Unique to LaPaz is the large, shallow bay that empties
through a narrow channel creating ripping tides – anywhere from 3-6 knots
depending on the phase of the moon. Toss
in the occasional “strong wind event” (that is always COLD and AT NIGHT) and
you set up The Waltz.
On a good day, boats are well behaved. Everyone allows a bit extra anchoring distance between
boats (so dancing boats have a lot of space); the wind versus tide impact is
minimal; and one is lucky to be surrounded by boats with knowledgeable on-board
skippers.
And on a bad day?
Well, that would be today.
We awoke to really strong winds (20+ knots), white caps
in the anchorage, and a ripping flood tide.
Mariah, the boat normally ahead of us, had dragged through the night and
was now on our stern. Satori, typically
astern of us (and on a fixed mooring) was 15 boat lengths closer to the Navy
base. We watched North Air bang first
one boat and then another as it did a 180 maneuver. Across the channel a few unattended boats
were drifting along to their own tunes, some playing tag with the channel buoys.
And about Sea Star.
We can’t imagine how they got this far – 2 young men who are (in kindest
terms) new to boating. We listened and watched. Last Friday, they tried to anchor next to us –
we would have none of that because the space was too small and we dance a
flamboyant waltz given our windage and minimal underbody. They insisted on dropping their hook—but after
watching for an hour they opted to re-anchor further from us. Wise move.
Today, they too dragged. But away
from us – sort of.
In all these situations, there are many cruisers who jump
in and help out in any conditions. Our
dinghy was secured & not easy to deploy; plus we had to watch the dancing neighborhood. Anchors were borrowed; boats secured; owners
were called to hustle aboard from warm, dry homes. All is good but Sea Star was re-anchored way
to close to us with woefully undersized equipment.
And, despite liking our spot (close into the dinghy dock
for easier and drier rides ashore), we finally said, at 3 p m, ENOUGH.
I like to WALTZ – I don’t
like the tango, or the foxtrot, or the hip hop.
Too Much Drama! We picked up the hook and headed out to a far corner of
the anchorage. Where we can relax and
just listen to the mayhem on the radio…and smile.
And yes, today we finally turned on the heater!
