Ruminations of a Sailor: April 2015

16' whale shark & Baja coast reflection-Photo courtesy of Avant

Bahia Concepcion - courtesy of Avant

For the last couple weeks of March, we thoroughly enjoyed great days at Bahia Concepcion, moving from one anchorage to another for different experiences. Whale sharks and babies graced the bay at Coyote Beach and we kayaked alongside as they grazed on plankton. We kayaked over to Burro Bay to try and meet Gary, the Sea of Cortez weather guy we all rely on. From Santispac Beach, you can walk the beach, enjoying wicked margaritas at Armando’s, get a ride the 13 miles to Mulege from locals or RVers who frequent the area. In the bustling town of Mulege, there are two places for internet access, four small grocery stores and wandering streets where it’s easy to get lost. They had a lot of damage from Hurricane Odile.

Sunset colors astound

Bahia Santispac - another great sunset

Then it was time to head out as Semana Santa (Holy Week) approached. Thousands of Mexicans flock to the various beaches to enjoy the long weekend, and banda music is sure to keep you up into the wee hours.

Sunrise at Guaymas marina

We'll miss these sunsets!

We moved north to begin our voyage across the sea to Guaymas. Our passage was very pleasant, sailing (and motoring) on a beam reach across 78 miles in 16 hours.

Getting Pura Vida ready for haul out

Back in our hangout, Guaymas, we’ve spent 10days prepping Pura Vida for the hot summer on the hard and for our future projects (more, you say?!). Lots of work to set things right, which we think is important – we spend much more time than some to prepare.

the unnerving process of haul
out, getting straps ready

Setting up the ladder in the yard

It’s been a lovely time on the sea. Sometimes systems don’t work as we wish and that’s all part of what makes this rewarding and challenging. We met up with friends and made great new ones. We leave tomorrow heading for Portland where family, friends, work and new adventures await!