Greetings from the mainland, Sonora. Enjoy a few photos from our journeys: https://picasaweb.google.com/100074699878222670561/LoretoBajaCaliforniaSouthBCSToSanCarlosSonora?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Celebrating Loreto Fest |
Recently left Puerto Escondido’s annual Loreto Fest. Mike’s was
anxious to head toward Guaymas and I wanted to see the hubbub of Loreto Fest. We
compromised on 1 day. Ironically, we won round one in the bocce tournament so stayed
a second day.
Bocce tournament on the beach - with SV Tortuga |
Off to Loreto to provision, anchoring on the city’s edge in
shallow roadstead (no protection from wind). Then to Puerto Escondido, 'hidden harbor' - a truly lovely area tucked into mountains and protected
from the sea. The mountains are so beautiful! I tried to photograph but unable
to capture the colors, nuances and dimensions of it all.
Rafa, our Dive Master |
Finally dove while visiting Loreto/Puerto Escondido area! One
76 minute dive in 66 – 69 degree water – Judy wearing 3 layers, hood and gloves
and still chilly – tropical diving?!? Amazing amounts of creatures large and
small, deftly pointed out by dive master, Rafa with Dolphin Dive Center. It was
excellen: Starfish, stingrays, blennies, nudibranch, lobster, eels…
Kayaking around bird-filled islands at Playa Santispac |
Good morning: a dolphin celebration |
Arrived yesterday in San Carlos after passage from Baja
California to mainland. Crossing 18.5 hours, last 4 hrs lumpy seas from the E and
winds 14 - 18 NE. This year, we’re doing 6 hr watches – the ‘norm’ is 3. Mike
7PM to 1AM, Judy 1AM - 7AM. After a star-studded night due to the new moon, the
sun arose at 7. While photographing the sunrise, dolphins came up from the dark
water and raced across the waves toward Pura Vida, the sun shining through
their spray as they leapt. Pretty cool.
Spending 2 days cleaning salt water from Pura Vida and
preparing for long term storage on the hard. Off to free marina tomorrow
outside Guaymas to remove sail #3 of 4, then haul out Monday. A few days to put
Pura Vida to bed for the season then bus to Phoenix where our friends await and
we head to Portland on 5/22.