Whale Shark pic of me and IT -

Just received from some friends awhile ago and am posting now.

It was so fun to swim with this beauty!

Bikes, Cars and Karaoke in La Paz

Today, we motored over to the fuel dock and despite the wind, made a safe docking and filled up. We also took advantage of the water hose there and topped off our water again. Water is prescious on the ocean and we're leaving tomorrow so we want all we can get. Plus it was free!!!

We then motored back out and anchored. Then rode the dinghy in and tied her up and then rode our bikes all around town. I must say that most motorists here are extremely thoughtful when they see you and stop and let you by and swerve way around you to be safe. Very nice!!!

It is also common here to see lots of people washing cars where people park along the roads downtown. This is their way of making money and it is quite a busy scene, with rags and water flying and then they shine, shine, shine. Once we have them wash our bikes down to get rid of the dirt and salt and grime. They did an awesome job even cleaning the tires!!!!!

Well we were pooped after riding around to get more parts and things, it never ends I swear. But finally tomorrow we are back to nature.

We had to listen to Spanish Karaoke last night, it was pretty hilarious. Some were ok singers, but most were pretty bad. At least they were having fun. Too much!!!

Well blessings again and if you can't reach us, have no fear, we may or may not have good internet/phone while at Espiratos Santos Islands. We'll do our best though.

Still lovin' La Paz but leaving soon for the Islands

Tuesday 4/13/2010

We rode bikes all day hard. After riding clear-through town to the far side Through the crazy up and down streets running errands, Scott Tried to take me on a trail up a ravine But After going back and forth across the sandy vs. Nearly falling and rocky wash it twice the blistering heat of mid-day, finally I Was So hot, sweaty and worn out and Surrendered That I Told him I must turn back. We Were Only 1 / 3 of the Long Way There. I hate to be a wimp But with the heat, the large rocks and hard to peddle in sand, I Gave Up. Anyway, we got a lot of Exercise Our Uncle Tom this and rode bikes as well running errands yesterday. It was fun, me not Uncle Tom Completing the hard core adventure Ravine trail up the desert, Which started on a gravel road-through the city dump. Interesting, Even Did it stink, maybe not enough moisture eh? Hee hee.

At night we hear the weirdest noises in the water on the Outside of Our boat. It Must Be Some Kind of fish or something, it makes a weird humming / croaking noise type. I'll try to record it and post on the site. It would be cool to find out what it is, if Anyone knows !!!!!

Also, we've HAD What I believe someone said shrimps are That little tap on the Outside of the boat at night. Maybe They Are eating stuff off it? I do not know. Interesting little phenomenons here in the ocean.

Wednesday 4/14/2010

Had Shannon try to mail me by Fed - Ex my eye contacts and Customs Rejected them. It is so hard to get some done around here and Things Not Either cheap, They charge you. Scott HAD Our wind generator Repair and We Were not supposed to pay Customs on it as it wasn't purchase And We had it on boat When We Entered Mexico But we got whacked us 150 dollars for it. We are fighting this, still do not know if we'll get it back yet. YIKES. Some Things are so frustrating to deal with. Oh well, that's how it is eh?

We Spent one night in the Marina so we wash the boat Could good (Which is liken to a semi truck When washing), and the dinghy (Which is liken to a small boat, Obviously When cleaning), washed off the solar panels etc. It is amazing how the boat gets dirty. Of course it does help That There Is Virtually NO RAIN here, Which is too bad. It would help rinse off the salt and dirt Once in awhile and would be so welcome and cool it down as well. Also We totally filled up with water tanks and Our Our batteries charged using shore power, took long showers in Their showers etc. It Was Only 37 dollars and we sure got Our money's worth. We made it in and out of the marina ok, Which Always Our worries me with windage on the boat and the wind blows That gets pretty strong around here There are totally weird and currents too.

Thursday 4/15/2010
Scott needed a break today so I ran into town to check on why with TelCel Suddenly Our internet will not work. Another Had to pay 500 pesos, something about sending the text message Not Have to send you to them After you pay it on the right date, so it negated it. You Have to Pay, Then wait til it dies, Then send them a text message That says BAT30 and Then wait for Their reply (Which is in Spanish and I do not understand) and Then You Can use it supposedly. This has Happened twice and Other People Have Problems Too. And you can not prepay for like a year, month by month only and you Have to monthly send the message and get the reply. You Have to Pay in person at a store, Which When you are in a remote place isn't possible. It sucks But There Is is the best. UGH, I took in All Our old sailing etc. HAD read magazines as we got them all and cut out What we wanted, so I took to the Club Cruceros here at Marina de La Paz for the book swap them if Anyone Wants. We Had a ton, so nice to get them out of here, Our boat must be 40 lbs. lighter !!!!!

I Came back and Scott Was happily reading one of historical books, It Was Cute.

I started sewing a canvas cover for Our buoys, this helps them Protect Against UV damage and grime as well. I'm using when i made from Scraps Our dodger covers / windows. See pics of them! Buoy Turned out nice cover too, see pic!

I started on two canvas bags That will hopefully carry 2 bike tires each, we sail When we take the tires off the bikes and stow the main part on the ceiling. This will keep dirt from getting off Any throw the Into the boat etc. Protect and should help the tires and spokes from damage Also, much NICER for stowing them.


Friday 4/16/2010
Today I finished canvas pull the bike / wheel storage bags, see pic! Also I'm going to make covers for Our 5 gallon fuel jugs, and Then make a shoe holder for Our bedroom, new winch covers, Also storage pockets for Our dodger to clean up the clutter That We get up there (tie down ropes for mainsail, binoculars, handheld gps, drinks, magazines, books, sunglasses, hats, etc. etc.) CAN NOT WAIT. It will be so stylin '. Also We secured the bottoms of All Our curtains in Our Living (Living room area on the boat). This helper keep the sun (as in HEAT!) Helper out and really cool it down inside. What a difference, plus it looks so much better, Partially Because the windows That Some of the curtains are on are slanted, Not Perfectly vertical. What a huge improvement. Yeah!

Saturday, April 17, 2010
Scott dropped off the laundry and took trash. Later I went back in to fill up a couple 5 gallon jugs with drinking water and pick up Our laundry all fresh and clean. We Were listening to the morning net and a guy off of a boat call Seascape Passed away, Linny Was His Spouse I guess. I think I met them But am not sure. It is sad, I feel bad for her. Not sure But think I might Have Had a heart attack and They Could Not resuscitate him. We must be Grateful every day We Have Our loved ones. This morning I cut out pieces for the dodger organizer pockets I'm going to make. This took a long time. Then I vacuum all the boat again and put away laundry and put away the sewing and am playing on the computer now taking the rest of the afternoon off. Scott installed a fan system to push / suck hot air out of the engine to help keep it cool as this summer will be boiling hot down here in the Sea of Cortez we here. Scott got a face mask

Sunday, April 18, 2010
Ate breakfast, coffee HAD, how we love Our Coffee!
We Both Tried to call everyone, Not Always the best connection.
I wrote stories and read Scott. Perfect Sunday, can not wait to watch the sunset with Scott.

We've Given ourselves the luxury of a shower every day, to shower on a boat is Malthus:
You Have to use as little water as possible. This Means you turn on the water and get wet, turn off the water and soap up, turn on the water and rise off. That's it. No Lingering, daydreaming or savoring the hot (May Not be it hot, It Could Be cold, or boiling, or if you are lucky just right) water. But at least you feel clean and refreshed. Oh la la, I love a good shower Even if it's short and cold.

Blessings Family and Friends, we sure love you guys!

Full Moon over La Paz a week ago

Love it, so big and beautiful!!!

Update after my Utah Visit and Recent Happenings!

4/8/2010
Scott worked on the Whisker Pole installation and finished it today, can’t wait to use it!!!! I worked on blog and such internet items. Nice day, wind has calmed down. It’s been pretty windy last few days.


4/7/2010 Wednesday
We put our bikes together (wheels and peddles back on) and loaded them onto our poor little dinghy and went to the dock and unloaded them. Then, we rode into town and bought a book about the “Sea of Cortez” . Then we rode to the office for the islands conservation to get our annual pass card, we already had gone there and then went to bank to pay for it and went back again with receipt (they do this so there isn’t people taking the cash, embezzlement was common in most government and state offices before this practice was implemented) they could only give us a paper before, but now they have the little cards you put in your wallet. So this was our third trip there and it is way up in town but good exercise. We got breakfast at a great cheap little place and got our propane bottle filled and picked up our fresh laundry. We were busy busy today.

The stop signs in Mexico are not the same as in the U.S. because people only tap their brakes, no one really stops unless there is someone coming the other way. It is hilarious but that is how they do it. We’d all get tickets back home but that is just the Mexican way here. Surprisingly, though, I haven’t witnessed any accidents!!!

Later had dinner with Jason and Christy from the boat “Hello World”, they are originally from Seattle, WA area and are returning to work for a couple years then return to the cruising life. They shared tips about the “Sea of Cortez” with us and another couple they know, Luke and Meagan from the boat “Saphire”, who are from Bend, OR area. It was a fun and interesting evening as they told us where to go and what we could do in different anchorage areas. We enjoyed wonderful burgers and jalapeño poppers to die for!!!! Of course a margarita and beer as well to wash it down.

4/6/2010 Tuesday

We woke up and had coffee and listened to the morning VHF radio channel 22 cruisers net. They keep us all connected and informed about a myriad of topics and it is a kind of entertainment almost. Scott tried to put the track up for the used whisker pole he got for a steal, it helps keep the Genoa sail puffed out and not flap in high seas and such and helps your speed greatly, so it’s awesome to finally have one. He broke a drill bit and had to go into town and get some parts. Bummer, that’s how it goes though eh? Of course I sent our built up laundry and trash in with him, hee hee. As I was cooking this morning I ran out of propane in one tank, so it’s time to fill it up too. Always lots to do to be self-sufficient (at least partly while at sea). We also need to fill up water while we’re here. That’s a biggie!
Scott helped rescue a runaway dinghy that broke loose in the crazy wind we are having today. Another guy, Jason, had got it but it had no rope and he was having a heck of a time bringing it back to his boat and then must have run out of gas, so Scott went out and pulled both dinghys back to Jason’s boat, “Hello World”.

4/5/2010 Monday
We motored out of our anchorage of Ensanada Grande and went to the Los Islotes island with the seal lions. We filmed them but did not get in the water as they sometimes nip at you and can break through your wetsuit so we decided against it but enjoyed seeing them. We will try again when we're with other people to be safer, although I'm sure we'd be fine. We sailed back and the wind was great, 10-15 knots and made for a broadreach (the angle of wind vs. the boat/sail side) and we made a record of half speed 7 knots. For our boat that is cooking and we were very happy with her (the boat). It was a beautiful day and we came back to La Paz as we need to wait for our wind generator to show up after being repaired and my contacts that Shannon is sending me, as they didn’t have them in stock when I was in Utah. They are a new bifocal kind that I can see far away and close up. Cool!!!! Now when we sail I can forget putting my reading glasses on and off when I need to see the Nav station up close then scan the seas for ships and other possible hazards. I’m excited about these. I’d love laser on my eyes but for now this is the next best thing I think. Yeah!!!!

4/4/2010 Sunday
We had yummy omelets for breakfast with our usual coffee and then I decided to shine the metal brightwork on the front of the boat. The anchor brings up salt water and sometimes seaweed bits and mud/sand. The saltwater had dried as well as the mud and seaweed and I had to scrub, scrub, scrub and use cleaners and then after finally removing the debris I had to use a fiberglass bleach to remove the rust that had built up around the stanchions (supports) where they connect to the deck. It now looks so shiny and clean, the windlass (stainless steel machine/tool) that brings up the anchor chain is gleaming like new again. Scott was very happy. We then motored out in the afternoon in the dinghy with our computer to see if we could get internet so Scott could call his kids for Easter and me too. We tied off to a rock and climbed the higher rocks to get a signal. We didn’t get one but it was a cool place to explore and we saw lots of edible type crabs. The rocks were cool. I got sunburned very badly on my thighs, I had covered or sunscreened everywhere on my body but there. Won't do that again, ouch!

4/3/2010 Saturday

We moved to the Ensanada Grande anchorage/bay and it was beautiful. Upon arriving there however, we had a Big Powerboat blaze in alongside of us and blast us with his wake and then go right for the spot we were heading to, to anchor. What a RUDO! Scott was hot for awhile over that but finally calmed down. The beautiful lagoon we are in has water so clean you can easily see to the bottom. It is a beautiful blue green color and has a white sandy bottom. It is a comfortable temperature. We decided to go hiking. The “trail” was actually a big ravine and had large boulders in it which you had to hike up and over or jump on top of from rock top to rock top. What a workout, but it was fun. We prepared with good shoes/socks, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, snacks, etc. The sign warned of rattlesnakes but we didn’t see any unless it was the bird that had a small snake in it’s talons that flew by us on our way down. We did see vultures, other smaller birds, lizards, squirrels (small and they hopped), spider webs but no spiders, a couple of grasshoppers and some yellow butterflies, wasps, one lone monarch. The desert plants were tough and tenacious to make it in this dry environment and some had small blooms. There were bushes/small trees, that looked like little bonsai’s as they were shaped so perfectly. There were trees that looked like those on the Serengeti. I was beautiful and at the end of the trail there was an awesome sheer cliff that overlooked the ocean on the other side. It was beautiful from up there and made the hike worth it even more.
We watched as the birds all rode the circling currents of wind off the hilltops and rose higher and higher until they were way above the whole island and it’s mountain (or hilltops) tops. We ate our snacks and drank and cooled down. Then we made our way back down. I was so tired my leg muscles were almost shaking and have been sore for days since. We came home and showered and ate. Pooped out but happy. Good day.

4/2/2010 Friday

Scott was terribly ill last night, throwing up and diarrhea but I was fine, so I don’t think it could be food poisoning as we both ate the same things. He did snorkel and I didn’t so I wonder if he swallowed some water or something or has caught a bug.
I kayaked while he snorkeled yesterday. He was sick all day and he rarely gets ill so it was tough on him to lay down and not eat and be so sick. Late in the evening he finally could eat something and hold it down. I put more stuff from my trip away and got things all in order again. Scott had the boat all cleaned and the floors freshly painted when I got back. It looks so nice and clean now. He even had a pretty bouquet of white flowers in a vase on the table. So cute. I spent some time updating my “to do” list and worked on music playlists for our ipods. I also revised a children’s story I had written my grandchildren for Christmas based on some feedback from my dear friend in Hawai’I Diane. I was so bored I cleaned under the floor board in kitchen which is a storage cubby and it was full of crumbs and such. I can’t do anything outside as it is horribly windy, so now I’m going to read a good book. We have been doing a fair amount of reading, which is actually very enjoyable. I love to read, as does Scott. We have a lot of books onboard and can swap them at different ports/marinas at their bookswaps, it is a nice amenity. I can’t even cook because we’ve decided to fast today until Scott feels better. I love to cook (it is my standby compulsive behavior activity aside from cleaning), lord help me, I might have to relax for a change. It is sunny but windy windy.

4/1/2010 Thursday
Sailed/motored to Espiritu Santos islands, sailed really smooth and faster than before we painted the bottom of the boat.We motored for 2 hrs at speeds of 4.9-5.3. The clean and newly painted boat bottom seems to have helped our boat speed immensely. We were even fighting a current and the tide. This morning we actually caught the internet for a moment to check in with the family and world. Feels good when we have communication.

We’ve been enjoying our coffee and tea in our new handthrown ceramic pottery mugs that my friend Diana Lea from No. Ogden gave us. They are a beautiful green with wonderful patterns on the sides and we enjoy them so much. The handles feel so perfect and they are just the right size, not huge but not small. Perfect!!! I love Diana, she has a beautiful family and she does so much for others.
We kayaked and walked on the beach at Caleta Partida in the Isla Espiritu Santo island area, the sand was soft and squishy, almost claylike. Reminded me of the hot pots at Yellowstone National Park. This is an old Volcano Crater as well, so I think the ph and clay/sand is similar maybe. Kind of offwhite. Neat.

3/31 /2010 Wednesday
Got the results via email from my Doctor in Utah and my bloodwork is good. I have to get my BP medicine’s effect on my kidneys checked once in awhile, it was great as well as my cholesterol. Yahoo.

3/30/2010 Tuesday
3/29/2010 Monday
3/28/2010 Sunday
Put Stuff away from my trip, what a big job. I brought a lot of stuff back. Mostly foods that I can’t buy here or at least cheap, like green olives, peanut butter, almonds, teas etc.


3/27/2010 Saturday

I had a great time on my trip and was so blessed to visit family and friends. I am especially grateful that all my kids, Scotts kids and grandkids are ok. I love them all dearly. I enjoyed a great Breakfast with Rachael at Karen’s Café and we saw Karen and wish her a speedy recovery after her spinal surgery. We love you Karen.
The kids and grandkids and I went to the Crystal Springs Hot pools and soaked our bones in the evening before Bryan left back to Philly, it was fun. We enjoyed many yummy dinners and watched a video or two, also the new series “LIFE” on the nature channel, it was awesome and inspiring, we have such a beautiful world. All the kids are growing and learning and are so smart and beautiful. I enjoy them all so much. I also was blessed to spend time in St. George with my Mother and stepdad Glen and also Shan (a dear friend) and my stepson Jeremy. Jeremy and I went camping at the old Red Bull downhill biking trails outside of Virgin and I enjoyed seeing him ride and jump his bike over the trails and jumps. What a tough young man and a delight to spend time with, so thoughtful and easy to talk to. We ate pizza and peanut butter sandwiches for 2 days, hee hee. We also built a nice fire and watch the stars. We had a good visit I feel, wish it could have been longer. I enjoyed Yoga with Shan at a wonderful seminar given by a great yoga teacher that travels the world, Desiree. She was awesome and the 2.5 hours went quickly and we enjoyed a wonderful pot luck dinner at Shan’s friends home and brought spring rolls we had made earlier, yummy!!! I met many wonderful people there. Very enjoyable. And we took the dogs for a nice walk up the beautiful Sprindale (near Zions) desert washes. I also enjoyed my visit with Mom and Glen and it was good to see they are looking and feeling well again. Life hasn’t been easy on them the last year. Cameron and Missy and Kole and Kirra are doing great, Kirra celebrated her 6th birthday and Kole is saving money to buy a flute. I can’t wait to hear her play. She is also a wonder on the trampoline, flipping like a pro! And Kirra now reads like a whiz and I loved hearing her cute little voice read through her books. Bryan even came in from Philadelphia and visited away from Dental school. Bryan and I enjoyed a day in SLC getting massages at the massage college there and cruising through the cool book store Oasis and enjoying some tea and zucchini bread, YUM!!! Another day we visited his Grandpa and Joanne Williams in Am. Fork at their home and went to lunch with them to Chuck O’ Rama. Yum again. We also got some items at Kirkhams Sporting goods store in SLC. Tried to go protest with Cam and Missy but it was too late, bummer. Enjoyed a delightful free dinner at Rickenbachers and they took pics of Shanny and Bryce and kids and I while we were eating and such for some advertising they will be doing. GREAT FOOD to die for. We ate like kings and queens and Steve, the owner treated us like royalty. I saw Kamie Geiger there and she is a doll, I said a short hello to her as she was there on business. Mandy and Josh are smokefree and Josh is riding his bike every day to work, AWESOME. Mandy is also busy with School again (as is Shannon still) and I am so proud of my kids for furthering their educations. Cameron made his handmade paper and dark walnut book covering and handbound a beautiful book for us to use on the boat to write down people we meet’s information. I spent a day with Mandy at Cam’s office and burned music for our Ipods and enjoyed hanging with Mandy Lynn again!!!! We ate greek food for lunch one day and it was yummy, I don’t get that in Mexico. Anyway can’t say enough about the good times I had with the fam. I appreciated the time with all.

3/27/2010 flew back to cabo then bus to la paz

3/4/2010 Bussed over from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas (SJD) and then flew Delta standby to slc. Crowded flight but I made it on! Glad to see Mandy and Josh when I arrived!