La Paz to Puerto Escondido - Passage

Tuesday 4/20/2010
La Paz to Caleta Partida
Nice day, beautiful to sail, we gabe Our farewell on the morning radio VHF cruisers net 22, drank Our morning coffee, it Had a muffin with each. Then we went through Our Launch List and secured everything and Brought the dinghy onboard After Scott made one last minute trip to town. We Fought Some strong currents, tides and strong headwinds (on the nose) out of La Paz, finally caught a broad Reach out and let the Big Genoa and we Turned off the engine and did six knots with the sail in an 11 knot wind. Pretty good! As we Approaches Caleta Partida anchorage we started the engine as the winds picked up HAD to 20 + knots and we headed Into the wind to anchor. There Were a good amount of boats in this anchorage But we anchored uneventfully. We ate rice / beans / stewed tomatoes, it was good, Scott made dinner tonight. I read a little and enjoy it. Scott slept in the dodger as He Was worried about the strong winds, Our anchor has-been wonderful so far But It's Always best to be safe and on the ready eh? We are Both plenty tired. I hope Scott Can Sleep Up There good.

The night sounds are Different Than on a boat in a bedroom, in a house, all closed off from the outside. On a boat, it is more open and accessible to sound Usually. It's like sleeping in a car, or maybe a camper. Often you open the window for fresh air if the temperature is right and you hear a lot of Different sounds, it depends WHERE you are of course But It Could be any of the Following:
Seals hunting for fish around the boat as the solar night lights Attract them.
Same for birds and Pelicans Even dive-bombing/splashing loudly at night right next to the boat to get to Attract fish to the night lights.
Whales spouting Their tails slapping or
Fish flopping
The wind
The wind the wind generator blades spinning around
The rigging howling like giant guitar or violin strings
Wires or ropes creaking and wiggling
Critters tapping on the hull at night
Things croaking under water around the boat at night
Boats
Flags flapping laundry or canvas or about
Water running by - like a strong current (La Paz HAD currents epic man)
Animals on shore (cows, dogs, etc.).
People, laughing, kids, music, signing, whistling
Cars on shore
Music, Instruments, Karaoke singers
Other boats on Generators
Clanking of rigging on Mast (yours or Other's boats)
Anchors Being Raised or Lowered
Dinghy motors and the exhaust smell Sometimes (I do not like the exhaust, ugh)
Their Paddles paddling if someone kayaking or dinghy
Ambulances
Sirens
Screeching of tires
Boat engines
Waves lapping Against the hull
Surf if close enough
Add more as I think or hear of them eh ?.....

The most frustrating thing I thing about living on a boat on a boat is Being Able to remember something is and WHERE Finding Actually it.
Everything is crammed on top of everything and it is hard to remember Always Where to start digging, Then Actually to uncover it. It is one of my and Scott's main Frustrations. I suggest we write it down But Scott Did not like the idea, I Probably Thought we'd lose Our list. We must be getting Older or something eh?

Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Caleta Partida to San Francisco
Nice sail over and we anchored. W??

Thursday, April 22, 2010
San Francisco
We made omelettes for breakfast and HAD Luke and Megan, Sapphire off of the boat, over. It Was yummy. Later we went hiking with them up a goat trail and found Some HAD fallen rocks That Were leaning in and Against Each Other, So They Formed cave-like crevices Which Were dark and cool. Tomorrow We Decide to Investigate headlamps we'd take them. Later Luke Scott and snorkeler and got a couple fish, see pic. We Had cocktails on the beach with A Few of The Other cruisers and it was nice. Then we went back to Our boat and made Fish Tacos and all ate and watched a movie on Our DVD player.

Friday, April 23, 2010
San Francisco
All four of us went hiking again and Investigate the caves. They Were smallish but cool to check out. Luke and Megan lagg behind so we went down partway and subtract and Waited for them. Later in the day, we found out Luke When That This Is Proposed to Megan at the Top of the hill on Our hike. Such a beautiful and romantic place to Propose and to top off sailing Their journeys Before Returning to "normal" life again soon. They Have Been together 4 years. They seem so good together, it is an inspiration to see them. They Both seem very happy about the engagement. Luke Scott and went snorkeling and spearfishing and got a couple of nice fish. While They Were Megan and I swapped out pictures and movies on the computers. Later we all Played a card game with them and yummy Some Cerviche That HAD HAD Megan made. It was fun, Megan won with Scott In secondo, Luke and me in third last, poor guy. Oh well, After Megan HAVING Proposal accept historical marriage, losing a game is nothing, good day for Luke eh!

Saturday, April 24, 2010
San Francisco
Were we going to leave the anchorage this morning But with Sapphire Our batteries Seem to Act Like They Were low, Scott HAD engine forgot to turn on the windlass When He Used to bring up the dinghy onto the boat. Sapphire turn around as They Said There Were Out There whitecaps and the wind is pretty gusty today. They broke a screw Also Holds That Their oil filter in place and Have to repair it, so it Seems we're meant to stay here again today and tonight Possibly. I wish we HAD internet or phone here, I really hate Not Being Able to Communicate. Some I made us breakfast sandwiches and Some Other Things started copying on the computer again. Working on songs for Ipods as well. Love that Music.
It is just a dog blowing and you see the White caps out on the Sea of Cortez. Our wind generator is just a whippin '! Our batteries are back to normal again at 6.13 but i do not think we're going out in That chop today! Speaking of gusty wind, it HAD ripped the edge of our little Mexican Flag to shreds. In La Paz I Found Some material at a store to repair it with, so today it's a good inside task. You are supposed to fly it as a courtesy flag in whatever country you sail in country clubs and Then display your flag behind Than That one or lower. Ours has-been out of commission Since Before Cabo, so it's time we fixed it and let it fly!!
Too windy for much else But hanging out in the boat and reading and Sucher.
We are itching to Have a bon fire But the rules are so vague and we're afraid of starting an island Either fire or getting a huge fine or Worse, so so far we Have not.

Sunday, April 25, 2010
San Everist
We pulled anchor this morning and drank Our coffee and a bowl of yogurt on the go, Not Easy so much on a sailboat. Mild waters, blue skies, light wind of about 9 knots as we Approaches dropping the San Everist anchorage. Sailing vessel went Sapphire as well and we anchored Within minutes of Each Other. We Decided Immediately all four of us would snorkel. I got my first jellyfish sting on my ankle, one of the FEW unprotected areas on my body, luckily no face stings!! It wasn't fun but not so bad. We found snorkeler and to try to spear fish and Luke got one. I saw Thousands of fish of all sizes and Also That one type jellyfish lights up an electric rainbow light show, SO COOL!! Came back and I made Hawaii'an chicken and rice, YUM. Then I vacuum the boat, changed the sheets, did dishes and typed this. What a nice breeze is blowing at this moment and Our wind generator is humming nicely making Along I sucked up the power using the
Vacuum, hee hee. Scott is reading and I keep interrupting him, hee hee. Came by Luke and Megan Scott and Luke helper we work on historical speargun Bought at a swap meet in La Paz. They are going to test it out now (5:00 PM) and see If They Can Get Some of Those big grouper fish Earlier we saw today. GOOD LUCK GUYS, They get one hopefully.

Monday 4/26/2010
San Everist
Luke Scott went and Mountain bike riding and Their buts kicked it, it Was hot and hard and rocky But They hung in there, Then Had a beer at the beer hut on the beach.
They subtract a bit Then we went snorkeling to spear dinner.
His first fish speared Scott today, a nice 5 lb. Parrot fish or so. It Was So colorful. It put up a good Struggle, poor thing. We swam in three areas (Scott, Luke and I), the jellyfish and strong currents Were plentiful. You Have to wear thick wet suits as it is chilly waters here and Especially When you go deep. Because it is so weird Whenever I wear a wetsuit I Have to pee like a horse Several times in a short 2 hrs. It's a weird and kinda gross fact. I have a feeling it's common WHO But Talks About It!! Hee hee.
Megan and Megan Scott filleted it and we made awesome sushi and grilled the rest and HAD Pasta salad with it as well. Delicious sushi, the fish on it's own was fine, Not to die for, but good and basic, like cod or sole kind of.
Were all so tired We Called it a night Fairly early! The snorkeling alone kicked my butt But the guys HAD gone on Both Their Gonzo bike ride as well Earlier, man Were we all tired.

Tuesday 4/27/2010
San Everist
Today we went to shore and got 5 gallons of water at the desalinization plant and went and Had a beer in the shade at this little place. We Had to walk to the house of someone to eat open it up for us, very nice. This is a small fishing village of only about 10 families or so. The dogs all look like something mixed with pitbull, and are a little mangy dog But be as friendly.
We saw small shark heads on the beach, lots of fish Carcasses and bones from the Fisherman I guess, kinda gross But the birds eat all the meat off anyway so at least its not really stink.
There is a tiny shop (store) and We Were Able to get some bananas, a cucumber, onions Some, loaf of bread and Some questionable apples. The people are nice and the kids are darling. There Were two little boys, brothers and I Was Their helping them blow up so They Could play ball. Scott saw them walking hand in hand on the beach and Almost Cried, He gave them 50 pesos (about four dollars American) for candy. They Were stoked!! So cute! Brought to Their fish ing back to the beer hut to cabrilla They Said) and filleted it nicely Outside, Their dinner I'm sure. They look well fed, I suspect They get some carbs to go with the fish, beans / rice / tortillas, Some beer? Cute family, There Was an Older sister and the boy too HAD Communicated to me There Was Another brother (brother). Their shy smiles Were darling, made my day and I Actually got Amanda on the phone today, a miracle as it hasn't Worked Since We left La Paz really. Was I worried about everyone at home and wanted to let them know we where ok. I left a voicemail Shannon Our message to relay, so I hope it went through to her. Not Able to be frustrating to talk at will.
Our Laundry Basket is filling up right, I changed Our sheets too. You can only go so long you know. We use Our towels and rags as long as possible Until They smell Then They get dried in the sun and put in the laundry. The real issue is trash, You Can sink glass, tin (it rusts to nothing in no time), compost dog go Into the sea, Even in small paper bits as it decomposes, toxic or just nothing like plastics Things of Any Kind. It's hard to keep all Things Until You're dumped out so you Have to store it wrapped tight But It Is Still nasty. Will be nice to get somewhere Where we can get the laundry done and empty the garbage we can not dispose of environmentally. I reuse Our ziplocks like you would Tupperware in hot sudsy water washing and rinsing Then drying out. Til They get worn or a hole in them, Then They Have To Be Thrown Away with the plastics.
I think we are finally Beginning to really have fun and Are not afraid of something. breaking all the time. We are getting a good flow Into Exercising and more too, Which is really nice!
Luke Scott went snorkeling and to spear fish or two But Another Both got stung on the face and Scott got the tentacles Even in His mouth and stung in there. I made it numb and I said I Talked funny for awhile. Thank goodness it wasn't hurt or Worse. I did get a headache from it Though. I'm glad I did not go this time. They Both got stings on the face three times each, weird huh. Poor guys ...

Wednesday 4/28/2010
Los Gatos
Got up and left at 7:00 a.m. as did Luke and Megan on Sapphire. Had to motor the whole way, no wind. A little current / tide made to fight But time and anchored Decent at Los Gatos Anchorage nicely with A Few Other boats. Went snorkeling But I Was HAVING Problems with my snorkel mask, it was dirty and Maladjusted so I got in the dinghy After about 40 minutes, It Was Also very murky and hard to see, so just as well. I do not like murky, it's hard to see and kind of creepy even. Our Scott and I read books for a bit and I wrote Some Even on one of the stories I'm writing (a fiction one for teens). Later everyone in the anchorage Had a beach bonfire and it was awesome and we They shared food and drinks Brought. Lobster fisherman Sold lobsters and meat and went out and got them and Brought them back, delicious !!!!!

Thursday, 4/29/2010
Los Gatos
I cleaned my snorkel mask with an old toothbrush and hot vinegar and Then Some rinsed it well and adjusted the snorkel etc and put it back together and dried it and shined the mask part. Looked like new again, I think it will work Better Now, it HAD lots of salty, dirty buildup in all the crevices and surfaces.
I Used the vinegar to clean the dirty toilets. Then I cleaned the two bathrooms Deeply, made breakfast and Then did the dishes while Scott Worked on Our engine starter and batteries. The last two times we Terribly It Was Used engine hard to start. We figured out it wasn't the batteries Being low so we HAD to troubleshoot it. Scott Tightener cleaned and all battery connections and Then I jump started it and it unfroze the starter and Seems to be good now, Also we checked the water in the batteries and so on. We will Have to do this as part of regular maintenance from now on. We kayaker to the beach here and it was nice and sandy and Some round rocks on Some parts. We ended up lots of neat Collecting seashells and A Few rocks, crystals (geods). It was way fun, we saw an octopus trying to eat or swallow (not sure) of crab. Scott poked with a stick Uncle Tom Not to my pleas and the crab (minus a leg) got away, see pic. The octopus squirted black ink / dye in the water and retreat. Were They about the same size as Each Other, I'm not sure if They suck out the guts or what. Neat to see. We Had a cricket stowaway on board the kayak and I have made His Way Onto Our boat. Felt bad But I Threw him off Into the water, hopefully I Can swim back to shore. He Was light tan, like most black Not in Utah are. I hope it isn't bad luck, dog They keep you up all night and Chirping With their noise They make and I Thought I or she might breed Also on board. It is my rule, NO BUGS ON THE BOAT. I did see a hermit crab darling onshore Though I wanted to Adopt But Did not. Scott and Luke went out in Our dinghy to try to snorkel and spear Some fish to eat. It is windy way and I Decided to stay onboard and watch the boat and update the blog. If I do not keep it updated I forget, as we move about so much. Still can not get phone coverage, bummer. I miss emails and facebook and skype to contact family and friends and find out what ya'll are up to.

Friday, April 30 2010
Los Gatos
We snorkeler and I got stung by jellyfish on the face again. But It Was Not terrible did hurt and sting for awhile. We hiked the cool network hunted for shells and rocks again. Later We enjoyed a stir fry dinner and Then all went to the beach with chairs and Our camp Had a bonfire with Luke and Megan. It was fun and the stars Were absolutely beautiful and There Were More Than I'd seen in a long long time.
The prop from our dinghy stirred up the water behind us in the dark ride home and we Had a phosphorescence lighted trail of white behind us and on the sides of the dinghy Where the water hits and splashes off the side of it. So cool.

Saturday, May 01, 2010
Bahia San Marte
We left at 7:00 as Los Gatos and Sapphire did made it to Bahia San Marte at 10:00. Some engines and we sailed as the wind Some Was a good 15 knots for awhile. Good you are. We anchored, did dishes and Then went snorkeling, Luke got a fish But it got away When He Tried to tie it on a line to a bouy. It Was kinda murky. Scott Did not get one yet. Saw Some jumping / flipping Manta Rays and Dolphins coming over.


Saturday, May 01, 2010
Bahia San Marte
We left at 7:00 as Los Gatos and Sapphire did made it to Bahia San Marte at 10:00. Some engines and we sailed as the wind Some Was a good 15 knots for awhile. Good you are. We anchored, did dishes and Then went snorkeling, Luke got a fish But it got away When He Tried to tie it on a line to a bouy. It Was kinda murky. Scott Did not get one yet. Saw Some jumping / flipping Manta Rays and Dolphins coming over. Went on a walk Along Later in afternoon beach, saw lots of shark heads, Some hammerheads, about 5 inches wide on the mouth so no huge ones, But lots of them around 50 or so, maybe more Scattered about, dried and leathery. Yikes! Found A Few cool shells. Only one cowry shell, a brownish colored one. Seem to be rare here.


Sunday, May 02, 2010
Green Water
Leaving Bahia San Marte Our engine would not start again, and Scott Replaced line. Finally got it going about 10, Seems Like It Could Also be fuel system or something, need to check it all out. Got us to Agua Verde But When anchoring, Scott adjusted the fuel and it stalled, luckily we where in the general area and Scott Could Quickly drop anchor in 30 feet. The one boat in there Seemed a good distance and we checked with him to see if I Felt comfortable with WHERE we were. But We Could not restart engine with dinghy Could pull it if we HAD to. He said luckily it was fine. Sapphire meat in an hour Later and They went way out and around to Avoid Reefs, We Had waypoints to guide us Safely in. We all Dinghi Into town and found two stores and Bought Some HAD to produce and beer at a beer hut. Tried to buy goat cheese and I said to try tomorrow at quartro now (tomorrow at 4:00) so we'll go back, we've Heard it's delicious and want to get / try some. The goats Were cute. It is a really neat little area here with tidy farms and houses. Friendly people. We Gave two little boys That led us to the store some money for candy, They are so cute and bright eyed. I love the kids. Miss mine. We are so blessed, But These kids are so in Different Ways, They seem to be happy and ok with life. I'm glad We Can Give them a little something When we see them Here and There. Makes me happy inside. Came back to the boat and Scott read while I blogged. Still no connection, I want to Have One by the time it is Mandy's Birthday, she'll be 27. What a cutie!! We will try the home made pies we Bought later. I bet they'll be good.

A drawback of taking seasickness pills They make you sleepy is all day, at least They do me. But it's a trade off, They work on the nausea if you are the bad. Keeping hydrated is GATORADE with Remedy Usually the best of all.

Benefits of running engine, hot water When You Get there in faucets for dishes and / or showers!!
P.S. Tastes Like Chicken Empanadas (Chicken) Were delicious tamales and little feet!

Monday, May 03, 2010
Green Water
We snorkeler and After Scott Worked on the fuel filter, and cleaned it I Replaced Our salt water intake filter That goes Into the engine. Still it was lame and would not start. I HAD I try to start it while I Looked at the engine and starter motor saw falling apart. Luckily I Could Still put it back together and Then it started great the first time. Like nobody's business, We Were ON THE SEA AGAIN, so to speak (instead of ON THE ROAD AGAIN by Willy Nelson), hee hee.

Fishermen wanted to sell us Lobster But Scott can not eat it and I did not want to get some But They HAD jewelry also. I Bought one necklace, I feel bad for them. Will use it for a gift. They Have Been camping in the rock overhang to stay cool They During the day and go out and fish at night, this is for a Few Days, Then They go back to Their Families. They are the lucky ones, some more remote Fishermen stay out six months with no family, in bare huts with Literally nothing. So sad.
We Dinghies to shore and went to town and got a large and wonderful homemade fresh round of goat cheese for 40 pesos (Less than $ 4). It Was So yummy, a slight bit salty but not bad. So good, I loved it!
Went to the beer hut again with Luke and Megan and a couple of nice guys from Seattle. They Were taking the one's father's boat back to Seattle, it will be shipped from La Paz. The father died of prostrate cancer and His best buddy and son Followed out the route the father Would Have Taken in tribute to him. So Sad but so cool. The ity Was 80 years old and Still sailing. What a stud I Must Have Been eh?

We made stuffed Some chili for dinner. We watched Planet Earth Some movies we got, the OCEAN and MOUNTAIN ONES. Were They narrated by Sigourney Weaver, I love her. Very cool, But the part I show LIFE When I saw Mandy and Josh's at Seemed Even better, narrated by Oprah Winfrey.

The stars out here are amazing and There Has Been a lot of phosphorescence in the water, When you see fish move under light twinkles There, like a mirror of the sky Almost.

Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Bahia Agua Verde
We Had coffee and went out early to snorkel and spear fish with Luke. Megan wasn't feeling well. We Did not see much, Scott Parrott fish Another shot by mistake, it Was a brown one, They change colors as Luke Says They Apparently age. We came back and HAD banana pancakes and eggs. Then we did repairs for Some window shade window shades These snap on That Came with the boat. I Had to re-sew all the old seams coming apart as They Were and Damaged from prior use and sun Obviously.
Then I finally laid down to blog and rest a bit.
TODAY IT IS SUPER HOT But Are not you the bad.
People are filling up our little bay, Probably coming back this way from Loreto Fest. We never made it There But do not care, we're having fun right here.

We should leave tomorrow for E? and should be Able to empty Our stinky trash, do laundry, fill with water and hopefully GET SKYPE INTERNET and to call the fam and friends. I miss talking to everyone and Being in touch. We need a satellite phone or something.

05/05/2010

Arrived in Puerto Esconcido and finally Have internet, water, trash, laundry, showers with lots of hot water, supplies etc.. !! Yeah !!!!!

Will add pics tomorrow or later tonight.