March 6- At 0930 this morning, we cast off dock lines from Slip G25 ECV. At 1200, we were passing between Point Bandu and Todo Santos Islands. Nancy reeled in a fish as we passed Punta Bandu. It appears it was some type of Mackrel, but we were hardly ready to be pulling in fish. Net was at one end of boat, fishing poles at other. Anyway, took a photo and then threw it back before it bloodied the deck anymore.
Dropped anchor at 1545. During the last hour of the trip, wind was zero knots, and during the last 10 minutes, it shot up to 18+ knots from NW. Not much to see here, but it looked protected enough. A whale was sighted about 300 yards of our port beam heading north. We had a strange night...we got stuck beam to on the swells coming in after wind died down. After we hit the sack, sleep came in two-hour increments, as some fairly strong rollers wooshed through the anchorage, standing us nearly on our heads and heels. Rocking stopped, got a couple more hours of sleep, then it seemed like “Ground Hog Day” as the cycle started over again. Checked anchor position on small chart plotter, and we hadn't moved. No movie ...too much excitement, finally getting the opportunity to head in a southerly direction once again.
March 7- 0815: Anchor up! Had 150' chain out all night to ensure we didn't go anywhere. Removed kelp from chain and then from anchor. Temp 69 F, slight breeze. 1100: whale sighting 3-400 yeard east of us. Mizzen & Stay sails have been up and pulled flat to minimize swell roll, which was hitting us starboard broadside. 1200: It's high noon, have a line out trolling. We have about 23 miles to next stop (Punta Colonet). No wind yet. Making avg 5 knots under power. We can now see Punta Colonet. Spent morning stowing the pile of “stuff” on aft deck. Looks much better and can actually walk on it. Powered up CD player and listening to tunes. Lunch. 1340: Spotted dead seal (bloated & floating) and just missed running over him. Stinky...not too cute either. 1540: Spotted a few dolphins who stopped by to play briefly.
1735: Anchor finally set. Engine off. We were immediately visited by a male seal, who apparently thought our boat would make a great hotel for seals. Had to following around entire boat as he nuzzled it and kept looking for a way to get aboard (perhaps). He posed for a bit then seemed to show some interest in a female seal on the opposite side of our boat. They headed west for about 100 yards. Later, the male stopped, said his goodbyes, and swam off. We noted another sailboat at anchor when we arrived. It finally turned enough to determine it's name via binoculars. Turns out, it was s/v Wind Watcher, from Ensenada. Dinner and a movie.
March 8- 0800: Awoke after calm night, with exception of a bit of wind at 0245, which gave cause to investigate and return to bed. Reset clocks to reflect change to Daylight Savings. We've decided to stay here at Bahia Colonet another night to attend to Commissioning of our new RO Systems water maker. We were invited over to Wind Watcher for pu-pu's and tentatively accepted (ended up having to decline their gracious invitation because things took longer than expected). Went through commissioning of water maker. Had some initial leaks in saltwater system, which were rectified. When all was said and done, we made our first 7 gallons of fresh water! After back flush completed and everything shut down, noticed an oil leak coming from under the high-pressure pump. Investigation has begun. Manufacturer contacted. We had to beg off the invite to Wind Watcher because it got too late. Got past time for dinner but we ate and watched movie anyway.
March 9- 0930: Anchor up. Departed Colonet about 90 minutes later than planned. Had a rough night. Big swells started rolling in at around bed time (2100). Gut up at 2200, raised Mizzen sail to reef point and stretched it tight to provide some lateral resistance (air brakes) to the intense roll. Also to keep us into the wind while at anchor. Seas calmed down about 0100, but pickd right back up at 0630. Dropped off enough for us to go back to sleep, waking at 0845. By 1100 we're motor sailing, heading 160, 5.2-5.8 knots, stay and mizzen sails providing airbrakes and a little boost from 10 knot apparent wind on starboard beam. 1200: Continuing on course, 16.7 NM to next stop (or if not, 26.7 NM to stop after that). 1535: Anchor down, SE side of Isla San Martin, 125' chain in 35' water. This morning, while making preparations to get underway, dropped the mizzen sail and watched the port lazy jack collapse. This evening, climbed mizzen mast to retrieve offending end of line, but found no break in line loop, as expected, or ring. Decided to forgo further head scratching and replace the stretched plastic ring with stainless steel one. Re-rigged lazy jack...all is well again. Time for dinner and movie.
March 10- 0815: Anchor up, heading for Isla San Jeronimo, heading 158. Had comfortable night. Mainsail up at 0835. Hardly more than a breeze, but we're hopeful. Stay sail up at 0845, Mizzen up at 0900, Jib up at 0915. Marginal wind! Dropped Jib at 1000, as it was just flopping around. 1515: passed Punta Baha enroute to Jeronimo. 1718: Anchor down/set East side of island. 1740: Whale sighting – two a long way off and another a mere 20 yards off port beam (right into glare of setting sun). Attempted photo but just got glare. Watched the sun set, went below for dinner and movie.
March 11- 0600: Woke up and got coffee on. Fixed electric toilet (as it hadn't been able to flush for past two days). Thank God we have another toilet to utilize. Turned out the joker valve was the culprit. Spent a couple of hours cleaning it. Reassembled and now flushing fine. Pulled down all panels of dodger to clean and repair a couple of cracks that have presented themselves. Also clean those hard to reach places on the stainless frame. The oil leak in the water maker has been addressed. Need to remove motor/HP pump to turn over to see if something perhaps can be tightened. 1645: Another “close encounter” whale sighting approximately 15 yards off port bow. It broached twice when cruising by. 1805: Wind picked up 12-16 knots. 1825: Winds increase 20-25 gusts to 29. Went below and relaxed with munchies, then dinner and a movie.
March 12- Had some heavy broadside roll from 2300-0030, then calm until a few hit us broadside at 0700. Got up, rolling stopped about 0720. Put on the coffee. Had to work on discharge side of electric toilet again. Apparently cleaning the joker valve (yesterday) didn't quite do the whole job. Poured water into discharge line from toilet to holding tank. Water backed right up. Pulled discharge hose from coupling at holding tank. Totally blocked. Scraped and flushed out hose. Removed 90 degree elbow from top of holding tank. Scraped and cleaned it as well. Replaced fitting and hose ends. Works fine...now. Started troubleshooting pump oil leak in water maker. Unbolted motor from deck (sole) in bow compartment, tipped it on its side. Yesterday evening, had added a bit of oil in the pump, which immediately drained out by gravity (was trying to determine if only leaked under pressure...guess not). Received a checklist from Rich (Cruise RO Water Makers) on 8 Mar. After going through the 4 items to look for, determined leak was coming from the shaft seal between pump and motor. Was told we could make water as long as we ensured there was oil in the pump sufficient to keep the indicator showing half-full. So, at 1305, started Honda generator, emptied the two 7-gal freshwater jugs into the tanks, and at 1315, we were making water (and watching the oil level VERY closely). Since we have not plumbed the “good water” hose to the tanks yet, we're using the 7-gallon water jugs to receive good water, then carry them up top and around the foredeck to starboard deck fill. Not the most effective way to do it, but for now, it works and makes good exercise. After filling the containers six times, four going into the tanks, and two for spare, we determined that we make 7 gallons every 20 minutes, for a total of 21 gallons per hour. We stopped making water at 1515. Now happy that we have capability to make fresh water, we goofed off the rest of the day.
March 13- About six days ago, we determined we were having trouble lowering and raising anchor due to chain twist. Today we will attempt untwisting chain by finding deep water, lowering anchor to its fullest extent (approx 300') and hoping it will unwind itself. 0700: Awoke this sunny morning . Started Honda Generator to charge house batteries and run it out of gas. This all came about when, yesterday, while making water, the Main Genset was providing power to the HP pump and also the hot water heater circuit, as well as the refrigerator (which is always on). After this evolution was complete, turned Genset off. About two hours later, it was again called upon to provide power for clothes dryer. (we use inverter to run the washing machine, as it draws little current). Sometime during the middle of the drying cycle, the Genset somehow went off line and the batteries were being sucked dry through the inverter. Shut everything down. Dug out Honda Generator from the lazerette to complete the drying job. Will investigate Genset. Hopefully today. Life is fun on the water! Also found out, via text conversation, that something is wrong with the backflush system plumbing on the water maker. Need to investigate that as well. 0855: Anchor up – underway. Did I mention that we've been pestered incessantly by Mexican flies? Annoying – fly swatter working overtime. 1000: we have successfully managed to avoid the “dreaded” (according to Charlie's Charts) Sacramento Reef. Went around the west side enroute to Bahia San Carlos. 1235: Whale sighting off port quarter, 500 yards, heading north. 1241: Whale 25 yards off port beam. 1420: Anchor down in 19 feet of water, approximately 500 yards off shore, 77F.
March 14- 0200: Heard winds kick in, so went up into cockpit to check things out. Noticed we had just drug anchor some 450 feet. Wind, which was from NNW was now howling from the East. Turnd on chart plotter to see wind data. Blowing stady 20-25 knots. Anchor had reset itself, so watchd GPS for awhile that boat wasn't going anywhere. By 0300, winds were 25-30, by 0415 they increased to 30-35 knots, gusting to 39. About that time, anchor broke loose once again. Had to let out more scope, but needed engine to get over anchor to reel it in enough to remove nylon (snubber) line chain hook. Got Nancy up, started main engine, ran up to chain, hauled in enough to remove chain hook and let out another 50 feet of chain. Anchor caught and was holding. 0500: winds are not 30-40 knots. Not fun, but still holding. 0545: Winds now 35-40 gusting to 45! Anchor holding. Outside temp has held at 78F. 0620: Port lazy jack holding main sail breaks, spilling mainsail down on port side in 35 knot winds. Grabbed reefing line and hauled enough in to stop sail from billowing too much. Nancy grabbed some sail ties, and methodically, sail was captured to boom with 3 sail ties. Somebody say “Rodeo”? 0704: Wind gust 52 knots! Then a few gusts to over 55 knots. Loud BANG heard! Chain is now scraping forward starboard cap rail, has jumped off windlass, and pulpit and starboard bow roller are demolished. No way of retrieving chain now! Ran aft, started Honda generator, pulled enough electrical cord to reach chain, grabbed angle grinder (which, thankfully still had cuttoff wheel attached) and proceeded to cut through chain and the nylon snubber line. We were free and being rapidly blown out to sea with 6-8 foot wind waves at 0816. At 1035, main, mizzen, and staysail were up. Turned main engine off. 1800: Finally started main engine, after a lot of coaxing and fuel bleeding, etc. Switched to starboard fuel tanks. Main sail down, with now both sides lazy jacks broken, and mizzen lazy jack broken once again. Mr Murphy has really had a good time with us today!
March 15- Underway. Passed Cedros Island headland approximately 0500. Now heading for Turtle Bay (Bahia Tortugas) to hopefully make some repairs from the Bahia San Carlos incident. Nice sunrise at 0650. Took some photos. New day, new places to go. Spent yesterday afternoon trying to assess the total damage caused by the freak windstorm coming directly off land and becoming a maelstrom with only 500 yards of water to work with before reaching our anchorage. Besides loosing a 60 lb. CQR anchor and about 100 feet of chain, a snubber line & hook, we almost lost our 20W solar panel that had been piggy-backed onto the side of a 85W panel. The ½ inch plastic brackets broke and ripped the panel off, but it landed on the aft deck unscathed. This particular panel provided power solely to both starter batteries (main engine and generator). After taking turns at the wheel during the night, and when there was sufficient light, started working on an anchoring solution so we could safely pull into a protected bay and anchor. Started cutting away the broken wood in the pulpit. After getting most of the cutting done, realized we would need wood to at least temporarily rebuild enough of the pulpit to allow use of the port bow roller, the starboard one totally beyond repair. As we passed Cedros Island, most of the cutting was done and an imperfect way to drop anchor was devised. We continued on to our new destination (bypassing a couple of planned anchorages on Cedros Is.). 1745: Dropped spare anchor at Turtle Bay! Were immediately met by a Panga from the pier wanting to know if we needed fuel. We gently replied that all we needed was a good nights sleep. He returned to pier with an understanding nod. 
March 16- 0530: Woke up. Checked anchor, as bit of a breeze caused halyards to know on mizzen mast. Decided to make coffee and start a new day. 0700: First Mate/Owner gets up and has coffee. A bit later, we lower Walker Bay dinghy over the side. Tied fenders on to protect hull/dinghy. Had to make a minor repair to a stand-off foot on our boarding step, then mounted it on it normal resting place just outside cockpit access way. Loaded oars into dinghy, grabbed camera, and took photos of underside of pulpit and other potentially damaged areas. It appears that forward starboard bow was being pulled right out at the gunwhales, as evidenced by some large cracks in the planking. Did not look good. Back onboard, cleared the forward deck of large debris, retrieved water hose from lazarette, hooked up to saltwater deck wash outlet, hosed down deck of wood debris resulting from the dismantling of half the pulpit. After deck was dry, hauled out two 100W solar panels from below, laid them on deck and hooked them into solar grid. The combined output from the solar grid went from 13 Ah to 21 Ah! Decided to attempt to make fresh water without generators (i.e., with battery inverter only). The system has two water pumps. The low pressure pump (a DC water puppy) provides salt water taken from the sea, through some paper filters, then feeds the high pressure pump, which is powered by an AC electric motor. Started up pumps about 1130 and were soon making 172 TDS fresh water. We have a tool that measures quality of the water. Apparently, anything under TDS 500 is considered good. Verified that it took 20 minutes to make 7 gallons. Took dinghy to the pier. We were assisted in getting off at the small stairway that came right down to the water, rust, peeling blue paint, and all. We started walking into town with empty shopping bags in hand. We stopped at a little bare-bones market, bought a few items, then continued our search for stores, etc. Dust everywhere, no paved streets, lots of dogs roaming the streets, and people driving through town kicking up more dust. We felt like we'd walked into one of Clint Eastwood's early spaghetti westerns. But everyone we passed greeted us warmly, in Spanish, of course. We stopped at a few more stores, marking one that we would definitely come back to, and then headed back toward the pier. We were looking at several eating and potentially drinking establishments, but found none open. A young man, whom we later found his name was Victor, told us a bit of history, in pretty good English, about the places, and that his mother would be back tomorrow from her trip and open the restaurant up on a small cliff overlooking the water and pier. We said thanks, saying we'd be back tomorrow, and headed back to Shakedown.
March 17- 0730: Wake up – have coffee. 0830: Think about project priority. Mounted the 2 x 100W solar panels from foredeck to the pulpit rails, believing the rails on forward end strong enough to support them, and where they were originally designed to mount when in port/at anchor. Screwed in aluminum channel to port gunwhale in an effort to keep the anchor rode from chaffing, as it was just hanging over the bow alongside the bowsprit on one side and end of gunwhale on the other. Started on mizzen lazy jack repair. After completed, tightened both sides, hauled up the mizzen sail, dropped it slowly in through the lazy jacks, tied sail along boom, then removed lazy jacks and covered sail with it's canvas. Spoke with Rich (RO Systems). We tested bringing back flushing water in from the pickling valve, which worked. Something wrong with the other valve. Will check after arrival in La Paz (where a new shaft seal will also be awaiting our arrival). However, if we continue to use the water maker every other day or so, back flushing not necessary. Decided to take dinghy to shore and attempt our first beach landing in the Walker Bay. Did not go quite as planned. We weren't ready for shallow water as far out as it was. Got Honda up ok, but even then, it was dragging. Asked NJ to jump out, but just as she did, a wave hit the boat, turned it into NJ, and while retreating, she slipped on some rocks and fell. Another wave followed, soaking her to te neck. Finally got her up and headed to the beach. Water gushed into the dinghy which was then pumped out. Anchor was buried in the sand at head of the beach and we sat on the concrete ramp to recover our composure and clean up NJ's now scraped and bloody knees. (Later on, her right knee began to swell). We then walked over to the restaurant overlooking the water. Victor served a couple of beers, provided password to their WiFi hotspot, and then we met the proprietor, cook, and Victor's mother, Maria, whom the restaurant is named after “Restaurant Maria's”. We hit it off great with both of them, and decided that this would be “our place” while we were in Turtle Bay. Since Maria's beer stock was depleted, Hal accompanied Victor on a restocking run. The place where he normally restocks had no more Pacifico, so we ended hiking up to the Pacifico store across the street from the Baseball Park. Victor picked up a case of bottled Pacifico, Hal a case of Modelo Light in aluminum cans. After returning with new beer stock, had a couple more and then headed back to Shakedown, where meatloaf, rice & olives came together in a pan and became dinner.
March 18- 0600: Fairly rolly movement got the Skipper up to check boat status. Everything fine. Got coffee going. We have yet another issue (problem). Two of them, both related. Canot get power into boat from either generator. Started troubleshooting. The 30A main circuit breaker not receiving any voltage from either source. Unscrewed and pulled breaker to verify good connections both sides. Turned on Genset, seeing zero volts on multimeter. Same with Honda generator, zero volts at breaker. Tested voltage out from Honda...125V (good). Checked voltage at other end of 15A extension cord. 125V. Rigged power cord from Honda directly to refrigerator, washing machine (then dryer), and vacuum cleaner. Turned Honda off at 1440. Emptied three 5 gal diesel jugs into port tank. Filled them with diesel at the pier at $4.90 U.S. per gallon x 15 gal = $73.50 U.S. = 1,098 MX. We stopped at Maria's Restaurant and asked Victor if he was interested in showing Hal where the hardware/lumber store was, since he told us on the previous day there was one. He called the store to find it would not be open again until 3 p.m. (closed for siesta, I suppose). So we took the diesel jugs back to Shakedown and offloaded them. We will head back to Maria's by 1500. NJ took a little time to rest the swollen knee. We headed back to Maria's at 1500, picked up Victor and off we hiked to the hardware store. We were joined by Victor's Uncle, Jesus, as he emerged from the same store we'd first visited a couple of days ago. We walked “uptown”, mostly because it was generally a low uphill climb. We passed the Pemex gas station (only one in town) and, after another ½ mile or so, crestd the “hill” and there it was, in all it organgy glory. I remarkd something to the effect ...”look!...a Home Depot!...”. Although somewhat short on square footage, it was surprisingly well stocked, with an indoor lumber yard in back! Bought 20 feet of 2x6 lumber and a new cutting wheel for the angle grinder (the previous wheel ground down to almost nothing on the anchor chain). Since they cut the wood into 5 foot lengths and delivered it to Maria's place, just had to haul it back down to the dinghy and head for Shakedown. Successful day indeed! Now have something to work with.
March 19- 0600: Time to heat up some coffee. (Backtrack)...After last night's dinner and half way through “Pirates of the Carib II”, peeked out galley port light, and didn't like the view. Took a look at our anchor monitor, and we had already dragged over 400 feet. The ensuing scramble had us anchor up and underway in less than 5 minutes! It was pitch black with a multitude of lights from town. Had a good idea of where we needed to go, we did, dropped anchor, waited for it to grab. Shut down engine and went below. That was between 2115-2140. Back to today...0700: New highest priority for this morning is get power (elec) into the boat. Neither genset providing. Traced power to AC circuit breaker again. Pulled panel, rigged up 3-prong plug at one end and 1/4” ring terminals at the other, essentially plugging panel directly into a 15A extension cord from Honda. It worked! Have been running Honda for several hours catching up on Batt charging. Took a look at the plug that receives 15A at one end and connects to 30A shore power receptacle on side of boat. Appears to have come loose inside the 15A side. Re-stripped the wht/blk/grn wires and inserted them into back of plug, tightened them and reset inside plug protector. Solar panels meet 90 percent of our daily needs, but some appliances drain more electricity than others. Had to climb main to retrieve ends of port and starboard lazy jacks and reconnect to new fittings. Project completed. Just waiting for calm/zero winds to raise main and drop within confines of lazy jacks, tie them and cover sail. Started work on replacing connecting brackts on the 20A solar panel that was ripped of by the San Carlos winds. Added 15 gallons of diesel to port tank. This was first purchase at Turtle Bay. Made 21 gallons of fresh water which were poured into tanks. Turned on Honda, then hot water heater, then took showers!
March 20- FIRST DAY OF SPRING! 0645: Time to get some coffee and contemplate the new day. Got going on test of repaired plug that connects to our shore power receptacle. All temporary wiring removed from Main AC breaker, Honda started, and the “Power Available” light shone brightly! Pause for effect and relief....Turned off Honda, re-mounted breaker plate, and removed and put away tools. Finally got around to raising main sail, tightening up lazy jacks (now that repairs completed), lowered sail in increments to fold appropriately, strapped sail down, removed lazy jacks, covered sail, consuming two more hours. Decided Skipper was done with filling 7 gallon jugs, hauling them out of boat up to cockpit, out of cockpit, around forward part of house to starboard water deck fill and emptying them. So a hole (1/4”) was drilled through the bulkhead above deck line next to port light in starboard bow compartment, a fill tube (containing recently “created” fresh water) run through hole and over to deck fill. Although temporary, this will save a lot of muscle strain and lower back aches (the 7 gallon jugs weigh in the neighborhood of 56 lbs full). Took dinghy trip to town, tying off at the steps/ladder from the pier. Walked a different route today, ran into Victor and his Uncle, on their way to pay electric bill. Half an hour later, bumped into them again at a small taco stand, which, according to victor had the best fish tacos in Tortuga Bay. He may have been influenced by the fact that his cousin owned the place. NJ and I each had one. They were pretty good if you successfully kept the very interested flies at bay. We trekked on, eventually arriving at our destination “Home Depot Jr.”. Bought three more cutting wheels for the angle grinder. Went across the street to a butcher shop and purchased a kilo of ground beef. Fun to watch him cut what appeared to be a roast until he had a kilo of perfectly lean beef, take it to the grinder in back, bag it, and take our money (about 139 pesos, about $4.25/lb.). Heading back, stopped at a couple more stores and hauled our purchased goods to the dinghy and on to Shakedown. 1402: Having started Honda generator and turning on appropriate pumps and valves, fresh water starts pouring directly into fresh water tanks from water maker. 1602: shut down water maker, having added some 42 gallons to our tanks. Time for Lido Deck refreshments, Ribeye dinner, and finishing Pirates of Carib II.
March 21- 0715: Up for coffee. 0900: The “Service” panga picked up 3 empty diesel jugs, 1 empty gas jug, and accumulated garbage for past 4 days. Been having some problems downloading 8k grib files through Iridium GO!. 0905: started another download attempt through the Predict Wind Offshore App. Tried unsuccessfully last evening. Have written a trouble ticket on this issue. Went to work on repairing connection straps for 20w solar panel. Got new brackets drilled using old ones for templates. NJ helped hang the solar panel and screw it to the larger 85W panel. Wires reattached. Solar power now going into both starter batteries! The panga brought back the now full diesel and gasoline jugs. Total cost 1,498 MX pesos.
March 22- 0745: Turn on coffee, then Honda, then hot water heater for showers. 0940: Murphy strikes again. While performing 100 hour service to Honda generator, about a cup of used engine oil spills onto the aft deck, making, to say the least, a mess! Some 90 minutes later, I have the upper hand in the clean up, using Turpentine to dilute the oil so it can be absorbed by paper towels. Anyway, added new oil, cleaned air filter, cleaned spark plug, cleaned spark arrester, all without further incident. 1306: Making water into tanks. 1606: turned off water maker. Total of 63 gallons into tanks. Emptied the 15 gallons of diesel into starboard fuel tank. Got delivery of 15 gallons more diesel (1,098 mx)
March 23- MOM's BIRTHDAY! 0730: Up to heat up coffee left over from previous morning. Chilly morning...only 69 F inside boat. But sun is up, slight breeze, should be fine. 0900: load of laundry – blockage in water system – need to clean out at washer and probably at tank draw elbow. 1000: called Mom to sing happy birthday to her. 1025: Whales (2) passed close on port beam (15 yds or so). 15 gal diesel into starboard tank. 1210: laundry done. 1230: completed download of 8k grib file. Thought I'd give it another try. Took a total of 2 hours, 57 minutes. Too much. Message to Pwind (Jon) composed. Will send when we get to WiFi. 1400 Went shopping and stopped in at Maria's. 1530: Got back to Shakedown. NJ starts fixing chicken ala pressure cooker stew meal.
March 24- 0645: Up to make coffee. We have been joined by several more boats between late afternoon yesterday and overnight arrivals. Quite a crowd now. As compared to three mornings ago, when it was us, a fishing boat and a small herd of fishing pangas...”we” are now a baker's dozen. After morning showers, started working up forward. Cleaned out some rotten cap rail, cut off mangled steel starboard bow roller bracket, installed brace to pull the forward portion of gunwhales together. 1157: Started making water to tanks. 1357: stopped making water. Total 42 gallons made. 1500: we were going to take dinghy to shore, but wind kicked up to over 20 knots and we decided to just put the rest of the day. Lido deck aft, dinner, movie, bed.
March 25- 0715: Coffee time. 65 F outside partly overcast. 1400: Have spent entire morning/early afternoon working on pulpit/anchoring solution. Foredeck is a full-on workshop now (sawhorses, table saw, drills, wrenches, cutting tools, hammers and chisels, generator, shop-vac, etc.) NJ cleaned and polished our dodger windows this morning. 1430: Headed to the beach, tied up at pier, visited Maria's, grabbed Victor to translate for us to get more Pesos via our Debit card. Bought beer there using Debit card, then got cash (maximum 2,000 pesos per day) thru the Debit card process as well. Almost like an ATM, except it's a Point of Sale swipe. Headed back to Maria's where we met up with Chuck and Jan (s/v Wind Watcher) for a late lunch/early dinner. We enjoyed fish tacos ala Maria, and of course a few beers and stories. We headed back to Shakedown at 1630, offloaded our purchased donned warm vests and hat, and drove over to our nearest neighbors with bottle of wine in hand. Arrived at s/v Rainbow Gypsy at 1730. Had great visit with Alec and Cherry (he from England and she from South Africa) aboard their catamaran. Stories abounded, and we reciprocated for them to visit us tomorrow for their pre-departure sundowner. Returned to Shakedown at 1900. Skipped dinner, watched movie and hit the sack.
March 26- 0705: Up to make coffee. Started Honda gen to heat shower water and took showers 0800-0900. 0923: making water to tanks. 1032: tanks full, diverting water to 7 gal jugs, which are already up on deck next to deck fill. 1112: secured from making water. Completed enough of pulpit rebuild to get anchor rode up over the port bow roller and be sufficiently supported. 1500: Went to Maria's to hook into their WiFi to download new update to Predict Wind's Offshore App. Met a young couple from Santa Cruz, CA. Johan and Megan, who had come into the bay on their ketch. The knew Cherry and Alec (Rainbow Gypsy), and they knew Eric & Patti (s/v Shearwater) the we had met while in Ensenada! 1730: Alec & Cherry arrived for drinks and a spot of dinner. The expected to be departing tomorrow and were happy to be fed (one less thing for them to do tonight).
March 27- 0630: Coffee time 65 F breezy, clear, sunny. Worked on bow pulpit until noon. 1215: Headed for Maria's for lunch. She had just obtained fresh Yellow Tail and treated us with “Fish Maria Style” Went to stores and got back to Maria's for one more toast, then back to Shakedown, arriving at 1530. 1555: Adrian (Servicio Enrique Jr.) picked up our three diesel jugs to fill them. He and partner brought them back full a little while later, got paid (1,100 mx) and off they went. Time to relax on aft deck (foredeck still being in disarray from pulpit project).
March 28- 0650: Time to put the coffee on... 1000: Met up with Wind Watcher crew to show them a bit of town, have some lunch, buy groceries, and share in half of a yellow tail tuna fresh from the little fish “market” right after they get caught and just before the wholesale guy buys them from the fishermen bringing the day's catch in. Got back to Shakedown at 1500. 1558: making water to tanks. 1658: stopped making water. Total 21 gal.
March 29- 0645: Put coffee on to warm up. Overcast and quite roll all night. Got up at 0130, 0310, 0530 to deal with bumps in the night. Had Church (Palm Sunday) on board. Pulled starboard deck cleat, which looks like an “L” with a broken back. Will need to cut out some broken deck and make temporary patch with leftover scrap wood from pulpit project. NJ doing laundry. 1130: Added 15 gallons diesel to port tank, whis is now full. Panga just happened by and refilled the three diesel jugs (for deck storage) and refill on 5 gal gasoline jug. (1,400 mx). 1700: finished patching area where starboard bow deck cleat had torn out. Will address permanent solution at La Paz (haul out?) Time for Lido Deck, dinner and a movie.
March 30- 0610: Starting the coffee. First full night of sleep for the Skipper! Hoorah! 0800: Started Honda gen for hot water and showers.0945 Making water to tanks. 1150 turned off water 42gals made. 1115-1140: noticed wisker stays were a bit loose, so got in dink and tightened both sides. 1530: Caught a ride to the pier with Enrique panga, having waved them over as they were leaving another boat. Southerly sweels and 10-12 knot southerly winds not comfortable for dinghy landing. Went to store and got back at 1630. Fired up BBQ for first time since use din Ensenada. Cheesburgers & beer & corn chips! Pumped out. Movie.
March 31- 0715: Up and at 'em. Slept in! Coffee on. 1000: we went to Maria's to utilize WiFi for several related projects and downloading updates and information as to why our Samsung Note 3 won't send pictures via SMS anymore. Had great lunch of tacos. In the afternoon, we hiked to a few stores and after shopped out, returned to dinghy and headed back to Shakedown, getting back just as the wind was picking up into the 20 knot + range. Now we have new Grib files to look at to determine when best time to depart Turtle Bay. Lido deck moved to inside cockpit...too windy!
April 1- 0610: Sound of wind (and wind generator) was today's wake up call. Overcast, 62 F, 12-16 knots from the North. Coffee started. Showers today. Looks like Friday will be a fine day to head south to Asuncion Bay (about 50 miles south), after reviewing Grib files and Predict Wind Weather Routing information. Hopefully tomorrow we get Blog and Taxes done over at Maria's. 0900 - 1625: finished updating the Ship's Log (this document) from hand written log. Time to call it a day!
you guys are enjoying too much adventure!
ReplyDeletePaul is envious:-)