SHORTBREAD IN THE SEA OFCORTEZ
what a amazing experience this crossing didfor us after the husssel and bussel of La paz and doing all the projects we took on we shoved off 6 hours ahead of our dear freind Meshach, whom we have been buddy boating and sharing food and laughs. That evening we rounded the north end of Cerroval Island and headed straight for P.V. the crossing would be our longest to date as a family and we hoped for good wind and small seas. we got the small seas and the wind was not really there for the most part we sailed a bit but had to mostly motor at one point we found our selves completly alone out in the middle 24 km radius for 12 hours not a boat on the radar the seas were glass As i was memsmorized by the beauty and the oddness of it all i can say is it looked like liquid mercury and sometimes like saranwrap for as far as your eyes can focus and all through the night it was like this it made you feel super calm and weird that we were out there miles and miles in the open ocean and everything was so calm. That the day we decided to make shortbread since it was christmas coming and would be th 23rd when we got to where we were going. we hung the garlnd and made shell decorations it cheered the boat and put us in the mood.I find it funny with xmas and no snow its our first time.
we arrived in PV 23rd. with one day of shopping and a rolly anchorage. we had a good rest.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
UNTYING THE DOCK LINES
well we are leaving today, in he next hour actually, La paz has been good to us and the marina and all cruisers like family. we venture out agian to cross the gulf and onto the mainland to P.V. for xmas Victor will be meeting us there on the 29th and we are so excited to see family. we are super low key on Xmas and will put up a garland in the boat with shells we found to be festive. not bad with one day for shopping. It is our chance to really have a peaceful Xmas without all the hopla! we will be in P.V. on the 23rd at noon we hope. I would like to post some very needed photos and apologize for the delay. We have installed a watermater and with 4 days of install we are ready to make our own gypsywind water it takes the sea water and desalanates it to fresh. its a pretty amazing system. this will surly make it much easier to be out for longer and not have to worry about drinking water. we look forward to some peaceful waters and the quiet the ocean bring to our inner selves and the rythm one cannot help to fall into. we have a 3 to 4 day passage ahead from la paz to p.v. we will follow in the wake of our family of cruisers on rejoin on the other side.
for now gypsy wind over and out.
for now gypsy wind over and out.
Friday, December 11, 2009
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
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
Friday, November 27, 2009
Just hangin in La Paz
Olla everyone
We have made so many friends, it is now a full time occupation socializing. the kids are all engaged with thier friends, it is hard to keep track of them. We are not getting the repairs & maintance done, so I guess we are staying longer, the windlass is fixed,the water pressure is fixed, the sani- filter changed, you don't want to know about that. Started the mast wiring repair not my forte, will need help with that.
We took on more provisions yesterday, Kims' birthday,she loves shopping, she feels best when we are fully stocked.We had a beautiful dinner at an Italian restaurant, came home and found a tray of fudge brownies on our deck. Some ladies are taking Kim out for Lunch today. Life is good if you don,t expect to accomplish much per day. It's the mexicain way.
They down graded the Northerly, we heard about, to 15 kt winds, and 2 ft seas, sounds like good sailing, but after the last miss calculation we may just wait till it passes.
Oil still needs changing on the engine, need to ciphion with a motor, oh joy, sail repair seams like a big job, still looking for a part for the mizzin boom.I'm tired just writing this, I think its time for a mid morning siesta!
Just a word of caution, we have talked to some people who have not left La Paz in 4 years, its' pretty laid back.
Kim and I attended a seminar on the islands of sea of Cortez,Charter captian helping cruisers out, what a weath of knowledge, easy day sails all the way up, with the best snorkling anywhere, just need to get it together! Maybe we will skip that siesta today.
Gypsywind standing by on 22
PS Kim tried posting a video of the Channel crossing, too big a file!
will try some pics later
We have made so many friends, it is now a full time occupation socializing. the kids are all engaged with thier friends, it is hard to keep track of them. We are not getting the repairs & maintance done, so I guess we are staying longer, the windlass is fixed,the water pressure is fixed, the sani- filter changed, you don't want to know about that. Started the mast wiring repair not my forte, will need help with that.
We took on more provisions yesterday, Kims' birthday,she loves shopping, she feels best when we are fully stocked.We had a beautiful dinner at an Italian restaurant, came home and found a tray of fudge brownies on our deck. Some ladies are taking Kim out for Lunch today. Life is good if you don,t expect to accomplish much per day. It's the mexicain way.
They down graded the Northerly, we heard about, to 15 kt winds, and 2 ft seas, sounds like good sailing, but after the last miss calculation we may just wait till it passes.
Oil still needs changing on the engine, need to ciphion with a motor, oh joy, sail repair seams like a big job, still looking for a part for the mizzin boom.I'm tired just writing this, I think its time for a mid morning siesta!
Just a word of caution, we have talked to some people who have not left La Paz in 4 years, its' pretty laid back.
Kim and I attended a seminar on the islands of sea of Cortez,Charter captian helping cruisers out, what a weath of knowledge, easy day sails all the way up, with the best snorkling anywhere, just need to get it together! Maybe we will skip that siesta today.
Gypsywind standing by on 22
PS Kim tried posting a video of the Channel crossing, too big a file!
will try some pics later
Friday, November 20, 2009
laid back and lazy,LaPaz
At LaPaz at last
Muertos was lovely, that hotel, 5 star, fully staffed and only 10 clients, they let us use all the facilities, so they would have someone to practise on (brand new), beer was $3 and burgers$5 at the pool bar. used their showers, Noah played with a half dozen kids in the various pools, the architecture was stunning, along with the furnature, the reastarunt was in a train museum,the place was like a sultans lounge.
We left for Ballandra bay on tuesday morning, after a hesatent morning, gusty.Well in thirty years of sailing I have never had such bad seas. The wind 20 -25 kts gusts to 30, the seas 8- 10 ft, square on the nose (right where you need to go. our boat would ride the waves up and drop 12ft only to be lifted by the next, after 6 hrs, I was done, I mean done. Kiya and I were green, even Noah and Nikita complaned. we tried sailing, motoring, at 30 deg. . what was supposed to take 6 hrs took 10 hrs as we rounded the point the seas and wind fell off. at 5:30 pm, we set anchor in a little protected cove, 12 miles out of La paz, I had never been so happy in my life, for the boat not moving, we had a peacefull night.This place was so unique, complete with jagged mountains.
First night in La Paz we spent on the hook, in the Harbour, which by the way, has a 3 kt current that reveses with the tide, usually opposite the direction of the wind, it's called the "LaPaz waltz"
It,s a lovely town, city. cheap with a lot of services for cruisers. We enjoyed a 4 hr parade on the malicon, it's revolution day, very big here, the fireworks were lovely last night as well. We are now tied up at dock with shore power and unlimited water supply, ah civilization again where you don't need to start the motor on the dingy to go ashore. At least 20 of our cuisers, many now our friends, with kids are all here, we plan to stay about a week before heading out to explore the many island of the sea of Cortez.
Fairwinds Gypsywind
Muertos was lovely, that hotel, 5 star, fully staffed and only 10 clients, they let us use all the facilities, so they would have someone to practise on (brand new), beer was $3 and burgers$5 at the pool bar. used their showers, Noah played with a half dozen kids in the various pools, the architecture was stunning, along with the furnature, the reastarunt was in a train museum,the place was like a sultans lounge.
We left for Ballandra bay on tuesday morning, after a hesatent morning, gusty.Well in thirty years of sailing I have never had such bad seas. The wind 20 -25 kts gusts to 30, the seas 8- 10 ft, square on the nose (right where you need to go. our boat would ride the waves up and drop 12ft only to be lifted by the next, after 6 hrs, I was done, I mean done. Kiya and I were green, even Noah and Nikita complaned. we tried sailing, motoring, at 30 deg. . what was supposed to take 6 hrs took 10 hrs as we rounded the point the seas and wind fell off. at 5:30 pm, we set anchor in a little protected cove, 12 miles out of La paz, I had never been so happy in my life, for the boat not moving, we had a peacefull night.This place was so unique, complete with jagged mountains.
First night in La Paz we spent on the hook, in the Harbour, which by the way, has a 3 kt current that reveses with the tide, usually opposite the direction of the wind, it's called the "LaPaz waltz"
It,s a lovely town, city. cheap with a lot of services for cruisers. We enjoyed a 4 hr parade on the malicon, it's revolution day, very big here, the fireworks were lovely last night as well. We are now tied up at dock with shore power and unlimited water supply, ah civilization again where you don't need to start the motor on the dingy to go ashore. At least 20 of our cuisers, many now our friends, with kids are all here, we plan to stay about a week before heading out to explore the many island of the sea of Cortez.
Fairwinds Gypsywind
Saturday, November 14, 2009
On the way to LaPaz
we are held up in a small bay (Bahia Muetrous) expecting some strong winds out of the north starting Sunday. we had a bit of a blow last night 25kt winds, a lot of resetting of anchors by a few boats, we held well, but slept very light .we came in yesterday from Los Frallies 47 miles back, 50 miles east of Cabo, nice to be out of that money pit, we stayed Los Frallies an extra day , Nikita loved the surf for his new skim board, Noah ate sand as well, a tough sport to master, but just like boys it seamed a lot of fun. That bay had only a fishing village, this one has a reasturant, and a resort that is apparently empty, we are about to investigate. the pace has slowed down, we will have to wait till tues. to move up to La Paz for provisioning. Other than a stubbed toe , and a little sand in the shorts life is good, the boys went back to catch and release after the tramatic experiance of the tuna. We hope it will cool down as we head further north, the last two days have been cookers, Nikita looks native already, white eyes & teeth in chocolate. The kids have been reading on board, thats new, I guess anything to help the long passages pass.On the Hook for now.
Gypsywind monitoring 22A
Gypsywind monitoring 22A
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