(no subject)

Our trip further North into the Sea of Cortez took us through Canal de Salsipuedes , in Spanish, (Leave if you can!). For us we had nothing but a great ride. We were surrounded by dolphins and whales. In fact we had to stop our engines to let a Fin Whale pass. He decided to shut his engines off also about 5 feet from the bow of the boat. He swam there, lay there, whatever ……. Didn't move for about 5 mins, just staring at us. He or she, who can tell, was about 45 feet in length. Close to the size of our boat. This would be just the first of many close sightings.
We anchored at Isla Patrida. Isla Patrida is just one of many islands in the Midreff Island Group.
The Midriff Islands span the width of the Sea of Cortez, creating a chain of islands from the Baja peninsula near Bahia San Francisquito, across the Sea to the mainland near Bahia Kino. The Sea narrows here, so the islands are used like stepping stones to get across. Unfortunately the closeness also allows the Chubascos to cross over the sea in the night bringing its storms with it lightning and winds. I must say I prefer 15 foot seas to the lightning storms. Like Ken says if they are going to hit us there is not much we can do so why fret over them. True.
5 other boaters shared this anchorage with us. It was a little rolly but nothing like the anchorages further down on the Pacific coast. We were invited to the neighbouring boat Juniauta to share in the daily catch of dorado. I have actually decided not to eat a single meal of fish today. Most days are a two meal day of fish. Ken is not allowed to fish for awhile after catching another Dorado, several Yellowfin, a very large Grouper (enough for 10 meals) several small grouper, scallops, clams and last but not least oysters. He maybe can go snorkeling for scallops, we could always use them!
It was while here Ken was cohurst, shamed, convinced on becoming the net controller for the Southbound Net on Thursday evenings. He says it was no worse than incident command at your first 2 alarm fire.
Our next stop has been our favourite to date. Isla Estanque. Estanque means reservoir or pond. Pond it is. In this area we are now into 11 foot tides and currents. Something we have not experience since leaving home. It actually was fun playing in the eddies! Don't do this at home. Anyways ……… Isla Estanque is surrounded by reefs. You must watch the colour of the sea and watch your depth sounder to get in through the reef. Once inside, you have an all around protection anchorage. No swell or waves. Even when the chubasco winds gust at 30 knots as was the case one of the evenings we stayed there. The bands of gray, green, pink, white and red seen in the volcanic and sedimentary rocks make this area a beautiful anchorage. We were lucky enough to have this place all to ourselves.
We backtracked just a little to Bahia Animas. This pretty little cove was used by many fishermen coming and going. It offers good south wind protection under the Sierra Agua de Soda range.
We are currently in Puerto Don Juan. This is a hurricane hole and a very important place to scout out. Should a hurricane be forecasted all the boats in the cruising area will head to this spot. We have just arrived and have not explored the area yet. We did have a very pleasant night under stars with a little breeze but no swells or waves. We will have internet in a few days so I will try and download some pictures at that time.

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