hi everyone, we are still in San Carlos, getting work done on the boat. Right now, Kerry is on a road trip to find the welder to finish the dinghy davit system. It is all welded and here, but the welder has to come to attach it to the boat. Thank goodness for our friend, Jesus, who is helping us and interpreting for us. Oh well, it will get done eventually.
It seems that our batteries are a little flat as they will not start the boat unless it is plugged in. Not sure what that is about but we will be looking into that before we venture too far. We went out to commission our autopilot the other day and to do a little sailing. When we shut the engine off, it would not restart, so Kerry cleaned the battery posts and the connections, which seemed to do the trick. We had the generator going so between the two things, we got the boat going and made it back to the marina under power. I was able to sail for a bit while Kerry cleaned the battery posts. Light winds, so it was a nice sail - i would have preferred different circumstances, but at least we got to sail :)
We went out fishing a couple of days ago and caught some nice Panama Graysby's. The last ones caught were by Kerry. He knew he had a hit, so he was reeling it in. As it got closer to the dinghy, we realized he had caught two fish - one on each treble hook. Unfortunately we did not have the camera, so you will just have to take our word for it that it is not a fish tale! :)
The temperature has been in the mid 30's here and with the humidity, we are sweating constantly. I never understood when people said the humidity made such a difference, but now I do. I am just dripping as I sit here and type this. Oh well,, at least we are avoiding the cold back home.
Guess I better get to work cleaning the stainless steel stanchions.
Take care and play!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
We made it!
Hello everyone, we made it to San Carlos, Mexico on Monday, October 3, 2011. For Kerry's birthday on the 4th, we sent strolling on the beach with the warm water lapping at our ankles and the temperature already in the high 20's at 7:00 am. I know, boo hoo :) Anyway, let me tell you of our adventures far.
We left Athabasca on the 26th of September, went to visit family on the way out of Alberta and left Alberta on the 28th. We chose to go a different route this year and drove through Zion National Park in Utah. WOW! is all I can say. If you ever get the chance to drive through there, it is well worth it. pictures below.
Next we drove through Sedona, Arizona, and it is everything they say it is! The drive from Flagstaff is interesting and drops a few thousand feet, but the energy is incredible! We never stopped in Sedona for very long, but I could feel the energy as we entered the area. It is very strong and very peaceful. We will spend more time the next time we visit.
Our plan was then to drive to the Grand Canyon, but God had other plans for us as there was several thunder storms all around us and at the Canyon. We hope to catch it in the spring.
We traveled on to Tucson the next day and stayed with a friend we met last year. We had a great time in Tucson seeing the sites and just having a relaxing day. The temperatures were quite warm though. As we were heading to San Carlos, the temperature hit 107 degrees farenheit - picture below. We definitely felt the heat.
Talking about the heat, we went for breakfast yesterday in Macdonalds in Guaymas and when we came out, it was so humid and hot that my glasses fogged up! I have never experienced that except in the cold winter months at home when we came inside the house. Crazy!
The last two days have been spent working on the boat, getting it ready for it's launch into the water on friday. It is so exciting to be back down here and preparing the boat. It is hard to wait until friday to get it in to the water!
We decided to stay at a local apartment/condo place called Gringo Pete's. it is quite nice, reasonably priced and has an incredible view of San Francisco Bay - picture below.
My arms are tired from sanding the boat today, so that is all for now. Hope everyone is well and happy.
Okay, that is all the pictures for today. Download time is pretty slow. More later :)
We left Athabasca on the 26th of September, went to visit family on the way out of Alberta and left Alberta on the 28th. We chose to go a different route this year and drove through Zion National Park in Utah. WOW! is all I can say. If you ever get the chance to drive through there, it is well worth it. pictures below.
Next we drove through Sedona, Arizona, and it is everything they say it is! The drive from Flagstaff is interesting and drops a few thousand feet, but the energy is incredible! We never stopped in Sedona for very long, but I could feel the energy as we entered the area. It is very strong and very peaceful. We will spend more time the next time we visit.
Our plan was then to drive to the Grand Canyon, but God had other plans for us as there was several thunder storms all around us and at the Canyon. We hope to catch it in the spring.
We traveled on to Tucson the next day and stayed with a friend we met last year. We had a great time in Tucson seeing the sites and just having a relaxing day. The temperatures were quite warm though. As we were heading to San Carlos, the temperature hit 107 degrees farenheit - picture below. We definitely felt the heat.
Talking about the heat, we went for breakfast yesterday in Macdonalds in Guaymas and when we came out, it was so humid and hot that my glasses fogged up! I have never experienced that except in the cold winter months at home when we came inside the house. Crazy!
The last two days have been spent working on the boat, getting it ready for it's launch into the water on friday. It is so exciting to be back down here and preparing the boat. It is hard to wait until friday to get it in to the water!
We decided to stay at a local apartment/condo place called Gringo Pete's. it is quite nice, reasonably priced and has an incredible view of San Francisco Bay - picture below.
My arms are tired from sanding the boat today, so that is all for now. Hope everyone is well and happy.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Departure October 1, 2011
Hello everyone, we about to head to the sunny south once again, leaving the cold and snow behind - yea! We will be a little more diligent about updating the blog this year as I have not been working too much and am not burned out by the computer - we are much better friends now than we were last year:) Talk to you soon!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
At Last
Hi Everyone,
Sorry we have not been very diligent about updating our blog.
Quite a bit has happened since our last post. We have bought a larger boat, named Heeling Touch. It is a 40 foot O'Day sailboat. We launched on December 3rd after a few days in the work yard to get her cleaned up and it took about 3 weeks to get most of the bugs out and get things in order.
On Dec 26 we sailed to Santa Rosalia, about 75 nautical miles west,northwest of San Carlos. It is on the Baja Peninsula.
After spending a week there, we sailed south to Bahia Concepcion for 4 nights there. The bay is about 20 miles long by 5 miles wide with some nice beaches and many anchorages.
It took us 4 more days to sail south to Puerto Escondido, about 12 miles south of Loreto. It is a well protected harbor from the south. Used as a hurricane hole in that season. Right now it is blowing from the north about 25 knots so we are getting pushed around pretty good. Hence the early morning post.
We plan to leave for La Paz in a few more days and hopefully spend a month down there.
Weather here is great, mid 20's most days. Much nicer than what we see on the weather page back home.
Sorry we have not been very diligent about updating our blog.
Quite a bit has happened since our last post. We have bought a larger boat, named Heeling Touch. It is a 40 foot O'Day sailboat. We launched on December 3rd after a few days in the work yard to get her cleaned up and it took about 3 weeks to get most of the bugs out and get things in order.
On Dec 26 we sailed to Santa Rosalia, about 75 nautical miles west,northwest of San Carlos. It is on the Baja Peninsula.
After spending a week there, we sailed south to Bahia Concepcion for 4 nights there. The bay is about 20 miles long by 5 miles wide with some nice beaches and many anchorages.
It took us 4 more days to sail south to Puerto Escondido, about 12 miles south of Loreto. It is a well protected harbor from the south. Used as a hurricane hole in that season. Right now it is blowing from the north about 25 knots so we are getting pushed around pretty good. Hence the early morning post.
We plan to leave for La Paz in a few more days and hopefully spend a month down there.
Weather here is great, mid 20's most days. Much nicer than what we see on the weather page back home.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Caleta Venecia
Another incredible day! We motored up to Caleta Venecia (Venecia Cove) - about 22 miles north of San Carlos, on friday. There was no wind to speak of so we spent the time fishing, snorkeling, and walking the shoreline. I caught a couple of Panama Graysby (sea bass). They fight at first, but then quit so you think you have lost the fish when reeling it in. Very tasty!
The water temperature is down to about 68degrees F, so a little chilly for snorkeling in my bikini. I guess the wet suit will have to come out. :-) Speaking of chilly, I finally had to put shoes on to keep my feet warm friday night. I know - boo hoo. The Mexicans think we are loco when we go to the bathroom in the mornings in a t-shirt and shorts and they have long sleeves and pants on. For those who know us, you know we are loco, but we are trying to keep it under wraps here for a bit anyway. :-)
Kerry and I have been asking each other how to describe this place. The pictures only give a taste of the beauty and the ruggedness. The color in the rocks. The cactus that grow on islands. The bushes that have 1 1/2 inch long spikes. Oh yeah, and the cactus that acts like velcro if you touch it. Kerry brushed up against it and a 'ball' attached itself to his leg. It was intense pain so at the time, he never thought to take a picture of it attached to him. That picture would have been listed under the "what not to do" column.
Mya is doing well and avoiding the cactus. She loves to swim in the sea as long as there are no waves rushing up on the shore. She is also learning to not drink the water as it tastes pretty yucky.
November 6 and 7 we were witness to a spectacular sunset. Kerry took many pictures so will post them later.
We are learning to cope with the honey bees. they swarm you looking for fresh water. When I say swarm there are only 10 - 20 bees if you have a wet dish cloth or frops of water in the sink. As long as you dry the sink and put the dish cloth and towels outside to dry out, the bees do tend to leave us alone. Definitely something to get used to id you do not like bees buzzing around or landing on you. For the most part, they do not sting - which is a good thing as I have stepped on a few. Kerry did get stung though as he accidently squished one under his arm. When we got back to the marina in San Carlos yesterday, one crawled up my shorts and stung my hip. Silly bugger.
Anyway, this place is truly incredible and well worth the journey!
Thanks to all who have been able to comment. I miss you all too and wish you well in the frozen north. :-)
The water temperature is down to about 68degrees F, so a little chilly for snorkeling in my bikini. I guess the wet suit will have to come out. :-) Speaking of chilly, I finally had to put shoes on to keep my feet warm friday night. I know - boo hoo. The Mexicans think we are loco when we go to the bathroom in the mornings in a t-shirt and shorts and they have long sleeves and pants on. For those who know us, you know we are loco, but we are trying to keep it under wraps here for a bit anyway. :-)
Kerry and I have been asking each other how to describe this place. The pictures only give a taste of the beauty and the ruggedness. The color in the rocks. The cactus that grow on islands. The bushes that have 1 1/2 inch long spikes. Oh yeah, and the cactus that acts like velcro if you touch it. Kerry brushed up against it and a 'ball' attached itself to his leg. It was intense pain so at the time, he never thought to take a picture of it attached to him. That picture would have been listed under the "what not to do" column.
Mya is doing well and avoiding the cactus. She loves to swim in the sea as long as there are no waves rushing up on the shore. She is also learning to not drink the water as it tastes pretty yucky.
November 6 and 7 we were witness to a spectacular sunset. Kerry took many pictures so will post them later.
We are learning to cope with the honey bees. they swarm you looking for fresh water. When I say swarm there are only 10 - 20 bees if you have a wet dish cloth or frops of water in the sink. As long as you dry the sink and put the dish cloth and towels outside to dry out, the bees do tend to leave us alone. Definitely something to get used to id you do not like bees buzzing around or landing on you. For the most part, they do not sting - which is a good thing as I have stepped on a few. Kerry did get stung though as he accidently squished one under his arm. When we got back to the marina in San Carlos yesterday, one crawled up my shorts and stung my hip. Silly bugger.
Anyway, this place is truly incredible and well worth the journey!
Thanks to all who have been able to comment. I miss you all too and wish you well in the frozen north. :-)
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Another week in paradise
Well, another week has passed and we are a little more tanned and getting used to the laid back lifestyle of the unemployed. Went up to Bahia San Pedro last weekend. Had to motor up but sailed back with some swell from behind us-about 4feet or so. Was interesting a few times.
Did some fishing on Thursday and today. We caught 2 the first time - a sierra(mackeral) and a sea bass. Today we caught 7. 3 leopard cabrilla, 2 finescale triggerfish and 2 sea bass.
Bought some honeydew melons from a roadside vendor for 20 pesos. Weighed one and it is 10 pounds 6 ounces! For a $1.75. Incredible. Bought a 14 ounce new york steak for 42 pesos, a dozen large eggs is 19 pesos. Bought a whole roasted chicken in the supermarket one day for 55 pesos. Gasoline is 8.6 pesos a liter.
Here are some photos of our first fish and one of the beaches near San Carlos that we go to. The RVérs just pull up to the edge of the sea and set up camp. Guess it is commonplace in this part of Mexico, as well as Baja side as well, will find out when we get there.
Did some fishing on Thursday and today. We caught 2 the first time - a sierra(mackeral) and a sea bass. Today we caught 7. 3 leopard cabrilla, 2 finescale triggerfish and 2 sea bass.
Bought some honeydew melons from a roadside vendor for 20 pesos. Weighed one and it is 10 pounds 6 ounces! For a $1.75. Incredible. Bought a 14 ounce new york steak for 42 pesos, a dozen large eggs is 19 pesos. Bought a whole roasted chicken in the supermarket one day for 55 pesos. Gasoline is 8.6 pesos a liter.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Life in general
Well we are starting to slow down a little. Which is good, because the wind came up a few nights ago and the seas have been pretty big. We tried to go out sailing on Tuesday and the swells were about 6 feet high. Pretty rough and needless to say, we did not make it very far. We went out again yesterday and got further up the coast, under power. Still have not been able to sail as the wind and waves are pretty big. Anyway, it is beautiful here - the weather has cooled off to the mid 80's, so very nice. It seems cool this morning as it is 69 or 20ish. Today, we are hoping to go up the coast to Bahia San Pedro to see it and to escape the partying at the marina. We will see how far we make it.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Tetas de Cabra
One in the morning from the work yard, one from the marina and one from Bahia San Carlos out of our dinghy coming back from snorkeling in Martini Cove. Will post more photos. Wireless speed in the marina is brutal. About 15 minutes to upload these three.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Fun in the Sun
We have been able to take some time to snorkel, swim, and just kick back and relax. Do some sightseeing, both in the truck and in the dinghy. Hope to get out of the marina perhaps Sunday for a night or two of sailing and seeing the area. Went into Guaymas today. Only about 15 miles or so. Pretty busy place. Went to Wal Mart and found that the only thing that was cheaper there was the liquor!! It is cheaper to shop in the little town of San Carlos!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
We Made It
After talking with homeland security on the US side, we crossed in Nogales, Mexico in the early hours of October 7th.
Promptly took the wrong lane to declare the dog, and was informed we would do that at km 21. On through the bumpy narrow streets of downtown Nogales!
At km 21, we filled out immigration cards and paid $43.13 US and we were cleared into Mexico!
Traded a Canadian 10 for a US 10 in the money exchange. The woman had never seen a Canadian 10 I guess. She wouldn't change our Canadian money though.
The highway for the most part is 2 lanes each way, divided. Narrow lanes and about a 6 inch shoulder outside the white lines on both lanes. Had about a foot on each side of the trailer tires, kind of scary when the big trucks passed.
About 3 hours down the road, we stopped for gas at one of the government regulated stations-PeMex. Paid 8.6 pesos for a liter. We were paying between 2.89-2.55 a gallon in US dollars for a US gallon.
Some hours later, on the off ramp to San Carlos, about 10km out, the truck begins to lose power. Pulled over to investigate and it sounded like it was missing. Shut it off to have a look for obvious things. Couldn't see anything, started it up and it ran fine!
Off again and it begins to lose power on uphills. Seems we picked up some dirty fuel.
Missed the turnoff for the marina, so we had a tour of one part of San Carlos with the boat on behind.
Finally found the marina and made arrangements for a space in the dry storage work yard to paint the boat with primer and anti-fouling paint.
After 3 days of painting in the dusty, hot yard we are ready to launch!
Launched Monday and found out the extra axle and tires make the trailer float in salt water when you unload the boat! Could be interesting loading.
Made it to our slip without mishap.
Now the work begins, trying to find and organize everything!
Promptly took the wrong lane to declare the dog, and was informed we would do that at km 21. On through the bumpy narrow streets of downtown Nogales!
At km 21, we filled out immigration cards and paid $43.13 US and we were cleared into Mexico!
Traded a Canadian 10 for a US 10 in the money exchange. The woman had never seen a Canadian 10 I guess. She wouldn't change our Canadian money though.
The highway for the most part is 2 lanes each way, divided. Narrow lanes and about a 6 inch shoulder outside the white lines on both lanes. Had about a foot on each side of the trailer tires, kind of scary when the big trucks passed.
About 3 hours down the road, we stopped for gas at one of the government regulated stations-PeMex. Paid 8.6 pesos for a liter. We were paying between 2.89-2.55 a gallon in US dollars for a US gallon.
Some hours later, on the off ramp to San Carlos, about 10km out, the truck begins to lose power. Pulled over to investigate and it sounded like it was missing. Shut it off to have a look for obvious things. Couldn't see anything, started it up and it ran fine!
Off again and it begins to lose power on uphills. Seems we picked up some dirty fuel.
Missed the turnoff for the marina, so we had a tour of one part of San Carlos with the boat on behind.
Finally found the marina and made arrangements for a space in the dry storage work yard to paint the boat with primer and anti-fouling paint.
After 3 days of painting in the dusty, hot yard we are ready to launch!
Launched Monday and found out the extra axle and tires make the trailer float in salt water when you unload the boat! Could be interesting loading.
Made it to our slip without mishap.
Now the work begins, trying to find and organize everything!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
No Tornado Damage Here
We got through the extreme weather in Phoenix yesterday. Spent about 45 minutes on the freeway crawling along while crews cleared debris from the heavy rains which resulted in flooding. Thankfully we are many miles south of the tornadoes of today near Flagstaff. We are about 2 miles north of the border at Nogales, Arizona. Planning to cross in the early hours of October 7th.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Departure!
We have begun our trip! Left in the early hours of October 3rd. 300 yards down the gravel road, a whitetail buck bid us farewell, ascertaining we were fully alert by giving us a tail wave.
3 hours later, we are at the Coutts, AB-Sweetgrass MT crossing. A 2 minute dialogue gets us a pass to the x-ray building for an infrared scan of the truck and boat. Passed that one and we are on our way with a slip of paper to hand over to the homeland security officer and on our way. Yahoo! One country down, one to go!!!
3 hours later, we are at the Coutts, AB-Sweetgrass MT crossing. A 2 minute dialogue gets us a pass to the x-ray building for an infrared scan of the truck and boat. Passed that one and we are on our way with a slip of paper to hand over to the homeland security officer and on our way. Yahoo! One country down, one to go!!!
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