We are anchored back in LaPaz. Our final trip down from the islands was essentially non-eventful. A huge whale carcass was the biggest sea life we spotted. And in Baja fashion, the only wind was during the anchoring drill. LaPaz has a wicked current vs wind dynamic affectionately call the LaPaz waltz. Boats all respond differently to current and wind combinations and what looks like plenty of space can suddenly be "too close" for comfort. We have re-anchored once; tomorrow we are headed into the marina. The end of season 2.
So -- in almost hindsight -- here are some thoughts on season 2.
1. Magic has continued to get a face lift this season: huge solar panels, new refrigeration, shelving and drawers in the pantry, new cockpit seats, 2 dependable engines, bottom paint and new topside paint. Magic is absolutely a different boat and living platform than season 1. "Sun is shining and the living is easy." This is a HUGE improvement over last year's ongoing issues. The last job will be to re-rig Magic this fall. Then her face lift will be complete and we will truly be in the maintenance mode.
2. We sailed Magic more this year. We motored more than we liked: wind on the nose or too light from behind. We did not push the boat and ourselves yet. Maybe with the new rig. Maybe if we had an asymmetrical sail. We will see next year.
3. The mainland of Mexico (Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta) was our destination this year. We loved the old part of Mazatlan but don't care for the harbor anchorage. Sure, it is better than 10 years ago, but security remains an issue. Isla Isabella was a treat with the bird life. Puerto Vallarta was a great time: Bryan's spring break visit, learning to paddle board at Punta Mita, exploring the "new" La Cruz, and experiencing the malecon and old town of Puerto Vallarta. Banderas Bay was a long way to go....worth the effort and time but not something will be do again next year.
4. The Sea of Cortez -- we just returned from a 7 week trip up and back to Loreto. The days of our type of cruising have finally arrived! Many anchorages to suit the day's wind, no overnight passages, like minded cruisers, and incredible sea life. It was a great time -- maybe a bit better water clarity, but we realize that spring is a swing time as the sea warms and the summer southerlies fill in.
We have decided that season 3 we will base out of La Paz. In the fall we will drive down the Baja and see the peninsula from a car at 50 miles per hour! I am going to take Spanish lessons. Christmas will be here. Magic will be in and out of the islands and in the La Paz vicinity for several months before beginning to work our way slowly back to Loreto--following signs of spring and sea life. Plan on visiting us!!
So...what is next for Magic and the crew? We are headed to the marina where we will clean and pack up the boat, measure for all new standing rigging, and leave Magic for the hurricane season. When Magic is closed up, we will head to San Carlos (probably by plane) to pick up our car and then head north. We plan on camping, backpacking, cycling, and visiting family and friends for several months before heading south again. Viva Mexico!
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