We are safely on the hard; everything is almost wrapped up tight. Life on the hard is just that: HARD. Also dirty. But magical moments continued for us over the last few days. Here are a few.
A new sail! We decided to add an asymmetrical spinnaker to our sail wardrobe and priced new (made in Thailand) or used from the states. But we wanted a professional to do the measuring -- so called the local sailmaker. When we described what we were looking forward they surprised us by saying they had an asymmetrical on consignment at the shop: would we want to look it over? YES! While I did care if the sail fit -- I really wanted a colorful sail, one that would be as fun to see as to use. Upon inspection we found the sail to be a mix of yellows, oranges, reds, and purple. And it was only a few feet short. But for only 1/3 the price: SOLD! So the skipper is eager to get back this fall and give it a try.
Zeke! Last week, well in advance of our haul out we came down to the Singular Marina to do our paperwork, confirm the date, and generally check out the place. It is a bit out of town and and is entered via a narrow & shallow channel. While wandering around we got to talking to another cruiser who was hauling there; he introduced us to Zeke the Boat Guy. Turns out Zeke has been working on sailboats for years, learning the trade and fabulous English with the Moorings Charter Company. He left there (crappy pay) and began working on yachts and mega yachts. Zeke took a few years off and is now back on the scene and opening up a small work yard here in the Marina. We immediately enlisted his help for our yard work in October and he offered to help us when we hauled. Great. Then, on Saturday before our haul he showed up in Marina Cortez and offered to be aboard while we moved the boat--OK? YES!
Zeke and his wife showed up; and with Alan moved Magic and I drove the car. And he knew exactly where to take the boat and kept Alan safely in the little deep water there was! He interpreted through out the haul (knows the lift operators) and did all the trouble shooting. Did it make our day easier!! Zeke kept asking: what can I so, how can I help. Down came the tramps, the wind generator, the kayaks got moved, the awnings got up. And at the end, when we asked "how much" he said, just tip me. We will be working together in the fall so it is ok. Well, we tipped him! And leave today, confident of his ability to keep an eye on Magic all summer, especially if any hurricanes come blowing through.
A Saved Whale! We were hard at work on Sunday morning when the call came over the radio: "Attention the fleet, Attention the fleet. There is a whale stuck on the sand bar just outside the channel near buoy 8." There followed a group conversation among the cruisers of what to do and how to respond. Within an hour or two, all the authorities (Mexican Navy, Port officials, wildlife organizations) were on site and working to get the whale moved off; even on a dropping tide. Through out the day we would hear updates. I so did not want a whale to die on my last day in La Paz. The whales and sea life have touched us so much here; esp this year because I petted a baby whale. And by late afternoon came the news, the whale had been pulled off; backwards by 2 pangas working in tandem. WOW. It just lifted our spirits.
Last Dinner! We declared victory last night about 7pm, took showers, and headed downtown for a final meal. Having no plan we just walked into a seafood grill and found a party of other cruisers who had just arrived. So we joined them and spent the evening swapping stories of cruising. The fresh tuna was the best. It was a festive and fitting end to our season.
The last jobs are in sight: a bit more summer canvas, water buckets through out the inside of the boat, and packing the car. We plan for a lazy day drive to Loreto. Pictures SOON.
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