJzlrmsENYbA4KjohoiOs_nRNFF-8mMKA85lzFAinh/s320/P1080166.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining al Fresco -- in the middle of the Pacific for my 56th birthday</td></tr>
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And a glorious one, thanks to my captain
and crew! I took the 2 am to 6 am watch, picking up from Marcus so Lanham got
the 8 hour night sleep. At 2 am, Marcus was struggling with a crazy fluky wind
and the flappin wackies. Together we tried tacking, thought about motoring and
just then the wind returned and we got back on a 270 degree reach and I had an
easy watch with forgiving swells and a good heading. I don’t know what others
do on watch, or what I will do down the road on day 17. Lanham has remarked
that he likes the privacy of the boat bubble inside the total darkness. Marcus
says he feels like he’s having a meeting with himself and often thinks thoughts
he wants to write down. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpg5Fb771uQJdU3-hHm9cDbs1x-inT1TXTnSlz0F4c2BWdmKXDT5zgDVccHEdHRJ_bAVJ48MPFig3Orlb2q3Ay32mc_XAZxp1cxy_kIG-ccxS5yE_PTwOfozW9EKNeEWzqjBcEbL5hmNt/s1600/IMG_0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpg5Fb771uQJdU3-hHm9cDbs1x-inT1TXTnSlz0F4c2BWdmKXDT5zgDVccHEdHRJ_bAVJ48MPFig3Orlb2q3Ay32mc_XAZxp1cxy_kIG-ccxS5yE_PTwOfozW9EKNeEWzqjBcEbL5hmNt/s320/IMG_0146.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcus drives from his "favorite spot"</td></tr>
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This morning, the radar was continually clear, Sully
was doing the steering, the boat was sailing herself, and I felt like when I
made minor adjustments I “knew what I was doing.” A good feeling that left me
time for singing (only the wind can hear you), practicing my Spanish (counting
by multiples), and doing yoga stretches and a leg workout. Great way to start a
new year!</div>
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<br /></div>
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The boys gave me
a card saying I had the “day off.” I read a John Grisham novel in my bunk,
received my many sailmail birthday cards and wrote a few emails. They did their
best to catch fresh dinner, but had no luck and instead cooked a delicious meal
of chorizo, pasta, veggies and Birthday Cake! We opened a special bottle of
red. Very impressive work in the galley. The last treat of the day is movie
night – we only have a couple choices onboard, but they all come with buttered
popcorn. We are hoping for a calm night.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXVGNiCJM2s9OmAD1WHkVqyIMuR66KywQhmRE5l4vBkFSF6uaFVQxvM_HLl1Vyrgays0nG9k_M4CQZmb5KEoP7N99ZuK6HxhC3rKkacvXVcRhGRgh4p9yBUkHtk3qBIWPtl0WLXv83Xfn/s1600/P1080163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXVGNiCJM2s9OmAD1WHkVqyIMuR66KywQhmRE5l4vBkFSF6uaFVQxvM_HLl1Vyrgays0nG9k_M4CQZmb5KEoP7N99ZuK6HxhC3rKkacvXVcRhGRgh4p9yBUkHtk3qBIWPtl0WLXv83Xfn/s320/P1080163.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanham cooking Melinda's birthday dinner --<br />notice the heeling birthday cake?</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a typically racing through the
20-knot winds night, and we ended up watching part of Harry Potter. Marcus
thought the surround-sound, smell of popcorn and whirling visuals of the moving
was giving him a headache and headed to his berth. Lanham saw some of the movie
from the cockpit while maintaining watch, and I enjoyed the movie and popcorn
immensely! I took the 10 – 2 watch after having had the whole day off and
passed off to Marcus for the 2 – 6. Lanham began to catch up by having the dark
8 hours of 10 – 6 for sleeping.</div>
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<b>DAY 7 – Friday, May 31</b><sup><b>st</b>
–<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></sup>Well, the low point of
today was my dumping of a dozen raw eggs behind the galley stove. They broke
and quickly oozed through the floor seams into the lower cupboard and two
different bilge compartments. The good news was that I had just tested each one
for freshness and none were rotting! I bought six 18-count cartons of eggs for
the trip, so the other good news is that we are not yet short on eggs. I was
preparing to cook a noon breakfast of chorizo burritos. The eggs were washed
and tested (by making sure they sink in a glass of water). The bowl of eggs
looked stable and we bounced along… until WHAM!... the boat lurched and the
eggs flew, all landing in a very inaccessible recess behind the gimbled stove.
I swore and stomped and moaned. Lanham came to the rescue and cleaned the
obvious shells and goop, then went after the less visible, but equally likely
to smell bilges with warm water and a vinegar rinse. Vinegar is a valuable
cleaning agent on the boat. We carry at least a gallon, for cleaning bilges and
heads. Always learning… can’t be too casual with eggs in a bowl.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PKCgn-FWMK05ZMLeAoo-BE_Lb1uiHe2VeO6v9Rrhna8JhPR_jWtM815G4IyvWhemC8lq5k6lmPBIXuw9JmWq6ZKe1z6MYXftyiAQyFr4gjl9Q_AWYwaDJLumRB7JCh3xaO0708B5p304/s1600/GOPR2919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PKCgn-FWMK05ZMLeAoo-BE_Lb1uiHe2VeO6v9Rrhna8JhPR_jWtM815G4IyvWhemC8lq5k6lmPBIXuw9JmWq6ZKe1z6MYXftyiAQyFr4gjl9Q_AWYwaDJLumRB7JCh3xaO0708B5p304/s400/GOPR2919.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting fit through fishing?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
the high point in the day came as I was fixing split pea soup for dinner. One
of the fishing lines (we’d had 5 hooks out all day) went ZINGGG! Marcus reeled
in his first ever Dorado! A beautiful fish – yellow as if approaches the boat,
white as it is pulled aboard, and then turning brilliant blue with yellow,
silver, white and dark blue speckles as it is filleted. Makes you wonder why it
has such a metamorphosis as it dies, and what changes do we go through upon our
death. A few minutes later, Lanham brought aboard another Dorado, slightly
smaller. We have for mahi fillets in the frig for cooking tomorrow. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
are still roaring along, watching the longitude numbers grow. It is now a big
and important ritual to calculate our daily mileage, average speed, overall
distance, and distance to go. I am marking a chart with our daily course. We
have ranged between 120 and 153 miles for 8 am to 8 am days. Rarely slowing
below 5 kts per hr, often rolling along at 7. We are reducing sail at night, to
keep the speed closer to 5, just in case we get a sudden rough patch, high wind
or squall. Reducing speed also makes it a little less bumpy for those trying to
sleep. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5RE02Q92PPMiNBo_VQZV5vjBCNLkJiQhBsoCwNKyd-Gx0md1G2P-bLhOPzJGXi01SiGkff6t5Q0ktaLMf6-n3WkwoGRw-rq3BpLgKDoeMepjJcFOkGVZJ6vptnqz93gU2-mXEylAT2ns/s1600/P1080172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5RE02Q92PPMiNBo_VQZV5vjBCNLkJiQhBsoCwNKyd-Gx0md1G2P-bLhOPzJGXi01SiGkff6t5Q0ktaLMf6-n3WkwoGRw-rq3BpLgKDoeMepjJcFOkGVZJ6vptnqz93gU2-mXEylAT2ns/s400/P1080172.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The evening light show</td></tr>
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<b>DAY 8 – Saturday, June 1</b><sup><b>st</b>
--<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></sup>Wow, June 1<sup>st</sup>,
out for a full week. Marcus got the longer stretch of night sleep last night.
The night watches were uneventful. The moon is waning and there is quite a
cloud cover, so only occasional star studded bits of sky. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
The vastness of
the ocean and the absence of <i>anyone</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> or </span><i>anything</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> continue to amaze and impress us all. No other
ships, no blips on the radar. We are now over 1,000 miles from the coast of
Mexico and about 1,700 miles from the Hawaiian Islands. Nothing else as far as
we can see or imagine except water and sky. The never ceasing roll of the
energy of the ocean is mind-boggling. The enormity of the ocean and of the
undertaking to cross it has set in. Or, as Lanham says, we are all now acutely
aware that this trip is long… a bit too long … and that’s part of it. We are
more than a third of the way there, and we now imagine that we will make it.
Not that we know what lies ahead, but more of the same will be part of it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Lanham also
expressed his appreciation of the distinct difference between day and night.
Since our direction, speed, angle of heel, and scenery do not change, the
passing of day to night and back again constitutes a real and crucial pattern,
sense of time, and variety. Also, day is our social time – we often hang out in
the cockpit together, not really sure who is officially “on watch.” At night,
it becomes a very solitary endeavor to be on watch and a time of privacy and
introspection – not to mention, a heightened sense of responsibility. You are
the one to make sure all is going well, no menace is lurking, and your
shipmates can rest with assurance.</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Early
this morning we ran the motor and motored sailed from 2 to 7 am. Water (warm
water!) was made, the batteries were topped up, and we kept our 7-knot pace in
some lighter wind. Lanham went to bed at 4, Melinda and Marcus had turns taking
warm water transom showers at 8 and when Lanham was up we ate soup for
breakfast and caught another good-sized Dorado about noon. Relations with time
are interesting. We are often looking at our watches – when am I on? How long can
I sleep? Is it time for a meal? But then again, our time has no relation to
time elsewhere on Earth – but has real connection with nature’s clock.
Yesterday, we noticed that the sun was not setting until after our clocks said
9 o’clock, and daylight was breaking later and later. We decided to set our
watches back an hour, to Pacific Time, matching the longitude that we had
recently crossed into. By the time we reach Hawaii, we will be in a time zone
three hours earlier and will probably need to follow suit with the sun.
Switching our watches makes it trickier to remember to tune into the net and
try to contact our sailing buddies. We now need to turn on the SSB at 8 am and
6 pm. Most of the cruisers’ net times are listed by UTC (Universal Time) also
known as Zulu or Greenwich Mean Time. Right now that is 6 hours earlier than
our clocks. All of the weather reports we receive are given with UTC and need
to be translated to our clock. I guess that 6-hour differential will increase
if we reset our clocks closer to Hawaii.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tonight
we are feasting on some of our fresh mahi mahi. I have started ceviche, Marcus
is making mango salsa, and Lanham will pan fry some fillets. I am wondering how
we will come out on our devouring of the meats in the freezer. We are not allowed
to take them into Hawaii (nor eggs or produce), so we may be feeding the fish
before this trip is over, as they have fed us!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4GvgdtZ0XlF2fEyeRA3yBKGVhCk0zOpqtxQaMzrDjT1o88JmnIGzpG9JSE9A2K09I3x7PttRaak2E6_OikckfIDRu8zFlkeqM3l9urxznhSJrDjRmZ0s0NeolA830XHiWBHvFBGxnbAk/s1600/P1080191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4GvgdtZ0XlF2fEyeRA3yBKGVhCk0zOpqtxQaMzrDjT1o88JmnIGzpG9JSE9A2K09I3x7PttRaak2E6_OikckfIDRu8zFlkeqM3l9urxznhSJrDjRmZ0s0NeolA830XHiWBHvFBGxnbAk/s400/P1080191.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mahi dinner, our only meal inside, right before my food hit the floor</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b>DAY 9 – Sunday, June 2</b><sup><b>nd</b> -- </sup>Last
night’s dinner tasted good, but it was a bit of a fiasco with food sliding all
over the galley – and then difficulty trying to all sit at the table and eat. I
jumped up at one point to catch something about the slide in the galley. The
boat took another giant lurch and when I looked back at the table Lanham was
holding onto my plate, but all of my dinner had slid to the floor! Rice, fish
and veggies all over the floor! Cry? Swear? Laugh? I was tempted to just eat
off the floor, but was able to recover the food and finished at the table. You
don’t linger over food underway, and it’s best to have your beverage before or
after the food course.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
The fresh mango
salsa was a real treat and was Marcus’s creation. The day before leaving San
Jose del Cabo, we noticed mango trees along the marina drive, loaded with
mostly green, but quickly ripening, mangos. Several cows were wandering
underneath, eating their fill of those on the ground, and in the evening a
local father and his 8-year-old son were our gathering the ripest ones from the
top branches with a long pole and hook. Marcus was determined to bring a bundle
and climbed into the treetops, tossing down large green mangos. We introduced
ourselves to Manuel and his kid, Alfonso, and they gladly helped us get more
with their pole. We headed back to the boat with two bulging hatfuls of mangos
and Manuel and Alfonso came aboard to see the boat and talk fishing over a
cerveza and jugo. The mangos rode in the lazarette for the first week of the
trip. About half had to go overboard and the other half were peeled and pared
by Lanham and Marcus in the cockpit – added to onion, hot red peppers, vinegar
– yum!</div>
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It was an
uneventful sailing day and night – uneventful is good.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZ5MwTGZbDdqMixlfcUJOYRldCQOSdxxckNmidpDIpRGvHkyHbAkMf3X8Er2hyphenhyphenyz_aRYHlbgV-chN9wrhjM6Chu1PPphFj25T1Sr_Flx8A65jtyDrKOLpwFKyOH0sPpkjvIY4VJsd6bdi/s1600/GOPR2766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZ5MwTGZbDdqMixlfcUJOYRldCQOSdxxckNmidpDIpRGvHkyHbAkMf3X8Er2hyphenhyphenyz_aRYHlbgV-chN9wrhjM6Chu1PPphFj25T1Sr_Flx8A65jtyDrKOLpwFKyOH0sPpkjvIY4VJsd6bdi/s400/GOPR2766.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanham processing the bucket of mangos brought from Cabo</td></tr>
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<b>DAY 10 – Monday, June 3<sup>rd</sup></b>
– Today was more of the same sailing – rough confused seas, uggh, are getting
old, and tiresome! Sometimes it dawns on me that we are still moving, moving
fast, moving constantly and there is no propulsion machine causing the
sensation – just water rushing past, and us moving constantly forward (with
lots of up and down and back and forth thrown in). When steering at night it is
easy to loose your sense of direction and feel like a spinning top. With no
horizon and in the blackness no real sense of right or left, I stare at the
compass and try to keep us at 270 degrees, due west and start to feel that we
are turning in a circle – always spinning to port with the wind. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYukMnI0_AdHHXhcoJY7EhSGfPtZtNZNdC3I5xXPAq72aCLOkr5V2HzCBlyWnyaEbcVGREIGLmlbMk58bx6hDYxgCQ9f41r_TDwvVlDBA3GT4Jd3GAB4CXp1llAUW3GigX7KdUSbEsF2c/s1600/P1080221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYukMnI0_AdHHXhcoJY7EhSGfPtZtNZNdC3I5xXPAq72aCLOkr5V2HzCBlyWnyaEbcVGREIGLmlbMk58bx6hDYxgCQ9f41r_TDwvVlDBA3GT4Jd3GAB4CXp1llAUW3GigX7KdUSbEsF2c/s400/P1080221.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day and night, our heading varies little</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Maybe it is
worth mentioning, though anyone who’s done this passage probably won’t be
surprised, that we have been on the same tack for the full 10 days. That is, we
are heading WEST, the wind is coming from the NORTH (sometimes nnw, or nne),
the wind blows over the starboard side, the sails are let out to port, and we
are heeling, rolling, heeling, rolling, heeling, bumping, heeling rolling to
the left. It simplifies things a bit – you know to set stuff (including
yourself when you sleep) on the low side of the boat --- and mostly it stays
the low side… day after day after day. We wonder if we will walk with one leg
longer than the other or our heads cocked 10 degrees if we ever get off the
boat.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today’s
lowpoint for Lanham and me came about 3 hours after eating ceviche for lunch.
Suddenly got feverish, chilled, nauseated and had the runs – oh ugh! We think
that’s what it was – fish was fresh, but maybe not the cucumber (Bad Cook – no
more on the cusp veggies!!) Marcus was spared the worst – he’s paid his dues
and he’s still not eating with a full appetite, so he went easy on the ceviche!
L and I were able to sleep it off, but it took about 24 hours to feel settled,
and longer than that to feel hungry again.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b>DAY 11 – Tuesday, June 4<sup>th</sup></b>
– Early this morning, when I went off watch at 4, Lanham figured out the
staysail was hindering the jib as the wind was starting to come more from the
east, behind us. He woke me to help him bring down the staysail. My job was easy,
to let out the sheets when he asked. Unfortunately I tried to do it in the dark
and was not clear headed. In the process, I let out the main sheet, holding him
up on the deck working longer in the wild bumps and putting us in a potentially
dangerous situation where we could get too much wind in the main and bring down
the mast! Dang… I got too complacent. I need to make sure I am awake, know
exactly what I’m doing, and not make dumb mistakes. All was OK and I went back
to bed once he got things recovered.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
had a lazy day, mostly sleeping, lying around inside – still feeling the
effects of the bad food. I gave myself permission not to do much… some days are
like that. The funny thing is that there is not a big difference in appearance
or effect between the energetic days and the low energy days on this trip. Only
a difference in internal motivation and intention. I did get the energy to go
through the fridge – throwing out anything questionable and disinfecting
surfaces. I cooked a big pot of ground beef pasta sauce and we had a late lunch
with leftovers in the night. It tasted good – real food. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-GmsbKwWtMgC2pD_UR9WnFhuceIIhzS1FYBwW8g28eJJ3caFUF_tPlh-nqTJGOwfqr4d62eYKyRvuRCIv13xZEi4CzJybThfOSVSSBBQu-2fKFKD5ltCBfRVCuCs_ORf4m4cWPS3UEMN/s1600/GOPR2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-GmsbKwWtMgC2pD_UR9WnFhuceIIhzS1FYBwW8g28eJJ3caFUF_tPlh-nqTJGOwfqr4d62eYKyRvuRCIv13xZEi4CzJybThfOSVSSBBQu-2fKFKD5ltCBfRVCuCs_ORf4m4cWPS3UEMN/s400/GOPR2796.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical of our grey days -- but fun to get a downwind<br />spinnaker run!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While
I lazed around, the boys got into the autopilot area to do an inspection and
lube that has been on Lanham’s mind as part of a halfway maintenance. Marcus earned
his stripes again as he wiggled into the uncomfortably tiny space and did the
tightening and greasing. It was a good call – things were loose! We then got
the spinnaker up and we had a nice, smooth downwind run from about 3 to 7. The
sun came out and we got some white puffy clouds – first light sky in days.
Lanham went to sleep and it was up to me to get the spinnaker down. I woke
Marcus from a sound sleep to help. I thought it would be easy on the foredeck,
but the wind was still up and it was harder to get the sock down than I
expected. Just a reminder of the forces we are dealing with – much bigger than
I am used to. Marcus gave a hand and we got things put away and set for night.
I woke Lanham and we reefed some more before I went to bed at 10. The 10-6 rest
shift is mine again – lucky me. A 139 mile day.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>DAY 12 -- Wednesday, June 5</b> – We
are still counting the miles gone and miles to go – with more interest than
ever. Does that mean we are anxious to arrive – yes. We have done 158 miles in
our longest day, and over 120 everyday. We are counting on maybe 8 more days,
if we hit about 130 a day and that would put us into Lahaina on Friday morning,
the 14<sup>th</sup>. Don’t want to arrive on a weekend… so we may slow down as
we get closer.</div>
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A grey day
again. Lanham stayed up past his shift and ran the motor in light air for a
couple hours – hot water! I went on watch at 8, and L got up at 10 and cooked
the last of the dorado fillets – on the griddle – they tasted wonderful. Marcus
has little appetite – thinks it may be more seasickness, so will keep on with
the scopolamine patches. We are all a little low on motivation and we are
reminding ourselves that whatever we are feeling is O.K. Part of coping.</div>
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I used the solar
shower, L played some guitar, I made polenta and read a bit. So went the
afternoon … and on we sailed… rolling in mixed seas more than we would like,
but making good time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2g8IhiOsC4fC1Zz8pBuDPOokM4HeDYCg1Kit1TzL8BO0oDrTX7G-f-NLZxR97_9oMzFg1YR_m1zIT4AtVMEfzn7RQL2qCEAqgJ4Y9DmfUY2nrGqkR6gROAqvgoecCwz_hjP_a6BfdWjD/s1600/GOPR2984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2g8IhiOsC4fC1Zz8pBuDPOokM4HeDYCg1Kit1TzL8BO0oDrTX7G-f-NLZxR97_9oMzFg1YR_m1zIT4AtVMEfzn7RQL2qCEAqgJ4Y9DmfUY2nrGqkR6gROAqvgoecCwz_hjP_a6BfdWjD/s1600/GOPR2984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2g8IhiOsC4fC1Zz8pBuDPOokM4HeDYCg1Kit1TzL8BO0oDrTX7G-f-NLZxR97_9oMzFg1YR_m1zIT4AtVMEfzn7RQL2qCEAqgJ4Y9DmfUY2nrGqkR6gROAqvgoecCwz_hjP_a6BfdWjD/s400/GOPR2984.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The wind is now
on our tail (official trade winds, we think?) Today we traveled west from the
136<sup>th</sup> longitude to the 138<sup>th</sup> line. The challenge is to
maintain as close to a 270 west heading as possible, but to keep the NNE wind
in the sails we need to head a little higher than due west. Thus, over the last
few days our track has been taking on a northerly direction off the rumb line to
Hawaii. I am learning a lot, with coaching, about balancing the wind, with the
swell direction, with our desired heading. Being on watch, when sailing, as
opposed to motoring, means watching the radar (set to scan every 20 minutes),
visually scanning the horizon, AND either hand steering or adjusting Sully
every minute or two, as the wind on the masthead swings a little high or low.
Keeps you busy and awake. This was a 145 mile day, keeping our average up!</div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>DAY 13 –Thursday, June 6</b> – I woke
early this morning to a different bend. We had jybed! For the first time in 11
days we were on a port tack, heeling to the other side. Lanham and Marcus did
the maneuver about 2 in the morning, wanting to keep us from heading any
further north off the direct line to Hawaii. They said is took an hour to jybe
– a little out of practice. There were no serious crashes in the boat, so we
must be pretty well stowed away on a daily basis. Good sign!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lanham
and I set the spinnaker and ran it alone for the morning hours. By noon the
wind died down and we ran the motor for the rest of the day and evening – full
water tanks, warm showers, and topped up batteries. This motor sailing took us
back to the rumb line for Hawaii and we again got on the preferred starboard
tack. Lanham rebuilt the spare water pump at his workbench this morning.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3xji5e_11b3hFtBOxyLYSq-QrjQ0Xnb_tdJVIspg8PMQrk7tUiL81dqcBxJRrsrKPu6447vu-A8H0IK1uy8xY_qmPMADpPkhCoq9awEE04eMh6qyuWy7IkzbYPURAUJHcJSyiATMpVuc/s1600/P1080210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3xji5e_11b3hFtBOxyLYSq-QrjQ0Xnb_tdJVIspg8PMQrk7tUiL81dqcBxJRrsrKPu6447vu-A8H0IK1uy8xY_qmPMADpPkhCoq9awEE04eMh6qyuWy7IkzbYPURAUJHcJSyiATMpVuc/s400/P1080210.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mid-ocean break!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
3 this afternoon, we slowed the boat and Marcus and Lanham took a swim! I
stayed with the boat. They raved about the blueness of the water and because of
the visibility and the lack of a bottom to reference they described it as
swimming in outer space. I will try it before the end of the trip! I cooked
beef fajitas and they tasted good to everyone! A relatively slow 130 mi day,
with winds not more that 7 – 12. Fighting for every southwesterly mile.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>DAY 14 – Friday, June 7 </b>– </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
A day
for following seas and more of the same – big swells swinging us all around.
Working hard to stay on course, jybing several times to get back closer to
course, and trying lots of different sail/rigging combinations! Lanham was low
on sleep today, but stayed up and he and Marcus got some good things going to
make the most of the wind. Spinnaker up (not an easy set – quite the challenge)
and main out on a pole for wing and wing. Marcus is like a monkey on deck –
quick, agile, and perceptive. I’m sure Lanham appreciates the teamwork and not
always having to give precise instructions.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
cooked a pasta with salmon lunch, wrote some sailmail, and napped… and when
Lanham finally headed to bed about 4:30, we all decided it was a good day to
set the clocks back two hours to get more in-line with the sun and with
Hawaiian time. Suddenly we had a 26 hour day, two more hours of daylight watch
time! How strange the human invention of time – or at least our preoccupation
with time? It certainly becomes less connected to anything arbitrary (such as
sleeping, eating, getting somewhere) and much more connected to nature out
here. Lanham slept, Marcus sailed, I cooked – quinoa with chicken and roasted
cabbage for dinner. We watched a more colorful and dramatic sunset than most.
To the north the sky was dark grey-purple with stormy rainy clouds. To the
south the puffy white clouds were pink and orange with setting sun reflection.
Ahead and behind us, west and east were the transition skies. Clouds of many
colors and forms. The sky took about an hour to darken – at a respectable 8 pm
on our clocks rather than the 10 it has been growing to. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lsYd7K7r4-XdTggrCMPYW_2XtnYoVXIiRBfHOyTHdD9NO3u5CLV7SBShSiuwdwpeRGqv6YQgbClgclKmJWWzBaz1SeGvwxf6CcaqTkjD64Uyu9HZoCeHV16zz1iMAtwfRA6oOn7NK872/s1600/GOPR2960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lsYd7K7r4-XdTggrCMPYW_2XtnYoVXIiRBfHOyTHdD9NO3u5CLV7SBShSiuwdwpeRGqv6YQgbClgclKmJWWzBaz1SeGvwxf6CcaqTkjD64Uyu9HZoCeHV16zz1iMAtwfRA6oOn7NK872/s400/GOPR2960.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
8 to 12 watch felt long and tiring… feeling like the 2 am it was. I drank
caffeinated tea, trying to avoid being up later with coffee. We all enjoyed the
mid-night treat of warm from the oven peanutbutter cookies, a package mix made
better with the addition of real salted peanuts! Lanham relieved me a little
early, we said goodnight and I was out fast and slept hard in my forepeak nest.
Didn’t wake until 7, when the morning sunlight was coming through the forward
hatch and I looked up to see full billowing sails. Will I miss that view?
Probably, but not the lurching motion that comes with it. We clocked in at a
140 nm day at 5 am, our new 24-hour mark.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
DAY 15 – Saturday, June 8 –
Today, has been glorious weather. Fast wind (perfect 15 -20) from 5 am to 2 pm
and in a NNE enough direction that we can keep a heading of less than 270 and
not get the wind knocked out by the swells, too much. It’s still bumpy as ever,
and noisy as the boat creaks and the rigging clanks and the wind thwaps the
sails. Arggh… this is LONG… We are all feeling it, yet keeping focused on the
positive and keeping busy is key.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Marcus
seems determined to catch a fish, soon. He wants a yellow fin or yellow tail
tuna to be precise – hankering for sushi. I think if he caught a dorado he
might throw it back and I wouldn’t talk him out of it. The mahi did not set
real well with any of us – we don’t know why. It just tasted heavy and strong,
not like mahi we’ve had before. These were small, young? fish, maybe they all
taste more wild out this far??</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lanham
got up about 10, for showering and laundry. Good day to dry it in the sun and
breeze. We’ve had a fast morning, making 30 miles directly on course in the
first 4 hours. Now we are lurching and lunging along again. So much for the
possibility of a record day. Leftovers for lunch. I’m thinking about pizza for
dinner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
have under 700 miles to go according to the Garmin GPS. We are continuing to
try to reach friends on the cruisers’ net but without luck. Propagation for
sending sailmail has been very poor, slow transmission times, too. But we have
had luck getting weather faxes. Good to know that system is working. Looks like
more of the same weather wise, and some mild conditions once we hit Hawaii.
We’ll have to see what the reality is.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jN8ZNGPaiV-W_8CbYjlRwqLNLGEMO9MSY7ORKOy3_jV2iVM_Kg8KnbdI6YSaWlK3hO95GN3GYMhGAOvG_El_SSLt0JbPB8dagtObTrC0se4A6VsBrZyC1paFYSQVkQ_Skqc-qepos2vA/s1600/GOPR2851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jN8ZNGPaiV-W_8CbYjlRwqLNLGEMO9MSY7ORKOy3_jV2iVM_Kg8KnbdI6YSaWlK3hO95GN3GYMhGAOvG_El_SSLt0JbPB8dagtObTrC0se4A6VsBrZyC1paFYSQVkQ_Skqc-qepos2vA/s400/GOPR2851.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our
pizza for dinner was a hit! We’ll make it again…and it was THE MOST gorgeous
sunset on the passage so far. The whole sky was reflecting different effects
with the colors playing off the clouds. We’ve seen many sunsets during this
year, but it’s the first ever with an uninterrupted seascape – 360 degree
horizon for the sun to play on. We had the stereo on and enjoyed a glass of
wine on the foredeck before dinner, Snickers bars for dessert. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A moment of sun, tranquility and the vastness of watersky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Even
though we had a super fast first half of the day, we slowed down at night. At
156 nm we didn’t quite beat our distance record of 158, but a big day
nonetheless!</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b>DAY 16 – Sunday, June 9</b> – Another
uneventful day… and into the night. Always good. We are definitely in the
rhythm of our watches now. I spend my off time mostly cooking, which I am
enjoying again. The seas are a bit less bumpy, with a following swell. We had a
squid on the deck this morning. The fishing lines were out all day, AND we
caught 5! medium sized dorado – all of which we released and they happily swam
on. After our 3 dorado, we are not in the mood to cook more. Marcus is set on
making tuna sushi – sure hope he can – I’d love to see his techniques! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
are continuing to try to make radio contact with our cruising buddies, but with
no luck. I sent out a group email yesterday, so we got several responses of
encouragement and congrats on our progress. Also, last night I butted in on a
Ham radio net (got scolded, but not chastised) in order to connect with folks
on a boat named Sarah Jean. They are friends of friends and are en route to
Hawaii from New Zealand. (wow, try 4,000+ instead of our 2,700 miles). From
there they will sail to Vancouver, so we hope to be able to be in touch with
them on our next leg. We exchanged sailmail addresses and have already had a
response from them. We also emailed Christine, our friend on Maui today to let
her know we are likely to arrive ahead of the June 19<sup>th</sup> the date we
had given her as a possible arrival. It is really getting close now. Our GPS
says 500 miles and about 96 hours. That means we need to start counting the
days and possible slowing down in order to arrive at Lahaina in the daylight. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
we start to count the days, I’m trying to figure out how to use most of the
meat in the freezer (also a factor in deciding not to bring more mahi on board)
since we cannot take it into Hawaii. We will come out about right on the
produce, except for maybe some extra limes and potatoes. We may have to toss a
dozen eggs or so, but the meat will be the challenge. I’ll make a quiche and a
potato carrot dish. Today’s meals were oatmeal, eggs with ham and polenta for
lunch and beef fajitas for dinner. Nobodies going hungry!</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b>DAY 17 – Monday, June 10</b> – Today
was a pretty one. We are running downwind all the time now and the seas are
BIG. The 8 – 10 foot swell that follows behind the transom accelerates us down
into the next trough. We cannot keep perpendicular to the swell and we are
trying to quarter them for comfort, but the swell is so big that when we come
down off the top of one the swinging of the mast pushes the wind out of the
sails. We have to choose between a hard, noisy, cracking flacking headsail if
we are steering too low and the potential danger of getting sideways to the
swell causing the boat to roll if we steer too high. So, like life, it’s just a
balancing act. I am beginning to understand how dynamic active sailing is in a
new way. I thought we could find a good point of sail and stay with it. After
all we’re not racing. But being on watch out here is more about watching the
wind, waves (sea state), adjusting the sails and/or heading to make the best
decisions – for course, comfort, and safety.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
got up from a rolling restless sleep, but felt awake after coffee. I had a
pleasant 8 to noon watch. Marcus had his backpacker guitar out and when Lanham
got up a little later they got to work on some songwriting. It was fun to listen
to their jam session and they are coming up with some good lyrics about their
friend, Eddie. I was even able to read a little on watch as we rolled along on
course – stopping at the bottom of every two pages to scan the horizon and
sails is a good timekeeper for me. When just sitting and thinking, it is easy
to not notice the time slipping by. Hand steering is the other thing that helps
keep my mind on the sailing. Hanging on to the wheel can be very relaxing and
definitely helps with the woozies.<span style="font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU3OpG0GoAixPwknQwadTi_RyK4yqbbVfssPIN8bhLV2no3IOmfd65DtdRkWo4-7_Cx9_FdZvaztqu44ddy2hXavXSZF1VkZC8npxJvxJWjcH4Z7FXsZ2of_HaihNXYks_BV0mGxfFWVF/s1600/P1080216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU3OpG0GoAixPwknQwadTi_RyK4yqbbVfssPIN8bhLV2no3IOmfd65DtdRkWo4-7_Cx9_FdZvaztqu44ddy2hXavXSZF1VkZC8npxJvxJWjcH4Z7FXsZ2of_HaihNXYks_BV0mGxfFWVF/s400/P1080216.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From my perch at the wheel I can listen to the dueling guitars -- still wooshing along at 7 knots!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
We have seen a
bit more sea life. We think the large brown birds with white underbellies and
huge wingspans are albatross. There are also some smaller white gulls that dive
down to scoop fish off the surface. I am curious about how isolated these birds
seem. They are often alone. What makes them come to this spot on the ocean? Are
they curious about the boat? Do they return to the same spots on shore? How
many miles do they cover in a day? Are they still flying at night like we are? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
The best animals
we’ve seen though are the aerobatic flying fish! They remind me of a Dr. Seuss
creation as you look out across the water and see whole schools of the little
guys leaving the sparkling surface of the water, airborne for 3 feet to 30
feet, sometimes crash landing into the face of a wave or sticking the landing
acrobatically in the surf. They look silver grey and turquoise with iridescent
wings like a dragonfly. Most are small – 2 to 3 inches, but some look like
small birds at 4 to 5 inches. We have only seen one small one land on the boat
– a tiny one at under an inch, looking like a very special tropical aquarium
fish – a beautiful specimen. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxA4SEY0S5vappgH2j1umQ76HVuada31EOzd3ofvW3iC5NvG3675lZ8tWOCj09QeJrlB4xkEe8Q3QEuWJ8iSmW1Tbht5aM69RwJAINZSwDcxlZn5colmmLg9osSoQNOFxW3UkrneM4BIZ/s1600/P1080219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxA4SEY0S5vappgH2j1umQ76HVuada31EOzd3ofvW3iC5NvG3675lZ8tWOCj09QeJrlB4xkEe8Q3QEuWJ8iSmW1Tbht5aM69RwJAINZSwDcxlZn5colmmLg9osSoQNOFxW3UkrneM4BIZ/s400/P1080219.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my calmer cooking projects -- <br />cheesy potatoes - comfort food</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
At noon
yesterday I served us all some leftovers of pasta and beef and then started an
afternoon of cooking -- baked cheesy potatoes with ham and apple bread pudding.
Wanted to get a couple things in the oven and they tasted good for dinner,
midnight watch snacks, and breakfast. We ran the motor for a few hours to make
more southerly heading (don’t want to come in way off the mark for Maui and
have to navigate close to land). Also got some warm water for showers in the
evening. No more contact with friends on the radio, but nice to get emails. We
continue to fish and continue to catch medium sized dorados that we throw back.
We have released about 15 dorado, and it seems ironic that we are disappointed
each time we catch one. Twice more we have lost lures and line to something
bigger – much bigger – we imagine the 30 pound tuna that got away.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
The wind is
coming up, we are expecting more as we near Hawaii, and the sky looks squally.
We got the staysail rigged on deck, ready to use again. We had a double reefed
main and small jib out all night and did experience several light rain showers.
The wind stayed above 20 knots and gusted to 40, even 50, in the morning.
Another 145 nm day, and this evening we have about 350 nm to go. If someone
asked how we were feeling I think the unanimous answer would be “tired of it.”
At this point, I would not sign up to do it again – oh, wait, I already have. I
guess it is easier going into the second leg knowing what to expect and being
confident in the boat and our abilities. Though I will miss not having someone
of Marcus’s strengths and talents. He is a knowledgeable sailor and always
ready to jump up on deck to rig something in the dark windy blackness. That
will need to be me on the next leg of the trip!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b>DAY 18 – Tuesday, June 11</b> – We
just set the clocks one more hour back – now we are on Hawaii time! 3 hours
earlier than Pacific time, 4 hours earlier than Mountain time (La Paz and
Chicago) and 5 hours earlier than Eastern time (Boston). Again, it seems weird
to be concerned with clocks, but there is a socialized part of us that does
want to stay connected to our species by conventions such as clocks and emails.
More relevant to our space/time concerns, we crossed the 150-degree line of
longitude today. Lahaina lies at about 156½ degrees west. Math Vitamin: A
minute is a mile (when you travel in style). 60 minutes in a degree. How many
miles in the 6.5 degrees we have to go? And… at 6 nm/hour average, how many
hours? Thus are the things that mostly occupy all of our thoughts right now.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So
far today we have had more (what else) confused seas. I’m beginning to think
they are normal and we are confused. We have had 3 or 4 squalls, with gusts up
to 50 and light showers, we have slept, eaten, and Lanham is now hand washing
the salon rug in the cockpit. We have the leeboard up and the cockpit doors out
for the first time in months! We are running at 5 knots with lots of swell and
keeping the radar on for an early sighting of our first ship, which we think
could be any day now. It’s easy to feel the surge and energy of watching the
mileage to go get smaller and smaller. Just under 300 miles now – still a long
trip. Patience required. Must stay focused.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b>DAY 19 – Wednesday, June 12</b> –
Today was a blur – maybe one of my least favorites. UGH, we are all so sick of
the weather and the sea state, but not talking about it much. Nothing to be
done but keep on keeping on. Today added spitting rain to the washing machine
swells and waves buffeting us around. After my morning watch I rested a bit and
knew it was time to keep on keeping on the food usage. Nobody’s really that
hungry – but I notice the granola bars and peanutbutter are getting eaten. We
have more meat that I’ve thawed in hopes of not having to dump it prior to
landing in Hawaii. We are now on a Port tack with only the staysail up. After
being on a Starboard tack for weeks the switch is most troublesome in the galley.
I had places I could set things or tether them in and know they would be likely
to stay up against the outside of the hull. On this tack there are no “safe”
places to prop things, or I haven’t learned where they are, or (most likely) my
nerves are frayed and my tolerance for rolling food preparation is zero. Today
I lost it, almost crying, and (I guess) giving Lanham in the cockpit a menacing
look – as if to say “You’re at the wheel. Why are you doing this?? Can’t you
make this stop!!” Of course, no one can and it was no different from the last
18 days, but I could find no humor and only felt demoralized by the whole
endeavor. I got some food on, we ate, and I went to sleep earlier than usual
with the guys covering my watch. This last stretch may be the hardest. Still on
the alert for ships as we get closer, but now only seeing lots of squalls on
radar. They could make it harder to see real targets. We motored some today,
keeping the batteries topped off and the water tanks full and keeping on our schedule
to make the harbor on early Friday morning. 131.5 mile day, but at least the
Solar Wind is getting some fresh water rinsing. And the rain seems to be
bringing lots more flying fish on deck.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b>DAY 20 – Thursday, June 13</b> – Even
though the weather continues to be miserable, and we are SICK of it, we can’t
help but be motivated by how close we are getting to the END. Lanham has marked
the electronic chart with a bull’s eye on the approach point to Lahaina. Each
of the 3 rings represents our anticipated daily distance (about 130 nm). If we
continue the average for we’ve had for Tuesday and Wednesday, then for Thursday
we have a smaller target of 110 nm, which ends just 20 miles from Lahaina
Harbor. All of this figuring is to make sure we arrive after daylight. We read
it is not advisable to try to come into the tiny channel and make the tight
turn using only lighted markers which easily disappear in the city lights
behind them. We are still going a little fast, though we are dragging a warp
with weights on it. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2F_hk_I50nareSfxAbAmhYoSN2Y1GE4Oy4Q3U32kYIzfP2mMIgvp_dUV6fdgfYfP2D_SFvRqtVTS3Qx2onfidPJ9EA_Kx5MiYtJl1fbT9abJYeBjimo4nJUJpQCnJd_DrcNogw5JF4O_d/s1600/P1080223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2F_hk_I50nareSfxAbAmhYoSN2Y1GE4Oy4Q3U32kYIzfP2mMIgvp_dUV6fdgfYfP2D_SFvRqtVTS3Qx2onfidPJ9EA_Kx5MiYtJl1fbT9abJYeBjimo4nJUJpQCnJd_DrcNogw5JF4O_d/s400/P1080223.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impossible to caption the motion and sound of the ocean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
This morning
Lanham and Marcus got energized during a dry spell and tried reducing the
mainsail further (it has been double reefed the last day and a half). We talked
about the infrequency of wanting a third set of reefing points. How often do
you ever want to go slower? We could have put up the Storm Trysail which has
its own track on the mast, but instead they pulled down the main completely.
Later in the afternoon as we still soared along under the staysail alone, we
took down the it as well and the rest of the night we continued to get pushed
along with NO sails – just the windage of the boat, solar panels, and bare
mast. With the swells cresting directly on our transom and the autopilot
keeping the rudder on course, still dragging the heavy warp, we wooshed along
at 4 to 5 knots. More and heavier squalls came and went all night and our
little icon slowly moved due west across the screen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lsYd7K7r4-XdTggrCMPYW_2XtnYoVXIiRBfHOyTHdD9NO3u5CLV7SBShSiuwdwpeRGqv6YQgbClgclKmJWWzBaz1SeGvwxf6CcaqTkjD64Uyu9HZoCeHV16zz1iMAtwfRA6oOn7NK872/s1600/GOPR2960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lsYd7K7r4-XdTggrCMPYW_2XtnYoVXIiRBfHOyTHdD9NO3u5CLV7SBShSiuwdwpeRGqv6YQgbClgclKmJWWzBaz1SeGvwxf6CcaqTkjD64Uyu9HZoCeHV16zz1iMAtwfRA6oOn7NK872/s400/GOPR2960.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another day closes, we are pulling a warp to help steer and slow down a bit in the night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
I got my cooking
game back on and had a mid-day meat frenzy. We enjoyed a pound of bacon and I
pan-fried the last of the arranchera from La Paz. Threw out a minimal amount of
produce and am left with a little ham, small skirt steak and one package of
chirizo in the freezer. Hopefully we can keep the garlic and ginger root rather
than handing them over to the Dept of Agriculture in Hawaii. I even used up
most of the limes with a no-bake key lime pie. Unfortunately, everyone was
needing sleep more than food, so there was no communal “last supper” but we ate
sometime during our night watches. I took the watch from about 6 to midnight
and both guys slept. Uneventful except for squalls which brought me to the
inside pilot station. Really glad we have that and can avoid the worst of the
weather, but it does reduce visibility and make you feel quite removed from
actually driving the boat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
About 8 in the
evening we were able to “paint” the island of Maui with radar at about 24 miles
away. Then about 11 pm I was outside between rainstorms and could make out the
lights of Kahului off our beam. At least I hoped it was a light on the point,
not a ship to our port, about 12 miles off. We had begun hearing USCG
announcements from Honolulu earlier in the afternoon and about midnight I heard
a ship calling the coast guard. They switched to channel 22 and I went with
them, lurking. It was a tug captain, pulling a barge, asking for permission to
enter Kahului Harbor. He was OK’d to do so. I realized that we were right off
of the harbor. Could there be a tug about to cross in front of us that I had
not seen? Had he maybe already passed in front and was I about to come between
him and his towed barge? Without delay I called the “Rosemary Catherine” tug on
channel 16. He responded, and we switched channels. I told him we were running
without sails or motor and I did not have him on radar or AIS, could I have his
position? He gave me his latitude and longitude and said there was little he
could do to alter course, but they’d watch for us. I calmed down after plotting
their GPS position on the electronic chart and deciding they were well in-shore
of us, probably at the harbor entrance when he had called the coast guard. My
call woke Lanham and Marcus and I said goodnight, “See you in Hawaii!” I was
zonked and went right to sleep.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b>DAY 21 Friday, June 14</b> – Awake
about 5, I joined Lanham at the interior helm as he looked out at more windy,
rainy, stormy seas, with waves still going in all directions, some even
breaking over the bow quarter and running down the side decks. “I had quite a
harrowing crossing into the channel,” he quietly revealed. “No time to call you
guys for help.” He described seeing lights on shore, then see the lights move,
but not being able to figure out the ships heading. The rain squalls were
hindering a tracking with radar. Just as Lanham was about to give a radio call,
the tug captain called him, saying “Thanks for responding so quickly” (you bet,
anytime) and “we were getting a little close so I wanted to know your
intention.” Lanham said he was going around the coastline into Lahaina and the
captain said, “OK we’ll pass port to port.” Lanham immediately steered away,
then realized that port to port meant he needed to steer hard the OTHER way.
Still unable to see anything visually or on radar due to the rain and sea
state, he turned 60 degrees away and finally picked up the target. It seemed
there was no barge in tow. Just before turning back on course, the lights on
shore again blinked out as a small dark shape covered and uncovered them. While
the tug had been lit up like a Mack truck, the barge it pulled had only two
little faint lights, at bow and stern. By the time I woke up the obstacle was
passed and we had turned back on course about 10 miles out from the Maui
coastline, and the tug and barge had passed between us and the shore. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWbZC1sIkULz-WVbre08A4iH6oAMC8heka9bHA-5WRG87qgEau5tn8LzeaTAupyxOXSXuq19ywWjv8NyATsw32aC2ypU8T37nlx8VKHCDBajUGWF67Xfs3dyKo35Mkc-8HYY_WkKIc4sZ/s1600/P1080226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWbZC1sIkULz-WVbre08A4iH6oAMC8heka9bHA-5WRG87qgEau5tn8LzeaTAupyxOXSXuq19ywWjv8NyATsw32aC2ypU8T37nlx8VKHCDBajUGWF67Xfs3dyKo35Mkc-8HYY_WkKIc4sZ/s640/P1080226.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Land HO! Our first daylight view of the islands of Hawaii </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
The daylight was
breaking and slowly, as we got around the corner, the ugly rain and some of the
chop subsided. Soon we were going out into the cockpit, with the sun rising in
an orange sky over our right shoulders. The carved mountains of Maui on the
left and Lanai on the right were shrouded in mist and growing greener with
daylight. Wow, look where we are… and still, it’s awfully windy and wet. We
hear its usually great weather in Hawaii. As we continued around the north end
of Maui the air continued to warm, the cockpit started to dry out and sunlight
began to sparkle on the water. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJlol7uTA0Dk4Od8Bcr5Yzjm7d6_ztGFL__ExGreepDdcZZ34YswNBD0lxXRsziMUPYDtATAzZwKUoyoDWWgrVri8K12dMyKL7GCHRuGmF8-tYEOFyD6xaw_wyPKQqy7FCymSCngH9SGT/s1600/P1080233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJlol7uTA0Dk4Od8Bcr5Yzjm7d6_ztGFL__ExGreepDdcZZ34YswNBD0lxXRsziMUPYDtATAzZwKUoyoDWWgrVri8K12dMyKL7GCHRuGmF8-tYEOFyD6xaw_wyPKQqy7FCymSCngH9SGT/s400/P1080233.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maui!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
We tidied up the boat, and ourselves, and soon
were getting out dock lines and fenders that had been stored for the last 3
weeks. Lanham went over the deck removing duct tape from the hatch hinges and
the plastic covering from the windlass. We only had one obvious spot of chafing
– the jib sheet on the lifeline where it met the pelican hook at the port gate
closure. It had been noticed a week ago and put on chafe protection -- another
thing to remove. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfv9ZQGM_fgcXA5sJWmNEoJ6AXxcRsJCtfyCIGLsF6J3p65QA3V4cVfxOfN-ZIj8WWXcFPV6s1lbpuqpHpTItmOUxxaha6TcqyMhsfgdRlzHAP3eMfx6teTPhsgKj26_jY-zddkVFqpXH4/s1600/P1080235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfv9ZQGM_fgcXA5sJWmNEoJ6AXxcRsJCtfyCIGLsF6J3p65QA3V4cVfxOfN-ZIj8WWXcFPV6s1lbpuqpHpTItmOUxxaha6TcqyMhsfgdRlzHAP3eMfx6teTPhsgKj26_jY-zddkVFqpXH4/s400/P1080235.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dock lines are out -- where exactly is the channel?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
About 7:30, we navigated the entrance buoys to the incredibly
narrow channel leading to the incredibly tiny Lahaina harbor boat basin. There
were a dozen or so boats on mooring balls a good distance outside the
breakwater, and inside of the anchorage were breaking waves filled with a
growing number of surfers. Lots of obstacles to avoid coming into this tiny,
busy harbor. We pulled up alongside the harbormaster’s office and stepped on
the dock --- Ahhh, made it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38UwLr1cT7HGDLhnsWLmJxneLrSlxtyZuTKzb57Le1Rgn35spVrYFahMPhvKAqv7Z7aMcwePUfgrxKBSLrFIbf32ZlrteA_VZxhkqsWyT3dZneK4e62Ha6D6zWp1eaIKKzrV6WQMu11xV/s1600/GOPR3014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38UwLr1cT7HGDLhnsWLmJxneLrSlxtyZuTKzb57Le1Rgn35spVrYFahMPhvKAqv7Z7aMcwePUfgrxKBSLrFIbf32ZlrteA_VZxhkqsWyT3dZneK4e62Ha6D6zWp1eaIKKzrV6WQMu11xV/s400/GOPR3014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy and slightly crazed crew with our destination in sight!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWGQ0Q0VnCI7Sjfah7CZCOURyP13OWTT-acysZKbEDQkNsCC2BLe1PJdnN4zpnjbki7rQABitWgy506nwdYAzVoTuZ85bDDkUyFu3XBAb96f3DOJxonLoMudbldTzjc7oEJ4CmlcHX9Mn/s1600/GOPR3016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWGQ0Q0VnCI7Sjfah7CZCOURyP13OWTT-acysZKbEDQkNsCC2BLe1PJdnN4zpnjbki7rQABitWgy506nwdYAzVoTuZ85bDDkUyFu3XBAb96f3DOJxonLoMudbldTzjc7oEJ4CmlcHX9Mn/s400/GOPR3016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Saturday, June 15<sup>th</sup>,
2013</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKs6fQ3_v0G2PAgSmjCTYcONlcyE_tO8XpXLnsz3bGdT7GawfO4XNtLfrfjoaJszI-McZAbYugGKkB1H3wGe578hI5c4_7hyprgjrXTuLOkJGymSkY8ODhCPW3ke7U1CtiSPlNK45Kfvm/s1600/P1080236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKs6fQ3_v0G2PAgSmjCTYcONlcyE_tO8XpXLnsz3bGdT7GawfO4XNtLfrfjoaJszI-McZAbYugGKkB1H3wGe578hI5c4_7hyprgjrXTuLOkJGymSkY8ODhCPW3ke7U1CtiSPlNK45Kfvm/s400/P1080236.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking from inside Lahaina Harbor to the mooring balls.<br />Notice the surf line -- something to avoid in the dingy!</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
has been really nice to be in Lahaina. The harbormaster was ready to be
unfriendly and unhelpful, but we won him over. He had wished we had called him
about checking in (we had talked to someone else when we called his office). He
called the customs agent, who was not coming until WE called him. We had
emailed him and he was receptive to coming to Lahaina from Kahului to check us
in. The harbormaster softened and said we could stay on the “one guest dock”
#99 for one night. Marcus walked the 6 blocks to the Yacht Club, got the gas
card, and got the forms for staying on a mooring buoy. We topped up our fuel –
only used 32 gallons of diesel on the crossing – moved over to slip 99 and had
a fast and good wash down of the boat. Solar Wind will need some stainless
polishing, and our quicky varnishing job will be gone when we hit Seattle, but
all in all, she looks good and is doing great!</div>
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When
the customs guy arrived, he “needed” us to move back over to the fuel dock,
instead of his walking around to our slip. So, instead of staying settled we
moved again, had our on-board inspection (a quick once over by a German Shepard
– who had never been on a boat before and wasn’t sure he wanted to come
aboard), paid our fee to enter the USA and were able to move back across the
fairway to our dock. When I listed the food that we had aboard, customs agent
said, “just consume it aboard.” We were pretty sure that the scepter (a 10’
cactus frond from a century plant) that we carried from the Mexican desert
would not be allowed to enter Hawaii, but the deck of the boat was not even
looked at enough for it to be noticed. It was definitely a game – everyone won.</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Friday
afternoon was spent watching the seasoned boat drivers come in and out of
Lahaina harbor – it is a tourist hub for every type of aquatic entertainment
the tourists might want to pay for. Ferries to Lanai come and go, charter
catamarans, sport fishing boats, dolphin and whale watching skiffs, and a
semi-submersible submarine pick up and drop off paying customers by the hour –
a great place for people and boat watching! Lanham napped, Marcus used the
internet and Melinda walked to the beach adjacent to the marina to swim, bathe,
lie on the sand (ahh, earth that doesn’t move) and talk to family on the phone.
We walked back to the yacht club, got ice creams, and later had a great sushi
and steak dinner at Kobe Steakhouse. Lahaina was alive (3<sup>rd</sup> Friday
block party) but we headed home to the dock for a relatively still, quiet,
uninterrupted night of welcome sleeeeeep!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOD_JFU-GArAUcL8_mGseZk9oYow62dlOatXM3bmyyIt-0Oj2O8SiBl64kPT-qks51MlF3NKDnxTiwBs90q8RdhzNAovlSksi0Pl3vqV5g61434cNq2R9gj9459jhi6HxfH7_eHM8juEi3/s1600/P1080245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOD_JFU-GArAUcL8_mGseZk9oYow62dlOatXM3bmyyIt-0Oj2O8SiBl64kPT-qks51MlF3NKDnxTiwBs90q8RdhzNAovlSksi0Pl3vqV5g61434cNq2R9gj9459jhi6HxfH7_eHM8juEi3/s400/P1080245.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful West Maui mountains from the harbor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Saturday
coffee about 9 (how normal, yet unusual) and we brought the boat out to LYC
mooring buoy #5. It’s a great location off the beach with a full view of the
beautiful mountains of West Maui. Rainbows, dramatic clouds and shadows, a
pleasant breeze, beautiful crystal blue 80-degree water to jump into right out
the door. Nothing more rocky than we are accustomed to. We have put out the
flopper-stoppers, Marcus and Lanham have been snorkeling and went to town in
the dingy. </div>
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We are happy to just be here, looking at the beautiful shoreline
with anything we might want just in town, a dingy ride away. What a relief not
to have to do anything right now! Later we will think more about the next leg
of the trip, the longer voyage ahead to Seattle, the next challenge.</div>
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Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-17380886228340568022013-05-24T12:27:00.001-07:002013-06-22T00:50:28.001-07:00Stretching our Sea Legs<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Here we are on our third day out as a threesome – what a
perfect beginning to the Mexico/Hawaii leg of the journey! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTJAh608ZjDzu7rk460uLMa87gEOuWOj2OuZ05sU0pr3CPsOyCSRce9uMuhuEuAyu7LvDcPNJhZsFqMqUaNgVqQxvxhYrBRXJ89VKbIWumsTL1i8s2Ik-MIXJ0kKTRPQWhqWuxno1KKh3/s1600/GOPR2618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTJAh608ZjDzu7rk460uLMa87gEOuWOj2OuZ05sU0pr3CPsOyCSRce9uMuhuEuAyu7LvDcPNJhZsFqMqUaNgVqQxvxhYrBRXJ89VKbIWumsTL1i8s2Ik-MIXJ0kKTRPQWhqWuxno1KKh3/s400/GOPR2618.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanham doesn't stop at boat repairs. Underway he<br />
takes a break from sailing to fix the<br />
all important French Press coffee pot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We have had a little wind, lots of motor sailing (and new transmission exercising), a rocky anchorage and a calm one, and a chance to practice almost all the boat systems. Little (but important) mechanisms such as the refrigerator, the head, and the water maker are (knock, knock) purring along. All the maintenance that we had time to do in La Paz feels like money in the bank. Everything that could be was cleaned, inspected, lubed, and exercised – so far so good.<br />
<br /></div>
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We had a Monday morning walk through La Paz, spending a last
few pesos at the fancy fishing tienda, buying the prettiest lures and some
killer sharp hooks. We visited the Mercado Bravo, for liquados (fruit
smoothies) and a little last minute produce shopping, and stuffed ourselves on
our favorite street tacos before getting back to the boat, paying up our bill
and waving to our dock mates and friends for our 1530 departure.</div>
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It has been a brilliant move to have Marcus arrive in La Paz
and to have a chance to practice living aboard as a trio before we head off for
3 weeks off shore. He’s a quick learner with lots of skills, good questions,
high energy, sense of humor, and patience for our idiosyncrasies and
geezerdoms! We have been talking talking talking over systems as we go –
emergency procedures, communications (SSB radio), sail combos, navigation,
instruments, autopilot, radar and of course – fishing techniques. So far Marcus
has not threatened to jump ship in Los Cabos, but if he decides to go for a
walk with his duffle bag when we hit the dock, we’ll know it was a mistake to
let him off the boat.</div>
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We set down our hook the first night out about 15 miles from
La Paz on the south end of Espiritu Santo in now familiar Bahia San Gabriel.
Lanham and Marcus swam and replaced a zinc that was removed for the transmission
install, and then they kayaked over to see the frigate rookery.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcHAHXXoJiZuDDfuTnAn0xrfkcpuW-KvTYCxh8pzKEgpOiS1LcYuaG2-yAiX8QTh6gZZfZUxhBc2mhtC68WU7RwvJm_lSB6hyphenhyphen1EWWnUSXoiNSAKg0bXBtm-gbHOP-OsF3TjnXci3KeXMO/s1600/GOPR2556+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcHAHXXoJiZuDDfuTnAn0xrfkcpuW-KvTYCxh8pzKEgpOiS1LcYuaG2-yAiX8QTh6gZZfZUxhBc2mhtC68WU7RwvJm_lSB6hyphenhyphen1EWWnUSXoiNSAKg0bXBtm-gbHOP-OsF3TjnXci3KeXMO/s400/GOPR2556+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcrazd_GRGYORBJnlBLLjf99SJH8UQSRagdBGFdVdFM0-0_mUqRJK_3QBoz5eK42dvEQgD_UQtnKbTLqsrOeEzE0rg8X0M-UydYFxbZQFNIReo4RFzMt9p0dJSDQQh0xRlFnlzX6dW_fl/s1600/GOPR2519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcrazd_GRGYORBJnlBLLjf99SJH8UQSRagdBGFdVdFM0-0_mUqRJK_3QBoz5eK42dvEQgD_UQtnKbTLqsrOeEzE0rg8X0M-UydYFxbZQFNIReo4RFzMt9p0dJSDQQh0xRlFnlzX6dW_fl/s400/GOPR2519.JPG" width="400" /></a>The dinghy has
been partially deflated, covered and permanently strapped on the davits. We are
going to give it a try there for the beginning of the trip. The kayaks will be
put away, and the dinghy can be moved to the foredeck while underway if we
decide it is vulnerable on the transom.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidixM7B76Dp9x3lJFnq_PWHYU8QUx7zuW2o_irWVayRKg_0lv56iFRJ_Fk772Ue5V5ZdMgWuNO1QmPgrsly_EgJqBymiKuCMQdWSvBTGzk3Z-qbvh0E1_oyNDNnfHj3sH_b-XgSJtiyV0g/s1600/GOPR2498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidixM7B76Dp9x3lJFnq_PWHYU8QUx7zuW2o_irWVayRKg_0lv56iFRJ_Fk772Ue5V5ZdMgWuNO1QmPgrsly_EgJqBymiKuCMQdWSvBTGzk3Z-qbvh0E1_oyNDNnfHj3sH_b-XgSJtiyV0g/s320/GOPR2498.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melinda's kitchen knife cut is healing nicely!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Just as we finished supper the wind
shifted and with it came the wind waves and swell that would give us a very
good taste of sleeping (or attempting to) while at sea. We bumped up and down
on 3 to 4 foot swells all night, but with a solidly set anchor and no one else
in the bay, we all at least rested for 8 hours. Lanham and Marcus sung Melinda
to sleep with their first (of many I hope) serenades. They sound good with
their matching backpacker guitars and have plans to write some songs when they
have exhausted their combined repertoire.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6apzdJtHh6r5EdjcoQ7M5yHBHrbYZXzUZ0y8ys2vDC2NKG7ucDax7n9fJJFXFtwUK3UH1K5WTKJm8sOSk8pG55l8VuDa4xucMesLesKE7rNFcIYhnFtR_TW0euET-DfU4zbNAEAEqe37x/s1600/P1080104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6apzdJtHh6r5EdjcoQ7M5yHBHrbYZXzUZ0y8ys2vDC2NKG7ucDax7n9fJJFXFtwUK3UH1K5WTKJm8sOSk8pG55l8VuDa4xucMesLesKE7rNFcIYhnFtR_TW0euET-DfU4zbNAEAEqe37x/s400/P1080104.jpg" width="300" /></a>Tuesday was a 40-mile day, mostly motor sailing, which
allows us to efficiently make water and keep the batteries topped up. The
refrigerator is definitely working harder than ever. Not only is the water warm
(75 – 80) but the refer is absolutely packed to the gills. We are hoping it can
keep up with the freezer full of meat and we hope we can keep up with eating
the fresh produce before it gets too ripe. Both will be difficult if we
continue to have the fishing luck that we had on our first full day out. We
caught 3 fish and lost a lure to another big hit! We let the first little Skip
Jack Tuna go, filleted the second medium-sized Skip Jack, and released the last
BIG Skip Jack, probably a 30-pounder!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwEddoqeHTGFXGy_wIIrn8HxrRS7DkPLiPe8jeBgPBTVM6O_q6ADURXUahGrC86HL12TmU_JLfe5AAQTMXhV2vwQSQ0FbY5SD-G4z35ADKK3BUIkoHpcYwvi4uVr5f8GzudEO0sKFeT86/s1600/SeaHunt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwEddoqeHTGFXGy_wIIrn8HxrRS7DkPLiPe8jeBgPBTVM6O_q6ADURXUahGrC86HL12TmU_JLfe5AAQTMXhV2vwQSQ0FbY5SD-G4z35ADKK3BUIkoHpcYwvi4uVr5f8GzudEO0sKFeT86/s400/SeaHunt.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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With all the food on board, and our
preference for white fish over red, we are happy to keep fishing for the
illusive Dorado or Wahoo. Marcus brought not only his own lures, but a great
filleting knife and experience as a sushi chef. We used our little tuna for
some delicious ceviche! Anchoring off La Ventana we spent a late afternoon
swimming, zinc replacing, and scrubbing the bottom of the boat. Marcus also
brought a very cool tiny waterproof camera, so the blog now features some cool underwater shots. Early to bed and a super still night at anchor had us up at
0600 for a sunrise departure.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0N1LASJbwBKdFu25hZugPlwi7t7NxG37Qs17HEBhNE74lOqVqGWnqkplo7_woxV0QaO5K2KUDcAN-yvmi9v7uYTMhzqOv6H-lSczBuxLWceqNzHw5k4Nod5q_EcRanYCuxpPkdH-dqRLZ/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0N1LASJbwBKdFu25hZugPlwi7t7NxG37Qs17HEBhNE74lOqVqGWnqkplo7_woxV0QaO5K2KUDcAN-yvmi9v7uYTMhzqOv6H-lSczBuxLWceqNzHw5k4Nod5q_EcRanYCuxpPkdH-dqRLZ/s400/IMG_0046.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning coffee underway. Looking east across the lower Sea of Cortez<br />
toward Mazatlan and PV -- could be any upcoming morning on the Pacific</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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One more night at anchor, we stayed at Los Friales after a
70-mile day. The mileage went up because we tacked under sail alone for about 6
hours – beautiful wind.<br />
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Several caught and released Skip Jack Tuna later (the
refer really <i>is</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> too full) we heard the
ziiiiing, saw the beeennnnd of the pole and knew our final catch, close to
sunset, was a big one. With other strikes we’ve had to wonder what kind of fish
awaited us, but this one showed himself by dancing</span><br />
left and right on his tail
at a frenetic pace, body completely out of the water. We had hooked into a 5.5
foot striped Marlin.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNlZYb6H98-nXV9izaesXl4jF3eWbN-wmDGWKAI_d41xllSjVJfg-jK1mTi-FJ76XXJtKUcVp9is-TO50qwarqutvi6RjsW3AtFF16APp2AN-3ttgWDsfgNz7h2G74Z5QghiprM7luw5c/s1600/GOPR2623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNlZYb6H98-nXV9izaesXl4jF3eWbN-wmDGWKAI_d41xllSjVJfg-jK1mTi-FJ76XXJtKUcVp9is-TO50qwarqutvi6RjsW3AtFF16APp2AN-3ttgWDsfgNz7h2G74Z5QghiprM7luw5c/s640/GOPR2623.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our marlin -- on his lucky day! He was released to find his way home.</td></tr>
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Lanham grabbed the pole, Marcus coached and Melinda slowed
the engine and we sailed toward the fish to try to reel him in. After 20
minutes that felt like an hour, he tired and we brought the beautiful creature
alongside the boat. Guessing his weight at 80 pounds, we didn’t hesitate long
in deciding to let him live to tell about it. Marcus risked getting speared
with his snout as he climbed down to the swim step to remove the hook and free
this gorgeous fish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_WTvmd2G4vvkNFtQMihvtSqorCR3sjnhnlHsuwNBvIkcqIMRN6CGxihZBK7XITIM5Nj69q1LAqQIeU2hjIOVgr4VnYD6KQ4pxP1qZ1PqWhgWHZ8vCh0-JcBxNdsu1OC0n0Vf3xLLRIx8/s1600/GOPR2627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_WTvmd2G4vvkNFtQMihvtSqorCR3sjnhnlHsuwNBvIkcqIMRN6CGxihZBK7XITIM5Nj69q1LAqQIeU2hjIOVgr4VnYD6KQ4pxP1qZ1PqWhgWHZ8vCh0-JcBxNdsu1OC0n0Vf3xLLRIx8/s400/GOPR2627.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We were grinning and giddy, but put the line back in, hoping
for a slightly smaller version. We have our sights set on a nice medium-sized Dorado as we leave the cape.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyaNkfqDcwf5GJ4YMRgb_5xfq7P3esKB4wT0eq3UaHllRgkVJ5tp9n61qbUwxoLLDC1VgyZf5a9Sa8r-BwAJ4wLaOZ2lUG3c5BDLFliHcJiXlOuXdjWnmracOpRHfm_WIGABbgfczihSI/s1600/P1080136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyaNkfqDcwf5GJ4YMRgb_5xfq7P3esKB4wT0eq3UaHllRgkVJ5tp9n61qbUwxoLLDC1VgyZf5a9Sa8r-BwAJ4wLaOZ2lUG3c5BDLFliHcJiXlOuXdjWnmracOpRHfm_WIGABbgfczihSI/s1600/P1080136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br /></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaUTTMFiuDT5KLp36JeEd9s0mvOssrxF-mghizJTqgmltpnv-qLNXbxeSw9J_bAeeqn1x91D40oog0Q5_9pLaf_sPeVnctDA4evobSdn0dyX-a_IDhLOmCIBxbLTtmHv2i43uVsI1LLKp/s1600/P1080120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaUTTMFiuDT5KLp36JeEd9s0mvOssrxF-mghizJTqgmltpnv-qLNXbxeSw9J_bAeeqn1x91D40oog0Q5_9pLaf_sPeVnctDA4evobSdn0dyX-a_IDhLOmCIBxbLTtmHv2i43uVsI1LLKp/s400/P1080120.jpg" width="300" /></a>Thursday morning had us up departing at sunrise again and
arriving 30 miles later at the tasteful San Jose del Cabo Marina.<br />
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This is
definitely the most elegant marina near Los Cabo -- but we cleaned up and fit in.</div>
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We have just returned from a dinner at "Flora Farm", a place Marcus had scouted out on an earlier trip, not easy to find an not to be missed when in Cabo. While not traditional Mexicana, definitely the most elegant and delectable restaurant we have found in Mexico. It is a working organic farm and produce store with a creative menu from carrot juice margarita to pork terrine for starters... roasted eggplant soup, big slabs of pork chop and whole roasted chicken. Beautiful grounds to walk through, live music, and nice wine list.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyaNkfqDcwf5GJ4YMRgb_5xfq7P3esKB4wT0eq3UaHllRgkVJ5tp9n61qbUwxoLLDC1VgyZf5a9Sa8r-BwAJ4wLaOZ2lUG3c5BDLFliHcJiXlOuXdjWnmracOpRHfm_WIGABbgfczihSI/s1600/P1080136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyaNkfqDcwf5GJ4YMRgb_5xfq7P3esKB4wT0eq3UaHllRgkVJ5tp9n61qbUwxoLLDC1VgyZf5a9Sa8r-BwAJ4wLaOZ2lUG3c5BDLFliHcJiXlOuXdjWnmracOpRHfm_WIGABbgfczihSI/s400/P1080136.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3asu3ajlRud-j_H99NwXegUGwKQWzqi_ByrTpRdE4mk4ZirZMSTMj_EDKlK-h_aeC8m420cM35kfkzVVVowuTH2hHy3gpoDXmiL999TX7eYy4DR_XfNeIwG2zNIr1-Ypp4Nrr7o96aCsx/s1600/P1080141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3asu3ajlRud-j_H99NwXegUGwKQWzqi_ByrTpRdE4mk4ZirZMSTMj_EDKlK-h_aeC8m420cM35kfkzVVVowuTH2hHy3gpoDXmiL999TX7eYy4DR_XfNeIwG2zNIr1-Ypp4Nrr7o96aCsx/s400/P1080141.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Friday noon -- and we have officially cleared out of Mexico! No problems -- $21. We had heard nightmare stories in La Paz that it could take days and costs $300 - $400! Hooray. We're off to shop, last laundry, and will leave in the morning. Stay in touch by wdf6911@sailmail.com<br />
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Here are a few random photos to hold in your mind while we are off the grid and staying safe and happy on the water. XOXOX, L&M&m<br />
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<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-2444207979727394042013-05-20T13:42:00.000-07:002013-05-20T13:49:39.815-07:00Goodbye Mexico<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">The past three weeks in La Paz has been just enough time to
make repairs, prep the boat, provision, and say goodbye to a town we now know
and love and to many of the friends who will carry on this cruisers’ life in Mexico
and beyond.</span></h4>
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">There were a few tense and desperate feeling days, trying to
figure out the best course of action for getting a working transmission for
Solar Wind by the time we planned to leave for Hawaii. At first there seemed
several possibilities, none of which were easy, straight forward or guaranteed
to work. A brand new BMW engine was for sale here in La Paz. We had checked it
out before at a swap meet and were interested in perhaps owning it for spare
part or a total re-power back in Seattle some day. The price had gone up since
the swap meet, but still we made an offer and checked into shipping through
emails with the owner who lived out of town. Meanwhile, we searched the
internet for local sources of our “fairly common” Hurth 150r transmission.
Emailing with distributors in Cabo (that would be easy to receive) and Florida
(not so easy) we learned more details about the numbers associated with our
particular 150r and about the importance of the gear ratio and matching it to
the engine on one side and the prop on the other.</span></h4>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKHyLAokGpjHbS0CqRedlDl5HzfivRzfYyg7BQMeL_-t37pwjUQFJZGoscNudQaAOFf-yH37i9QecrldfHhuAbKXCsWh5aigezSz-cDInzpCO68Z9hkfsz63eL0HapbV5fPizjM9nk7IQ/s1600/P1080091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKHyLAokGpjHbS0CqRedlDl5HzfivRzfYyg7BQMeL_-t37pwjUQFJZGoscNudQaAOFf-yH37i9QecrldfHhuAbKXCsWh5aigezSz-cDInzpCO68Z9hkfsz63eL0HapbV5fPizjM9nk7IQ/s400/P1080091.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcus's expert packing label on the tranny that cleared customs.<br />
His wrapping job was only outdone by his verbal ability to talk his way<br />
through with a minimal import tariff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In the end, “Norm in parts”
at Marine Equipment Resource, 2 miles from our marina in Seattle was the one
that could do the best in matching what we needed. We felt it would be safer
(and cheaper) to have our Seattle friend, Marcus, who was flying down to crew with us to
Hawaii bring the new transmission. We had heard too many stories of shipped
parts being held in Mexican customs in Guadalajara for weeks while they decide
how much import tax you owe. At the same time that Marcus picked up and packed
the little transmission (think 50lb toaster), we did give UPS a try and had
Norm mail us another set of thrust washers and disks with the hope that we
could get a knowledgeable La Paz mechanic to rebuild the one Lanham had
unsuccessfully rebuilt 150 hours ago. He sent most of the parts we needed and
they arrived in 5 days, costing $150 in import tax for a 3 lb envelope – ouch!</div>
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So we were chasing after the idea of rebuilding the
perfectly sized transmission we have been using, and having it installed,
tested and ready to go when Marcus arrived. And hanging our last hopes on the
replacement that he would be carrying, which we could install in about 4 hours,
keeping on the “schedule” for departure to Hawaii. Remember, that’s the
schedule that means nothing, just writings in the sand.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgmHOwac5Oh4b3YaPM9tdMWO9uOQbgzc9Tu-USCCDKw9h8Gu-mrrUNEB8niYCJusr9P46UkLGjPBIMNOnB7iIreyjxpZwP0a5jzUFUWPCP0kflgVys6EMEbBhVwIMn5B05wGjQmUTZZkA/s1600/P1070971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgmHOwac5Oh4b3YaPM9tdMWO9uOQbgzc9Tu-USCCDKw9h8Gu-mrrUNEB8niYCJusr9P46UkLGjPBIMNOnB7iIreyjxpZwP0a5jzUFUWPCP0kflgVys6EMEbBhVwIMn5B05wGjQmUTZZkA/s400/P1070971.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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We had heard on the morning net of the best-known local
mechanic, by the name of Terry Carpenter. Lanham had visited his “yard” when he
was repairing the transmission on round one. </div>
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This time, we took our “basket
case” transmission, along with our new parts, and grew to trust and appreciate
this character – brilliant diesel mechanic, junkyard tender, curmudgeon, and
passionate liberal ex-pat. We spent several hours watching him root around his
yard and teach us his craft, visit with his Mexican Catholic wife, who blessed
each of us and the new transmission. </div>
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Terry Carpenter's shop has to be seen </div>
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to be believed. Even more amazing is his ability to find anything therein. He turned out to be a great teacher, and a skilled and committed ally in our mission to sail away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkxJl-YQvxhFFC_cijvs-zEvWwOxfdO4bVmP9yD7lxbPRwWu4u3xPRy1Z_leHnUf0tlZyEGxLPpbCxnR9L8XtkWEW0Vhm5QN9hKlzB-3Ex4P6Pr80MiDmKq0hhPnjQTqjc4Cx8zJZN1Lj/s1600/P1070972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkxJl-YQvxhFFC_cijvs-zEvWwOxfdO4bVmP9yD7lxbPRwWu4u3xPRy1Z_leHnUf0tlZyEGxLPpbCxnR9L8XtkWEW0Vhm5QN9hKlzB-3Ex4P6Pr80MiDmKq0hhPnjQTqjc4Cx8zJZN1Lj/s400/P1070972.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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We installed it 3 days before Marcus
arrived, went out to run it forward, backward and around in circles! So we are
off and running, carrying a spare transmission in our very full bilge! Hooray!</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
While we ran around town buying specialized boat goodies
(zincs, pump valves, muriatic acid, etc, etc, and stocking up on food, food,
food we learned why most people choose to take the months of June – Sept up
north in the cooler climes. It is getting HOT in La Paz. Averaging 95 with
spikes to 110 degrees, we soon appreciated the shades and awnings on our boat at the
dock. The mosquitoes have also arrived in the stillness of the evenings, so thank goodness for the screens on our hatches. Everybody who is planning to stay any time on their boat was busy
devising shade screens, putting in window air-conditioners, and getting their
“work” done before noon. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eJpu1C8vPQB1DFxjIGkoKyyafwbQLWLNHjZWYbn4q4ozaE4DONtRIY3vgp9y6vEuKoZ6fPoQpy4wlHAILwZ1thdjK_RMIE4fV3fhNCZpNiFAcNGZoF2UEHOGUBg5fCjGdnXD1CeLmpd0/s1600/P1080089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eJpu1C8vPQB1DFxjIGkoKyyafwbQLWLNHjZWYbn4q4ozaE4DONtRIY3vgp9y6vEuKoZ6fPoQpy4wlHAILwZ1thdjK_RMIE4fV3fhNCZpNiFAcNGZoF2UEHOGUBg5fCjGdnXD1CeLmpd0/s320/P1080089.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks Swag!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our good buddy Swagman, had his truck returned to La
Paz, even before he returned and had the keys delivered to us! So we had the
luxury of driving to the big box stores for provisioning and carrying things
back to the boat.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> Melinda had several days of prep cooking, portioning,
freezing, and vacuum packing – once again we will eat well – lots of main meats
and produce – to be supplemented by all the fresh fish we plan to catch. And in
the event that they passage takes more than 3 weeks, we have enough canned
goods for another 3 at least. One idea is that we will have a jump on
provisioning in Hawaii, where things will be more expensive.</div>
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<br /></div>
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To add a little excitement, I gave my hand a nasty chop
along with the garlic. Cutting the flap of skin between thumb and forefinger
was a good reminder that most accidents happen in the home. Lanham was off in
another marina helping friends put in an A/C (building up karma). I grabbed a
paper towel and wishfully thought about just applying a butterfly bandage, and
then thought it was probably deep enough and would heal better with a stitch or
two. Darn. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFsK1_wGPind9tII_V_z5HJd_vV9ZbWNtNyTAAR2o-vtr24aDtKvZbtXq8rKOkGAZqx6ktcFyUimAPclLe-akDPt63ItehvngK-1RJx0-Fuc2xMohwsPzrIN4qy8iAHSmpiZot4-VoPUZ/s1600/IMG_0220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFsK1_wGPind9tII_V_z5HJd_vV9ZbWNtNyTAAR2o-vtr24aDtKvZbtXq8rKOkGAZqx6ktcFyUimAPclLe-akDPt63ItehvngK-1RJx0-Fuc2xMohwsPzrIN4qy8iAHSmpiZot4-VoPUZ/s320/IMG_0220.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Our dock neighbors helped me call a doctor, the very kind English
speaking Dr. Enrique Tuchmann, and he said he’d wait for me at his office.
Lanham and Swagman in his truck roared up and got me to town, Dr. Tuchmann
stitched me up (3 under layer and 6 outside stitches). He stayed open during
his 1-4 pm siesta, and we were only too happy to pay his reasonable fee of $80.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Lanham will cut the stitches out in a week, I have a round of antibiotics, and
it is not slowing me down much. I was lucky – no blood vessel and no ligament
involved. Phew! Also, way easier to deal with here in town than a few days out
at sea. Wake up, and get your fingers out of the way!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcus arrives at the dock in Marina Palmira</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekOUBK-F5Ph0_smXg54YrSTRwfWhzVulhGWpIjZR0XHxnwcYgphqiaxwKnmpn9j3fUR_WzGovG5OIp2Sgsbb5MCpp4vCWBcHIkvGSlTPj2cTXrzNpFYgyp7qi0GFPULXTe0CO7ECZwlmJ/s1600/P1080084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekOUBK-F5Ph0_smXg54YrSTRwfWhzVulhGWpIjZR0XHxnwcYgphqiaxwKnmpn9j3fUR_WzGovG5OIp2Sgsbb5MCpp4vCWBcHIkvGSlTPj2cTXrzNpFYgyp7qi0GFPULXTe0CO7ECZwlmJ/s400/P1080084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marcus arrived and accomplished the momentous task of
talking Mexican customs officials out of charging $2,000 import tariff or
keeping the tranny in officialdom for the “captain” to pick up. He played the
lowly courier, saying it wasn’t his boat, he had no money, and he’d be in
“trouble” with his captain if he didn’t deliver the part. They took pity on him
or maybe he waited them out through siesta, but he eventually got through with
a $60 charge. We met him at the La Paz bus station, after the 3-hour trip from
Jose del Cabo airport. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Including new "Solar Wind" crew garb -- Thank you Carol!</td></tr>
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We got to Solar Wind, unwrapped all the goodies he
carried for us, and headed out for a farewell dinner with friends. It was a
delicious meal, lovely send off, and great last evening in La Paz.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Marcus, and farewell to the La Paz gang.<br />
They swear they want to try to get to Sequim <br />
for our arrival in mid to late July!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcus making himself comfortable in<br />
his new mini quarter berth</td></tr>
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This morning we are going over boat systems as we drink good
Seattle coffee. We plan (oh, yea, we don’t make plans) to tour Marcus on a
short circuit through La Paz, and then head out for a leisurely 4 day trip to
Cabo. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing some crew orientation -- with our morning coffee</td></tr>
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We will stay at the San Jose del Cabo marina, get our paperwork together,
go to Immigracion before they open at 8 am on Friday, May 24<sup>th</sup>. We
have several nice anchorages in mind for the next 4 days, and will also take
the opportunity to scrub the bottom, replace the zincs and swim in warm Mexican
water a few more times.</div>
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We will try to send a post from Jose del Cabo, and while we are there we will be chatting with family by phone, and feeling the proud parental flush as we congratulate our elder daughter:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YNnl5dvOww7d1jkCgS6M-u02M8tENWyY0xzyHJo6jV66v4CN19Q7Ku1heNNAPD3TZTMz5EzSUSwR4qCymsrxGYbid2kbCOPjJSS3LhO-wEB0QIwAfQRuVGVTsT6SWr_aeLd5F-AjDgYG/s1600/P1060494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YNnl5dvOww7d1jkCgS6M-u02M8tENWyY0xzyHJo6jV66v4CN19Q7Ku1heNNAPD3TZTMz5EzSUSwR4qCymsrxGYbid2kbCOPjJSS3LhO-wEB0QIwAfQRuVGVTsT6SWr_aeLd5F-AjDgYG/s320/P1060494.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> Here’s to you, Anna
Devin Deal!</span></h3>
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Congratulations on
your Graduation from </div>
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Boston College Law!</div>
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We are so happy for
your success and accomplishments,</div>
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and will party with
you in Seattle, after the Bar!</div>
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Love you, Mom and Dad</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-4435599330082445702013-05-10T11:53:00.001-07:002013-05-10T11:53:29.417-07:00Northern reach – and return South<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qrpdRKg482fbKn5lBnomq8tgm44bZMBvmdWvF4Ac8Jf-p3tNELB2RQtRZBCCld7KR_lF14AyqeCtSe-Dqd2EaqW3fYzMNKcPIBzoafDJMqgRI2rRTQzUFF4klxa6VZyB9Q21SydWuKKn/s1600/IMG_0004_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qrpdRKg482fbKn5lBnomq8tgm44bZMBvmdWvF4Ac8Jf-p3tNELB2RQtRZBCCld7KR_lF14AyqeCtSe-Dqd2EaqW3fYzMNKcPIBzoafDJMqgRI2rRTQzUFF4klxa6VZyB9Q21SydWuKKn/s400/IMG_0004_4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1116908446"></span><span id="goog_1116908447"></span><br />
At last post we were in Santa Rosalia, and here we are a
month later back in La Paz. That’s about 300 miles round trip in a little over
five weeks. Not breakneck pace, but it would be easy to spend multiple months
and seasons covering this playground and still discover new sites. There have
been many beautiful, dramatic and interesting stops including whale watching
and touring the copper mine on a second stay back at Santa Rosalia (more on
that below). We have also had our share of dynamic weather to keep us listening
to the forecasts and opting to scurry to a safe anchorage or stay longer in a
harbor when we might otherwise have moved on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZA9fh4d4r-Ya7gARBJ_6EGgr49KfITtvdUCEGK84bu3Tbi4mYDQzmVFWkypbJ2rNvZ7IYq13k5KO_ZW6WszILz3ft3-d2ifC6LTg788QYlCAOK8-7sXb_qRKqyXdFcJtVqgJNuYzgU27Z/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZA9fh4d4r-Ya7gARBJ_6EGgr49KfITtvdUCEGK84bu3Tbi4mYDQzmVFWkypbJ2rNvZ7IYq13k5KO_ZW6WszILz3ft3-d2ifC6LTg788QYlCAOK8-7sXb_qRKqyXdFcJtVqgJNuYzgU27Z/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" width="320" /></a>We had “planned” to take these last 3 weeks to lazily cruise
back to La Paz, visiting and revisiting places we had rushed by on the way
north. Now we know why they say that the biggest mistake a sailor can make is
to make “plans.” Most recently, our track was determined by wind alone when a
mechanical failure (the transmission again!) brought us back to the dock in La
Paz by way of a 72-hour sail, staying off-shore, near the center of the sea to
avoid drifting into land when the wind died (as it often did). We limped into a
slip at Marina Palmira, which feels like our home here in La Paz, with our
forward propulsion provided by our little 8-horse outboard bolted to the swim
step on the transom. Very resourceful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6hUeWEYfvbRlANvmyctreMJBVxWqkSiF2FfECgihLM9ZYNKf53EroDn8mpFlzkFIycgS93jzOag5VEB9MbDDwuuW57WULgPpAo-UzlYbYGdI-czNICikOQXa8Nb-r1F1_F5ieZM4jGos/s1600/IMG_0002_7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6hUeWEYfvbRlANvmyctreMJBVxWqkSiF2FfECgihLM9ZYNKf53EroDn8mpFlzkFIycgS93jzOag5VEB9MbDDwuuW57WULgPpAo-UzlYbYGdI-czNICikOQXa8Nb-r1F1_F5ieZM4jGos/s320/IMG_0002_7.JPG" width="320" /></a>We feel <i>relief</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> to be
safely tied to a pier, but a little </span><i>disappointed</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> that we were not able to make all the stops we had
hoped to on the way back south. We have </span><i>motivation</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> to attack the problem of the tranny, getting it done
for good. We are </span><i>hopeful</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> that the
3 weeks ahead is enough time to make it happen, along with the other
preparations on our list to ready for the crossing to Hawaii. We still feel </span><i>grateful</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> to wake up each morning to sunshine and the sights
and sounds of Mexico – a walk on the Malecon, a chance to practice Spanish with
the friendly marina staff, the Baja sunset over the breakwater while we eat in
the cockpit. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2YM3mlmpq62aE78j1k-AbtvC0F0HmXdVEhV1OuT9sxybs5SpQ_bS53MaoN1vgwU1Yy1wrSfI8q4Tk9jWccTTVX_sb-85ifo4MqZ7FGnMA3ZBbhnVKGQdxrJ2N_eBVPOgmj65RnAuTWnB/s1600/P1070750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2YM3mlmpq62aE78j1k-AbtvC0F0HmXdVEhV1OuT9sxybs5SpQ_bS53MaoN1vgwU1Yy1wrSfI8q4Tk9jWccTTVX_sb-85ifo4MqZ7FGnMA3ZBbhnVKGQdxrJ2N_eBVPOgmj65RnAuTWnB/s400/P1070750.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning departure from Santa Rosalia -- goodbye to recent cruising buddies -- we'll see you down the road.</td></tr>
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Here are the highlights of our latest memories:</div>
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Departing from the comfort and constant comradeship of a
marina and friends at Santa Rosalia, we decided to test the waters a little
further north in the Sea of Cortez. The next anchorage with good protection was
78 miles, which meant up at 4 am and depart at 5, giving us plenty of time to
arrive at Bahia San Francisquito before dark. Now that daylight savings time
has started in Mexico, our sunlight hours are about 6am to 8pm - noticeably
longer. We had a beautiful sunrise and brisk sail, but with some confused seas.
Lanham’s <i>least</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> favorite condition –
being constantly knocked about and unable to make efficient headway. Occasional
radio check-ins with a friend, Curtis, single-handing on his 46’ Hylas, </span><i>Aurora</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, told us he was experiencing the same seas and had
had to take down his jib when he discovered a tear in one of the seams. He
still beat us into the bay by about an hour and had dinner going for us all as
we set the anchor. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOUd91rAxecG2XjcqcLBdA7sisJyzpIciJyEORro6Pz5jhjDYgPpa3eXNQ7AYZJVI9LDL7cr7BDKUlLg7YWYC09zPXXdz4I5V3EhAhfFJdtva16_34bF5FoLDda9ScOLnSjc-kMetuwdI/s1600/P1070300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOUd91rAxecG2XjcqcLBdA7sisJyzpIciJyEORro6Pz5jhjDYgPpa3eXNQ7AYZJVI9LDL7cr7BDKUlLg7YWYC09zPXXdz4I5V3EhAhfFJdtva16_34bF5FoLDda9ScOLnSjc-kMetuwdI/s400/P1070300.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solar Wind and Aurora -- the only boats north<br />in San Francisquito<br /></td></tr>
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Each place that we have stopped has had its own unique rock
formations and hues, desert flora, bird and sea life. San Francisquito (which
we began calling San Fran-mosquito because it rolls off the tongue better) was
no exception. The mountain valley and arroyo at the head of the bay was
scattered with lacy sculpted sandstone cliffs and caves begging to be explored
on foot.<br />
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The water, a much colder 60 F. according to our boat’s thermometer,
was the typical two-tone blue distinguishing the shallows from the 20’depth
that we were anchored in (ha, that used to BE the shallows!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A ride in the dinghy led to the amazing
discovery of hundreds of manta rays cruising the smooth sandy bottom – their
black and silver diamond shaped bodies skittering in flight under the still
water.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-OVV5bv0HMbuFTGEavlm3Od0q9SQ8JofKG6sC6lA0diKwKi9Ch-Qgt5QIX_UcwFbjd8YcL1_pioJXnTNVbJpg9OCoWeixmp0CnOfd6G_07z1F8TeLc7Euhrckmw9M7kTLAD5sz89np7d/s1600/P1070283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-OVV5bv0HMbuFTGEavlm3Od0q9SQ8JofKG6sC6lA0diKwKi9Ch-Qgt5QIX_UcwFbjd8YcL1_pioJXnTNVbJpg9OCoWeixmp0CnOfd6G_07z1F8TeLc7Euhrckmw9M7kTLAD5sz89np7d/s320/P1070283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusHAeZLXh0DUGLKnjdewF85Q3rTPnl93om9hFPlYlK8_Mnu9BIZqbYxEcPahC7saHHIQY9dvLcANHhIMiey2Ba8J7qTYW8ejcuL1ClbqvkbpcOZEVlEghCLRxQ70fdljuPoM8XS0DGl0Q/s1600/P1070282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusHAeZLXh0DUGLKnjdewF85Q3rTPnl93om9hFPlYlK8_Mnu9BIZqbYxEcPahC7saHHIQY9dvLcANHhIMiey2Ba8J7qTYW8ejcuL1ClbqvkbpcOZEVlEghCLRxQ70fdljuPoM8XS0DGl0Q/s400/P1070282.jpg" width="300" /></a>The water looked less than pristine for swimming; all around the boat
and along the tide line were scattered the dead and dying bodies of some sort
of orange shrimp. They were all 2 inches long, looking a lot like crayfish,
more exoskeleton than meat. Those that were alive swam adeptly by pulling all
their legs in and out breaststroke style. But there were way more carcasses
piled up than swimmers – just one of nature’s mysteries.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6lJLhGmm6OG3ToUoi-u3A-NN4aHC6n45Zn5ZEHT1kjgokBqjeTNCkQrv_Z2Eqby1gV28XpsuQjfptW4jZFmRsrogsuipSyxTzsf-T_I-hUZbx6FQirLIZXfG2V6fcNrCn63dyblnCnW4/s1600/P1070276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6lJLhGmm6OG3ToUoi-u3A-NN4aHC6n45Zn5ZEHT1kjgokBqjeTNCkQrv_Z2Eqby1gV28XpsuQjfptW4jZFmRsrogsuipSyxTzsf-T_I-hUZbx6FQirLIZXfG2V6fcNrCn63dyblnCnW4/s320/P1070276.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
We were again glad to have our Sail-rite sewing machine on
board and dinghied it over to Curtis’s boat in the morning for an on deck
repair of his jib. Worked great, and good practice for us – we hope we can
always do it under such calm conditions. It takes at least two people to fold
and hold the bulk of the sailcloth out of the way and would be a much greater
challenge in high winds or seas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGNtxGbItouGORNSbRxh-K_2-Mn3EMfyc9umikheCPGN4y7y7ylJ4CZ-81iNcp5m-kubNEPOrOS9I2kj5vmsXe0V4qm-Jh-cQWQz4rck5s-Nuqw2T7r8G-fEBKaka0xm8wBfL_l1eReQZ/s1600/P1070315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGNtxGbItouGORNSbRxh-K_2-Mn3EMfyc9umikheCPGN4y7y7ylJ4CZ-81iNcp5m-kubNEPOrOS9I2kj5vmsXe0V4qm-Jh-cQWQz4rck5s-Nuqw2T7r8G-fEBKaka0xm8wBfL_l1eReQZ/s400/P1070315.JPG" width="400" /></a>We explored the sandstone caves, walked the beach, dinghied
into a tiny bay that was an outpost for a couple trailer homes and the Mexican
navy and spent a total of 4 days in this bay, waiting out big winds, but
completely secure on our anchor. We actually did reset the anchor once, and on
pulling it found it was covered with seaweed. Our new policy is to check and
reset the anchor every couple of days if we are going to be staying through a
strong wind forecast.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNY9CNMPXk-GW3G4jBmaEXFISWgWkRt7ZWCgXolyOKMh0sDpdATad6hdj0msb1e_N_TgytFRf7BAwhx1TbkHH1Y62VozyDVSPcpNj6opnpYx33YVlMso_AuepXjktxFf_oZCS_vJ4DgBxz/s1600/P1070325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNY9CNMPXk-GW3G4jBmaEXFISWgWkRt7ZWCgXolyOKMh0sDpdATad6hdj0msb1e_N_TgytFRf7BAwhx1TbkHH1Y62VozyDVSPcpNj6opnpYx33YVlMso_AuepXjktxFf_oZCS_vJ4DgBxz/s400/P1070325.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbKyscW0tSxSGq3RvulkLpXor6qt648tWPO2UG0RjT6-fzFhKmV_HtQ5bQAK0bIx5nvxbBfxvASigTTvnqFE5KT1_iXh7R7Pe7VH6iP7wJ7o04nfrdV3xgILY-50yRsj2NKRiJIdNnjiD/s1600/P1070284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbKyscW0tSxSGq3RvulkLpXor6qt648tWPO2UG0RjT6-fzFhKmV_HtQ5bQAK0bIx5nvxbBfxvASigTTvnqFE5KT1_iXh7R7Pe7VH6iP7wJ7o04nfrdV3xgILY-50yRsj2NKRiJIdNnjiD/s320/P1070284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeoY5tchKVnUmdMorYwgOZvGZJ8o7boskxfUqx8fDxzFHgGvQSmrtRgKEMAEx6BuRKlVgp0cM_6-cvYWSNPpSWhBPWQtiPz31yBZdDk76zCUf9IcV0X6tx2evDZcYN6iu1XmZeGv2Z2PK/s1600/P1070320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeoY5tchKVnUmdMorYwgOZvGZJ8o7boskxfUqx8fDxzFHgGvQSmrtRgKEMAEx6BuRKlVgp0cM_6-cvYWSNPpSWhBPWQtiPz31yBZdDk76zCUf9IcV0X6tx2evDZcYN6iu1XmZeGv2Z2PK/s400/P1070320.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert in bloom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While there is another third of the sea further north than
San Francisquito, we had a real sense of remoteness in this location. It was
away from Highway 1, and there were very few settlements for miles and miles
along the shore. In 4 days we saw no other cruisers (<i>Aurora</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> headed across to the mainland to pick up family) and
only one fishing boat pulled in to wait out the afternoon 35 kt winds. When the
wind kicked up at night so did the coyotes howling on shore. It was quite the
concert, under a sky peppered with stars. Lanham aptly described it as looking
like someone had spilled talcum powder on black velvet.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Even though everyday is sunny in Mexico, weather is still
the great “decider.” Being on the water and dependent on wind speed and direction,
weather factors continue to be a major topic of consideration any time we are
thinking of leaving the dock. We have experienced the “elefantes”, squirrelly
and strong localized winds that are associated with clouds shaped like
elephants’ trunks, pouring over the Montana de la Gigante. In addition, since
spring has arrived we have prepared for and experienced the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“coromuels,” evening southwesterlies
that blow warm 30+ kts in the evening or through the night. Coromuels are
caused by the cooler air from the Pacific traveling over the low Baja Peninsula
and meeting the warmer water and thus lower air pressure over the Sea of
Cortez. Looking at the forecasted wind direction is a big part of choosing an
anchorage. Many bays are only comfortable in a northerly, or a southerly, with
the “wrong” direction leaving you exposed to a rolly night or worse, a leeward
shore which could keep us awake, making sure we don’t drag into shallows. So it
stays interesting, and there is plenty to talk over when we start thinking
about moving or when choosing our night’s stop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-Xg6l7p-yihg8yxvQ8KYJ1spUPszzOV7FNMIA6L6bOnOoRRkjI_2nOXYiuMkBfnkd8T69E0ynrY7CuogtAmnitGsgooYS0j-04WkPkp8SInAfH4a7HyqlJIrzbkAnAzpJUdTz2DaNXmw/s1600/P1070756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-Xg6l7p-yihg8yxvQ8KYJ1spUPszzOV7FNMIA6L6bOnOoRRkjI_2nOXYiuMkBfnkd8T69E0ynrY7CuogtAmnitGsgooYS0j-04WkPkp8SInAfH4a7HyqlJIrzbkAnAzpJUdTz2DaNXmw/s400/P1070756.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the anchorages we passed by -- on Isla San Marco, they mine and load gypsum -- which is the dust you see.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As we got further north in the Sea of Cortez we also began
to see much larger tidal ranges and so the need to “watch the tides and
currents” when planning passages through the channels between islands. We tried
to do our homework, and talked to lots of people about where to get tide tables
and schedules. No one had definitive answers and unlike most of Puget Sound it
seems not as straight forward as two highs and two lows a day. It seems instead
to go one direction all day and the other the next. We are loath to find
ourselves motoring “against” a current that cuts our speed over ground by a
knot or two. And of course we will happily get up really early to catch a
current going our way – feels like free fuel to pick up that extra knot or two.
We think that the water that gets caught up in the northern end of the sea
creates it’s own tidal currents, swirling around and not emptying regularly…
but what do we know? Not wanting to mess around with more extreme tides and
currents, and having had our “alone” time up north, we decided to return south
to Santa Rosalia when the weather let up. By the way, we fished for hours both
directions and caught only seaweed – too cold we guess.</div>
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Playing Tourists<br />
and<br />
enjoying Food and Friends:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9J5HBwDxrf1vq138_ctc8Ec1gVRwcNRH0s-p-TWsz8vrevSTAJytoKMqNY0f3BuwPu5PO95bAhzo905d8KgptKF-anYomnmgs4Y1py9aKV4s6VtdtDnKJ-8sKVJ9ZF2c_VHzDN9UdmjTE/s1600/P4054002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9J5HBwDxrf1vq138_ctc8Ec1gVRwcNRH0s-p-TWsz8vrevSTAJytoKMqNY0f3BuwPu5PO95bAhzo905d8KgptKF-anYomnmgs4Y1py9aKV4s6VtdtDnKJ-8sKVJ9ZF2c_VHzDN9UdmjTE/s400/P4054002.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the Museo Boleo (historical mining museum) at Santa Rosalia</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTH0ArJRjhCLoy_xWSneM_NEe28jYNux8hmT6Q5ptWX8ZwBYUZ-bMX2pGo5DUeV0HF3i2c3U0AAwMUpyJ_BtcxuzGG2k9r-yQxDn8-UKeic8f_uRSYgQ7xtpE_q8S-MaedaYasbICPDrX-/s1600/P1070246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTH0ArJRjhCLoy_xWSneM_NEe28jYNux8hmT6Q5ptWX8ZwBYUZ-bMX2pGo5DUeV0HF3i2c3U0AAwMUpyJ_BtcxuzGG2k9r-yQxDn8-UKeic8f_uRSYgQ7xtpE_q8S-MaedaYasbICPDrX-/s400/P1070246.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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We spent another week thoroughly enjoying Santa Rosalia, while getting a few boat projects done and doing more sightseeing. Here a a few of our favorite shots and some of the terrific people we enjoyed:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_nFF826wBeQ2mke1TvfOtwXhtq78-ANC0fMVQbGObtAR62SMQTBw-mWuikbKcTwGV0Pv41E5Mg-3gffSlUhM6rJN4wmzhI1RIW9pRiKdmIUs02QtlyWyWxnpVzJLtwHk0tVdJWGXSOIO/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_nFF826wBeQ2mke1TvfOtwXhtq78-ANC0fMVQbGObtAR62SMQTBw-mWuikbKcTwGV0Pv41E5Mg-3gffSlUhM6rJN4wmzhI1RIW9pRiKdmIUs02QtlyWyWxnpVzJLtwHk0tVdJWGXSOIO/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the history museum -- a good view of the port</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kyh0N0ECzt9DmHINikNkNRrdQdJHU82Aw61ewfyJeT9Mq5TL7xKxu5sFS83HzMQ3_7AEYhrNiWHRwvf4GzAT8IfkSCtW-FdYRMAr64l24byK2OZ1lHwQIA4D-KNVrJhGilt6Cmn2N8Lb/s1600/P1070215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kyh0N0ECzt9DmHINikNkNRrdQdJHU82Aw61ewfyJeT9Mq5TL7xKxu5sFS83HzMQ3_7AEYhrNiWHRwvf4GzAT8IfkSCtW-FdYRMAr64l24byK2OZ1lHwQIA4D-KNVrJhGilt6Cmn2N8Lb/s320/P1070215.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexican preschoolers are obsessed with Disney<br />Here is a Jardin de Ninos to delight any kindergartener.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9dF38huT4TWauUFgEt89jA-7Em7_Ma8n1eX0q4if40yFMcpVHheTh3PWg0YwQEKkCTgVTsMBn8-hCtZlIhKz56n13r_AEB7Gh7mMdeOMN5A9zroGFPGKXY8Dv35KH6Q2sGEHrCmhkStL/s1600/P1070399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9dF38huT4TWauUFgEt89jA-7Em7_Ma8n1eX0q4if40yFMcpVHheTh3PWg0YwQEKkCTgVTsMBn8-hCtZlIhKz56n13r_AEB7Gh7mMdeOMN5A9zroGFPGKXY8Dv35KH6Q2sGEHrCmhkStL/s320/P1070399.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old, but immaculate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcuGicN2_xkeLHom1bgft6kVYYCHdG2Rhrm-66xDIOTRsLJHMpR5R3W0cNZEyCxymZbwUjLEKBTfDVR_2-NpXGLZrzVP2hFyul0YRO7pigg-epNz8mRCPWgC5EyUWG4PQEuC1uXc229zb/s400/P1070386.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "old" minding facility -- reminds us of Gasworks Park in Seattle.<br />No regulations - you are free to wander -- and climb?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CZaXT3ooqyNFj9n1RBnZV9ReK24a4E6wI8CJe3QxOdVmJ_hzPYbrH2yMiUMiFiY14Lnmz_aoLp7sLLL7XBUZ6BQR7oXA1lQnLGxavicWWfahCD4pdvWoJBHlnkE1AUgVgnZPBBlKxkYo/s1600/P1070236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CZaXT3ooqyNFj9n1RBnZV9ReK24a4E6wI8CJe3QxOdVmJ_hzPYbrH2yMiUMiFiY14Lnmz_aoLp7sLLL7XBUZ6BQR7oXA1lQnLGxavicWWfahCD4pdvWoJBHlnkE1AUgVgnZPBBlKxkYo/s320/P1070236.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A home on the hilltop in Santa Rosalia -- with its niche</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcuGicN2_xkeLHom1bgft6kVYYCHdG2Rhrm-66xDIOTRsLJHMpR5R3W0cNZEyCxymZbwUjLEKBTfDVR_2-NpXGLZrzVP2hFyul0YRO7pigg-epNz8mRCPWgC5EyUWG4PQEuC1uXc229zb/s1600/P1070386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span></a></div>
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We walked the town with Eric and Christine,<br />
from the sailboat, Indara. Their home in Gig Harbor, WA<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXhnHdz92nBVnhDbcgsc9HhmW12rZWFLRJkLzA6YBCshAUDQ3CXAf5dAQ5I1a8Dz6CdtHKn_KDP5UEq1RRI-lFFhnQhXDx8iB7wAXhBQElFqaGnfT3ij9FlaxopRrFZBix1wgfYJXSPyl/s1600/P1070188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXhnHdz92nBVnhDbcgsc9HhmW12rZWFLRJkLzA6YBCshAUDQ3CXAf5dAQ5I1a8Dz6CdtHKn_KDP5UEq1RRI-lFFhnQhXDx8iB7wAXhBQElFqaGnfT3ij9FlaxopRrFZBix1wgfYJXSPyl/s400/P1070188.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanham and "the guys" helped out the marina staff one morning with repositioning the dock ramp</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out and about town with Pepeh (Lanham's teaching him to shake hands)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2hODMAcTlitGhQ-VQn2ZVB4NFZBitthxXsVHF1s1Ooa-VQYtuEftKUfUd16WzFgbX17tI54BnC3vz7gOS9Btat22DHy683gMDoopPEgYpI7JysSxNFXMYNXp_PEG-9vrHPEdu4k7rf7h/s1600/P1070184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2hODMAcTlitGhQ-VQn2ZVB4NFZBitthxXsVHF1s1Ooa-VQYtuEftKUfUd16WzFgbX17tI54BnC3vz7gOS9Btat22DHy683gMDoopPEgYpI7JysSxNFXMYNXp_PEG-9vrHPEdu4k7rf7h/s400/P1070184.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating again, with John and Deb, Pepeh's mom and dad, from ScotFree, eh<br />-- home port, Vancouver, BC, eh!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPehiLlkpJFmvNwmFIfg5GLRJMIGZo1uIaqyiwOvWW0hVkBX28DNZ4MlbIVtfJ0O99TgF_dFFAXghU8QrTPNy2vlIsDAkcJ_WhSe4DEuZx-3_8BjZa2qIp2ETjoOH-E0EcSjTHA8U9c5mG/s1600/P1070420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPehiLlkpJFmvNwmFIfg5GLRJMIGZo1uIaqyiwOvWW0hVkBX28DNZ4MlbIVtfJ0O99TgF_dFFAXghU8QrTPNy2vlIsDAkcJ_WhSe4DEuZx-3_8BjZa2qIp2ETjoOH-E0EcSjTHA8U9c5mG/s320/P1070420.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYtMOKUoKwitjXBUqzBP3TwhHPx9rTRnWIP_GY5EjYXpfYUCfT7Z-NeXFJJ79it_Mw5AnCSs4AvA6K-aJ4Y6tUuZh9fGa3tR42IEmgwo-G3sc8stX70Z330133pas5DiTogSznaJ6YER0/s1600/P1070419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYtMOKUoKwitjXBUqzBP3TwhHPx9rTRnWIP_GY5EjYXpfYUCfT7Z-NeXFJJ79it_Mw5AnCSs4AvA6K-aJ4Y6tUuZh9fGa3tR42IEmgwo-G3sc8stX70Z330133pas5DiTogSznaJ6YER0/s320/P1070419.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfWvA6YFcerGP2eJgrU6JvRoRkloOSRHYK0XihMbL-6S9VTFjCcJwftOY7jn36vOZzXdQbsCP5GZbu4fovOylcjn2vZ1ynK3hqUr8weIbkBlcEu2JocoIXbhd8_4he_yTuaNliL1Nqxvx/s1600/P1070416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfWvA6YFcerGP2eJgrU6JvRoRkloOSRHYK0XihMbL-6S9VTFjCcJwftOY7jn36vOZzXdQbsCP5GZbu4fovOylcjn2vZ1ynK3hqUr8weIbkBlcEu2JocoIXbhd8_4he_yTuaNliL1Nqxvx/s320/P1070416.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melinda took a late afternoon walk up the hill to the cemetery </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Klsg4J770T2s_W2Y4pIvlSb5g33llycaCSc7U7UL7orGVzvlclQ2uEsniTR3IGwhJ_8FyEK3rlayP5rePowNhDKu4gRO7WonQCXMS5pvm_GMAj1QPI4pNoFnA07LKJki1nKXJRzX7Urx/s1600/P1070422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Klsg4J770T2s_W2Y4pIvlSb5g33llycaCSc7U7UL7orGVzvlclQ2uEsniTR3IGwhJ_8FyEK3rlayP5rePowNhDKu4gRO7WonQCXMS5pvm_GMAj1QPI4pNoFnA07LKJki1nKXJRzX7Urx/s400/P1070422.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Colorful kid's socks drying on the line.Amid the clear poverty in parts of any Mexican town,<br />clean laundry -- and well-cared for children are the norm.</td></tr>
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Back at Santa Rosalia, our friends had scheduled two
terrific local experiences and we were happy to join in. On a Monday morning at
8 am, 10 of us were picked up by a van run by the EcoTour outfit in San
Ignacio, an inland town about an hour away. We enjoyed the main street and
seeing the very early Spanish mission (built with indigenous slave labor) in
San Ignacio and then continued on another hour over very rough dirt road to the
west side of the Baja Peninsula.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3m8fabpn7FSHrIhfEfVGJX4bIMjkFB_W-v5RQOJ_rIPZ1omEwMwk65hTDrZf7AD4lzP4yfrqIXyOTHgW2ZShSrTf4e0ESMlOUWm1RUFKo7FA4l09yXCobBGsBirHHO1xnMFdEzzYOfWeH/s1600/P1070668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3m8fabpn7FSHrIhfEfVGJX4bIMjkFB_W-v5RQOJ_rIPZ1omEwMwk65hTDrZf7AD4lzP4yfrqIXyOTHgW2ZShSrTf4e0ESMlOUWm1RUFKo7FA4l09yXCobBGsBirHHO1xnMFdEzzYOfWeH/s320/P1070668.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mission at San Ignacio</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6coKmWQNL5a0vlhKy-ZqlfGf-tns4LFK9pRG46I-mY58r4JimeBadvvXyMo2psHTCAvyWno7kYmE4cVyWSY0_6Fr4mCP4Rb5m3NfEaTLvvoikKb6vBItlmhLBIPmx7qgoHmXHFlY-FSM/s1600/P1070674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6coKmWQNL5a0vlhKy-ZqlfGf-tns4LFK9pRG46I-mY58r4JimeBadvvXyMo2psHTCAvyWno7kYmE4cVyWSY0_6Fr4mCP4Rb5m3NfEaTLvvoikKb6vBItlmhLBIPmx7qgoHmXHFlY-FSM/s320/P1070674.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The painted red lines were applied to make the<br />
building stones look bigger</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgyTOAH10YXVJRJrZcCinat4as1kT2iR-XsoiLLTlhGIjjRc0fCqEt_DS2VXDbs18vwa3AxaiO1b6QncTw1jNXTaHvhv43ZShfRRLNxNO1H0xqDKCFgRMh8vEFqpfofE_eA6gOPHZTXDN/s1600/P1070676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgyTOAH10YXVJRJrZcCinat4as1kT2iR-XsoiLLTlhGIjjRc0fCqEt_DS2VXDbs18vwa3AxaiO1b6QncTw1jNXTaHvhv43ZShfRRLNxNO1H0xqDKCFgRMh8vEFqpfofE_eA6gOPHZTXDN/s400/P1070676.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the cathedral</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUeMKSr7PCFY1ZTxKXA8joK6g7DyA953EDPZkbKBDfO3SbYb1r5Ghcv7vwUPKGIIBarSMBc1dJ6F1VGdvNwJtGHlYFBMuTPg9hxao1HPDXxzbFV1fZqDqQr07KapWcEAdh3F5HnzhS2CV/s1600/DSC02035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUeMKSr7PCFY1ZTxKXA8joK6g7DyA953EDPZkbKBDfO3SbYb1r5Ghcv7vwUPKGIIBarSMBc1dJ6F1VGdvNwJtGHlYFBMuTPg9hxao1HPDXxzbFV1fZqDqQr07KapWcEAdh3F5HnzhS2CV/s400/DSC02035.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our "gang" (the motley cruisers) in the shady San Ignacio central square</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZkGFpP88ps_T_R8IL2RI_amD8XhiFY8NNwUjpMdVfKa_D0sMtR-tBrjCtk4CKu5zjhugNREk3g904eruzluOO-9065goV_yXzfNFrAmES4ZVrPgy9mh360nTEBtPlh3Vxyqn0VaWz8Q_/s1600/P1070441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZkGFpP88ps_T_R8IL2RI_amD8XhiFY8NNwUjpMdVfKa_D0sMtR-tBrjCtk4CKu5zjhugNREk3g904eruzluOO-9065goV_yXzfNFrAmES4ZVrPgy9mh360nTEBtPlh3Vxyqn0VaWz8Q_/s400/P1070441.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and a sweet looking hotel on main street</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjB-ktb65m32IdNc7CzNBN2d29Aj7VSUpmPElyFEda2ZnXtbjM13ySwpTrO69URRuDd4B-HdtM8SOZriGdBClmeAifliuDLMAZKQPRKEinQ8JLBF82LN-3lKVxpv-i2Ex40ioeiXV-hTFA/s1600/P1070460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjB-ktb65m32IdNc7CzNBN2d29Aj7VSUpmPElyFEda2ZnXtbjM13ySwpTrO69URRuDd4B-HdtM8SOZriGdBClmeAifliuDLMAZKQPRKEinQ8JLBF82LN-3lKVxpv-i2Ex40ioeiXV-hTFA/s320/P1070460.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back in the van that took us off-road to the lagoon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuK8mTnMia_9Y1wrm9RupplFAdK3SB0LLuclUY73JksaVPC8TVlz66WYdFkp4XTsGKsySgR-xCyZfvLaBMDWESsg1lNAmO99s8fwBNWTvGCkOpmi7bNeDmixcWKo5zSXHunP55TG7qAkW/s1600/IMG_2988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuK8mTnMia_9Y1wrm9RupplFAdK3SB0LLuclUY73JksaVPC8TVlz66WYdFkp4XTsGKsySgR-xCyZfvLaBMDWESsg1lNAmO99s8fwBNWTvGCkOpmi7bNeDmixcWKo5zSXHunP55TG7qAkW/s400/IMG_2988.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Ignacio is a true desert oasis -- with a camp ground along the river lined with palms</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnXCqDMj98B9bUPy1OoR65FQB8swD_7HL7dqSAagjeiHsRsCNynZX0AiwvjsfGjsg_zVbixOJcHfcSjdFgvqbRbgMm60n9z_KiojwiSrYtF2dj-_QTKJn64wzwY14ZEElaW6b-TljTQEW/s1600/P1070661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnXCqDMj98B9bUPy1OoR65FQB8swD_7HL7dqSAagjeiHsRsCNynZX0AiwvjsfGjsg_zVbixOJcHfcSjdFgvqbRbgMm60n9z_KiojwiSrYtF2dj-_QTKJn64wzwY14ZEElaW6b-TljTQEW/s400/P1070661.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the road, we passed over salt flats. Fresh water evaporates leaving the salt and red colored soil.</td></tr>
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Ignacio Lagoon is a breeding ground and
nursery for Grey Whales. We heard there were currently 53 moms and babies still
conducting swimming lessons in the lagoon – and we just might get a good view
of them. We’ve “seen” plenty of whales on this trip – it’s exciting, we grab
the camera and click away, but they are mostly bumps or splashes on the horizon
and if you blink you miss them. This was something else!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbu3olf7qAlhZa-zaEYPH_hP6NOgymZyiSRu6czGRcKWy7qm_n4HiE_73cKLsYy28AhNHZlavGfHCL8IgRcfyXzk_iBv0IH9Xpg5CYL9KRRZ9A_7GdE53NEv0wmtZQ93dejpxCeRTSW5B8/s1600/IMG_3004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbu3olf7qAlhZa-zaEYPH_hP6NOgymZyiSRu6czGRcKWy7qm_n4HiE_73cKLsYy28AhNHZlavGfHCL8IgRcfyXzk_iBv0IH9Xpg5CYL9KRRZ9A_7GdE53NEv0wmtZQ93dejpxCeRTSW5B8/s400/IMG_3004.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hearing about the ecology of the lagoon before going out to find whales</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kIP1zjyHpKRBtRaUvyPMaHlnrQHv0k8J702PsEI-gF0VUAbN7af5KEon2mo8X0BVxdfAOjsaxoUhaMrMZfPHCsCbCyCCcMrxE1vO5QYX76Ot_fCuOQ6lKbOT1_Mxo5a7sHD-PtFbVaTm/s1600/P1070656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kIP1zjyHpKRBtRaUvyPMaHlnrQHv0k8J702PsEI-gF0VUAbN7af5KEon2mo8X0BVxdfAOjsaxoUhaMrMZfPHCsCbCyCCcMrxE1vO5QYX76Ot_fCuOQ6lKbOT1_Mxo5a7sHD-PtFbVaTm/s400/P1070656.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An osprey on his roost</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIocHQTku0e98fAfGsoT7CS1nLiQN70gAi46iH0Bx9V2orxdcmi0gK9UQ4AvDuq8fy0oR7_aR86j7UygoyyoI5FkyMMXCO02aX-0I_bnZhGxFeLwxPsTGT8d-B0JEfHLAVfURU-wWePNNx/s1600/P1070461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIocHQTku0e98fAfGsoT7CS1nLiQN70gAi46iH0Bx9V2orxdcmi0gK9UQ4AvDuq8fy0oR7_aR86j7UygoyyoI5FkyMMXCO02aX-0I_bnZhGxFeLwxPsTGT8d-B0JEfHLAVfURU-wWePNNx/s400/P1070461.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The overnight facilities -- solar powered cabins and composting toilets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthxJDV5eQv-UAiTgReARqTlz5hrpTgNje4KzIbFn7iJsup2bfZXkv2jLFn86K3-LhTkk3Q8LBN40MDCIRG7KtpE29IF5wKiJqfCyaAG-0B3U0DFFdLKi5Pf3jmQpLfUZywPK9acewNMdq/s1600/P1070442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthxJDV5eQv-UAiTgReARqTlz5hrpTgNje4KzIbFn7iJsup2bfZXkv2jLFn86K3-LhTkk3Q8LBN40MDCIRG7KtpE29IF5wKiJqfCyaAG-0B3U0DFFdLKi5Pf3jmQpLfUZywPK9acewNMdq/s400/P1070442.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mounds of shells from the giant-sized scallops harvested in the bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-HUnFLHdC3D6NYo5cy-pC98VXCP0VCmF-M4lVcys88rJaskCGyOJ6yHSF_Vd3RSh5b6h80WGs6-jVAJzqxqpYE7qfdYSJ4cmIW6_qh4KA9RMeSzW_cJsLE7g7w34Hr_6Vsl0wDBTXNZR/s1600/P1070469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-HUnFLHdC3D6NYo5cy-pC98VXCP0VCmF-M4lVcys88rJaskCGyOJ6yHSF_Vd3RSh5b6h80WGs6-jVAJzqxqpYE7qfdYSJ4cmIW6_qh4KA9RMeSzW_cJsLE7g7w34Hr_6Vsl0wDBTXNZR/s400/P1070469.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off we go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We started with a little talk at the palapa-covered lodge,
at the end of the road. It was explained that the pangas stayed in a very small
area of the lagoon so the whales could come close or swim away from the boats
at any time. The boats never approached the whales, but might travel slowly
parallel to them and if the whales approached we might be able to touch them.
We piled into two pangas with expert drivers/guides and once we got into the
south end of the lagoon, the whales did indeed find us!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXN7IerYIK3lATkL9jP4BgI6sdc0ZG93IdNZiTqsO5qmdV48tiqjcz0RNY9ZzbMFKlsGF-JuX3bmS_b-DSBp3PSBX4FnQEVOQl8HnpIgHJ1ogZBeUxwg350hMaxbxOLpV6FKZ0OYe3OuY/s1600/P1070481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXN7IerYIK3lATkL9jP4BgI6sdc0ZG93IdNZiTqsO5qmdV48tiqjcz0RNY9ZzbMFKlsGF-JuX3bmS_b-DSBp3PSBX4FnQEVOQl8HnpIgHJ1ogZBeUxwg350hMaxbxOLpV6FKZ0OYe3OuY/s400/P1070481.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8w79wGpcekZlnYMjvjmti5S7i98tU1iCk3YgzmOpnsJT-D6w8q1R1fjvH66X2R1wo0PNCyOpog67PNZ1Gq49VFZzKd1s34a7KyHfXGeuAG1v2LYK6Ywwsr_RRj2q9drWbmoo3Y1do4QtO/s1600/P1070511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8w79wGpcekZlnYMjvjmti5S7i98tU1iCk3YgzmOpnsJT-D6w8q1R1fjvH66X2R1wo0PNCyOpog67PNZ1Gq49VFZzKd1s34a7KyHfXGeuAG1v2LYK6Ywwsr_RRj2q9drWbmoo3Y1do4QtO/s400/P1070511.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQciNjFBDOXPne-0TMd9EEhyphenhyphenjLn6BZAIUFyF53VfUTbEnrr99m2xcpVBVdW8HgdzeoW4c6So33aL3qyAE2yuGIrdYL2QcD4vi51-j_OAi_hVIW2sxLGIABLV0mjCtDScLL1LIq2sm9Klo/s1600/P1070517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQciNjFBDOXPne-0TMd9EEhyphenhyphenjLn6BZAIUFyF53VfUTbEnrr99m2xcpVBVdW8HgdzeoW4c6So33aL3qyAE2yuGIrdYL2QcD4vi51-j_OAi_hVIW2sxLGIABLV0mjCtDScLL1LIq2sm9Klo/s400/P1070517.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsat-HqPWU7fyR5j__EmgI8IyNu2yqXXxOvzg23eHsi-dj3PTfs9e30L5mVlLihXnNIYFzwFti8JLmxDPahzpm-EHfbfsGY7tlWTs06mlYCQqF9qvM43vGybDDKc5CAxe5CpWlot8CJIe3/s1600/P1070536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsat-HqPWU7fyR5j__EmgI8IyNu2yqXXxOvzg23eHsi-dj3PTfs9e30L5mVlLihXnNIYFzwFti8JLmxDPahzpm-EHfbfsGY7tlWTs06mlYCQqF9qvM43vGybDDKc5CAxe5CpWlot8CJIe3/s400/P1070536.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surely that's a smile!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For an hour and a half
we slowly cruised the waters, marveling at their displays -- breeching,
spouting, and coming up a foot from the gunnels of the boat to let us reach out
and rub their soft (yes, soft and squishy!) grey heads or bellies. They all
swam in pairs – moms and young ones. The babies seemed to be the less shy or
more curious. The moms were often very close, sometimes pushing the babies to
the surface, other times staying just a ways off, like supervising at the
playground. Both young and old had barnacles, or algae, or critters of some
kind growing on their hide, making an interesting texture and pattern. Nothing
catching we hoped. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Curtis's mom, Jeanie, 85, as enthusiastic as the rest of us</td></tr>
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It was hard to stop grinning and marveling at their size,
power, and peaceful nature. Apparently, the viewing season ends mid-April, when
the mothers and babies migrate north to Alaska for the cooler summer water.
There were several tourist operations in this rather desolate remote stretch of
the western Baja coast. Several, including the one we went with had small solar
powered cabins or yurts for overnight accommodations. Before leaving we were
served a delicious lunch of fresh seafood. Giant scallops were the specialty of
the bay. It was good to see the local people blending their traditional
economic livelihood with an environmentally sensitive tourist business.<br />
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The very next day, we were up early again, for a morning
tour of Santa Rosalia’s giant new mining operation located on the outskirts of
the old town. We met our guide and driver at the Minera Boleo office, walking
distance from the marina. They did not speak English, so we again appreciated
our cruiser friend, Deb’s, translation ability.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTraW07fPuesvd0saaMO2icS4jQKwSMtwMz8M9sk-HQy1VPlPToejOsM611ELYxTEfFEI0Hh7PK9SpqP5Uw8cTaVnf6dY47tuA-nmAmwB4YV3uXmFmqjhn9axrwCI4i_vOKlz469jMc3ge/s1600/IMG_0003_8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTraW07fPuesvd0saaMO2icS4jQKwSMtwMz8M9sk-HQy1VPlPToejOsM611ELYxTEfFEI0Hh7PK9SpqP5Uw8cTaVnf6dY47tuA-nmAmwB4YV3uXmFmqjhn9axrwCI4i_vOKlz469jMc3ge/s400/IMG_0003_8.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motley cruisers group again, ready to hit the mines outside Santa Rosalia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmuigv5b81fBiCCOlUWu1HeryB5G2xNjXW7p01srR1hj2YHB0qS-4rXnm8wsCgieH1QUu5C66WdiMdM1HM-vVjyTI2nbqKR40uO2hRjvFBzpNrbN_d_EFGi-ReCl2H4_RtSs9wBLg5BAV/s1600/P1070714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmuigv5b81fBiCCOlUWu1HeryB5G2xNjXW7p01srR1hj2YHB0qS-4rXnm8wsCgieH1QUu5C66WdiMdM1HM-vVjyTI2nbqKR40uO2hRjvFBzpNrbN_d_EFGi-ReCl2H4_RtSs9wBLg5BAV/s320/P1070714.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tour guides and driver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Earlier we had seen the historical
museum in the town and read about the French mining company that had made its
wealth in copper and left its print on the town. There are stories of the
terrible working conditions and labor unrest that resulted. They closed for
good about 20 years ago and the Mexican’s had gone back to fishing and
harvesting octopus for their livelihood. We heard that over-fishing was drying
up the economy until five years ago, when a joint venture between Canadian and
Korean companies started construction on a new mining operation. It is now
about two-thirds complete, and will be mining copper as well as magnesium and
obsidian.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8VEQvj0pVxaP91bwfIMCMiW-ZAckujhim4mkILeihV_RS6ds1EnXsjulMrQfh0czdNnQ2j9KDxg78SAFUjArOt8v5SvgNykATdbon7ecIHY2gctRbYbE1OMm7Buc1CAUCy4BA4Khtq5t/s1600/P1070732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8VEQvj0pVxaP91bwfIMCMiW-ZAckujhim4mkILeihV_RS6ds1EnXsjulMrQfh0czdNnQ2j9KDxg78SAFUjArOt8v5SvgNykATdbon7ecIHY2gctRbYbE1OMm7Buc1CAUCy4BA4Khtq5t/s320/P1070732.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rescued cactus "22,297"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS6wbyUsxYLGI5tmOxoyQIwejnIT8YVQ7ZGuhku0awkS0xrZV_BI7vT2FYvmyLKsZteHSK-pai2NC-2LPh2TyRp66YlNwHqUlLnSxe_dX8QLVUU7OANqU54UKchVb4zP1_xggyKqtXLso/s1600/P1070729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS6wbyUsxYLGI5tmOxoyQIwejnIT8YVQ7ZGuhku0awkS0xrZV_BI7vT2FYvmyLKsZteHSK-pai2NC-2LPh2TyRp66YlNwHqUlLnSxe_dX8QLVUU7OANqU54UKchVb4zP1_xggyKqtXLso/s400/P1070729.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each rescued cacti is numbered<br />
Signs in English, Spanish and Korean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We saw the camp where the workers are housed, fed, and entertained. We saw one of the green houses where they bring specimens of the 8 different kinds of cacti that are endangered and nurture them until they are relocated.<br />
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And we saw the amazing grading of the entire mountainscape, the construction of
the processing vats, the conveyor belt that will move the minerals through the
process, and the beginning of the 5,000 meter dock where cargo ships will be
loaded. One of the weird facts is that once they are operational they only
expect to stay profitable and open for 25 years, then phase three is to return
the landscape to its original setting. At the moment, the mine project is good
for the town and for employment – down the road, we wonder? </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsvVqsZC3Ltz2XqFvoSrf56g62TPzkhagiuSWYtsmw8-2x4xzyBV_Rf8weNeWmbWthp8nV2X5L7PozkjcfOcMfLzhlJsFNWLlXn1LUA5qW-0VE69f50qK4UJ2wm141bH8OUvGby_pfDVR/s1600/P1070805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsvVqsZC3Ltz2XqFvoSrf56g62TPzkhagiuSWYtsmw8-2x4xzyBV_Rf8weNeWmbWthp8nV2X5L7PozkjcfOcMfLzhlJsFNWLlXn1LUA5qW-0VE69f50qK4UJ2wm141bH8OUvGby_pfDVR/s400/P1070805.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solar Wind in the truly beautiful Bahia Concepcion (at Santispac)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So, having had our marine biology experience and our social
studies/geology lesson we had a couple more great meals with friends, including
the weekend only special, roasted chicken and pork carnitas, at a favorite
restaurant. Provisioning with a full chicken and a kilo of pulled pork, we had
another early morning departure and a full day of sailing, returning to
Santispac in Bahia Concepcion.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoFo1RPh6_sy5BJsRS9Z5kpEOLJJabDDoLvflNpLumasgoMBVthNffOqqQ2S_tIe_2EnrGsq8zUUNCKqVZvlKJPw-KyWGocAMwQzBXzE2l5fow3UaWJ5__mCV8kYTn1ihOZ4EoDD5uKnx/s1600/P1070354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoFo1RPh6_sy5BJsRS9Z5kpEOLJJabDDoLvflNpLumasgoMBVthNffOqqQ2S_tIe_2EnrGsq8zUUNCKqVZvlKJPw-KyWGocAMwQzBXzE2l5fow3UaWJ5__mCV8kYTn1ihOZ4EoDD5uKnx/s320/P1070354.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L's favorite way to end a day or christen a new anchorage -<br />
A dive from the boat and a warm water rinse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWj9FoLmYFz-0qFuXR5zV_xECwYj8-yYRWOFS0Z6DiHf7kndmQqMtBNuOtqiH2IMUhqqqU24pHW0L20SQqN3D_7-kVJJC0jwIBd0x6MNzRbHc8jo6Pvop3Trx-UgSov5d13mq0Sk9Psk5f/s1600/P1070777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWj9FoLmYFz-0qFuXR5zV_xECwYj8-yYRWOFS0Z6DiHf7kndmQqMtBNuOtqiH2IMUhqqqU24pHW0L20SQqN3D_7-kVJJC0jwIBd0x6MNzRbHc8jo6Pvop3Trx-UgSov5d13mq0Sk9Psk5f/s320/P1070777.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanham is doing a bottom scrub in the<br />
chillier water -- his head has rubbed off some<br />
of your bottom paint</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJhcsBea4cupucsei8hiKwQDtgVLG8h5oEMM2T14jHC8ILydbSEkcGlegj70A5oLoF6-DYZAznFtAMy59z1D7nhZpLCawg-HuBoIDhJz1-DEaTh-oplaOqi9TkDZ0XMenvAFvILV95HDl/s1600/P1070837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJhcsBea4cupucsei8hiKwQDtgVLG8h5oEMM2T14jHC8ILydbSEkcGlegj70A5oLoF6-DYZAznFtAMy59z1D7nhZpLCawg-HuBoIDhJz1-DEaTh-oplaOqi9TkDZ0XMenvAFvILV95HDl/s400/P1070837.JPG" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birds of many feathers hang out together here in the Sea.<br />We have even seen perfect V-formations made up of<br />multiple species -- pelicans, gulls, and boobies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Santispac is where we had spent Easter, but now we
were facing a quiet beach san the holiday hoopla and crowds. Again, we waited
out some big wind, enjoyed the swimming and got the bottom of the boat
scrubbed, went to shore the third day there and borrowed our friend Swagman’s
truck for a trip to Hotel Serenidad.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISnq-N2eRVo4iycVM6PukGXDSdA29I3ikirEcIfi8hBifoLIZrKNl_dJ-RWmPVHGjjWJ0qyxoTG5sksgrqTJ8U3xKxrJvVUNF5NgU0JxVyB_MXhVUDz1SSDdC52fjNvHXYMEXUm3GhEry/s1600/P1070778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISnq-N2eRVo4iycVM6PukGXDSdA29I3ikirEcIfi8hBifoLIZrKNl_dJ-RWmPVHGjjWJ0qyxoTG5sksgrqTJ8U3xKxrJvVUNF5NgU0JxVyB_MXhVUDz1SSDdC52fjNvHXYMEXUm3GhEry/s400/P1070778.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel Serenidad -- a quaint fly-in hotel<br />We LOVED the sign advising pilots how to "take OOF"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4yuDdp2y9qhA8yACzsYEWdcXh1VMuyAL-lDmqMF4loly7p7ILyJjtW8XpbUFqdsIUShtueOPxcapJJRysCNyfJcecuaiaejlQwFgvylcsqrDtBKnIbRdriBJyVZdbNAcEK1J7SBpO_3B/s1600/P1070785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4yuDdp2y9qhA8yACzsYEWdcXh1VMuyAL-lDmqMF4loly7p7ILyJjtW8XpbUFqdsIUShtueOPxcapJJRysCNyfJcecuaiaejlQwFgvylcsqrDtBKnIbRdriBJyVZdbNAcEK1J7SBpO_3B/s320/P1070785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnH2K2sQukeLlq8PubF5_8WjwT5PaJOPBTEKk6GaSEwnvs_UEAXlw4xPPD4Wi2xOisOdT4FgVCVqPg2MOMPVShZm6sHS7QN1b2UM-jsMRNLZnbIkNEAj-FnU0RZdmjqSBhaBUrnt7Cw0h/s1600/P1070788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnH2K2sQukeLlq8PubF5_8WjwT5PaJOPBTEKk6GaSEwnvs_UEAXlw4xPPD4Wi2xOisOdT4FgVCVqPg2MOMPVShZm6sHS7QN1b2UM-jsMRNLZnbIkNEAj-FnU0RZdmjqSBhaBUrnt7Cw0h/s320/P1070788.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The "Duke" among other famous visitors spent time at this bar. We hope to come back -- anyone want to fly in with us?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqjP1K2XHt2Nf52K4pi7v1abTS9DX86iu3ZuMWePVToyu2Fmwdma1dn0Y7ETpZ2aBRy6yt9C6wS7p6IYKM8hYpmzaW4k0vQJZE7GYwUQLPCA2e2h_mPv8DvTqOP8Iq6CppAXTfFvJRMAv/s1600/P1070792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqjP1K2XHt2Nf52K4pi7v1abTS9DX86iu3ZuMWePVToyu2Fmwdma1dn0Y7ETpZ2aBRy6yt9C6wS7p6IYKM8hYpmzaW4k0vQJZE7GYwUQLPCA2e2h_mPv8DvTqOP8Iq6CppAXTfFvJRMAv/s400/P1070792.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above the beach at Santispac -- a future building site for us???</td></tr>
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We delivered his truck from its beach
parking spot to some Americans with a home up on the hill. We enjoyed meeting a
couple in this pretty cool little Gringo enclave, and had sweet dreams about
buying one of the lots for sale up there… dream on. We’ll have to go home and
think about it.</div>
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Expect the Unexpected<br />
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As we motored south, about 10 miles out into the Sea of
Cortez, our trip was drastically altered. Forward gear on the transmission
quite suddenly stopped propelling us forward. The engine sounded fine, neutral
and reverse did their job, but forward wasn’t getting us anywhere. The wind was
just coming up and … well, we ARE a sailboat. And from that moment on we had
the experience of true reliance on wind and patience to make our way. As we mulled over our options, going back did not seem like
much use, and there were no larger ports that would have repair facilities
until we got to La Paz. So sail (and flap and drift) we did.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gDbH_5it1ObDkAzVVLvGrdneX0rRTwsJ3wvJ6M2ZLiyLAFxkypfJWg883Qrk3MnWj52V8xU1dKMHsqyi3OoUafslGlvHx2SnyH-ewdoq3FrwAoM3tsObSC66yu1eunmh6cJZTXk84k9k/s1600/P1070841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gDbH_5it1ObDkAzVVLvGrdneX0rRTwsJ3wvJ6M2ZLiyLAFxkypfJWg883Qrk3MnWj52V8xU1dKMHsqyi3OoUafslGlvHx2SnyH-ewdoq3FrwAoM3tsObSC66yu1eunmh6cJZTXk84k9k/s400/P1070841.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to sleep here -- after 22 hours to "sail" 45 nm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first easy sure anchorage was about 45 miles (8 or fewer
hours with the motor). While we had some bouts of nice strong breeze, it was
all on the nose, so it added many miles to tack back and forth staying as close
to the wind as possible. As it got dark, we realized that with our current
speed and course we should plan to sail through the night, and try to anchor at
sun up to rest. We did, doing fine on our 2-3 hour watch schedule, but sitting
through several wee morning hours of dead calm. About 4 am, just as the full
moon set and it got really dark, we arrived at the bay that we thought would be
easy and calm to anchor. Using a GPS anchoring point from our chart, we motored
<i>backwards </i><span style="font-style: normal;">over a mile to get to our
chosen spot, aware of rocks on one side and not sure of the depths on the other.
The wind came up once and we abandoned the idea, when it died again, we
re-backed over our tracks. By 6 am, 22 hours after leaving our last anchorage,
we had the hook down, the sun came up, and we went to sleep. Looking at the
transmission could wait until after our naps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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After satisfying (or disappointing) ourselves that it was
not some simple problem, like a line around the prop, a slipping cable, or an
adjustment on the transmission linkage, (Lanham dove on the prop, got out the
manual and readjusted linkage, etc) we decided to catch the afternoon’s
building breeze and sail on through the next night, leaving after 12 hours
rest. We must add, that it was very reassuring to have friends “out there” and
to have radio contact set up. We had a regular SSB radio chat time set up at 9
am and 7 pm and talked morning and evening with our buddies still behind in
Santa Rosalia. They readily offered to change their plans and come meet us to
try to facilitate getting back to La Paz. We declined, but know without a doubt
that they were there for us if we could have used the help. We were actually
feeling safe and sound, and enjoying the practice in true sailoring.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidk_3HMeqXvmf-cX0MHO-mu72XiBYr7Q3bj7UTEjthJBcBgK8CkxJO9NF2wkNaZMHvwi069SBWWSH8ysDVzyqAfzdC8F2XNL1AjsjrLVbKVnWnhflE-K1Ih01Y2dwueIvek9qztu2DHiW1/s1600/P1070845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidk_3HMeqXvmf-cX0MHO-mu72XiBYr7Q3bj7UTEjthJBcBgK8CkxJO9NF2wkNaZMHvwi069SBWWSH8ysDVzyqAfzdC8F2XNL1AjsjrLVbKVnWnhflE-K1Ih01Y2dwueIvek9qztu2DHiW1/s400/P1070845.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the type of fishing buoy that we needed to be on the lookout for.<br />
This one passed within two feet of our stern. Without a motor is is a much bigger deal<br />
to navigate around obstacles of all kinds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We sailed
another 72 hours straight, staying out from the islands and coast about 20
miles. We stopped 4 more nights once we were down in the islands closer to La
Paz (Isla San Francisco, Ensenada Grande, Cabaza de Mechudo, and Bahia
Gallina). Looking back, these last few nights were restful.<br />
When the wind was
not cooperating we just gave up on trying to make distance and stopped early to
swim, cook, and soak it up (suck it up too, our worry about the transmission
fix that would have to be postponed another day). We got better at backing in,
and even got experience in dropping and pulling anchor under sail.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water yoga -- no better way to relieve the stress</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0K9pwXRueg9EiW4ZSla8_ivGu-eDgqPzfU1m3g5_uZt8RmzvrHPp4cn9BJz-ME4Hdt-oSuUzYbcABL83pkcWoXbP_ZQ_Oe7Wq6FIZgrYzngR3e06Ka9A5zv8roVVqE8Ua7Vp5G3tooydw/s1600/P1070870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0K9pwXRueg9EiW4ZSla8_ivGu-eDgqPzfU1m3g5_uZt8RmzvrHPp4cn9BJz-ME4Hdt-oSuUzYbcABL83pkcWoXbP_ZQ_Oe7Wq6FIZgrYzngR3e06Ka9A5zv8roVVqE8Ua7Vp5G3tooydw/s400/P1070870.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a break from the boat -- our kayaks have continued to get leakier<br />
but we still love them<br />
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</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezkEHR44n98I9c-N2yECnS5krJ63kIoninupp1hU0DV7oxW0d4Us2e8XwgHrlNSHvtneC6dteUNpWrMU_fGY7srbhZEyGYVtmFxxqKUzL5UQuRpI93VebO6a9H_kiHIfkOaeH8XjYkeI0/s1600/P1070906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezkEHR44n98I9c-N2yECnS5krJ63kIoninupp1hU0DV7oxW0d4Us2e8XwgHrlNSHvtneC6dteUNpWrMU_fGY7srbhZEyGYVtmFxxqKUzL5UQuRpI93VebO6a9H_kiHIfkOaeH8XjYkeI0/s400/P1070906.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking the dirt road at Cabeza de Mechudo<br />
where Lanham almost stepped on this diamond-backed rattler in his tevas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back on board and heading to La Paz how ever fast (or slow) the wind would take us.<br />
The dramatic Sierra Giganta mountain range.<br />
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Two days from La Paz, while “underway,” but actually
drifting backwards on molasses flat water,<br />
Lanham got busy with his tape
measurer, jigsaw, drill, screw gun, and 3 old pieces of plywood. (Never ask,
why you are bringing extra wood scraps). He fashioned a platform for the
outboard, screwed to the swim step.<br />
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With a few adjustments to height and angle
we were able to motor forward at 3.5 knots. We just needed to watch our gas
consumption and make sure we had plenty for the channel into La Paz and to navigate
into a slip.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wah-Lah... we are moving forward</td></tr>
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For our last couple miles we got a boost from friend Curtis in his
dinghy with 15-horse engine, but the little outboard did its job moving around
the marina. Lanham says he meant to make a bracket before we left Seattle. It’s
not as pretty as that one would have been, but it worked. It will of course
live in the bilge for future emergencies (just to assure that it’s never needed
again.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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What next?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our first week back here in the marina was spent
investigating the mind-boggling possibilities of replacing or repairing the
transmission in 3 weeks time. We pursued the possible purchase of a new BMW
engine that happens to be here in La Paz, for the purpose of trading out
transmissions and having it shipped to Seattle for future use. That was ruled
that out when we found the transmission gear ratio didn’t match ours. We had
calls and emails into shops in Cabo, Florida, and Seattle. After 4 days of
negotiating and putting it together we are now happy with our plan. We hope to
receive parts within a few days to have a mechanic we’ve located here rebuild
our current trans, again. AND, to be safe we are having a new transmission
(meets specs but slightly lighter duty) brought from Seattle with our friend
and Hawaii crewmember, Marcus. Which ever gets here and installed first will be
the one that takes us to Hawaii, and we will hopefully have a back-up for the
trip.<o:p></o:p></div>
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While we wait, oh so patiently and try to think oh so
positively, we are staying BUSY, getting the boat as prepped as possible.
Yesterday was mast day – Lanham was aloft for about 5 hours, inspecting,
lubing, cleaning, waxing. Melinda worked on deck polish and ran the L up and
down on the halyard. Today was sail day – we both worked on some stitching and
reinforcing of both sails. (We carry a spare main, a smaller spare jib, and 3
different storm sails, plus our light air asymmetrical spinnaker). The two
sails we have on now will be the best for the broad reach we expect to have for
most of the 2,000 miles of trade winds to Hawaii. Tomorrow we will polish
stainless and lubricate the deck hardware. We have a master list including
provisioning and topping off equipment. Plenty to do while we wait in our slip
to install a new transmission!!!<o:p></o:p><br />
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Including.... a trip to "The SHACK" a cruisers' hangout here in La Paz. It fits the budget and has lots of character, even if it's far from "authentic mexico."<br />
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The scene here at Marina Palmira is quite different than it
was in February and March. It’s only about a third full; many people are
cruising north in the islands, or heading to hurricane holes or boatyards to be
hauled out for the summer. It’s quiet and by mid-day it is heating up – mid
90’s without much breeze. The mosquitoes come out right after dark, so we come
inside with our bug screens on the hatches. We look forward to a few more
excursions into town, but with our departure date of June 21<sup>st</sup> in
sight we are pretty focused on the next chapter. Stay tuned, we will post once
more before we push off!</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-17221427083922838292013-04-05T23:49:00.004-07:002013-04-05T23:49:36.861-07:00On our way to... Santa Rosalita<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFncpMjSNbWG1RQ8M5YBLG8CmX3FA1KZH5mxs4QRPUpA9_aRrjJCZhP9HjCpaoRjtVKy8xCwyffSWvXPdi2vzVh6wNJvUg8ZByAJKOo9Gp1sx65q0WrZNwKsGtE1hgDaVT2B98vfbjxUd/s1600/P1060746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFncpMjSNbWG1RQ8M5YBLG8CmX3FA1KZH5mxs4QRPUpA9_aRrjJCZhP9HjCpaoRjtVKy8xCwyffSWvXPdi2vzVh6wNJvUg8ZByAJKOo9Gp1sx65q0WrZNwKsGtE1hgDaVT2B98vfbjxUd/s400/P1060746.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing along the Baja Coast</td></tr>
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I’ll try to chronicle the past couple of weeks and highlight
our stops up the coast – mostly for our own memory bank, as the blog is turning
out to be one of the best ways to look back on where we’ve been and the
uniqueness of each spot. As a whole this segment of the trip has been perhaps
the most relaxed and we’ve succumbed to a rhythm that feels right.</div>
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A little about our routine and rhythm:</div>
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Generally our days start about 7, when we wake up with the
sun. (OK, Melinda does, Lanham is often awake much earlier.) We haven’t needed
an alarm clock for a while – it’s hard to imagine those dark Seattle 5 a.m.ers.
We French Press one strong pot of Starbucks (the electric grinder we have on
board is one thing that sets us apart from most of the other cruisers we meet),
and by 7:30 we are listening to the Sonrisa Net. This is a Ham users’ forum.
Because we are not licensed, we don’t join in, but we listen in. Listening is
permissible to everyone with a single sideband radio. It took Lanham many
months of research, antenna running, consultations and tests to make sure the
High Frequency radio was working. The biggest discovery was that they always
work poorly <i>in</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> a marina, due to all the
interference from metal masts and electrical boat systems surrounding you. As
soon as we were on open water, the radio started working great.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roca Solitara</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaGK_QZdsFfOcYLXhz2_g3rEPAb2UGnnZO3q_TeXhzzcY0UlvQImVSLYc8f_QQXWGWNfcrmGhia-YxbbsOi2DMkzA9QlFFVaQUENDsq0kQa9sMrwRvaRsVJk9PMgwsBxEUTAbnV-oV-az/s1600/P1060843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaGK_QZdsFfOcYLXhz2_g3rEPAb2UGnnZO3q_TeXhzzcY0UlvQImVSLYc8f_QQXWGWNfcrmGhia-YxbbsOi2DMkzA9QlFFVaQUENDsq0kQa9sMrwRvaRsVJk9PMgwsBxEUTAbnV-oV-az/s400/P1060843.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are cruisers’ nets all over the world – the Sonrisa
Net seems to cover most of Mexico, both Baja and the Mainland – and the
reception varies depending on where we are, where the speaker is, and the
weather/atmospheric conditions on a given day. Lanham is looking into the
possibility of getting certified as it would be fun to find a net to
participate in on the upcoming trip to Hawaii, but whether you are licensed or
not you are allowed to talk if you have an emergency or need assistance. We
learn a lot about local weather from listening to folk around the sea “checking
in” and we’ve gotten to recognize boats and “personalities” some we’ve met,
others we may yet meet. What they say is so true – there is a “boating
community” of friendly, outgoing, and helpful people all over the place. Most
absolutely love the lifestyle, and all have various “stories” of how they got
there and not so definitive “plans” for keeping it going. In addition, many
towns with anchorages nearby organize a morning net on the VHF radio. It has a
much shorter range (maybe 20 miles based on line of sight). It is used to
report comings and goings, share local knowledge and assistance, publicize social
events that cruisers organize for themselves or to raise funds for local
charities. A more localized weather and tide report is usually given on this
forum as well. At 7:45, there is a formal weather forecast on the Sunrisa Net
that covers all the areas we might want to know about for the next 3 days.
Lately, the weather has been pretty benign, and the most accurate thing that
can be forecast is a big change in weather – so that’s what we listen for.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EchmCrlgQBRQyxPpIsCuK1g0KasOI5cZ7DLSbQG-2IamfJyKLKHRGhXdGgjyMdCt2-_Koo0HYKYyyV7FOmQFtajDkL2H1pLtc45nuN3b7X7yxarX4fozrsrqT1lmPRIUuUu6Z8j9qUgy/s1600/P1060760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EchmCrlgQBRQyxPpIsCuK1g0KasOI5cZ7DLSbQG-2IamfJyKLKHRGhXdGgjyMdCt2-_Koo0HYKYyyV7FOmQFtajDkL2H1pLtc45nuN3b7X7yxarX4fozrsrqT1lmPRIUuUu6Z8j9qUgy/s400/P1060760.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanham's starting to blend in with the cacti</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We often have an idea of what’s on the agenda for the
morning, so if it still sounds good we proceed with a one of several kinds of
days – a moving day (time to pull the anchor and head to a new spot) – a water
play day (time to kayak along shore to explore or take the dinghy out to
snorkel) – a hiking day (time to pack tennis shoes and socks, sunscreen and
water to go walk the beach or the mountains) – a boat or chore day (time to do
maintenance, cleaning, or if near a town, shopping). Some days are combo days,
and some days get totally hijacked by weather or mood, but generally by 3 or 4
we are back on the boat, or re-anchored in a new destination, jumping in the
water for a swim/bath, followed by a freshwater shower and soap up on the
transom, a refreshing beverage, and maybe a couple hours of reading or
cat-napping. Looking in the fridge usually suggests what the ingredients of the
next meal will be – what’s ripe and ready to eat, what could go together for a
healthy meal. Each time we provision we add more and now have cabinets
well-stocked with condiments, especially mexi-flavors of chiles, moles, salsas,
tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgMXLZBFgY00UTALubEbefxYhJj6uqwU4RS4SgBwOBWSxF_m_4YbuBgrL9QPa2VG-cL2sZy3cZ-PdqL54aERlpUqwAQgTuIbuWo2uZRwNENN4IdrJ7JUVpSf2D-lNFydKqQTdoyRmHRiI/s1600/P1060775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgMXLZBFgY00UTALubEbefxYhJj6uqwU4RS4SgBwOBWSxF_m_4YbuBgrL9QPa2VG-cL2sZy3cZ-PdqL54aERlpUqwAQgTuIbuWo2uZRwNENN4IdrJ7JUVpSf2D-lNFydKqQTdoyRmHRiI/s400/P1060775.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We usually eat in the cock-pit, watching the sun go down
about 7:00, and sitting out in the warm air as the moon rises and stars
twinkle. Before bed, we check for sail-mail, download the pictorial weather
files called Gribs, tidy up the boat outside and in. L often plays guitar, M
often reads, and by 9:30 we are packing it in for another day. There are times
in life when it is easy to be at peace – this is one of those times. The
challenge is to carry that with you and be able to find it in yourself no
matter where you are or what demands you encounter.</div>
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Nopolo:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsLKRh9WZuWCeiljOONmkG9wlKnRkmliiBRiuwGfMR4iB3rkL2A4bkrd7_UtqF33cgyiVza8o3OmjKYEzORhyAOd-rIMUYBUXyWyZ1d0YZLNe104uS0usnrWscAWBdCzf__bJAwdn8E_4/s1600/P1060583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsLKRh9WZuWCeiljOONmkG9wlKnRkmliiBRiuwGfMR4iB3rkL2A4bkrd7_UtqF33cgyiVza8o3OmjKYEzORhyAOd-rIMUYBUXyWyZ1d0YZLNe104uS0usnrWscAWBdCzf__bJAwdn8E_4/s400/P1060583.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzCq8Z1pnoqWlS4-cB9uqQtP6SoIy4Ai26F9KMSP9JT_0k7wVXZwzsek0YE-wguPILfInc8cu7jxOxeNIoR3abLdX5B5DB6_d7QyRyeQgHOAz3eNN_0xC2ojBrp8FqweDclEXAb4x2A7f/s1600/P1060572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzCq8Z1pnoqWlS4-cB9uqQtP6SoIy4Ai26F9KMSP9JT_0k7wVXZwzsek0YE-wguPILfInc8cu7jxOxeNIoR3abLdX5B5DB6_d7QyRyeQgHOAz3eNN_0xC2ojBrp8FqweDclEXAb4x2A7f/s400/P1060572.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tiny fishing town of Nopolo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9z1Vj6rter_2fjPbjQtGQa-MAhad-n6I47VHLh8Yq5TY0ODGDHXbCcCkXCykwrQPoSVc8FMSo0F7TA3crQ9g-e3duooIlST0utjy3umFVQircwMeFVIt_2U_gRPDFUPAAUxb_-u3yhCP/s1600/P1060565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9z1Vj6rter_2fjPbjQtGQa-MAhad-n6I47VHLh8Yq5TY0ODGDHXbCcCkXCykwrQPoSVc8FMSo0F7TA3crQ9g-e3duooIlST0utjy3umFVQircwMeFVIt_2U_gRPDFUPAAUxb_-u3yhCP/s400/P1060565.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and surrounding hillsides</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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We have had some great days of sailing on our moving days.
We took only 2 days to get farther north than we had been to date. We stopped
at Caleta Partida one night and went on a long spinnaker run to Caleta Nopolo
the second day. Nopolo is a small fishing village and we stayed off the
southern group of houses, but didn’t get off the boat that evening. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSC-rzkLOhFuXK6s8Fa2R1X59fFxM0PY66LOfk1CQ9IfSdhEzQXvubdrqyur1Kixwxh-IM597YboIxi-wCTRRqNjkKlBukCffl8uCXJ2dU2jvbVFfTPV-6gmFJPG3L7-fl_1ehgDNTZiCW/s1600/P1060606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSC-rzkLOhFuXK6s8Fa2R1X59fFxM0PY66LOfk1CQ9IfSdhEzQXvubdrqyur1Kixwxh-IM597YboIxi-wCTRRqNjkKlBukCffl8uCXJ2dU2jvbVFfTPV-6gmFJPG3L7-fl_1ehgDNTZiCW/s400/P1060606.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking into Timbabich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Timbabiche:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5OYjal-Mg3pT2YLB1s4KP6ga0WhEhyt9yXaCQaeiMfdRpTgOtcxkd0mszFTb2Mab9YysT9AqmPxtsDh467dFxeX4IhNqiBjiHVODOzxvJ0FH3GvtRfSC7fKeL1bDo04JHDm0vq0ay6Xb/s1600/P1060607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5OYjal-Mg3pT2YLB1s4KP6ga0WhEhyt9yXaCQaeiMfdRpTgOtcxkd0mszFTb2Mab9YysT9AqmPxtsDh467dFxeX4IhNqiBjiHVODOzxvJ0FH3GvtRfSC7fKeL1bDo04JHDm0vq0ay6Xb/s400/P1060607.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casa Grande -- remains of a grand villa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The third day was a short 3 hour hop up to a beach called
Timbabiche. It is known for a rustic stucco building that can be seen from the
water as you pass offshore. Casa Grande, was once the ostentatious dwelling of
a pearl diver who made it big. When the owner died, the family let the property
go and it has never been rebuilt. Melinda took the kayak to the beach and
walked into the fishing town that surrounds Casa Grande. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi2qqiHI4Su0OwpwpnBEHMuZnqzA1WEyYtXlF_3vtBNDGLY9_9R2gC18Fsug_Fu9-Yja8gfL04homePncRBNCCawhNurW8q4uOhIoBeeBttrRVHA94hFUrfmZwe-XlU7NqVTymFMQGmm5/s1600/P1060612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi2qqiHI4Su0OwpwpnBEHMuZnqzA1WEyYtXlF_3vtBNDGLY9_9R2gC18Fsug_Fu9-Yja8gfL04homePncRBNCCawhNurW8q4uOhIoBeeBttrRVHA94hFUrfmZwe-XlU7NqVTymFMQGmm5/s320/P1060612.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are a couple of
new stucco structures, including a church and possibly a school, but the very
few people making a living there are living off the sea.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje17n3CCGHSnXCyDoR3o3BJ4yygF2F9qO_nHUuq5_nkqssJaVea9YIP-Cbqu9lYu1CpzDgQ5uFNVflPlBSR41tZfWPTtCIqqzz3suuN2NNAJOFJCuSr9isMNta10Ldf_vp4KCTsB-e3c7U/s1600/P1060587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje17n3CCGHSnXCyDoR3o3BJ4yygF2F9qO_nHUuq5_nkqssJaVea9YIP-Cbqu9lYu1CpzDgQ5uFNVflPlBSR41tZfWPTtCIqqzz3suuN2NNAJOFJCuSr9isMNta10Ldf_vp4KCTsB-e3c7U/s400/P1060587.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manuel -- our personal seafood connection at Timbabiche</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Soon after setting our anchor at Timbabiche we met Manuel,
who came by in his panga to see if we would like to buy seafood. We ordered 4
lobster and a cabrilla (as we hadn’t had any luck with the fishing lines since
leaving La Paz). He returned to the boat at 4 pm as promised with his young son
along. </div>
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We paid him for the fish and lobster which all looked quite fresh. He
gladly took a couple cold beers, we had a Frisbee for his son, but he really
wanted to know if we liked “bueno chocolate.” No, so sorry, we had no chocolate
on board to give him. He was very disappointed and then showed us the large,
freshly dug chocolate brown clams he was keeping under a blanket out of the sun
in the bottom of his boat. </div>
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“MUY bueno chocolate! Un regalo! No dinero!” He
insisted we take some of his delicious chocolate clams – A gift! No money! We
laughed at ourselves and agreed to trade batteries for 15 clams. They were
wonderful on the grill. We ate some that night and made fantastic clam chowder
for 2 more meals.</div>
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Before leaving Timbabiche the next morning, we got out at 7
am during high tide and kayaked over to an estuary teeming with birds. After a
small portage to get inside the mangrove-lined waterway, we spent a couple
hours on the mirrored water, paddling slowly alongside white egrets,
cormorants, heron and more. A very meditative Sunday morning.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KEd6K9VZnlaROLXyGZ_r6CA9QIrKb5avmtYp7eSEXsEBX1GXhluQSrM9RuUuJWG4LIjA2cCG71qmkpLj3GjwO57Bgsc60JwNWNelxXj9eUXxHBUdiepGOjeH8dIiy160MSytyyGqoy3m/s1600/P1060678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KEd6K9VZnlaROLXyGZ_r6CA9QIrKb5avmtYp7eSEXsEBX1GXhluQSrM9RuUuJWG4LIjA2cCG71qmkpLj3GjwO57Bgsc60JwNWNelxXj9eUXxHBUdiepGOjeH8dIiy160MSytyyGqoy3m/s400/P1060678.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A serene Sunday morning paddle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ysspRIAxC76J3NbT6iePdWWNHCNfif34VDeSBJ-mfluLpkmbejNWY3UUTz2m-jdT6gyGDua1WGHMSGxr3BHuHhkqEoALCE6IfW87-K58xIvwrq9zpaoFXR537K2jicQ5nCxVi4sp0Q-A/s1600/P1060597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ysspRIAxC76J3NbT6iePdWWNHCNfif34VDeSBJ-mfluLpkmbejNWY3UUTz2m-jdT6gyGDua1WGHMSGxr3BHuHhkqEoALCE6IfW87-K58xIvwrq9zpaoFXR537K2jicQ5nCxVi4sp0Q-A/s400/P1060597.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayaking among the birds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjlcmwknudEAu8AlwnzQEmvQAkdnBVAlY2Ds4lEF9O3NTsBOhxY_PEOdSorOJs2Ga2qwgtPHvHz9O2vh559vNMHgluzUp183pXiBjeN1SgRJrJIf_84uMo9hH8xBB8n0hQhyikIJ_bqge/s1600/P1060700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjlcmwknudEAu8AlwnzQEmvQAkdnBVAlY2Ds4lEF9O3NTsBOhxY_PEOdSorOJs2Ga2qwgtPHvHz9O2vh559vNMHgluzUp183pXiBjeN1SgRJrJIf_84uMo9hH8xBB8n0hQhyikIJ_bqge/s320/P1060700.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohKrIkbrNnw42Xdygmozsf7zL5GfGOaz0ZyAjZu3V0Y7IFD884Bi3kLwFZ0Aa0vZyOyEn9Qvvjh8wa0Uthjbo7FOieKmRBG2cong2Dzy_ACfk8VrW5lNwrFYJR93yc_g-GI_IH3QiYtPm/s1600/P1060702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohKrIkbrNnw42Xdygmozsf7zL5GfGOaz0ZyAjZu3V0Y7IFD884Bi3kLwFZ0Aa0vZyOyEn9Qvvjh8wa0Uthjbo7FOieKmRBG2cong2Dzy_ACfk8VrW5lNwrFYJR93yc_g-GI_IH3QiYtPm/s400/P1060702.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishermen take care of their investments</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Los Gatos:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXPDGGMWFkDhid4nuaBIRFe-_pmdHjKWJbOKiOUCjuZi42q8hubLX2d3-dK2AMZUNbTeLjGmkwPYhGm0ROC0MhEoJGIIwC6WBq0DQcUk621ZfSROftmFFa-VabalRtx9RmtVXjB2R0NWv/s1600/P1060743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXPDGGMWFkDhid4nuaBIRFe-_pmdHjKWJbOKiOUCjuZi42q8hubLX2d3-dK2AMZUNbTeLjGmkwPYhGm0ROC0MhEoJGIIwC6WBq0DQcUk621ZfSROftmFFa-VabalRtx9RmtVXjB2R0NWv/s400/P1060743.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another short sail that day brought us to Los Gatos – famed
for its red rock formations. Lanham kayaked in and climbed around the amazing
cliff-sides. We only stayed one day, but will probably stop back by for some
more hiking here when we return south. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Fy2Q7OnQG7GjvdS5xnuiJfXr1CYlHaVC3r_RQJrOyrA8EOxtIklqZResHfuwLIuIIUkdA493Yc_7_yx-QuSY85ZNTSfvQI1f7rUbuwtfmZ0M7bae9hIMrIA9TfXUJoiPtfVI9aiJHAgG/s1600/P1060710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Fy2Q7OnQG7GjvdS5xnuiJfXr1CYlHaVC3r_RQJrOyrA8EOxtIklqZResHfuwLIuIIUkdA493Yc_7_yx-QuSY85ZNTSfvQI1f7rUbuwtfmZ0M7bae9hIMrIA9TfXUJoiPtfVI9aiJHAgG/s400/P1060710.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The picturesque Los Gatos</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uWAE-lc-kjWfaWtG_VtgjX0ug-VGwsbFIMxzCoJ5FmQG-RxcaMJgfWADatNpQ9GFLfUr1p37-LFc-IeQRC18WqriZP7U_qJRRPcO_Fi57C_WNEzXtLw605LNfKnLYcxaBQ2iyN4u_-Z5/s1600/P1060706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uWAE-lc-kjWfaWtG_VtgjX0ug-VGwsbFIMxzCoJ5FmQG-RxcaMJgfWADatNpQ9GFLfUr1p37-LFc-IeQRC18WqriZP7U_qJRRPcO_Fi57C_WNEzXtLw605LNfKnLYcxaBQ2iyN4u_-Z5/s320/P1060706.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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That night we enjoyed dinner on a
neighboring boat. An acquaintance from weeks before, Mickey from San Francisco
on the catamaran Acrux, stopped by and asked us to come for fish pasta. We
brought ceviche and had a fun evening with him and his boat guests, Robert and
Trish from Capetown, SA. All three are rock climbers, who are involved in designing
climbing gyms, including one in Seattle. Mickey is also a skilled spear
fisherman, who hunts way more than he can eat and is uber-generous with his
catches. We first met Mickey 6 weeks ago, when he raced by in his dinghy giving
away two large chub that we cheerfully put in our fridge.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSfmDrLUOA-iYJNZ9vKXr1WMJ981mdg3OZPgIq-zMTph3rxPu1cu9RwxwonJljEpKRtiHD-zKVgGWuIPtxzPBRU6Bf1rqKrYl5n4Bp3g-MalSzA8nZa3tfcCaKSkGZqelol4DNe38-guj/s1600/P1060708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSfmDrLUOA-iYJNZ9vKXr1WMJ981mdg3OZPgIq-zMTph3rxPu1cu9RwxwonJljEpKRtiHD-zKVgGWuIPtxzPBRU6Bf1rqKrYl5n4Bp3g-MalSzA8nZa3tfcCaKSkGZqelol4DNe38-guj/s320/P1060708.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Agua Verde:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_e07M5OeU_EXSjoH6jmpNuWbdFZxtBmC-XPg89oGEp6t03yRFwxzbusi9_jDFTMDW2sLv35e7Yy-VY3OZjegFVCd8KDZzHOg7yaeMp-My9SQVgI5xz-K4Mg7EC4uqtT30BoAvVGNhJhe/s1600/P1060839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_e07M5OeU_EXSjoH6jmpNuWbdFZxtBmC-XPg89oGEp6t03yRFwxzbusi9_jDFTMDW2sLv35e7Yy-VY3OZjegFVCd8KDZzHOg7yaeMp-My9SQVgI5xz-K4Mg7EC4uqtT30BoAvVGNhJhe/s640/P1060839.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next stop was up quite a trek up to the large and
popular anchorage called Agua Verde. The first thing one notices is the color
of the water –truly a beautiful green. The mountains behind are a vibrant
yellow and there are several dramatic rocks that make good locations for
snorkeling and diving. Agua Verde is a popular stop for Mexican tourist boats
and the main anchorage, as well as the sandy beach were quite full, as we were
into Easter vacation week. We opted to anchor a little south of the main bay,
had it to ourselves one night and were joined by two other quiet sailboats for
the next two nights. This spot had lots to explore, both a water play and a
hiking day – so we stayed 3 nights. On the second night, Mickey cruised into
the anchorage and called on the radio to say – more fresh fish – couldn’t we
help them eat it tonight? We said to come to our boat and they dinghied over a
few hours later with about 5 pounds of beautifully filleted “pargo” (red
snapper), which we grilled and feasted on with quinoa, veggies, and pineapple.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFX5cZVv4ExOQ1l4FepuQmIfqdcAe0f_ct0vs3tM0z9I_1UEqAv5CxC6cfIsfzRKdGet54H3OlpCr-Lkt-XBZxnFObAkDMfErmZ8Kr92BqKqO0ATuyEFLCXuyyBGT56_c1dM84rF2-1PME/s1600/P1060870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFX5cZVv4ExOQ1l4FepuQmIfqdcAe0f_ct0vs3tM0z9I_1UEqAv5CxC6cfIsfzRKdGet54H3OlpCr-Lkt-XBZxnFObAkDMfErmZ8Kr92BqKqO0ATuyEFLCXuyyBGT56_c1dM84rF2-1PME/s400/P1060870.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonight's selection -- fresh pargo</td></tr>
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Lanham made plans to dive (and get a spear fishing lesson)
with Mickey in the morning. Lanham’s dive was great fun and full of learning
(sorry too wet for photos). They kept at it for hours, with Mickey bagging 3
big fish that he gave to us! Mickey free dives and stays down hiding among the
rocks, quietly holding his breath for over 3 minutes. He has a powerful
distance spear gun and really knows how to hunt. Lanham got to watch, managed
to stay out of range, and did some exploring with scuba tank in addition to
practicing his free diving, breath control and Hawaiian sling. He said he got
one shot off!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The easy trail</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0CXSAjfOjY00G9yy-rxKxT4ruIEmgjgg5rctnsfkdLi28c6XQWUYHVnxSDzyg5FqWengZ_j9O6uxcXWWptIQ0bkJ2sDqL3Dvhs00rPD2a-Xqf9QR-dxo79Z7rJ1ijudh4A2yBbEyUyAm/s1600/P1060816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvQ9qF9cuwRxvqlezQMhf3X0LPNxaseY8tW5JFlMEpOGyKKY_Hq3BeSY3mzh7dvf0-8awA9NbuOgN4mdbZ0VK8hBDnSq45DHX26SQXwCRpG5mUA44bDsDEKVji6hauyUyuhJOFZu9t5aG/s1600/P1060833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvQ9qF9cuwRxvqlezQMhf3X0LPNxaseY8tW5JFlMEpOGyKKY_Hq3BeSY3mzh7dvf0-8awA9NbuOgN4mdbZ0VK8hBDnSq45DHX26SQXwCRpG5mUA44bDsDEKVji6hauyUyuhJOFZu9t5aG/s320/P1060833.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert on a tricky part</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjjcWzC18PHBbGiRXnBDsMEuDaCh1uOJ1ee5gBaKFMS9_6WvapgrQJzZbdWAzldC7zHKsJ3PJN6CDzr1O7YJBMYvCQRP8kYgGjwbFrWeLe7TGIzACHC38y9sMzD5xzltMPxFB_nQxXyu0/s1600/P1060831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjjcWzC18PHBbGiRXnBDsMEuDaCh1uOJ1ee5gBaKFMS9_6WvapgrQJzZbdWAzldC7zHKsJ3PJN6CDzr1O7YJBMYvCQRP8kYgGjwbFrWeLe7TGIzACHC38y9sMzD5xzltMPxFB_nQxXyu0/s320/P1060831.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Melinda took the dinghy to shore with Trish and Robert for a
4-hour hike. The terrain was challenging, and being with two rock climbers
definitely upped the challenge. They liked the route less traveled and were
nice about coaching me across the steepest drop-off precipices. The views were
breathtaking! We both got back to the boat about 3 pm with tales to tell and
ready to get a night of deep sleep.<br />
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A few pictures from our hike:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWD6F3t3DuBP9KAonPJ4R7UJ2zEwV4Jib1dhkoN3p_DUwL725CJaVXyUY0vTM2gtEyeW-Ztyp3vMkEZWPXuQyVoIMqQRuNlYLt6-xRFvSZ1y_POq-iHIcYB3EUj9bxDIzeXLtQ-nFXH3LI/s1600/P1060799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWD6F3t3DuBP9KAonPJ4R7UJ2zEwV4Jib1dhkoN3p_DUwL725CJaVXyUY0vTM2gtEyeW-Ztyp3vMkEZWPXuQyVoIMqQRuNlYLt6-xRFvSZ1y_POq-iHIcYB3EUj9bxDIzeXLtQ-nFXH3LI/s400/P1060799.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The large wonders...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Z8_6VAlcPUDJbSkBTWCdoySWC7i-2sqr58amjWsdv-IMo_V23VK2T37IdfN6wzAj1VEzJv-OAgcEnrqK65PHDaBF6o54lqjd9t4v3wepP_ZcXFgTX0kduguiscjXQJIpYfGs5RSHecgw/s1600/P1060810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Z8_6VAlcPUDJbSkBTWCdoySWC7i-2sqr58amjWsdv-IMo_V23VK2T37IdfN6wzAj1VEzJv-OAgcEnrqK65PHDaBF6o54lqjd9t4v3wepP_ZcXFgTX0kduguiscjXQJIpYfGs5RSHecgw/s400/P1060810.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the small miracles...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWP70PQwLZOeQsv_KKSAPFYDFBLw0Vi2thqpriYQt-74dC8aRDfbqOyb843_KeJfc4PHz87wKaJc6nS4BlzuBDCPydOktt6cbwfw5TbW-4nim4NzvHsI6hIzwyWIuTJ4Ds3YucQxs5vVr/s1600/P1060853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWP70PQwLZOeQsv_KKSAPFYDFBLw0Vi2thqpriYQt-74dC8aRDfbqOyb843_KeJfc4PHz87wKaJc6nS4BlzuBDCPydOktt6cbwfw5TbW-4nim4NzvHsI6hIzwyWIuTJ4Ds3YucQxs5vVr/s400/P1060853.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the feast... </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuv93oWXHf6N27jNFZefViDm5RH-eBZE1XdNtnjGEnAwjNpVQ1HQiK15x1oe9gt2v5daoOR2wkIRkRDqKoyJ6cmSr53GrQh4xNcA1lpgCC7KHIKkxTSYIqo5RSSSIPmdWoTLISPIkx4P_L/s1600/P1060861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuv93oWXHf6N27jNFZefViDm5RH-eBZE1XdNtnjGEnAwjNpVQ1HQiK15x1oe9gt2v5daoOR2wkIRkRDqKoyJ6cmSr53GrQh4xNcA1lpgCC7KHIKkxTSYIqo5RSSSIPmdWoTLISPIkx4P_L/s320/P1060861.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ended our hike with a cold Coca-Cola</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QKEf102z08NjGwCep2oTORgKEH3UiqPvxI_dY4pJAMxSv7Py80uLb9KjR4mk_xO7U0gbOl7EGJu_UeMT2EfCz-WcJhipOm1Y6VSul5QcIvJLCMumCG6qwxEchVsP-gcToqUbdA_8hGV-/s1600/P1060862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QKEf102z08NjGwCep2oTORgKEH3UiqPvxI_dY4pJAMxSv7Py80uLb9KjR4mk_xO7U0gbOl7EGJu_UeMT2EfCz-WcJhipOm1Y6VSul5QcIvJLCMumCG6qwxEchVsP-gcToqUbdA_8hGV-/s320/P1060862.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After being out a week, we made the plan to have some longer
travel days in order to get caught up with a group of friends that we had been
talking to on the radio daily. They were camped out in a big and beautiful bay
that was still about 100 miles north of us. To meet up with them before they
pushed on to new destinations meant that we would cruise by some of the stops
that we want to make and plan to see them next month when we head south again
back to La Paz.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRsWdjzI8f9ozI3Hhbg5BiUUyDL0ZBJ3kFM0DfMYn_6EPzaO-KqZFUb17ELTVUEG_U4h1wAdKd1crlWyJVRbrgETCDwOYzfebRHuFFKzumi7-E13gCN5B-0r1DAfFi98h1iy40m3TNNot/s1600/P1060922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRsWdjzI8f9ozI3Hhbg5BiUUyDL0ZBJ3kFM0DfMYn_6EPzaO-KqZFUb17ELTVUEG_U4h1wAdKd1crlWyJVRbrgETCDwOYzfebRHuFFKzumi7-E13gCN5B-0r1DAfFi98h1iy40m3TNNot/s400/P1060922.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Six AM the sun wakes up and the moon sets...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiBcz5QASaxucaCtBHoxbwu7k2dpEo2fMmuvITCcyaOWWeFbAHQZPPncZxWYpVQh12LpWcAqhuZI9g-srPVuIv28i3N5Dg2gIDSx6k8ZwKAApHJ3FouJdH0YRTGpXYRwyM_bgTJMHAumq/s1600/P1060927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiBcz5QASaxucaCtBHoxbwu7k2dpEo2fMmuvITCcyaOWWeFbAHQZPPncZxWYpVQh12LpWcAqhuZI9g-srPVuIv28i3N5Dg2gIDSx6k8ZwKAApHJ3FouJdH0YRTGpXYRwyM_bgTJMHAumq/s320/P1060927.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Solar wind has pulled anchor (and flopper stoppers). The skippers got his morning coffee...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcMBlPxPDMOIrgdIeiordEVjDQshCOPZPSrWl1Ulpw-6N55Ke9YjnAKu49CKOYUqURsbus-vHPzMjw2xmkW7OOPz32tv_gvO57s9e_Il41tS5wU_3qlMwbFW-PRJwG6_IcmphVHn1C5Gl/s1600/P1060879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcMBlPxPDMOIrgdIeiordEVjDQshCOPZPSrWl1Ulpw-6N55Ke9YjnAKu49CKOYUqURsbus-vHPzMjw2xmkW7OOPz32tv_gvO57s9e_Il41tS5wU_3qlMwbFW-PRJwG6_IcmphVHn1C5Gl/s320/P1060879.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We had two 50 plus mile days of motoring in very flat seas.
The navigating was easy, the ride was comfortable. We motor sailed part of the
time, but mostly just appreciated our fuel sipping engine – read, cooked,
talked – and watched the shore go by. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vcgi_7gkIdKidDR455eqypHM0d-RbaDaaaWAzFtNbINT1dNRHnODyc0ClOXgfsTv60-ekuySMzY5dwSo320CxCXfq5vQJEG1XxJS31uanCnnEJw1h_zvRYEu6gWsqu-ykPTWWjQ9l03w/s1600/P1060938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vcgi_7gkIdKidDR455eqypHM0d-RbaDaaaWAzFtNbINT1dNRHnODyc0ClOXgfsTv60-ekuySMzY5dwSo320CxCXfq5vQJEG1XxJS31uanCnnEJw1h_zvRYEu6gWsqu-ykPTWWjQ9l03w/s400/P1060938.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What IS that? ... up ahead in the water</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAKoKMC1FhUzSnHtnRuKTpYF9OD4AQiSSoyfRnlWNXR1ltNZwyFHehjXxl5Mb8nWyCnp13tdEqBN8PKcMW2_pJ73x0XV5L3dN1TmIFCy8J6ykBpxw_AGd0974kTUx2u20ilZljogUQpXb/s1600/P1060939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAKoKMC1FhUzSnHtnRuKTpYF9OD4AQiSSoyfRnlWNXR1ltNZwyFHehjXxl5Mb8nWyCnp13tdEqBN8PKcMW2_pJ73x0XV5L3dN1TmIFCy8J6ykBpxw_AGd0974kTUx2u20ilZljogUQpXb/s400/P1060939.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> And as we get closer... we see it's just a sleeping seal<br />
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In between the two long days we had a fun stop
at Punta Pulpito. Once anchored, we took the kayaks around the point and had
close up views of the volcanic rock flows, the obsidian vein, and the bird
life. Around the point we found a sea cave that is described in our guidebook
and we paddled through and out the other side of the archway.<br />
A pod of several
hundred dolphins swam right up to surround the kayaks. Unfortunately, or maybe
fortunately for the sake of keeping dry, the dolphins did not hang out and
play, but streamed by us on all sides just under the water surface, determined
to make tracks to wherever they were going.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSocLQ8JedGt7rQxI2toF2n89u5uutKlV5Qp_C61R7ntX8M8zr-rIYeA5Fts5YoW75qsE2JwoKVedf1gdo89CvVDro6oaxUwddEzTe5C1HJRmqxVN-4WLPbXnfdvaZdzhk-GYYBjxR2lS/s1600/P1060886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSocLQ8JedGt7rQxI2toF2n89u5uutKlV5Qp_C61R7ntX8M8zr-rIYeA5Fts5YoW75qsE2JwoKVedf1gdo89CvVDro6oaxUwddEzTe5C1HJRmqxVN-4WLPbXnfdvaZdzhk-GYYBjxR2lS/s400/P1060886.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vein of obsidian at Punta Pupito</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYjN-7BhE_PeXsACiG3KeQ_B7ZDetu9dhKtzQTc6MC9aHtmsF6hYu9dWllgED-mn_gR_uWZbgA6BUbqHIw84yUcmNQBGruSWdqxG8nYK380GHNXUqDNmlakdRAJs5tm5jyx-v7jFq23ZB/s1600/P1060889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYjN-7BhE_PeXsACiG3KeQ_B7ZDetu9dhKtzQTc6MC9aHtmsF6hYu9dWllgED-mn_gR_uWZbgA6BUbqHIw84yUcmNQBGruSWdqxG8nYK380GHNXUqDNmlakdRAJs5tm5jyx-v7jFq23ZB/s400/P1060889.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading to the sea cave by kayak</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-geDe0xm-WM3eObU8UbrxPvPP4zWexY4xjb5yw5bsLLLnCeEw-qWbuQRLJNxR8VUXBEQSukNk4MwtpDnM6crM-ZPiZqEp4xWedKNF1H234m9ccJdecPYNX4EaN5gDOVUJPRUCYRVqre_/s1600/P1060894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-geDe0xm-WM3eObU8UbrxPvPP4zWexY4xjb5yw5bsLLLnCeEw-qWbuQRLJNxR8VUXBEQSukNk4MwtpDnM6crM-ZPiZqEp4xWedKNF1H234m9ccJdecPYNX4EaN5gDOVUJPRUCYRVqre_/s640/P1060894.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through and out the other side!</td></tr>
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Santispac, on Bahia Concepcion:</div>
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The day before Easter, we motored into giant Bahia
Concepcion and found the smaller arm of the bay where <i>Scott Free Eh</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, </span><i>Swagman</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><i>Winterlude</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and </span><i>Aurora</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> were anchored. The beach was packed, not only with
tents, campers, and Mexican families on holiday, but also with the lit up rides
and vendors of a small town carnival, the tinny mid-way music and oompah band
announcing Easter! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObq7gGTsP18JmoyLV9cJN0ZGIqL_WCjmwuFOLZHe2Etlz5NFyW2Wu1H_tUdjumaPIIc5iE4X9BML7LoHDI4X5396tCx7WJrW9zAVuVovNd86EEBwkICaoEaGUOtOIGiPsPS0NsHwcBTy1/s1600/P1060948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObq7gGTsP18JmoyLV9cJN0ZGIqL_WCjmwuFOLZHe2Etlz5NFyW2Wu1H_tUdjumaPIIc5iE4X9BML7LoHDI4X5396tCx7WJrW9zAVuVovNd86EEBwkICaoEaGUOtOIGiPsPS0NsHwcBTy1/s400/P1060948.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Runaway whale!</td></tr>
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The water was also busy with people on water toys -- pangas
pulling blow-up rides of all shape and size, plastic kayaks, and floaties. The
afternoon breeze was brisk and offshore so every once in a while a blow-up
mermaid or whale would float by, quickly heading out to sea. Our friends who
had been there a few days had stories of rescuing toys as well as distressed
swimmers and boaters and towing them back to shore with their dinghies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rescued by a panguero</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpHo8fYGd51NmFzLP0f1SaXWj2H0xdHz3flfGzKfeedzm-ssr9mTr3ngxt243TCbFxbMhqJcUrDoiAFZlEj0nnUE9Uwya4VtVkv_Pu2odfYlIhKc6dyAPb46pgTAeyHiKSGR2D-nqMsBW/s1600/P1060951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpHo8fYGd51NmFzLP0f1SaXWj2H0xdHz3flfGzKfeedzm-ssr9mTr3ngxt243TCbFxbMhqJcUrDoiAFZlEj0nnUE9Uwya4VtVkv_Pu2odfYlIhKc6dyAPb46pgTAeyHiKSGR2D-nqMsBW/s320/P1060951.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quin, the wonder dog</td></tr>
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We
arrived just in time for an evening birthday party onboard the 50’ <i>Winterlude</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, good steak, wine, cake and celebration. The third
crew member on </span><i>Winterlude</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is
Quin, a 2-year old Po-wo-do (Portuguese water dog) who seems happy with his
daily romps on the beach. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgab1wJ-nbsXl9pSPJHHV-jJ3g_L4bHW5-AVVFaRzBym1yYVgTBKatb9nHZbw5nz0FxpZZkZK6fblBSNqqtaSQgSnuMfVENUyJ-TA1hLb2SwhZUWE9_GjOtD_5s0q1drO2ahMmwDRtFXCCE/s1600/P1060964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgab1wJ-nbsXl9pSPJHHV-jJ3g_L4bHW5-AVVFaRzBym1yYVgTBKatb9nHZbw5nz0FxpZZkZK6fblBSNqqtaSQgSnuMfVENUyJ-TA1hLb2SwhZUWE9_GjOtD_5s0q1drO2ahMmwDRtFXCCE/s320/P1060964.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roughing it</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAkiiVretMGhx3m44ITNSDcx5RLDbFDYeVzauy3i10PNHhveD_6rR03MeL-L70Wp1zfZwsgJHeivpIYAPGJCTAAIfDWnJb0ckboCTpKbSk8uwNhr4OBPnhXOlg8YofopYn2x8GflvTzbe/s1600/P1070008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAkiiVretMGhx3m44ITNSDcx5RLDbFDYeVzauy3i10PNHhveD_6rR03MeL-L70Wp1zfZwsgJHeivpIYAPGJCTAAIfDWnJb0ckboCTpKbSk8uwNhr4OBPnhXOlg8YofopYn2x8GflvTzbe/s320/P1070008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pep-eh is good at finding shade. <br />Think he'll grow into those paws?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-style: normal;">A new puppy was adopted by our friends on </span><i>Scott
Free Eh</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, so we are all having fun watching
the antics of a toddler and they are getting used to their new morning alarm
clock. Going from a street dog in Mexico to a boat dog with Canadian parents
makes “Pep-eh” quite the lucky little guy, and he seems duly appreciative of
his new life.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhHYjXXEE0tEG7qCb5AMUbuJ0jH071QL_nSNp6LvByF97jkYmIhQC6yPDkW59HoJsvgvcju4gSiSEzn2-IOALj8ecpnP5rUHqlJ8cbIvcEpnkQHwSrMijC_Q3YyUpTlBIStsQ9nsfVMB7/s1600/P1060968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhHYjXXEE0tEG7qCb5AMUbuJ0jH071QL_nSNp6LvByF97jkYmIhQC6yPDkW59HoJsvgvcju4gSiSEzn2-IOALj8ecpnP5rUHqlJ8cbIvcEpnkQHwSrMijC_Q3YyUpTlBIStsQ9nsfVMB7/s400/P1060968.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinghing off to take a hike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOT1q1HfA7NgAjtZr_2SHN0qeVjQjcUj5_9RrPQ8bcgNjOeA0xQcca3UxLCVR5QGQq9-ivh-lcbwXNRp0J40mzFeJ9x-hGXF8aIxZ90kPJDpEsR0hzjBi6iP_uefgfaMJz8nCQxhvqnHhE/s1600/P1060978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOT1q1HfA7NgAjtZr_2SHN0qeVjQjcUj5_9RrPQ8bcgNjOeA0xQcca3UxLCVR5QGQq9-ivh-lcbwXNRp0J40mzFeJ9x-hGXF8aIxZ90kPJDpEsR0hzjBi6iP_uefgfaMJz8nCQxhvqnHhE/s320/P1060978.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning swimmers in El Burro Cove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The next morning we were up and out early for a hike. Five
of us dinghied over to nearby El Burro Cove and followed a fairly distinct
trail up to the ridge top.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMG2OgpUCM9xdjwVW25k_eTGkjQfKE9zDVE821Z077eGbGkTZc_p8tj6-tU3lJtZ1cMs-T1tfm23Saf2V2b6dVH3qks5bYC8m3Yd0wDpyiuYSmQBw1hPNnBlF01C14AwhTVrVmEq7MJIn/s1600/P1070016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMG2OgpUCM9xdjwVW25k_eTGkjQfKE9zDVE821Z077eGbGkTZc_p8tj6-tU3lJtZ1cMs-T1tfm23Saf2V2b6dVH3qks5bYC8m3Yd0wDpyiuYSmQBw1hPNnBlF01C14AwhTVrVmEq7MJIn/s400/P1070016.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
At the top of a scramble we came upon a geo-cache
that we had not even been looking for and snapped some pictures of the whole Bay
of Concepcion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHismGBDdsFCZljKYROKQkyQG4aVie6xv9Nvi1HL32rxxRynE9Bnbda3SKOkrPF7-oAZBqCWMfuCg0JxVuAsZHyyccRpIPE0jNyKdhOGi1vAKygjqyoWG84cjTsoauZsE_GKygcHluFhBG/s1600/P1070023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHismGBDdsFCZljKYROKQkyQG4aVie6xv9Nvi1HL32rxxRynE9Bnbda3SKOkrPF7-oAZBqCWMfuCg0JxVuAsZHyyccRpIPE0jNyKdhOGi1vAKygjqyoWG84cjTsoauZsE_GKygcHluFhBG/s320/P1070023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happen upon geo-cache</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLps26OkedpF4xJ5StwfNKMVtHHVfILjw2cuwcjV1YFP0a30iqd5FOUCSjouaepm6ITHoBLRcD_WEjreEfwjUGhfBLUngtjwYIzmPMAXFcgtfCJDuuy4i1313OETU_Nnx8zI9f844qbAFe/s1600/P1060992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLps26OkedpF4xJ5StwfNKMVtHHVfILjw2cuwcjV1YFP0a30iqd5FOUCSjouaepm6ITHoBLRcD_WEjreEfwjUGhfBLUngtjwYIzmPMAXFcgtfCJDuuy4i1313OETU_Nnx8zI9f844qbAFe/s400/P1060992.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanham and Curtis demonstrating the "bell" rocks --<br />
they have so much iron in them that they sound like metal<br />
when you strike them</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhyphenhyphenrBTpxyz7gFAS6nJ11WWQZqCKIU4FjHTh7G1ainw_cx4nzb_KiT8nIkFkFZYo-7lecLegZ811bcjm0AiDxlNhGHZBlCgjknaj2qDFrvrJiDHxI0dw-D6gpt5EqCvlQgVewGintsqJoZ/s1600/P1070012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhyphenhyphenrBTpxyz7gFAS6nJ11WWQZqCKIU4FjHTh7G1ainw_cx4nzb_KiT8nIkFkFZYo-7lecLegZ811bcjm0AiDxlNhGHZBlCgjknaj2qDFrvrJiDHxI0dw-D6gpt5EqCvlQgVewGintsqJoZ/s400/P1070012.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down on Bahia Concepcion and <br />
Mexico Highway #1<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />We then hiked down following markers to try the find the
petroglyphs that we had read were in the valley. Our first spotting was funny.
Lanham was up ahead and called back that what he could see did not look like
the kind of rock surface that could be carved or drawn on. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIY8xYukIHEPHNJdEfZA34ZLSfG4cu_1IZ94gV5pBlbxa76ObJZ_zJY4qOaBrBTYJ48MmAgRV2VwnBayUeF8N3Kh_72Sy8aiob-NPK9JsdXTztFH4_wSajUq2bJt3AOxv8pA-thvHD6sI/s1600/P1070024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIY8xYukIHEPHNJdEfZA34ZLSfG4cu_1IZ94gV5pBlbxa76ObJZ_zJY4qOaBrBTYJ48MmAgRV2VwnBayUeF8N3Kh_72Sy8aiob-NPK9JsdXTztFH4_wSajUq2bJt3AOxv8pA-thvHD6sI/s400/P1070024.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The boulders around
me looked just the opposite. “Hmm, this stuff looks like it could…” As I ran my
hand over the rock to my left, the image of a fish appeared clearly... “Hey!
There’s one right here!” As we made our way down, many more petroglyphs
surfaced on the smooth faces of the boulders all around us. Some were easy to
read, others more fleeting or mysterious, and all beautiful. It was Easter
morning, and this was the most unique Easter egg hunt we could have imagined.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Mulege:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaB9upLZbJDj622pmHlaabedsCqj7SdWAUSoEL6RKxKiprk0Xstnhb24MZy2iOT7A4ABw6juT93D2iQkeb9m62WpQuQUMclKkSV59y-MPw68J0sQ_iKKbdn-aeGoQ373aob47FvDrCdiAC/s1600/P1070038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaB9upLZbJDj622pmHlaabedsCqj7SdWAUSoEL6RKxKiprk0Xstnhb24MZy2iOT7A4ABw6juT93D2iQkeb9m62WpQuQUMclKkSV59y-MPw68J0sQ_iKKbdn-aeGoQ373aob47FvDrCdiAC/s320/P1070038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical street in Mulege</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A trip to the town of Mulege for a few provisions that day
and a stop at Hotel Serenidad to do a little interneting, then dinner at the
beach palapa and a walk through the closing down midway made for a memorable
Easter Sunday.<br />
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The remote fly-in resort at Hotel Serenidad,<br />
where a cerveca and chips will buy you hours of s-l-o-w internet.<br />
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Punta Chivato:</div>
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Monday morning we (all 4 boats) headed further north with a
terrific 15 knots of wind for a close-hauled sail to Punta Chivato. Four hours
averaging 6 knots and watching, photographing and talking back and forth on the
radio with our buddy boats made for a quick day. The afternoon took us to shore
to see the famous “shell beach.”<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt-Xfo9BZO4lkoM1L-1KfJ06vsUxuICCyMIfnKIIEftxWDGKBp_3Cuc1A3xMExk9WMaaohGGEdiFDa-ozcb05QiRQhHtYoHPzYTlzAzLas8MItFcnuIpgsInE-Mnxv4pNXm3swn6-i4Lh/s1600/P1070079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt-Xfo9BZO4lkoM1L-1KfJ06vsUxuICCyMIfnKIIEftxWDGKBp_3Cuc1A3xMExk9WMaaohGGEdiFDa-ozcb05QiRQhHtYoHPzYTlzAzLas8MItFcnuIpgsInE-Mnxv4pNXm3swn6-i4Lh/s320/P1070079.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race you to the Shell Beach?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvzaiSS7-u47IFfi4PUCS9qWCVWnFFUUcC6aWi6OMDEpMN8yszxwadxb338i11oN4SkvDjevecW888NQexKARvjhJmv1O2lmlaFgYN9SwcWVVglUgsB1OgjEPMSP9zRPB0H3dxrmQN9nB/s1600/P1070093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvzaiSS7-u47IFfi4PUCS9qWCVWnFFUUcC6aWi6OMDEpMN8yszxwadxb338i11oN4SkvDjevecW888NQexKARvjhJmv1O2lmlaFgYN9SwcWVVglUgsB1OgjEPMSP9zRPB0H3dxrmQN9nB/s400/P1070093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-JgvH_LhGWjyvWcmig2_kSLAtEoK1FqD1gAlMrzQYk-gpGB9VlcZoh-sfghCPWp1LaAAZetjINmCDkRCCY1hB9-m19EjWMAe0a3ZW1jmgiMYHjiVVTPpyHNz00S17NA5zJsPXbQioDau/s1600/P1070104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-JgvH_LhGWjyvWcmig2_kSLAtEoK1FqD1gAlMrzQYk-gpGB9VlcZoh-sfghCPWp1LaAAZetjINmCDkRCCY1hB9-m19EjWMAe0a3ZW1jmgiMYHjiVVTPpyHNz00S17NA5zJsPXbQioDau/s400/P1070104.JPG" width="400" /></a>No one we know has an explanation for why this
particular mile stretch of beach is the depository for piles and piles of
shells. It is a shell collector’s paradise – or maybe nightmare. It is actually
overwhelming to start picking up “keepers” and makes all our previous finds a
little underwhelming. We had fun goofing around with the shells, motored by the
extravagant homes and hotel along this shore and had a group dinner of
black-eyed peas and cornbread on the Swagman’s boat, before hitting the bunk
early for a 6 am departure plan.</div>
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Sunrise departure got us going on another sail. It has been
great to be using the wind for several days straight and have it sending us the
direction we want to go. The solar panels are now charging at full capacity
after Lanham’s hardwiring them back in La Paz, the wind generator contributes,
all the systems are maintaining, and the crew is happy!<br />
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We came into the town
of Santa Rosalia about noon, and got a slip in the small 20 boat marina that is
part of the Mexican government subsidized marinas found in some of the more
remote places up (and more crowded places too). <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HOiqGCtOjPfd2pSN3Gf-EvKQs8-chEdkCmbfDnkaPM3kZh3AlaiU7IOUON0FRx5wirAIzvLpmvn8B7gscKzKBmXWqQBD76zGGqlhy0KSPUTGUE2DtZeo02jx_Nj9gYIzg58pIm7lVv34/s1600/P1070117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HOiqGCtOjPfd2pSN3Gf-EvKQs8-chEdkCmbfDnkaPM3kZh3AlaiU7IOUON0FRx5wirAIzvLpmvn8B7gscKzKBmXWqQBD76zGGqlhy0KSPUTGUE2DtZeo02jx_Nj9gYIzg58pIm7lVv34/s320/P1070117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice modern marina, friendly people, minimal amenities, but reasonable price, and plenty of room!<br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mezZPwhdFeYyD3d9jmI0XDGVIgiWssZ6cbZqCgQ8ypJ3n0F2f3_0ryx9Ck6SFupyi4wqrLYo5VMcU_UIe12nNOJTL43Q0wktqIJ8EP34grv3qFqhRyQYJeod2ULlnNJHCN3BwPeLuvqX/s1600/P1070175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mezZPwhdFeYyD3d9jmI0XDGVIgiWssZ6cbZqCgQ8ypJ3n0F2f3_0ryx9Ck6SFupyi4wqrLYo5VMcU_UIe12nNOJTL43Q0wktqIJ8EP34grv3qFqhRyQYJeod2ULlnNJHCN3BwPeLuvqX/s320/P1070175.JPG" width="320" /></a>Santa Rosalia:</div>
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Santa Rosalia has a colorful history as a copper mining town
from the 1800’s. The wood framed two story workers’ housing is quite unusual
for Baja and looks more like a US Western frontier town. Lanham and I explored
the town on foot and today will try to find internet to post this and more
photos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWxWc0KOg6stq65-SuWceDW-6XPw7FyqQn5HPVRK95-zG1QCHiQ1Q9V6cVENIjpkHxNhzaAxYu1n9hFwE2xnfQvbV8N6_aWrqpSV3LhP59YlOaEjyoVC3y-kxG_R8eDIQwigKHJGDxO-k/s1600/P1070176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWxWc0KOg6stq65-SuWceDW-6XPw7FyqQn5HPVRK95-zG1QCHiQ1Q9V6cVENIjpkHxNhzaAxYu1n9hFwE2xnfQvbV8N6_aWrqpSV3LhP59YlOaEjyoVC3y-kxG_R8eDIQwigKHJGDxO-k/s400/P1070176.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Santa Rosalia, pop. almost 12,000. Still and active mining town.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5F-4XF-xHw0oRTxUJXp-kCyvXfhT6cMPapHkIcFlwnJ9Fp9SBO7ZusneKRqWvnVGAWJVhifVHgwUrAlWBmZSCbCL6rdmyOHXvVhBAzvVIAPWfLE1u5rwkGKvTDLPZZrMV3TL3_OjOX4Cx/s1600/P1070123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5F-4XF-xHw0oRTxUJXp-kCyvXfhT6cMPapHkIcFlwnJ9Fp9SBO7ZusneKRqWvnVGAWJVhifVHgwUrAlWBmZSCbCL6rdmyOHXvVhBAzvVIAPWfLE1u5rwkGKvTDLPZZrMV3TL3_OjOX4Cx/s320/P1070123.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mining Co. PR office</td></tr>
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The center square in Santa Rosalia is the site of La Ingelsia Santa
Barbara, a church designed by Gustav Eiffel, deconstructed and moved here when
Santa Rosalia was dominated by a French mining company. There is a mining
museum in town that we hope to visit as well and tonight a group of us plans to
head to the street vendor for a famous bacon-wrapped, deep-fried hot dog
dinner.</div>
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Some more scenes from around town:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0MkAhI9S56oGFSsIbAom-p1i4dfyG29pvHZ-FUSsfp9BBA8w1wQIWWnRXNz0t_8a9zNxjjF0rxAPaM0lZbQe2KJ1tfvkZs9QTlWhdhVCfExEs_wzIkrRsRuvHfXkcHfOcVp8tbdOhtGA/s1600/P1070169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0MkAhI9S56oGFSsIbAom-p1i4dfyG29pvHZ-FUSsfp9BBA8w1wQIWWnRXNz0t_8a9zNxjjF0rxAPaM0lZbQe2KJ1tfvkZs9QTlWhdhVCfExEs_wzIkrRsRuvHfXkcHfOcVp8tbdOhtGA/s400/P1070169.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gustav Eiffel's church -- constructed of steel panels</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original train station, now govt. offices</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1IQ8HJKEn_7ZROGChcXKxsu662A5chtuH2v1HBNoi0Xk5kFmfDq0dMv3RpAHQpDwncu4U8T7SMZzCxUoHLGaEw6cHF1oEx6x4-YZPk37sR8Jw4JAzWP2nM_WR5okHDuU7oTIX8uPQ4DF/s1600/P1070129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1IQ8HJKEn_7ZROGChcXKxsu662A5chtuH2v1HBNoi0Xk5kFmfDq0dMv3RpAHQpDwncu4U8T7SMZzCxUoHLGaEw6cHF1oEx6x4-YZPk37sR8Jw4JAzWP2nM_WR5okHDuU7oTIX8uPQ4DF/s320/P1070129.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Train station watch dog.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plumbing, Electrical, & Novelties</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTT4owaPSGGH4PV2P7-dAIEOxqt3QgoS_WKxelOyrb0WXm7MUvpinUvPnzZWxL3Y_ryyXbvUaYL1SlCvC7KdYxuJaaVzElOnuhU0TX_k3gjqG-EI26CxeqIFaoVW8Wl92zFZIpZbtHwTN/s1600/P1070137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTT4owaPSGGH4PV2P7-dAIEOxqt3QgoS_WKxelOyrb0WXm7MUvpinUvPnzZWxL3Y_ryyXbvUaYL1SlCvC7KdYxuJaaVzElOnuhU0TX_k3gjqG-EI26CxeqIFaoVW8Wl92zFZIpZbtHwTN/s400/P1070137.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old mining equipment is displayed around the town</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">31 Flavors & Office Max</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TelMex phone company crowding out one of the oldest houses.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBz5SlkuBOlIZ67IKgB4TWb2Q2_kzWZ4grmZrIO1sCEUvvN-7_mqj6YHizsl3VxXvOvIgU-OfqnjyaCQXDrSVgBsFlx6D1q-3Yg8P8o0Lii15qTU0MPdtfFqzugBDMpOkyhHVQL8q0XCY/s1600/P1070127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBz5SlkuBOlIZ67IKgB4TWb2Q2_kzWZ4grmZrIO1sCEUvvN-7_mqj6YHizsl3VxXvOvIgU-OfqnjyaCQXDrSVgBsFlx6D1q-3Yg8P8o0Lii15qTU0MPdtfFqzugBDMpOkyhHVQL8q0XCY/s400/P1070127.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each little town has a Red Cross office</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gull crossing Highway 1</td></tr>
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We will be pushing off in the next day or two, with plenty
of time to go further north. Lots of the acquaintances we have here will be
heading across the Sea of Cortez to the towns of San Carlos and Gueymas where
they plan to haul their boats out for the summer, as they go back to the states
or Canada for hurricane season. They will return in October or November to
cruise another season here. We are still waiting to meet anyone who is headed
to Hawaii this spring – but imagine we will as the time gets closer. We meet
Marcus, our friend and crew in La Paz on the 18 May, will see a few pretty
anchorages with him as we head back around the cape and depart from near Cabo
around the 23 – 25 of May.</div>
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Thanks for the positive response to the blog – many readers
say they are enjoying the travels vicariously. We know how that is, and are glad
to post when we can.</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-62292322554575538482013-03-31T18:20:00.004-07:002013-03-31T18:20:57.352-07:00North in the SEAThis will be a quick summary as I have made a stop at Hotel Serenidad to post some pics. We are just of south of the town of Mulege, near the Bahia Concepcion, midway up the east side of the the Baja Peninsula.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsc5W8rkdtzZVTPzNBpXCX7-zAafsAIVoqgM_i0UvAQRuTGPfw7VBkala0A-_hwoEPNpSJay9C5ym8TMj7txymRB-ffocSLBmBxMLZtMRvw1l-uumGEbj1oynhukUZOHj-Vuv7sdeCHa3/s1600/P1060543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsc5W8rkdtzZVTPzNBpXCX7-zAafsAIVoqgM_i0UvAQRuTGPfw7VBkala0A-_hwoEPNpSJay9C5ym8TMj7txymRB-ffocSLBmBxMLZtMRvw1l-uumGEbj1oynhukUZOHj-Vuv7sdeCHa3/s400/P1060543.jpg" width="300" /></a>Suffice to say, the last 10 days have been a blur of beautiful cruising days and peaceful nights. We have now met up with several boat loads of friends -- they have been bumming around this beach and town for 3 weeks, so they are quickly showing us the best of the hikes, internet hangouts, and little provisioning shops. We have dined in elegance aboard one of their boat for a birthday celebration, and will probably hang together for the next few days.<br />
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We have had some fantastic sailing, as well as some long days of flat motoring. We have hiked, kayaked, snorkeled and swam most every day. We've read, cooked with gusto, met more interesting people with great life stories, and thoroughly loved our freedom and open-ended time frame. We have kept moving pretty well -- enjoyed 8 anchorages over the last 10 days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMIbixN_LFYn5EX4BYb5TBSOi4h_qCN95NMNQ9djcMphTOlqpVBB3BgvY_NY9UQhag3kYtLEnuamMkCoGzPncVO8_L3sdavr0zj50Pky-Cnsi2H0tUV88Z2PMhX9jNR5DkogypQGxcfn5/s1600/P1060551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMIbixN_LFYn5EX4BYb5TBSOi4h_qCN95NMNQ9djcMphTOlqpVBB3BgvY_NY9UQhag3kYtLEnuamMkCoGzPncVO8_L3sdavr0zj50Pky-Cnsi2H0tUV88Z2PMhX9jNR5DkogypQGxcfn5/s400/P1060551.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful swimming!</td></tr>
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I'll get some photos uploading<br />
and try to share the visuals:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOLtPRcdg2NS4w968meDrbCRpzCXJvCVKRu130_4B4XN8F-RDNIEcGKI0e9pAeqJLiHTe0ucARaoX_9AYrFWGFIo5S1X4kK5PEL1qd6I9i__8QRxoENTpFW2yo_UxR5qPIwwHjpLAg7b_/s1600/P1060571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOLtPRcdg2NS4w968meDrbCRpzCXJvCVKRu130_4B4XN8F-RDNIEcGKI0e9pAeqJLiHTe0ucARaoX_9AYrFWGFIo5S1X4kK5PEL1qd6I9i__8QRxoENTpFW2yo_UxR5qPIwwHjpLAg7b_/s400/P1060571.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking into the estuary at Timbibache</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning kayak with amazing bird life!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SQJbSM_CV9808QLD855yYJU5xFXfbxzBuPzTz3ptLlJJHKPKBd9uHrhaOYvk25z0XeUZZh9oWZ6WFnrZ1bJGEQtkXmn1msuHsx989NCt_b2-bZ5F1a1W2tXhESwjtApphNLWCVMXe9kM/s1600/P1060668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SQJbSM_CV9808QLD855yYJU5xFXfbxzBuPzTz3ptLlJJHKPKBd9uHrhaOYvk25z0XeUZZh9oWZ6WFnrZ1bJGEQtkXmn1msuHsx989NCt_b2-bZ5F1a1W2tXhESwjtApphNLWCVMXe9kM/s400/P1060668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_93MlcmHPiKlJ290UTHTby_SIaGO3xYJZJ9BfvUPxW_1x7V9PyFxOpFaFhi8S-bTqWW8pbydzube_F8G6ykqNEjZSoERWJlJghCa7lOPStYx5fF0OmOH61YORjz09lPcyd508iZk6f8_/s1600/P1060717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_93MlcmHPiKlJ290UTHTby_SIaGO3xYJZJ9BfvUPxW_1x7V9PyFxOpFaFhi8S-bTqWW8pbydzube_F8G6ykqNEjZSoERWJlJghCa7lOPStYx5fF0OmOH61YORjz09lPcyd508iZk6f8_/s400/P1060717.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanham hiked and photographed the red rock<br />formations at Los Gatos.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5ObLCOKFjcv3HuooDhDQ37NFZpesGW8w4vWjBRHyxWXQMFbmENY-Ib3vfMAU1XPFJxEBa1cPW_5h3n7-grhWUFE2vlZz8onUUW2cVvFYvHrcjhHoadP4ufwL-KrTnes7OqAP7l_WMgcd/s1600/P1060718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5ObLCOKFjcv3HuooDhDQ37NFZpesGW8w4vWjBRHyxWXQMFbmENY-Ib3vfMAU1XPFJxEBa1cPW_5h3n7-grhWUFE2vlZz8onUUW2cVvFYvHrcjhHoadP4ufwL-KrTnes7OqAP7l_WMgcd/s400/P1060718.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEF86kzPEAUworF7ya6-zlwBAoadBUOL9AFk0bVItfXTvfS7C5iak1zfrPh5TlX6fXLSbPpLWf21_4TJRKWPs7hNvCl8mSlQT3z4IB7FdxApIFYdmLAFecXqe8ODHSSIuedGEhSCCHvaz/s1600/P1060728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEF86kzPEAUworF7ya6-zlwBAoadBUOL9AFk0bVItfXTvfS7C5iak1zfrPh5TlX6fXLSbPpLWf21_4TJRKWPs7hNvCl8mSlQT3z4IB7FdxApIFYdmLAFecXqe8ODHSSIuedGEhSCCHvaz/s400/P1060728.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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More photos and details to come, at our next available internet...Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-55060088696286878482013-03-20T19:31:00.000-07:002013-03-20T19:31:37.402-07:00Heading North (with papers!)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTi7MVur9AniII0ZXzscrZmb2P4uYHr_CywlsQpe5HZI_Z9MiRDy9_SWrwDMPG8XVGmPjm2smF-RIq7b5ux2WkofdZWMg8yZpH_KGJWPnAmxRpxIl769HxHlLv5oF_9qzblcyepFBVw4Sq/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTi7MVur9AniII0ZXzscrZmb2P4uYHr_CywlsQpe5HZI_Z9MiRDy9_SWrwDMPG8XVGmPjm2smF-RIq7b5ux2WkofdZWMg8yZpH_KGJWPnAmxRpxIl769HxHlLv5oF_9qzblcyepFBVw4Sq/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dock 3, with the marina condos behind, <br />
here at Marina Palmira</td></tr>
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Just a quick update -- since Anna and Ellie were here in La Paz we have given Solar Wind another BIG cleaning (including a paid bottom scrub and hull polish), teak varnish touch ups, stainless and topside polish, and all is again ship shape!<br />
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We had dock mates, Mike and Kelly over for dinner and got valuable tales of their experiences sailing among the Hawaiian Islands. Maui Mike lived there for 12 years and has multiple crossing under his belt. They are both super positive about the benefits and beauty of cruising the islands and had some practical advice as well. They loaned us some cruising guides that we are pouring over.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje32jUQMouValkIGIQMzsPeOHeKXap4XfX3io1J3f2C0QsoOGhtMGPg7xzMrKKFKeBW29K-GY5p-RnfvzCtK9tTewwULozqUxbdYcGkTQgZRk88CmL7Dxt3XgEDRvRGV5vgxJZbBLVr0yS/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje32jUQMouValkIGIQMzsPeOHeKXap4XfX3io1J3f2C0QsoOGhtMGPg7xzMrKKFKeBW29K-GY5p-RnfvzCtK9tTewwULozqUxbdYcGkTQgZRk88CmL7Dxt3XgEDRvRGV5vgxJZbBLVr0yS/s320/photo-3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our walk from the dock to the restrooms here at our La Paz home!</td></tr>
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We used the internet here to get our taxes ready to file and to look into renewing Lanham's tourist visa. Melinda's renewed when she took the trip to Seattle, but Lanham's 180 days were set to run out in early April. We got a generous offer from friends Ed and Amy to use 2 of Ed's "buddy passes" from his piloting on US Air and come stay with them at their home in Phoenix. It was a quick trip -- to 3.5 hours to Cabo by bus on Sunday AM, and 1.5 hour flight to Phoenix.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKnAlgWxsOXbmWI6rR0lrDPtVbxvjIJi_0uyiCYUL6i0nlSzj7WLQ818nCd_KCaXTnEb6BtRcEBIMyptGjAty9WfLIyR8aOfH2JIfFHtgZYUKpQGHv3uQLn3MKsE9zYPFL4RvlcoQDjhB/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKnAlgWxsOXbmWI6rR0lrDPtVbxvjIJi_0uyiCYUL6i0nlSzj7WLQ818nCd_KCaXTnEb6BtRcEBIMyptGjAty9WfLIyR8aOfH2JIfFHtgZYUKpQGHv3uQLn3MKsE9zYPFL4RvlcoQDjhB/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner at the Village Tavern</td></tr>
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Two great dinners out, lots of time to relax and chat, two good sleeps in a comfortable non-floating bed, and we were back walking the Malecon on Tuesday afternoon. Thanks Ed and Amy! We are now good to go -- and don't have to worry about either of us being illegal aliens.<br />
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Today was a huge provisioning, and pre-flight maneuvers for the engine (oil filter and transmission fluid). Tomorrow we are heading North again. The idea is to scoot pretty quickly up past the first few islands where we have already spent time and then slow down as we hit new scenery and villages. The next for sure stop will be Loreto -- one of the historical towns -- the earliest Spanish mission on the Baja Peninsula. We will not have cell or internet for the next weeks -- maybe as long as two months! We are really looking forward to the freedom and open plan for the next 7 or 8 weeks -- the Sea of Cortez calls! And, then of course... we could end up staying put most anywhere if we are waiting for weather or fixing things!!<br />
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Please remember you can reach us anytime -- on land or sea at our sailmail address.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">wdf6911@sailmail.com</span><br />
We usually check it twice daily when we get weather reports, using the single side band, and we get VERY excited when we receive a personal "hey" from any of you. Sorry the pics are few, but wanted to say we are on our way. Thanks for reading --<br />
Happy Solstice wherever you may be toasting to the spring!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT5QVs7aZoiRIp_CbH7GtzYkOT9AcuYzwRgA4Q9i4zOcKzJZ_iikuHdE4GOpF2iSfCA_y4VZOTNB4mtUlgdQ18NOVeodgB9g7oCdNsUoRy_ZhL4Q1KheUfnc-wBkhTToIjKjprpARI_tR/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT5QVs7aZoiRIp_CbH7GtzYkOT9AcuYzwRgA4Q9i4zOcKzJZ_iikuHdE4GOpF2iSfCA_y4VZOTNB4mtUlgdQ18NOVeodgB9g7oCdNsUoRy_ZhL4Q1KheUfnc-wBkhTToIjKjprpARI_tR/s1600/photo-2.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Marina Palmira</td></tr>
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<br />Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-42888024438073952052013-03-13T18:03:00.000-07:002013-03-13T18:03:26.615-07:00Anna's & Ellie's Solar Wind Adventures<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> THANKS ANNA, for taking on the writing of a blog entry!</span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrival at Marina Palmira, La Paz</td></tr>
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Ellie and I arrived in La Paz on a Saturday afternoon and
were immediately introduced to cruiser culture at Marina Palmira with a
boat-christening dock party for a family from Victoria, B.C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christening party for Vida Rica's family on Dock 3</td></tr>
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We met a few of Mom and Dad’s cruising
buddies and wished S/V Vida Rica and its new family many happy adventures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Modern Mexican food at Corazon Café and
a great jazz combo at a cool gallery/venue and we were ready for bed!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out to breakfast at Rancho Viejo (pre sun-therapy)</td></tr>
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Sunday morning was errands: a boat swap, breakfast, the
Mercado where we found a soccer ball and tortilla press, and the grocery
store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cast off in the
afternoon, and had a fast sail to San Gabriel on Isla Espiritu Santo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone swam and sunned, and Mom and
Ellie cooked the first of several INCREDIBLE galley meals.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElwDpe_H7ST4FYg3gixq6EM79vHRaqJ_qbTgPCQM7pyhjdJegVfDd7d_g9xdr4DkEakxu0XIxV0A2cdswpNCBIRCMYi8T7olEGSkmMMCIEnP3sDuJoBGwBunnUu72imxPZ6EiKKo424IA/s1600/P1060478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElwDpe_H7ST4FYg3gixq6EM79vHRaqJ_qbTgPCQM7pyhjdJegVfDd7d_g9xdr4DkEakxu0XIxV0A2cdswpNCBIRCMYi8T7olEGSkmMMCIEnP3sDuJoBGwBunnUu72imxPZ6EiKKo424IA/s400/P1060478.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying out the new tortilla press</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6vQldSJG0YzYkH1Wk5ypHldij7ml324l-HjYH-jUlEQyBRD3hysn2aQEhb-Q84wGetVeBioCagR4rhEr-a5ENY9ZswGzpPIvFxMmO5ooFiDatM8ovsl26ZRdDKQIpV99EHthEs8nQF4c/s1600/P1060265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6vQldSJG0YzYkH1Wk5ypHldij7ml324l-HjYH-jUlEQyBRD3hysn2aQEhb-Q84wGetVeBioCagR4rhEr-a5ENY9ZswGzpPIvFxMmO5ooFiDatM8ovsl26ZRdDKQIpV99EHthEs8nQF4c/s400/P1060265.JPG" width="400" /></a>The next morning we motored and sailed around Espiritu Santo
counter-clockwise to Playa Bonanza, a white sand beach perfect for kicking the
soccer ball and beachcombing (check out those dead blowfish!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We climbed the cape at one end of the
beach for some aerial shots of Solar Wind.</div>
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Tuesday morning brought another great sail up Espiritu
Santo’s rugged East side, to an adjoining island to the North, Isla
Partida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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We made a lunch stop at
Los Islotes, guano-covered rocks at the northern tip of Isla Partida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wet suited-up for some snorkeling
with the resident sea lion moms and pups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amazing to swim with 200 pound plus, well-toothed wild animals!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5x4f7tjdN-9UguSFwMtrXVK62bmHDSrQC8sLtpBU_Z4r5yzIolHE4eJp5NgVCeNuKUp6zi1XcnU7NJUVvry8I99ysrPe6mxtTucNjyabwSgvS_pqIRpAVaEyEGpgmIuYKC9eJsotxruZt/s1600/P1060297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5x4f7tjdN-9UguSFwMtrXVK62bmHDSrQC8sLtpBU_Z4r5yzIolHE4eJp5NgVCeNuKUp6zi1XcnU7NJUVvry8I99ysrPe6mxtTucNjyabwSgvS_pqIRpAVaEyEGpgmIuYKC9eJsotxruZt/s400/P1060297.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are... there... sharks...?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XSLhxxELQKzcI7yqr0_wVqJoCQweFfZFMDCnyF8mKYmKBcA3gDgHOUROmH0MfJFwcrdyUHKN2LWdSzJ23SnpbodlnJz2Obnq4bAYo44dLNmwaUVzzEPeDc5DRCXgb06SSQ4tsBAD2kpU/s1600/P1060315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XSLhxxELQKzcI7yqr0_wVqJoCQweFfZFMDCnyF8mKYmKBcA3gDgHOUROmH0MfJFwcrdyUHKN2LWdSzJ23SnpbodlnJz2Obnq4bAYo44dLNmwaUVzzEPeDc5DRCXgb06SSQ4tsBAD2kpU/s320/P1060315.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavanderia</td></tr>
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After lunch and laundry we motored on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom and Dad had their eyes set on a
little cove called El Cordoncito, but expected it to be occupied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was empty and was ours for the next
two nights!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geo-cacheing</td></tr>
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After a spectacular sunset we woke to cloud cover on
Wednesday, a welcome relief for the pastier among us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ellie and Anna did their first Geo-Cacheing, and we all
hiked and climbed up to the ridge overlooking the next bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock climbing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikm3GvyKPnh3OzkWEnOsOaZKRuj27cHLBUE-oPNVe09chN2cxKY8lG6REeBYouvul0QBgf7uF_TXs-FJEV-Q7neR0JCZja3XyRUNeZh_gNBCr0Cc_0TwvpBwPUNRyAFFz8ISY_NCzml4Av/s1600/P1060404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikm3GvyKPnh3OzkWEnOsOaZKRuj27cHLBUE-oPNVe09chN2cxKY8lG6REeBYouvul0QBgf7uF_TXs-FJEV-Q7neR0JCZja3XyRUNeZh_gNBCr0Cc_0TwvpBwPUNRyAFFz8ISY_NCzml4Av/s400/P1060404.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family portrait</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAd5FKsEI7Gq4rcetWZdU30iusEzY6c_hvPF_8tnTIEsJqEgkzmLE52rDf1lnC8q-AFf6wFFVhuAnwJTz5AtetzITXXgvF8Vy8615wTjQTkTo9fLxkaXjBFi7NlKszAQkp33P2geBZdEb/s1600/P1060424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAd5FKsEI7Gq4rcetWZdU30iusEzY6c_hvPF_8tnTIEsJqEgkzmLE52rDf1lnC8q-AFf6wFFVhuAnwJTz5AtetzITXXgvF8Vy8615wTjQTkTo9fLxkaXjBFi7NlKszAQkp33P2geBZdEb/s400/P1060424.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you guys always eat like this?? Yep, pretty much!</td></tr>
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Dinner was boat-caught dorado and snap
peas that Mom bought at the farmer’s market.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset in El Cardoncito</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4BdWM47TNIkdog-XsZqRmXK4huEjzZcxS09LTPLU_BtpWa9JYMY5LQQXoBzVT0Xk-DEU679vbBp3G_m0B-gqG_MtGJ10LzVxnfX7kL6OUI6hbWkU72AvdpiPhkIFj4ilRuE-IEh83NUq/s1600/P1060437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4BdWM47TNIkdog-XsZqRmXK4huEjzZcxS09LTPLU_BtpWa9JYMY5LQQXoBzVT0Xk-DEU679vbBp3G_m0B-gqG_MtGJ10LzVxnfX7kL6OUI6hbWkU72AvdpiPhkIFj4ilRuE-IEh83NUq/s400/P1060437.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinghy trip!</td></tr>
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Thursday brought a dinghy trip through Caleta Partida, the
spit between Isla Partida and the Isla Espiritu Santo, to the famed sea
caves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the afternoon we motored
back across the channel to the mainland, catching a few raindrops on the
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsyWJCcN-m91MGl8stAGqdnYtRLTVLZecTFixzqOV53csPRkpFbz13eI69bq_g7ZzonSeyAdbljIEOEJp5tzVdOr2oh2vJcCdhJSXK92tIzLcj5dlyAe2ZkEKTo8lIYgwKq_HoKbF561R/s1600/P1060469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsyWJCcN-m91MGl8stAGqdnYtRLTVLZecTFixzqOV53csPRkpFbz13eI69bq_g7ZzonSeyAdbljIEOEJp5tzVdOr2oh2vJcCdhJSXK92tIzLcj5dlyAe2ZkEKTo8lIYgwKq_HoKbF561R/s400/P1060469.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
We spent the night at Puerto
Balandra, a much larger, more populated bay than we’d seen on the islands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reading, evening and morning kayaking,
more good food, and several games of Bananagrams later we were on our way back
to La Paz under sunny skies.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRaATNzCGSpIjgzqRWoaw4Fj8w-jtNEorxRSxgeP4hqupvR7B37y-l3zDaRGI0I9foJ5Ry2uHBxb2Y-S7JqgLzx-lBdgWwk8KnmVgS-v8EQ0kBWudqPfJeeRYeOZtWUVOCWhGezhEK8D6/s1600/P1060489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRaATNzCGSpIjgzqRWoaw4Fj8w-jtNEorxRSxgeP4hqupvR7B37y-l3zDaRGI0I9foJ5Ry2uHBxb2Y-S7JqgLzx-lBdgWwk8KnmVgS-v8EQ0kBWudqPfJeeRYeOZtWUVOCWhGezhEK8D6/s400/P1060489.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise kayaking</td></tr>
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As I write this, we’ve scrubbed the boat down, Ellie is
getting in some final sun on deck, and Dad is napping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll do a bit more exploring La Paz tonight
and be on our way around noon tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had a great – if too short – visit with family in Seattle on our way
down and look forward to another on the way home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been so fortunate to share this spectacular place and
get a glimpse of the cruising life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As is their way, Mom and Dad appear to have shied away from nothing –
it’s been a joy to see their Spanish abilities, confidence as sailors,
mechanical and technical knowledge of the boat, and enthusiasm for whatever
comes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We look forward to their
landfall in Sequim in July, many thousands of miles from now!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Onward!<br />
Parting shots -- a night out in La Paz:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7dtSOMFxbrPUvyYnjSfp4jx3UTr4F5ryoH21d6Xa5w-l3BX2fWDHuHG1XAoa4FGWpj3S_WS6Dq5R3fvCv5PDq7grbhq5c6KK0NOUNm1_dKpehsVh-jEOfoRewYCokJwuYsXOJ5qFaXUz/s1600/P1060505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7dtSOMFxbrPUvyYnjSfp4jx3UTr4F5ryoH21d6Xa5w-l3BX2fWDHuHG1XAoa4FGWpj3S_WS6Dq5R3fvCv5PDq7grbhq5c6KK0NOUNm1_dKpehsVh-jEOfoRewYCokJwuYsXOJ5qFaXUz/s400/P1060505.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last night Margaritas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffing ourselves with pizza at El Rutico</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOryLM3pbQnM6pzE-uOcP6PATIGY9XD7It5YwAEacnBN0_2npLkll9HMHBAnHkAPKI746HLlqUUeXABcajIH4K74yeFh0nz4rhU0dsZtTiBBgZlBT9_wvjKPNzzYjdy8uxN2ucRRrNawZB/s1600/P1060516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOryLM3pbQnM6pzE-uOcP6PATIGY9XD7It5YwAEacnBN0_2npLkll9HMHBAnHkAPKI746HLlqUUeXABcajIH4K74yeFh0nz4rhU0dsZtTiBBgZlBT9_wvjKPNzzYjdy8uxN2ucRRrNawZB/s400/P1060516.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing a little gift shopping at the Artiste Collectivo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsUBWNUYICqTXWPeYx4xGrpAvAl9AZfIVv_u5y93Wj7WWnc8AV67CcK0hQyPzgh6C9orNL7iMigyAdtFFdGeopjDOfbZPC9ElPegoQ5Lr8FlZpEbCWUQzA1jTMqI-XwCEIhNUeVX28bSB/s1600/P1060512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsUBWNUYICqTXWPeYx4xGrpAvAl9AZfIVv_u5y93Wj7WWnc8AV67CcK0hQyPzgh6C9orNL7iMigyAdtFFdGeopjDOfbZPC9ElPegoQ5Lr8FlZpEbCWUQzA1jTMqI-XwCEIhNUeVX28bSB/s400/P1060512.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SO MUCH fun to be together!!</td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-89401966273710734132013-03-12T10:58:00.000-07:002013-03-12T15:39:22.309-07:00The Fishing Village of San Evaristo
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The southern Baja Peninsula is dominated by the truly
magnificent (and giant) mountain range, Sierra de la Giganta. Running northwest
to southeast, these striated peaks come right down to the water, forming a
dramatic backdrop to the few anchorages in this area.</div>
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Crossing only 9 miles from the islands to the Baja mainland
we were excited to visit the first village north of La Paz. By dirt road, San
Evaristo is 75 miles from La Paz. About 20 families live there, and in recent
years it has become a bit of a cruisers’ hangout, which seems to be benefiting
the economy of the village. At the marina in La Paz it was advertised as a
place to bring donations of clothes and school supplies. One of our friends
gathered kids’ clothing from second hand stores in La Paz and delivered them.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very well stocked store -- subsidized by the govt we heard.</td></tr>
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There is a water desalinization facility at which the
villagers and some of the cruisers fill their 5 gallon jugs. Fresh produce is
delivered by truck once a week and the tienda also stocks up on extra groceries
to sell to cruisers. In the past 2 years, a beachside cantina has opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner can be ordered in the afternoon,
to be ready that evening, and just this month a satelite payphone was connected
which can (sometimes) allow calls to the States or Canada. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXg1DHDY2Tirxu05FJGKyJZLKmLKg_REc1m3ozMc1O2YY_ybti4Lb__rcQmsxA8q0hCwbthLSKS48KXPc2AP3eI_UOGcfsLIFvF7IJDgGsVgjtrsFAelKH28SAGyZGf3NBOvuiqWtjo_GA/s1600/P1060073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXg1DHDY2Tirxu05FJGKyJZLKmLKg_REc1m3ozMc1O2YY_ybti4Lb__rcQmsxA8q0hCwbthLSKS48KXPc2AP3eI_UOGcfsLIFvF7IJDgGsVgjtrsFAelKH28SAGyZGf3NBOvuiqWtjo_GA/s400/P1060073.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the scale for weighing our produce. El hombre is tallying our bill.</td></tr>
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We spent a couple of windy and coolish days in the anchorage
and had a great time. The bay is large and the wind was whipping up waves but
we went in to the beach to walk the town and buy groceries. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The catch is in...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two cabrillo for the freezer ($8 total). Would we like that filleted?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pelican to Human ratio is much more desirable here is the northern climate. <br />They seem to get what they need without sticking up the bays.</td></tr>
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About 3 in the
afternoon the panguaros were on the beach with their day’s catch, so we bought
fresh Cabrillo (similar to cod) which they filleted at a bench on the beach. We
met up with some VHF radio acquaintances anchored next to us, Canadians from
the boat Euphoria, and took a walk, finding the elementary school, the
abandoned salt ponds, and the local burros (who found us worth watching).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking to the salt ponds and looking out across the Sea of Cortez.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The school and playground. After elementary school, the kids go to boarding school in La Paz.<br />Cruisers have contributed a lot to the school funds and are getting ready to help paint it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a little nicho along the road on our walk.</td></tr>
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Having gotten soaked with 4 of us in the dinghy on the way
back to the boat, we put on our foul weather gear and headed in again for a
family style dinner at the palapa, meeting Sipreana, who does the cooking,
along with her mom, dad, brother and 4 adorable children. I took gifts to the
kids, including 2 Emerald City Football Club jerseys that say DEAL on the back.
They were thrilled! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMW_CfJSD6ftNempte78wnOiomEayiTQriZy_mta-B9-NB3OJZetOe82ihqqevNVHgJxi6EBLSPtBgrphu72QyimnoKNBa1j-ZWOTDdSWhtMAxVIiqe2E_k4HhT52Ak0hHS9wMIeRkdgE/s1600/P1060130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMW_CfJSD6ftNempte78wnOiomEayiTQriZy_mta-B9-NB3OJZetOe82ihqqevNVHgJxi6EBLSPtBgrphu72QyimnoKNBa1j-ZWOTDdSWhtMAxVIiqe2E_k4HhT52Ak0hHS9wMIeRkdgE/s400/P1060130.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 3 hermanos that "help" out and play around Sipreana's restaurant.<br />They loved our gifts and are all learning some English from the cruisers.<br />They have an 11 year old sister who does help her mom in the kitchen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The enclosed palapa where dinner can be ordered</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the beautiful palapa roof on Sipreana's restaurant</td></tr>
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Our day often starts with the 7:30 Sonrisa Net, with a
weather forecast that is not very accurate in specifics – there is no such
thing -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but does give everyone
something to talk about and provides a big picture if major weather changes are
on the horizon. The talk was for more and stronger winds to continue, and since
it was going south we decided to take off with following seas to start our trek
back to La Paz. We crossed back to Isla Partida, catching a large skipjack on
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For the next 36 hours we were holed up in Ensenada Grande –
described as a decent north wind anchorage. We didn’t find it so. Our first
spot was clearly in a wind tunnel where 35 to 40 kt gusts swept down the gully
in the surrounding hills. We were putting out a lot of scope – 175 feet of
chain in 25 feet of water. Our anchor continued to drag and reset multiple
times, until we were too close for comfort to the rock walls behind us. We
pulled anchor and found it embedded in a 4 foot by 4 foot mound of slippery
seaweed – no wonder it wasn’t holding in the roaring wind and surf. Sorry, no
picture, but try to imagine Melinda lying midway off the bow, banging at the
big green ‘Cousin It’ on the end of the anchor chain, Lanham unable to see or
hear any progress as he steers and throttles to keep the boat in one place
while it wants to be swept in all directions, including toward those rocks over
there… Doing this kind of stuff in the dark adds greatly to the dramatic
effect. For our second gusty night we moved to a more protected spot. Lanham
napped during the day, kept watch at night. With GPS we are able to note down
to 6’ intervals how far we have swung from our previous spot. Swinging is OK,
drifting not always OK. Twenty feet is OK, one hundred and twenty probably not.
We count the GPS, the electronic anchor watch, and the electric windlass (motor
to pull up anchor chain) as things we are very thankful for these days.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMavJYYxp9tSPZKLTrZN0y0Un5DV7QXGqMnVq8O7oPM9tqkDxuQ24AtAkzu-CvFGXoW9OWRXJONqqYQqeXIfZbAgiqRwcBwOJ6wXg-Fd1RAo49R2lCMflzwnhi6La4lV9jp0EqqdTta1uH/s1600/P1060145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMavJYYxp9tSPZKLTrZN0y0Un5DV7QXGqMnVq8O7oPM9tqkDxuQ24AtAkzu-CvFGXoW9OWRXJONqqYQqeXIfZbAgiqRwcBwOJ6wXg-Fd1RAo49R2lCMflzwnhi6La4lV9jp0EqqdTta1uH/s400/P1060145.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The National Geographic Tours boat that was holed up in windy seas next to us for a couple days.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The light never ceases to amaze!</td></tr>
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The wind has subsided, no more predicted for a couple days,
and we will be back in La Paz to meet Anna and Ellie on Saturday! Stay tuned
for news of their visit…</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-2985451318178377442013-03-11T12:47:00.000-07:002013-03-11T12:48:14.267-07:00Isla San Francisco
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Isla San Francisco is the picturesque spot on the cover of “The Sea of Cortez” cruisers’ guidebook that we have been looking at for the last two years as we dreamed about this trip. Yesterday we got the same picture on our camera, except that this time Solar Wind is one of the lucky boats in the anchorage. Need we say more?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuC4uGM4iB7DB-46MRwzFXmg8ZuAh93D_xE6Ysj0oI-s-x-eZckcYDv-Gg7sc-1MkOXQXOojNTgCvfT2jNOEjyE2PHvQYa4a7rlsizZsNM9zMgqq5T01VMvnOmBf9nzjx6Zb8BGPufJp4/s1600/P1060039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuC4uGM4iB7DB-46MRwzFXmg8ZuAh93D_xE6Ysj0oI-s-x-eZckcYDv-Gg7sc-1MkOXQXOojNTgCvfT2jNOEjyE2PHvQYa4a7rlsizZsNM9zMgqq5T01VMvnOmBf9nzjx6Zb8BGPufJp4/s400/P1060039.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Getting to this nice spot (21 miles north of our last
anchorage) qualified as a very good day. We took off at the relaxed hour of 10
am and by 11 we were flying the spinnaker in comfortable 10 to 15 knot winds
right on course and trailing our fishing lines. An hour later, we heard the
“zing,”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>again confirming that the
trick to getting a bite is to find something “other than fishing” to do. Lanham
was washing solar panels, Melinda was cooking lunch, Scully was steering. We
brought in a beautiful dorado, got it filleted and refrigerated and continued
on the spinnaker run all the way to our destination. Another feast from the
sea, and some for the freezer.</div>
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The wind has kicked up in the two nights we’ve been here. We
tried the anchorage on the east side our first night, due to the forecasted
wind direction. Now we have moved to the more populated southwest anchorage,
with good protection from the northwest wind that runs about 20 kts at night.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In general, the
fairly routine northwesterners’ worry about dragging anchor in wind and
currents is nonexistent here. You feel the difference immediately as the anchor
digs deep into the sand and holds fast and firm (<i>most</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> of the time?) We have gotten used to </span><i>not</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> hearing the anchor chain roll over rock throughout
the night. So there was some unexpected excitement when a neighboring 30-foot
boat woke up on the beach the other morning. The occupants were able to sleep
through the ordeal and went out hiking for the day since there was nothing to
do until the tide came in about 4 pm. Then with help from a couple other
dinghies, it was rolled over further with a line pulling from the masthead and
on the rising tide they floated off. In this bay such excitement seems to come
from anchors collecting a bunch of slippery sea grass that can build up over
time and prevent the anchor from resetting. We have been keeping our computer
on with an anchor alarm at night and rising a few times to check on wind speed,
direction and make sure everyone around us is still where they were when we
bedded down. This morning one of our neighbors started dragging anchor and
drifting toward us when a nearby boat alerted “the fleet” before any damage was
done. We are looking out at the white caps today and think that we will stay
put and stay alert!</span></div>
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The ridge top trail here on Isla San Francisco affords views
in all directions. Wish you were here!</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-78262835210620590832013-03-11T12:23:00.002-07:002013-03-11T12:48:14.271-07:00Playing in the Islands<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<h4>
The Sea of Cortez is SPECTACULAR!</h4>
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For the last week and a half we have moved a total of about 40 miles, been in 4 different anchorages, swam, hiked, snorkeled, read, caught and ate fresh dorado, sailed the spinnaker in a soft following sea, slept in the cockpit under a waxing moon, beach-combed, dinghied to a sea cave, watched the hawks, gulls, sandpipers, cormorants, and pelicans, and enjoyed sun-downers and conversation with fellow cruisers.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVFlNFjKYa0hYkuIEJqe-1y6f62-3JUTs9yA7GSRr64iqdeMOmQxI38ecGQe1g6Y6R1GQDfaVIRGYsq3tARa5j869vxC8HyjMUNgcb6n_b4XtniGfBoZ4K0ehSLpIYS6r0hvxydqxtm0/s1600/P1050851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVFlNFjKYa0hYkuIEJqe-1y6f62-3JUTs9yA7GSRr64iqdeMOmQxI38ecGQe1g6Y6R1GQDfaVIRGYsq3tARa5j869vxC8HyjMUNgcb6n_b4XtniGfBoZ4K0ehSLpIYS6r0hvxydqxtm0/s400/P1050851.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dNm_ojGfkR9cDW1gi2_FvzkzJhut8giSHM1WMaPkoh1M8qxeC021gx-EhelfeJuHSTYuygkNWEjuEpIPVYUyoIhE5SNVCfVA96HfCIpHdlw0LkRHg_vkvZCzkVv7I8gbhZ22qRqjhFw/s1600/P1050805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dNm_ojGfkR9cDW1gi2_FvzkzJhut8giSHM1WMaPkoh1M8qxeC021gx-EhelfeJuHSTYuygkNWEjuEpIPVYUyoIhE5SNVCfVA96HfCIpHdlw0LkRHg_vkvZCzkVv7I8gbhZ22qRqjhFw/s640/P1050805.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larger than life</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwM5PzidNc9pKiqg9lFfTdshG6NMxxNp0ajVavDOdqxP-XiLS28oTxqgnl9ej_iYZOi8bmRIZ6ybd6FHZCY2a3W3BXmSoakZBXyZZ_3y56yuobB812Fyw9JniJhV6VEK55dP34Vt052f0/s1600/P1050902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwM5PzidNc9pKiqg9lFfTdshG6NMxxNp0ajVavDOdqxP-XiLS28oTxqgnl9ej_iYZOi8bmRIZ6ybd6FHZCY2a3W3BXmSoakZBXyZZ_3y56yuobB812Fyw9JniJhV6VEK55dP34Vt052f0/s400/P1050902.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRAMbNSzk3hPXEmmk3ioJldPnBba0Ejrh-Ffz4jxnrfQQwcF_I5-DJTyJzCQa4qym5Qz_dEXjJTANtD3K5MDthW48Rc3b7e9xbQGGJWUqydDz0DBHju1GIoC16kbD84ZeBCAH4tmECXU/s1600/P1050825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRAMbNSzk3hPXEmmk3ioJldPnBba0Ejrh-Ffz4jxnrfQQwcF_I5-DJTyJzCQa4qym5Qz_dEXjJTANtD3K5MDthW48Rc3b7e9xbQGGJWUqydDz0DBHju1GIoC16kbD84ZeBCAH4tmECXU/s640/P1050825.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The pinks and greens of the mountains, the wild formations
of rock, the crystal clear light blue waters, the white sand beaches, the
remote fish camp or occasional navigation light as the only signs of human
development – we think we won’t tire of this landscape anytime soon!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPeXCviDYY7CToc8_Pc4srWnLlLaAlQDqAWcrFWC-VfjEle3HxaF8hK3l9hP5g2SV4idUoG2S2dt3Dz9tTW9ZyTfB5OMyc8GI4uhyZZ_SdlvOWClJ5N_UOE0oSOX-zsb6NNCHM7x1Ysw/s1600/P1050749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPeXCviDYY7CToc8_Pc4srWnLlLaAlQDqAWcrFWC-VfjEle3HxaF8hK3l9hP5g2SV4idUoG2S2dt3Dz9tTW9ZyTfB5OMyc8GI4uhyZZ_SdlvOWClJ5N_UOE0oSOX-zsb6NNCHM7x1Ysw/s400/P1050749.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Here are a couple pictures of Ensenada Gallo, where we spent
two nights. This is the center one of three lobes or bays in Puerto Ballena
(still on the west side of Espiritu Santo). A group of about 12 kayakers camped
on the beach here and took off in the morning – not an easy paddle into strong
head winds. Our anchorage looked out on 2 islands – Hen and Rooster – Islas
Gallina and Gallo. They have sheer rock faces with guano-covered cacti on top
that looked like they are dusted with snow. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffooAiVDvSJUw2CbZlSfZfSGnoEGv6ZSpOa6MuzfeyaiYDMVQMwdOEZdJ0gS5yanzjzP_Ksc1e78Axuygj0ThPPYWlb_0HL0OWXwGXC4lfq8T-YfTIqwwb3oUauHtaoXJo1ye9Vk0huI/s1600/P1050827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffooAiVDvSJUw2CbZlSfZfSGnoEGv6ZSpOa6MuzfeyaiYDMVQMwdOEZdJ0gS5yanzjzP_Ksc1e78Axuygj0ThPPYWlb_0HL0OWXwGXC4lfq8T-YfTIqwwb3oUauHtaoXJo1ye9Vk0huI/s400/P1050827.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isla Gallo -- with it's dusting of guano</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-K6bMn9iyKR6VPzS77lhFQ7sMot5gs_lpXZsGN-zEPjzvJ01PY7e4aePR0-ewx6tpVBqxPCU-Vmprk0Mha_RfYRqbBxTb2xuOZZVPyFL_F1IT5PODZMBhr3AvcH4eTIiCRoPOJXn4AE/s1600/P1050820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-K6bMn9iyKR6VPzS77lhFQ7sMot5gs_lpXZsGN-zEPjzvJ01PY7e4aePR0-ewx6tpVBqxPCU-Vmprk0Mha_RfYRqbBxTb2xuOZZVPyFL_F1IT5PODZMBhr3AvcH4eTIiCRoPOJXn4AE/s320/P1050820.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bees come quite a ways off shore to find a taste of <br />
fresh water from our transom shower head</td></tr>
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In this anchorage we were found by the small but persistent
“bobos”-- tiny flies that land on you but don’t sting or bite… jut annoy. Along
with them, we were boarded by a large number of honeybees. They are seeking
fresh water and it is amazing that they come so far off-shore. We have heard of
boats having quite a bit of trouble ridding themselves if the queen decides to
move aboard. We found two solutions – one more environmentally friendly, the
other more effective. The bees loved hanging out on our fresh water showerhead
in the cockpit, so we discovered that putting fresh water on the bow drew lots
of them there instead. Once they found their way inside the boat, many met
their fate with the vacuum cleaner. Lanham would go on the prowl with his 100
mph wind tornado machine.</div>
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Just after we had finished an early dinner one evening, a
dinghy came up alongside Solar Wind with a cruiser from the next bay over. </div>
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“Just wondered if you’d like some fish?” he said. You bet!</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbx81D37NHbd_5UzHuxCkj3eN92Ggxyc88fIMzvA7VOp2Or0iaYJG8ZLTkwFhU_Z7pOQ6nzqKDebO2QMKfR-9qUdHzX6iPsD_hpj2UloMwcmCgCFMto-Dl3dnMILYPNjqp8GRAGHrlCA/s1600/P1050828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbx81D37NHbd_5UzHuxCkj3eN92Ggxyc88fIMzvA7VOp2Or0iaYJG8ZLTkwFhU_Z7pOQ6nzqKDebO2QMKfR-9qUdHzX6iPsD_hpj2UloMwcmCgCFMto-Dl3dnMILYPNjqp8GRAGHrlCA/s400/P1050828.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first taste of "Chub" -- gifted to us by a fellow cruiser -- delicious!</td></tr>
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He was clearly an experienced skin diver in full wet suit
and had “gotten too many” with his spear during his afternoon of snorkeling off
the islands. He gave us 2 good size “chub” which were new to us, and took 2
more “pargo” (red snapper) in to the group of kayakers. He would take nothing
we offered in return, so we hope to run into him again and return the
generosity. We got a good 4 lbs of delicious white mild fillets, barbequed them
the next night and fed a group as part of a potluck in our next anchorage. </div>
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We have finally picked up a minimal photographic field guide
for both reef fish and birds of the Baja Peninsula. It’s really fun to be able
to identify more of what we see above and below the water. The Cortez chub was
on our mind the next morning when we thought we’d initiate our Hawaiian Sling
spear while snorkeling off the islands. The “winter” water is between 65 and 75
degrees, so the long wet suits and even hoods feel good for prolonged
snorkeling. We did see colorful coral, lots of little fish, big urchins and sea
fans, but couldn’t get (or stay) deep enough for hunting with the spear. That
probably requires lying quietly on the bottom in 20 feet or more, proving that
the fisherman who gifted us was more skilled than most. We will try the spear
again when we are using our scuba tanks.</div>
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<h4>
On to Cardoncito -- on Isla Partida -- and meeting up with friends...</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-vdvGza2kg0-el_b1YLyZWwSdGTGtdDfLKw2F_db1ZFgMn03hNZmMCIkyIgO_lCy5jgppiUHS-U9NDODEEGZBJAQR398HgZ6XrQzBFKldiknA44w2aPkKLgBHctPkcRBle3ZrDv7Vjs/s1600/P1050845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-vdvGza2kg0-el_b1YLyZWwSdGTGtdDfLKw2F_db1ZFgMn03hNZmMCIkyIgO_lCy5jgppiUHS-U9NDODEEGZBJAQR398HgZ6XrQzBFKldiknA44w2aPkKLgBHctPkcRBle3ZrDv7Vjs/s400/P1050845.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The anchorage at El Cardoncito -- with its private beach</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvXV-yBLDYYhO7qmgrJgm2KVPdzgmgL9ctRZxmHaKJXs-jC9QqgnCN9p64JCedM8RjmkDuCsJHEU2NkmPIuPEX1eB7noJ7xKpkZ2ZhgPsiePxoA1bx1MjHIDYRKvuv3EZl8zF6D79Chs/s1600/P1050848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvXV-yBLDYYhO7qmgrJgm2KVPdzgmgL9ctRZxmHaKJXs-jC9QqgnCN9p64JCedM8RjmkDuCsJHEU2NkmPIuPEX1eB7noJ7xKpkZ2ZhgPsiePxoA1bx1MjHIDYRKvuv3EZl8zF6D79Chs/s400/P1050848.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swagman on the left, Scot Free Eh on the right of us</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjQkXX3EU39t2_D85hZW1TB9CTFuJ6sbQJnZkIVs6_TpOW5StXyCVS0daZEmm_c7CYaZZelhkwy-ZU5E4fUjF1prxyxp-q2lrRK7hEwk56b6i-CZ4e7Tu_y7fi3L4UvrMZ_08UveKvlA/s1600/P1050854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjQkXX3EU39t2_D85hZW1TB9CTFuJ6sbQJnZkIVs6_TpOW5StXyCVS0daZEmm_c7CYaZZelhkwy-ZU5E4fUjF1prxyxp-q2lrRK7hEwk56b6i-CZ4e7Tu_y7fi3L4UvrMZ_08UveKvlA/s400/P1050854.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lacy rock sides of the bay -- teeming with drought resistant plants</td></tr>
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Our next stop was up another 6 miles to the pass between
Espiritu Santo and the island just north of it, called Isla Partida. Between
two larger wide-open bays is the beautiful little niche called El Cardoncito.<br />
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With steep-to sides, good depth, and enough room for 2 to 4 boats, we anchored
and were joined by 3 of Solar Wind’s buddies from the docks in La Paz – Scot
Free Eh, Swagman, and Kamala. We shared some meals, lots of laughs, and radio
banter.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJSseG8dOqbZ3Mjv5EdxAQcPrjdd0tMqFr7MmSRA2rjpARj2z_dA06ystxJR56HZrivDQzquNgyPEvFQntDqbTMa769XVaRAh_QO35ULevgGbBz6SsNvIPLU-C2HqHhcnwtS_XeAikBQ/s1600/P1050911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJSseG8dOqbZ3Mjv5EdxAQcPrjdd0tMqFr7MmSRA2rjpARj2z_dA06ystxJR56HZrivDQzquNgyPEvFQntDqbTMa769XVaRAh_QO35ULevgGbBz6SsNvIPLU-C2HqHhcnwtS_XeAikBQ/s400/P1050911.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of room for our 4 boats (and a few more)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our turn to host dinner on Solar Wind for the gang<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiZ2CIADc2gBVkoM0tQw8qSkEWF_VV1Z2W9WYjU23VJpuhGM29jWDn86JBBrQRImXG4lEKz_Oz2cdbiz8Y-GoKeMZ2pTfJrnSz3ARkeAR14hK0lsEOQAnzBnZgYOUXcsU6dtHCALUDLI/s1600/P1050912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiZ2CIADc2gBVkoM0tQw8qSkEWF_VV1Z2W9WYjU23VJpuhGM29jWDn86JBBrQRImXG4lEKz_Oz2cdbiz8Y-GoKeMZ2pTfJrnSz3ARkeAR14hK0lsEOQAnzBnZgYOUXcsU6dtHCALUDLI/s320/P1050912.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guests arrive by all modes of water transport</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3o9FwvXOfqOmuMD1WJkc5DZMWnhsuAmORWUihDvArhSDNM5h3Dw_0jOlWguSzsWaQNnSH_YIOCltpQ2V0Krh6nDL6fafpzinXXdpvVXTAvweb_KFKdbjaBBNJ1eoKpBpyyoczm4Yuk88/s1600/P1050840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3o9FwvXOfqOmuMD1WJkc5DZMWnhsuAmORWUihDvArhSDNM5h3Dw_0jOlWguSzsWaQNnSH_YIOCltpQ2V0Krh6nDL6fafpzinXXdpvVXTAvweb_KFKdbjaBBNJ1eoKpBpyyoczm4Yuk88/s400/P1050840.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We BBQ a lot!<br />
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<h4>
Dinghy Trip to the Sea Caves --</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcxC-G9x-LgQH72c2FEwzFAqMYVlc86YgTewWmgoueW_2qrAmdaAUZ_I3cBW2ArPhPKMxy1f9O99dm2DHi7xzUNxczBi-vKfTjwk9KtPgklwIdFwO5mxU4BkWgpU8QJw9P3Uu1AQNgd8/s1600/P1050866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcxC-G9x-LgQH72c2FEwzFAqMYVlc86YgTewWmgoueW_2qrAmdaAUZ_I3cBW2ArPhPKMxy1f9O99dm2DHi7xzUNxczBi-vKfTjwk9KtPgklwIdFwO5mxU4BkWgpU8QJw9P3Uu1AQNgd8/s400/P1050866.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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With John and Deb, from Scot Free, as guides, we took our
dinghies through the shallow pass between islands, almost having to get out and
wade in the knee-deep channel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the channel between islands -- fishing huts line the sandspit </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_ibGVBwVPhcvJMhjcpwKVtN3Mo2MGG6-sNSvnILOgN18S1TE-i1CoYgvQzFPceHobXG9MZ4XPUfZwQtMBYsPkf6bc95mt5RdC3QP5s58W8WvG5wlIktskPVkYmPlbSzQMFMfY8uJkJo/s1600/P1050899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_ibGVBwVPhcvJMhjcpwKVtN3Mo2MGG6-sNSvnILOgN18S1TE-i1CoYgvQzFPceHobXG9MZ4XPUfZwQtMBYsPkf6bc95mt5RdC3QP5s58W8WvG5wlIktskPVkYmPlbSzQMFMfY8uJkJo/s400/P1050899.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough buildings, but with a prominent satellite dish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthyfTVQlDYySCXQF-lYASLqjqVJ_Q0DQkNNRK_6Wtys-A5eb-c4QBFPjl1IgdZARiLtkTjrQyed9ui5sDC_0cgr0YZzrH8jkFkDucWmqhJBqmL3MclzZq7tro4g4P3cMWXsllJ3z2qMs/s1600/P1050900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthyfTVQlDYySCXQF-lYASLqjqVJ_Q0DQkNNRK_6Wtys-A5eb-c4QBFPjl1IgdZARiLtkTjrQyed9ui5sDC_0cgr0YZzrH8jkFkDucWmqhJBqmL3MclzZq7tro4g4P3cMWXsllJ3z2qMs/s400/P1050900.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sky at 3 pm</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGYlWw5WL7vdQUjlusCcPbkNVHDrghALD2JQfZNjk8999m5PStenFQOPG6Z-s4tMwEBPyFocUT2tMg85Nga1T1IzG0-GmisOPreR1WrllPmJTdAPhefE7MSqMAFExcp7Mr10jwQYBxLo/s1600/P1050885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGYlWw5WL7vdQUjlusCcPbkNVHDrghALD2JQfZNjk8999m5PStenFQOPG6Z-s4tMwEBPyFocUT2tMg85Nga1T1IzG0-GmisOPreR1WrllPmJTdAPhefE7MSqMAFExcp7Mr10jwQYBxLo/s400/P1050885.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a>We zoomed a couple miles down the east side of Espiritu Santo in flat water to find the sea cave that is written about in the guidebook.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A marlin or sailfish? cruising around our anchorage</td></tr>
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We had a close encounter with a marlin, one of the stranger
native visitors to this quiet little bay of El Cardoncito who came right up
alongside our dinghies. With his two-foot beak sticking out of the water, the
six-foot iridescent blue marlin swam lazy circles around our boats, staying
near the surface with no apparent purpose or fear. We are still wondering if
this was normal behavior that we were lucky enough to get to watch or if he was
ailing and disoriented. Had s/he been interested in our boats we easily could
have ended up with punctured pontoons in addition to some photos.<br />
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After two of our friends’ boats took off to head farther north, we spent a bluebird sky day hiking up the arroyo at the head of El Cardoncito with Kirk and Mary from Kamala.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SXekrbanSMaX7w8UDMszHz2ncke19fyQEaNmSxhQgBo06sNXCbayKFDq223Sg2qg02N2fCn5tXmLAqDC5etY5LR5RIDU8evMQcvI6OwwTUzkBGJxQEhUgdVbEH04RzI1JIFUWOil3Mw/s1600/P1050935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SXekrbanSMaX7w8UDMszHz2ncke19fyQEaNmSxhQgBo06sNXCbayKFDq223Sg2qg02N2fCn5tXmLAqDC5etY5LR5RIDU8evMQcvI6OwwTUzkBGJxQEhUgdVbEH04RzI1JIFUWOil3Mw/s400/P1050935.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a> We started with some Geo-cache coordinates that had been shared among cruisers on the net, and had success finding our first cache, leaving a note in the log and a few trinkets in the can. Really fun (we get it now, Dave Devin!) </div>
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We went on up the giant bolder
valley, blown away by the beauty. Lanham and Kirk scrambled the last half mile to look over the other side toward Matzatlan.<br />
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We had afternoon siestas right on
schedule, followed by our first try at stand-up paddle boarding (Kamala’s
preferred transportation for going ashore).<br />
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The calm shallow bay was the
perfect place for novices to practice and we both got the hang of it and see
why SUP has become so popular. We had a lovely dinner on Kamala, listening to
the silence and stargazing.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These gulls have a rockas laugh and love to sit on our dinghy.</td></tr>
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<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-56461246591384091072013-03-11T12:23:00.001-07:002013-03-11T12:48:14.270-07:00Espiritu Santo and Desert Hike<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS1Gq3K2SxBu7xh2xVe5L587g9kNWbqzGLbAU8BQZLCec9yvY-rDC8t4TCBzB_eJRWNKDRbGh1QKsisgZMxePvzb2v6B_1KxxQgEvupxF_77hmxowx6wbk2Ol3qFF4Vl_zsZwyxkQX6s/s1600/P1050821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS1Gq3K2SxBu7xh2xVe5L587g9kNWbqzGLbAU8BQZLCec9yvY-rDC8t4TCBzB_eJRWNKDRbGh1QKsisgZMxePvzb2v6B_1KxxQgEvupxF_77hmxowx6wbk2Ol3qFF4Vl_zsZwyxkQX6s/s400/P1050821.JPG" width="400" /></a>A brisk sail brought us to the first west side anchorage on Espiritu Santo, the closest and largest island north of La Paz in the Sea of Cortez. Espiritu Santo is about 8 miles long and 2 miles wide, circumnavigated in 35 miles, with more than a dozen protected anchorages to explore. Part of the Mexican National Protected areas it is completely undeveloped except for some trails that change with the seasonal rains. The beaches are pristine, the anchorages feel remote, with limited commercial activity, fishing, and sport use in the bays, it feels quite wild – all within 20 miles of La Paz. </div>
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Lanham had made the trek to the government office in La Paz to purchase a park permit. For $25 US dollars per person per year we are happy to support the conservation of this beautiful island chain. Lanham's tangle with the Mexican bureaucracy involving being shuttled to two different offices, a separate trip to the bank, and multiple signing in with armed guards is a whole entertaining story in itself-- ask him about it sometime.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solar Wind at rest -- yes, it's really that BLUE here! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closing another day</td></tr>
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We have spent the last two days relaxing and exploring Bahia San Gabriel. The colors are vibrant -- from the red cliffs, dusty brown and yellow hills and shades of turquoise water. We took the dinghy in through the shallows. This large bay shoals for a long distance – it is only 3 feet deep a mile off shore. So we are anchored quite far out with a couple other boats coming or going each day. The wind is up – 10 to 20 knots through the day, but the swell is down, so it’s comfortable to cook, sleep, read and putter on the boat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3r0QQ0Vqg04YeBSiecw0hqvKfII15XNUGc6OF1qtcVIo0cOmhyphenhyphenFab8-F3BOmSEUHPjINDc5-Cc3P3xWGtl6dfxzYiRqtzotliEEw2tjcHyRMAz8zgDwIcehh_76MOhK9YU4fsUyDExEQ/s1600/P1050842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3r0QQ0Vqg04YeBSiecw0hqvKfII15XNUGc6OF1qtcVIo0cOmhyphenhyphenFab8-F3BOmSEUHPjINDc5-Cc3P3xWGtl6dfxzYiRqtzotliEEw2tjcHyRMAz8zgDwIcehh_76MOhK9YU4fsUyDExEQ/s400/P1050842.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a>The water is much chillier than we’ve gotten used to – 65 degrees. Lanham swam with a wetsuit to replace the zincs, check the anchor and gaze through the crystal clear water. Melinda’s swim without wetsuit was shorter, but refreshing. What a great way to get clean!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wander through the arroyo -- all the way to the other side of Ispiritu Santo</td></tr>
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We spent a full day hiking across a low sandy arroyo to the
other side of the island. It included trail finding, bushwacking, and periodic
stops to scrape the prickly burrs and thistle off the tops of our tennis shoes
and socks. We took our time on the 8-mile round-trip, photographing the variety
of fauna, rock formations, and ancient shells.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old man of the desert</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEoWXBW1lXIPbw9K_Ws9MGyWggz_J23QZH7ioQz65bvGdhxq-tXbSVSHoNulPxuJh855QIYt6r1Jow6Si_9Ky4OFoM5jwB-0VvEYUBLzEuW1TbMdePECvKLp3_fCrGHMwNnTxlS2X0Do/s1600/P1050776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEoWXBW1lXIPbw9K_Ws9MGyWggz_J23QZH7ioQz65bvGdhxq-tXbSVSHoNulPxuJh855QIYt6r1Jow6Si_9Ky4OFoM5jwB-0VvEYUBLzEuW1TbMdePECvKLp3_fCrGHMwNnTxlS2X0Do/s400/P1050776.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bleached skeleton of a manta ray on the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReYe1FolNYKsS3ciztM2rec6WemxyY-zn8XDtrAw4KFdN8GYi8uNYkrP1a_EKbAJO_u6jx9SCQsb-P0td0f1b5UgVySbOTAgcnZm_ZuNfiL1-WorgLioTLoYSyARPHLjI4-Mb-41Dz24/s1600/P1050795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReYe1FolNYKsS3ciztM2rec6WemxyY-zn8XDtrAw4KFdN8GYi8uNYkrP1a_EKbAJO_u6jx9SCQsb-P0td0f1b5UgVySbOTAgcnZm_ZuNfiL1-WorgLioTLoYSyARPHLjI4-Mb-41Dz24/s400/P1050795.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of green to contrast with the reds and golds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4hx2ymwB0gY-Hz0UYq6xfyOdR5v6e_O9ZDdPR76M8hOg8Q3MAp4jD2tHmeAXL5cjuYVLo0e1GAR_pcnm03M6Demu9LDZFGx-b7fA6lGJDXc3_4CmDQqtw_QamFEw6Kc6_iPC0aX5ETQ/s1600/P1050803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4hx2ymwB0gY-Hz0UYq6xfyOdR5v6e_O9ZDdPR76M8hOg8Q3MAp4jD2tHmeAXL5cjuYVLo0e1GAR_pcnm03M6Demu9LDZFGx-b7fA6lGJDXc3_4CmDQqtw_QamFEw6Kc6_iPC0aX5ETQ/s640/P1050803.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tienes anos?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikl36QS9B1rw6KNYDTjBmIZYJbsENPE4hYTRgInu5OrbJY_Bt3HOfIruW_h-yY-BorTyKdVQeQOtSUTSj09NzLFbf115VyABvltI29nX1pV-xfJaX9naBTnBbi4bpKJm-EKhKU4NESmjw/s1600/P1050764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikl36QS9B1rw6KNYDTjBmIZYJbsENPE4hYTRgInu5OrbJY_Bt3HOfIruW_h-yY-BorTyKdVQeQOtSUTSj09NzLFbf115VyABvltI29nX1pV-xfJaX9naBTnBbi4bpKJm-EKhKU4NESmjw/s400/P1050764.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In addition to the striated cliffs, and the 15’ tall cacti, we found a frigate rookery teeming with fearless birds in the mangroves along shore.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlMab2EaGh0QSn0xhYlghKhukonrwGquf1fQDzTu8utiOCzBQGEsa9EuwYt8RrWsS3gl8FDZzAK5rEZOGS_QFeDRVx4lAFZ7L2YrlBBAJba89FiqFoTJ4EPKhgGwr2lRCVQGYcoXzOZo/s1600/P1050761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlMab2EaGh0QSn0xhYlghKhukonrwGquf1fQDzTu8utiOCzBQGEsa9EuwYt8RrWsS3gl8FDZzAK5rEZOGS_QFeDRVx4lAFZ7L2YrlBBAJba89FiqFoTJ4EPKhgGwr2lRCVQGYcoXzOZo/s640/P1050761.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We thought the flock might take flight when we got too close, but they were unthreatened -- <br />
except for the occasional show of red-throated bravado.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6nsVaATC2qQOzk0iptVuIqtYiyJFtzQurs1CKJ924ZIrXbC6w9XxkR6CavdTbClZdVcNFW5aciT7YM7oXidGkaI5mF2jk8BjUoYJnTfTJntsKlp9oE1TScTKIV6_01hek0Qw3_UX06A/s1600/P1050771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6nsVaATC2qQOzk0iptVuIqtYiyJFtzQurs1CKJ924ZIrXbC6w9XxkR6CavdTbClZdVcNFW5aciT7YM7oXidGkaI5mF2jk8BjUoYJnTfTJntsKlp9oE1TScTKIV6_01hek0Qw3_UX06A/s400/P1050771.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's pull it a little further up -- just to be safe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
We have had the experience of leaving the dinghy or kayaks
up on the beach and then worrying that the tide would take them away while we
were walking. This day we resolved not to worry by bringing the dink <i>way</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> up on the beach and tying a rock to the bowline. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-H0twVREMNkfc7PzyJziAPCB4lHK-h8kOqL_RgBHvY0L8PbldAJx_6gi5SfhzpxLQGkCw_Zw4T8hv9E__T9DUGMdIC4KAhqlriWjYrnRgF4i-mfVhsEe49QJMY_0Bf7LGe5lfH2t51U/s1600/P1050809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-H0twVREMNkfc7PzyJziAPCB4lHK-h8kOqL_RgBHvY0L8PbldAJx_6gi5SfhzpxLQGkCw_Zw4T8hv9E__T9DUGMdIC4KAhqlriWjYrnRgF4i-mfVhsEe49QJMY_0Bf7LGe5lfH2t51U/s400/P1050809.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upon our return, Tide's out -- a good quarter mile!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-style: normal;">We
had a good laugh, and workout, when we returned in the late afternoon and had
at least a quarter mile of tide flats to drag the boat back to the low water
line. Just that morning Lanham had removed the dinghy wheels, having heard they
are just not needed in the Sea of Cortez.</span><br />
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We plan to continue our way slowly up the coast of Espiritu
Santo, checking out more of the stops. We are talking daily by single side band
to those friends back in the La Paz marina who are preparing to come north and
we hope to meet up with soon.</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-47724260496924959752013-03-09T13:54:00.000-08:002013-03-11T12:48:14.269-07:00COLORFUL La Paz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURneLwm3CxpC3uHGev2JlkA2_57HA_wp-rcgnhNKW2wUHC_TJF8931-UAnwhAfnYcbyCDHiVdPVReEiTsKtqgU-jW0u3FbWPJ8MzwAeAUcpvt_GhCk2N3aten4DdVs-xkq_SQtsjvZ14/s1600/P1050678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURneLwm3CxpC3uHGev2JlkA2_57HA_wp-rcgnhNKW2wUHC_TJF8931-UAnwhAfnYcbyCDHiVdPVReEiTsKtqgU-jW0u3FbWPJ8MzwAeAUcpvt_GhCk2N3aten4DdVs-xkq_SQtsjvZ14/s320/P1050678.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<h4>
Another highlight of La Paz is the Saturday morning organic market – muy bonita produce, home-baked breads, empanadas, tamales, fresh mole and salsa!</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmyjADoDy5XmC9bo9pTY_tBdv1Xx8KD9xaEUSno2S7GYycJdMVmMNcA98JszZbelfIzJjBneMC6_z0vsc-kgqkul2-e-QNKohdvKd-wb0R5_RrB_bDO74zR9eYu-didP8AiO5Z9N1vpU/s1600/P1050677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmyjADoDy5XmC9bo9pTY_tBdv1Xx8KD9xaEUSno2S7GYycJdMVmMNcA98JszZbelfIzJjBneMC6_z0vsc-kgqkul2-e-QNKohdvKd-wb0R5_RrB_bDO74zR9eYu-didP8AiO5Z9N1vpU/s400/P1050677.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMejboNMvpB9TfMkPZsY7d_0nCHeXUApRINitv0jJQBpsxsaYen1z0IF_c87vcGoXlPkc77DFldPFIHPDLHyuBltfcwe_sI_TwJQ0Axo8922vzibPtutQLUgWSzmFiPPy7ZXU38U47tI/s1600/P1050679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMejboNMvpB9TfMkPZsY7d_0nCHeXUApRINitv0jJQBpsxsaYen1z0IF_c87vcGoXlPkc77DFldPFIHPDLHyuBltfcwe_sI_TwJQ0Axo8922vzibPtutQLUgWSzmFiPPy7ZXU38U47tI/s400/P1050679.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The German sausage lady -- a real fixture here --<br />sells vacuum packed chicken, beef, and pork.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful warm empenadas and tamales.</td></tr>
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This is what it looks like after a shopping spree in Mexico.</div>
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<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p>The produce has all been rinsed in our iodine treatment and
is ready for eating. On Sunday we had marina folks over to christen the new transmission
– chicken curry with coconut rice, roasted poblano peppers, fresh mango and
strawberries!</div>
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With the transmission rebuilt and working we are ready to
move FORWARD again.</div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">We are doing final stocking up and boat
chores today and plan to take off for the islands (and out of cell range) for a
couple weeks and will be back to La Paz at the end of the month for Anna and
Ellie’s spring break arrival!</span><!--EndFragment-->
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<h4>
Before leaving though we were lucky to catch one of the
Carniva'l Parades along the Malecon. </h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vendors await parade crowds on the malecon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Families driving the parade vehicles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4zdZDbn48uE0uWI5s8x196bmQIp_2UNGgwcFY87nnJrhuQ2fnh3hkIbBkdYS4YwIwIrumQCYC4z2d27CeXBgkmquOExJO4aBcq_Jgy8sqjsoqnhLOMioOzQTTffnOSc05Fi8wEtm2Wc/s1600/P1050692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4zdZDbn48uE0uWI5s8x196bmQIp_2UNGgwcFY87nnJrhuQ2fnh3hkIbBkdYS4YwIwIrumQCYC4z2d27CeXBgkmquOExJO4aBcq_Jgy8sqjsoqnhLOMioOzQTTffnOSc05Fi8wEtm2Wc/s640/P1050692.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Mysteriosos la Mar was the theme of this year's Carniva'l</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FzG8en7TYKPbi0IHVCFb3BjzVLH47OQLYzHynhFRaa_MpgwY5C2Bp_wpKLf389vL9pKs5uIjwKIlEnVrkwGi9UPnKT1dbHQ369PIwmMGalaWSITWs2Yua5U2D-e4XSqBN89yjEpEMgI/s1600/P1050723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FzG8en7TYKPbi0IHVCFb3BjzVLH47OQLYzHynhFRaa_MpgwY5C2Bp_wpKLf389vL9pKs5uIjwKIlEnVrkwGi9UPnKT1dbHQ369PIwmMGalaWSITWs2Yua5U2D-e4XSqBN89yjEpEMgI/s400/P1050723.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Los Reys Infantiles (the baby royalty)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made-up kids atop the floats</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWq6h54kOz6e3Xz-je5LOknB_FqfFfsMhLXDXqLrV62SKVRh6tDMzBkGa97gzY2qtn6AtauqoO0ucA8rs1uPw_TF72sywhpXn2QU35ir4vuX6IzxrSH9sCsVLO4dKKit0kcYeigUb1UnE/s1600/P1050702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWq6h54kOz6e3Xz-je5LOknB_FqfFfsMhLXDXqLrV62SKVRh6tDMzBkGa97gzY2qtn6AtauqoO0ucA8rs1uPw_TF72sywhpXn2QU35ir4vuX6IzxrSH9sCsVLO4dKKit0kcYeigUb1UnE/s400/P1050702.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opposite the parade -- 5:30 on the Malecon as the tide comes in</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Within a ten minute walk from the boat we
stationed ourselves at the very beginning of the evening’s route and got to see
the costumed participants – queens (all kinds), teenaged dance troupes,
drumming groups, and paper mache floats atop new shiny Peterbuilts or old rusty
tractors – doing last minute preparations and practicing their parade waves. </span></div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The procession walks the Malecon four nights in a row, alternating directions.
It was as entertaining as any SeaFair parade we’ve seen, and the residents were
clearly enjoying the family friendly Mexican-style Mardi Gras party.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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The sun sets as the Parade moves south.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-77848970965274711732013-02-11T12:19:00.002-08:002013-02-11T12:22:26.728-08:00Lanham Stays Busy<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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While Melinda flew home to Seattle to assist her mom and dad
move to their new digs, Lanham oversaw held the boat together AND fixed things
at a faster rate than they could break. (Melinda apologizes to all the people she didn't call when in Seattle -- it was a BUSY time)</div>
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Here in La Paz, Lanham was riding the bike from la ferreteria (hardware store) to ferreteria and getting way ahead in his Spanish. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5GStXTDbSXACcygpZkNTkRo86q5g-jAq_G00yiCUm08aoKDKy4mGYTOcHYhGSEPiwkKJZ0bwnMY5U1ge3_OMHKxP39JawauuuTEV5DhG2vhebs-P9nR6n9TPClH6d7m4J_QIZw1ZDOA/s1600/P1050591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5GStXTDbSXACcygpZkNTkRo86q5g-jAq_G00yiCUm08aoKDKy4mGYTOcHYhGSEPiwkKJZ0bwnMY5U1ge3_OMHKxP39JawauuuTEV5DhG2vhebs-P9nR6n9TPClH6d7m4J_QIZw1ZDOA/s400/P1050591.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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First on the list was the total rewiring of the solar panels -- hardwired to a waterproof box -- no more connectors to corrode and fail -- a beautiful job! and note the lovely exotic backdrop for the hard work.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cockpit once the welding could get underway</td></tr>
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Next was a waiting game with the wind – blowing 30 knots IN
the marina. When the gusts let down, Sergio, Malcolm, and crew could begin the
welding to repair and reinforce the radar arch. They did a great job and we
also sent the davits to their shop to have additional bracing added. All is
back on, strong, and looking good.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rO_5DHDRBD6UI9KNRGy-y36vn_UNgCeOilzp-up9NIbQIM2mzFIbpLaBj6CjEpecrwJcZTe1-uFkWvIpw21IVIU_VQPmMsdcFGr0FL1I_gwQkGaVKxwc_ty3tjw5T0vlqHJYYyiHBoY/s1600/P1050619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rO_5DHDRBD6UI9KNRGy-y36vn_UNgCeOilzp-up9NIbQIM2mzFIbpLaBj6CjEpecrwJcZTe1-uFkWvIpw21IVIU_VQPmMsdcFGr0FL1I_gwQkGaVKxwc_ty3tjw5T0vlqHJYYyiHBoY/s400/P1050619.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sergio at work</td></tr>
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Early in the week, Lanham was asked to move to a new slip at
the marina – easier said than done when he discovered that the transmission was
shot – not the more with the troublesome cable that we’ve replaced twice – but
now the transmission itself.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFksWi5_M18H4lo9sMKkbo8ZigQ7fPaiBJJJuCiMOjTA2g4_J9U1bjuu4J8Qe8zvp1TpZxTbXnU7wbB_5KqGJkfQhIBqLghYsxZ6QPxUa_EFAX6Oo9UIU0p_FpDv5zG4uM9WxVNWiPk9Q/s1600/P1050642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFksWi5_M18H4lo9sMKkbo8ZigQ7fPaiBJJJuCiMOjTA2g4_J9U1bjuu4J8Qe8zvp1TpZxTbXnU7wbB_5KqGJkfQhIBqLghYsxZ6QPxUa_EFAX6Oo9UIU0p_FpDv5zG4uM9WxVNWiPk9Q/s400/P1050642.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is at least 2/3 through the process --<br />
the transmission is out and on the workbench</td></tr>
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After getting it out (MANY MANY steps including
diving to remove zincs on the prop shaft, suspending the weight of the engine
from the ceiling of the companion way, unwiring and unplumbing more than you
can imagine) he contacted MER on Nickerson Street in Seattle. No, they did not
have a new transmission in stock, but yes, they did have a rebuild kit for our
model.<br />
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What luck! Melinda had decided to stay an extra two days, so could get
the parts on Tuesday before flying on Wednesday!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the new parts lined up ready to install, all the old parts cleaned and painted.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDRIV1-oh5_1u3GeDDBZqWNOzS-QDTGvT43hOREDrHI-7Zv_nxlN0izHJqWLMKtaypBqBhcA3-oMKIyP8O2U76VIrKUWPTXZeP9JbXTgdMX8c-_m2cJb5Thx2wqS8CetvQPGxgcoS3xw/s1600/P1050645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDRIV1-oh5_1u3GeDDBZqWNOzS-QDTGvT43hOREDrHI-7Zv_nxlN0izHJqWLMKtaypBqBhcA3-oMKIyP8O2U76VIrKUWPTXZeP9JbXTgdMX8c-_m2cJb5Thx2wqS8CetvQPGxgcoS3xw/s320/P1050645.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had these two shafts completely apart to replace bearings, thrust washers and clutch packs -- we only hoped we had but them back in order with the correct tightness.</td></tr>
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Since my return on Wednesday -- we have spent 4 days up to our elbows in transmission parts -- Sunday afternoon it was back in and we were ready for the big test -- a celebration or disappointment. </div>
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With no time to spare (the marina office again needed us to move the boat to another slip within the hour) we turned the key -- first good sign -- the engine ran. We threw the transmission lever and she dropped into forward -- smooth and quick! SUCCESS!!! We can move forward.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32ZXeyA-1yTyDZMkXfYJ6REq3VdSo7tlpeRdENMaz5K8bezaZB0BMk4gGtJkXKa_b8xcJm6e6O4_OR1R61P_QgP4MRHHu6Iv82cAPaQ_Z9jQluRLkoaCrDH0vGC0V4kDyDjzGfnw_a_Y/s1600/P1050652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32ZXeyA-1yTyDZMkXfYJ6REq3VdSo7tlpeRdENMaz5K8bezaZB0BMk4gGtJkXKa_b8xcJm6e6O4_OR1R61P_QgP4MRHHu6Iv82cAPaQ_Z9jQluRLkoaCrDH0vGC0V4kDyDjzGfnw_a_Y/s400/P1050652.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An eight piece band at the next table</td></tr>
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Okay, truth be told, we only worked on the transmission until dark, then we played with our friends here at the marina -- John Cometti (aka Swagman) generously drove us around to provision, Vancouverites John and Deb wined and dined us on their boat (what chefs) and we all went out for pizza and to walk the Malecon for the first night of Carnival !!</div>
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Again, pictures will give a sense of the scene --</div>
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probably only outdone in Buenos Aires or New Orleans.</div>
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! Feliz Carnival !</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-4922557638446910472013-02-11T10:59:00.001-08:002013-02-11T12:22:10.563-08:00La Paz! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasMJLpFRnps-Tn1I_uth9Wk9dXZemwFZxDMU3Ft7NE5lZ2R6udXyS_YdD5jmpS4j2GtwTSC5hWPYxbflkj6SjXpARroMPyuDCwIheBl6a49ZnpkF1OREaUAODPnuFZ12BWYa1SszDisg/s1600/P1050539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasMJLpFRnps-Tn1I_uth9Wk9dXZemwFZxDMU3Ft7NE5lZ2R6udXyS_YdD5jmpS4j2GtwTSC5hWPYxbflkj6SjXpARroMPyuDCwIheBl6a49ZnpkF1OREaUAODPnuFZ12BWYa1SszDisg/s400/P1050539.JPG" width="400" /></a>Having too good of a time to write buckets but want to post some photos of our first few days in La Paz. We are at a relatively quiet marina on the southern end of the Malecon -- Marina Palmira. From here we can walk to anything in town, or catch a cab for $50 P (about $4).<br />
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We have reconnected with friends from Ensenada and met more -- they are active doers -- so we are trying our hardest to be ready to go out to eat, tour, shop, or just sit in someone's cockpit in the evenings.<br />
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On our first day in town, we took the shuttle to el Centro and walked with Kirk and Mary from "Kamala." They have been in and out of La Paz since November so now have lots of local knowledge to share about the town and the local island anchorages.<br />
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We hit a taco stand for lunch, Lanham got a haircut, Mary shopped at a craft shop for Valentine making supplies, and they showed us the Mercado where Lanham bought one of the white painted sun hats that he has been eyeing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting into "street food"</td></tr>
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I just loved the colorful markets and displays!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Mercado -- booth and stalls with anything you might want.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChNox0Io544gp-g1n_3hi09-ISH4DyDNcuPyIGZl0UkfCRWU8Ij-SKgX2S8W_RqFbqO7CtT_BJZ9bqfwoVmKmh17FI0MbopkbOyNgB1B1hkREjpvNEq6e0MWNVA3hqDrS85wrw8uvQJ0/s1600/P1050557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChNox0Io544gp-g1n_3hi09-ISH4DyDNcuPyIGZl0UkfCRWU8Ij-SKgX2S8W_RqFbqO7CtT_BJZ9bqfwoVmKmh17FI0MbopkbOyNgB1B1hkREjpvNEq6e0MWNVA3hqDrS85wrw8uvQJ0/s400/P1050557.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">including dresses for your Fiesta de Quince</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3hVCFyfIilNV_i0HW2n8RCafPDlV8NTXHxbwTKbrcWo7C8kykcz8rB9pKE7DuxpIu7_rWVEEyzsDAYezlQVp8PvhQ0g0rnJGwrRW_GFZl6dHD9XVabkb7-b1kQPwqsTzguPCPVm1dDY/s1600/P1050559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3hVCFyfIilNV_i0HW2n8RCafPDlV8NTXHxbwTKbrcWo7C8kykcz8rB9pKE7DuxpIu7_rWVEEyzsDAYezlQVp8PvhQ0g0rnJGwrRW_GFZl6dHD9XVabkb7-b1kQPwqsTzguPCPVm1dDY/s400/P1050559.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... produce, sweets, or fish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9S1lcLBUVcHMJ_VVBwlQ1ey-quhxxbZse1m_gmei49Od5MQAeDw2htPZirVCXCTecohJVfVcFV0sfbExR4TUeyVjVyuWOUoHeBw6Fk5xRasSUQ8Yz4ngn4-XWfSm4Qtjvg0PrpLcFdus/s1600/P1050560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9S1lcLBUVcHMJ_VVBwlQ1ey-quhxxbZse1m_gmei49Od5MQAeDw2htPZirVCXCTecohJVfVcFV0sfbExR4TUeyVjVyuWOUoHeBw6Fk5xRasSUQ8Yz4ngn4-XWfSm4Qtjvg0PrpLcFdus/s400/P1050560.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... or sombreros</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qHWdKS_LK7R1uVq7rpc8-bdOZNBS75pIQf4aXqZEiLCGfGP3nkoUNAqrq7f79NJYjMsjWTBfq8HbeezQtMXuOCGxS995xh1QFQZFoQAqLdDF_7s5j7LqY9dcgJuz1l6OVTwSMpYwfbo/s1600/P1050561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qHWdKS_LK7R1uVq7rpc8-bdOZNBS75pIQf4aXqZEiLCGfGP3nkoUNAqrq7f79NJYjMsjWTBfq8HbeezQtMXuOCGxS995xh1QFQZFoQAqLdDF_7s5j7LqY9dcgJuz1l6OVTwSMpYwfbo/s400/P1050561.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free hat with any guitar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYPNuPGybWoxjNomRZMxl4V8zhmaHF878QBZBgwKK-cXsUnAc0q4jFnQ_IOPLJiWaz_djVnzkbYTUuTpSEH_81y2vCTq5HuuxSLldpWE3enTU-gh_LfhUTFFZo5aU6pY2aKYrdG_MSKQ/s1600/P1050562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYPNuPGybWoxjNomRZMxl4V8zhmaHF878QBZBgwKK-cXsUnAc0q4jFnQ_IOPLJiWaz_djVnzkbYTUuTpSEH_81y2vCTq5HuuxSLldpWE3enTU-gh_LfhUTFFZo5aU6pY2aKYrdG_MSKQ/s400/P1050562.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you like this one?</td></tr>
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Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-52539077679071198682013-02-10T15:42:00.000-08:002013-02-10T15:42:17.622-08:00Long and Lumpy<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqf6P6nJwrotUVPKjiTyOxg2U3tUAnsRUh0t4qahTKIqMtIyBK5cIkUJu2enMuxnW52G1FRj4kNq9M1hjt25zCw0KOE34s7Wa8REnTVcc73rIROqMVM7U8WKWrc2q0sphpuhERBMA-6g/s1600/P1050439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqf6P6nJwrotUVPKjiTyOxg2U3tUAnsRUh0t4qahTKIqMtIyBK5cIkUJu2enMuxnW52G1FRj4kNq9M1hjt25zCw0KOE34s7Wa8REnTVcc73rIROqMVM7U8WKWrc2q0sphpuhERBMA-6g/s400/P1050439.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanham did a lot of rigging adjustments in the crashing seas.<br />
I did a lot of teeth gnashing while he was on deck, but took this picture to<br />
show how he always wears his safety harness.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoX2tqUnnVBj9Vk13Xb5GjNzeF1W72itiHwFQEbeSYhizSLdJ7UVNlqvudzTnwlWwnVQEpiTft9sLto7FNieAgxO1sTRPdJ0amtYlWkYDky-zxDRbhCqa8hdR5KqIE9rmt4ds5_JDgONE/s1600/P1050437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoX2tqUnnVBj9Vk13Xb5GjNzeF1W72itiHwFQEbeSYhizSLdJ7UVNlqvudzTnwlWwnVQEpiTft9sLto7FNieAgxO1sTRPdJ0amtYlWkYDky-zxDRbhCqa8hdR5KqIE9rmt4ds5_JDgONE/s400/P1050437.jpg" width="300" /></a>We took a bit of a beating on this long, slow crossing to La
Paz. Directly into the wind the entire way, meant motoring… RmmmmmRmmmmmRmmmmm…
for about 265 miles and 60 hours. The wind rarely went above 20 kts, but the
wind waves were steep, close together, and coming from all directions. We were
in a mix-master with the bow rising up and slamming down about every third
wave. While we worried about the possibility of something breaking, we managed
to eat simple meals, sleep a few hours here and there, keep our log and monitor
the systems. The DeLorme<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In-reach
has proven to be a nice way to keep in contact with family while doing multiple
day crossings. We turn it on about every 12 hours to send a tag showing our
position on a map (along with latitude/longitude) and can send a brief message
saying “all’s well.” It’s nice to know we are being followed!</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_F4iK5FjlHANpxvvtSyv8fb1BNPSMLBYsyLMddHS-W047Djbd2tIMa89pQc0gtl_p9W7cn2Tw4C3bo98bmoOybhdNbXZYSqHHO5XJtdOLiDdbq58pirxsoT75wjlIO78fnl9tMa8L5Cg/s1600/P1050447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_F4iK5FjlHANpxvvtSyv8fb1BNPSMLBYsyLMddHS-W047Djbd2tIMa89pQc0gtl_p9W7cn2Tw4C3bo98bmoOybhdNbXZYSqHHO5XJtdOLiDdbq58pirxsoT75wjlIO78fnl9tMa8L5Cg/s320/P1050447.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it late night or early morning?? Either way<br />
it's dark outside.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aDULcuto-fBZcth6aF4qFVK8sKDnpOHlC6gV1ZI-xHnI3r3XAup4HfOHr4g5X7lZByr8O8fVsVAQC2ea3CH0oXrKCLLMScyNqUghXgF8v6wprcIIWgHAzLuE6ONldxDo121e1bZsviE/s1600/P1050440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aDULcuto-fBZcth6aF4qFVK8sKDnpOHlC6gV1ZI-xHnI3r3XAup4HfOHr4g5X7lZByr8O8fVsVAQC2ea3CH0oXrKCLLMScyNqUghXgF8v6wprcIIWgHAzLuE6ONldxDo121e1bZsviE/s400/P1050440.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun goes down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcDTq2QpTGDMkUGGmqh7BfzYDWaae7QcrNuynaTWrXmT2sOq7z3PV4T0R3IeH3_Oad-Y4eh92V4d-0UGvwj2WvHFtb2wl0RNuZIcbZr23gIbATPEC9tiYMdD8fDuXXPxLxm4CqD6WLqw/s1600/P1050442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcDTq2QpTGDMkUGGmqh7BfzYDWaae7QcrNuynaTWrXmT2sOq7z3PV4T0R3IeH3_Oad-Y4eh92V4d-0UGvwj2WvHFtb2wl0RNuZIcbZr23gIbATPEC9tiYMdD8fDuXXPxLxm4CqD6WLqw/s400/P1050442.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">water turns black</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKJ9PAeq2GNoVwiAjBr0ZNzDuyViq9pCtJXIKukmZUZOko7Y1NW-muRW7ljS2pMMj4nTdGaONe4mwJp6QquqKUYLXntjpLwAC_qQimj9KjF1fTEf8ld8q60wnax4L9audhwleJuCyPgw/s1600/P1050448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKJ9PAeq2GNoVwiAjBr0ZNzDuyViq9pCtJXIKukmZUZOko7Y1NW-muRW7ljS2pMMj4nTdGaONe4mwJp6QquqKUYLXntjpLwAC_qQimj9KjF1fTEf8ld8q60wnax4L9audhwleJuCyPgw/s400/P1050448.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun comes up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFohInJS_TxMFMpuY2nC0J12byjcR7C2JyT79_dbQhhZsnSWkA8_WQlYbybqPh0bTGAGsXZu7WVDnmcPDfTus4rjCULmWylpJP0Y1QHdk9SfZQWUku5AJF-zgwc1hcXTN9_Oi6lurUQwg/s1600/P1050454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFohInJS_TxMFMpuY2nC0J12byjcR7C2JyT79_dbQhhZsnSWkA8_WQlYbybqPh0bTGAGsXZu7WVDnmcPDfTus4rjCULmWylpJP0Y1QHdk9SfZQWUku5AJF-zgwc1hcXTN9_Oi6lurUQwg/s400/P1050454.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and the panga fishermen are out for their morning catch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We got to our East Cape destination – Bahia de Los Muertos
about 9:30PM. This was an anchorage we had been to with our delivery skipper on
our previous trip to La Paz, so we had a visual memory of it being large, calm
and easy. It was. There were 7 other boats already there. We found our spot and
put ourselves to bed – sleeping like corpses in the Bay of the Dead. Morning
sunrise was beautiful. We bathed in the much cooler (69 degree) water and
marveled at the new kind of beauty – the desert mountains – that we remember
loving from the north.</div>
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<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> We are glad we came north when we did. Definitely ahead of
the crowd – most cruisers are still heading south and those that are planning
to sail in the Sea of Cortez are not coming up until March or April when it
warms up. We are getting to experience a little Mexican winter. Long pants and
fleeces feel good, but the sun still comes out everyday – only 6 inches of rain
here a year, and most all of it in the summer.</div>
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We still had 60 miles to go up and into La Paz. We did 40
the first day and stayed a night on the south end of Espiritu Santo – at Playa
Bonanza. It’s a gorgeous 4-mile white sand beach which we walked, had to
ourselves, and plan to go back to soon! </div>
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Photos of the incredible Playa Bonanza:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcso4h1I6Zi0bib2knkvwj2pVQ__0GijWmNsJmsi0n3YQYIXmp6eV3HXBQ4s6jjxGyBbmv86ZyFWGGKBMiKBxkci1zLscTWIMgRocrOZzmASZfZgQOdIXEDHHQ1gJ_6A56LHVILb2zysQ/s1600/P1050481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcso4h1I6Zi0bib2knkvwj2pVQ__0GijWmNsJmsi0n3YQYIXmp6eV3HXBQ4s6jjxGyBbmv86ZyFWGGKBMiKBxkci1zLscTWIMgRocrOZzmASZfZgQOdIXEDHHQ1gJ_6A56LHVILb2zysQ/s400/P1050481.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET-rzpZ8bB425m3tnG68CJIyy9j7gqlAJwy0UyztMrxaAlKsE9CueotdGGptlgkytVRu0GdszB3jd-0yxsw0ZYokC1N9kKEC7szBt-7G9gbH3qoRddYO0VZwJ0fIe1rMbz9RnbDsqp4Y/s1600/P1050527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET-rzpZ8bB425m3tnG68CJIyy9j7gqlAJwy0UyztMrxaAlKsE9CueotdGGptlgkytVRu0GdszB3jd-0yxsw0ZYokC1N9kKEC7szBt-7G9gbH3qoRddYO0VZwJ0fIe1rMbz9RnbDsqp4Y/s640/P1050527.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Pacific swell is much lessened now
that we have entered the sea, and the tricky surf landings are a thing of the
past. We are loving the dry mountainous landscape. The colors are vibrant, the
saguaro cacti are statuesque, the beach-combing is great, and there are still
dolphins, but now turtles and seals as well. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41C4-IEHbmz1Jtuvc9TzY069kmH3Dvz10_ij7OS368CKx0lhBRHl3IPDdt2uNyHq31CYFLKxB_wjcV0rOWQ_SrNJHyIpeR0Kp2Okt6MqFBQxhP-KJttTYfYHPpwMGfkxuInuUBVo7E7A/s1600/P1050536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41C4-IEHbmz1Jtuvc9TzY069kmH3Dvz10_ij7OS368CKx0lhBRHl3IPDdt2uNyHq31CYFLKxB_wjcV0rOWQ_SrNJHyIpeR0Kp2Okt6MqFBQxhP-KJttTYfYHPpwMGfkxuInuUBVo7E7A/s400/P1050536.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky line of the City of Peace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We just pulled into La Paz and after checking with friends
by radio, decided to dock at Marina Palmira. It is not in the center of town,
but has room, a good weekly rate, and free shuttle service into el centro.
Lanham has a list a mile long of things to work on while Melinda takes a quick
trip to Seattle. We’ve already changed the oil and transmission fluids since
arriving, so he can concentrate on getting some reinforcement welding done on
the radar arch (the mega-structure is beginning to blow in the breeze) and
taking on the reworking of the solar-panels. We’ve already had a couple dock
residents welcome us to the neighborhood, so he’ll have all the second opinions
he can use. Today we are heading into downtown La Paz and maybe can get these
recent entries posted.<br />
<br />
Didn't get anything posted 'til now. Seattle was great fun and progress has been made on many fronts!<br />
More coming soon. We are loving La Paz! have made good friends on the dock and are experiencing Carnival! Almost ready to head out to the islands again.<br />
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-6233176389682635652013-02-04T08:15:00.001-08:002013-02-10T14:55:30.350-08:00Mexico’s Galapagos Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kXWibyQKuEvQtwdYepmgI0dvOHPfIVdIz2Oyd_j-0UeZ4aKRsWYwwzp9SRQvNANicMci49Zgv5UQ9lNKNmZbqbiXrPDfBeZkGu56Q9cTocMph1K0ngjbRgfOMK568NtHufZy0Opp_Nk/s1600/P1050242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kXWibyQKuEvQtwdYepmgI0dvOHPfIVdIz2Oyd_j-0UeZ4aKRsWYwwzp9SRQvNANicMci49Zgv5UQ9lNKNmZbqbiXrPDfBeZkGu56Q9cTocMph1K0ngjbRgfOMK568NtHufZy0Opp_Nk/s400/P1050242.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The anchorage at La Cruz</td></tr>
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While we kept busy with boat projects in La Cruz, we were
also closely monitoring the weather and running scenarios for the trip north.
The forecast showed strong northerlies for the next 4 - 5 days. On the morning
cruiser’s net, the word from the “weather guy” was <i>don’t</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> head north yet. </span></div>
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The skies were overcast, the
mountains around the bay shrouded in mist, and the air felt ominously chilly.
All winter the winds are predominantly from the northwest, so we knew we would
most likely be beating for the 350 or so miles to La Paz – but we didn’t want
to add unusually high wind speed to the uncomfortable wind direction.</div>
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When it was finally predicted to let up, we took off. The
forecast looked decent for the next 3-4 days and that’s what we needed. A
10-hour day of motoring, with a little sail up at times to assist, had us
retracing our track from December to Matanchen Bay for a restful night in this
huge calm anchorage.<br />
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Working our way around the tuna boats, we took off in the morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTYZNmOLQgQLolHN9QFQ3v0hVRYjfqECdB__hL-ygrxQ_PhWfRpO-FvIHxZsWCoKsq3lyJM7CXjHncDv7h1EBLdry4MsfoQaj5mWdfSH3kjEofH-SViranMwIHULgR07Iwds8nCTbAT0/s1600/P1050251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTYZNmOLQgQLolHN9QFQ3v0hVRYjfqECdB__hL-ygrxQ_PhWfRpO-FvIHxZsWCoKsq3lyJM7CXjHncDv7h1EBLdry4MsfoQaj5mWdfSH3kjEofH-SViranMwIHULgR07Iwds8nCTbAT0/s400/P1050251.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And caught our own couple of Skip Jack Tunas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF1wjPdPWofOnwewW4suEAu8c_vBdszROHjDcQ0t-mTmEUWRc3pjQG0uEuhkgVR-XNAY7RBIMtf4QQo6IT_nZRGWhGnY4TjJT0aI71SA89j2MxR-7ldjq1mfB6pG2PKDHIDrUgXoJWSU/s1600/P1050254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF1wjPdPWofOnwewW4suEAu8c_vBdszROHjDcQ0t-mTmEUWRc3pjQG0uEuhkgVR-XNAY7RBIMtf4QQo6IT_nZRGWhGnY4TjJT0aI71SA89j2MxR-7ldjq1mfB6pG2PKDHIDrUgXoJWSU/s400/P1050254.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">which are always fun to clean and fillet underway!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhYIyCZ04lS4yWLzlXE0BnBGrceqkrYYazKczVlTYvYmIrmW8ZlKS6K-w3TfnacVZ_amHGqe3JD8a3VA5tme01OQchFWyq_dJVpG8pqDXf5onb5h6Eb3UwH-8SSUKnE7OthGLxRk90Xo/s1600/P1050255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhYIyCZ04lS4yWLzlXE0BnBGrceqkrYYazKczVlTYvYmIrmW8ZlKS6K-w3TfnacVZ_amHGqe3JD8a3VA5tme01OQchFWyq_dJVpG8pqDXf5onb5h6Eb3UwH-8SSUKnE7OthGLxRk90Xo/s400/P1050255.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sushi for lunch -- muy elegante!</td></tr>
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This day’s passage had us pointing out <b>whales</b> to each
other until we lost count of the number. Sometimes we’d see two or three far
off and watch them breech and slap their tall dorsals. Others would silently
appear 100 feet off the bow, creating a slick on the surface of the water or
appearing to be a huge black rock slowly rising. We’d slow the engine to a
crawl and marvel as they moved off underwater again, sometimes waving with a
giant tail fin. These are humpbacks who like to do the water smacking and grey
whales, often mothers with calves in tow, nursing and teaching them to swim in
the warm waters.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQd8EHXxwQP2CMXrLCknvBcAHXAlGsahCiG7Rmgj7AqVaHXahtDgFlNDZg3oHFIsatlor8Ed80Kc2mPcymFfPisBRxMk_NHw8yZCuXTxGCSJ3MkmOEA36TSLgq0R_PYoKD999CMsX105U/s1600/P1050249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQd8EHXxwQP2CMXrLCknvBcAHXAlGsahCiG7Rmgj7AqVaHXahtDgFlNDZg3oHFIsatlor8Ed80Kc2mPcymFfPisBRxMk_NHw8yZCuXTxGCSJ3MkmOEA36TSLgq0R_PYoKD999CMsX105U/s640/P1050249.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next day was a 42 nautical miles (9 hour) motor heading
windward to anchor off the highly acclaimed bird sanctuary called Isla
Isabella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacques Cousteau spent
time here and National Geographic has filmed here. Currently it is a research
site for biologists from universities in Mexico City and Guadalajara to study
the life cycle and behavior of the various bird species nesting here –
predominately magnificent frigates and blue-footed boobies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VxYLDlTyki-eEKWiQAS3HFD4Hj-tznz3tNZDul-N-4ExbYvrH32Ab91WHyzdaqi2yfhC-EfNPLTg6W7KtcVeb2wMZQrHD6APA-067rKQcshX4Sy8y9GPB2YGDE4q_h81IzjweJnE6cY/s1600/P1050286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VxYLDlTyki-eEKWiQAS3HFD4Hj-tznz3tNZDul-N-4ExbYvrH32Ab91WHyzdaqi2yfhC-EfNPLTg6W7KtcVeb2wMZQrHD6APA-067rKQcshX4Sy8y9GPB2YGDE4q_h81IzjweJnE6cY/s400/P1050286.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isla Isabella looks suspiciously like a tropical iceberg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While the stop is
popular among cruisers and is the only anchorage on the crossing between the
Mexican Pacific Coast and the Baja Peninsula, it also carries a warning about
difficulties in anchoring. The rocks around the island provide poor holding and
lots to foul on. The books recommend a trip line to help pull your anchor
should it get wrapped around rocks. The stories of anchors needing to be cut
and left behind are disconcerting, but off you go.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SYlLPcS1A4dTnpS-N2obEjYxzfkORZ4F2JgcbH6GLATE-9mxZoJvrlT7SgFUHzALyLdU3_hkwG6WHJvh9eCL4-QpTE5pYobRTd1UXMAL6stpybJfDxzT9RA1z2vP6dcdR7NXWiQUf54/s1600/P1050299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SYlLPcS1A4dTnpS-N2obEjYxzfkORZ4F2JgcbH6GLATE-9mxZoJvrlT7SgFUHzALyLdU3_hkwG6WHJvh9eCL4-QpTE5pYobRTd1UXMAL6stpybJfDxzT9RA1z2vP6dcdR7NXWiQUf54/s400/P1050299.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Isla Isbella</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepOOUSUQ4nkCbG_jho9MylNGYPXUhgiEl7CBqzT5sHpOJZ_sogpPnmysX7I14Uwq2hOi1mkmvp6FE_qdRlAPwZ6bLXaRdXh02kq2FoEAQj3gXKmxRHAsUzmiGKDZG4_F9qAG1kvzc9sk/s1600/P1050302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepOOUSUQ4nkCbG_jho9MylNGYPXUhgiEl7CBqzT5sHpOJZ_sogpPnmysX7I14Uwq2hOi1mkmvp6FE_qdRlAPwZ6bLXaRdXh02kq2FoEAQj3gXKmxRHAsUzmiGKDZG4_F9qAG1kvzc9sk/s400/P1050302.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We opted to anchor off the east side of the island, behind the protection of the amazing Las Monas (the mannequins), two dramatic rocks that reminded someone of a couple of women’s dress forms (?) We did put a trip line on our anchor – not necessary but a good exercise in using our lead-line, float and orchestrating the techniques.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeAfVOzpo_TPtlkjygf43jOd5sZ0-OyOMQzQ2T3FJq83K36-cajLMwvPahBtBZWzEMmf8XfFEqMMIVtwYo7YTJsw2TQ8Kehjv8rslkVA0oSmHGDEs7g67ZfModkprZvjXixThWqRTiQ4/s1600/P1050308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeAfVOzpo_TPtlkjygf43jOd5sZ0-OyOMQzQ2T3FJq83K36-cajLMwvPahBtBZWzEMmf8XfFEqMMIVtwYo7YTJsw2TQ8Kehjv8rslkVA0oSmHGDEs7g67ZfModkprZvjXixThWqRTiQ4/s400/P1050308.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rugged rock formations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOnQnISdoGtbm2DDid_ijp8bEwSQUTn1vALNpv3dWb6ltktk-9Rt0oyH70klWQSqieWUWoAGL3_BgnBN2hRUuxuOWZnZrKMFB3pvnMbcfmaQQAyMkSuV6vg6CCQpgxrOr-z7zOz6RFWU/s1600/P1050322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOnQnISdoGtbm2DDid_ijp8bEwSQUTn1vALNpv3dWb6ltktk-9Rt0oyH70klWQSqieWUWoAGL3_BgnBN2hRUuxuOWZnZrKMFB3pvnMbcfmaQQAyMkSuV6vg6CCQpgxrOr-z7zOz6RFWU/s400/P1050322.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and a bird paradise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIP5YOwUl5kNfPkxQffqi7uE6iMp-IrQf7D9dNQo4VbLZQPtpYBFFgvr_8SmMlXfoHWodZPO3VfYghpCQtCJ9q_wK9VG0z2xIaI5uEMUblEL5q16ziQ5AoxyiaNcY5BFusrGH5gdjO2mE/s1600/P1050326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIP5YOwUl5kNfPkxQffqi7uE6iMp-IrQf7D9dNQo4VbLZQPtpYBFFgvr_8SmMlXfoHWodZPO3VfYghpCQtCJ9q_wK9VG0z2xIaI5uEMUblEL5q16ziQ5AoxyiaNcY5BFusrGH5gdjO2mE/s400/P1050326.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset colors at anchor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEOKj1WG4p-t-uNB6HWNgOyb2m65mwh4ORKZntFwf8HvJx01cxnpnaefsldOaytSP5y2Fbqza8mkXo23h2NFdoIIdyfG0PoYvyQCczUr4gG_ZhBpBCl5wAY-pCQXm__53LQk3F366Sbw/s1600/P1050363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEOKj1WG4p-t-uNB6HWNgOyb2m65mwh4ORKZntFwf8HvJx01cxnpnaefsldOaytSP5y2Fbqza8mkXo23h2NFdoIIdyfG0PoYvyQCczUr4gG_ZhBpBCl5wAY-pCQXm__53LQk3F366Sbw/s640/P1050363.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up in the morning to explore by kayak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We oogled and photographed from the
boat, while simultaneously discovering a small but persistent leak from the raw
water cooling pump in the engine compartment -- deep breath. We had a new spare
in the bilge and by 10 the next morning it was in place and we were back with
an engine. It’s always a little hairy to disable your engine at anchor, but
having held solidly all night we got the plumbing job done without much sense
of risk. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9yHtGqVtNOjhOFVOEE-mDjCT52gUIB9ka-M0DrUoSbyfxx6k0nnjpfpfHqMrN4grtSKTIgclMYG4fs9yvBAbk9IgjUyBNzyjnjty7gfjjnxOda6YVflHOAcxTs3W5qibdCvN3Hc-9h4/s1600/P1050355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9yHtGqVtNOjhOFVOEE-mDjCT52gUIB9ka-M0DrUoSbyfxx6k0nnjpfpfHqMrN4grtSKTIgclMYG4fs9yvBAbk9IgjUyBNzyjnjty7gfjjnxOda6YVflHOAcxTs3W5qibdCvN3Hc-9h4/s320/P1050355.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the hardware store</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTVlRFaCO7wF3t6JpDYQ4ym7-U7Zh9y6LbVE2kgGJeIb3hC3ta0zpKkxsyBk1aEas7Qua_C6ZwC-wevTEmiaCrpkMLAzdc4FeeLbz23UeIla6wYbW6MEQ-7zaqOhTWKAvk11Psoq47Kw/s1600/P1050354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTVlRFaCO7wF3t6JpDYQ4ym7-U7Zh9y6LbVE2kgGJeIb3hC3ta0zpKkxsyBk1aEas7Qua_C6ZwC-wevTEmiaCrpkMLAzdc4FeeLbz23UeIla6wYbW6MEQ-7zaqOhTWKAvk11Psoq47Kw/s200/P1050354.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the culprit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1tr77-bo3N1WgthXzhUyY_xmBPD7yge2Gd8NfrFfaPLh1LZuYunAvITVVtmKDx-cJ0GztPepapX4fLpoP782Bv003NEW8pt4u3f7SKaGETryt_4Kq_X6r0ksZ_lU5XbAn8bkrXupJ4g/s1600/P1050353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1tr77-bo3N1WgthXzhUyY_xmBPD7yge2Gd8NfrFfaPLh1LZuYunAvITVVtmKDx-cJ0GztPepapX4fLpoP782Bv003NEW8pt4u3f7SKaGETryt_4Kq_X6r0ksZ_lU5XbAn8bkrXupJ4g/s400/P1050353.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the workshop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLboQnFpp5_ZGI5ZSxcN13IWtiTNyuVTBhFo1uP5a4vL6q_g62zX4-BcRfyNVElxjek_vLip0_Zl448kMHurFSAthVDa_ZFNFNPdQ23I8CJQ-DLumWq8-l3-pobpSaQXz5pCSsnzufgE/s1600/P1050361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLboQnFpp5_ZGI5ZSxcN13IWtiTNyuVTBhFo1uP5a4vL6q_g62zX4-BcRfyNVElxjek_vLip0_Zl448kMHurFSAthVDa_ZFNFNPdQ23I8CJQ-DLumWq8-l3-pobpSaQXz5pCSsnzufgE/s320/P1050361.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... all back together<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Then it was time to walk the island. We went ashore in
kayaks and chatted with the grad students at their camp. The English speaking
student said she was a behavioral biologist, finishing up a 4-year study to
find out “why” the female boobies mate with multiple males – go figure. The
student’s provisions were brought in by the Mexican navy and then delivered to
shore by panga. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3zjZsrmkC9HFudsW4us7Io47KZuxZTra5Yg9zRgfX16TMatPmAzT1rTUpBPe5BsM-EWglOaTxlgxdsCruLypvmz4k9AeRh94BZnpeULs8gid8GzmBFy33GAKSor5rIFr8GsJ4A9HUXA/s1600/P1050375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3zjZsrmkC9HFudsW4us7Io47KZuxZTra5Yg9zRgfX16TMatPmAzT1rTUpBPe5BsM-EWglOaTxlgxdsCruLypvmz4k9AeRh94BZnpeULs8gid8GzmBFy33GAKSor5rIFr8GsJ4A9HUXA/s400/P1050375.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry day for the college students</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorglmRae8Y2j87m1trqFqo2DQM7ZiLzQGWj5ThEqfqRT_G6b-Hw8v7a5cPJ6Xih8EnA_i8ERulkYrwTkt9jiBBIAIaE7rS9pnmmdcIsV_u6cAr1KOqoLEUlr12kUpF0RHRVTJgwLiELw/s1600/P1050380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorglmRae8Y2j87m1trqFqo2DQM7ZiLzQGWj5ThEqfqRT_G6b-Hw8v7a5cPJ6Xih8EnA_i8ERulkYrwTkt9jiBBIAIaE7rS9pnmmdcIsV_u6cAr1KOqoLEUlr12kUpF0RHRVTJgwLiELw/s400/P1050380.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking the trails on the island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNvxev_VrfMobnzuAexjOq4YN4UD-pItQFPLWXmFhBZb69sllKereQ0L2PC2Q_tAnw1LiyEd_9Xl7cD6GoOUDWFYTR2zXKxcB3kbjwqc8s1FfPRgQ30Sy3Ave_7u75ljIOnA_V1j2DNU/s1600/P1050397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNvxev_VrfMobnzuAexjOq4YN4UD-pItQFPLWXmFhBZb69sllKereQ0L2PC2Q_tAnw1LiyEd_9Xl7cD6GoOUDWFYTR2zXKxcB3kbjwqc8s1FfPRgQ30Sy3Ave_7u75ljIOnA_V1j2DNU/s400/P1050397.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">many of the birds were banded... what a racket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was a fishing camp on the south side, a trail that led
into the low trees at the island’s interior, and a saline lake filling the
crater in the island’s center. We walked the trail, with birds underfoot, and
nests at eye-level, immersed in the sounds of their squeaks and squawks, jibber
and jabber. The boobies are truly comical with their funny knee less walk and
their heated conversations. They nest on the ground and there were females
sitting on their eggs both on the rocks and under the trees.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimM3oZGejy-XD2c4f5RI-8dZ7iSVMkj4_81hrsNqPU4l6Brh9pXMSdHIK7e7iBOD5fZm6T539qJUqQkCIcmm2xuRvEqUZ3Sf-Ecc8DFjaWSuInE5lxfakHJyw11vn5B_juWcewIwZpe6E/s1600/P1050376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimM3oZGejy-XD2c4f5RI-8dZ7iSVMkj4_81hrsNqPU4l6Brh9pXMSdHIK7e7iBOD5fZm6T539qJUqQkCIcmm2xuRvEqUZ3Sf-Ecc8DFjaWSuInE5lxfakHJyw11vn5B_juWcewIwZpe6E/s400/P1050376.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the eggs under her -- not much time spent in nest building...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The frigates,
which we learned are “klepto-parasites” getting 60% of their food by stealing
from others and 40% from decaying prey, build relatively small nests given
their 6-foot wingspan. We saw females preening fluffy white chicks and males
puffing up their bright red neck pouch to look fierce in protecting the nest as
we walked by. We were so glad we got to see Isla Isabella and took a ton of
photos. Here are a few:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHETqBwDdh4WFJ8b1JgwTb3ZGH_89ybkXAdSDAte-ACThcJdVOlctYQGxJyWB1eNn6fbRQr7Za7KvkSnnsJazy5qo7xVzi22WYL2VlbPGp9OMohUUt-al3RPVWAVBi7A45MIVxtn_log/s1600/P1050377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHETqBwDdh4WFJ8b1JgwTb3ZGH_89ybkXAdSDAte-ACThcJdVOlctYQGxJyWB1eNn6fbRQr7Za7KvkSnnsJazy5qo7xVzi22WYL2VlbPGp9OMohUUt-al3RPVWAVBi7A45MIVxtn_log/s400/P1050377.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWZw2x7scSoKu0yY4RnTmz0mnLt4zKeZhBKms6S4lJVKb6fsetlsOGWwGQWU0-TnqSL7I4HfM_t3NAwd9j21iDaIzwrSqg01z0vvySJCZ_DmKarq_QOqLy01OcbnX5eDwfb0h3COo8V4/s1600/P1050381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWZw2x7scSoKu0yY4RnTmz0mnLt4zKeZhBKms6S4lJVKb6fsetlsOGWwGQWU0-TnqSL7I4HfM_t3NAwd9j21iDaIzwrSqg01z0vvySJCZ_DmKarq_QOqLy01OcbnX5eDwfb0h3COo8V4/s640/P1050381.JPG" width="454" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMASLqtkflTt4ji6qA7SLTg9i85C-7aF-uFm4pusj6iBdg_BPwigLTfgdu4_HFLm1pEUg54wzqOnlgIMm_ENXIB4kzATr1LuR6-m-lrZa-PqL485ddnCHyF7wOHWbhyD3daBZ5dT9yDyE/s1600/P1050382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMASLqtkflTt4ji6qA7SLTg9i85C-7aF-uFm4pusj6iBdg_BPwigLTfgdu4_HFLm1pEUg54wzqOnlgIMm_ENXIB4kzATr1LuR6-m-lrZa-PqL485ddnCHyF7wOHWbhyD3daBZ5dT9yDyE/s640/P1050382.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6KRijA2NQ6FKZGzYXFZhnltOQ2DwxZ0tEkdWzgAtbPTP48IkFUF1wjqAT0gUGSd0mA1aUA5k-IypI5nkVBF8jXHKGuhsylnzvjF1W9AGHcJLkXti9q90KPdvvmLueEJ0FcoOHrL6j6w/s1600/P1050373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6KRijA2NQ6FKZGzYXFZhnltOQ2DwxZ0tEkdWzgAtbPTP48IkFUF1wjqAT0gUGSd0mA1aUA5k-IypI5nkVBF8jXHKGuhsylnzvjF1W9AGHcJLkXti9q90KPdvvmLueEJ0FcoOHrL6j6w/s640/P1050373.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Back on the boat in early afternoon, we motored from Isla
Isabella, with a short delay to pull in and release a large toro. The fishing
is said to be excellent off the island so we had to put in our line, hoping for
a dorado or wahoo to compliment the tuna in the freezer. We got a hit almost
right away, but knew it was a toro by the way it dove straight to the bottom.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ugly... and bad tasting!</td></tr>
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Lanham got an upper body workout, taking about 20 minutes to bring it in. We
were happy to let him go. This was the fish that took a hacksaw to cut through
and tasted like liver. No more fishing this day – time to make tracks to the
northwest. </div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-60296840430059644682013-01-26T19:40:00.000-08:002013-01-26T19:40:19.602-08:00Spit Shined and Ship Shape<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We checked into a slip for a few nights back at Marina
Riviera Nayarit (La Cruz) on our northward return to Banderas Bay. A few days
turned into a week, and allowed us to get a lot done on the boat.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming into Marina La Cruz</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your reward if you wake up with the sun -- at 7 AM in the marina</td></tr>
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We also
uncovered a few more eateries, music venues, convenient corner tiendas and of
course got to know a few more locals and cruisers on the docks. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzn3O_KiyJbFtVnCnRPC-kMattSSW6RDT82PImzZj_1OhGVVlE7_TUhqFiBRIdQbmU8CMTgkN8WJjLeb015fPBzD8yMffwsDaxSH0j4-cByAHxR_54wslawxSs76fPm5CTTAN22muyns/s1600/P1050239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzn3O_KiyJbFtVnCnRPC-kMattSSW6RDT82PImzZj_1OhGVVlE7_TUhqFiBRIdQbmU8CMTgkN8WJjLeb015fPBzD8yMffwsDaxSH0j4-cByAHxR_54wslawxSs76fPm5CTTAN22muyns/s320/P1050239.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for the special dinner, D and L.</td></tr>
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We had a fun
evening as guests at The Black Forest restaurant, as a thank you from the
boaters with the broken rudder outside Tenacatita Bay. Turns out they live in
La Cruz, eat at the Black Forest weekly, and were awfully appreciative of our
help or potential help. Really nice folks – and from the Northwest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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In addition to some unusually good
German food (with a Mexican flair!), we found a sweet pizza place, an
outstanding taco stand, and on our last night we checked out two more cruiser’s
hang-outs, including Britannia, where “open mic” turned out some darn good
cover bands.</div>
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La Cruz has turned into a “home base” for the southern part of
our trip. We haven’t counted, but have probably spent have about 5 weeks there
in total. It’s a great destination in the Puerto Vallarta area – both from sea
and land vantage points. It is full of services including boatyard and
chandlery, computer store, and hair salon (that’s right Sandy, you have some
competition here as Lanham’s top barber). </div>
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With the only mega-store a 45 minute
bus ride away, grocery shopping in La Cruz allows for the fun of buying fresh
organic eggs and tequila at one shop, warm tortillas and some produce at
another, and shrimp or dorado almost right off the boats at the fish market.
Fresh meat is the one thing that we did not find we wanted to stock up on here.
The town does have a couple of carneterias (butcher shops) but the observable
standards of cleanliness were out of our comfort zone. I’m sure we are just
squeamish because the mujeras were lined up to buy hunks of cow, lamb, or
chicken daily. We thought a good find was the spit-roasted whole chickens at
Sr. Pollo, a road-side stand along the highway, where the meat was well-cooked
and came with sides of rice, potatoes, jalapenos, and corn tortillas – $7 and
enough for several meals. </div>
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In addition to an ongoing stocking of food provisions, we
got well-rested, Melinda got to go to morning yoga class at the marina, and we
had our laundry done at our favorite lavanderia called “Jaboncito”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(little soap). Just maybe, that is the
best thing about life in Mexico. You pack up your dirty laundry and carry it to
the friendly shop where it is weighed. The charge is 12 pesos ($1) a kilo. So
for about $6 (quarters not required) we return later the same evening or the
following day and pick up our beautifully packaged clean, fresh and folded
laundry. It is folded so well that nothing needs ironing and we’ve never even
lost a sock.</div>
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Also in La Cruz we asked around and found Eduardo and his
Computadora Hospital, a shop where we replaced our broken computer printer for
a used one at reasonable price. The printer is a bit of an extravagance on the
boat, but it has come in handy for copying, printing or scanning some boat
paperwork and it has a perfect designated shelf. We had a consultation with a
Pieter, a Dutch electrician who has a solar panel shop in La Cruz. We know the
panels are not giving us the full voltage they are capable of and we suspect
the cables, which are beginning to show the signs of salt-air corrosion. He
confirmed and had good recommendations for rewiring… we’ll put it on the list!
In the meantime we’ve been motoring plenty to keep our house batteries charged
up. While it sometimes feels like entropy is ever increasing – there are still
way more systems on the boat that are working perfectly than not. “Mi barco es
rota” (my boat is broken) was one of the first Spanish sentences we learned on
this trip and have fortunately not had to use much! </div>
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The inflatable kayaks however were beginning to look
“rota.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have continued to be
one of our favorite toys, plus a useful mode to get ashore. They were well-used
to start with and the fabric is thinning, the seams beginning to tear out. We
gave them a big cleaning, drying, deflating and seam mending with the sewing
machine. “Pretty” was not a goal, strong was. They are back on deck, with
another lease on life, holding air and keeping us drier. We also got the
bicycles out. Keeping zippers corrosion free is an ongoing challenge and the
biggest recent challenge was getting the bikes out of their zippered bags. We
got them oiled up and decided that it was nice to have them off the deck and we
couldn’t see a lot of long bike rides in our immediate future. We asked a local
sailor if he could find a deserving kid or family in La Cruz that would use one
and decided to keep one to see if it came in handy in La Paz.</div>
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<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> Most exciting, we got high marks on a rigging inspection and
some pointers for “tightening the rig” which we did. We’re anxious to see if we
notice a difference when we set off again. The rigging inspection is a
requirement for insurance to sail to Hawaii as well as a good idea. We reconnected
with the surveyor and delivery skipper who lives in PV and had sailed with us
when we bought Solar Wind down here. It worked out easily for him to meet us in
La Cruz. His son is a rigger here and did the inspection aloft. </div>
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We got a good
report and got to have lunch with our friend Doug and his wife. They have tons
of sailing experience, including double-handing to Hawaii, so it was fun to
hear their stories and advice. Lanham did the adjusting, cleaning and
tightening of the stays while I did the cleaning and polishing of the stainless
on the boat. Together we reversed all the halyards, a recommendation to extend
their life by exposing the other end to UV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jose (yes, we paid!) polished and waxed the mast while his
helper, Guermo, gave the top deck a soapy washing. At $30 more we couldn’t
resist having Oskar clean the bottom. What a luxury! Feeling shiny and ship
shape!</div>
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Some parting shots of La Cruz -- a little sad to say good-bye!</div>
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Ready for the next chapter – north to the more rugged Sea of Cortez</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-15084639276478291252013-01-10T16:25:00.005-08:002013-01-10T16:32:47.708-08:00Familiar Territory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We made the remaining 150-mile trek back here to Banderas
Bay over 5 days. A nice leisurely pace, but also necessary lay days due to
squally weather, big head winds and uncomfortable lumpy seas!</div>
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We first tracked back to Chamela in sunshine and a nice
close reach. The clouds were spectacular, the shadows on the hills beautiful,
and the weather perfect for drying out all the dampness from 3 days of rain. We
did laundry as well as airing the pillows and sheets.<br />
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We were really determined
and optimistic about catching a fish. The sport fishers and pangueros had been
having luck out early in the morning and had reported catching dorado. We know
they liked our lures – and we know we had some BIG fish strike, because we lost
3 lures, one line broke just as we were picking up the pole and the next didn’t
even slow down, just took all the line off the reel. We have been using 60 lb
test line, thinking we couldn’t really handle a 100 lb fish, but we will up the
weight of our line next time we replace it. We did catch a nice 15 – 20 lb
skipjack tuna and another one the next day – so we are not really complaining
-- just hankering for a little more variety – and we hated losing our favorite
lures. We are getting pretty casual with photographing the run-of-the-mill tuna catches...</div>
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After resting up in Chamela, grilling salmon and visiting
the town by kayaks we prepared for an early morning departure by bringing in
the flopper-stopper rig before going to bed the second night. Big mistake – it
was way too rolly to sleep, so since we were wide awake we took off at 1am,
thinking that we might do the 100 miles (about 16 hrs) back to Banderas Bay in
one stretch. With dawn the wind came up, on our nose, and with it bumpy chop, making
6-10 foot swells close together. With a double reef in the main we were still
getting knocked around. We were about 8 miles off the coast, thinking it would
allow us to sail whatever heading was most comfortable. By about 11am we were
still 15 miles south Cabo Corrientes, (cape of currents) the big point where
the water is supposed to get turbulent! While the boat was performing well it
was not a situation in which we’d want to deal with anything breaking. We were
beat, so made a slow mid-day trek in to revisit the Ipala anchorage that we had
stopped at on the way south. As we neared the small bay, it was already
haboring 5 sailboats and 4 large tuna boats. Apparently nobody wanted to be out
getting beat around. This anchorage had seemed small with two boats in it last
time we were here, but “any port in a storm” we found a spot and 3 more
cruisers came in and found safe spots too before nightfall. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the four tuna boats that joined us in port -- though the weather doesn't look too threatening!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new favorite bay</td></tr>
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The wind stayed up
the next day, but we were glad to stay put and have another day to kayak in and
walk the town. The town of Tehuamixtle at Punta Ipala turned into one of our
new favorites. We had a short hike up over the hill and imagined the
possibilities of building a casita overlooking this bay! To us it seemed like
the “yet to be discovered” get away. Not easy to find from Puerto Vallarta, but
really just around the cape from the south Bay of Banderas. According to signs,
the town just got electricity and water/sewage treatment in 2009. We bought
homemade “arroz con leche” (rice pudding) from some kids out in front of their
house (how’s that for brave). The aborrate mujer did not have anymore fresh
tortillas but sold us half of those she had bought that morning for her own
family. We had a beer at one of the restaurantes and finished just as the
extended family came up from the beach for their mid-day Sunday meal of fresh
pawns, tortillas, rice and beans. So glad we found this little spot and “had”
to spend an extra day!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gate to town and a beautiful little roadside chapel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found a sweet little kindergarten that looked like a place of real learning...<br />
maybe we WILL move here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The school yard had a pony, a calf and some goats -- talk about hands on learning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHrb5dIv878_NQChlvNnJHQO9RTVIw3rfsgAEYyQ2tdUdhbVA4li6FNWwmEsa2cadaYtn66NJcyDvocWhEd3svQG03yj41JvjCMI1RMuT9ulZMtJXH_NgYUSNbRd3BTw9Lx4XPZZHQYU/s1600/P1050193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHrb5dIv878_NQChlvNnJHQO9RTVIw3rfsgAEYyQ2tdUdhbVA4li6FNWwmEsa2cadaYtn66NJcyDvocWhEd3svQG03yj41JvjCMI1RMuT9ulZMtJXH_NgYUSNbRd3BTw9Lx4XPZZHQYU/s320/P1050193.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and they are ripe for some playground improvements...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAKuAQxAj_Qbn4QlNhZgqqVXTWB0HYbkXSt8JpHJx3hmxoWS-WLvMRARiym540DIQKNfFpe3mTY173YNbnG65Sz0-hT8VQLYHdkWO__t7pB1hga_9hy6A4xD3iRlTGx5uvT21q9_wUZk/s1600/P1050211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAKuAQxAj_Qbn4QlNhZgqqVXTWB0HYbkXSt8JpHJx3hmxoWS-WLvMRARiym540DIQKNfFpe3mTY173YNbnG65Sz0-hT8VQLYHdkWO__t7pB1hga_9hy6A4xD3iRlTGx5uvT21q9_wUZk/s320/P1050211.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ozoy_3MuMcUrtymltorBSrlP3UCmp2jJB6nbmO4bUmASExw6N18EykartwBWX1DHTMyhk6xr6d6z0rdwJ_sqTf7vWG8ca_TNMfq3EJQMKhKkdtZHcO_KviSeLEFe4jOFNxKKkZvoXDY/s1600/P1050213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ozoy_3MuMcUrtymltorBSrlP3UCmp2jJB6nbmO4bUmASExw6N18EykartwBWX1DHTMyhk6xr6d6z0rdwJ_sqTf7vWG8ca_TNMfq3EJQMKhKkdtZHcO_KviSeLEFe4jOFNxKKkZvoXDY/s320/P1050213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1jXhVwGdfucK6O0VqOCWTmmOnoZp8Hk3RSSsqP9eyTI_Yk6ho0-Q-tDFE8MU024dPvZMggRq22moUFw4XnTV1BJaVY6eBr3kaZIdjz4MZbiU-egtGw6GCGeODUP8xaG7y7Z1MdInoS8/s1600/P1050218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1jXhVwGdfucK6O0VqOCWTmmOnoZp8Hk3RSSsqP9eyTI_Yk6ho0-Q-tDFE8MU024dPvZMggRq22moUFw4XnTV1BJaVY6eBr3kaZIdjz4MZbiU-egtGw6GCGeODUP8xaG7y7Z1MdInoS8/s320/P1050218.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday morning, we left Ipala at 6 am, along with two other
boats headed north. The tuna boats had headed out the night before, a good sign
that the wind had calmed down around the point. We had a good trip north –
about 10 hours to La Cruz. There are about 2-dozen cruising boats outside the
marina and probably 4-dozen more inside. The last couple days have been spent
on maintenance – fuel filter, lubing, cleaning – the usual – and a dinghy trip
in to freshen the provisions. We are making arrangements to have a rigging
inspection while here, an insurance requirement (and good idea) for the Hawaii
portion of our trip.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we sit in the cockpit, Lanham is playing guitar and I am
getting ready to put together some fish tacos. We are back in our familiar
anchorage, almost home away from home, with cell phone reception and pelicans
dive-bombing for the sardines that hide in the shadows of the boats. Not the
smartest looking birds, and inclined to look near-sighted when they cock their
heads, this afternoon one pelican nearly knocked himself out when he crashed
into the hull of Solar Wind on one of this mistimed dives. He sat a foot away,
bobbing like a dizzy cross-eyed cork. When he finally swam away, he had a
stripe of blue bottom paint from our hull on the back of his head and trailing
down his neck. Where’s the camera when you want it? Hope he doesn’t start a
fashion trend among his buddies.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNCnEI_NdNnV0nEb5q_o6-VYIJpQjzDm9n3vCMK9pS5itX6odb8WZdnC9RPBOjP1fHV9nXcRctA0jhfETEP8MU2qElYL2_N1Gh474I3SKRLtvfM37Y1djk9YlEKYJE9u5pgjktcprPZY/s1600/P1050111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNCnEI_NdNnV0nEb5q_o6-VYIJpQjzDm9n3vCMK9pS5itX6odb8WZdnC9RPBOjP1fHV9nXcRctA0jhfETEP8MU2qElYL2_N1Gh474I3SKRLtvfM37Y1djk9YlEKYJE9u5pgjktcprPZY/s640/P1050111.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Sunset time…</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-55957685089819342322013-01-10T15:49:00.000-08:002013-01-10T15:49:43.080-08:00The Rescue
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cruising guides all cover it, but we apprehend what we
already know, and we had overlooked the Pacific Swell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Swell is a major player in the lives of
those sailing off of Mexico’s west coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Swell, as distinct from local wind-waves originates hundreds, or even
thousands of miles away – the product of strong storms and their resulting
waves and currents having had time to organize and sort themselves into
relatively regular patterns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mexico’s winter swell comes from Pacific storms off California and in
the Gulf of Alaska.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It almost
always comes from the northwest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Swell can be experienced as gentle and undulating; a rising and falling
elevator ride 10’ up, 10’ down in 15 second intervals (the period).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, particularly when it meets local
current or high winds, swell can build higher – 15’ or more and, (worse)
steeper (6 second periods for example).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we left Tenacatita Bay on January 2, 1213 and entered the
Pacific to head north, the morning off-shore breeze was building past 20 knots
to the sort of wind that was going to persist all day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seas were rising, and we double reefed
the main accordingly, reducing it to ¼ of its full size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To balance the rig, we eased out about
a third of our genoa – covering perhaps ½ the area between forestay and
mast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With this comfortable
arrangement we set out to steer the waves, or steer around them more
accurately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were a couple of
miles off-shore when we noticed a 44’ sailboat laboring under full main with no
headsail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they lurched and
rolled, their rig seemed to be handling them, not the other way around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly the distance between us began
to close rapidly, and the other boat’s motion became truly wild; skating
sideways down 8’ swells, and being slapped by 4’ cross-pattern waves, only to
turn 90 degrees and dive dangerously into the next trough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As green water rolled across their
decks, their main began to come down and it was clear that something was very
wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we came alongside to
offer assistance a “securite” call came over the radio; the boat had snapped
its rudder off and was in distress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Securite is the universal (French originally) radio call to advise other
mariners of important information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is one step short of the more commonly understood “mayday”.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbKEdPYTa5jwkShLlnL4CDb0VKTfbZqIaVGOxhyphenhyphenV3EoND0A4fVN8UJCotzySbZ5Eu0-1bvRhGPgpoPZxfSGRSlOzZM-0Pg0HI9gtGccVF-5Wyiv6PRTk7Lf4ejcmPLfKS_Hq40oP7hkI/s1600/P1050093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbKEdPYTa5jwkShLlnL4CDb0VKTfbZqIaVGOxhyphenhyphenV3EoND0A4fVN8UJCotzySbZ5Eu0-1bvRhGPgpoPZxfSGRSlOzZM-0Pg0HI9gtGccVF-5Wyiv6PRTk7Lf4ejcmPLfKS_Hq40oP7hkI/s640/P1050093.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Under the conditions “coming alongside” meant approaching to
within about 50 yards, too far to make oneself heard over the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 17-ton boat in distress was
careening down the face of the swells alarmingly rapidly, and could cut that
150’ separation to 50’ in five seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Radio contact revealed that the man and woman aboard were staying calm,
with only light cuts and bruises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They requested that we stand-by in the event they should need to abandon
their boat, as our boat has a swim-step (making climbing aboard from the water
easier), but that they were cruising with a “buddy-boat”, and he would tow them
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we were preparing 200’ of
¾” rescue line to drag, a call came in that the buddy boat could not get his
engine started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At this point fellow cruisers who had heard the call began
to radio from the bay around the point and five miles distant. One with
experience in rescues began to organize the effort. The rocky shoreline and
reef, still several miles away but closing fast was of particular concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His admonition that all boats involved
have all their sail down was well understood. We began to tighten our circle
around the rudderless craft as our dragging line now became the intended tow
rope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were concerned that our
45 horse-power engine might not have the power needed under the conditions to
pull both boats, so we were relieved when the radio announced that the buddy
had succeeded in starting his bigger diesel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, circling the disabled boat waiting for the tow boat
to arrive revealed the extreme difficultly with this sort of rescue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only can it be dangerous to
approach the boat close enough to throw a line, but it can be impossible for
those aboard to snag a line being dragged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be easier to rescue people who have jumped into the
water and swum clear of their boat than to rescue another boat for a tow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine riding one of those mechanical
bulls that were popular barroom amusements in the 80’s, but now imagine that
the bull is also on a randomly spinning lazy-susan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is hard for those aboard to hold on, much less snag a
line dragging in the water when they cannot predict which side of their boat
will be presented with the line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many passes were taken, and none came close to succeeding.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEE9e14G-5Q-EAKhRZfIe5_QECRwg31P7W7Dlh5VolGU_6lE63hVa2kjhbJm-vM5He5lNdWmLjpnuXMQgwjijVxUHlrcAc8uT1Qyl3bsPMPC6nW9jcn8VXg7kp4SJgKEp5SWMRfyIYWhM/s1600/P1050094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEE9e14G-5Q-EAKhRZfIe5_QECRwg31P7W7Dlh5VolGU_6lE63hVa2kjhbJm-vM5He5lNdWmLjpnuXMQgwjijVxUHlrcAc8uT1Qyl3bsPMPC6nW9jcn8VXg7kp4SJgKEp5SWMRfyIYWhM/s400/P1050094.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a line to the boat in distress proved nearly impossible.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> All were relieved when it was announced that the cruisers in
the bay had pooled efforts and hired a brave Mexican panguero to make the
seriously uncomfortable trip out to assist in the line transfer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even with the powerful and quick panga
backing cautiously towards the bucking hull and then charging away when it
charged them,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>several attempts
were required before the line was successfully transferred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the cruising buddy feathered
his power keeping the tow-line taught, the rudderless boat careened helplessly
left and right through 240 degrees putting incredible strain on the line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The line eventually failed, but the
flat water of the sheltered bay had been reached and the ease of resetting the
line highlighted the complications of a successful rescue in disturbed seas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCtVVwNYx8p2f0qOfq8n9VP2dxA6ew9A1V2_O3_7lodvL6j6Tb1Jg5aoMfn3GEFpdwLip03RpZcRXetXyjRtNlvhj3UHllcRjKpIxt9EB1l4x6ATNDOY6NwGzWm2iy_ZliTD-cVAsuzA/s1600/P1050102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCtVVwNYx8p2f0qOfq8n9VP2dxA6ew9A1V2_O3_7lodvL6j6Tb1Jg5aoMfn3GEFpdwLip03RpZcRXetXyjRtNlvhj3UHllcRjKpIxt9EB1l4x6ATNDOY6NwGzWm2iy_ZliTD-cVAsuzA/s400/P1050102.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> The computer screenshot is the record of our track steered
that day – note the distance traveled and the average speed – 17 nautical miles
in almost 6 hours! Needless to say, enough excitement for one day. We escorted
the towing boats back in and anchored to try our departure again the next day.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-30291016654406779852013-01-10T15:33:00.001-08:002013-01-10T15:43:11.381-08:00New Years Turn Around<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Feliz Ano Nuevo… As the calendar turns so we have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On January first we turned in our New
Year’s Eve anchorage and headed north.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are feeling good about our choice of southernmost Mexican
destinations, and having it coincide with the new year seemed like a good
marker.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJ_pJzg2jBU7dMGLphgnt6rOU6zKSMBoOzsuobCRm5FUaUgTvslZkFPw3U7b4dbXfOdMnY2kgpCHCuIw_hTAmPdpXQjQtBR0Ng3I807T7m5F0KmZrT0FGyxHLBJq2xj6VYqo0srJD9zA/s1600/P1050081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJ_pJzg2jBU7dMGLphgnt6rOU6zKSMBoOzsuobCRm5FUaUgTvslZkFPw3U7b4dbXfOdMnY2kgpCHCuIw_hTAmPdpXQjQtBR0Ng3I807T7m5F0KmZrT0FGyxHLBJq2xj6VYqo0srJD9zA/s400/P1050081.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a Booby who wouldn't get off the solar panel. <br />We think he was just a youngster which may explain why his fee aren't blue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The 30<sup>th</sup> of January, we had a wonderful sail
about 12 miles south to a small indentation in the coast that is called
Cuastecomate. It is only listed in two of the three guide books we (and
everyone else) use and it is referred to as “the secret anchorage” because it
is sandwiched between the more favored Tenacatita to the north and Barre de
Navidad to the south. We were glad we stopped. We were one of 3 boats, we all
used stern anchors as well as bow lines to keep facing toward the ocean and the
swell. We were proud of ourselves for setting our stern anchor efficiently (and
without leaving the boat in the kayak or dinghy to do so). Setting two anchors
is something we are still improvising on and sometimes quite the ordeal. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I
loved the town immediately. Only 4 square blocks, mostly palapa beach
restaurants, a few accommodations, and from what we could tell, almost all the
revelers were Mexicans on holiday. It was a festive place to spend New Years!
We talked with a Mexican man who swam out to the boat, swam to the beach for
ceviche, and walked a couple blocks in town and found only one closed aborrate (little
grocery).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UbSwsrb2lSHvK1ruNIr-qujFpvH1OwWJiIUvELCWkbkCZhz06mQyevd-K_1n2h8nYPDYmMnFcuqn_EaVh9G6hMCN4xZeCLvVj70xylIT6RUzmgUB6168RV_2NhLCHEvE8b7YXuNndho/s1600/P1050087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UbSwsrb2lSHvK1ruNIr-qujFpvH1OwWJiIUvELCWkbkCZhz06mQyevd-K_1n2h8nYPDYmMnFcuqn_EaVh9G6hMCN4xZeCLvVj70xylIT6RUzmgUB6168RV_2NhLCHEvE8b7YXuNndho/s400/P1050087.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baking becomes a big highlight while cruising!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On New Year’s eve the weather provided us some novel entertainment –
a rainstorm! Our first in Mexico, and I think our first water from the sky
since July something in Seattle. The rain was wet but warm and did not deter
the kids from swimming all day. It was cozy in the boat and a perfect day for
reading, writing sailmail, and baking. We had fresh oatmeal molasses cookies
and peanutbutter chip brownies for our celebration aboard.<br />
<br />
<br />
We stayed up
(almost) until midnight by watching a Harry Potter movie (thank you Carol for
sending us off with your collection). As we were crawling into our forepeak
berth, we heard the midnight celebration and poked our heads through the hatch
to watch fireworks 100 yards away on the beach.<br />
No pictures seem to mark the auspicious occasion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
New Years day dawned rainy, but not stormy, and we decided
that Cuastecomate, the secret anchorage, was a perfect southern-most
destination, so we pulled out our foul weather jackets and had a very Northwest
kind of sail back to Tenacatita Bay. Back in the anchorage we heard reports of
5 inches of rain in 45 minutes. And… even freakier we heard a radio report from
a boat who had been surprised by a snake in their cabin the night before. The
skipper was bitten, but recovering and crew from other boats had come to the
rescue to remove the invader. Not common, but not unheard of with the estuary
close.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On January 2<sup>nd</sup>, the weather was still not totally
settled, but the rain had stopped and the forecast was for some nice wind from
the south – rare, but good for the route north that we planned. We said goodbye
to folks in Ten Bay and took off around 10 am – we didn’t get far as the next
blog post will explain.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-17325445960552001432013-01-10T15:22:00.000-08:002013-01-26T19:41:06.411-08:00Tenacatita and La Manzanilla<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Next we headed further
south to another big and gorgeous bay, Tenacatita. A quieter beach scene, but
an active cruiser community awaited us. We listened to the 9 am morning net on
the VHF radio, getting to know the personalities and habits of some of the
regulars. Some folks have been staying for months and doing so for years. Each
Friday, the self-proclaimed mayor of Ten Bay organizes a raft-up for sharing
hors d’ ouvres and chatting. Each afternoon, “swim team” assembles for the lap
to the beach for bocce ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots
of friendly folks share local knowledge, expertise, BS, and help each other
when they can. We could stay on our boat and meet plenty of people dinghying
around the anchorage and stopping by to say “hey.” </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzg25G73CNI21UBWsvvxBknx8nFY9rSjBVTuOfHUzmbffErdEvDFr-mRmqQPRFcZYVnC37CZTIgO64tcGQuzoU9j0NBYz1sX0H7Z-JyKWEOJEJNEJAv4VjiKAwaL6JkG3pyFf9Lu2kDEY/s1600/P1050070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzg25G73CNI21UBWsvvxBknx8nFY9rSjBVTuOfHUzmbffErdEvDFr-mRmqQPRFcZYVnC37CZTIgO64tcGQuzoU9j0NBYz1sX0H7Z-JyKWEOJEJNEJAv4VjiKAwaL6JkG3pyFf9Lu2kDEY/s320/P1050070.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cruiser group went in on a panga rental to get to town for provisioning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">One day we joined 6 other
people in renting a panga and driver to take us five miles across the bay to
the town of La Manzanilla. As the photos show, we really loved walking the town
and can’t seem to stop photographing the best-looking houses and creative
architecture. There is, in Mexico some of the weirdest architecture we have
ever seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of “snowbirds” in
these towns – from the US west coast and British Columbia. Some are doing the
RV thing and some have built up-scale homes in the hills.</span><!--EndFragment-->
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Photos from our day trip to La Manzanilla on Tenacatita Bay:</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3q9I_sjBtimwzlHuxAlZlGbXUpuSXXqOo_jyo-kJxYRkBaQYyWcS5bfe99XQf0cueXodu8RA-AtJNwQpmgDKPGrNOZUZPnCPIQP3sK0lhgny3_SW0M7NTb8d0fUmgHdJ7DGyeI923VQ/s1600/P1050019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3q9I_sjBtimwzlHuxAlZlGbXUpuSXXqOo_jyo-kJxYRkBaQYyWcS5bfe99XQf0cueXodu8RA-AtJNwQpmgDKPGrNOZUZPnCPIQP3sK0lhgny3_SW0M7NTb8d0fUmgHdJ7DGyeI923VQ/s400/P1050019.jpg" width="363" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hillside mansions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPEHDC5gGIGQDzu0IzwEGr6Dhk4_H8yCCPGN_KfoHyfBBagHFgk44sHjWKiQwHXoc1JtLcKt3WdfcZFo9y_wv3siuJG-kZyx86s6wjpAslBJTcIlzPn9jOFqDMh0_JNCdqMwur-NC8ZY/s1600/P1050027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPEHDC5gGIGQDzu0IzwEGr6Dhk4_H8yCCPGN_KfoHyfBBagHFgk44sHjWKiQwHXoc1JtLcKt3WdfcZFo9y_wv3siuJG-kZyx86s6wjpAslBJTcIlzPn9jOFqDMh0_JNCdqMwur-NC8ZY/s400/P1050027.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful entries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1re8GfOk0vrlxLCgnCaDaLYN1fkIEaqp0DYodpjcUYrJgTQZ2EHvLa8jr1NVuwDY089IKv_xzinzxG_jPOaUyfohLCyPpi-YxIPqMo1vC6_8cr5lKTlnypZhH-UfhktA55eXUcYs9TI/s1600/P1050028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1re8GfOk0vrlxLCgnCaDaLYN1fkIEaqp0DYodpjcUYrJgTQZ2EHvLa8jr1NVuwDY089IKv_xzinzxG_jPOaUyfohLCyPpi-YxIPqMo1vC6_8cr5lKTlnypZhH-UfhktA55eXUcYs9TI/s400/P1050028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic72iWcwg0oYE6lI18Bp0M_AR3uJIp-VRc__qG5dktrxcinu0aQ6DlvyMCnuHk7WlL278z06QYKDIqZwrMFz07Uw6g5K9ktTrmjAWj0GFpe3c7-MZ8Ulc-IsOt-MKBr8MdVjkTq0dj9nM/s1600/P1050029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic72iWcwg0oYE6lI18Bp0M_AR3uJIp-VRc__qG5dktrxcinu0aQ6DlvyMCnuHk7WlL278z06QYKDIqZwrMFz07Uw6g5K9ktTrmjAWj0GFpe3c7-MZ8Ulc-IsOt-MKBr8MdVjkTq0dj9nM/s400/P1050029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpE-MaL8X3cOdIcETcFcCGG82iNhoOmenG6hPje6cjHBM5Q7xOsMQ14V3k4TIpDo7qsxr3hYPWarI02BBbeta8QQClY7SCe8KxnlJgXzYTP4rLL4sjIHYYSLWYqNcsgDZ9sE4nGfGS2Xw/s1600/P1050032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpE-MaL8X3cOdIcETcFcCGG82iNhoOmenG6hPje6cjHBM5Q7xOsMQ14V3k4TIpDo7qsxr3hYPWarI02BBbeta8QQClY7SCe8KxnlJgXzYTP4rLL4sjIHYYSLWYqNcsgDZ9sE4nGfGS2Xw/s400/P1050032.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved this garage door and vent cover!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMW6Fl2HfkHQdDhn0xz6XCTa6iZbpl_BQXRXBAGqJoMsBmBAvSiRilx_E2lW_nZ41JsBhdqsyhf2UVkiJYVeVCKUBJIZ4jmnNubHUJrRUo0t1g4Z7AwSvCL1JKJpR2Z3C87TIYBqjf2I/s1600/P1050031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMW6Fl2HfkHQdDhn0xz6XCTa6iZbpl_BQXRXBAGqJoMsBmBAvSiRilx_E2lW_nZ41JsBhdqsyhf2UVkiJYVeVCKUBJIZ4jmnNubHUJrRUo0t1g4Z7AwSvCL1JKJpR2Z3C87TIYBqjf2I/s400/P1050031.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1hXA201sntbkUmbrbw-e2DkxqDy3Vzg2YgIYLKpVJIL9xfQ1zjB0d7e7eb9cxDnp7_liH7MpwDOh1dh3sCQ-_9PgcNtP-KOI75Pj9Y3oSANhbmaftFKV2ADp3IHbe5h89IVwVYHjQj4/s1600/P1050042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1hXA201sntbkUmbrbw-e2DkxqDy3Vzg2YgIYLKpVJIL9xfQ1zjB0d7e7eb9cxDnp7_liH7MpwDOh1dh3sCQ-_9PgcNtP-KOI75Pj9Y3oSANhbmaftFKV2ADp3IHbe5h89IVwVYHjQj4/s400/P1050042.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green oasis above the ocean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiMgmtt-NmZWjKp30YTVSCrq6NilYjvpjVQOV_spAqkT3C4bHB40Mk7lPb-m0CC-f2gN7OQD8jxn-CMFa47R7gbhdp-p03D8pEXBFWKqN9jGbFEzHQzHZjeR0I0wj3tEe9zIdGD8rA3M/s1600/P1050043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiMgmtt-NmZWjKp30YTVSCrq6NilYjvpjVQOV_spAqkT3C4bHB40Mk7lPb-m0CC-f2gN7OQD8jxn-CMFa47R7gbhdp-p03D8pEXBFWKqN9jGbFEzHQzHZjeR0I0wj3tEe9zIdGD8rA3M/s400/P1050043.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">its resident</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepzXkrHSVlewRJtfnBknHuuTrCadZ8_X4FGptkgxlbCVGoS8o1TR_L-sVVGndht9Od-RVfyBvL4IVbzItx346C2b2L7Gr6MyxeA93jy1pV-X2L2XPeDO1HsfFaaPdOI_yxn0ihCbUrNk/s1600/P1050044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepzXkrHSVlewRJtfnBknHuuTrCadZ8_X4FGptkgxlbCVGoS8o1TR_L-sVVGndht9Od-RVfyBvL4IVbzItx346C2b2L7Gr6MyxeA93jy1pV-X2L2XPeDO1HsfFaaPdOI_yxn0ihCbUrNk/s400/P1050044.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and the view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPZp1rM_xLUr9GJ33gHoghb7lozRJK8ekovvGNpG8zRCYpDEYss1lp4mX8xyGNMfxeRMVOPwamNBkt-qXjgB0cwewAegXFf4TnVEuSIqU5OzWwjyG4niOKdQy1agsnaf3BKwSoV1Aw3I/s1600/P1050054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPZp1rM_xLUr9GJ33gHoghb7lozRJK8ekovvGNpG8zRCYpDEYss1lp4mX8xyGNMfxeRMVOPwamNBkt-qXjgB0cwewAegXFf4TnVEuSIqU5OzWwjyG4niOKdQy1agsnaf3BKwSoV1Aw3I/s400/P1050054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdlGtNwSvwkRCm1jD3Qn0LVX4nfAd7EfSQsrR1R6VlGIN58tdqThlNNlUYC6ytbZl51B2_onettDuWTqNiscG5UTYZwM5wsH61ee3FjdmZ3NwaLRhaPNHr6dyiZFAPUMQpQ-ypbTetAs/s1600/P1050053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdlGtNwSvwkRCm1jD3Qn0LVX4nfAd7EfSQsrR1R6VlGIN58tdqThlNNlUYC6ytbZl51B2_onettDuWTqNiscG5UTYZwM5wsH61ee3FjdmZ3NwaLRhaPNHr6dyiZFAPUMQpQ-ypbTetAs/s400/P1050053.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The town square centered around the church</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVvYjWfvdJQM7tjdIfw_EKLkBBfZ_1JxYHwjrgXTArFZgQwuI7kN3wKrh115et5rbOfyLSMPH4aSM2DkcVlnRFdv7eZM25RkXyv8QaK6cold5ab_1bf66gl9GC5s9aBluAZnNlVsCtrE/s1600/P1050056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVvYjWfvdJQM7tjdIfw_EKLkBBfZ_1JxYHwjrgXTArFZgQwuI7kN3wKrh115et5rbOfyLSMPH4aSM2DkcVlnRFdv7eZM25RkXyv8QaK6cold5ab_1bf66gl9GC5s9aBluAZnNlVsCtrE/s400/P1050056.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">always open</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcVLdyt-06dufWLKKlYeEdtNgwbyB-7ZfPHl15oPzoxvan-MN93zrvuvrp1qICBaM8QKFY9Ye2hHGuHUmlbzvCnhVV6stxj8d185f-LJ8mz52k2Ql509H7geW3ITKcQLAF-e0n05nG3E/s1600/P1050058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcVLdyt-06dufWLKKlYeEdtNgwbyB-7ZfPHl15oPzoxvan-MN93zrvuvrp1qICBaM8QKFY9Ye2hHGuHUmlbzvCnhVV6stxj8d185f-LJ8mz52k2Ql509H7geW3ITKcQLAF-e0n05nG3E/s320/P1050058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a gorgeous entry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYQ7hHFRvQwDCN01eySGXceAKnvNWJAvc_zwYieD8Ii-tAltvfp1i4lhJc6m809JvnO7Ah-swOAw36lBXLjl7MQOYMu2VMoZXAD6Ajn-aGdIoyyxiZNCS6dFuds4YHWVLhWB3GTWq72k/s1600/P1050052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYQ7hHFRvQwDCN01eySGXceAKnvNWJAvc_zwYieD8Ii-tAltvfp1i4lhJc6m809JvnO7Ah-swOAw36lBXLjl7MQOYMu2VMoZXAD6Ajn-aGdIoyyxiZNCS6dFuds4YHWVLhWB3GTWq72k/s400/P1050052.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with the structure? above it<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18tD-pSFoQxECzASzIcnATp174VZDCdODsOG0Mn160aPbOz64-qHRx88D25xErQFHUwyOd21DE4l1vDTogAZbnaFfmHyQpQQUS3nb6cl-QyKwN9WjwVcOBJ570dYl9HZSB_KJLk4R_1Y/s1600/P1050063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18tD-pSFoQxECzASzIcnATp174VZDCdODsOG0Mn160aPbOz64-qHRx88D25xErQFHUwyOd21DE4l1vDTogAZbnaFfmHyQpQQUS3nb6cl-QyKwN9WjwVcOBJ570dYl9HZSB_KJLk4R_1Y/s400/P1050063.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local kids</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaU5unhjxZNNqNniBeXnBw_HSSJWenErHDasZrn2I8itqlSHawmJ0uFoK0NVkavtdruwQiDkc5qfeQ5PZt28LKX5TyvL9Flln7pkS20HuO3RX26Yw_ZNIfBcoCwsnMqSIpqdPDtIpeak/s1600/P1050065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaU5unhjxZNNqNniBeXnBw_HSSJWenErHDasZrn2I8itqlSHawmJ0uFoK0NVkavtdruwQiDkc5qfeQ5PZt28LKX5TyvL9Flln7pkS20HuO3RX26Yw_ZNIfBcoCwsnMqSIpqdPDtIpeak/s400/P1050065.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street vendors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMgxyoT9Avi593Da9dtkXSA1ndTVXmVG0ngVveWxVJCks0wRxB5NpkBZr7KMpM-BWWEIarm0plEMZ2BM3HNfdfubSxvHAnpdK8jasHUsVSwrXgtn2FDP0rD2Dn1LuFkPdpD2ryCVWbZE/s1600/P1050064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMgxyoT9Avi593Da9dtkXSA1ndTVXmVG0ngVveWxVJCks0wRxB5NpkBZr7KMpM-BWWEIarm0plEMZ2BM3HNfdfubSxvHAnpdK8jasHUsVSwrXgtn2FDP0rD2Dn1LuFkPdpD2ryCVWbZE/s400/P1050064.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unusual insects</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic28Q01VuUMQomCwZXb1GHZjJxT4l5syyKvLGELF6ZhJlVT3XcqM8Z33fyoLVy1sl0Qpo4uX0h4rT2L47t7Apa_1hnLa0NazaT34i8LcVKoXOYZMvJIxpbkuU7uzOeiXClmAXlVOij4bQ/s1600/P1050068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic28Q01VuUMQomCwZXb1GHZjJxT4l5syyKvLGELF6ZhJlVT3XcqM8Z33fyoLVy1sl0Qpo4uX0h4rT2L47t7Apa_1hnLa0NazaT34i8LcVKoXOYZMvJIxpbkuU7uzOeiXClmAXlVOij4bQ/s400/P1050068.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and cocos frescos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8844751940224385874.post-49750473659208609902013-01-10T14:41:00.001-08:002013-01-10T15:32:35.917-08:00Palm Tree Christmas<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFQZAM7_VR9y5mL5MY3e51mzMCrK5hSK3Rr2lFg7OyWlaFJl00sailbIngfvGQzW9CHRfnvZC_sriaeoHrk5i_4FrWi-9PbeDHp66lmKENuEKLGar2GiMRgXyHa3Hc9QE25tuWPDCCxI/s1600/P1040904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFQZAM7_VR9y5mL5MY3e51mzMCrK5hSK3Rr2lFg7OyWlaFJl00sailbIngfvGQzW9CHRfnvZC_sriaeoHrk5i_4FrWi-9PbeDHp66lmKENuEKLGar2GiMRgXyHa3Hc9QE25tuWPDCCxI/s400/P1040904.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or maybe it's the golden sunsets...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are in want of nothing and wish we could send each of you
some sun in your face, wind in your sails, and sand between your toes. We have
spent the last three weeks out of cell-phone range (but by no means alone)
exploring the coast south of the Bay of Banderas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is known as Costalegre or “happy coast”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve also heard it called the “Gold
Coast” and there are some uber-villas and resorts dotting the shore that have
earned it that name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoAKTznzbdqOMsO2e2AF7CI0_O62jy21rjz25ys4JRYK14BhcAV_Uxpo3vf5hS6ZYy2uLmOsfqJUu6ZUsxycb1J70cD3vTjvZwfe262Yxf7W1__G8vssrVYwOgmo79TyMzf_WVGzYImM/s1600/P1040907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoAKTznzbdqOMsO2e2AF7CI0_O62jy21rjz25ys4JRYK14BhcAV_Uxpo3vf5hS6ZYy2uLmOsfqJUu6ZUsxycb1J70cD3vTjvZwfe262Yxf7W1__G8vssrVYwOgmo79TyMzf_WVGzYImM/s320/P1040907.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Parties sailing by us in the anchorage off La Cruz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After a
couple of overnight passages to get to this stretch, there are easy day hops
and big calm bays with quiet beaches and resort towns, which are enjoyed by
many middle-class Mexicans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
appreciated the quietness of the towns, muy tranquilo after the 24-hr parties
along the Bay of Banderas.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQk9TdDrgAPQlvsasmKamWlI-WXFqJCmmbRc5zahX9GcvRNiACsPuB3eguv_l8kJLCEcSbjWZ3UnxhH4tSx3VQ7z53RJ7POunsWpiJgV7rsTaGBbA_kO0gP2fP8L0TLmblbd_mqoPX2z8/s1600/P1050075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQk9TdDrgAPQlvsasmKamWlI-WXFqJCmmbRc5zahX9GcvRNiACsPuB3eguv_l8kJLCEcSbjWZ3UnxhH4tSx3VQ7z53RJ7POunsWpiJgV7rsTaGBbA_kO0gP2fP8L0TLmblbd_mqoPX2z8/s320/P1050075.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaches full of families -- the fiesta season!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VESnlXcuAVY7b-WSTB3_NtZ7w40elZHW2RCuoUzik4mA_TybNijWCGdWNDUR6FsVTWXOPWK6VHXZpkMpdC_WTzXX7xhsfcr5Xvv4celfRVk061ylVls8lvFpfBhd89WpbtUFA2KwhUQ/s1600/P1040928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VESnlXcuAVY7b-WSTB3_NtZ7w40elZHW2RCuoUzik4mA_TybNijWCGdWNDUR6FsVTWXOPWK6VHXZpkMpdC_WTzXX7xhsfcr5Xvv4celfRVk061ylVls8lvFpfBhd89WpbtUFA2KwhUQ/s320/P1040928.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divebombing pelicans -- endless entertainment<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This warm-not-hot, and rain free season is travel time for
Mexican families. Schools are out for 4 weeks and many people take beach
vacations around the Christmas holidays.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Some of the beaches have a single hotel that looks like an all-inclusive
place, but many also have campgrounds where extended families set up for
several weeks.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Little kids spend
hours, dawn to dusk in the 80-degree water and adults of all ages walk out to
play in the sand and stand in the water with their kids and grandkids.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Most of the grandparents wear their
hats, T-shirts and shorts into the water.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All the while, fishermen throw hand-held lines in the surf among the
swimmers and huge pelicans dive for fish among the crowd.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4lfLLdR5J1chK3_XfrU1WhBOZH4vfDUkiAf5Ft-gXqjcsXeW46m8kFrIWFuM7KkgdQ18aEW3_pDavimpwzexxMSqcl1K93z_7gbFWcRjG32O3H_5rN63RTqK-LvcoF6V9w8YgwGUTdE/s1600/P1050073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4lfLLdR5J1chK3_XfrU1WhBOZH4vfDUkiAf5Ft-gXqjcsXeW46m8kFrIWFuM7KkgdQ18aEW3_pDavimpwzexxMSqcl1K93z_7gbFWcRjG32O3H_5rN63RTqK-LvcoF6V9w8YgwGUTdE/s400/P1050073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7_9Xp4NZgRNpmmIDrlhxs28VYbYPdMawKa5eo6LWu28pxMHeL3hSuId8F95nF6GM3VkXqrBaf5cFZFpKWPH7jJbuk2Zu2i1RDuQzeGv07b74w7ie9J545Q4XkeDutIleobqufhWaAGE/s1600/P1050069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7_9Xp4NZgRNpmmIDrlhxs28VYbYPdMawKa5eo6LWu28pxMHeL3hSuId8F95nF6GM3VkXqrBaf5cFZFpKWPH7jJbuk2Zu2i1RDuQzeGv07b74w7ie9J545Q4XkeDutIleobqufhWaAGE/s400/P1050069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowxD9XgtMGZECmg8b-Iyk0QgaiYRT7MMAgiPC22zccuAXa-v3J1KzmcvSRb6aLEm5-Z9dNhYtxTTmLLQTthrQ851lielQl-43sdouAXXOT7HNd2xTp0WHIW1MnS7QzHtHYVjxbXhkD50/s1600/P1050074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowxD9XgtMGZECmg8b-Iyk0QgaiYRT7MMAgiPC22zccuAXa-v3J1KzmcvSRb6aLEm5-Z9dNhYtxTTmLLQTthrQ851lielQl-43sdouAXXOT7HNd2xTp0WHIW1MnS7QzHtHYVjxbXhkD50/s400/P1050074.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Grandpa was happy to pose with his sandcastle<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENwV5iBAg_Um6NxC1_jRadxpM8Y0aR68_LSCJhxq4L5E-kQq0hJCBi8enhnne4tFEQeAKPgZZ4thiI73PL7AJg1dVqIj_LdJSKKMLLdGvoBwWH8sHUYYSRyal3Jk45v988zcUwzNjYsk/s1600/P1040897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENwV5iBAg_Um6NxC1_jRadxpM8Y0aR68_LSCJhxq4L5E-kQq0hJCBi8enhnne4tFEQeAKPgZZ4thiI73PL7AJg1dVqIj_LdJSKKMLLdGvoBwWH8sHUYYSRyal3Jk45v988zcUwzNjYsk/s320/P1040897.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Before leaving La Cruz, we did a little Christmas giving.
The marina there decorates a Christmas tree and organizes a way for cruisers to
become “angels” by picking a child’s name from the tree and buying and wrapping
gifts for them. The kids live at an orphanage in Bucerias, the next town over.
Some are orphans and others are living there temporarily while their families
are in crisis. We took a day and went to the Mega (like Fred Meyer) and picked
out toys for 5-year-old Carlos and 7-year-old Ariana. Fun to pick things out
and have something to wrap.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERgNF6HbFTBGHhdK9ISg6EkUCQkC2x3dwkFoWe8Tq_jiniaCb8HmdEh3mIp3YtEfYRGqqaoi5a5DF3qATY16F3ri17xmQHDkDhuxJs9sF34ZveFtXGRxciiP0HujD9kODXHWKUMaoavs/s1600/P1040900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERgNF6HbFTBGHhdK9ISg6EkUCQkC2x3dwkFoWe8Tq_jiniaCb8HmdEh3mIp3YtEfYRGqqaoi5a5DF3qATY16F3ri17xmQHDkDhuxJs9sF34ZveFtXGRxciiP0HujD9kODXHWKUMaoavs/s320/P1040900.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgpDJpEKCnS4H-3TbUBe98OU1QRwcToCt9SjpMwiLKypXhixtsoU6Dn8AwyBP5OImOOQQZ34e4YFaOVb5rkzYpJxyNrED-QHygXjjjA_uTQagDFdKz9Up6Ug-bPjULGyU_N7lF5cagB4/s1600/P1040925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgpDJpEKCnS4H-3TbUBe98OU1QRwcToCt9SjpMwiLKypXhixtsoU6Dn8AwyBP5OImOOQQZ34e4YFaOVb5rkzYpJxyNrED-QHygXjjjA_uTQagDFdKz9Up6Ug-bPjULGyU_N7lF5cagB4/s320/P1040925.JPG" width="320" /></a>Also, before leaving La Cruz, we got that exhaust pipe
replaced. All in working order, we watched the weather for favorable wind. But
it would not be boat travel without one more unexpected repair. 200 yards out,
the old transmission cable gave way again (same one that we had welded and
re-installed in Ensenada two months before). It was a good place to have it
happen, we just sailed back to our familiar spot in the anchorage at La Cruz
and after some research with the boatyard there we took an efficient hour bus ride
into Puerto Vallarta, went to the large chandlery called Zaragosa, where they
had it in stock. (A pleasant surprise after the unavailability in Ensenada) We
came back and had it installed within two days. Lanham had learned from the
earlier episode and rather than fight another infuriating battle to run the
cable up through the steering column, he cut an opening and fabricated a
stainless cover to allow reasonable access. We are even ready with a spare
transmission or throttle cable should it try to foil us again.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeupwDS_UErh8T1SMx2oFdJV17XOenNgURJ_cvEy838Vvr4PB41zBYFP6CWIROICr-GCdZC6ajV_ZifAJAGRrWJuUT25Vdj0m1r5DZsJVKmwlVjExOLGm42denZvq06gr77c01QB25WuI/s1600/P1050088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeupwDS_UErh8T1SMx2oFdJV17XOenNgURJ_cvEy838Vvr4PB41zBYFP6CWIROICr-GCdZC6ajV_ZifAJAGRrWJuUT25Vdj0m1r5DZsJVKmwlVjExOLGm42denZvq06gr77c01QB25WuI/s320/P1050088.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWZ_mPlFQmR9yinyGRGOI176qupx7bbvD1haQV1x8IwqBaKIQvEtUSpNU0rwRZHhISLCsv6D-BskSJCai2VBSUFEzYBxA-ZGc3-OMG6U5W-cH9Y7qzZpWy_KU7YG1BnKEmqYqcmxX6oQ/s1600/P1050090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWZ_mPlFQmR9yinyGRGOI176qupx7bbvD1haQV1x8IwqBaKIQvEtUSpNU0rwRZHhISLCsv6D-BskSJCai2VBSUFEzYBxA-ZGc3-OMG6U5W-cH9Y7qzZpWy_KU7YG1BnKEmqYqcmxX6oQ/s320/P1050090.jpg" width="240" /></a>While we are talking mechanicals, I’ll throw in another
picture, lest anyone think that a well-maintained boat is the whole answer. At
another stop, Lanham did his usual pre-flight check as we were getting ready to
weigh anchor and noticed that the large (as in 4” by 3/8”) bolt that usually
holds the alternator in place was just kind of hanging limply. Turns out it was
snapped off at the threads (yes, a little vibration underway). This lead to a
later than planned departure and another successful dig into the hardware store
in the bilge. We had a bolt, it just needed to have more threads cut and be
trimmed to length. A few hours later we had it replaced, and I had learned more
than I imagined about making things (like bolts). I only shutter when I think
about not having discovered the broken bolt… or when I think about what other
pieces of metal in the engine compartment might be under stress and waiting for
the opportune time to give it up!</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVGoUNqVpc7qYRTlWf9tgAvongbAsoVIX1uZ6OFVK3GORzclTQoD8yEw-yrRyRMSG0cwh5XNYmEexzx-D4f-qC_FOW30KGv0ahLQYnOh1NBe2zm62MnPLEQC6ITOq9UXLgf2ucjptkvc/s1600/P1040931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVGoUNqVpc7qYRTlWf9tgAvongbAsoVIX1uZ6OFVK3GORzclTQoD8yEw-yrRyRMSG0cwh5XNYmEexzx-D4f-qC_FOW30KGv0ahLQYnOh1NBe2zm62MnPLEQC6ITOq9UXLgf2ucjptkvc/s320/P1040931.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fighter...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So we finally got south to Cabo Corrientes – the Mexican
Horn, and just to make it exciting, we caught a large fish as we rounded the
point. This fish took the lure and went straight to the bottom, fought like
crazy for 20 minutes, then gave up and was relatively easy to net. We estimated
it at 30 pounds – but we didn’t know the variety. We did our usual bleeding and
cutting it up (on the swim step while underway, which is an interesting feat in
itself). It was very tough to fillet – full of thick strong bone, more muscle
than meat, and very red (think fish flavored liver – it’s an acquired taste). </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoSaih3f6kKaJkztOA8oO7yiUICvy97pV08xVAfoyE5asgaW54JSn_rJZcMiKFcZOWfnEaUZ5NejlDc43Zvunfb7oJwNvzU97JrJ_AO2nJI2ofKUbkXr8-32T7w6VWnsh0OyEB4y2nuU/s1600/P1040935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoSaih3f6kKaJkztOA8oO7yiUICvy97pV08xVAfoyE5asgaW54JSn_rJZcMiKFcZOWfnEaUZ5NejlDc43Zvunfb7oJwNvzU97JrJ_AO2nJI2ofKUbkXr8-32T7w6VWnsh0OyEB4y2nuU/s320/P1040935.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm, let's cook up some Toro steaks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We opted out of making sushi or ceviche, but put fillets in the fridge. At our
next anchorage, a neighboring boat recognized it as a “Jack Crevalle” or a
“toro” here in Mexico. They warned us that it wasn’t their favorite. We grilled
most of it, found it rich in a “ahh, I don’t think I can eat any more” kind of
way. We made good use of the leftovers in fish tacos, stir-fry, and best of all
disguised as ground beef in a hearty spaghetti sauce. We don’t want to be finicky
eaters, but we think if we catch another we will release him to swim again.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjran1sev-Ffuqrgm9B2MvXuqwg0dIcvq22ukIHE2Rhrb6ozbNZGb82m_QeDRwf9ZzN-zJOm1iZlnmo3pQwyuRKueUJbMPn-OFhlcZqEF1hLojE1uYwa5-FnF_75QUGyB_m_G_KpsuA-70/s1600/P1040940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjran1sev-Ffuqrgm9B2MvXuqwg0dIcvq22ukIHE2Rhrb6ozbNZGb82m_QeDRwf9ZzN-zJOm1iZlnmo3pQwyuRKueUJbMPn-OFhlcZqEF1hLojE1uYwa5-FnF_75QUGyB_m_G_KpsuA-70/s400/P1040940.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our first stop along the happy coast was Ipala – really just
considered a roadside anchorage for boats to stage their rounding of the point.
But we went into the palapa restaurant in kayaks and gave a couple of little
kids some Frisbees and watched them play soccer on the beach. Here are a few
photos of the beach side of the town.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3V6Skmc0W0dE97U5wFEANIVwnJkBILa4Wk012OwRtzVd144PkdlDq8w-6wf_XgcV1rtB6YpZku0UijITZTk0eZ0GdkQvt_IhJKKJVS6nVjG7exr9EcSlFx7hryi_ytVbYUUhtFMOwjY/s1600/P1040942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3V6Skmc0W0dE97U5wFEANIVwnJkBILa4Wk012OwRtzVd144PkdlDq8w-6wf_XgcV1rtB6YpZku0UijITZTk0eZ0GdkQvt_IhJKKJVS6nVjG7exr9EcSlFx7hryi_ytVbYUUhtFMOwjY/s400/P1040942.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu84mS-v0qQWpH9RBZb_HAUBgYmRQIt1Bn7-gA1Ua8Vx1Qi-dy2uYiXtnv0hjgdnLgUIXEKopiLfa6JXvv62lungH9H0GNalwSNp0X4cce3HiRcPaGZytqpxAsqfPitfaPpT_3Xk9WHU/s1600/P1050212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu84mS-v0qQWpH9RBZb_HAUBgYmRQIt1Bn7-gA1Ua8Vx1Qi-dy2uYiXtnv0hjgdnLgUIXEKopiLfa6JXvv62lungH9H0GNalwSNp0X4cce3HiRcPaGZytqpxAsqfPitfaPpT_3Xk9WHU/s400/P1050212.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-X2-4paEBuM6uqZfVWt-pRG9NUUs18vNbJZpGUKUvrkyNPxMB7b_K4BTGD3Q3ONQHwY45daaqhLaAF2YkT6SEgwZ8jkQ-t2r_S_NnlIIJcv0G2_9c66C8JDRIaK7lFGWrG_WpdyzmpE/s1600/P1040943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-X2-4paEBuM6uqZfVWt-pRG9NUUs18vNbJZpGUKUvrkyNPxMB7b_K4BTGD3Q3ONQHwY45daaqhLaAF2YkT6SEgwZ8jkQ-t2r_S_NnlIIJcv0G2_9c66C8JDRIaK7lFGWrG_WpdyzmpE/s400/P1040943.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soccer kids -- happy to have a photo taken</td></tr>
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Next stop was the large and beautiful bay of Chamala. We
anchored off the town of Perula and ended up shopping for groceries, finding a
restaurant we really liked, snorkeling, and staying for Christmas. The
anchorage was beautiful – rolling hills, up to the Sierra Madre mountains, an 8
mile white sand beach for walking, and just the right number of colorful palapa
restaurants with the idea that 10 pm was late enough for the recorded oompa
band to be broadcast across the bay. The most exciting thing about going to
town was the surf landing. We got pretty good at landing the kayaks… but often
the surf was up when you had groceries or clean laundry and it was (often after
dark) time to go back to the boat. It is a big topic of conversation among the
cruisers in the anchorage, and I think many spend time in the cockpit with
binoculars watching the wet landings for entertainment.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8bDHeQPFnbZ3Xrt23JFrQAKAMYNo4z5duAUtIQ6hGi1NF8bzV9ad18FnuA_Y0__ctevwILWsYuyDgSLUP1xLqj_R5E4s4Vu3ZoxsP8KVpDFJy0mMnWaz0_H2ZHqQclYLgKdF3Usz99E/s1600/P1040959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8bDHeQPFnbZ3Xrt23JFrQAKAMYNo4z5duAUtIQ6hGi1NF8bzV9ad18FnuA_Y0__ctevwILWsYuyDgSLUP1xLqj_R5E4s4Vu3ZoxsP8KVpDFJy0mMnWaz0_H2ZHqQclYLgKdF3Usz99E/s320/P1040959.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scuba Jazz dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5I2zEtEUR6dco66HWyQ9zIQeoFeYgsb3nBwBf-j2735r72d8_BldMLc9_bt85e5FE9pYyqX4Xj1sF-qdmXS1XZ_Zx29uVyIlI5kHbcIgTU_4OGx65gnzQfZc20Q2n42uWsILOuCoSccQ/s1600/P1040960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5I2zEtEUR6dco66HWyQ9zIQeoFeYgsb3nBwBf-j2735r72d8_BldMLc9_bt85e5FE9pYyqX4Xj1sF-qdmXS1XZ_Zx29uVyIlI5kHbcIgTU_4OGx65gnzQfZc20Q2n42uWsILOuCoSccQ/s400/P1040960.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and the shop where we had our tanks filled over breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">Main street in Chamela<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIajNbcY3pjDgL0MTxGkiK_3llESAJMFJ9Hizkky7-JLhOk8x8iuj3lAHnlJGwpQGKVP9QX5Njrln5lRKvavaQEc3xpJla9whB5eVjpbfUOIwoSuBEht1pb0s5tGgo9RqdWhC0y0cwNBI/s1600/P1040954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIajNbcY3pjDgL0MTxGkiK_3llESAJMFJ9Hizkky7-JLhOk8x8iuj3lAHnlJGwpQGKVP9QX5Njrln5lRKvavaQEc3xpJla9whB5eVjpbfUOIwoSuBEht1pb0s5tGgo9RqdWhC0y0cwNBI/s400/P1040954.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z6WdKpCsRDNgmHRLQ_Oici54tlmIvEdwmHU9vhmSaAk-6-HSMcwuplLA_aWh5b53AVIYcVm7Mjx7J_nPTbUAELRiDZwS65JIuFqwwnzgRfDXXCCdRwaEtEMdQZphX0prixrQDGuJb4Q/s1600/P1040979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z6WdKpCsRDNgmHRLQ_Oici54tlmIvEdwmHU9vhmSaAk-6-HSMcwuplLA_aWh5b53AVIYcVm7Mjx7J_nPTbUAELRiDZwS65JIuFqwwnzgRfDXXCCdRwaEtEMdQZphX0prixrQDGuJb4Q/s400/P1040979.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanham dressing for dinner after our wet ride ashore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhAn-mxmkb43DcXzaizEsNAP11pnuJlxns4xIZRnFaBRtWvx7nUfqRZkN3xBerWgCOfSdStmbS6Rgm3U3cKD-aI6i1jg6QU3Seq7b-oVPwvIurJ7wrmQ9e_DlZ7ZEMl7FQBruQ9m2-u0/s1600/P1040987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhAn-mxmkb43DcXzaizEsNAP11pnuJlxns4xIZRnFaBRtWvx7nUfqRZkN3xBerWgCOfSdStmbS6Rgm3U3cKD-aI6i1jg6QU3Seq7b-oVPwvIurJ7wrmQ9e_DlZ7ZEMl7FQBruQ9m2-u0/s320/P1040987.jpg" width="240" /></a> Whether in kayak or dinghy, the solution is to wear your
swimsuit, take clothes in a dry bag, and plan to dress on the beach. This is
what we did for our Christmas Eve dinner at the “Scuba Jazz Café”. It was a
place we discovered where you could get your tanks filled while you had
breakfast or dinner. The owner lead dive trips, his wife cooked wonderful
meals, his French heritage impacted the wine list, his wife’s sister ran the
laundry service across the street, and most evenings he was joined by friends
to play New Orleans Jazz oldies after the dinner crowd had been served.<br />
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We were
ready for such a novel locale for a Christmas celebration. We joined another
couple – he Danish, she Canadian – who had stories from a life-time of sailing
adventures, and ended up back at Erik and Nancy’s beautiful boat for Spanish
coffee. A memorable evening out!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80HOcdA1q8mn9bALNIUQagwL6c2MYDz-PhJKiFtAR5ppz0dGFhGxW3fPq5hjOF9nGjmYicsEd-_Plxr257Uoa9bVoLNfslp0gkYL-JbRzX6BQraxCCwX0p5OZa41H-4hooHpa-8iYR8g/s1600/P1040983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80HOcdA1q8mn9bALNIUQagwL6c2MYDz-PhJKiFtAR5ppz0dGFhGxW3fPq5hjOF9nGjmYicsEd-_Plxr257Uoa9bVoLNfslp0gkYL-JbRzX6BQraxCCwX0p5OZa41H-4hooHpa-8iYR8g/s400/P1040983.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOXsSgoelqx-kuDmGiM6d0r8zUDYlAsnMzGF1j6ULSQ7asadRfwwHq_2eaXRx2_hMQcZ6zAk_slnR8MqmiSK0v8ymiGtP0Xpax5zojYmAToURK8qRrSdmL4PuURjUg0Rl2TP-5Kvw2EM/s1600/P1040989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOXsSgoelqx-kuDmGiM6d0r8zUDYlAsnMzGF1j6ULSQ7asadRfwwHq_2eaXRx2_hMQcZ6zAk_slnR8MqmiSK0v8ymiGtP0Xpax5zojYmAToURK8qRrSdmL4PuURjUg0Rl2TP-5Kvw2EM/s320/P1040989.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMH4OppTM1Zod7ZrgRet0Xx6YVi7YnqogjIiLzYD29f-auy4tsA8hnL1oz-Vs76-zBzrxkRRaWh6hgSKmktg8KmSqvSm27CWTAVJaF92qxMbtS2p6qHVTcfseM2YMoJs2AC5fqM3cmyk/s1600/P1040993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMH4OppTM1Zod7ZrgRet0Xx6YVi7YnqogjIiLzYD29f-auy4tsA8hnL1oz-Vs76-zBzrxkRRaWh6hgSKmktg8KmSqvSm27CWTAVJaF92qxMbtS2p6qHVTcfseM2YMoJs2AC5fqM3cmyk/s400/P1040993.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The impromptu "jazz" group after Christmas Eve dinner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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On Christmas day we had an extra memorable beach landing in
the dinghy – flipping, having the boat run up the beach, Melinda dumped beneath
the propeller, and Lanham killing it before it killed anybody! No one badly
hurt, just some bruises, a lost pair of glasses and a large shot of adrenaline!
We took a looong beach walk on Christmas day, including time to contemplate and
strategize our successful return in the dinghy!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5BuHom4pak_tDfvCzM6Qz927FunmvQww1c8YXludkBAZlxSef2Zx_7pUItlmS4H5xgxBvxH-UcJ6zH3oC3iotWMe1a-odxBwXNFFf9qn8NDAUqblxsXakD2n1LAJuLmAC6pKA8ACTCw/s1600/P1040964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5BuHom4pak_tDfvCzM6Qz927FunmvQww1c8YXludkBAZlxSef2Zx_7pUItlmS4H5xgxBvxH-UcJ6zH3oC3iotWMe1a-odxBwXNFFf9qn8NDAUqblxsXakD2n1LAJuLmAC6pKA8ACTCw/s400/P1040964.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snorkeling to Isla Pasavera -- Chamela Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUU3l1sFFh5OjqbCX14DIqFc3t2BXSxQe1b0hfWx-AjrLpBVIXfzVzvcHkVoXRXo3aRT47fCuQkcZJ6rQymS2L7zGucDe3w9_5U8A7ln8qYh6ehvy2z94QMwP-BiV1lm7BmrI4c4RPWI/s1600/P1040977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUU3l1sFFh5OjqbCX14DIqFc3t2BXSxQe1b0hfWx-AjrLpBVIXfzVzvcHkVoXRXo3aRT47fCuQkcZJ6rQymS2L7zGucDe3w9_5U8A7ln8qYh6ehvy2z94QMwP-BiV1lm7BmrI4c4RPWI/s400/P1040977.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxtow7xojgZQmEGf1bzkjLh64eCJsdWGYWyx9mxDf3Qv7mXfTvyI2fLU3OrTUpWIkI_kvDAiK7KaL31s57-WkAR1rOrG7s66rknAchT9oXeY5Pu1lAUckfvcbWbdUR6M4E4u0LtzzicY/s1600/P1040978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxtow7xojgZQmEGf1bzkjLh64eCJsdWGYWyx9mxDf3Qv7mXfTvyI2fLU3OrTUpWIkI_kvDAiK7KaL31s57-WkAR1rOrG7s66rknAchT9oXeY5Pu1lAUckfvcbWbdUR6M4E4u0LtzzicY/s640/P1040978.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Melinda Dealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11156428504659846416noreply@blogger.com0