Friday, December 25, 2009
Fun in La Paz
The last few days have been busy, we have been attending the morning crusiers coffee at 930am for a couple of mornings which can go on for an hour or two. Also doing provisioning for our next trip. We went the la Paz marina Christmas party on Xmas eve which ran from 3pm to 6pm with lots of Christmas carol singing. La Paz is a great place, has everything for the cruiser.
In the morning I had a welder come over and finally got the two cleats welded on the transom cap rail. I had meant to get it done in Vancouver but ran out of time, but just as well I waited as it cost half the price. On Christmas day there was another Christmas potluck party at our marina starting at 3pm with lots of great food organized by some of the cruisers here which made for a nice Christmas but we still miss family and friends up North and the snow and skiing
In a couple of days we are planning to head North through the islands up the sea of Cortez, maybe as far as Loreto. So we will be out of contact for a couple of weeks or even up to a month as not sure where we can get wi fi up North.
Info:
I will not do any info for Sea of Cortez as it is very well covered in The sea of cortez book by that young couple, cant think of there name now, is much better than charlie charts. Charlies actually can get you into trouble for a couple of the anchorages a bit north of La Paz that have reefs just off shore of them. Use the Sea of Cortez book, expense but worth it.
In the morning I had a welder come over and finally got the two cleats welded on the transom cap rail. I had meant to get it done in Vancouver but ran out of time, but just as well I waited as it cost half the price. On Christmas day there was another Christmas potluck party at our marina starting at 3pm with lots of great food organized by some of the cruisers here which made for a nice Christmas but we still miss family and friends up North and the snow and skiing
In a couple of days we are planning to head North through the islands up the sea of Cortez, maybe as far as Loreto. So we will be out of contact for a couple of weeks or even up to a month as not sure where we can get wi fi up North.
Info:
I will not do any info for Sea of Cortez as it is very well covered in The sea of cortez book by that young couple, cant think of there name now, is much better than charlie charts. Charlies actually can get you into trouble for a couple of the anchorages a bit north of La Paz that have reefs just off shore of them. Use the Sea of Cortez book, expense but worth it.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Island cruising
We went out to Espiritu Santo Island Marine Park for 4 nights. It is an easy day from La Paz to the first anchorage on the island where we did a bit of snorkeling and walking the beach looking for shells. . We saw some manta rays, whales and many different types of fish.
We moved to a different anchorage each night and did some short hikes up the nearby hills which are covered in cactus plants of every type, beautiful to look at but you don't want to touch them. A couple of black rabbits surprised us when they jumped out of the bushes, they seem to be running wild on the islands. We went to the very north end of the island where there is some famous rocks called Isla Los Islotes. They have a sea lion colony and tour boats come here bringing snorklers and divers to swim with the sea lions. We went out there early in the morning before the wind came up and while I looked after the boat, Dorothy rowed the dinghy to a mooring line and went snorkling, the sea lions would swim right up to her face and vear off at last second. Dorothy was on a high after that, she said it was the best snorkling of the trip, lots of coral, fish and wild/exciting sea lions.
Last night the wind came around to the West after dark and sent a large swell into the anchorage and I got ready to head out to sea if it got any worse. But by about 2 am it died down and I could relax and go to sleep, rather then catnaping. Then around 7am the wind came up again more from the wsw and we decided to head back to La Paz a day early. We had a nice close hauled sail most of the way back. As we neared the channel we say a whale nearby and then it stuck its tail up in air and slammed it down on water with a loud bang and splash, and then it did it again and again for 15 or 20 times every few seconds. Anybody know why? We then went to Marina Palmira this time so we would see a different part of town, good rates too. Will stay here for at least 5 days over Chriistmas and then head North again if we are ready. Hope everbody has a good Christmas, Feliz Navidad.
We moved to a different anchorage each night and did some short hikes up the nearby hills which are covered in cactus plants of every type, beautiful to look at but you don't want to touch them. A couple of black rabbits surprised us when they jumped out of the bushes, they seem to be running wild on the islands. We went to the very north end of the island where there is some famous rocks called Isla Los Islotes. They have a sea lion colony and tour boats come here bringing snorklers and divers to swim with the sea lions. We went out there early in the morning before the wind came up and while I looked after the boat, Dorothy rowed the dinghy to a mooring line and went snorkling, the sea lions would swim right up to her face and vear off at last second. Dorothy was on a high after that, she said it was the best snorkling of the trip, lots of coral, fish and wild/exciting sea lions.
Last night the wind came around to the West after dark and sent a large swell into the anchorage and I got ready to head out to sea if it got any worse. But by about 2 am it died down and I could relax and go to sleep, rather then catnaping. Then around 7am the wind came up again more from the wsw and we decided to head back to La Paz a day early. We had a nice close hauled sail most of the way back. As we neared the channel we say a whale nearby and then it stuck its tail up in air and slammed it down on water with a loud bang and splash, and then it did it again and again for 15 or 20 times every few seconds. Anybody know why? We then went to Marina Palmira this time so we would see a different part of town, good rates too. Will stay here for at least 5 days over Chriistmas and then head North again if we are ready. Hope everbody has a good Christmas, Feliz Navidad.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Hanging out in La Paz
Our 5 days at the dock have flown buy so fast. Have hardly gotten any reading done which is what we do when everything is done. Have been out for several evenings with other cruisers and busy during day getting food and doing boat chores. Things take longer to do as we generally walk everywhere here and you have find out where everything is.
I shortened my forestay bottom plate that holds stay in place for roller furling. When I changed it in Vancouver just before we left I did not get it quite right. That took most of a day.
Installed another fan in cabin. Improved reefing arrangment on boom. Also several other small items that we never got done in Vancouver, but we had to go as season was getting late.
Yesterday (Monday) we hauled the boat out Marina Del pelmar to replace the cutlass bearing, as it was worn. It has always been a problem because the person who built the boat distorted the stern tube a bit where it was welded as it goes through the skeg. So I have to cut the cutlass bearing an inch shorter and shave down one end to get it to go in which takes a few hours. Also changed the zincs while boat was out. I finished assembling everything this morning and we were back in the water by 1030 am as they were in a hurry here.
We motored out into the bay a bit and anchored and this unfortunatly was the windiest day we have had at La Paz as a norther was blowing down. Lot of chop in the bay and we are expierencing the La Paz waltz as its locally called beacause of all the tidal current and the wind. The bearing sounds better now, at low speeds it would click.
I shortened my forestay bottom plate that holds stay in place for roller furling. When I changed it in Vancouver just before we left I did not get it quite right. That took most of a day.
Installed another fan in cabin. Improved reefing arrangment on boom. Also several other small items that we never got done in Vancouver, but we had to go as season was getting late.
Yesterday (Monday) we hauled the boat out Marina Del pelmar to replace the cutlass bearing, as it was worn. It has always been a problem because the person who built the boat distorted the stern tube a bit where it was welded as it goes through the skeg. So I have to cut the cutlass bearing an inch shorter and shave down one end to get it to go in which takes a few hours. Also changed the zincs while boat was out. I finished assembling everything this morning and we were back in the water by 1030 am as they were in a hurry here.
We motored out into the bay a bit and anchored and this unfortunatly was the windiest day we have had at La Paz as a norther was blowing down. Lot of chop in the bay and we are expierencing the La Paz waltz as its locally called beacause of all the tidal current and the wind. The bearing sounds better now, at low speeds it would click.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Rest stop
We got into La Paz yesterday. Located about 80 miles up the inside of the Baha peninsula in the sea of Cortez. We motor sailed into a 15 to 18 knot headwind with steep seas for most of the day to get up to where you turn the corner for La Paz. By steering just off the wind we find we get quite a bit of drive from the main sail to help the engine push us through the steep seas. We anchored in a bay called Puero Balanandra about 12 miles from La Paz, as it was a bit late to get into town. We rowed over to have a look at the locally famous mushroom rock that they fixed with some rebar after it fell over. The next morning motored into LA Paz. It is our first really protected anchorage since we left San Diego. We anchored out yesterday and today paid for a marina slip for the next 5 days. Making it easier to get our chores done. We have been playing tourist for the last month, so now it is time to do a bit of work, some boat jobs and provisioning.
There is quite a cruising community here, lots of fellow cruisers to talk to.
There is quite a cruising community here, lots of fellow cruisers to talk to.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Top of Cerro los Frailes above the anchorage
Nice Hike winding our way up over big rocks and through cactus
Los Muertos
We left Cabo early in the morning to do the 45 miles to Los Frailes. We were sailing on a nice beam reach but wind soon switched to a head wind that soon built to where we were motor sailing to make headway. Soon the wind and waves got so bad we decided to turn around as we knew it would be a lot worse as we rounded the corner to head up the sea of Cortez. Part way back to Cabo, the wind died so we decided to turn around and try again. We passed where we turned around previously but soon the wind and waves were even worse and right on the nose. We were taking huge amounts of spray over the boat, I had to dog a couple of our windows tighter as they were starting to seap water. It was dark now and we decided to turn around again but as we did boat motion was comfortable so we hove to for a 2 or 3 hours and then conditions eased considerably so again turned north towards our anchorage at Los Frailes. We arrived just as it was getting light and as we entered the bay saw two whales at the same time leap complety out of the water and come down with a huge splash, and then every couple of minutes they breached again and again. I guess this was our reward for pushing on.
After dropping anchor we went to sleep for a few hours and went ashore to explore and stretch the legs. We hiked up the local hill scrambling up the steep rocks (see picture)and squeezing around cactuses. Later had a dip in the warm bathtub outside the boat.
Stayed here 2 nights. Then left for los Muertos all rested up, this leg of about 43 miles went easy, calm all day, sailed only about 6 miles of it. Anchored of the sand beach and with many cactuses along it only a dirt road in here and a few resort looking buildings and wow, managed to get a internet connection from the boat again, so I could do this. Should be in La Paz 2 to 4 days.
Info:
Los Frailles anchored in 50ft at 23 22.415 109 25.189 good protection from North winds
nothing here, but a nice hike up local hill.
Los Muertos anchored in 28 ft 23 59.154 109 49.415 tiny resort here, can buy a drink. Otherwise just beach and cactus. Good North wind protection.
After dropping anchor we went to sleep for a few hours and went ashore to explore and stretch the legs. We hiked up the local hill scrambling up the steep rocks (see picture)and squeezing around cactuses. Later had a dip in the warm bathtub outside the boat.
Stayed here 2 nights. Then left for los Muertos all rested up, this leg of about 43 miles went easy, calm all day, sailed only about 6 miles of it. Anchored of the sand beach and with many cactuses along it only a dirt road in here and a few resort looking buildings and wow, managed to get a internet connection from the boat again, so I could do this. Should be in La Paz 2 to 4 days.
Info:
Los Frailles anchored in 50ft at 23 22.415 109 25.189 good protection from North winds
nothing here, but a nice hike up local hill.
Los Muertos anchored in 28 ft 23 59.154 109 49.415 tiny resort here, can buy a drink. Otherwise just beach and cactus. Good North wind protection.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Cabo San Lucas
After 800 miles and 2 stops arrived in Cabo San Lucas last night just after dark. We crept up to the beach under a full moon and dropped anchor in front of the expensive looking hotels.
After leaving Ensenada we did a 260 mile sail to Turtle bay. It was light wind sailing puttering along at 2 to 4 knots with wind from behind except near the end where we got 25 to 30 knots for the last 2 hours before our anchorage, probably motored about a third of the distance and spent 2 nights at sea. Spent 3 days here relaxing and exploring the small dusty town. Hiked up the local hill with large crucifix on top. Hung out a bit with the crew of Arena and also Zeba both Canadian boats.
Left Nov 24 around 1030am after the wind came up For Mag bay about 240 miles. Had good sailing for the first day and a half then wind died and we went back to motoring so got the water maker going and made lots of water. Have only seen one day of rain since we left Vancouver. Motor and sailed off and on until we arrived at Bahia Santa Maria which is 18 miles North of Mag bay, we changed our minds along the way and decided to pull in this bay, a very beatuful wild place. Just before arriving we saw a bunch of rays with about a 4 ft wing span leaping high out of the water and flapping there wings and then falling back in. (see video above) Also saw the odd whale go buy. Used our inflatable kayak to get ashore through the surf and walked a few miles along this incredible beach, no houses anywhere and sand dunes out back of it. there was a tiny fishing camp at one end with a few poor fishermen. Had our first dip in the ocean as it is finally warming up, 75 degrees now.
Left after 2 nights at Bahia saint maira and had a good sail all the way to Mag bay. Anchored off the small village here about 5 miles up from bay entrance. Very poor village here with many of the house without roofs which they lost in a hurrican this year. Hiked up a local hill here with Jack from the boat water dog. Lots of cactus to scramble around on the way up the hill.
Left the following morning as the wind picked up and had one of our best sails yet with the wind from behing at 18 to 20 knots. We were figuring maybe 2 nights to do the 150 miles to Cabo if we sailed rather than motor but we were ripping along at 4.5 to 8 knots all day and night that when the wind died we were only 30 miles from Cabo so motored the last bit to try and get there before dark which we failed to do as had a strong current against us as we rounded the south end of the Baha peninsula. But is a wide open bay with no dangers so went in in the dark with the full moon.
Tried the computer and with our fancy wi-fi booster got on one of the hotels internet so can do all this sitting in the boat rather than a coffee shop and listening to the music coming of the beach. Will spent maybe 2 days here and then move on to La Paz so will be out of contact again for about week.
Info:
Anchored in 55ft at 22 53.297 109 53.283 off Cabo San Lucas We dinghy into boat harbor and left dinghy in there at a dinghy dock.
Mag bay and Turtle Bay Are both great stops and fairly protected. Do not have my anchor positions. They are probably the only 2 safe spots between Ensenada and Cabo.
After leaving Ensenada we did a 260 mile sail to Turtle bay. It was light wind sailing puttering along at 2 to 4 knots with wind from behind except near the end where we got 25 to 30 knots for the last 2 hours before our anchorage, probably motored about a third of the distance and spent 2 nights at sea. Spent 3 days here relaxing and exploring the small dusty town. Hiked up the local hill with large crucifix on top. Hung out a bit with the crew of Arena and also Zeba both Canadian boats.
Left Nov 24 around 1030am after the wind came up For Mag bay about 240 miles. Had good sailing for the first day and a half then wind died and we went back to motoring so got the water maker going and made lots of water. Have only seen one day of rain since we left Vancouver. Motor and sailed off and on until we arrived at Bahia Santa Maria which is 18 miles North of Mag bay, we changed our minds along the way and decided to pull in this bay, a very beatuful wild place. Just before arriving we saw a bunch of rays with about a 4 ft wing span leaping high out of the water and flapping there wings and then falling back in. (see video above) Also saw the odd whale go buy. Used our inflatable kayak to get ashore through the surf and walked a few miles along this incredible beach, no houses anywhere and sand dunes out back of it. there was a tiny fishing camp at one end with a few poor fishermen. Had our first dip in the ocean as it is finally warming up, 75 degrees now.
Left after 2 nights at Bahia saint maira and had a good sail all the way to Mag bay. Anchored off the small village here about 5 miles up from bay entrance. Very poor village here with many of the house without roofs which they lost in a hurrican this year. Hiked up a local hill here with Jack from the boat water dog. Lots of cactus to scramble around on the way up the hill.
Left the following morning as the wind picked up and had one of our best sails yet with the wind from behing at 18 to 20 knots. We were figuring maybe 2 nights to do the 150 miles to Cabo if we sailed rather than motor but we were ripping along at 4.5 to 8 knots all day and night that when the wind died we were only 30 miles from Cabo so motored the last bit to try and get there before dark which we failed to do as had a strong current against us as we rounded the south end of the Baha peninsula. But is a wide open bay with no dangers so went in in the dark with the full moon.
Tried the computer and with our fancy wi-fi booster got on one of the hotels internet so can do all this sitting in the boat rather than a coffee shop and listening to the music coming of the beach. Will spent maybe 2 days here and then move on to La Paz so will be out of contact again for about week.
Info:
Anchored in 55ft at 22 53.297 109 53.283 off Cabo San Lucas We dinghy into boat harbor and left dinghy in there at a dinghy dock.
Mag bay and Turtle Bay Are both great stops and fairly protected. Do not have my anchor positions. They are probably the only 2 safe spots between Ensenada and Cabo.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Buenos Dias Now In Ensenada
After a light wind sail arrived in Ensenada this morning. Left San Diego at 2pm with the tide and a light afternoon breeze to help us along. Mostly sailed with a bit of motoring during night and some again in the morning. Called the marina operator on the vhf and he said he would be down on the dock in a minute. We were not sure which dock to dock at and then somebody whistles and waves us over to a slip which did not seem quite right, as we head over the real dock guy waves us over to the other dock, ah Mexico, we just had our first scam tried on us.
Turns out today, Monday is a holiday, so alot of things closed including customs. Our dock guy, Roger, says we can do it tomorrow. Hope he is right. $30 dollars for a marina slip, including showers and wi fi. Bought some Stugeron for Dorothy to try, although she has been pretty good latley with seasickness. Will stay here 2 nights, and then a longer haul to turtle bay, about 260 miles. May be up to 3 weeks before can up date here as I dont think there is any Internet until La Paz. Its about 800 miles to La Paz and will make 2 stops of 2 or 3 days each on the way to La Paz.
Got Customs and Immigration done on Tuesday Nov 17. It took three and a half hours, missed my morning coffee break and bun. But it was an interesting expierience.
Info:
This is being added a year later so relying on log book and memory. In Ensenada We used Marina Baha Naval and from what we heard later it is your best choice or it was back then. Roger was great took carry of everything and helped with customs. Had good showers and wifi. I believe you can only anchor out if the marinas are full.
Customs and immigration, the whole lot was in one big office and you go in a circle to get it all done, easy, just takes 3 hours, had to goto to room next door to photo copy several things for customs, all part of the show. We did not get a fishing license as am allergic to fish. Was never hassled about it. We did not get Mexican boat insurance. We did have a copy of my 3rd party boat insurance from Vancouver. Boat is not insured Every marina in Mexico asked to see this boat insurance form. They just copied it never looked at it. Never was hassled about Mexican boat insurance. We did pay the$40 for boat import permit which was asked for at every marina.
When checking in at a Mexican marina bring all your customs, passports all paper work to its office.
Turns out today, Monday is a holiday, so alot of things closed including customs. Our dock guy, Roger, says we can do it tomorrow. Hope he is right. $30 dollars for a marina slip, including showers and wi fi. Bought some Stugeron for Dorothy to try, although she has been pretty good latley with seasickness. Will stay here 2 nights, and then a longer haul to turtle bay, about 260 miles. May be up to 3 weeks before can up date here as I dont think there is any Internet until La Paz. Its about 800 miles to La Paz and will make 2 stops of 2 or 3 days each on the way to La Paz.
Got Customs and Immigration done on Tuesday Nov 17. It took three and a half hours, missed my morning coffee break and bun. But it was an interesting expierience.
Info:
This is being added a year later so relying on log book and memory. In Ensenada We used Marina Baha Naval and from what we heard later it is your best choice or it was back then. Roger was great took carry of everything and helped with customs. Had good showers and wifi. I believe you can only anchor out if the marinas are full.
Customs and immigration, the whole lot was in one big office and you go in a circle to get it all done, easy, just takes 3 hours, had to goto to room next door to photo copy several things for customs, all part of the show. We did not get a fishing license as am allergic to fish. Was never hassled about it. We did not get Mexican boat insurance. We did have a copy of my 3rd party boat insurance from Vancouver. Boat is not insured Every marina in Mexico asked to see this boat insurance form. They just copied it never looked at it. Never was hassled about Mexican boat insurance. We did pay the$40 for boat import permit which was asked for at every marina.
When checking in at a Mexican marina bring all your customs, passports all paper work to its office.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Mexico next stop
After 11 days here we are anxious to get on the move. Bought a few toys here and got a few projects done and played tourist some. Visited the San Diego zoo. The bikes have really been useful to visit all the stores as it is a long walk otherewise. Our 10 days are up to stay at the police dock, so moved out to the weekend anchorage at La Playa (10 minutes by boat) and dinghyed ashore for email and some last minute provisioning. Hope to leave Sunday for Ensenada. The Fubar power boat Ba Ha Ha Ha leaves Saturday, so we want to miss that.
Uploaded a video of dolphins swimming under the bow, this happened several times coming down the California coast, they seem to be drawn to the boat like a magnet.
Uploaded a video of dolphins swimming under the bow, this happened several times coming down the California coast, they seem to be drawn to the boat like a magnet.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
San Diego, Mexico next stop.
Our 2nd last night at Cat Island a big blow came through and we gave our 55lb Rocna anchor its first good test, It was forecast to gust to 35, but many gusts to 45 were measured do to local conditions. A big ketch dragged across the bay before they got their engine going. and a couple of other boats went to mooring buoys.
Left Catalina island bright and early at 4am ato get to Oceanside as a NE wind was forecast, but a N wind came up and we made Dana Point which was closer. Arrived around 3:30 pm and anchored in a tiny anchorage. A navy helicopter anb Coast guard plane collided that morning about 30 miles from us and 9 people killed.
Next day headed down to Mission Bay and anchored in a beatiful bay lots of room and beaches all around. Big grocery store 25 min walk away, with a great walk down seawall, where you could watch the surfers or shop in many small shops. After 3 days left Monday morning Nov 2 to arrive at Shelter Island in San Diego. They sent out a welcoming commettee of 2 submarines and a aircraft carrier as we were coming up the channel. But then we had to get out of channel to let them by, and their security boats buzzed around us to make sure we did not attack them.
We heard a group of whales attacked and sank a J120 a few days ago off the Baha coast they hit the spade rudder and the water came up through the shaft hole and it sank in 5 minutes, crew was rescued ok. Going to hangout here for about 10 days. No interenet near by so cant do to many emails.
Left Catalina island bright and early at 4am ato get to Oceanside as a NE wind was forecast, but a N wind came up and we made Dana Point which was closer. Arrived around 3:30 pm and anchored in a tiny anchorage. A navy helicopter anb Coast guard plane collided that morning about 30 miles from us and 9 people killed.
Next day headed down to Mission Bay and anchored in a beatiful bay lots of room and beaches all around. Big grocery store 25 min walk away, with a great walk down seawall, where you could watch the surfers or shop in many small shops. After 3 days left Monday morning Nov 2 to arrive at Shelter Island in San Diego. They sent out a welcoming commettee of 2 submarines and a aircraft carrier as we were coming up the channel. But then we had to get out of channel to let them by, and their security boats buzzed around us to make sure we did not attack them.
We heard a group of whales attacked and sank a J120 a few days ago off the Baha coast they hit the spade rudder and the water came up through the shaft hole and it sank in 5 minutes, crew was rescued ok. Going to hangout here for about 10 days. No interenet near by so cant do to many emails.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Santa Catalina
After Santa Barbara we headed out to the channel islands, with the first stop at Santa Cruz. Dropped anchor just before dark, did not go ashore as a surf landing and getting dark and an early start tomorrow. Fantastic view sailing around the island, mostly motoring that is, as little wind all day.
Up at 3am next morning to try and get to Santa Catalina before dark, 68 miles. There is a strong current until almost noon keeping our speed down. Arrived at 5pm and dropped anchor in Catalina bay. The weather is always sunny with a few fog patches in California, warm days and cool nights, perfect. Several times today we had dophins swimming under our bow jumping and dodging, put on a great show.
Using our small water maker (Katadyne 40E) to make drinking water now, as the water from Santa Barbara tastes awful and we just us it for cooking and cleaning.
Did a hike up a 1800ft hill up a steep footpath near the anchorage for some much needed exercise. then walked across to Two Harbors for coffee and scone and a look around. Beautiful place, lots of palm trees. A treat for us people from up north. We are doing this blog at a picnic table on the beach under a shade palm, what more could you ask for.
Today (Oct 25 Sun) did a hike up another 2000ft hill got 50cent showers afterwards.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Content below added by the couch potatoes on land back in B.C.
Nice video tour of Santa Catalina Island is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzTuZOtI0Fg
Here is the video of the dolphins that Brian didn't manage to get:
(you have to beat this video with your new camera Brian, that is your challenge this month)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmI25wIL_oY
(added by GV for Brian)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Up at 3am next morning to try and get to Santa Catalina before dark, 68 miles. There is a strong current until almost noon keeping our speed down. Arrived at 5pm and dropped anchor in Catalina bay. The weather is always sunny with a few fog patches in California, warm days and cool nights, perfect. Several times today we had dophins swimming under our bow jumping and dodging, put on a great show.
Using our small water maker (Katadyne 40E) to make drinking water now, as the water from Santa Barbara tastes awful and we just us it for cooking and cleaning.
Did a hike up a 1800ft hill up a steep footpath near the anchorage for some much needed exercise. then walked across to Two Harbors for coffee and scone and a look around. Beautiful place, lots of palm trees. A treat for us people from up north. We are doing this blog at a picnic table on the beach under a shade palm, what more could you ask for.
Today (Oct 25 Sun) did a hike up another 2000ft hill got 50cent showers afterwards.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Content below added by the couch potatoes on land back in B.C.
Nice video tour of Santa Catalina Island is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzTuZOtI0Fg
Here is the video of the dolphins that Brian didn't manage to get:
(you have to beat this video with your new camera Brian, that is your challenge this month)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmI25wIL_oY
(added by GV for Brian)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Santa Barbara
Sorry about the delay here. Our last email spot had this website blocked and could not get to it, must have thought it was a evil sight. (Sorry Barb.)
The Big blow came through Monteray while we were at the dock, it was like a big winter storm in Vancouver, heavy rain all day only even windier than Vancouver. Trees down, twigs all over our boat deck, and some flooding in the area. They said it was the biggest Ocotober storm since 1962.
We left a day later after the seas settled a bit and did an over night sail to Morro bay. about 105 miles down the coast, sailed about half of the distance in a moderate nw wind. Was huge and somewhat caotic swells until we rounded Cape Sur. We spent a couple of days in Morro bay anchored out in channel with a very strong tidal flow, need the engine to get the dinghy ashore, no rowing here.
Sunday Oct 18 left Morro bay for Santa Barbara, another overnight sail. I stayed up all night and let Dorothy sleep. It as a much busyier night that the last overnighter. I got almost no cat naps in. The wind was up and down all night and oil rigs and boats to dodge. We started out motoring for a few hours and then a nw wind came up and got some nice sailing. Then it kept rising until we were down to the 3rd reef with most of genoa rolled up, and wind stay like this until we rounded pt Conception. Then wind died and back to motoring, and then wind back up on a beam reach and we sailed nicely for an hour and then wind was up very strong on the beam I took all sail down for an hour and sailed along at 3 knots and more with no sail and no engine. Got Dorothy up briefly to help as could not get mainsail down in the strong wind without turning the boat into it. The last hour into Santa Barbara we motoring in calm seas, lots of oil rigs around.
Arrived about 1030 am in Santa Barbara and stayed in the marina for the next 3 days, Very nice place, getting around on our bikes as things are spread out. Bike lanes around so cycling is good. So far no boat problems to fix, except touch up a couple of rust zits I saw just starting deck. Also lost the end of my autopilot cable that attaches to trim tab, made up a new one out of a piece of aluminum while under way in about 20 minites.
Maybe heading South Tomorrow still deciding on next stop. Later.
The Big blow came through Monteray while we were at the dock, it was like a big winter storm in Vancouver, heavy rain all day only even windier than Vancouver. Trees down, twigs all over our boat deck, and some flooding in the area. They said it was the biggest Ocotober storm since 1962.
We left a day later after the seas settled a bit and did an over night sail to Morro bay. about 105 miles down the coast, sailed about half of the distance in a moderate nw wind. Was huge and somewhat caotic swells until we rounded Cape Sur. We spent a couple of days in Morro bay anchored out in channel with a very strong tidal flow, need the engine to get the dinghy ashore, no rowing here.
Sunday Oct 18 left Morro bay for Santa Barbara, another overnight sail. I stayed up all night and let Dorothy sleep. It as a much busyier night that the last overnighter. I got almost no cat naps in. The wind was up and down all night and oil rigs and boats to dodge. We started out motoring for a few hours and then a nw wind came up and got some nice sailing. Then it kept rising until we were down to the 3rd reef with most of genoa rolled up, and wind stay like this until we rounded pt Conception. Then wind died and back to motoring, and then wind back up on a beam reach and we sailed nicely for an hour and then wind was up very strong on the beam I took all sail down for an hour and sailed along at 3 knots and more with no sail and no engine. Got Dorothy up briefly to help as could not get mainsail down in the strong wind without turning the boat into it. The last hour into Santa Barbara we motoring in calm seas, lots of oil rigs around.
Arrived about 1030 am in Santa Barbara and stayed in the marina for the next 3 days, Very nice place, getting around on our bikes as things are spread out. Bike lanes around so cycling is good. So far no boat problems to fix, except touch up a couple of rust zits I saw just starting deck. Also lost the end of my autopilot cable that attaches to trim tab, made up a new one out of a piece of aluminum while under way in about 20 minites.
Maybe heading South Tomorrow still deciding on next stop. Later.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Monterey Ca
Left San Francisco 5 days ago, motored with some sailing to Halfmoon bay, perfect anchorage in 15ft of water, lots of room. We took out the bikes for a great cycle down their seawall trail to the main town where the bigger grocery stores are. six mile round trip.
We cut our visit short after 2 days, as a big system was coming through on Tuesday, and did not want to be stuck here until then. So did the 45 miles down to Santa Cruz and spent the night there in a open anchorage, but it was a quite night except for the hundreds of sea lions barking all night. Then today motored and sailed some to stay at the marina at Monterey for the next 4 or 5 days. Sounds like a gale coming through for a day or two. But the radio is saying there could be flooding and trees down in the area.
We cut our visit short after 2 days, as a big system was coming through on Tuesday, and did not want to be stuck here until then. So did the 45 miles down to Santa Cruz and spent the night there in a open anchorage, but it was a quite night except for the hundreds of sea lions barking all night. Then today motored and sailed some to stay at the marina at Monterey for the next 4 or 5 days. Sounds like a gale coming through for a day or two. But the radio is saying there could be flooding and trees down in the area.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
We made it.!! Arrived in San Fransisco last night after a non-stop trip down the coast from Neah bay in six and a half days. Anchored off Sausalito in Richardson bay 5:30pm Friday night. We did hardly any sailing all summer and the 3 days to Neah bay were dead calm and motoring, so next day when we entered the real ocean with a good breeze blowing the ocean was quit boisterous especially heading out from Cape Flattery, It was a fast change and Dorothy got sea sick by the evening. and never really recovered fully until San Franciso.
After rounding Cape Flattery the sailing was perfect, a 10 to 20 knot West wind all day and well into the night. The wind vane of Brent Swains design (a $100 dollars worth of parts) did a sterling job, just as well as the $4000 models. Decided not to go out as far offshore as had planned since Dorothy wasn't feeling great. After 1 in the morning got the engine going when wind died to nothing. We motored all the next morning then sailed again with a light North wind sailing wing on wing. Just after dark the wind started getting stronger after a hour I put our almost never used 3rd reef in the main as we were getting over 7 knots and only 6ft of genoa out. But soon our heavy steel boat was going 7 knots again, it was pitch black, no moon and I could only here the large seas breaking around us and for someone new at this it was getting scary. In the daylight I could judge how the boat was doing, but not in the black. So I hove-to and this felt safer and just drifted along until about 4am and then started sailing again as wind died a bit, with same sails up but at a more sedate 3- 5 knots.
We dont have a wind speed indicater so can only guess at wind speeds, the forecast was for n wind in the 30+ knot range. Next couple of days we sailed and motor sailed off and on saw sea lions following us and one surfing the waves. For the night sailing it was real nice having the radar with the guard band to help keep watch as I did the night watches by myself.
At Cape Mendicino there was a dangerous seas and gale warning on vhf weather radio beyond the 10 mile offshore mark. We were about 15 out so started angling in. As soon as it got dark the wind started (never in the daytime) and we had a repeat of 2 nights ago. this time I took the main down completely and left 5 or 6 ft of genoa out and ran through night like this with N wind dead on stern. Wind vane did great. This worked good but rolled quite a bit. side deck often awash.
In the daylight you could see the large breaking crests and steep waves. Late in day we were back to motoring Friday was foggy as we approached San Fransico 1/4 mile visiblity and then it started to lift as we passed under bridge. Chart plotter and radar again handy.
We are really enjoying Sausalito, lots to do here. Yesterday, did a hike into the hills behind Sausalito and over to the Golden gate.
After rounding Cape Flattery the sailing was perfect, a 10 to 20 knot West wind all day and well into the night. The wind vane of Brent Swains design (a $100 dollars worth of parts) did a sterling job, just as well as the $4000 models. Decided not to go out as far offshore as had planned since Dorothy wasn't feeling great. After 1 in the morning got the engine going when wind died to nothing. We motored all the next morning then sailed again with a light North wind sailing wing on wing. Just after dark the wind started getting stronger after a hour I put our almost never used 3rd reef in the main as we were getting over 7 knots and only 6ft of genoa out. But soon our heavy steel boat was going 7 knots again, it was pitch black, no moon and I could only here the large seas breaking around us and for someone new at this it was getting scary. In the daylight I could judge how the boat was doing, but not in the black. So I hove-to and this felt safer and just drifted along until about 4am and then started sailing again as wind died a bit, with same sails up but at a more sedate 3- 5 knots.
We dont have a wind speed indicater so can only guess at wind speeds, the forecast was for n wind in the 30+ knot range. Next couple of days we sailed and motor sailed off and on saw sea lions following us and one surfing the waves. For the night sailing it was real nice having the radar with the guard band to help keep watch as I did the night watches by myself.
At Cape Mendicino there was a dangerous seas and gale warning on vhf weather radio beyond the 10 mile offshore mark. We were about 15 out so started angling in. As soon as it got dark the wind started (never in the daytime) and we had a repeat of 2 nights ago. this time I took the main down completely and left 5 or 6 ft of genoa out and ran through night like this with N wind dead on stern. Wind vane did great. This worked good but rolled quite a bit. side deck often awash.
In the daylight you could see the large breaking crests and steep waves. Late in day we were back to motoring Friday was foggy as we approached San Fransico 1/4 mile visiblity and then it started to lift as we passed under bridge. Chart plotter and radar again handy.
We are really enjoying Sausalito, lots to do here. Yesterday, did a hike into the hills behind Sausalito and over to the Golden gate.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Sept 16 2009. Finally underway, motored all the way to South Pender for the night yesterday, and arrived in Port Angeles around 2:30pm today after a fast ride with the tides. Getting our cruising permit was painless, the hardest part was getting the nice customs officer through our small doorway. San Fransisco next stop and will update then.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Close to Departure
The Vancouver house is now history. We are taking the boat up to Comox to deal with the new house business on Sept 5-7. Will spent a few days there and then hope to be on our way south by Sept 14th. Now living on the boat!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Busy
Just sold the Vancouver house, and moving to a house bought in Comox and getting the boat ready for the big trip, so things are hectic. Still hoping to get away buy the first or 2nd week in Sept.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Start of World Cruise in Vancouver.
This is the first post for the start of what we hope is a Circumnavigation. This blog evolves and changes as time goes by and we learn. You will see that after we pass the Mexican coast I start to add more cruising information. We have often used other peoples blogs to get information on places we will be soon visiting, so am returning the favor for people coming behind us by including the most important information that cruisers look for. Most of the info starts after past Mexico.
PLEASE NOTE, I have tried to be accurate with information supplied but I can and do make mistakes so do not rely on any information supplied and some info is just my opinion and not nesacarily fact.
PLEASE NOTE, I have tried to be accurate with information supplied but I can and do make mistakes so do not rely on any information supplied and some info is just my opinion and not nesacarily fact.
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