AWAY WE GO AGAIN!

I just had the most peaceful morning at anchor, hanging out on Falcon all by myself.  Quite rare really.  More on that in a moment, though.

My view...

On Sunday, March 1, we finally left Marina La Paz after our extended stay.  Being at a marina has its benefits, especially for provisioning, having internet, power and water, visiting the chandleries, getting the laundry done, meeting up with friends, etc. but being away from a marina has far more benefits mentally for us.

The last few days in La Paz, since returning from Canada, were hectic.  We had to install our new traveller system for the mainsail, re-bed the aft hatch, rewire two lights in the aft head and then put the headliner back up. We also had to provision since we’ll be away from civilization for a few weeks. We worked 10 hours a day for four days, collapsing near 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday afternoon we left and promptly anchored only 10 minutes away, off of El Mogote, but it felt like we were 100 miles away. Untying the lines is so incredibly freeing!

Here we are  in La Paz at the bridge where we put our love padlock

At anchor off of El Megote in La Paz

The porpoises swimming at the anchorage off of La Paz

We spent the rest of the day relaxing and watching dozens of porpoises swimming around our boats while the odd sea ray lept out of the water.  On Monday morning we motored north to Playa Bonanza on the east side of Isla Esperitu Santo, only three hours away.  Our good friends, Doug and Martha Towle, on Thea, left La Paz at the same time.  We’ll be buddy boating for a few days before they return to La Paz then on to Ontario as Martha’s mom is in failing health.  As we travel we’ll also meet up with other north-bound cruising friends heading towards Santa Rosalia and Guaymas on the mainland.

As soon as we were both anchored off of the white sandy beach we headed to shore for a long beach walk.  We noticed one lone tree that warranted a picture, since it is so rare.

The view of our newly painted outboard and Bahia Bonanza

The lone tree on the beach

Our steps sunk into the mixture of seashells and sand, giving our feet and legs a good work out.  We paddled in the crystal clear but cool water looking for rays and dolphins off the beach.  The four of us gathered after dinner for “Wizard”, a card game that Doug and Martha generously gave us for our games library.

Both couples agreed to meet in the morning for a 3 hour hike across the island to Bahia San Gabriel but since my back was acting up I decided to stay on Falcon with an ice pack. It was odd watching Jim, Doug and Martha heading to shore without me. The weather was warm but overcast with little wind so I perched quietly on the side deck and reflected on my surroundings.  The fickle sun peeked through the clouds from time to time, illuminating the hills and cacti above the beach.   Kayakers always enjoy the sheltered bays of Esperitu Santos and a cluster of white tents stood above the water’s edge awaiting their return from a paddle. The skies opened up for a while and our decks were washed clean by a light rain. I read, prepped lunch and contemplated making appies and dinner for the hikers.  I really enjoyed my quiet time but enough was enough!

Tents used by kayakers at Bahia Bonanza.
By the next morning they were all gone!

My view from Bahia Bonanza during my day of relaxing

Clouds and sun chasing each other across the anchorage

That small dip to the left is the trail between Bahia Bonanza and
San Gabriel on the other side of Esperitu Santos

We had a great meal together, followed by a game of Hearts before bed.  The next day we motored around to Bahia San Gabriel on the southwest end of Esperitu Santos for another couple of days, enjoying both the beach and the hiking.  The trail across the island was the flattest yet but hot with the mid-day sun forcing us back to our boats for lunch and rest in the shade.

After six wonderful days cruising with Doug and Martha, we faced their departure with sadness. We‘re sad that Martha’s Mom is not doing so well.  We’re sad that they are returning to Canada earlier than anticipated and we’re sad because we’re going to miss them but we know there will be plenty of opportunities for us to get together in the coming months and years.  Given the circumstances, we would have done exactly the same thing.

So we're cruising again and happy to be doing it.  More to come!

Tricia and Jim Bowen
S/V Falcon VII