Back from the Islands

Well we now know why so many choose not to go further then the inside islands of Baja. If you could imagine, that without trees, there could be such beauty. Kim Will post pictures later. We Joined our friends the day they carrined (put the boat on the hard) thier boat Mishach, a triamaran they sailed over from Hawaii, they are from the Island, Kuwai. Other friends,What cha gonna do, were ahead of us by a day. We had the  most lovely time on a low tide beach, the kids ran, dug holes, beach combed, and played till it was dark. I think it was the great escape, the freedom to just run. La Paz is tricky that way, it can lull you into it's comforts, that make it hard to leave. We realized we had over stayed when we dropped anchor and said, what took us so long. We were blessed with an awe inspiring sunset that night.
    The next day we all connected in Ensenada Grande a beautiful anchorage surounded by red cliffs, the frist night was a bit rocky because we got a westerly come through, the only side not protected, the next night Tyna maria joined us, they have 2 teen age boys and an 11 year old girl. We all had a bon fire in a box canyon beach, about a 150 ft wide\. It was just magical, the flames siliuetted on the cliff walls!
   The next day all 4 boats sailed up to Los Islotes to swim with the sea lions. we anchored off about a 100ft just off these 2 huge rocks on the north end of Esperto Santoes. The kids and us all kayaked, snorkled and swam amongst about 50 sea lions 20 or so ft off the rocks where the big bulls and mothers with there pups supervised, talk about an experiance, the 20 ft tall ,8 ft wide cave on the kayak was pretty special, it was very dark in there, and the guy at the end, 25 ft in, would let you know if you got too close.We sailed across the channel to an Island called Isla Sanfransico, 3 hr sail, the southern bay was drop your jaw gorgous. I guess thats why it made the cover of one of the crusing guides, (our bible) we acually have two others on board. We stayed here 3 nights, hiked into the hills, mined gem stones on the other side of the Island . Crossed the salt flats to the other side, on other bay on the north, found unique shells there, by the shirt full, all this without a single tree, only many types of cactus.
The day we left we sailed up to the north side of the Island where Isla Coyote is a small island with a small fishing comunitty,15 people ,we bought some jewlery and some coarse salt from them, for margaritas, what beautiful simple people, did not want to take money for the salt. Mishach had a picture with them, taken 9 yrs previous with the man still there. On the way back we couldn't resist stopping at Los Islotes where we were the onl;y 2 boats we got into our dingys and paddled through the key hole 50 ft tall 10ft wide, we did not see the first time.Iit was high tide, this was a 10 for the books. The seals were so playfull, they let Noah rub them as they swam by, a younger one took to Kim and let her rub it's belly and fins while swiming on it's back. then one tried to get into Tanyas' kayak, they all took turns playing with the ropes we trailed behind us, at one point we were were getting towed around by them. we couldn't help going into the cave again. We left to find an achorage on the east shore, very jagged and rocky, another 2 hr sail, though I think we motored.
   We chose Caleta Parteda the bay that is joined by high tide to the other side. We met Alias and Stepping Stone other freinds, all with kids. They came out to visit us on their dingys, and see if we caught any fish, Nikita had three tuna that day , we let all of them go.The next day we finished our 9 day trip, with a strong downwind sail. as we rounded the Island we set our sails, wing in wing for the last 2 hr sail back into LaPaz.   
    We expect to do more repairs, our windlass is not working again, Nikita and I lifted the chain by hand most of the trip. It sad to end a beautiful adventure, but low on food and water we return to civilization to be greated by other friends returning from there own adventures full of storys and fish tails.We talk about the up coming northerly, the preperation for crossing to the main land and the plans we have, and plans for reunions.
For now we have work to do to get Gypsywind ready for the next adventure.
      Gypsywind standing by on 22a