Underway Again, almost
Woo Hoo!!!
We needed to be underway again. We had resigned ourselves to being on land for a year or so... but a few things worked in our favor. First, the economy sucks. So, if were going to be broke.... might as well be broke floating in paradise. Second, a wonderful friend and neighbor wanted to lease our house. Yep, time to get back on the boat.
We packed up some stuff to make a run to Mexico and start putting gear back on the boat. Hurricane Jimena was looming around Mexico, so we checked the latest weather while in Tucson. Yep, good to go. The hurricane is staying on the Pacific side. Who'd a thunk that it would split and cross over to Guaymas/San Carlos just as we arrived??? Officially it was just a tropical storm when it hit. But then it stalled right over us. The winds weren't so bad, but the area got three years worth of rain in 24-hours. Mud slides and flooding. No electricity, no running water (like to flush a toilet) for three days. And to make it worse, the highway washed out, so we couldn't get back to Tucson for a few days. At least wine doesn't require refrigeration... We enjoyed an evening of stories and laughter with a couple from Germany a gentleman from Mexico City, and the hotel desk clerk. We were all stranded, so we decided to celebrate newfound friends.
On our return trip to stay and work on the boat... it started out bad. Like when the Mexico customs agent waves me under a canopy for inspection. The canopy is 11'8" (now marked, but not then), and our trailer needs 12' to clear the air conditioner. So, now were back in sweltering Mexico with no airconditioner.
But our work continues. Bottom paint, rebedding the bobstay fitting, fixing the bowsprit platform, cleaning 18 months worth of dust down below, and doing some canvas work. Plus work on the engine, cleaning the water tanks, and putting all the gear and sails back where they belong. After a few weeks, 'Victoria Rose' was finally ready to go back in the water.... where she is happiest.
After some time at the dock in Guaymas (and a wonderful cruisers Thanksgiving) we were ready to head out. We were going to buddy-sail to La Paz with the wonderful cruising couple (Jim and Karen) on SV Plum Nuts. As fate would have it, we attempted to leave port on a Friday.... bad luck according to sailor's superstition. Normally, we don't heed these things... but in this case, we got the crap beat out of us as we headed into the Sea of Cortez. Three of us (boats) headed out... all three of us tucked our tails between our legs and headed to a quiet cove... to wait, hopefully tomorrow would be better. So, another opportunity to open a bottle of wine (or two) and host a spaghetti dinner with our new friends from SV Periclees (from Vancouver Island, BC) and SV Plum Nuts. 'Plum Nuts' headed back to Guaymas the next day, so Periclees and Victoria Rose headed across 'to the other side'. Great sail. But then the winds were kicking up and the Sea was supposed to be a bit rough for the next few days. So we tucked into Puerto Ballandra on Isla Carmen to wait for decent conditions. On day 2, one of the radio nets put out a request to locate on an overdue boat... Heck, they were anchored right next to us (the only two boats in the cove) and the crew of SV China Girl were on board the previous night for a movie, popcorn, and a bit of wine (kinda rough while were waiting out a storm). We reported their location and that all was fine... and the crew came over that day to send e-mails to the concerned parties.
The weather calms, and we continue south- first to Puerto Escondido for a day, then to Agua Verde. As we drop anchor in Agua Verde, a young man rows up in what appeared to be a derelict rowboat with makeshift sail. "Great, someone is going to try to sell us some fish" I mentioned to Cindy. Nope. The young man had run up on a reef three days prior, and we were the first folks he saw, and this was his first time ashore since the incident. He was fine... and was just looking for a ride back to Puerto Escondido, of which the local fishermen obliged.
Then off to La Paz and then the crossing back to the mainland side of Mexico..
So far, all of this has been backtracking... so our real adventure in new locations is just now starting. Stay tuned........
TS Jimena dumped a lot of rain into Guaymas
This is the pool at our hotel
Unfortunate boat in San Carlos bay
We're amazed with how fast the locals started on the clean-up and restoring services.
All the stress of the storm and embarassment of getting the truck stuck... Cindy feels that shopping is in order
But wait, there's a 'back road', and with 4wd we should be able to make it. Oops.
Our trip back to Mexico didn't start off to great. This WAS our air conditioner on the trailer
We provided entertainment for the local kids. Cindy won't get out of the truck.
The main (only) highway out of Guaymas was washed out, including several bridges. Within 3-days they had detours set up and the highway open. Kudos to the Mexico workers.
So, with a comadeered truck... and some effort, we're free. Embarassed, but free
Or a new tiara for the potluck cruisers get-togethers
The Policia arrive. Dumb gringos are blocking the only way out of here.
Perhaps a new boat bag to carry supplies ashore...
The bridge/road into San Carlos. We weren't going anywhere...
Thanksgiving... time to relax a bit and enjoy the company of our cruising friends
Thanksgiving is over... time to decorate the tree and put 'Victoria Rose' in her festive Christmas attire
The work continues as Cindy repairs some of the canvas
Our Thanksgiving in Guaymas photo
.... cleaning the cabin
And 'Victoria Rose' is ready to go back in the water
...Fixing the anchor platform and bobstay fittings
About 50 cruisers and marina staff participated in a fantastic potluck
But we have work to do... new bottom paint
Jim & Karen from 'SV Plum Nuts'. We spent quite a bit of time together
'Victoria Rose' and 'Plum Nuts' preparing to get underway
Cindy and Karen comparing last minute cruising details
Cindy plots our course
Sunrise underway in the Sea of Cortez. Photo by Cindy. Good job
Celebrating our 28th anniversary
Cindy in rare early morning appearance on deck
An ovenight anchor at Puerto Escondido
Arrived and docked in La Paz. They put us with the 'big guys'. You might be able to see our stern between the Oyster 72 and the power boat.
Enjoyed Christmas dinner with Sharon (being elusive) and Richard from SV Dream Ketcher. Enjoyed a bottle of wine... or two
Every REAL sailing vessel has a parrot aboard....
Next stop.... Mazatlan!!!
Underway at last. Destination: La Paz
