Now We Are Cruising!

25 31./048N 111 02.456W

The Magicians have left the clutches of LaPaz -- leaving the big city lights and services behind. In a week we have moved north about 95 miles north--enjoying new anchorages, relishing in the variety of sea life, meeting other cruisers. Here is a typical day:

Thursday we ducked into San Evaristo to sit out a day of northern winds. It is a small fishing village; we did not go ashore. Friday morning the winds were calm; the San Jose Channel flat; the forecast benign. The anchor was itching to move so the captain called for Magic to head north. We had a fabulous current push up the channel and along the way: whales, flipping rays, gorgeous mountain scenery. Only 25 miles along we headed into Timbabiche; a large open bay with a small point providing north wind protection. We did not even have the anchor down when the local fisherman, Manuel, came along and asked if we wanted any fish, scallops, lobster??? How fast can you say YES! We gave him a bit of gasoline and off he went. We spent the afternoon exploring a large lagoon (where a Cardinal was seen) and the rocky point by kayak. It is hard to describe the range of colors; the rugged scenery; the flash of fish; the dolphins feeding in the soft light of sunset; the open and empty feeling of space.

Friday night we feasted on huge lobster tails (each lobster was about 2 lbs) and watched the nearly full moon explode in the sky.

Then of course, this being a boat, there was a boat moment at about 1am. Most of these moments are in the middle of the night. A small southern swell snuck in the anchorage and we rolled just enough to trigger the bilge pump in the forward port locker. It was a bit of a drill to figure out what the noise was (first just to fully awaken from a deep sleep) and then we had to empty the locker and sponge out a few cups of water. Oh well. Everything was back together in a few minutes, the swell disappeared and sound sleep resumed. Today we will figure out where the water came from....we want no repeat of that dance!

Saturday morning we toasted Bryan -- he has graduated into his 20s. And because light southerlies were forecast, we moved north. The anchorages along the way were inviting but open to the south. So "around the corner" at Punta San Marcial we went -- and there we could see Roca Solataria the gateway to Bahia Aqua Verde. We anchored east of the village -- seeing no signs of the village but hearing the fishing pangas as they pass. We jumped in the water which is still cold at 76 degrees but the cabin temp hit 95! Welcome to the sea.

We will sit here till the north winds return and then move over to an anchorage near the village (2 miles) for better protection and provisioning. We look off our stern and see Isla Carmen, Isla Monserrat, Isla Danzante, and the Candeleros. A multitude of islands and anchorages for the next couple of weeks. The full moon shinning on a dead flat, calm surface last night was truly amazing!

It has been a joy to stay in 5 new to us anchorages and know that there are so many more out here to visit. That is one of the great features of this part of the Sea. Determine the expected wind direct and move to a cove that gives protection and new waters to explore.