Its frustrating when things do not work. Until now we have had no problem getting weather fax´s off the SSB. Now some glitch is shutting down the program. My charting-navigational program since downloading Mexican charts has changed formats and not freacting the same way as it had. Am I frustrated. Oh yah. I am feeling very computer challenged.
Ken´s frustration lies with batteries and starters and trying to find things. Corrosion is a real problem. What works one day doesn´t the next.
We left Ensenada with a Buddy Boat. Jim and Judy are from Phoenix, AZ. Travelling together ensures help if need be, someone within radio contact. Judy and Jim were sailors and saw the light and now have a powerboat. They are not likng it however. They have done this trip 4 times so I am sure there is much to be learnt from them.

There has been way more sea life here in Mexico. Dolphins will play in the bow wake for 1-2 hr in pods of 100.
Whales are making their way south to birth their calves.

Fish are plentiful jst put the hook out while underway. In just a few hours we had caught 10 Bonitos. A relative of the tune with red flesh.

Unfortunately only Mexicans can fish for lobsters and other crustaceans. They are eage to barter or sell.

Punta Colnett was to be our first anchorage out of Ensenada. The journey was calm and sunny.Our crew Wndy and Wayne have been steering the course. In fact it seems weird to hav this much free time from observing or steering.

Punta Colnett lies 65 miles south of Ensenada. This distinctive landmark consists of a great flat plateau rising 300’. The cliffs are a black coal like rock on top of sandstone. The anchorage is affected by swell but we found it not too uncomfortable.

The following day proved to be just as warm a day. Judy and Jim figure we are crazy Canadians wondering around in just t-shirts. The weather is as good as any summer day we would have in Canada 80-90 degrees. I guess for someone from Phoenix it’s cold.

Cabo San Quintine is a very large shallow bay. The bay is partially made from clusters of volcanic peaks and sand dunes. The area is an estuary therefore wild life is abundant. The anchorage was a mixed bag. It was calm, silent until about 0200 hr then we started rolling.

We are here for an adventure, well we got one. We detoured to an anchorage at Punta Bajo. THE WINDS HAD PICKED UP TO 35 KNOTS. Not much sleep was had by all.

In the morning the Port starter motor was smoking and the engine wouldn’t start. Ken and Wayne pulled the starter out and we proceeded to flag down some Lobster fishermen in Pangas. Out came the Spanish dictionaries. With hand gestures and the butchering of a very pretty language we got our point across.

It was determined that Ken and I would go ashore as I knew more Spanish. (OK?)

We climbed into the Panga with a backpack for an overnight stay and a bag with boat parts.

There are no docks here. The landing of Pangas and dinghies is done by surfing. That’s right “Catch a Wave” and hopefully don’t flip. The village at the site is now uninhabited. The fishermen come from a town approximately 8 km away inland named Roserio.

The two fishermen Rondrico and Marcel said they knew an Americano Amigo that was a mechanic. Into the back of a Toyota pick up truck we got, driven through winding, rough, hilly back road to the town of Roserio. The Americano did not fix starters but he knew another person who did. This is a small town where everyone knows everyone. (If not related). The starter repair man could have it fixed in 2 hrs.

Rondrico and Marcel drove us to a motel and told us they would pick us u at 0500 hr to take us back out to the boat. Now remember this is ALL in Espanola.

Ken and I walked the small town entering every store. It took maybe an hour.

The motel was nice with a king size comfortable bed that didn’t rock. Needless to say we had a good sleep.

The next morning our friends were early to pick us up. Getting out in the surf is even more challenging.

As we were heading down the coast out Mexican friends came out to wave goodbye to us giving us a thumbs up that the boat worked.

Our next anchorage was Punta San Carlos. We ran into sail boaters we met in San Diego, Steve and Denise on Brendan . They were just departing for an overnighter and would relay the weather conditions back so as we could depart at 0200 hr to get across open water to Isla Cedros before the swell kicked up. The early crossing proved to be the right decision. The only bumpy was at Punta Norte the top of Isla Cedros. The cape effect with wind was prevalent.

Once anchored it was calm and wonderful. However around 1900 hr. the sailboat beside us dragged anchor and drifted out to sea. Luckily when he hit the big wave he woke up and realized what had happened. Ken radioed him on the VHF and left the lights on so he could make his way back the anchorage. Needless to say we didn’t sleep thinking the same could be our fate.

Ken put out the fishing lines. 2 Yellow fin tuna were caught. Wayne says his was the bigger one not Ken’s. We can no longer fish as our freezer is again full and we must consume what we have caught.

We are now in Turtle Bay, an important staging stop for rest and mechanical repairs. We have come 280 miles from Ensenada and have 400 miles to go on the Pacific Baha.

The town of Turtle Bay has aprox. 1500 people living in town. It has been called “coyote ugly” but I believe it’s in the eye of the beholder. The mountain range reminds me of the badlands. Dirt roads connect the houses and the businesses., which reminded Wayne of all the years they lived East of Calgary and the Government wouldn’t pave the roads. (Glenmore Trail). Supplies are meager as the nearest town is 400 miles by treacherous dirt roads. However the people here know that the yatistas put coppers into the towns economy. They are friendly, courteous, helpful with Spanish lessons while learning English.

Ken and Wayne are putting in starter batteries tomorrow. Wendy and I are going into town to do the “pink” chores”

We will probably not have Internet service for another week.

Just so everyone out there reading knows, last week 97 persons visited this blog. Imagine………