February 1-4

February 1; Bahia San Evaristo

Winds continued to hammer us all day and night on Wednesday increasing so much we were on 'high alert' I was exhausted not having had much sleep the previous days which made me anxious and sad. I can testify that by containing someone to a small space and subjecting them to a relentless battering of the same unpleasantness for several days and nights could in fact drive a person mad! By Thursday morning, although still rocking and rolling, the winds had died enough for us to feel better. I actually woke feeling really good (because Ed stood night watch) and decided to put my mind to work. So I began measuring/making our screening for the stern hatch. That actually worked out well; good dinner – salmon alfredo noodles & a modest salad, music then bed. Up again at 3a.m. with more strong wind gusts which have continued throughout breakfast so far. Found one of the stern side shade panels flapping in the wind, one of the ropes having been worn enough by the wind and rub to break.

We're hoping the winds let up enough by noonish for us to catch the current back south to La Paz (Molley comes in just 6 days!) Fingers and toes crossed!!!

February 2; Isle Partida

Aaahhhh...after a peaceful nights rest, woke this morning in beautiful Ensenada Grande to sunshine, partial blue skies and only mild wind gusts. After getting out of Bahia San Evaristo yesterday and into the channel, we raised the sails and cruised along with the wind at our back. Although a little choppy, we were making pretty good time, so we decided not to stop at Isle San Francisco instead make the 20 mile crossing back to Isle Partida where 1) closer to La Paz, so a bit less concern in getting back with foul weather and 2) better wind anchorages. Just as we past Isle San Francisco the seas kicked up. We were racing down 8+ foot (more often +) waves the rest of the crossing. I had to go below for a quick pit stop and unfortunately that short little event got me seasick...ugg. Not too bad, just feeling queasy until we anchored. We've anchored in the '2^nd finger' of this bay and we're all alone. Gentle rolls and beautiful scenery. 20 knot winds are supposed to continue through Monday; seems everyday its pushed out another couple of days. Hope it all subsides before the 7^th so Molley and Sal have a nice warm visit.

 

 

February 4; La Paz

Back in La Paz. Marina Palmira this time around for at least a week. We don't know if we have a slip after that or not. Today is clear skies and warm. So far so good except that when we pulled in late yesterday afternoon, after checking in, we stopped at one of the little restaurants here to have a cold one (first cold one since leaving) and catch some of the game. They kept bringing us food! First popcorn to snack on, then oysters rolled in a cream cheese covered with a mole` and crackers, then smoked marlin with tortillas! All of it fab. So what could we do but order more brews, stay longer than we intended and top it off with dinner?! My stomach was churning all night long and I'm still paying for it this morning. Chores today and then a stroll along the malecon.