Summer in the Sea - 2008 Part 3 - Santa Rosalia to Bahia de Los Angeles
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The storm passed and at the end of Aug. we headed for Caleta Blanca on Isla de las
Animas. This would be a new area for us to discover as we hadn't visited last year. In route
our timing was poor; we were met with a strong negative current that not only slowed our
progress but presented us with some steep waves to bash into. The water was swirling about
and gave the effect of whirlpools in all directions. All in all, although a bit uncomfortable, the
trip went well. We set the anchor at 1:00PM in 18' of water at high tide, since we were
expecting an 8-9' tidal drop and we weren't familiar with the contour of the ocean floor.
Didn't want to wake up and be sitting on the shores. or worse, rocks!
Animas. This would be a new area for us to discover as we hadn't visited last year. In route
our timing was poor; we were met with a strong negative current that not only slowed our
progress but presented us with some steep waves to bash into. The water was swirling about
and gave the effect of whirlpools in all directions. All in all, although a bit uncomfortable, the
trip went well. We set the anchor at 1:00PM in 18' of water at high tide, since we were
expecting an 8-9' tidal drop and we weren't familiar with the contour of the ocean floor.
Didn't want to wake up and be sitting on the shores. or worse, rocks!
| Wildlife is the largest draw in the Sea of Cortez. Every day we were entertained by watching dolphins (above) or the music of all types of birds including pelicans (below) |
| John was the "on the water" weather reporter. He "interpreted" the weather forecasts several times a day and made announcements via VHF and SSB to anyone willing (wanting) to listen within range. His diligence kept us out of harms way! |
| Have we ever mentioned the stingrays? We sure should have! They are everywhere, all the time. They range is size from 2" diameter to over 3'. So, shuffle those feet and/or wear your footwear when at the beach! |
| The doctor had said we should eat more fish..and John didn't need any more incentive than that! |
| My favorite part of the boat is the cockpit, I can read, star gaze, photograph the wildlife and shower. |
| Looks like we'll be having a yummy meal with this Barred Pargo! |
| Annie and Casey of V'ger are hard core sailors. The wind was a lovely 20+ knots and here they come with both sails furled. Nothing like having the rail in the water, huh? Now, no big deal, right? Well take a look at the narrow channel (far right). There's very little room for error when passing through. Rocks and reefs reach to just under the surface. One wrong move and a hull puncture is likely. WE go around the island and play it safe! |
| One of our favorite spots is Isla Salsipuedes. We prefer to stay in the north slot but the wind was blowing from the north east making a stay there impossible. Many cruisers forego this island and anchorages because it's a challenge to get to and escape from. The area is susceptible to frequent wind direction changes. The slots are very narrow with high rock walls on each side. Bow and stern anchors are recommended A shift in wind (and thus swell), means you have to be ready at any time to pull up anchor and move out. And it always seems to work that way. It's easy to be deceived by this anchorage. By most accounts, the sun will be shining, the waters warm and calm upon a daytime arrival . You feel like you've just discovered heaven. At dusk the winds start to pick up as do the seas. If you've played your cards right you're in the protected anchorage. If not, well, you have to leave ...when it's dark and nasty, often in the company of thunder and lightening! It's not one of those places where you can truly let your guard down. Nevertheless, it's simply beautiful! |
| Next stop- Isla Salsipuedes! |
| Our boogie board doubles as a floating bar. An evening cocktail is prepared by Paul (s/v Tequila Rose) while Kathy and I wade water patiently. Somebody had to take the photo...thanks, John! |
| The Rose's have a single inflatable kayak but were anxious to try our tandem one. Left, right, not exactly in sync but it takes some practice |
| While cruising we accumulate trash. The non- biodegradable stuff has to be burned. Hence, John and Paul took on that responsibility. They are returning from duty.. |
| A (very) brief stop at Isla Partida |
I couldn't locate any photos of Isla Partida but I do have my log
entry. We were very disappointed in the anchorage(and perhaps
that's why we don't have photos). The water was pea soup green
and about 90 degrees. The cliff along the west side of the
anchorage was the home of many thousands of birds. Where
birds live, they poop. The breeze carried the scent of bird poop
over our boat all afternoon. John was stung by a bee (not an
unusual thing to have happen but still.....). I decided to take a
swim while John napped. I was almost to shore when my left arm
from elbow to wrist started burning. I thought I could wipe the
pain away but in doing so it just got worse. I swam back to the
boat for some first aid to what we now determined to be agua
mali stings. A good soaking of vinegar and a bit of time took care
of the problem By morning all evidence and pain was gone. We
moved on to the next stop. No sense in staying in a place like this!
entry. We were very disappointed in the anchorage(and perhaps
that's why we don't have photos). The water was pea soup green
and about 90 degrees. The cliff along the west side of the
anchorage was the home of many thousands of birds. Where
birds live, they poop. The breeze carried the scent of bird poop
over our boat all afternoon. John was stung by a bee (not an
unusual thing to have happen but still.....). I decided to take a
swim while John napped. I was almost to shore when my left arm
from elbow to wrist started burning. I thought I could wipe the
pain away but in doing so it just got worse. I swam back to the
boat for some first aid to what we now determined to be agua
mali stings. A good soaking of vinegar and a bit of time took care
of the problem By morning all evidence and pain was gone. We
moved on to the next stop. No sense in staying in a place like this!
| Bahia El Pescador |
| We spent a few days at El Pescador. It, too, was very nice and secluded. There was a great beach for picnics and hiking. This was our first stop to this anchorage; we returned later in the season on our way south. |
| Bahia de Los Angeles...the "hurricane" safety region |
By the time we made it to BLA, as it's called, most of the other cruising boats had been
there several weeks. They were able to supply us with info critical to survival on the water:
where are the stores; what day of the week are the fresh veggies brought in; which place
offers fresh eggs, best taco stands, Internet café location; bars that offer 2 for 1's and a
hot shower. You know, the important stuff! Between BLA and the surrounding islands
we spent a few weeks while waiting for hurricane season to pass.
there several weeks. They were able to supply us with info critical to survival on the water:
where are the stores; what day of the week are the fresh veggies brought in; which place
offers fresh eggs, best taco stands, Internet café location; bars that offer 2 for 1's and a
hot shower. You know, the important stuff! Between BLA and the surrounding islands
we spent a few weeks while waiting for hurricane season to pass.
| The Full Moon Party starring Casey of V'ger. The party just wouldn't be complete without this years PACIFICO PIN UP PAL! |
| Typically, Full Moon Parties are held in summer during the full moon. There are several locations with estuaries that fill up at high tide and the water rushes out into the Sea as the levels subside. This is a perfect time to "surf" those rapids, stay cool and socialize. This particular event was held at La Gringa |
| Guard Dog Rocky (s/v Milagro) is not waiting for mom and dad..he swims to the party |
| Buster (s/v Ceilidh) takes a rest on our cool boogie board (it really is a multi-purpose item) |
| Patrick (s/v 4 P.A.C.K) is always ready for fun! |
| The crowd gathers in anticipation of great rushing currents to take them out. |
| John converses with a man who has actually traveled by truck camper to spend time in BLA |
| Paul and Kathy floating lazily downstream |
| So these are the rapids? Fun! Just my speed! |
| Really, this isn't such a bad way to spend a day! |
| Clearly Buster doesn't want to get his feet wet. He's waiting for that dry landing |