Saturday, April 03, 2010
Santa Rosalia—Not
All the weather forecasters predicted an easy crossing on Thursday April 1st with light and variable wind until noon; then 5 to 15 kts from the southeast possibly building to 19 in the late afternoon.
So we left from San Pedro Bay at 1 AM with no wind and calm seas and an almost full moon shinning thru thin high clouds. About 15 miles into the trip the wind came from the northwest quickly increasing to 26 kts. Vagari was handling it well with one reef in the mainsail and no headsail but the crew was just hanging on. After a conference with Rhea and our buddy boat we decided to turn around and head for the marina. We would reach the marina at 10 AM vs. 4 PM for arriving in Santa Rosalia. We do this for pleasure and sailing wasn’t fun in those conditions. Our buddy boat had a minor equipment breakdown, which could be fixed in those conditions but would be an easy fix in port.
We were sailing almost into the wind going out but coming back the wind was nearly behind us. With large waves also behind us we had an exhilarating up and down ride. When daylight came we could see the waves approaching from behind. We had to look up to see their tops but before they got to us the stern would rise and we would slide downhill on the wave. When an unusually large one came toward us I ask Rhea to look at it. Se informed me that she was not looking behind us, period.
We arrived at 10 AM to find a sailboat aground in the entrance channel. They went aground at 3 AM but were pulled off on the rising tide shortly after we arrived. It was a nice day in San Carlos. I’m not sure everybody believed it was really blowing out in the center of the Sea.
This week is a very big Mexican holiday, “Semana Santa” or Holy Week. The beach towns fill up with kids and families camping on the beaches Thursday to Sunday when they all go home. The main street becomes impassable in the afternoon and evenings. I took photos of the local beach and will post it soon.
So we left from San Pedro Bay at 1 AM with no wind and calm seas and an almost full moon shinning thru thin high clouds. About 15 miles into the trip the wind came from the northwest quickly increasing to 26 kts. Vagari was handling it well with one reef in the mainsail and no headsail but the crew was just hanging on. After a conference with Rhea and our buddy boat we decided to turn around and head for the marina. We would reach the marina at 10 AM vs. 4 PM for arriving in Santa Rosalia. We do this for pleasure and sailing wasn’t fun in those conditions. Our buddy boat had a minor equipment breakdown, which could be fixed in those conditions but would be an easy fix in port.
We were sailing almost into the wind going out but coming back the wind was nearly behind us. With large waves also behind us we had an exhilarating up and down ride. When daylight came we could see the waves approaching from behind. We had to look up to see their tops but before they got to us the stern would rise and we would slide downhill on the wave. When an unusually large one came toward us I ask Rhea to look at it. Se informed me that she was not looking behind us, period.
We arrived at 10 AM to find a sailboat aground in the entrance channel. They went aground at 3 AM but were pulled off on the rising tide shortly after we arrived. It was a nice day in San Carlos. I’m not sure everybody believed it was really blowing out in the center of the Sea.
This week is a very big Mexican holiday, “Semana Santa” or Holy Week. The beach towns fill up with kids and families camping on the beaches Thursday to Sunday when they all go home. The main street becomes impassable in the afternoon and evenings. I took photos of the local beach and will post it soon.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
At Anchor
We left Marina Real in San Carlos after lunch Tuesday. The plan was to sail to a bay 11 miles up the coast and cross to Santa Rosalia on the Baja side of the sea Wednesday. The sail up was a gentle slow sail barely doing two knots per hour at times. The PM weather forecast changed our plans. It called for wind up to 35 mph in the center of the crossing. We are buddy boating with La Brisa. Both of us decided to wait a day to cross. In the night the wind and waves increased. We had a rock and roll night and most of the next day. Its almost five PM now and a little calmer. After the weather at six we will take another look at crossing.
More later,
Stan
Posted via ham radio from San Pedro Bay
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Morning Fitness Walks
I have been taking two hour or longer hikes with my friend Richard Taylor every morning. Lately we have been driving “to the end of the road” north of our marina then hiking. But every day we find another road. Richard has now checked out the roads on Google Earth. So tomorrow we are going to really find the “end of the road”.
We Drove Near This Canyon
The palm trees at the head of the canyon indicate year around water. This is an attractive hacienda off to the right.
Summer Homes In The Cove North Of Manga
There must be 50 of these places along this cove; all vacant. I assume they are used in the summer, which is very hot and humid, especially in the nearby large city of Guaymas.
Fishermen from Manga
I was told that there are no squid this winter so the fishermen had a bad year.
Hector
The sign says something like:
Hector
God Bless You
You Now Live In The Presence Of God
Your Family
I assume Hector was a local fisherman who was lost at sea.
Hector
God Bless You
You Now Live In The Presence Of God
Your Family
I assume Hector was a local fisherman who was lost at sea.
"Scottish Mist" Nears The Marina
After A Night Crossing From The Baja. She is a Westsail 42. The Same couple has owned her for 25 years
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Nacapule Canyon Hike (9 Photos)
This beautiful canyon is about 6 miles north of town. The last three miles are a very rough dirt road. It reminds me of the Ramero Pools hike near home
See the rope?
You can’t get to the upper pools without using this rope. Its the end of the line for the dog.
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