We Are On the Move…

Bahia Conception

After many hours of research, work and receiving the blessing from Omar, the mechanic, Bill and I sailed Just Dandy to Bahia San Pedro for a couple of days as a test run. Not only did she run perfectly but the sailors did a mighty fine job themselves.  I was afraid that I would have forgotten much of what I learned last year, but it all came back!!! I guess this year I will focus on fine tuning what I learned.

We had such a great time being on the water again.  Coconut Express, a boat we had meet in the ship yard was also in the bay.  We had fun each trying out our new stand up paddle boards.  Mine was very squibbly and I immediately went into the water, brrr……  Turns out I didn’t have near enough air pressure in her. (I have since filled her correctly and am totally ruling the bays!).

Once back in San Carlos, we decided to buddy boat with another boat, Gitana, across the Sea of Cortez, so we set off the next day at 2 a.m., Jan. 12.  We made great time, 12 hours!  Last year I would do a little dance each time we hit 6 knots but I would have had to dance almost all the way across so I have upped my dance routine to 8 knots!

Of course, sailing for 12 hours requires a lot of coffee but can be tricky with the rocking and rolling of the boat.  Bill usually makes 3 cups of coffee but invariably one ends up on the cockpit floor. Oh well, it all washes up easily.

We pulled into Punta Chavata around 2:00 p.m. We have been here before and what a difference it makes pulling into a bay that we are familiar with. (See “And the Winner is Bill”)  This time we stayed an extra day and took a long walk along shell beach.  Bill immediately covered his ears with shells saying I talk too much and these keep the sound out (imagine that) but I think it is his way of getting back in touch with Dr. Spock and his Vulcan roots.  (Look at all the shells behind Bill!!)

We buddy boated again with Gitana to Bahia Conception.  At one point, we saw a buoy floating in the water, so I practiced a man over board and was able to get close enough for Bill to fish it out on the first try!!!

Well, we intended to stay in Santispac for a couple of days, we are now going on over a week and may stay until after Superbowl, February 1.  There are great people here and there is so much to do.

• first run movies on Mondays
• the veggie lady, artist get together and Happy Hour on Tuesdays
• BBQ Ribs at Ana’s on Thursdays
• Dancing at Armando’s on Fridays, and the list goes on.

We are also hitch hiking into Mulege for internet

 doing a lot of hiking (oh, those old bones!)

As many people here say, “It is like an adult day-care center!”

On a side note: Cruisers are very dependent on being able to hear the weather reports.  One person who is heard up and down the Sea of Cortez and all the way down the mainland side of Mexico is Gary.  He reports every morning and many of the Cruiser Nets refer to his weather reports.  He lives here in Bahia Conception in Burro Bay.  Bill and I commented the other day how great it would be to meet him and put a face to the voice.  While hitchhiking back to the boat, we get picked up by a man and half back we realize her is the famous Gary!!  We were so excited, I am sure we boosted his ego incredibly, oohing and aahing over him.  I even took his picture!!

Well, I am sure the hard core sailors we have met are upset that we aren’t sailing more but I should be able to do more sail talk in my next blog.  Just know that Bill is sleeping well at night with these last repairs and the great sailing we have done so far!

We think of many of you often and hope all is well, until next time….adios!