San Evaristo has a small town including a restaurant and tienda. There are two anchorages in the bay: 1) A larger East facing anchorage where the town is, and 2) A smaller South facing bay to the NE. We stayed in the second one.
We departed Isla SF at 11:30 and arrived at San Evaristo at 17:36 with a 2 hour and 50-minute excursion at Bahia Amortajada
Logbook – May 1, 2013 (Isla San Francisco to Bahia Amortajada to San Evaristo)
Passage Log Highlights
1520 Depart Bahia Amortajada
1736 Arrive San Evaristo
Daily Notes
“Passage” to San Evaristo
Happy hour on Exodus
Dinner at “Restaurant” with all kid boats
Another boys game of risk at sv Sweet Dreams
The geography of San Evaristo. We anchored in the north lobe of the bay, although the town was in the south lobe
Logbook – May 2, 2013 (San Evaristo)
Daily Notes
Boys risk game on sv Sweet dreams then swimming on Exodus & football at the beach
D -hike to top of ridge, kayak around bay, trip to tienda (closed)
T – Spear x 2 w/ Peter (sv Star Passage). 4 fish.
Dinner w/ sv Star Passage on Exodus
Knife dropped overboard – A&B dove for it (32 ft depth)
(Edit: Diving for the knife was an emotional ordeal. One of the boys dropped it overboard while rinsing the dishes and Tim made them dive well into the evening and as the sun was setting. They eventually retrieved it after many tears.)
All the boats at anchor (and you can see the small village off in the distance)I kayaked to shore……and hiked to the top of the ridge.Lots of room in the anchorageThe beautiful desert mountain sceneryOn the other (North) side of the ridgeA view from slightly higher upA view of part of the villageIt’s a reading party
Logbook – May 3, 2013 (San Evaristo to Puerto Los Gatos)
This was a day stop between Isla San Francisco and San Evaristo. Bahia Amortajada is on the southern end of Isla San Jose, a much larger island to the north of Isla San Francisco. There is a mangrove lagoon that we drove the dinghy through.
We departed Isla SF at 11:30 and arrived at San Evaristo at 17:36 with a 2 hour and 50-minute excursion at Bahia Amortajada
Logbook – May 1, 2013 (Isla San Francisco to Bahia Amortajada to San Evaristo)
Passage Log Highlights
1130 Depart Isla SF
1230 Arrive at Bahia Amortajada (Isla San Jose)
Daily Notes
Day Trip to Bahia Amortajada on Isla San Jose for a dinghy trip into the mangrove lagoon w/ sv’s Star Passage & Sweet Dreams
“Passage” to San Evaristo
The geography of the mangrove lagoon at Bahia AmortajadaIsla Coyote (Isla Pardito) which is a very small, inhabited island in between San Francisco and San JoseTaken from the dinghy at the mouth of the mangrove lagoonLooking behind at the anchored boats and the other two crews (Star Passage and Sweet Dreams) following us in their dinghiesThe only bird we sawSweet DreamsNavigating around the shallow spots (Star Passage and Sweet Dreams)The mangrove lagoonFinding our wayThe narrow mangrove channels opened up into a large lagoon separated from the sea of cortez by this wall of rocksDinghies at restBrenden gets distracted from building his rock towerThe way back to the mangrovesThe rock wallRock piling kept everyone busyGina and BrendenColton and AlexTim won for tallest towerEnjoying exploring the Mangrove LagoonEnjoying exploring the Mangrove LagoonStar PassageWe got smoked by SV Star Passage
This is an absolutely beautiful island. We could have spent much more time here, but we were following the kid boat flotilla after all. The first night we spent in the beautiful crescent-shaped SW facing anchorage, but we got hit by a corumuel and high tailed it out of there in the morning. We went around to the NE facing anchorage, and there we got a bit of wrap-around swell, but not too bad. Our last night there was a calm one and we anchored off the very north end of the island.
Logbook – April 28, 2013 (Isla Partida to Isla San Francisco)
Passage Log Highlights
1030 Depart Ensenada Grande
1330 Arrive El Bajo. Dropped Tim at SV Sweet Dreams
1545 Depart El Bajo
1900 Arrive Isla San Francisco
Daily Notes
Tim dove at El Bajo w/ Sweet Dreams and Fluenta
South anchorage of Isla SF, no protection from wind or swells
Boys walked to other side of the island w/ other kids. Collected rocks.
(Edit: Tim borrowed Dive gear from Jim on Sweet Dreams and the boys and I drifted around on Exodus while they dove. The other boats anchored and they so they all spent a lot of their dive time checking anchors.)
We departed Isla Partida at 10:30 in the morning and arrived at Isla San Francisco at 19:00 with a 2 hour and 15 minute stop to dive El Bajo.On Passage leaving Isla Partida (s/v Star Passage)The dive site (El Bajo). We stopped here en route from Isla Partida to Isla San Francisco.Sunset our first night at anchor at Isla San FranciscoAfter a bumpy night in the South Anchorage we moved around to find more protection in the NE Anchorage
Logbook – April 29, 2013 (Isla San Francisco)
Passage Log Highlights
0850 Depart Isla SF south anchorage
0940 Arrive Isla SFN.
Daily Notes
Conditions (swell) worsened, moved to other side of the island
D hiked to the top of ridge with Bruce & Jen (SV N. Passage), Jim & Gina (SV Sweet Dreams), Max (Fluenta)
Tim fished around the corner
Boys collected rocks on the beach, then Alex skurfed with Richart & Colton. B paddle boarded w/ Harlen.
(Edit: That morning was awful. We woke up hobby horsing, and I ended up waking Tim and telling him I thought we should move, “I didn’t care what the other boats were doing!” By the time we were raising anchor Star Passage was already heading out and all the other boats followed. We followed the herd that night. And while I was kicking myself that morning, in retrospect, I think I would make the same decision again. Weather is uncertain and we were never in any danger, and there’s something to be said for being part of a herd.)
Alex doing some boat choresBrenden changing the oilReal boat problemsComing to shore for a hikeWhen leaving a kayak on the shore it’s important to consider the tide range. There was great rock collecting on the beach at the NE facing anchorage. Alex found an awesome agate.Exodus and FluentaA panorama of the anchorage at Isla San FranciscoGrown up time! Goin for a hike.Looking behind at the anchorageExodus at anchor at Isla San FranciscoAll of the boats in the anchorageBruce (Northern Passage), Max (Fluenta), D, Jim (sweet dreams) and Jen (Northern Passage)Heading to the ridgeDeanne and GinaThe crescent-shaped SW facing anchorage is on the left, and the NE facing anchorage with all the rocks is on the right.A view of the kids playing on the crescent-shaped beachIf you look closely you can see Alex “skurfing” for the first timeBrenden’s first time on a paddle boardAlex with Richard and Colton in the dinghy taking turns skurfing, Harlen in the kayak, Brenden on the paddle board.He’s a naturalHe’s a naturalBeach potluck and later a bonfireMax, Liz, and DeanneHarlen, Brenden, Carmen, Victoria, Sophia, NikkiThe kids really enjoyed the bonfire. Marshmallows and everything!Two boys in a burrito
Logbook – April 30, 2013 (Isla San Francisco)
Passage Log Highlights
1340 Arrive ISF Far N. Anchorage
Daily Notes
Early AM Moorings charter boat dragged anchor. Attempts to hail on VHF unsuccessful. Fluenta’s bullhorn roused the occupants
Moved to very north of Isla SF to collect seashells. Ended up staying the night.
Tim snorkeling and fishing. Boys went over to sv Sweet dreams to play risk
Birthday celebration for Max (sv Fluenta)
(Edit: I was really nervous to stay the night totally unprotected on the north side of the island. But we were part of a herd now. And everything was fine.
Brenden and Mom navigate to the North side of the islandWe spent our last night at Isla San Francisco up at the North AnchorageThis is the anchorage at the very north end of the island. There’s not really a bay, but you are protected from SE winds (wouldn’t be good in a SW corumuel)All aboard the Exodus dinghyCollecting seashellsVictoria from FluentaEnter a captionTim found some high ground to take some amazing photosAttack seagullLooking EastExodus at anchor on the North side of Isla San FranciscoExodus pose?Lone snorkelerLooking WestJumping off the bows of Exodus became a regular pastimeThe battle for world dominationHarlen, Brenden, Richard, Alex, ColtonWe had a dessert party on Sweet Dreams for Max’s birthdayAboard s/v Sweet Dreams
After we got our new anchor we headed back to Isla Partida and caught up with four other kid boats: Star Passage, Fluenta, Northern Passage, and Sweet Dreams.
Logbook – April 25, 2013 (La Paz to Ensenada Grande)
Passage Log Highlights
1740 Depart Costa Baja. New anchor installed.
2230 Arrived Ensenada Grande
Daily Notes
Very still at anchor (no wind @10:45 pm!)
Logbook – April 26, 2013 – Ensenada Grande (Isla Partida)
Daily Notes
Finished school before lunch!
Snorkle trip to see the blue-footed boobies at Las Cuevitas with s/v Star Passage. Saw exactly 1 booby. Snorkeling was fun.
Capture the flag on the beach w/ sv’s Star Passage, Fluenta, Sweet Dreams, Northern Passage
Potluck on the beach
More homemade Oreos
(Edit: Spoiler alert – there will be more blue-footed boobies in our future.)
Full moon at Ensenada GrandeMore homemade Oreos. This time closer to normal size. With Harlen and Sofia (Star Passage)Oreos on the net
Logbook – April 27, 2013 – Ensenada Grande (Isla Partida)
Daily Notes
Day trip to Los Islotes (sea lions) on Exodus w/ sv’s Star Passage, Fluenta, Sweet Dreams, & kids from N. Passage.
Alex & Harlen (sv Star Passage) joy ride in the dinghy
Tim & Kim (sv Star Passage) surfing, Deane & Kim snorkeled
Tim & Peter (sv Star Passage) fishing
(Edit: Wow, that’s a lot to fit into one day!)
School of raysKid boat group excursion back to Los Islotes (to swim with sea lions)Everyone swam with the sea lions (but I opted to stay aboard Exodus)These two went at it for a whileThe boys comfortable on the top deck of Exodus: Harlen, Alex, Colton, Jonathon, Richard.Brenden found his own place up at the bow.Richard (Northern Passage), Alex, Colton (Sweet Dreams).Everyone is comfortable on the netMonohullers in aweEnsenada Grande
Email to family and friends dated April 27, 2013
Subject: Hi from Ensenada Grande
We are having a wonderful time! We have hooked up with four other “kid boats” each with 2 kids aged range 7 to 14. The boys are at the beach right now with all the kids playing capture the flag. We took everyone on Exodus today on a day trip up to swim with the Sea Lions again. Good times! Love you all, -D.
Northern PassageThese boys aren’t old enough to drive at home, but out here they are dinghy captainsBeach Bocce BallBeach PotluckKid Boats at anchor at Ensenada Grande
Back in La Paz yet again and this time the highlights were a beached whale, our new anchor, and MEETING OTHER KID BOATS FINALLY.
Logbook – April 18, 2013 (Isla Partida to La Paz)
Daily Notes
Back to La Paz for the 4th time. Winds up to 30 knots, 8-10 ft swells. Anchored in our “usual” spot next to Seamentress. Flew wing & wing w/ 2 headsails for a bit. Seamentress = Paul and Philipina (Dr.)
Grocery shopping for fresh stuff
Alex dropped the frenchpress lid, had to jump in
(Edit: Oh the drama of dropping items and having to jump in after them.)
The dinghy chauffeur driving mom back with a load of groceriesA small gem of a park discovered while walking to the grocery storeA sculpture garden
Logbook – April 19, 2013 (La Paz)
Daily Notes
Laundry day & internet cafe
Wakeboarding behind the dinghy
Ran engines to make hot water ~40 min. Didn’t record engine hours.
(Edit: We had to manually keep track of engine hours so we would know when oil changes, etc. were due. )
Logbook – April 20, 2013 (La Paz)
Daily Notes
“Head Blow out” – Big mess repairing B’s head. Unexpected immediate trip to the bad to dump heads. Dinner at the shack w/ Northern Passage, Affluenta (sic), Sweet Dreams, and Star Passage (other kid boats) w/ ice cream after.
Still no anchor.
Logbook – April 21, 2013 (La Paz)
Daily Notes
Beached Whale! In the channel near buoy #8.
Trip to Walmart 😦
Happy Hour with Jim, Gina, and Nikki from Sweet Dreams
Beached whale in the La Paz channel. They tied a rope to its fluke and eventually pulled it free with a panga. It was a very sad yet amazing thing to witness. We had a front row seat in our dinghy.Beached whale in La Paz channelBeached whale in La Paz channelBeached whale in La Paz channelBeached whale in La Paz channelBeached whale in La Paz channelSunset in the La Paz channel anchorage
Logbook – April 22, 2013 (La Paz)
Daily Notes
“Garth on Irish Diplomacy does GREAT weather reporting”
Loretofest first weekend in May – Puerto Escondido
Wakeboarding behind the dinghy/mom runs on the Malecon
Visit up at Cost Baja with s/v Star Passage – Peter, Kim, Harlen, Sophia
Infiniti pool at Costa Baja marina. We were invited there for the afternoon by Peter and Kim (Star Passage)Infiniti pool at Costa Baja marina.
Logbook – April 23, 2013 (La Paz)
Daily Notes
Playdate with Harlen from s/v Star Passage. Skimboarding & wakeboarding. Happy hour & dinner with Kim & Sophia.
Still no anchor.
The less glamorous side of cruising — Tim doing some repair to the propane system……and Brenden helping. This time Brenden wasn’t the one who had to climb inside the wall.Jumping off the bow of Exodus. One of the kids’ frequent activities. Boys are joined by Harlen from SV Star Passage.
Logbook – April 24, 2013 (La Paz)
Daily Notes
Grocery Shopping. Boys take the dinghy to the beach by themselves
Homemade banana bread and Oreos
Dinner at Stella
Giant homemade oreosLa Paz wall artMy way home from the grocery storeThe Minstrels
Logbook – April 25, 2013 (La Paz to Ensenada Grande)
Passage Log Highlights
1440 Depart La Paz
1540 Arrive Costa Baja Fuel Dock. No SB reverse.
1740 Depart Costa Baja. New anchor installed.
Daily Notes
Anchor arrived!
Last-minute provisioning & get the heck out of La Paz
This anchor just has to goSuch a sad, small, little anchorThe new Rocna!So excited over the new anchor. No more dragging!
Isla Partida is an island near La Paz, smaller than, and north of, Espiritu Santo. Our favorite anchorage was a small cove near the top called Ensenada el Embudo. We also really enjoyed swimming with the sea lions at an islet just north called Los Islotes.
Logbook – April 15, 2013 (La Paz to Isla Partida)
Passage Log Highlights
1100 Called Lopez Marine – anchor probably end of the week
1345 Depart La Paz
1930 Arrive Ensenada Grande (Isla Partida)
Daily Notes
Ran watermaker for 4 hours
Another kid boat in the anchorage
(Edit: We had ordered a new anchor, and when they told us “probably” it would arrive by the end of the week we figured we should go spend some more time at the islands rather than sitting around La Paz waiting.)
(Edit: That other kid boat in the anchorage was the first time we met Fluenta. Spoiler alert: they were with us off and on our entire journey, in fact, when we flew home from Fiji to Los Angeles they were on the flight with us.)
The geography of Isla Partida. We started at Ensenada Grande and then moved up to Ensenada El Embudo with a couple day drips up to Los Islotes.Brenden at the helm while dropping the anchorEnsenada GrandeEnsenada GrandeEnsenada Grande – In our logbook on this day was a simple entry: “Another kid boat in the bay.” (That’s FLUENTA! Spoiler alert – they will make many, many appearances in our journey)
Logbook – April 16, 2013 (Isla Partida)
Daily Notes
Rolly night in the anchorage (Ensenada Grande)
Speedometer still not working
Dinghy ride from Ensenada el Embudo to Los Islotes to swim w/ the sea lions
Explored small beach & rocks at Ensenada el Embudo
Boys sunset kayak fishing
NO SCHOOL TODAY
Email sent to family and friends dated April 16, 2013
Subject: No wifi for a few days
Our new anchor is not supposed to arrive in La Paz until late in the week, so we have headed back up to the islands. We are in an anchorage on Isla Partida called Ensenada Grande. There is a reef just north of here where there is a Sea Lion rookery and they are very accustomed to humans and you can dive with them. We were hoping to do that this morning, but it’s still too windy. We had a rocky night at anchor due to strong SW winds, but thankfully no anchor dragging.
Ensenada GrandeSwimming with Sea Lions at Los IslotesSwimming with Sea Lions at Los IslotesSwimming with Sea Lions at Los IslotesSwimming with Sea Lions at Los IslotesSwimming with Sea Lions at Los IslotesSwimming with Sea Lions at Los IslotesSwimming with Sea Lions at Los IslotesEnsenada el Embudo – We met some sea kayakers here. The tour company drops them off from La Paz and then they kayak around the islands. There is also a base down at Ensenada del Candelero (on Espiritu Santo)The geography of Ensenada El Embudo. It’s a small cove and we anchored right in the middleAlex at Ensenada el EmbudoKayakers camping at el EmbudoAlex at Ensenada el EmbudoEnsenada el EmbudoEnsenada el EmbudoWhere’s Alex?Playing with hermit crabs at Ensenada el EmbudoEnsenada el EmbudoSunset Kayak fishing excursionSunset Kayak fishing excursionSunset Kayak fishing excursionNo fishEnjoying some nice wine at el Embudo
Logbook – April 17, 2016 (Isla Partida)
Daily Notes
Responded to an emergency call on VHF from kayakers on the beach. One had a cut on his shin needing medical attention. We tried many times to reach the tour company on VHF. Ended up giving Michael and Martha a ride down to Ensenada del Candelero.
Second swim with the Sea Lions at Los Islotes
Anchorage Ensenada Grande – safe exit 245 deg
Another trip to Los Islotes. This time we just took Exodus and I drifed around while the boys swam with the sea lions (not really my thing)Los IslotesLos Islotes
Back in La Paz and this time the highlights were Bay Fest and the Bocce Ball Tournament.
Logbook – April 7, 2013 (Caleta Partida to La Paz)
Passage Log Highlights
1030 1130 depart for La Paz
1830 Arrive La Paz
Daily Notes
Daylight savings time
Making sugar cookies on board ExodusBack at the trampoline at Stella restaurant. Little kids just love Alex. (Brenden kept his distance)
Logbook – April 11, 2013 (La Paz)
Daily Notes
No coffee F or Sat
Fri video exchange
Bayfest Schedule:
Volleyball – 10am F La Costa, 10am/12:30 Sat La Costa
Winetasting – 5pm Thurs 🙂
Backwark kayak race – 12;30 sun
Costume party – Sat night
Hand paddle dinghy – Sat
Logbook – April 12, 2013 (La Paz)
Daily Notes
Too close to s/v Seamentress. Raised anchor and moved closer to the marina
Logbook – April 13, 2013 (La Paz)
Passage Log Highlights
0915 Raised anchor – headed out to the bay to make water and dump heads
Daily Notes
La Paz Bayfest continues. Tim & Alex took 2nd in the Bocce Ball tourney. Dinner at the shack. Good burgers and chili.
(Edit: The Bocce Ball Tournament was a lot of fun. They lost to Scott (I don’t recall his boat name) and Derek (Interabang.) Derek and Trish on Interabang had experience staying in the Sea of Cortez for the summer, so we picked their brains, and since they were staying again this year we looked forward to hanging out.)
Outside La Costa restaurantBocce ball tournament. Team Exodus (Tim and Alex) took 2nd place out of 24 teams. (This was the very competitive and headed semi-final match)Chillin in the hammockRandom pelican pictureLove it! At The Shack resturant.
Logbook – April 14, 2013 (La Paz)
Daily Notes
Last day of Bayfest, pressure cooker seminar, awards ceremony. Backward kayak race. Met another kid boat. Tim took the kids (from s/v The Vortex) to the beach.
Backward kayak race. Alex and Brenden got smoked!Bay fest award ceremony. They called Alex and Tim the “dark horse” team.
We spent a total of 9 days at the island with a brief trip back to La Paz in the middle to purchase permits. The cruising guide said Rangers could sell them at the island, but the Rangers told us we had to go back to La Paz. Go figure. Buying the permit was a bit of an adventure, and I’m grateful to my very helpful taxi driver that day. We enjoyed our time at the island, even though we had a couple bumpy nights at anchor due to strong winds out the South. Our favorite anchorage was Caleta Partida, which is actually between Isla Espiritu Santo and Isla Partida. Our last day there we drove the dinghy between the islands (well, in a couple spots we got out and walked it due to how shallow it was.) The cliffs, sea caves, and visibility into the water were all breathtaking. We all snorkeled and loved it.
We departed La Paz at 9:00 and arrived at Bahia San Gabriel on Isla Espiritu Santo at 14:00, sailing most of the way.
Logbook – March 29, 2013 (La Paz to Isla Espiritu Santo)
Passage Log Highlights
1030 Depart, P engine on
1400 Arrived Bahia San Gabriel
The anchorages we visited at Isla Espiritu SantoBahia San Gabriel is a vast bayThe boys went for a hooka at Bahia San GabrielFrom the beach at Bahia San GabrielWe kayaked to shoreTormenting the crabsBeached kayaksMangrovesSunset over kayaksA bird sanctuaryReady for a hikeWe hiked across the island from San Gabriel to Playa Bonanza (What were we thinking?)The view back toward Bahia San GabrielHike through the desertThey were good sportsThe hike was actually pretty miserable, but we perseveredWe made it to the other side of the island – a gorgeous beach called Playa Bonanza (Spoiler alert: we will be back.)Playa BonanzaI ruined hikes for the ENTIRE trip with this hikeBest sunset so far?
Logbook – April 1, 2013 (Day Trip to La Paz)
Passage Log Highlights
1030 Depart Bahia San Gabriel for La Paz
1700 Depart La Paz for Isla Espiritu Santo
2030 Arrive back at Bahia San Gabriel
(Edit: We had been approached by a Ranger asking us for our permit to be there. We asked if we could just purchase it on the spot (wink-wink) but they said no. We could stay the weekend but then we would have to go back to La Paz to get our permit. When we arrived back at the island we figured we’d just anchor where we had before. What could go wrong?)
Logbook – April 2, 2013 (Isla Espiritu Santo)
Passage Log Highlights
0800 Corumuel all night. Moving to Ensenada La Gallina.
0900 Arrived Ensenda La Gallina.
(Edit: The wind blew all night out of the southwest so we had no protection and we dragged and bounced all night. When we raised anchor in the morning there was a small engine block on the anchor. So, I guess you can’t blame this dragging incident all on the tiny little anchor.)
Email sent to family and friends dated April 2, 2013
Subject: Another Corumuel
We are back at the island after our pitstop back in La Paz. Last night we spent a stressful night back at the bay we had previously anchored because of a weather phenomenon around here called coromuel. Normal winds here are from N-NW and most anchorages provide good protection. Cormuels kick up to 20kts in the evening from the S and blow all night, and our anchor dragged again. We moved this morning to a better anchorage to regroup and have breakfast, then we are going to head further up the island probably to a bay called Ensenada del Candalero. We experienced the corumel last time our anchor dragged when we were at Puerto Ballandra. For their composition assignment last week I had the boys write essays about their first month cruising. They are now done and ready to publish, so those will be posted to fb next time we have wifi. Alex went on and on about how boring homeschool is… Amy, I could use some more tips! We will use the inReach when we leave here in just a little bit so you’ll be able to see where we finally settle for the next few days. It appears I don’t have any cell connection here, but that could change when we move. Love you all. -D.
Moving to Ensenada del Candelero
Email to family and friends dated April 3, 2013
Subject: Stayed put yesterday, moved today
We decided to stay put yesterday. After the lack of sleep and the news about papa duck, we just never felt like raising anchor. So, today, midmorning we moved just a couple miles north on the island. We used the inReach, so hopefully you can see where we are. A beautiful cove that we can anchor close enough to the beach to kayak. Our love back to everyone as we remember papa duck! -D.
P.S. for those on distro who don’t know, “papa duck” is Marsha’s dad (Tim’s grandpa) and he passed away yesterday after turning just 91 last week.
Las Calaveritas (we kayked back to this small cove from Ensenada del Candelero)Las Calaveritas — playing with the tiny hermit crabsThe geography of Ensenada del Candelero and Las CalaveritasExodus at anchor at Ensenada del CandeleroExodus at anchor at Ensenada del Candelero
Logbook – April 5, 2013 (Isla Espiritu Santo)
Passage Log Highlights
1315 Arrived at Caleta Partida after short excursion to dump heads
Caleta Partida – This anchorage is actually between the islands of Espiritu Santo and Partida and at high tide you can drive the dinghy through around to the other sideThe geography of Caleta PartidaThe other (West) side of Caleta PartidaLooking back at Exodus in Caleta PartidaA rare photo of momWe drove the dinghy between the islands and headed South down the west side of Espiritu Santo to check out some sea cavesSea cavesRiding in the dinghyAlex along for the rideBeautiful landscape on the west side of Espiritu SantoSnorkeling near Caleta PartidaSnorkeling near Caleta PartidaSnorkeling near Caleta PartidaExodus at Caleta PartidaLast sunset at Isla Espiritu Santo
It’s hard to summarize La Paz. There is a huge cruising community based there including a club called Club Cruceros, which we joined. There are large Mega Stores (including Wal Mart) to provision and you can find most things you need, but it’s pretty spread out and hard to do on foot. The anchorage is difficult, but we seem to have figured it out. We went on the hard for a few days to have new bottom paint done, so there’s a separate photo album dedicated to that.
It was a 5 1/2 hour day motor sail from Puerto Balandra down to La Paz
Logbook – March 21, 2013 (Puerto Balandra to La Paz)
Passage Log Highlights
1030 Departed – only P engine on
1553 Arrived. Both engines on. Making sure we are set.
(Edit: La Paz was the first time we encountered anchoring in the presence of a strong current. It took us a while to figure out why all the boats weren’t facing the same way.)
Approaching the La Paz channelWe settled into an anchor spot on the east side of the channel. This was the most difficult anchoring we had done to date due to the strong current in the channel.Looking North up towards the channelSunset reflectionSunset on our first night back in civilizationSunset over all the masts at anchorThe boys just love “boatmeal”
(Edit: VHF cruiser nets were a novelty at first but it wore off. In areas with high cruiser traffic, there is usually a channel designated for hailing so we aren’t all on the official channel 16 clogging it up. In La Paz it was channel 22.)
Relaxing on a lounge chair at the beachBrenden would much rather dig in the sand than relax in a lounge chairA view up the beachA small marinaBrenden in his own worldA restaurant on the beach called “Stella” had this just outside. Boys loved it.Heading to the grocery store. it’s easily a mile away, so I’m taking my two pack mules with me.Wyland wallThis is a, well, interesting, replica of mushroom rockAt the PlazaThe Catedral de Nuestra Senora de La PazAlex loves being at the museum. We spent an hour or so at the Museo Regional de Antropologia e Historia (Regional Museum of Anthropology and History), and you would think it was torture.Brenden keeps losing the staring contestI really liked this mural at the museum.Brothers walking along the malecon.
Logbook – March 27, 2013 (La Paz)
Passage Log Highlights
1100 Back in the water. Out in the bay dumping heads.
This dog kept us entertained. He actually got in the water and chased fish most of the timeDolphins were everywhere in the anchorage. This pod actually swam under our boat.It was nice to be back at anchor after the hauloutMagnetic knife blockMore dolphins in the channel
Puerto Balandra is one of the bays just north of La Paz, and it’s by far the most picturesque place we’ve been to so far. Of course, there is the anchor dragging incident, but hey, you can deal with anything in paradise, right?
We departed Muertos at 0620 and sailed for a couple hours, but then ended up motoring most of the way and arrived at Puerto Balandra at 1445.
Logbook – March 18, 2013 (Bahia de Los Muertos to Puerto Balandra)
Passage Log Highlights
0615 Engines on (Port only)
0620 Depart
1445 Arrive, Heading 310 deg for safe exit
Daily Notes
~2100 Anchor dragging & reset 24deg 19.2 N, 110deg 20.0 W
(Edit: And so it started. The drama with our little anchor. We were tucked well into the bay in a shallow spot at Puerto Balandra. I was already in bed, and I awoke to the sound of the engines starting and the boys calling to me that we were dragging. I shudder to think what could have happened if everyone was in bed when this happened.)
We departed Bahia de Los Muertos in the morning fogGetting underwayTending to the helmUsing the port engineThe desert geography as we head up the Baja coastThis is how most of the crew spends several hours each day… in class. Ask Brenden how easy it is to concentrate with all the fish out there calling for him to come playEntering Puerto BalandraBeautifulHongo (Mushroom) de BalandraThe geography of Puerto Balandra, an anchorage just north of La Paz
Email to family and friends dated March 18, 2013
Subject: Made it to Puerto Balandra
Wow! This place is amazing. Jen, it looks like the places you post on Facebook. We arrived at Puerto Balandra around an hour ago and plan to stay here for a few days. Not only do we not have data or wifi, but we don’t even have cell service. So, for the next few days, this email is the only way to reach us. I will check it at least once a day. Love you all. -D.
It didn’t take long for the boys to be in the water exploringA view of Exodus from the beachThe very first “Exodus Pose” photoI’m not sure exactly what we were contemplatingExodus at anchor across the turquoise waterWith a walkie-talkie on my hipShallow waterEven Deanne got in the warm, shallow waterAnd the sun sets on the most beautiful anchorage so far
Email to family and friends dated March 19, 2013
Subject: Anchor dragging
Well, our beautiful anchorage isn’t quite so nice today. The wind kicked up last night, and our anchor dragged twice. We were on the fence whether we needed a bigger anchor, well I guess that decides it. It’s still blowing 20kts right now, so we won’t be diving this morning as planned. The water is warm enough I was even going to try the hooka. Tim and Alex snorkeled yesterday and Tim said it’s as nice here as Caymen, Colin. Oh well, I guess it’s a normal school day after all. I was wrong about not having cell service yesterday. My phone was having issues, but we have 5 bars. Still no wifi, though. -D.
Someone needs a haircutBrenden takes care of itNot too badDishes dutyStudying the periodic table is much better from the top of the deckLooking out from the bayAnother view of the world famous mushroom rockBrenden enjoys the shallow waterA decent running beach, but not nearly as nice as FrailesBrenden still loves his BioniclesSunset at Balandra
Gresham Family Exodus 