tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35044119281912349652024-03-16T10:00:04.144-07:00m/v WILD BLUE Cruising BlogAlex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.comBlogger359125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-71858014878940200942018-05-29T10:43:00.000-07:002018-05-29T13:59:28.699-07:002018-07 What Comes DOWN Must Go UP, or Avoiding the "Baja Bash"<b>Sunday, May 13, 2018: La Paz, Mexico</b><br />
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In October-November, 2017 the Wild Blue cruised down the California and Mexican Coasts to La Paz, Mexico. This downwind-downswell run is, and was, quite enjoyable. Cruising up these Coasts, that is upwind, upswell and upwave, is less so. In fact this up coastwise trek has been nicknamed the "Baja Bash" for obvious reasons. Regardless, what goes DOWN must come UP, one way or another!<br />
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In mid-May the Wild Blue was loaded aboard the AAL SINGAPORE cargo ship for delivery from La Paz, Mexico to Victoria, BC. More information and full Blog entry to follow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9VURIPuO8p92Fokgp9Fw44KwsS4eRvtWJPWc86TJKy8wqBkr3JdUrqZ3LmamXeQ-vt_d1fv1exKsGezNZgtPEjQE9bP0-9EGTRJqaRkW2PVxUKzU7WEJx4mZ5_7HJ7n4xIO3H3w_miY/s1600/1020022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9VURIPuO8p92Fokgp9Fw44KwsS4eRvtWJPWc86TJKy8wqBkr3JdUrqZ3LmamXeQ-vt_d1fv1exKsGezNZgtPEjQE9bP0-9EGTRJqaRkW2PVxUKzU7WEJx4mZ5_7HJ7n4xIO3H3w_miY/s400/1020022.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The AAL SINGAPORE anchored in La Paz Bay, Mexico, May 13, 2018.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEbwYEB7QQcmtOZZu5Wb0xbVpkqtuLpfAavEoAfoyjjmCejG6JLKA3twyfDXYBCZ9ygIsrAFIl63t7Z481S9y2keZcv8zmuLL3LXxVrSse5pG7bthMlvujw47VfVXnhG2D3VZ398qu2M/s1600/1020026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1600" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEbwYEB7QQcmtOZZu5Wb0xbVpkqtuLpfAavEoAfoyjjmCejG6JLKA3twyfDXYBCZ9ygIsrAFIl63t7Z481S9y2keZcv8zmuLL3LXxVrSse5pG7bthMlvujw47VfVXnhG2D3VZ398qu2M/s400/1020026.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The AAL SINGAPORE prepares to load the 75 foot SV Holo Makai.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_scMwctcGz0Vku0XWf54m_6RNt2CubQ1-8CZTb5Y7nw9jqF92jnB8qBPU_5yxj5N5hfzVmFVQbLx80IJaAO3C7Y-CfDCm97dipPf1SHCELl5RllWO46iQeLPr3trrVN6rsTa53PlW5IY/s1600/1020056-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_scMwctcGz0Vku0XWf54m_6RNt2CubQ1-8CZTb5Y7nw9jqF92jnB8qBPU_5yxj5N5hfzVmFVQbLx80IJaAO3C7Y-CfDCm97dipPf1SHCELl5RllWO46iQeLPr3trrVN6rsTa53PlW5IY/s400/1020056-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MV Wild Blue is ready to be lifted aboard AAL SINGAPORE.<br />
Note diver (lower left) has inspected belt positions under the hull<br />
and is helping adjust for a level lift.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7-0ezAL0VEIvU9BQMmweJ36NmL7jX1HcT7o0eqqiqu04SggGTSc59dIOWiG4b6Y99Yt7H2ydEY6RArHGoyizL2WjK727qQ6-U3ODcuKMIEE-pVrrP28O6qfJz1YCC86pm23YEB_9O-U/s1600/IMG-20180513-WA0000-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7-0ezAL0VEIvU9BQMmweJ36NmL7jX1HcT7o0eqqiqu04SggGTSc59dIOWiG4b6Y99Yt7H2ydEY6RArHGoyizL2WjK727qQ6-U3ODcuKMIEE-pVrrP28O6qfJz1YCC86pm23YEB_9O-U/s400/IMG-20180513-WA0000-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AAL SINGAPORE's 350 Metric Ton crane <br />
easily lifts 50-ton Wild Blue aboard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0VW4fmyPfRhr4eabFDveGnhGKO1gifpA2RpFONJJSy8FD2wjuh5n7JxSsO5JIPp_9MiYCNpqd1V-jZ_H3XW1r2K9lfzCSGFSFBuCsf514V0Cri-FHwwpaTyPI5LwCzPVykqqbTparLY/s1600/IMG-20180513-WA0001-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1505" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0VW4fmyPfRhr4eabFDveGnhGKO1gifpA2RpFONJJSy8FD2wjuh5n7JxSsO5JIPp_9MiYCNpqd1V-jZ_H3XW1r2K9lfzCSGFSFBuCsf514V0Cri-FHwwpaTyPI5LwCzPVykqqbTparLY/s400/IMG-20180513-WA0001-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MV Wild Blue aboard AAL SINGAPORE's port side <br />
ready to cruise from La Paz to Victoria.</td></tr>
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<b><br /></b><b>Wednesday, May 23, 2018: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada</b><br />
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After an 11-day motor up the Mexico and California coasts, the AAL Singapore with 40+ yachts aboard is passing Victoria, now bound for Nanaimo, BC. Turns out cruise ships are using the large berths in Victoria at Ogden Point, so the Port re-routed the AAL Singapore to Nanaimo for offload. The operations for offloading of 25 yachts begins tomorrow, Thursday, and continues through Saturday. The Wild Blue is set to splash down at 0900 Friday, if all goes as planned. Considering the 11-day delay and offload port change, we will be happy to see Wild Blue in the water anytime on Friday!<br />
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Here's the offload sequence: Ocean Alexander 82, Nordhavn 60, Viking 70, Egg Harbour 33, Silverton, Nordhavn 43, Oyster 72, Pacific Seacraft 34, Catalina 42, Catalina 34, Fast Passage 39, Hans Christian 43, Trawler 49, <b>Selene 53</b>, Lacco 45, Nautical 43, Oyster 886, Lagoon 57, Ocean Alexander 70, Hylas 70, Merritt 46, PJ 100, Prestige 50, Crescent 104, and Burger 82.<br />
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Once in the water, we'll motor the Wild Blue southward towards the boat's winter home in Anacortes, WA arriving early next week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBElqeBBjnHhyphenhyphendqsEQi7F3Uqjs14E_q1bnM8ocoikq3r_IFRjPBg-lG6H0dzEenZJsAe5np-GQDT10n6YmR56AGwWjbLhDRIYwgUbab1qtEdZSEEojgxCaL5bI5t3LkhoWfLd01i7qPpE/s1600/AAL+Singapore+passing+Victoria+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBElqeBBjnHhyphenhyphendqsEQi7F3Uqjs14E_q1bnM8ocoikq3r_IFRjPBg-lG6H0dzEenZJsAe5np-GQDT10n6YmR56AGwWjbLhDRIYwgUbab1qtEdZSEEojgxCaL5bI5t3LkhoWfLd01i7qPpE/s400/AAL+Singapore+passing+Victoria+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AAL SINGAPORE passing Victoria, BC, Canada with the Olympic<br />
mountain range of the USA in the background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHF-RfSRy6hBWpCWZTy2QwSLU8IDzvfVQDHOrKj8BUpJzA42WhInYFJtRCosrT7EbEIbSnsmvkaZReweXMiSuqXT0TUHWRUzwWn7UK2SHB4eMXIqgkyB12TAILfg1DDoG51Dw5xd0R7JI/s1600/AAL+Singapore+passing+Victoria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1600" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHF-RfSRy6hBWpCWZTy2QwSLU8IDzvfVQDHOrKj8BUpJzA42WhInYFJtRCosrT7EbEIbSnsmvkaZReweXMiSuqXT0TUHWRUzwWn7UK2SHB4eMXIqgkyB12TAILfg1DDoG51Dw5xd0R7JI/s400/AAL+Singapore+passing+Victoria.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Blue still looks to be clinging to AAL SINGAPORE's port side<br />
just behind the 2nd crane from the bow.</td></tr>
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Thursday-Friday, May 24-25, 2018: Awaiting Offload of MV Wild Blue in Victoria<br />
<br />
Pat and I have been hoteling it in Victoria while waiting for the cargo ship AAL Singapore to arrive in Nanaimo. Wild Blue's offload is scheduled for tomorrow, and there's no rush to leave Victoria and it's excellent dining options. This afternoon we rented a car for the drive to Nanaimo early tomorrow morning.<br />
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So at 4PM, while contemplating reservations for another great Victoria dining experience, Alex receives an email that offloading has moved rapidly along and instead of 9AM tomorrow, the AAL Singapore crew wishes to launch tonight at 7:30PM. Can we get to Nanaimo in two hours? Well of course, as Nanaimo is less than a 2-hour drive.<br />
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We quickly packed up, checked out of the Prior Castle Inn, and wolfed down a bunch of sushi from a local restaurant. As we started our drive, Alex fired up Google Maps and was surprised that Maps routed us to the Mill Bay Ferry, instead of the shortest route up BC1, aka Malahat Highway. The Ferry is a small, 20-car and passenger transporter, but Maps said our ETA would be near 830PM. So we continued, quite puzzled, while Alex tried to finagle Maps to route us up the BC1 highway, without success. Once at the ferry, it became obvious that BC1 was closed. The ferry wait time was 6 hours. We called the cargo offload manager to let him know the situation. He said Wild Blue would remain tied to the ship in calm waters for the evening.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigj9D0XxlkyiVsPtxm_UetusQXwW9hZ71IjPgexFaahXoihoH3D8eucodMJRKQG6FfePMAkrUdVvcdtHXBAXBJFrR53BdnuvYBFqhbINgIkqmf_xG9VUnp80rTuOonqr6Xj3wo_NO4jWk/s1600/IMG_20180522_121059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigj9D0XxlkyiVsPtxm_UetusQXwW9hZ71IjPgexFaahXoihoH3D8eucodMJRKQG6FfePMAkrUdVvcdtHXBAXBJFrR53BdnuvYBFqhbINgIkqmf_xG9VUnp80rTuOonqr6Xj3wo_NO4jWk/s400/IMG_20180522_121059.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Il Terrazzo is by far ours (and many others) <br />
favorite dining establish in Victoria. Here's<br />
their lamb shank and Cioppino. Awesome! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOa1YjGsQWhctOFxiUI2qXUS01wvsd73ZGxiwkcx1W6G1SIBGjXHb7m6ljfBAn1lQ9hh8DHJ7DAMOFX9179wfbTQDZFLHhhwAoiKxzzPRoOcCcWtydLC0wn-kkM1u7jettZBhmHkaHEQ/s1600/IMG_20180523_115917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOa1YjGsQWhctOFxiUI2qXUS01wvsd73ZGxiwkcx1W6G1SIBGjXHb7m6ljfBAn1lQ9hh8DHJ7DAMOFX9179wfbTQDZFLHhhwAoiKxzzPRoOcCcWtydLC0wn-kkM1u7jettZBhmHkaHEQ/s400/IMG_20180523_115917.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While in Victoria, the Wild Blue crew stays at the Prior Castle Inn. Nice!</td></tr>
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We drove back to Victoria and the Prior Castle Inn. With hat in hand, we cajolled the Innkeeper into reopening our room and letting us stay the night. At 530AM we re-started our drive to Nanaimo and luckily BC1 had re-opened earlier. We arrived to see our boat in the water alongside AAL Singapore. Next we located the Nanaimo Port Authority transport vessel which took Alex aboard, deposited him aboard Wild Blue and stood by while he re-connected the battery banks, and started up the engines, a 25-minute operation. Alex motored over to Nanaimo Boat Basin. After returning the rental car, Pat resumed her job as Wild Blue crew. After a stop at Dodd Narrows, Montague Harbor, and Roche Harbor US Customs, we arrived at Skyline marina, the boats winter home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctXMFOML9n7aWv78YA5q8y74kWcM2gab-5BVpCrW8eamF-BvB_J3TNJdJvsjmmrp6LJ7xrcXbeluv3_wG-shD367SqL6HxnWC8TlW1OmnC5kRZDaA5-ZX8zonaEtScQeK1gbA_p6BY7c/s1600/IMG_20180525_072345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctXMFOML9n7aWv78YA5q8y74kWcM2gab-5BVpCrW8eamF-BvB_J3TNJdJvsjmmrp6LJ7xrcXbeluv3_wG-shD367SqL6HxnWC8TlW1OmnC5kRZDaA5-ZX8zonaEtScQeK1gbA_p6BY7c/s400/IMG_20180525_072345.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's 730AM in Nanaimo and Wild Blue has been moored <br />
to AAL Singapore overnight.</td></tr>
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Jay and Mickey Field along with Dick Squire welcomed us back to the Pacific Northwest with a grand dinner in their spectacular dining room overlooking Skyline Marina and the Wild Blue. What nice neighbors we have!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlweooDtsc65kYsX8Lr3SxSCDPO3y2buQqtkS3bSt2sBEzzPHYgAYcTrpZEvlr5iK38YlrtTVQNYPERRJtGvq6sy6YpykJOK-I1kJcIcdspsEr9TQd5vVb1XFjluSJoOERrAqih4tMwwo/s1600/IMG_20180528_181505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1600" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlweooDtsc65kYsX8Lr3SxSCDPO3y2buQqtkS3bSt2sBEzzPHYgAYcTrpZEvlr5iK38YlrtTVQNYPERRJtGvq6sy6YpykJOK-I1kJcIcdspsEr9TQd5vVb1XFjluSJoOERrAqih4tMwwo/s400/IMG_20180528_181505.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from Mickey and Jay's home down Skyline Marina<br />
and Wild Blue's temporary winter home. The boat is visible in the last pane.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjqGi3vnNbP696vSnFBTedBduN8H4kxGWGLHIeCjcIAv3ntsaZKtQ0fAS7Wsv5iKtZFMNWM7ATWztjgFKdUvy-QXqEdt6TklFwcQHmyNtXbjLfmvyS3Kiipxs2kcpn1D17bO0V_LmGJo/s1600/IMG_20180528_181904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjqGi3vnNbP696vSnFBTedBduN8H4kxGWGLHIeCjcIAv3ntsaZKtQ0fAS7Wsv5iKtZFMNWM7ATWztjgFKdUvy-QXqEdt6TklFwcQHmyNtXbjLfmvyS3Kiipxs2kcpn1D17bO0V_LmGJo/s400/IMG_20180528_181904.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jay prepped eggplant parmesan with<br />
spaghetti and meatballs. Pat prepped homemade<br />
potato soup while Mickey topped this great meal<br />
with a lemon whipped dessert. All over the top!</td></tr>
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<br />Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-29071182785675352672018-02-12T18:45:00.000-08:002018-02-25T14:38:38.218-08:002018-03 Los Osos Water Boys Fish Baja<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Saturday, February 3, 2018: LAX to La Paz<br />
<br />
We started out about 1AM on Saturday morning. It was a 3-hour ride to LAX from the San Luis Obispo area. Ken Bruton drove his big diesel truck while Gerard Ages, AJ Jennings and Captain Alex were along for the ride. Ken and Gerard have crewed on Wild Blue before. They added AJ and this crew is along only for fish catching, and fish dining. By 6:30AM the crew had checked wet suits, rods, spear guns, masks, snorkels, reels, and lures and were boarding the Alaska Air jet to Los Cabos Airport. This early flight is one of the first flights of the day into Cabo, which means the Mexican Customs crowd should be small.<br />
<br />
Our La Paz driver Alex meets us at the curb at just after 11 local time and we settle in for the 2+ hour ride to La Paz. In the old days, before Los Cabos Airport and the Cabo San Lucas explosion, La Paz was the tourist destination and many flights serviced LAP with direct flights from the states. Now the best way to get there is by walking across the boarder from <a href="https://www.crossborderxpress.com/" target="_blank">San Diego CBX</a> to Tijuana Airport. It's inexpensive, nonstop and fast, but still about a six hour drive from the Central California Coast.<br />
<br />
Alex is an Uber driver and speaks both languages fluently, besides holding a degree in marine biology. So while he works on his masters degree, he drives for a living, talking fish along the way. The crew mines Alex for the latest fishing techniques, and information. The fish talk is stimulating and this crew won't nap, even after having been awake for the past 11 hours!<br />
<br />
Once at the boat, we drop off the gear, and Alex drops us at the dive shop downtown La Paz. We say goodbye, he says good luck! Soon we are wandering the city with 40 pounds of dive weights. The church, albeit pretty and hundreds of years old, does nothing to relieve our hunger. Finally we select our Taco "Temple" and indulge: a dozen fresh fish tacos, heavily laden with accouterments (cabbage, tomato, onion, cheese, red pepper, halipena, cilantro), and eight frosty cervesas are needed so we can "get some satisfaction"!<br />
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With tummies filled, we walk a couple blocks to the local "supermarcado". This corner market is not necessarily super, but it has fine fruit and vegetables, dairy products, beer, wine, liquor and many of the products we see at home, just labeled in a different language. After three carts filled, we call Uber for our $3.78 US cab fare back to the boat, about 4 miles away in the <a href="http://marinacostabaja.com/" target="_blank">Costa Baja Resort</a>. The fish talk continues into the night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRg1rNxyKruzGuoeC4pRqk9Zb9O9FWjhyjLKyT3-bQmNOtP_ock2Yk977P_7LWOVKVHALD_bprMK96V-BgBTT4mCyYZha0xAhibbS0nB-00vTia5kLG0koOZ8xMtVEsWAz_bHkpcojdQ0/s1600/Church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRg1rNxyKruzGuoeC4pRqk9Zb9O9FWjhyjLKyT3-bQmNOtP_ock2Yk977P_7LWOVKVHALD_bprMK96V-BgBTT4mCyYZha0xAhibbS0nB-00vTia5kLG0koOZ8xMtVEsWAz_bHkpcojdQ0/s400/Church.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even She can't satisfy our hunger today!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rq2wW-SBf1w_gpc5gnkrPpTlVP_GzzEIm-ItVbWApyuPz-3luTafLmuGOMeMG1hyphenhyphen1vpC8PmZ4RGfvUHSyLqlyI-DLpPRUHSzbFiWKD61RRFay8nSZVZLZ2UterLwIT1_PjorbTi38Q8/s1600/Crew+album+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rq2wW-SBf1w_gpc5gnkrPpTlVP_GzzEIm-ItVbWApyuPz-3luTafLmuGOMeMG1hyphenhyphen1vpC8PmZ4RGfvUHSyLqlyI-DLpPRUHSzbFiWKD61RRFay8nSZVZLZ2UterLwIT1_PjorbTi38Q8/s400/Crew+album+cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front to back Ken, Gerard and AJ. K and G have been playing together<br />
in the same Rock and Roll band for decades, and it shows here <br />
as they know just how to pose for an album cover.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sunday, February 4, 2018: La Paz to Isla Espiritu, Fish Trolling, then Isla San Francisco<br />
<div>
<br />
Crew Gerard is a highly social creature. In fact social media was invented for people just like him! Like most, he uses the new technology to communicate with friends, family, clients, and business associates. However Gerard's social media use flourishes when the topic is fishing. Well before he boarded the plane to Baja, Gerard had texted, emailed, and called his numerous fishing friends to find out who had recently fished Baja. Like a gemologist, he mined their minds for locations, techniques, lures, bait, rods and reels. As word spread that G was coming to Baja, it was no surprise to the rest of us that he had already arranged a rendezvous with Kevin on the sailing vessel Little Haste, an Asian designed ketch. The meet will be at Isla Espiritu, a couple hours outside of La Paz. And the topic will be........ fishing.<br />
<br />
Kevin has lots of boats, but the majority are commercial tourist vessels which operate out of Morro Bay. Whale watching slows during the winter months so Kevin and crew get on Little Haste in Baja and cruise the Sea. He's been out for a couple weeks now and has fishing and diving tips to share. He texts Gerard his coordinates via Garmin's In-Reach Satellite Communicator, and our media connected crewman directs our course. Soon we arrive in Ensenada del Candelero Bay and set the hook next to S/V Little Haste and crew. We invite them aboard for a fishing summit. They arrive with beer, tequila and chocolate. We supply Chef Ken's delicious guacamole, chips, more beer and tequila. The shot glasses and limes appear, and soon the tequila has evaporated, but the fishing stories continue!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8l3owa71eIXyyMG0_XHUIVIqE9bR0wrTiKbO4dDcCKC-n51RwTeMIkP6k7GznIesaKDj4_bGCAM7PZsGjasaME3wFDK9vIryi2oDsdWHPwUMXa3TG7YzVq8Gm9iERtTKNDm9m8KWbeaw/s1600/Kevins+Ketch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8l3owa71eIXyyMG0_XHUIVIqE9bR0wrTiKbO4dDcCKC-n51RwTeMIkP6k7GznIesaKDj4_bGCAM7PZsGjasaME3wFDK9vIryi2oDsdWHPwUMXa3TG7YzVq8Gm9iERtTKNDm9m8KWbeaw/s400/Kevins+Ketch.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin's ketch, aka Little Haste! He keeps this boat in La Paz,<br />
while his commercial tourist fleet cruises the waters in and around Morro Bay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RgyDE_HHp9f0047Dwkz-7bUKxtIrivzQmYg5d4JYoTMa99ALT5IG4EZkALD4WSQTLV8x4BL3BIsGxlpNnFcSq1-IafxeqpATxSCEs2a2XRqLNq6R3sS7tNgi8aogeLJKkh_gDuvJKdk/s1600/Kevin+and+MB+Crew.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RgyDE_HHp9f0047Dwkz-7bUKxtIrivzQmYg5d4JYoTMa99ALT5IG4EZkALD4WSQTLV8x4BL3BIsGxlpNnFcSq1-IafxeqpATxSCEs2a2XRqLNq6R3sS7tNgi8aogeLJKkh_gDuvJKdk/s400/Kevin+and+MB+Crew.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Haste crew aboard the Wild Blue. Where or where did<br />
that tequila go?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Guacamole ala Chef Ken Bruton</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"There is no better guac recipe"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 large ripe Avocado</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 heaping table spoons of mayonnaise</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 of white or red onion finely chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 large ripe tomato chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 handful of cilantro chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 tablespoon of Louisiana hot sauce</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/8 of a jalapeño extra finely chopped (omit if you don’t like heat)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 or 2 fresh garlic cloves pressed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 teaspoon pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 of a lime or lemon juiced</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mix and mash until all looks green, let sit in frig for ½ hour and enjoy</div>
<br />
After several beer and tequilas, Kevin and the crew of Little Haste, like a spy on truth serum, "spilled their guts" divulging fishing tips, techniques, and locations on the Sea. They recommended Isla San Francisco and Isla Las Animas. They loaned us a spare spear gun rubber band, and their remaining fresh foods no longer needed as they return home in the morning. They were quite helpful and any fishing success can be attributed to getting the location right. Real estate and fishing have three aspects in common: location, location, location!<br />
<br />
After our good byes, we pulled the hook and headed to Isla San Francisco. Along the way the crew perfected the troll spread using four rods and an extra line. With five lures on the drag, it a wonder we're not filling the freezer yet. We arrived in the dark to 15+ boats at anchor in Isla SF's big bay, so instead we anchored near the wall in the indentation just west of the big anchorage. Our LED floods lit up the shore, an woke up the Panguero fishermen previously asleep on shore.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzd_7tJFQIuAbzqhJTePlnUBfjtap53wydrVCHdxF4bXxmEaOU6-pQJZeQmgZkbSjr5GKBpOkKXtN9N0dItGUYznqQJ5gNHnREGHLalDgFabbHprfshLIwBVLDiv-mz85yqpckZ0KZE_c/s1600/The+Spread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzd_7tJFQIuAbzqhJTePlnUBfjtap53wydrVCHdxF4bXxmEaOU6-pQJZeQmgZkbSjr5GKBpOkKXtN9N0dItGUYznqQJ5gNHnREGHLalDgFabbHprfshLIwBVLDiv-mz85yqpckZ0KZE_c/s400/The+Spread.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spread: starboard corner rod (not shown), lower deck rod, upper<br />
deck rod, swim step bungee line, and port corner rod. Five <br />
lines dragging lures, feathers, plugs, Rapallas, etc. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ROqNvvh2aOy-CNhf6h12ItyAv09CZaTn-NosGxHM-ucFc4tqoahfyU7yHJqM2EUViC5XaQWXIDBsqJJns0kYDnnQw6-zXjHEKNflqq_X5mfmhWrQyKYXICNBp1h9MQClOlI54sq2ybw/s1600/AJ+reels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ROqNvvh2aOy-CNhf6h12ItyAv09CZaTn-NosGxHM-ucFc4tqoahfyU7yHJqM2EUViC5XaQWXIDBsqJJns0kYDnnQw6-zXjHEKNflqq_X5mfmhWrQyKYXICNBp1h9MQClOlI54sq2ybw/s400/AJ+reels.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ wrestles a Dorado, aka Mahi Mahi, aka Dolphinfish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnOYiA2UoG1SFWYpht7Cr2_aE8-FXA0AFeawHSfouaEPrMne9aOeg_wwNgJaLK0EeSpk5UpVwKJryXRnh3jn-DapPIU-wJe9mIFZ0MLmb-qwQUlHkThBy5Tmkl0X3ckVIxQnNbhoMRA4/s1600/Miniature+Dorado.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnOYiA2UoG1SFWYpht7Cr2_aE8-FXA0AFeawHSfouaEPrMne9aOeg_wwNgJaLK0EeSpk5UpVwKJryXRnh3jn-DapPIU-wJe9mIFZ0MLmb-qwQUlHkThBy5Tmkl0X3ckVIxQnNbhoMRA4/s400/Miniature+Dorado.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ's Dorado gets a cleaning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4DFC657AO4xbPtG-GJ89bE5n7EgPNbL2Fm5diWkcpf2rHCpfMp3yS3DN5EDqXcmgOPVDr3-n-xR4jOLFWearyTPd9qLn2M-ItAAannPgsXrw2PeSbTdarOrJtRB3RDkRKLnBSfFDa40/s1600/Loreto+to+La+Paz_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1212" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4DFC657AO4xbPtG-GJ89bE5n7EgPNbL2Fm5diWkcpf2rHCpfMp3yS3DN5EDqXcmgOPVDr3-n-xR4jOLFWearyTPd9qLn2M-ItAAannPgsXrw2PeSbTdarOrJtRB3RDkRKLnBSfFDa40/s400/Loreto+to+La+Paz_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This week's route takes us north from La Paz</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
to Puerto Escondido and back.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIc5kIiBIsBrYXXKaax2GjRiLgsgI739ToCKJcTQ6DVf7IJNk9WXk8WZqgb3-OppCwPu2CUuLs_XICxDCHagAD3S_4gCSdq6f5HaKbL4ryT3e6rJYd8VKY_MCEUW3XxtfN4JL5antfxjM/s1600/BAV+Sunset+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIc5kIiBIsBrYXXKaax2GjRiLgsgI739ToCKJcTQ6DVf7IJNk9WXk8WZqgb3-OppCwPu2CUuLs_XICxDCHagAD3S_4gCSdq6f5HaKbL4ryT3e6rJYd8VKY_MCEUW3XxtfN4JL5antfxjM/s400/BAV+Sunset+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over the Baja Penninsula</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Monday, February 5, 2018: Fishing Isla San Francisco</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We decided to stay the day at Isla SF. Gerard and AJ snorkeled the wall connecting with a few small fish. Ken and Alex trolled Isla SF's east side with Rapalleas close to shore. Soon a good sized Cabrilla ate it up and Ken landed the tasty fish, aka "Chocolate". This occurred as another gringo watched from a passing dinghy. Upon landing the Cabrilla, he then called over his congratulations. Shortly thereafter he lifted a rather LARGE Cabrilla, just to help keep our egos in check.</div>
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Solution for Lack of Accurate Charts</div>
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In ours and many others experience, accurate charts are a rarity here in Baja. Our CMAP and Navionics electronic charts look good, but their depth readings are not even close. Worse, some land masses are up to a mile off from where the electronic chart shows them. Typically the Baja peninsula land mass is close to actual position, but the reefs and islands are not close. Some well-traveled islands like Espiritu and San Francisco are near accurate, but Las Animas is close to a mile off both on CMAP and Navionic charts. In fact Navionics has us passing directly through the center of Animas! CMAP had us anchored on 500 yards on shore at Punta Colorado on Carmen Island. So, the best Baja chart solution we've found is "Sea of Cortez: A Cruisers Guidebook". These charts have proved to be accurate. Electronic versions of these charts are available for use with various apps. The book lists the waypoints for anchoring, waypoints for safe passages, and waypoints for caution, such as reefs to avoid. We've included three chart scans from the over 100 in the book to highlight the clarity and accuracy of the charts. We highly recommend buying this book! Of course no affiliation with the authors or publishers (and we hope they don't sue for displaying this copyrighted material)!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsXZqTplBcK-6Eb7Yji_XpIaOx-8NcyZs-HEYg0xZJ-A-4CgDpaOkNDvEApq_GWs2AEjbbkfV2yNnK8ZTReyea3J-ypJU-ZoQdpxK-hlT93h4Pnwp6muVrReaqWELwlxh5QRR9CmjuDg/s1600/Isla+SF_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1187" data-original-width="1600" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsXZqTplBcK-6Eb7Yji_XpIaOx-8NcyZs-HEYg0xZJ-A-4CgDpaOkNDvEApq_GWs2AEjbbkfV2yNnK8ZTReyea3J-ypJU-ZoQdpxK-hlT93h4Pnwp6muVrReaqWELwlxh5QRR9CmjuDg/s400/Isla+SF_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isla San Francisco has two great snorkeling locations.<br />
One on the wall of the West Anchorage. The other on the<br />
wall of the North Anchorage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y58BpgRvPL0" width="600"></iframe></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSADPcIS31Zh_CwRo0GHwIJBxEJ1cNnosVgkpNAmOu8cK02f2NKQ4pGePg2VGvjferUzFxc5f4bc03v_0jTOKGa1GnYzMAkIahm54Utq_hAscZDOy44JNsU-Rt9Z5mVCEnYiAeVC4UFE/s1600/Dinghy+Fishing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSADPcIS31Zh_CwRo0GHwIJBxEJ1cNnosVgkpNAmOu8cK02f2NKQ4pGePg2VGvjferUzFxc5f4bc03v_0jTOKGa1GnYzMAkIahm54Utq_hAscZDOy44JNsU-Rt9Z5mVCEnYiAeVC4UFE/s400/Dinghy+Fishing.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex, AJ and Ken trolling in tender.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_H66nCxRjI3GIYML-EtSVTj79DPyZqc-3ohA51nr_Q-ERxJl-eH5NrUVb0zaQsXdO_Y-xCLzLZv4HlLBDxct034EP9NRCmqMBdO2qF7BiDJhlA2ZSEm60MBoZno0Un1yQhRc0x2fL24/s1600/Diving+off+SF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_H66nCxRjI3GIYML-EtSVTj79DPyZqc-3ohA51nr_Q-ERxJl-eH5NrUVb0zaQsXdO_Y-xCLzLZv4HlLBDxct034EP9NRCmqMBdO2qF7BiDJhlA2ZSEm60MBoZno0Un1yQhRc0x2fL24/s400/Diving+off+SF.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ face down and G face up with kayak tender to snorkeling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_pXb9O5BQ4kmA1onQKUhikN2jGc-K0yuhL2W8CQBRWpDN6LjXhPci6iy88oqE7IDzq8-_ZZ3muhJjfTI7p_z6x_yuxQhJUydCBfyRuYyNiWKDAFJIPJ-rGBZjvGm5kQo_Dv5jtPz4vs/s1600/Kens+Cabrilla.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_pXb9O5BQ4kmA1onQKUhikN2jGc-K0yuhL2W8CQBRWpDN6LjXhPci6iy88oqE7IDzq8-_ZZ3muhJjfTI7p_z6x_yuxQhJUydCBfyRuYyNiWKDAFJIPJ-rGBZjvGm5kQo_Dv5jtPz4vs/s400/Kens+Cabrilla.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken's nice Cabrilla. Wow this turned into a tasty BBQ treat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QpzTRTmMpjcK71sTYaKGBvB1re9obuLQ75_q4VTS7spNFIuWk-QuahZgSZwyHoTGhfLvZ1xZcGfewmFxen151Gsy3P9UdknBiJkkzWYciZiaZTqNyOAxMYz9ppKZYmv6nIh4K9_h5jM/s1600/Fish+tacos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QpzTRTmMpjcK71sTYaKGBvB1re9obuLQ75_q4VTS7spNFIuWk-QuahZgSZwyHoTGhfLvZ1xZcGfewmFxen151Gsy3P9UdknBiJkkzWYciZiaZTqNyOAxMYz9ppKZYmv6nIh4K9_h5jM/s400/Fish+tacos.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch of more Dorado fish tacos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqrhVviv-z1w5Lcr9hzynkLs2bGgiEztDRBplNf7FhIC3t4tP-1jvfevFT5qpUUiNzXBnOhfczLhPHpS1wRrx-jLhUyeXOEv4ZXptgsJogC6BCI76ashziabxKCoyEDuD9wLRJNG0CY4/s1600/Sunset+at+SF+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqrhVviv-z1w5Lcr9hzynkLs2bGgiEztDRBplNf7FhIC3t4tP-1jvfevFT5qpUUiNzXBnOhfczLhPHpS1wRrx-jLhUyeXOEv4ZXptgsJogC6BCI76ashziabxKCoyEDuD9wLRJNG0CY4/s400/Sunset+at+SF+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice end to a good day in Baja at Isla SF.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div>
<br />
Tuesday, February 6, 2018: Isla San Francisco to Isla Las Alminas, to San Marte</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Yesterday we decided to get an early start and fish Kevin's recommended Isla Las Animas off the east side of Isla San Jose. We left at 4AM to arrive around 6:30, a prime fishing time of day. As is typical in the Sea, the boat's electronic CMAP and Navionics charts show Isla Las Animas location about .8 NM further west than reality. In fact Navionics had us cruising directly across the island! Luckily it is well lit even if the charted light location doesn't jive with reality, something that wouldn't be tolerated for long in the USA. Oh well, that's Mexico?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVPLVjTUJxvW9sUQXyg0EIfzGCbfDNMSyLDJsfxkrLA743H62Bq4tan1YXxkKhqRnhb5_wDSd1dT0-FrITl9a72EvO9MnucCZpQipQGDjyv3Ig7N1udC9Rdp8dnzICXA82EgOS3I8Ny8/s1600/Las+Animas+on+CMAP_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVPLVjTUJxvW9sUQXyg0EIfzGCbfDNMSyLDJsfxkrLA743H62Bq4tan1YXxkKhqRnhb5_wDSd1dT0-FrITl9a72EvO9MnucCZpQipQGDjyv3Ig7N1udC9Rdp8dnzICXA82EgOS3I8Ny8/s400/Las+Animas+on+CMAP_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our track around Las Animas shows an island about 1/2 size,<br />
circular as opposed to elongated and approximately .75 nautical<br />
miles north and east of reality per CMAP! One would think is this<br />
time of satellite mapping, charts would accurate and useful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We circled the Las Animas three times trolling the big spread but the fishing seemed to be nearer to the island as the Pangueros moved their pangas close in. We followed suit and watched the Pangueros technique then Gerard started conversing in Spanish. Whatever was said, we both fished the same rock off the north end of Las Animas,the boats just twenty feet apart. The Pangueros chummed lots, causing the rock fish to leave their holes in a feeding frenzy. The fishermen then hand-line cast into the chummed water, reeling in fish after fish. Soon they backed off, inviting us to try our luck. It was nice of them to standby and watch as we cast lures into the Panguero's fishing hole, however they must have been somewhat comforted by the fact that these Gringos were not taking any fish!<br />
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7pUy_KcQwKGrPJ_tThNpaYZrFlCYH-BpswlOTduWu3ytXLKJigLALJ5BXaffDYphJbxyRLH_DaBR7wynjAtrRKWzfzd_NHPbuyXCVBkrKYRbtMm5GnDC0XmCAzkyrqORKfiiJZdm57Q/s1600/AJs+Fish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7pUy_KcQwKGrPJ_tThNpaYZrFlCYH-BpswlOTduWu3ytXLKJigLALJ5BXaffDYphJbxyRLH_DaBR7wynjAtrRKWzfzd_NHPbuyXCVBkrKYRbtMm5GnDC0XmCAzkyrqORKfiiJZdm57Q/s400/AJs+Fish.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ's Las Animas Masked Triggerfish chalked up one fish for the Gringos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Except for AJ's Triggerfish, after four hours Las Animas was a bust for the gringos. It was time to move, so we opted for San Marte anchorage near three reefs, good for diving and fishing. By 10:30 we were watching the spread and hoping for the sound of a "fast clicking reel." Along our route, we passed between Isla San Diego and Isla Santa Cruz, giant rocks in the Sea, arriving in Bahia San Marte at 3:30.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Gerard and AJ suited up for reef snorkeling while Ken and Alex tender trolled the rocky shore. By late afternoon, Gerard came back with a good sized dogfish grouper. It turned into a great dinner.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajjvsUoe4ajuCtY-A5hUZZtCvr67GuMowLLmXrm28-Q-SZmdK_yY6yFrzRC1_bNz1hZ-Lc8ie1nqML7iPnssx66YtRsr8865RN96dcAd-vuwnwZG29iw_NOoh8_Z_Z7tK0-tv3Nvwv54/s1600/San+Diego.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajjvsUoe4ajuCtY-A5hUZZtCvr67GuMowLLmXrm28-Q-SZmdK_yY6yFrzRC1_bNz1hZ-Lc8ie1nqML7iPnssx66YtRsr8865RN96dcAd-vuwnwZG29iw_NOoh8_Z_Z7tK0-tv3Nvwv54/s400/San+Diego.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isla San Diego</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQ3GhUHFRa8QAZhiWHkgI8eL0E-0U3jD13tmZm2ckYYYUfjRwdhwt038YZVLZU_fXGTjjWK9Rx_ES1XaQ2nxT-IW4bJ7KtNKXnme_qi5V71YyoYzVM2jZKJWA9qLG_cz3qMzwu73Lg6s/s1600/Santa+Cruz.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQ3GhUHFRa8QAZhiWHkgI8eL0E-0U3jD13tmZm2ckYYYUfjRwdhwt038YZVLZU_fXGTjjWK9Rx_ES1XaQ2nxT-IW4bJ7KtNKXnme_qi5V71YyoYzVM2jZKJWA9qLG_cz3qMzwu73Lg6s/s400/Santa+Cruz.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isla Santa Cruz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfl6TBtbirFT46o8E15-FZ-rHigT5pUdPRG-PMJ_Ka-a_G6cezrK0U4tusmmTf2yWxOrE_7Wr_X_ZaPurbdUJRFAN0kUjwJuhrQp2ClmLu3VxX7c65JNIEgqW4JDijQsNLhNatSzf0rY/s1600/San+Marte_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1600" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfl6TBtbirFT46o8E15-FZ-rHigT5pUdPRG-PMJ_Ka-a_G6cezrK0U4tusmmTf2yWxOrE_7Wr_X_ZaPurbdUJRFAN0kUjwJuhrQp2ClmLu3VxX7c65JNIEgqW4JDijQsNLhNatSzf0rY/s400/San+Marte_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The accurate chart of San Marte Anchorage and snorkeling reefs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWAHSar8L6GMe6iZK1TA3-rRINi9nS9uOGF9yqiMoDuPLPeN6_kNWZP2s9yLz9Sq4KKAMuAEhoF1tTcWYH6GHogcE4YkZM7P4t7ybKU_MffPNOW0pvUoDSklMmgCROZkgk4Ty37BozuA/s1600/Gerards+Fish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWAHSar8L6GMe6iZK1TA3-rRINi9nS9uOGF9yqiMoDuPLPeN6_kNWZP2s9yLz9Sq4KKAMuAEhoF1tTcWYH6GHogcE4YkZM7P4t7ybKU_MffPNOW0pvUoDSklMmgCROZkgk4Ty37BozuA/s400/Gerards+Fish.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G's Pargo Perro (dog) Snapperr speared off San Marte reef.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
Wednesday, February 7, 2018: San Marte to Puerto Escondido<br />
<br />
By 11AM we had dined on pancakes and eggs and on our way to <a href="http://marinapuertoescondido.com/" target="_blank">Puerto Escondido</a>, a 4-hour motor. The seas were flat and the troll continued with little success, other than looking to be in good fishing form! Instead, we worked on our tans.<br />
<br />
With new tans, we gringos fit right in with the deeper tanned ex-pats in Puerto Escondido. There are lots of 'em here. After tie up, the marina check-in was simple. Instead of the legions of marina staff when we visited last in 2014, just one guy operated the efficient office. He took our Mexico check-in packet and instead of copying to paper, just scanned it saying "we don't have a lot of trees down here in Baja". Great attitude and instead the regular moorage rate, the power wasn't up yet, so the charge was just 75 cents a foot! Hurry Venus you can make it before the increase.....<br />
<br />
The marina guy was quite pleasant, and a good English speaker, so I asked him if Carlos the diver was still here. In 2014 we had Carlos watch Dick Squire's Seagate for 6 weeks. Well Carlos was there and I ran into him a few minutes later. Surprisingly he remembered me and the Seagate. Obviously I must have overpaid for his services, to remember some old gringo from the past, or he just has excellent interpersonal skills. It felt good being back in PE.<br />
<br />
There's a an outdoor view restaurant upstairs overlooking the marina with a large brick pizza oven. It looks intriguing, but of course with Ken Bruton chef-ing aboard the Wild Blue, why would we dine out? No worries, Kenny has graciously supplied his recipes for the rest of the world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAa7dmou5I0wVp7elZhxjbbQplAWd4n3OU0WOXsDK5y78_NDu3pYNSETalIsEl2qkUJXfvvcRE4fuMKnEJwdGxNhHuK6uHFwciZIivIHcHqX96c6UeDJlmHq4fLu5tLmYzmRrvhESPOBI/s1600/Approaching+PE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAa7dmou5I0wVp7elZhxjbbQplAWd4n3OU0WOXsDK5y78_NDu3pYNSETalIsEl2qkUJXfvvcRE4fuMKnEJwdGxNhHuK6uHFwciZIivIHcHqX96c6UeDJlmHq4fLu5tLmYzmRrvhESPOBI/s400/Approaching+PE.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Puerto Escondido from the south.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8QjpER3fEawlNtKHPHn3yLmML3oDsOsrZ9ej4CJn2QQ8g4n62uoGz0FW-trowF-q61ZbEnqcPKGzk04MJiEhS_NIA8M0rvou4G9_v1PlQc5EJnCpiVibUD1IZI1sl4_gHrvTY6o3-Po/s1600/Safari+Explorer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8QjpER3fEawlNtKHPHn3yLmML3oDsOsrZ9ej4CJn2QQ8g4n62uoGz0FW-trowF-q61ZbEnqcPKGzk04MJiEhS_NIA8M0rvou4G9_v1PlQc5EJnCpiVibUD1IZI1sl4_gHrvTY6o3-Po/s400/Safari+Explorer.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No this is not Alaska, even though the familiar small passenger cruise ship<br />
Safari Endeavor is here in Puerto Escondido. Just like the birds, whales,<br />
and geese, this boat migrates south for the winter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eHiSAf8OVVSa_afk-Gy5kYJYfwE3D49q8wUhKOlLQELP9OCw9OF4KDwRtjkFV7qYCbnC0cPX61MODjpB_aRJR2_RlSEncnqKU-4VHm3_dDpA1Ic09Qdfu22myOybJbwgO5DXAKYAcQw/s1600/PE+Float.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eHiSAf8OVVSa_afk-Gy5kYJYfwE3D49q8wUhKOlLQELP9OCw9OF4KDwRtjkFV7qYCbnC0cPX61MODjpB_aRJR2_RlSEncnqKU-4VHm3_dDpA1Ic09Qdfu22myOybJbwgO5DXAKYAcQw/s400/PE+Float.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex checks the lines at Puerto Escondido. Hey... nice tan!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJqVQrtAsmO6eBI5uk-xudEMTGQ99d1rIgRer2G9y1RQ-xTomrERhJ2spRZPcGhatuzOAdrEJEPnX5pKhWC-ixdijGUSOVx9Q81qHFUK8ScOCNocpw6bFYLO4dYefybKl_URjqeQ57-A/s1600/PE+Floats+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJqVQrtAsmO6eBI5uk-xudEMTGQ99d1rIgRer2G9y1RQ-xTomrERhJ2spRZPcGhatuzOAdrEJEPnX5pKhWC-ixdijGUSOVx9Q81qHFUK8ScOCNocpw6bFYLO4dYefybKl_URjqeQ57-A/s400/PE+Floats+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PE's new long dock with 200 amp power can handle some lengthy superyachts.<br />
Even the 280 foot Jobs Family boat "Venus" can park right at the dock!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNGlNq2maTTFFu1CnklQ9ODazKRjtmMJ8oT9LuDXjT8vfdgDVKvkyjgorF5pz0Q242TDiYhz-G_O1VgwjyG-X0Tjm_-0V-ILHj6EzeeGzw1b4OTzaFSd5LxJj-KKfetVQbKsFuS0oWgE/s1600/PE+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNGlNq2maTTFFu1CnklQ9ODazKRjtmMJ8oT9LuDXjT8vfdgDVKvkyjgorF5pz0Q242TDiYhz-G_O1VgwjyG-X0Tjm_-0V-ILHj6EzeeGzw1b4OTzaFSd5LxJj-KKfetVQbKsFuS0oWgE/s400/PE+9.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally a self-powered weather station!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7VVBYEcRNC0J-VcI1MG0ufRO_KrFdkBXryS50LdxnySf8CwsansdlQfLfmnJHtpgFlP8xJYEmX8NKnDX0NmLiC0rELJ2lwbqM0ndh-qAj3Rv-Y5u441KfIXht0AZyGchDc9rA51jR1c/s1600/PE+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7VVBYEcRNC0J-VcI1MG0ufRO_KrFdkBXryS50LdxnySf8CwsansdlQfLfmnJHtpgFlP8xJYEmX8NKnDX0NmLiC0rELJ2lwbqM0ndh-qAj3Rv-Y5u441KfIXht0AZyGchDc9rA51jR1c/s400/PE+8.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty Puerto Escondido is on the rise. It has been purchased by a<br />
Guadalajara family and improvements and building are happening. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_04qMb901miyHsFkpjTio4SxdTwZnekoqyjw5mtxCjtdX_SZH91qt5bJpFwWubgEIGJiJCbnKWR-iIF2JXpu10zym1n_e4oTFXo2ma3wxC9Tj72Ny0YHBH_mcu62yKI2LIurSY7GMqko/s1600/PE+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_04qMb901miyHsFkpjTio4SxdTwZnekoqyjw5mtxCjtdX_SZH91qt5bJpFwWubgEIGJiJCbnKWR-iIF2JXpu10zym1n_e4oTFXo2ma3wxC9Tj72Ny0YHBH_mcu62yKI2LIurSY7GMqko/s400/PE+7.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yard with 100 ton hoist can handle some big trawlers too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61O51Z-8bS7DMieACbHTSWslYilrH15UisltYQ6f5NZKuWndx_R1GM_s-eIXOrM44WMwpZZdbryUfzwV-Xvaqh1vxLK-3CGaV6bSDn6q1BEga8nbf1o2T6KusSiwTVnJhSkAKziYau9k/s1600/PE+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61O51Z-8bS7DMieACbHTSWslYilrH15UisltYQ6f5NZKuWndx_R1GM_s-eIXOrM44WMwpZZdbryUfzwV-Xvaqh1vxLK-3CGaV6bSDn6q1BEga8nbf1o2T6KusSiwTVnJhSkAKziYau9k/s400/PE+6.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New home construction is beginning near the marina with 80-foot<br />
docks in your front yard. Let's see, I'll need one home in PE, one in<br />
Anacortes (check), and one in Sitka.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our yard tour revealed the Cal Yacht Club boat Pied-A-Mer up on the hard. This is a beautiful 55 foot Tiara. Bill, who manages a good-sized LA CPA firm, and crew cruised with our CUBAR group to La Paz. He slipped near us at Costa Baja and came by to say hi when the poultry farmers were aboard in January. Of course WillieBird provided Bill some fresh Dorado fillets.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfccfqEdBwFF-PXfy1x6M8kuJNN31ovpj8s4QGWR7POqhOr9SGR95yGu_gLifbZO8RV3kzWetiqxy5qpxk33W69W8rSth3OyLbQ20xi4gjzWsKYSYE8A3F6tzvMd-4kdRd_EaLcQKsZo/s1600/Cubar+Boat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfccfqEdBwFF-PXfy1x6M8kuJNN31ovpj8s4QGWR7POqhOr9SGR95yGu_gLifbZO8RV3kzWetiqxy5qpxk33W69W8rSth3OyLbQ20xi4gjzWsKYSYE8A3F6tzvMd-4kdRd_EaLcQKsZo/s400/Cubar+Boat.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill Wolf's Pied-A-Mer a fast Tiara 55 on the hard in Puerto Escondido.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJGWrU4O1uKaRm02n_jOPaVRvewVj2dj9yeRkue7CUgxrDF5fuCNMWuV8Ihf6-Biwz8hZhZz_OBf_psdxBs11DrhW9HbJ7q47EKP91ViRBzBQbDjDOik0Udt0_MluVx5rOCIGuK64384/s1600/Rocky+Road.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJGWrU4O1uKaRm02n_jOPaVRvewVj2dj9yeRkue7CUgxrDF5fuCNMWuV8Ihf6-Biwz8hZhZz_OBf_psdxBs11DrhW9HbJ7q47EKP91ViRBzBQbDjDOik0Udt0_MluVx5rOCIGuK64384/s400/Rocky+Road.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We examined several other boats in the yard. This particular boat <br />
had rubbed a rock or two, but no structural impact, just a little more<br />
Bondo than usual is needed here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBx_CTTHPvyWFPBexMs_dtBW2troZ5Ga3RJtSbevqpOwNxdw1Fj3PeXFHeWAlEgwz1PW13SfatCJCwS1pKRLsob54u3r-sTNOrn97akgwD5zzJ1gZHyNFm9qKmxTftBUvlT-_J_tHr-c/s1600/Fillets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBx_CTTHPvyWFPBexMs_dtBW2troZ5Ga3RJtSbevqpOwNxdw1Fj3PeXFHeWAlEgwz1PW13SfatCJCwS1pKRLsob54u3r-sTNOrn97akgwD5zzJ1gZHyNFm9qKmxTftBUvlT-_J_tHr-c/s400/Fillets.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's Dog Snapper night with Ken's easy rice on the Wild Blue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Chef Ken Bruton's Easy Rice</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup rice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 cups water</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 table spoons olive oil</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 teaspoon curry powder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 tablespoons rojo salsa</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bring to boil, reduce heat to simmer, place lid on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When water has been absorbed check consistency and serve </div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yEbJsWKEWXc_5SGljMAgfwIfO-JKVzjJ7eBSM3owZFtEEgh9GSTQLI77qqijCSb0xTkiJkiYSpxBVLK8MfFWMxu8Iv5qT7hwMKiAJ3f8WzBiEgM_iy-FUTPlKCeZDJv3v4KGPhmL_Kg/s1600/Kens+Choc+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yEbJsWKEWXc_5SGljMAgfwIfO-JKVzjJ7eBSM3owZFtEEgh9GSTQLI77qqijCSb0xTkiJkiYSpxBVLK8MfFWMxu8Iv5qT7hwMKiAJ3f8WzBiEgM_iy-FUTPlKCeZDJv3v4KGPhmL_Kg/s400/Kens+Choc+Cake.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken's Chocolate Rum Cake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_oQ36U9MlKZN6weoXeSWVo2UWjV8Xai6XMG_SrFY6mhXSP_pS57gaMLUl-gJ8qnhs6IXXf2x9iXGdL2Pg8ctTr8b8NRijFIhrPhmwMx8NxUVjjDdOkdKC1XEEQ7wloIDtic6I8n4ZLg/s1600/Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_oQ36U9MlKZN6weoXeSWVo2UWjV8Xai6XMG_SrFY6mhXSP_pS57gaMLUl-gJ8qnhs6IXXf2x9iXGdL2Pg8ctTr8b8NRijFIhrPhmwMx8NxUVjjDdOkdKC1XEEQ7wloIDtic6I8n4ZLg/s400/Cake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thursday, February 8, 2018: Puerto Escondido to Punta Colorado, then Bahia Agua Verde<br />
<br />
After a couple of AJ's breakfast burritos, we slipped our dock lines, and departed friendly Puerto Escondido. Our goal today is Punta Colorado anchorage on the southeast side of Isla Carmen. There's a diving reef and we hope to tender troll as well.<br />
<br />
Not far from Puerto Escondido along the north shore we noticed a kayaker on the beach. It appeared he had lost his swim trunks.... no that's maybe a nude beach?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIFgD2uXOuYPOCW2taCq3VU-ugDImncAwuuAc8mS6g8dJQIjSIdyu5ef-EXwpceeqmepQCFpZg-6bzyO9jVPr8s9NzidrVIP9MwOawssFOv72MU42oZy4Jk6BQ_n6cTImytiXttK8DEo/s1600/PE+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIFgD2uXOuYPOCW2taCq3VU-ugDImncAwuuAc8mS6g8dJQIjSIdyu5ef-EXwpceeqmepQCFpZg-6bzyO9jVPr8s9NzidrVIP9MwOawssFOv72MU42oZy4Jk6BQ_n6cTImytiXttK8DEo/s400/PE+10.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nude beach just outside Puerto Escondido?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfUmkIfOaorDGgmG-0pHmvA5JQSev-9SHE1heuZBvPEK5GYE5SHizLBR_hQBRkU80MUemFrMw_L-BCO74NVQnGw7gPj2EohValhkBVIjJDGgBp-0Vkw9lZCe7vWMOzjypOPBBTc-4sk8/s1600/nude.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfUmkIfOaorDGgmG-0pHmvA5JQSev-9SHE1heuZBvPEK5GYE5SHizLBR_hQBRkU80MUemFrMw_L-BCO74NVQnGw7gPj2EohValhkBVIjJDGgBp-0Vkw9lZCe7vWMOzjypOPBBTc-4sk8/s400/nude.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's just a 1-person nude beach? No fun in that.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNnNXTIBUGYLBhyBBh7GdLu7YZ6CZJkemL8uWxYI2vcrX3-zn-b3DJjTij8uTKEJIZefW5vvCTs_YdSx5JpdaiTQb0iOi7LAAt524Lt2D1owFCvBLA1yzVorBApMnBJA9mMZpZhK5unk/s1600/PE+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNnNXTIBUGYLBhyBBh7GdLu7YZ6CZJkemL8uWxYI2vcrX3-zn-b3DJjTij8uTKEJIZefW5vvCTs_YdSx5JpdaiTQb0iOi7LAAt524Lt2D1owFCvBLA1yzVorBApMnBJA9mMZpZhK5unk/s400/PE+11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Baja Peninsula east of Puerto Escondido</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKRKLVJbsPndNy9X9onCs7br7FCPaz58KKSG4YSzNNCe7UYyegc6YZcPjGz1MlFovbNv0VXD1WvIqBXiAqN7wOI2bXUs739z65YxF7eg0CYmc0XhSa1v-1MPlojbC2pK9pEuFzlBdBjU/s1600/Polar+Bear+now+Sea+Forever.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKRKLVJbsPndNy9X9onCs7br7FCPaz58KKSG4YSzNNCe7UYyegc6YZcPjGz1MlFovbNv0VXD1WvIqBXiAqN7wOI2bXUs739z65YxF7eg0CYmc0XhSa1v-1MPlojbC2pK9pEuFzlBdBjU/s400/Polar+Bear+now+Sea+Forever.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Canadian built trawler yacht has been in Victoria Harbor, Central<br />
and Northern BC for the last 5 years or so. Previously it was named Polar Bear.<br />
The new owner has re-named it Sea Forever, says the Captain we contacted<br />
for a safe crossing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our route took us above Isla Dansante and below Isla Carmen. After 90 minutes we reached the anchorage just below Punta Colorado on Isla Carmen's SE side. We dropped the anchor and prepped for more fishing. After a couple hours AJ had a fish. When the fishing slowed, we picked up and headed for Bahia Agua Verde, setting the anchor just after sunset.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgK4V9fNZIXkinxKjLcfBz_ItzifYxcdEkDbF4mTSj-t-7A2_OBzeDwvP6-3sgUPhgWIx0FzQVCg3OKaPRO4UsyO9XcabTC644Jwvmyp86pkmKorqlvr9e7QY5tILvOsmOPpbzQCwBqys/s1600/AJs+Fish+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgK4V9fNZIXkinxKjLcfBz_ItzifYxcdEkDbF4mTSj-t-7A2_OBzeDwvP6-3sgUPhgWIx0FzQVCg3OKaPRO4UsyO9XcabTC644Jwvmyp86pkmKorqlvr9e7QY5tILvOsmOPpbzQCwBqys/s400/AJs+Fish+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ's Sierra</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLX-kWZOe9FGVj9NLWJiGE3SDVlrMhTF4wd6n4nAtDn55NTfv0VmoLm4iVq5dC4gCbBr-LctWU25me220o81RqXeKL1L-Pw3h1fHy1Y0YzubUbZYvk5XApGJ3ckQspUvUAZvG2rl3_q2M/s1600/AJs+Fish+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLX-kWZOe9FGVj9NLWJiGE3SDVlrMhTF4wd6n4nAtDn55NTfv0VmoLm4iVq5dC4gCbBr-LctWU25me220o81RqXeKL1L-Pw3h1fHy1Y0YzubUbZYvk5XApGJ3ckQspUvUAZvG2rl3_q2M/s400/AJs+Fish+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ's Pargo Barred Snapper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Friday, February 9, 2018: At Bahia Agua Verde. Evening cruise to Isla San Francisco<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN26LSNsTMgurqVHTYpFhNpJbgku6rE2JZgWPFD9fIj8vIvt3miPWUus7ZlFj5Cuw2mEo75fd6wWCX3n0QQE05gdlXjuTKqcCjZjC_Jwb6Ysiyix_NrIXvQ5Ecir-1FdYJZPTYo2a5-4U/s1600/Bahia+Agua+Verde_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1165" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN26LSNsTMgurqVHTYpFhNpJbgku6rE2JZgWPFD9fIj8vIvt3miPWUus7ZlFj5Cuw2mEo75fd6wWCX3n0QQE05gdlXjuTKqcCjZjC_Jwb6Ysiyix_NrIXvQ5Ecir-1FdYJZPTYo2a5-4U/s400/Bahia+Agua+Verde_Fotor.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another accurate chart from SEA OF CORTEZ:<br />
A Cruisers Guidebook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9wVPe9SaWAA" width="600"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last night's entry into Bahia Agua Verde</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJaZpArrD9279toX5CHuyQHMTM6uP498d5bXWKlEJ6Fy3XSTGtuuPmZ5dWdDX2nSGu1h00NMW8-IQooZ4FzcEmSL30S1EGBQwrFfqGbDFe-JJ6igGMbRWEBXtgQJv-934zI4k-7WDaY0/s1600/Choc+Pancakes+w+rum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJaZpArrD9279toX5CHuyQHMTM6uP498d5bXWKlEJ6Fy3XSTGtuuPmZ5dWdDX2nSGu1h00NMW8-IQooZ4FzcEmSL30S1EGBQwrFfqGbDFe-JJ6igGMbRWEBXtgQJv-934zI4k-7WDaY0/s400/Choc+Pancakes+w+rum.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenny's Peanut Butter Chocolate pancakes got us going this morning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CZTsggP12-kz0UyUBNr4YcFTnlOg4TuJAyZ4liHl0ZpsIGA9vRikJAUDjHQ_YlV9IcYm7u0MfEj9r8VuhTHJSTOaz02l1KInjI8z5VbyoPX9lXA_4OZC45CCkVLVeG9OSnAmS12Qotg/s1600/BAV+Gerard+dives.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CZTsggP12-kz0UyUBNr4YcFTnlOg4TuJAyZ4liHl0ZpsIGA9vRikJAUDjHQ_YlV9IcYm7u0MfEj9r8VuhTHJSTOaz02l1KInjI8z5VbyoPX9lXA_4OZC45CCkVLVeG9OSnAmS12Qotg/s400/BAV+Gerard+dives.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G is ready to snorkel Roca Solitaria</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOz3Nyo2uQq1Kcac7hb02Ph5VflItvZt-F4WT_VpTiiXx5AE95xh1HLFIva-Gkz5-gyU4zdT-VQmAEaW-XrJ1D0l8UuVgCfnIWAImimKHql9by_ZtKHVH40NWFpJW8o3aQtw-3QJgfhUU/s1600/Gerards+Yellow+Tail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOz3Nyo2uQq1Kcac7hb02Ph5VflItvZt-F4WT_VpTiiXx5AE95xh1HLFIva-Gkz5-gyU4zdT-VQmAEaW-XrJ1D0l8UuVgCfnIWAImimKHql9by_ZtKHVH40NWFpJW8o3aQtw-3QJgfhUU/s400/Gerards+Yellow+Tail.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G spears every body's favorite... yellowtail! What a pretty fish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Around 4pm it was time to get going for a nigh time cruise. We have so much fun in the sun, we're finding it best to do some of our motoring during the dark hours, leaving more time to snorkel and fish during the day. By leaving late in the day, we'll be trolling with the sun low on the horizon, a good time for fishing. Along the way, we enjoy fresh barbecue Yellowtail, Ken's rice and a cool green salad. Our LED's light up the ocean in front, but it's all good as we will be anchoring at Isla SF west anchorage, marked clearly on the chart from last Sunday.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMjLQFlT7a-rUq8ThWxk8gnicoTZ0_Jr4PDtVE5Oycaim8mlva1o_WR3C0kjs4RPT5o-7yC2A2jDl26NVyQl8zw9_4PNu_waGmna0bx1SBfL7QE3vMu7eNEsjHkRB0Qpejx5jYgRI7N8/s1600/Yellow+Tail+dinner+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMjLQFlT7a-rUq8ThWxk8gnicoTZ0_Jr4PDtVE5Oycaim8mlva1o_WR3C0kjs4RPT5o-7yC2A2jDl26NVyQl8zw9_4PNu_waGmna0bx1SBfL7QE3vMu7eNEsjHkRB0Qpejx5jYgRI7N8/s400/Yellow+Tail+dinner+2.JPG" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh BBQ yellow-tail dinner <br />
in the Pilot House while underway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Saturday, February 10, 2018: At Isla San Francisco Yet Again<br />
<br />
we woke up this morning at anchor in Isla SF west anchorage. During the night a moderate South wind with chop was blowing against us towards a lee shore, but the anchor held. It was not a sound sleep and the waves slapped noisily on the hull. Alex starts the motor and we move to the North anchorage out of the sloppy conditions,into smooth water. Three other boats had made the same move. AJ and Ken are off in the tender while Gerard videos the rocky reef with the GoPro.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0KYAvZ6BhQNPYr_I8JDBTXfQO7_-yjXwjZI26FJm3YRxz__NhEs6iggeREXXH8RMYbbmfUW4KXd8xSPg9MoOQRHVpjQGLSBJd8xzBKDLB_Mm-ETyimC5itoSiwUgM5LrUuK4Dwq6_fQ/s1600/Isla+behind+SF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0KYAvZ6BhQNPYr_I8JDBTXfQO7_-yjXwjZI26FJm3YRxz__NhEs6iggeREXXH8RMYbbmfUW4KXd8xSPg9MoOQRHVpjQGLSBJd8xzBKDLB_Mm-ETyimC5itoSiwUgM5LrUuK4Dwq6_fQ/s400/Isla+behind+SF.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isla Coyote with 25-person fishing hamlet is off Isla SF North side.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFYjsFnszm7tZAk-a2USQ5Rf6mOCLiWCXKNFgJw1A4fGcX2-AGplzzffDbeD7P2lCvCQ97wMNE-9koryDUzUTZnmFy1yyZUqsgX1-ymM9fETgtCus9S5SRByqgx3EylSCzDv4KRafkD8/s1600/Isla+SF+Fisherman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFYjsFnszm7tZAk-a2USQ5Rf6mOCLiWCXKNFgJw1A4fGcX2-AGplzzffDbeD7P2lCvCQ97wMNE-9koryDUzUTZnmFy1yyZUqsgX1-ymM9fETgtCus9S5SRByqgx3EylSCzDv4KRafkD8/s400/Isla+SF+Fisherman.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Blue is anchored off the north side of Isla SF out of the S winds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZGRY-1bylKZfZReRjpeOZ8EkzKZ4nwo-T61UjR6zOa1J2Kr5xc7aqTmK8v7LhM1mPNjoBglyZVtb2O50yQjV9alUaqnCXYPRzZxC5N_rZB_SOiVDsqPFgXO5FyyKU7GfLkDVMVY-CzE/s1600/Sunset+off+SF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZGRY-1bylKZfZReRjpeOZ8EkzKZ4nwo-T61UjR6zOa1J2Kr5xc7aqTmK8v7LhM1mPNjoBglyZVtb2O50yQjV9alUaqnCXYPRzZxC5N_rZB_SOiVDsqPFgXO5FyyKU7GfLkDVMVY-CzE/s400/Sunset+off+SF.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Southwest at sunset from our Isla SF anchorage.<br />
No matter where you are in the Sea of Cortz, there's always a great sunset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyYKeK2qq4SG_skGLhYz-DDEAcubdIwuVUspnFhb2O-N4y8tGS8HZtZYe_FamQpmkUkg36_2StTkL1OA2WQJvLI8yj6vOwBDT-GT4mJC_H2CW9V6DdMWPnNKQfmQsqUG9f6L00-HBbBo/s1600/GOPR0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyYKeK2qq4SG_skGLhYz-DDEAcubdIwuVUspnFhb2O-N4y8tGS8HZtZYe_FamQpmkUkg36_2StTkL1OA2WQJvLI8yj6vOwBDT-GT4mJC_H2CW9V6DdMWPnNKQfmQsqUG9f6L00-HBbBo/s400/GOPR0268.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gerard, in his Jacques Cousteau outfit, is ready to video. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9fZ1ztLf8LOez3zZI1JfsxLf4vXTwROr0REjrQlgP4UojjjCo7uWahk6LckONzvSLxvgZLtwCGu6RAbDOF-yzcnW4FWMsmhebf1LspiLBZPGvqqy55jYHQMqXNwqbdqUjF9quRs9Uj4/s1600/GOPR0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9fZ1ztLf8LOez3zZI1JfsxLf4vXTwROr0REjrQlgP4UojjjCo7uWahk6LckONzvSLxvgZLtwCGu6RAbDOF-yzcnW4FWMsmhebf1LspiLBZPGvqqy55jYHQMqXNwqbdqUjF9quRs9Uj4/s400/GOPR0284.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tropical fish just off Isla SF.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfL5bOZKRQk9_1hpzHn_f1mbNbZvDutivDiXqKK_0zEd55VKD-APCMwsRHF81y1eiONg9JN4z682RREBl5pe1PLMZWJ5arZ0PFgoyux0HsMa1jz5shKdaew9Nk1qxlpf1L_MOAM0mqU54/s1600/GOPR0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfL5bOZKRQk9_1hpzHn_f1mbNbZvDutivDiXqKK_0zEd55VKD-APCMwsRHF81y1eiONg9JN4z682RREBl5pe1PLMZWJ5arZ0PFgoyux0HsMa1jz5shKdaew9Nk1qxlpf1L_MOAM0mqU54/s400/GOPR0293.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More tropicals.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP1PQGhD8EbWInKhbFf-KWyVNTB37HEZn1U05MPTnYbNkgWH-ZBc47KMRbylcebPlENJBSqUbXTdWrhRVDM_vE-OXh4h5MCkhDf80cRIelX5VqEiWLm3sJfK1yjt0-lDIiMNDRwznPE0/s1600/GOPR0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP1PQGhD8EbWInKhbFf-KWyVNTB37HEZn1U05MPTnYbNkgWH-ZBc47KMRbylcebPlENJBSqUbXTdWrhRVDM_vE-OXh4h5MCkhDf80cRIelX5VqEiWLm3sJfK1yjt0-lDIiMNDRwznPE0/s400/GOPR0301.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tropicals again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3IejcBePNYc" width="600"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's amazing that Gerard (aka Jacques) could hold his breath</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for 1:32 minutes to complete the video! After snorkeling, he had a thick, French accent.</div>
<br />
Sunday, February 11, 2018: A Night Cruise into La Paz and Carnival La Paz<br />
<br />
The wind switched from south to west late last evening making for a short sleep. The bouncy night kept Alex on "catnap" anchor watch as the westerly winds made for a lee shore anchorage again. It's a common occurrence and the guidebooks recommend moving 4 miles west to Cabeza de Mehudo when the mid-night westerlies blow up. We planned on leaving at 4AM this morning but at 3AM Alex had had enough and stared the engine, waking the crew. Most all reported for night duty as we raised the anchor and retraced our course around Isla SF in the darkness, eventually pointing towards La Paz. We hoped to be in by 8AM, but the westerlies again switched south and we had wind and waves on the nose. Still we cleared the Costa Baja breakwater by 8:30 with time to clean the boat and take in the last day of Carnival La Paz.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc65hCLzxAS3aXroYLWypRbpFeQeT74nPcmPcXjDZvkIWSDGnOcNsryWdg6iu9rVMSPHNeyzuZXi2UzhIwLcM1I3TtYcyhJM5CljzMqIc1NIQbCUHcShTN_uEpKqOP-9bXAgRMMx6Pbyw/s1600/Carnaval+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc65hCLzxAS3aXroYLWypRbpFeQeT74nPcmPcXjDZvkIWSDGnOcNsryWdg6iu9rVMSPHNeyzuZXi2UzhIwLcM1I3TtYcyhJM5CljzMqIc1NIQbCUHcShTN_uEpKqOP-9bXAgRMMx6Pbyw/s400/Carnaval+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10's of thousands come out for Carnival on the Malecon overlooking the Sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8Bc2hctny-viULpbNiK906ePiw6VMFrKThvKBYQrAwUROukCB9b2GJoSppfFS_ipOrnItbcal2_wn9CF2DJRgQJooSM_g57DoMV33c27v-or56GemTmsGSED3r0PseBSAHi8RTMVNOQ/s1600/Carnaval+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8Bc2hctny-viULpbNiK906ePiw6VMFrKThvKBYQrAwUROukCB9b2GJoSppfFS_ipOrnItbcal2_wn9CF2DJRgQJooSM_g57DoMV33c27v-or56GemTmsGSED3r0PseBSAHi8RTMVNOQ/s400/Carnaval+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a huge street carival with parade, dancers, food, liquor <br />
and chach-ka vendors spread for a mile along the malecon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReZGfitDQi0n__h99UAhsWeU_tFAEPpXXyXXf4oJANWfsiwZn_5ZUuzGMO7BPauGqFoL5PtCvTZtpar0gy6QG7HyBu8jWTm83MCJQ0wLwar7LdzJljtZQ6uvPYnqSY4Sv36SCkHej3Qc/s1600/Carnaval+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReZGfitDQi0n__h99UAhsWeU_tFAEPpXXyXXf4oJANWfsiwZn_5ZUuzGMO7BPauGqFoL5PtCvTZtpar0gy6QG7HyBu8jWTm83MCJQ0wLwar7LdzJljtZQ6uvPYnqSY4Sv36SCkHej3Qc/s400/Carnaval+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken recommends this vendor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzXXM6YwcIXSueJmDjGq1DqzBUHe9LvbgluRWzQXC03BYCx4WHq7ai17TFxDMCKGnfdJEcTXGgjZqiH7KIbSvbQ0IOzyLAdZ2I5_mcD62zEgVgofdj0KsvvoOAKpmD-LsO73nteYYCpk/s1600/Carnaval+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzXXM6YwcIXSueJmDjGq1DqzBUHe9LvbgluRWzQXC03BYCx4WHq7ai17TFxDMCKGnfdJEcTXGgjZqiH7KIbSvbQ0IOzyLAdZ2I5_mcD62zEgVgofdj0KsvvoOAKpmD-LsO73nteYYCpk/s400/Carnaval+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were five major sound stages with LOUD bands. Later, we could hear<br />
them playing 4 miles away in Costa Baja.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZFpB7Ps3uuixeEswq0Cdqilp6R6RoPBrxP1EieQcn6-BFOmuWexvJSTXH4MHab1SBPyB-3iouEU0Z-CGFAzFde-hylcdOJ0T-AgyYn-4G5vptIcR0bXqWyiEPnyXT5mYH5IA5q_rLY4/s1600/Sunst+at+CB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZFpB7Ps3uuixeEswq0Cdqilp6R6RoPBrxP1EieQcn6-BFOmuWexvJSTXH4MHab1SBPyB-3iouEU0Z-CGFAzFde-hylcdOJ0T-AgyYn-4G5vptIcR0bXqWyiEPnyXT5mYH5IA5q_rLY4/s400/Sunst+at+CB.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Wild Blue at Costa Baja Resort.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was great fun again being on the water with three good fisherman. It will take some time to recover from the little bit of fun we had this week.... Buenos Dias Amigos!<br />
<br /></div>
Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-65033194972498545742018-01-21T21:45:00.000-08:002018-02-16T22:49:03.679-08:002018-02 Cal Poly Ranchers Fish the Sea of CortezThursday, January 18, 2018: Downtown La Paz<br />
<br />
Willie the turkey rancher, Joe the chicken rancher and Mike the cannabis farmer accountant joined Alex today in La Paz. Alex sent Alejandro, an English speaking Uber driver, to Los Cabos Airport to fetch the crew. On the ride back to La Paz the boys stopped to view the famous Hotel California, made famous by the Eagles rock group song. After loading the luggage aboard Wild Blue, Alejandro drove all of us to Los Tres Virgenes in downtown La Paz, one of many excellent dining choices in the City. After dinner, the crew was able to provision up at the grocery market just next door then Uber to the boat. The 4 mile cab ride cost a whopping $2.37US with tip!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6z10kHtP8aStPJ4IKQYJVJ0e4PPXnHnkxdUDwRu3xzT6YQF2UKnyCCh_tr7ZuYbG3SfOd7cUn4pwEVNEnX0zy47j4RugXkxHNKrGSLIr01P6Q5Ygnak3dq8LyiJgnNb1ZinQ_jl_Ezc/s1600/At+Las+Tres+Virgines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6z10kHtP8aStPJ4IKQYJVJ0e4PPXnHnkxdUDwRu3xzT6YQF2UKnyCCh_tr7ZuYbG3SfOd7cUn4pwEVNEnX0zy47j4RugXkxHNKrGSLIr01P6Q5Ygnak3dq8LyiJgnNb1ZinQ_jl_Ezc/s400/At+Las+Tres+Virgines.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Las Tres Virgenes in downtown La Paz is one of the top 5 restaurants.<br />
Here Willie, Alex, Mike and Joe fine dine at Denny's prices!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Friday, January 19, 2018: La Paz to Bahia de Muertos<br />
<br />
After topping the coolers with ice, fueling up and reserving slips in Puertos Los Cabos, we headed North and over the top of Punta San, East then South entering Canal Cerralvo. Just before Point San, we noticed the 90-foot sailing yacht Angantyr just 2 miles off our port beam. We hailed Erik on VHF 16 and 22 with hopes of saying hi to Linda and the Watkins, friends from Cal YC, but no joy.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoq7SsEbh0eUpm4eNp6AfBUp9i7nuTTWGP5MZq1xsSQDGEVTdhoDvJN-wTXBNgOHRITu9fD2DKS0HqHTb1zehJDcRANRY7PaJtGJI8s7rZgc1hOynQKirxH511d62vUvPUFJrvBeluXN0/s1600/Costa+Baja+Fill+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1600" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoq7SsEbh0eUpm4eNp6AfBUp9i7nuTTWGP5MZq1xsSQDGEVTdhoDvJN-wTXBNgOHRITu9fD2DKS0HqHTb1zehJDcRANRY7PaJtGJI8s7rZgc1hOynQKirxH511d62vUvPUFJrvBeluXN0/s400/Costa+Baja+Fill+up.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Blue sucks up 400 gallons at $4.00 US.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6lfESXIy4olmRNl8_6S1qMi7IfosMZxoW3Z2h9vTaJS5kird7gDQ9X24cGflRRtW4D4KPIHA3UYIQT44-fQnphpeUXR2vptP5jZfR0cY94VALdvoumpfmCu15Epx3wmOC8BvyPZxDpA/s1600/La+Paz+to+PLC_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="999" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6lfESXIy4olmRNl8_6S1qMi7IfosMZxoW3Z2h9vTaJS5kird7gDQ9X24cGflRRtW4D4KPIHA3UYIQT44-fQnphpeUXR2vptP5jZfR0cY94VALdvoumpfmCu15Epx3wmOC8BvyPZxDpA/s400/La+Paz+to+PLC_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Eastern Cape cruising area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5-x1rOH_9TSa4nT2oGONcQplzX8me9rq4d0fyW8aA_hpaue5fb4xa-0U5aNekYb67kRNf_jKeiGKUo0oK021BZ7lSmOY8nF3pPoiGQvsUsZ26DK4A2cbMtSJ-BsXgDqWiIwNqAS5nmc/s1600/Cedar+Plug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5-x1rOH_9TSa4nT2oGONcQplzX8me9rq4d0fyW8aA_hpaue5fb4xa-0U5aNekYb67kRNf_jKeiGKUo0oK021BZ7lSmOY8nF3pPoiGQvsUsZ26DK4A2cbMtSJ-BsXgDqWiIwNqAS5nmc/s400/Cedar+Plug.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ubiquitous 4-inch Cedar Plug is quite simple and exceedingly<br />
effective at attracting and hooking these Baja fish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We set two cedar plug lures behind the boat as we cooked along at 8 knots. These simple wooden lures are the standard surface troll and quite effective. Soon Joe had our first fish of the the cruise.<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BAGhV3MdYNY" width="600"></iframe></div>
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After 6 and 1/2 hours we arrived at Bahia de Muertos at 4PM and set the anchor in 22 feet. Six other boats including a Mexican Coast guard vessel shared our anchorage which was quite flat in the calm winds. Willie lite up the galley with bay shrimp in avocado salad, egg flower soup with prawns, and a Louisiana gumbo. We watched the 2015 movie Trumbo with Bryan Cranston about the Hollywood blacklist, which kept our minds from dwelling on the fact that we were anchored in the "Bay of the Dead". </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2sqz04bAACwRaNGN2uKmOBTfgqh6hGlK8Z5Pz2dmDh6I7qs-mdFEougg_iZxA9FgN4lFNM2p_H2UcX-nWJBBBxDF4ZwQr-SsVDGLaBChpYXtAux_b1KvFbwG7l-MHpu0N9d7DdZbPPk/s1600/bay+shrimp+-+egg+flower+-+gumbo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2sqz04bAACwRaNGN2uKmOBTfgqh6hGlK8Z5Pz2dmDh6I7qs-mdFEougg_iZxA9FgN4lFNM2p_H2UcX-nWJBBBxDF4ZwQr-SsVDGLaBChpYXtAux_b1KvFbwG7l-MHpu0N9d7DdZbPPk/s400/bay+shrimp+-+egg+flower+-+gumbo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willie lite up Wild Blue's galley.</td></tr>
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Saturday, January 20, 2018: Bahia de Muertos to Puerto Los Cabos</div>
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Last night dense schools of fish keep churning the water around Wild Blue. Flashlights revealed 1000's of fish from 4-8 inches swarming close aboard. Splish-splash all night long. Bahia de Muertos seemed more like the "Bay of Life". </div>
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We got the crew up and going at 6:30 AM for the 9 hour trip to Los Cabos. The water and wind was flat and we could see our cedar plug lures dragging 200 feet behind the boat. Soon we connected to the fish.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2pmi48H78tB1SYDQJbjUK8_bGW1ie_-6P3MPvdBPL00EvA2OFyHzJGn9uwqVaO8nGKkbS3MnX5OO0_fUIm_OH5VDKQ8BXJWb24PknJmg4hn5ddcTkHWmz15HCInHm4IE9VhW0NCtMa8/s1600/Early+morning+departure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2pmi48H78tB1SYDQJbjUK8_bGW1ie_-6P3MPvdBPL00EvA2OFyHzJGn9uwqVaO8nGKkbS3MnX5OO0_fUIm_OH5VDKQ8BXJWb24PknJmg4hn5ddcTkHWmz15HCInHm4IE9VhW0NCtMa8/s400/Early+morning+departure.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise just off Bahia de Muertos.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69ZuacJXG6i-gd-nUMuicgm7JZ4HTYLWAKo8-WUMky0OXa0tGwvseOtFc725crzlS7JU6lpJ6rZPWnh0KGixax1IQ-PM9z_x0YRsN0FcxdaLoHqCdhk6FXtgKfM4ii8YapRt8xldCwOA/s1600/Willies+48+inch+dorado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69ZuacJXG6i-gd-nUMuicgm7JZ4HTYLWAKo8-WUMky0OXa0tGwvseOtFc725crzlS7JU6lpJ6rZPWnh0KGixax1IQ-PM9z_x0YRsN0FcxdaLoHqCdhk6FXtgKfM4ii8YapRt8xldCwOA/s400/Willies+48+inch+dorado.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willie's 48-inch Dorado</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCekFQ-KGOnJyTOiyJ1RPnpIIy1okrX78un8NLmCah6NX1Z42sAs6Iqr0UAeCi-T6AaaqDw3Kk0zqjYdxpEzOIhzNyBIHFBGg3wRmysSswDjtytEcNNZXRUr5EP5xnecjUygqW6R8wEU/s1600/Mikes+Blue+Marlin+off+the+stern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1600" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCekFQ-KGOnJyTOiyJ1RPnpIIy1okrX78un8NLmCah6NX1Z42sAs6Iqr0UAeCi-T6AaaqDw3Kk0zqjYdxpEzOIhzNyBIHFBGg3wRmysSswDjtytEcNNZXRUr5EP5xnecjUygqW6R8wEU/s400/Mikes+Blue+Marlin+off+the+stern.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike's pretty Blue Marlin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZF13leyuPxzshMgcdkqWNsG_FjZF0iGP8fLKNX1JQHnHKwMdkt9ogUtNHfZuDoNly8TZXaazPdfvyoLstyzKjFjjKQLdzE7eAuNzgKNVxw2lAm-QGzyzYVQQE52yf2EYPrT9awpo_14/s1600/ready+to+remove+the+hook+and+return+to+grow+bigger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZF13leyuPxzshMgcdkqWNsG_FjZF0iGP8fLKNX1JQHnHKwMdkt9ogUtNHfZuDoNly8TZXaazPdfvyoLstyzKjFjjKQLdzE7eAuNzgKNVxw2lAm-QGzyzYVQQE52yf2EYPrT9awpo_14/s400/ready+to+remove+the+hook+and+return+to+grow+bigger.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Marlin was cleanly hooked then de-hooked with minimum<br />
effort by Willie. Marlin's lip might be a bit sore but he swam nimbly away.</td></tr>
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We had fresh Mahi-Mahi (Dorado) sandwiches for lunch and after a busy day of fish landing, fish cleaning, fish cooking and fish dining, we pulled into Puerto Los Cabos at 4:30PM.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqh5xadEPByZBpiPFRNaNKAjEnATg87YcUP-IK9SazttQJPRb77FMFc7Lm5fSJPF0vwrGoG1C98rB2D21v1X43ItddfbhDWXH9F0FgpOtPW_StOAtpOgh2BSAQL4ripZ9WyvOGTH4oB0/s1600/a+commercical+mex+fishing+boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqh5xadEPByZBpiPFRNaNKAjEnATg87YcUP-IK9SazttQJPRb77FMFc7Lm5fSJPF0vwrGoG1C98rB2D21v1X43ItddfbhDWXH9F0FgpOtPW_StOAtpOgh2BSAQL4ripZ9WyvOGTH4oB0/s400/a+commercical+mex+fishing+boat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Mexican commercial fishing vessel <br />
anchored off the beach near Los Cabos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Sunday-Tuesday, January 21-23, 2018: San Jose del Cabo<br />
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The Wild Blue is remaining in Puertos Los Cabos Marina near the town of San Jose del Cabo as strong Northeasterly winds churn up the sea. On Wednesday, it appears the wind will subside enough to fish on our way around the eastern Cape towards La Paz.<br />
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We visited downtown San Jose and some of us even enjoyed the the NFL playoff games, even in Spanish. Dining was popular and tasty at the <a href="http://tropicanainn.com.mx/" target="_blank">Tropicana Inn</a> just off the downtown plaza.<br />
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On Tuesday, we tested the wind and waves over a short cruise to the nearby Gorda Banks fishing grounds. It was just too rocky-rolly for comfort, but we created excitement for the marina visitors upon our return! Yes at least once every 6 years or so, our crewman fails to secure the fender to the side of the boat, causing Wild Blue to drive in circles to chase it down.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjZSPPl_auZt2RQmCRoJTew0OccY6hfVk2bFDL9H0DAtt39ngqh-hjWTswTVpIf0w2041LNfTRiAoOOmAT_inEQLQg6SXDhcnUprsTv1KyjKBvbIgicWV04eKAW-6bG0KX42mPjto2AU/s1600/Wild+Blye+slipped+at+San+Jose+del+Cabo+B+dock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjZSPPl_auZt2RQmCRoJTew0OccY6hfVk2bFDL9H0DAtt39ngqh-hjWTswTVpIf0w2041LNfTRiAoOOmAT_inEQLQg6SXDhcnUprsTv1KyjKBvbIgicWV04eKAW-6bG0KX42mPjto2AU/s400/Wild+Blye+slipped+at+San+Jose+del+Cabo+B+dock.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WB in her slip at "B" Dock in Puerto Los Cabos marina</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyL8YhBYLj4B_8oN9X81hkYzeeU-fD0yq2MTQYxBlYWZiCB5VeKzoSYFlIdVuuVIAqPrd3vhQxj4QpwZ6DIIJxnryLRVWE4bj90MUW7qoM5n9b8rpj3Z2fqY_yo49579k_mbr3LMjcue4/s1600/tropicanainn_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="800" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyL8YhBYLj4B_8oN9X81hkYzeeU-fD0yq2MTQYxBlYWZiCB5VeKzoSYFlIdVuuVIAqPrd3vhQxj4QpwZ6DIIJxnryLRVWE4bj90MUW7qoM5n9b8rpj3Z2fqY_yo49579k_mbr3LMjcue4/s400/tropicanainn_11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tropicana Inn and Restaurant</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSVDu2RAzIRoQ9wyX58u2lKe5QTW89lbuHv42v5ID5QoBtsfrjttU2tC4C7QiSO3SQEHM5GUWpUG2JERkgzgo6s6uTRGgSIzIXhg0Rr3DvCq-fcr7GANCqgSMzuS8b8KxSVctQdxne7o/s1600/Willies+pasta+with+prawns+-+clams+-+onions+-+garlic+-+capers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSVDu2RAzIRoQ9wyX58u2lKe5QTW89lbuHv42v5ID5QoBtsfrjttU2tC4C7QiSO3SQEHM5GUWpUG2JERkgzgo6s6uTRGgSIzIXhg0Rr3DvCq-fcr7GANCqgSMzuS8b8KxSVctQdxne7o/s400/Willies+pasta+with+prawns+-+clams+-+onions+-+garlic+-+capers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willies pasta with prawns, clams, capers, onions, and garlic.</td></tr>
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Wednesday, January 24, 2018: San Jose del Cabo to Las Frailes Anchorage</div>
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<div>
The weather looked good for the cruise east then northward around the Cape. The hope is to get to Bahia del Muertos to anchor for the night. The wind may wind up again this afternoon, at least that is the forecast of the three models on PredictWind.com. </div>
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<div>
Wild Blue departed Los Cabos as soon as the wind softened but by 11AM, about 12 miles from Las Frailes, the 20+ knot winds were back, whipping up 7-foot seas at 7 second intervals! With gusts approaching 30 knots, the crew stowed the fishing poles and settled down to endure some motion-induced nausea. After 2+ hours of bashing into seas, big waves breaking over the bow, and throttling back for the giant seas, the crew was happy to drop anchor in the flat waters of Las Frailes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LG1C2_NCoyM1i5q8v6WNRcaLUJIF8DUFrgOtGs-RZJ6U5C6BHLWYhZ6PaoAV4hyTDwvn7M8KsqykLQmiXuusDSaIocEfyctIXp0_ylF6NRAJ77nIjAMkGR_AYVQ5FJrlmOfXuOXnndY/s1600/Bay+shrimp+salad+-+Egg+flower+prawns+soup+-+potatos+-+string+beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LG1C2_NCoyM1i5q8v6WNRcaLUJIF8DUFrgOtGs-RZJ6U5C6BHLWYhZ6PaoAV4hyTDwvn7M8KsqykLQmiXuusDSaIocEfyctIXp0_ylF6NRAJ77nIjAMkGR_AYVQ5FJrlmOfXuOXnndY/s400/Bay+shrimp+salad+-+Egg+flower+prawns+soup+-+potatos+-+string+beans.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After fresh Mahi Mahi (Dorado) two meals a day for a week, Willie<br />
thought it was time for bay shrimp salad, mushroom green beans,<br />
boiled Yukon golds and another great clam-prawn gumbo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Thursday, January 25, 2018: Los Frailes to La Paz<br />
<br />
The wind died at mid-night. At Alex's 1 AM anchor check, our only anchorage neighbors had departed northward, taking advantage of the calm breeze. Copying these smart guys, we too pulled the anchor early at 4AM and headed out in the dark. Of course the boat's brilliant 20,000 candle power LED forward facing floods lighted up the sea. The ocean stayed in check with only 1 to 2 foot bumps. At dawn we started dragging the lures only to hook a small Dorado in the afternoon. We were only too happy to arrive at Costa Baja, La Paz at 4:30 PM in calm conditions. The crew looked forward to enjoying Downtown La Paz's fine dining tonight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkaIt-mL19b5PXvrwCuxLBUUfgwrAJibkLHyd00BFUDibcAFEoqFLiTsaRSdnAjDbulTWf_WaRORvfnQYxS8W3OL7ETazM566YnTG30nQRXS0pg_67N77rRGWTkbC9lrmFc0mIyGfiPU/s1600/CP+Crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1600" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkaIt-mL19b5PXvrwCuxLBUUfgwrAJibkLHyd00BFUDibcAFEoqFLiTsaRSdnAjDbulTWf_WaRORvfnQYxS8W3OL7ETazM566YnTG30nQRXS0pg_67N77rRGWTkbC9lrmFc0mIyGfiPU/s400/CP+Crew.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rancher crew poses for album cover?</td></tr>
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<br />Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-52500507575026584982017-11-20T11:13:00.000-08:002017-11-20T12:27:35.524-08:002017-24 Magdalena Bay to Puerto Los CabosTuesday, November 14, 2017 - 6PM<br />
<br />
This afternoon about 4PM, we enjoyed a fine meal of chilled cerviche, shrimp cocktail, and fresh fish tacos at the "Whalebone" restaurant on the beach in Mag Bay. The fleet start of the leg to San Jose del Cabo, aka Puerto Los Cabos, is planned for mid-morning tomorrow allowing arrival early morning in the boat busy Cabo area the next day. This afternoon, the Wild Blue crew had been chatting about leaving after dinner. At the dinner, Alex alerted the communication guru Christie, aboard Varnebank, of our decision to leave early and made a radio communications schedule on marine SSB channel 4B for 8:45AM tomorrow. About 6PM, once the crew filled up on the fine seafood, we ran the tender back to the Wild Blue, loaded and secured it aboard, pulled the anchor and headed out to sea in the dark night.<br />
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The flat sea of Mag Bay continued for 10 miles outside the entrance. The wind stayed at less than 8 knots and always from the northwest direction. This favorable light wind allowed just slight breeze over the deck. With all windows, hatches and doors open, the water temps in the mid-80F's, it was just too warm to sleep below. Alex began his off-watch sleep above the pilothouse, on the bridge deck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJVJ5tliXVXKVEh7ZmTEkO7n8V4BNvXz6EM72Upg9BpH8DOpQLyQ0opQZR9u_0z2wnZ5gJs01DAaSIslYoZYm3bXaVuJCBLB9A4ePh-AA0PODlfH4SSv6ad399USmxibuauIXPTlCztY/s1600/Sunrise+at+Sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1600" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJVJ5tliXVXKVEh7ZmTEkO7n8V4BNvXz6EM72Upg9BpH8DOpQLyQ0opQZR9u_0z2wnZ5gJs01DAaSIslYoZYm3bXaVuJCBLB9A4ePh-AA0PODlfH4SSv6ad399USmxibuauIXPTlCztY/s400/Sunrise+at+Sea.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise at Sea, Wednesday, November 15, 2017</td></tr>
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By Wednesday first light, about 5:30AM, the Wild Blue was 7 miles due west of the coastal town of Inocentes, Baja Sur. The wind was light, sea temp was 85F, and a 1-2 foot well-spaced westerly swell barely rocked the boat.<br />
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At 8:45AM Alex contacted Christie on Varnebank via Marina SSB. Varnebank was just about to get underway from Mag Bay, 120 miles northwest of Wild Blue's position. Varnebank's signal was loud and clear, as Alex reported "all OK aboard with 430PM ETA at Los Cabos".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAZxMMdQvkvFWtFGLNc3mb-3JMwurJRIowP26ts54dMAyVG837ytZmdfWXs0rVqcTy386adAnLz8rnv0JvCUbO5Vkjad068Xqs6iQO-SfgcEEtdDoLM9mMm7Sc8Jn2vEw3hvjt0wnAPA/s1600/Arch+Rock+with+more+hotels+in+background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1600" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAZxMMdQvkvFWtFGLNc3mb-3JMwurJRIowP26ts54dMAyVG837ytZmdfWXs0rVqcTy386adAnLz8rnv0JvCUbO5Vkjad068Xqs6iQO-SfgcEEtdDoLM9mMm7Sc8Jn2vEw3hvjt0wnAPA/s400/Arch+Rock+with+more+hotels+in+background.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arch rock at Cabo San Lucas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTp_j_BTEOKTqhWOPL8mIJGmEaCrN5NwQ7vHqs5Oo2Q0MsKOM9OFBKKulreoyWoeyVUjeDhErXdj2WYU9lnSZqp3gEsuJWT2XyD_lHG7RBR2pRIu2u3BOiMNCS9_GARfeVW3GF-FGsqU/s1600/Cabo+fine+colored+hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1600" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTp_j_BTEOKTqhWOPL8mIJGmEaCrN5NwQ7vHqs5Oo2Q0MsKOM9OFBKKulreoyWoeyVUjeDhErXdj2WYU9lnSZqp3gEsuJWT2XyD_lHG7RBR2pRIu2u3BOiMNCS9_GARfeVW3GF-FGsqU/s400/Cabo+fine+colored+hotel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Development fits nicely with it's surrounding shades.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgiXL5KQSOhZ_nd_vRW-BmVe-lvPsntJvQy2yC2bBJrZnNF96z6UZtJaRM83PlAJyfDOkhItXzOEjMwSd4PBrhhcZVnonP2Agm_i1PQsiP9YlQP8S7pMjXE1sgRToaM50exbNupvgXf8/s1600/Hotels+on+Pacaific+Side+of+Cabo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1600" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgiXL5KQSOhZ_nd_vRW-BmVe-lvPsntJvQy2yC2bBJrZnNF96z6UZtJaRM83PlAJyfDOkhItXzOEjMwSd4PBrhhcZVnonP2Agm_i1PQsiP9YlQP8S7pMjXE1sgRToaM50exbNupvgXf8/s400/Hotels+on+Pacaific+Side+of+Cabo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cabo coastline is well-populated with hotels, condos and homes.</td></tr>
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At 4;30PM we approached and entered Puerto Los Cabos and where were assigned the primo slip B-9 by the efficient staff in the marina office.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTv6B-FymZpIkbnEK4GUeigLpCd-_L8_mW1IeOpHs3tEL2tholAXkxw0KP4PAbOFHJosFP77fB10nEmt863CKKac3cB1J1aRMpy-e2nq4QiDDxZsEwe4uYvXkoGuQwHAmMY5fg2SehpY/s1600/Entrance+to+SJdC+with+newly+re-built+Hotel+Gonzo+in+background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1600" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTv6B-FymZpIkbnEK4GUeigLpCd-_L8_mW1IeOpHs3tEL2tholAXkxw0KP4PAbOFHJosFP77fB10nEmt863CKKac3cB1J1aRMpy-e2nq4QiDDxZsEwe4uYvXkoGuQwHAmMY5fg2SehpY/s400/Entrance+to+SJdC+with+newly+re-built+Hotel+Gonzo+in+background.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hurricane proof breakwater entrance at Puerto Los Cabos</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RuCnglF5cIL9ez156HzaEllO0R2TeKeJ7jiQzx05YkiWhCc1iMEvSFs3aS7qQdF_256CUkmAlJdqV8mZnALBUfp5TXIvayTFWlTthZ3tDUA_07oDLcA83dXmj-LtgWSX_nFI5AHmPFY/s1600/Cubar+Fleet+-+Brundt+Sand+-+Angels+Pearl+-+Crawfish+-+New+Fidelity+-+Kataluma+-+Wild+Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1600" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RuCnglF5cIL9ez156HzaEllO0R2TeKeJ7jiQzx05YkiWhCc1iMEvSFs3aS7qQdF_256CUkmAlJdqV8mZnALBUfp5TXIvayTFWlTthZ3tDUA_07oDLcA83dXmj-LtgWSX_nFI5AHmPFY/s400/Cubar+Fleet+-+Brundt+Sand+-+Angels+Pearl+-+Crawfish+-+New+Fidelity+-+Kataluma+-+Wild+Blue.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CUBAR boats lined up on "B"dock: Burndtsand, Angels Pearl, Crawfish,<br />New Fidelity, Kataluma and Wild Blue.</td></tr>
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Thursday, November 16, 2017:<div>
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Early the this morning the bulk of the fleet arrived in the port. News spread around the fleet that the Skipjack 28 Brown Eyed Girl had suffered equipment failure on their I-O drive. They were running on the boat's 10hp kicker at 3 to 4 knots and expected arrival in 30 hours on the 17th. However the Nordhavn 40 Sprezzatura offered to tow the Girl, which she did for 18 hours, arriving to the sound of 20 ship horns as the CUBAR fleet welcomed both to Los Cabos at 4:30 this afternoon.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwG9zQ_Yup-g6c16eybIVpMqdLG-FtFZ_wM-yk723XADSHkJM6who-S3SlefeunpDqo72vulV7v3Oj2iiUNXLe-grUQVYuOTz22mRD4bGTr7QsUYwNQC8MyT37Qb6LMfQ-trzC8owz68/s1600/Sprezzatura+enters+SJdC+having+just+towed+Browned+Eyed+Girl+for+20+hours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1317" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwG9zQ_Yup-g6c16eybIVpMqdLG-FtFZ_wM-yk723XADSHkJM6who-S3SlefeunpDqo72vulV7v3Oj2iiUNXLe-grUQVYuOTz22mRD4bGTr7QsUYwNQC8MyT37Qb6LMfQ-trzC8owz68/s400/Sprezzatura+enters+SJdC+having+just+towed+Browned+Eyed+Girl+for+20+hours.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nordhavn 40 Sprezzatura arrives to the sounds of 20 ship horns!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJy1PY_2oIh9P-QRMin5LfTVZy001-K6E1fp5o-0vdXpTyMEWJpYKAv1np2j8jfhZ8I8JNtcxfYu8yy55p-Gu_iW2UM8x6Tkm0ETft3Gpso5s77iELCMa04Qkz16LiOFjgnG_EH0nc7g/s1600/Brown+Eyed+Girl+enters+SJdC+under+kicker+power.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1221" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJy1PY_2oIh9P-QRMin5LfTVZy001-K6E1fp5o-0vdXpTyMEWJpYKAv1np2j8jfhZ8I8JNtcxfYu8yy55p-Gu_iW2UM8x6Tkm0ETft3Gpso5s77iELCMa04Qkz16LiOFjgnG_EH0nc7g/s400/Brown+Eyed+Girl+enters+SJdC+under+kicker+power.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown-Eyed Girl is welcomed by the CUBAR Fleet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-Tf6ZGS4PpHRfxnJcEf24l8ub75wsDur-tqKjoCrUkosrEW4tDWxMzilKdByeuZkce2fQDOPq66rcrTXfjdvZ_Jooze8SfAXXSEvMO45RGsCMLZwRW_8mKD1s_AF1icMXoXy0QPgUuc/s1600/Cross+overlooking+the+marina+at+San+Jose+del+Cabo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1412" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-Tf6ZGS4PpHRfxnJcEf24l8ub75wsDur-tqKjoCrUkosrEW4tDWxMzilKdByeuZkce2fQDOPq66rcrTXfjdvZ_Jooze8SfAXXSEvMO45RGsCMLZwRW_8mKD1s_AF1icMXoXy0QPgUuc/s400/Cross+overlooking+the+marina+at+San+Jose+del+Cabo.jpg" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross on the hill overlooking Puerto Los Cabos,<br />and the CUBAR Fleet.</td></tr>
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Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-77373789431907172082017-11-13T18:12:00.000-08:002017-11-17T11:01:34.012-08:002017-23 Turtle Bay to Magdelena BaySunday, November 12, 2017:<br />
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Last evening the fleet enjoyed beers, margaritas and enchiladas at a Tortuga Bay restaurant. The event started early so that the "CUBARistas" could find their boats at anchor in the dark, and then sober-up for today's early morning departure to Magdalena Bay. Apparently this has been a problem in prior CUBARs.<br />
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The Wild Blue crew decided upon an early start, so they arose at 4:40 AM this morning, lifted the anchor in the dark, thanks to head lamps, and scooted out at 5AM well before the bulk of the fleet, for the 258 mile and 31 hour run. By 7:30, we were 20 miles down the course when the CUBAR boat Corky Row blasted by doing 25 knots! Wow!<br />
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It was a nice day on the ocean with most boats doing 8 to 8.5 knots with following seas and 5-10 knot winds. The 5:45PM sunset was spectacular, although we didn't catch the green flash.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xjtDgkTtQyN1tY3zMSKayimx7NUjGtMrn040cF5PPiB6E_V7QTe4BYWipUKcSk_3OiZ83ClYEL0W-AN3S5kdEp_-SzlTm7Opd_MT5J_yzXmYpwncyPdrSZqntgNRSpcZmJEgAIcmX5Q/s1600/Sunset+at+Sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xjtDgkTtQyN1tY3zMSKayimx7NUjGtMrn040cF5PPiB6E_V7QTe4BYWipUKcSk_3OiZ83ClYEL0W-AN3S5kdEp_-SzlTm7Opd_MT5J_yzXmYpwncyPdrSZqntgNRSpcZmJEgAIcmX5Q/s400/Sunset+at+Sea.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Sea on the way to Mag Bay on Wednesday, November 12.</td></tr>
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Soon after sunset, we once again lite up the forward facing LED floods. In the dark, only light colors display: breaking seas, wind topped waves, lobster floats, birds, and flying fish. The wind was up to 14 knots so the fish were flying. Finally Bob and Alex flinched as a noisy thud sounded on the wall of the pilot house. Investigating we found a rather well-fed flying fish which continued to flap its wings. So Bob returned him to the sea, and watched him fly on.<br />
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The night continued with a 1/4 moon showing up around 3AM. The wind lightened to 8 - 10 knots from the northwest. Seas were 3 - 5 feet from the northwest as well at times pushing the fleet into double digit speed down the course. Around 11:30AM, the bulk of the fleet arrived at the entrance to Bahia Magdelena in thick fog. There were reports of lobster floats and several pangas anchored just inside the entrance, and the AIS position from the boat reporting these served to pinpoint the obstacles for those following. By 2PM most of the fleet was anchored inside Mag Bay at Man O War Cove.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8eWy_miYTjkf_lD16uuBb6ZGnXmDOqER1F5u8FZGpowuzPpy3ACrni8eTjp_tXYFWHEP27lmrdmUYGsof7Ie7z05Vzwfc-8FiPInOzJjshgw-9J8v8OeVOLLeSBJV-Awz_5M_VAp2eo/s1600/Human+Holiday+comes+out+of+the+fog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8eWy_miYTjkf_lD16uuBb6ZGnXmDOqER1F5u8FZGpowuzPpy3ACrni8eTjp_tXYFWHEP27lmrdmUYGsof7Ie7z05Vzwfc-8FiPInOzJjshgw-9J8v8OeVOLLeSBJV-Awz_5M_VAp2eo/s400/Human+Holiday+comes+out+of+the+fog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Outer Reef 65 Human Holiday emerges from thick fog on the<br />way into Mag Bay.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaDDNrhBp6YxlyKBgVJurfl6UNP4tmFcWoTafHVO6ADuP4pBIWUeD32xrfXjqIXjzI8WbKZUL3XO-F4NBb5j_YR5uKHzjYcGczyVLnpPibHu3UNGNZb41YvSRALsYBv-BcxAPPKhCtSU/s1600/CUBAR+Fleet+anchored+in+Man+O+War+Cove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1600" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaDDNrhBp6YxlyKBgVJurfl6UNP4tmFcWoTafHVO6ADuP4pBIWUeD32xrfXjqIXjzI8WbKZUL3XO-F4NBb5j_YR5uKHzjYcGczyVLnpPibHu3UNGNZb41YvSRALsYBv-BcxAPPKhCtSU/s400/CUBAR+Fleet+anchored+in+Man+O+War+Cove.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CUBAR Fleet anchored at Man O War Cove</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZDR_NiyuscbrgaK4pvWxnyKhaVX95PmY84s_NTAnAEqtCSPXqq_C2UsW5yInhHD4tbjlPEi-bTdaNL-jG4hMxIr5Qo77P3bO0XChHxcZA0D5OZ9UMrJ1ieJCaOUcfYy_inDUv7_IGKI/s1600/sunset+over+the+CUBAR+Fleet+in+Magdelena+Bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1600" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZDR_NiyuscbrgaK4pvWxnyKhaVX95PmY84s_NTAnAEqtCSPXqq_C2UsW5yInhHD4tbjlPEi-bTdaNL-jG4hMxIr5Qo77P3bO0XChHxcZA0D5OZ9UMrJ1ieJCaOUcfYy_inDUv7_IGKI/s400/sunset+over+the+CUBAR+Fleet+in+Magdelena+Bay.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Man O War Cover, Bahia Magdelena, Baja Sur, Mexico</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_33qny_ZxwuU9Ph784MZBOSYP1riEEyCxKqqLjvXaAoA3Iw3lmgSYFf0yb8PWhZns_GY2wPgIqZJUPY4cQ69XKtOwpJx4pHSW7KYf02DLGwAKqPoLFBvR4ACCR3mH26mWsD0GuOH9sM/s1600/Corky+Row+takes+fuel+from+panga+diesel+jugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_33qny_ZxwuU9Ph784MZBOSYP1riEEyCxKqqLjvXaAoA3Iw3lmgSYFf0yb8PWhZns_GY2wPgIqZJUPY4cQ69XKtOwpJx4pHSW7KYf02DLGwAKqPoLFBvR4ACCR3mH26mWsD0GuOH9sM/s400/Corky+Row+takes+fuel+from+panga+diesel+jugs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">25-knot boats like Corky Row burn fuel. Here they load diesel from<br />pangas loaded with fuel drums. The CUBAR organizers pre-ordered fuel<br />for those boats with small tanks or large appetites.</td></tr>
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The CUBAR Fleet will rest up until Wednesday when they move down the coast rounding Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo.<br />
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<br />Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-50565009356671636622017-11-08T13:14:00.000-08:002017-11-16T11:30:44.452-08:002017-22 Ensenada to Bahia de Tortuga (Turtle Bay)Wednesday, November 8, 2017 - 8AM:<br />
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After the decision to avoid some uncomfortable weather from the north, the CUBAR fleet got underway this morning from Marina Corral for the 36 hour run to Turtle Bay, one day earlier than planned. Based on a boats normal speed, the slower cruisers started leaving at 8PM last evening. By 8AM this morning, most all the fleet was underway. Wild Blue exited the Marina at 5AM getting a bit of a head start, and based on a cruising speed of 8.5 knots. hopefully left enough time for fishing along the way. Our projected arrival in Turtle Bay is 5PM tomorrow.<br />
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Yesterday afternoon the fleet was warmly recieved by the staff of Marina Corral. After a quick call on VHF 71, each boat’s slip assignment was received. At least six harbor staff took Wild Blue’s dock lines as we moored. Port Clearance and Immigration was efficently handled by the officials with assistance of Marina Coral staff, all this transpired while we sailors relaxed with Ensenada Maragritas.<br />
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Once cleared, Denny and Alex braved crossing Ensenada’s “high speed” coast highway to the supermarket. The store was large, much like any stateside market, just all products were labeled in Spanish, with prices in pesos. Our cost for four heads of lettuce, three large bundles of green onions, and three pounds of Roma tomatoes was 97 pesos, or $6.86 US.<br />
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At 5PM the cruisers gathered in a tent erected in Hotel Coral’s courtyard, as more refreshments were served. The CUBAR Fleet organizers recommended an early morning departure Wednesday (today) as opposed to staying at Ensenada. Strong winds and increasing seas are forecast for Thursday so we best be close to Turtle Bay by then. Next a delicious seafood buffet with mussels, cerviche and fish was consumed. It then was “vamos a la cama” as we need to arise at 4:30AM.<br />
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By 6AM, about 12 boats were approaching Punta Banda at the southern edge of Ensenada Bay. Coming at them and expecting to pass between Todos Santos Island south end and Punta Banda was the Star Princess, an 800-foot cruise ship. The lead boat in this CUBAR group was Tanglewood, and skipper Peter calmly called the Star Princess, alerting the watch that these 12 boats were turning to port around Point Banda, and that a Starboard to Starboard crossing was indicated. There was a delay, but at last the Star Princess agreed, after some posturings about S to S passing being against the rules, and that the Princess was being very nice to accommodate the request. No boats nor ships touched each other!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNqRYnGTXvEX7ox-oY3s9wgO0n1giMT1rV4FgPIDmAnAGyc3kdjheCiTTaKXj2wZyHg-bR1RxMLrjTb0B0HJxwSqm3b60EYm1TwlfCVyGDGVqRbK4czkEhx5r95PVKSTkHUnb1YpbQTo/s1600/Sunrise+over+Ensenada.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1600" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNqRYnGTXvEX7ox-oY3s9wgO0n1giMT1rV4FgPIDmAnAGyc3kdjheCiTTaKXj2wZyHg-bR1RxMLrjTb0B0HJxwSqm3b60EYm1TwlfCVyGDGVqRbK4czkEhx5r95PVKSTkHUnb1YpbQTo/s320/Sunrise+over+Ensenada.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise over Ensenada</td></tr>
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At noon, the wind is 10 knots North northwest. Seas are 2 to 3 foot chop. Skies are slightly overcast.<br />
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Note that any internet connection is weak and spotty so this Blog will not be updated much until our arrival tomorrow. Likewise MarineTraffic.com doesn't cover the entire route so our position may or may not show up.<br />
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Thursday, November 9, 2017 - 3PM:<br />
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Last evening the wind piped up between 15-22 knots as the CUBAR fleet blew down the Mexican coastline towards Turtle Bay. The wind driven seas built up to 3-6 feet during the nighttime hours, causing the cruisers to rock and roll down the course. Unfortunately one boat's autopilot failed, requiring the crew to hand steer most of the 280 mile run! A 2/3's moon came out by 10PM casting a large spotlight on the fleet. However, the Wild Blue crew opted to keep the 500 watt forwarding facing floodlight on the path in front of the boat.<br />
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Our crew of three decided on 2-hour watches, day and night. Alex took the 6-12 watch, Bob the 10-4 watch and Denny the 8-2 watch. It was easy to sleep as the boat's autopilot and roll-stabilizers kept boat steady. All crew were happy and rested as they adjusted to the watch schedule, especially since Bob's Tina had prepared a fresh batch of homemade enchiladas!<br />
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By 2PM on Thursday, the bulk of the fleet had arrived and anchored in Turtle Bay. Two boats decided to hug the coastline and anchor the night under the protection of Point San Quintin, avoiding the big seas. Brown Eyed Girl, a Skipjack 28, and Sprezzatura, a Nordhavn 40 have communicated with the fleet organizers and will join the group at Turtle Bay.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Punta Cantinas on North side of entrance to Bahia Tortuga</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4GHfh4DqvJ5Xpncs0n-V_r_ecBrKNnYw9wxGhG_916NXDl9lUsYSmcZBO0cYThQziCEZpaTl5n63O9oFpK6bCrGrFRawQgKV3kz8vG4dmbq4m-QR493WndIY0SC3z1MnpPQSj6-PTsA/s1600/Turtle+Bay+light+Station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4GHfh4DqvJ5Xpncs0n-V_r_ecBrKNnYw9wxGhG_916NXDl9lUsYSmcZBO0cYThQziCEZpaTl5n63O9oFpK6bCrGrFRawQgKV3kz8vG4dmbq4m-QR493WndIY0SC3z1MnpPQSj6-PTsA/s400/Turtle+Bay+light+Station.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light House on Punta Cortina</td></tr>
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The Wild Blue crew launched their tender and toured Turtle Bay then cruised the shore, deciding to beach the boat just west of the pier, a bad decision. As we approached the beach, two young entrepreneurs took our lines, and negotiated a $2 landing/launching fee, which we promptly accepted. Then the crew headed to Maria's Bar overlooking the Bay and beach. Halfway through just one Pacifico, we could see the beach waves battering Wild Blue's tender. Eventually our crew fought the seas, with the help of the locals, launched the now water-logged craft. Surprisingly and although riding low in the water, the engine started and whisked us back to the mother-ship, where we emptied buckets of salt water and sand. Crew and tender survived with damage only to our egos...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZSM6dWo6Z1IF061IiupuqebT98RGzDLjDaopSD4MaWkIEIKPkHh2Dy4saxZiCSgOnSDTMVeCpFdQ_aauLa-pTj44HghFTeUZ-fgka7qzyspd0LKfe8ZHa-4bvV9JiIIvXkZ04dp938o/s1600/WB+tender+on+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1600" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZSM6dWo6Z1IF061IiupuqebT98RGzDLjDaopSD4MaWkIEIKPkHh2Dy4saxZiCSgOnSDTMVeCpFdQ_aauLa-pTj44HghFTeUZ-fgka7qzyspd0LKfe8ZHa-4bvV9JiIIvXkZ04dp938o/s400/WB+tender+on+beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Maria's Pub. T/T Wild Blue taking waves over the stern.</td></tr>
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So the fleet is safe and secure. It appears we will stay anchored here until Sunday, unless we decide to leave early.... Buenas Nochas, Alejandro....<br />
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Friday, November 10, 2017 - Noon:<br />
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All the rested CUBARistas seem to be enjoying the sun, light breeze, and calm seas. A low swell with a longish period is rolling into the Bay and is not uncomfortable. We do get some role from the wakes of speedy pangas ferrying "yatistas" to and from boat and shore. Rumor has it today a potluck party will happen aboard the yacht Varnebank.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBJwLHz6AAjeSZV2kfA6F7sl8gMjA22FOae4dkQy83tCzsLJ33A-S08LmdxO8pxkbldnHBpambpKTnZ14ZKVJzWNe9pciZpdqsfLzRfMFnpBw1J7m448UFO2zmnA3tMhhycfuPeaBXpY/s1600/Bahia+Tortuga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1600" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBJwLHz6AAjeSZV2kfA6F7sl8gMjA22FOae4dkQy83tCzsLJ33A-S08LmdxO8pxkbldnHBpambpKTnZ14ZKVJzWNe9pciZpdqsfLzRfMFnpBw1J7m448UFO2zmnA3tMhhycfuPeaBXpY/s400/Bahia+Tortuga.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enrique's Pier where fuel is available at high cost and <br />pangas are available at low cost.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAcxwHF_D7l37z_FjkK_IsyiYYQji97fXlpnNW5r-J6oLeQAOIM70DJuJkU4qLYHXoHamrw2_yVUkzlNPUCEi60oOU_HvgMBsChNcOatcwpwLpofPuyyF99kbsQsZV99alMXfc6_TS2U/s1600/IMG_20171110_173542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAcxwHF_D7l37z_FjkK_IsyiYYQji97fXlpnNW5r-J6oLeQAOIM70DJuJkU4qLYHXoHamrw2_yVUkzlNPUCEi60oOU_HvgMBsChNcOatcwpwLpofPuyyF99kbsQsZV99alMXfc6_TS2U/s400/IMG_20171110_173542.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The party aboard Varnebank was the highlight of Turtle Bay!</td></tr>
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Communicator Christie aboard Varnebank reported that Brown Eyed Girl is working its way down the coast but will overnight along the shore and will join the group here tomorrow around noon, unless the fish are biting! The yacht Sprezzatura decided not stop in Turtle Bay and is on the way to Santa Maria instead. They will wait for the CUBAR Fleet in Magdalena Bay.</div>
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<br />Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-72482714616416734862017-11-07T11:31:00.002-08:002017-11-07T12:26:54.523-08:002017-21 The 2017 CUBAR StartsTwenty-eight power boats started the 2017 <b>C</b>ruise <b>U</b>nderway to <b>BA</b>ja <b>R</b>ally this morning from San Diego Yacht Club. Actually one boat departed yesterday evening and another last week but all meet today at Ensenada-Mexico for customs and immigration clearing. Boats range in size from a 28-foot Skipjack to an 80-foot Offshore<br />
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The Wild Blue slipped its lines at 6AM with crew Denny Haythorn, Bob Semonsen along with Alex. Denny and Bob are long-time friends of Alex. Alex met Denny, a retired law professor, at the California Yacht Club. They have crewed together on Wild Blue and many other boats over 25 years. Bob, an architect and general contractor has completed several real estate projects with Alex. He also has crewed many times on the Wild Blue.<br />
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It was an overcast morning with temps in mid-60F's, wind less than 5 knots, and seas 2 feet or less. Once out of San Diego harbor, a warship greeted the fleet mid-course, serving as a pseudo escort as the fleet altered course to keep clear, passing close aboard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPerfgL9pLyRxNa8gtd4_YVjStKQhGAupCBPi7hcl_dlm_2SolxcTNurDbFTwZ_efIw-DFAYR3bjJWrl8T6P3GuTAxekwhG0043w3OzeiOQZJjzBEUgdMevwp_V7TL2IkLmAl_1H3wyCM/s1600/Fleet+exits+SD+Harbor+under+gray+skies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPerfgL9pLyRxNa8gtd4_YVjStKQhGAupCBPi7hcl_dlm_2SolxcTNurDbFTwZ_efIw-DFAYR3bjJWrl8T6P3GuTAxekwhG0043w3OzeiOQZJjzBEUgdMevwp_V7TL2IkLmAl_1H3wyCM/s400/Fleet+exits+SD+Harbor+under+gray+skies.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray skies greeted the CUBAR Fleet as they departed SD Harbor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZQNtMHCD8s5Olp1cXLEHVHO9c3-E8zws1Z3Qdf_17jd58TzxZb2pjv5XBPn-dE8H__85lWOhUiFwjM8ePwycX3ULMkO1x8IvE_5bFifqFRaY8dbmcsWFKRqqeRRt9V8Wtho-73ryoRE/s1600/Navy+warship+salutes+CUBAR+Fleet+on+SD+Departure+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZQNtMHCD8s5Olp1cXLEHVHO9c3-E8zws1Z3Qdf_17jd58TzxZb2pjv5XBPn-dE8H__85lWOhUiFwjM8ePwycX3ULMkO1x8IvE_5bFifqFRaY8dbmcsWFKRqqeRRt9V8Wtho-73ryoRE/s400/Navy+warship+salutes+CUBAR+Fleet+on+SD+Departure+.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warship and pseudo escort for the CUBAR Fleet out of SD </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZJfeJj_PUm3EguX_clnxdgQAzN96bN3ojjKgmwNzV-KTcXPNR27zqqu3-6Vi4dxfnF6gMKK3jBY3Fp2EMqb_thnEaCFqVEEbFfCAxVak0DaPZb1ZIFLwGHIJLf68XNsLZluc-9LI364/s1600/Norhavn+60+Tanglewood+on+way+to+Ensenada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZJfeJj_PUm3EguX_clnxdgQAzN96bN3ojjKgmwNzV-KTcXPNR27zqqu3-6Vi4dxfnF6gMKK3jBY3Fp2EMqb_thnEaCFqVEEbFfCAxVak0DaPZb1ZIFLwGHIJLf68XNsLZluc-9LI364/s400/Norhavn+60+Tanglewood+on+way+to+Ensenada.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tanglewood, a Nordhavn 60 and CUBAR Participant</td></tr>
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The majority of the 26 boats in today's fleet have stayed roughly within a 6-mile circle. All but three boats broadcast AIS position info so it's easy to see the fleet on our chart plotter. Wild Blue drifted to the rear of the group staying between 8 and 8.5 knots of speed over ground. Today's ETA at Ensenada is roughly 2PM.<br />
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The organizers have designed an elaborate and effective check-in for the cruising boats. VHF, Ham-SSB Radio, Marine-SSB Radio, satellite phone, satellite messenger and even cell phone check-in is supported. Departure, 6AM position, and arrival check-in reporting are required. They say if you miss a check-in, they will immediately call your family member! Yikes.... we better not miss one. Besides check-in, all boats monitor VHF 69 as the fleet calling channel. We learned from today's cruise that this is a loquacious group.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuS_DGNMKHvTvlPnPcOxBpem63j_LTSp9dSVcTs4CZGspWnw2PLHshEWNiPE6GBvqY5FS5x0-KRlNBEpbc_75lZEsBRqaTKVEyhcO9_JNoW3NgchYerB2xSFNLTdi9zisW1tKgwQi5nnw/s1600/off+Mex+coast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuS_DGNMKHvTvlPnPcOxBpem63j_LTSp9dSVcTs4CZGspWnw2PLHshEWNiPE6GBvqY5FS5x0-KRlNBEpbc_75lZEsBRqaTKVEyhcO9_JNoW3NgchYerB2xSFNLTdi9zisW1tKgwQi5nnw/s400/off+Mex+coast.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fleet is sticking close</td></tr>
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Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-92177304271916033842017-11-01T20:00:00.000-07:002017-11-05T11:39:57.042-08:002017-19 Mission Bay to San Diego and the San Diego Yacht ClubWednesday, November 1, 2017<br />
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Yesterday we put the crew on the beach. Elias and Sid were loaded aboard the tender boat, then Alex drove it up onto the beach. We were greeted by local Mission Bay resident Bob Semonsen, a long time friend and Wild Blue crew. Bob lives just 150 feet from the beach and thankfully he dragged the tender further up the beach so crew could jump ashore without getting too wet. Then he drove them to the train Station. Elias and Sid arrived back in SLO town about 8:30 PM, and missed the final game of the World Series.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiS8e5KVLQ9FrJL_J-RBaMvuzWYjGMgenPC7WPa0nmjMmQalDwbo8cM9Q2UdCOnSmW6Q3VRfAPNqP6OHTd9k8EWcwfVJ4wsHpmDtKDb41J1Ay5ab34PQf4CVxo_l0mQxuX4RkBmHSeJ_o/s1600/Looking+down+Street+as+Bob+picks+up+crew+for+train+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiS8e5KVLQ9FrJL_J-RBaMvuzWYjGMgenPC7WPa0nmjMmQalDwbo8cM9Q2UdCOnSmW6Q3VRfAPNqP6OHTd9k8EWcwfVJ4wsHpmDtKDb41J1Ay5ab34PQf4CVxo_l0mQxuX4RkBmHSeJ_o/s400/Looking+down+Street+as+Bob+picks+up+crew+for+train+station.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Wild Blue of the sandy beach in front of San Luis Rey Place,<br />
Mission Bay. Crew has just entered Bob's blue Vanagan for ride to train station.</td></tr>
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Today we loaded our San Diego delivery crew. Alex again drove the tender on the beach and was joined by Bob, his daughter Casey and grandson Cyrus. Tina helped us off the beach, we loaded the tender aboard and headed for San Diego. The 2-hour ride was mostly uneventful, until transiting the main channel alongside two speedy, US Navy Mark VI Patrol boats. These 80+ feet boats can achieve 50 mph but radiate a large wake!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKLhpnOdJJqpInpGWc3IIThf5C-zYol_UZgukyUiSEBwI8MxAyBduk03KfMfMu0DciiBPHBCZodIjA1sMbBjZ5HK_irjjnwLXKvKRNMA-OWNycONmeyDsZK-5z6wTJ6hWmv9CgXbRpaA/s1600/New+Navy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKLhpnOdJJqpInpGWc3IIThf5C-zYol_UZgukyUiSEBwI8MxAyBduk03KfMfMu0DciiBPHBCZodIjA1sMbBjZ5HK_irjjnwLXKvKRNMA-OWNycONmeyDsZK-5z6wTJ6hWmv9CgXbRpaA/s400/New+Navy+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">US Navy Mark VI Patrol Boat passes close off our port.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncGktfAFCP1rQRTlVfmUZsFk1vC7Nkn5goHlt1C34D9ySTRQUFM27n0-3tKhxqh83E0_27ETjNW9zv7QrFdMVcEJq4WETRZNCdSGUZR2FE7uBskljdSStVHR4aGCrzeMmCc_fWsttBEg/s1600/New+Navy+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncGktfAFCP1rQRTlVfmUZsFk1vC7Nkn5goHlt1C34D9ySTRQUFM27n0-3tKhxqh83E0_27ETjNW9zv7QrFdMVcEJq4WETRZNCdSGUZR2FE7uBskljdSStVHR4aGCrzeMmCc_fWsttBEg/s400/New+Navy+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get ready for some rock and roll.</td></tr>
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Eventually we entered the Shelter Island channel and contacted the San Diego Yacht Club. The Club regularly hosts the CUBAR (<b>C</b>ruise <b>U</b>nderway to <b>BA</b>ja <b>R</b>ally) an organized cruise for power boats to La Paz, Mexico. We will be cruising along this year with about 30 other power boats.<br />
<br />
The west coasts favorite dockmaster, SDYC's Ty Olsen, arranged for primo Bermuda-style moorage directly in front of the Clubhouse. Wild Blue and three other entries provided a "trawler boat" backdrop for those members and guests dining at the Club.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDPtE65zLcYnfMbwfU-CoyTmvH7Iu07N0sGdcaTXnFX58KPbEVII-I82vrZUtKEpFxr7VDZujUiJF-oK-UWb7tNjLxNrse-aoEQ_-ul1e7AROyh9hzPT5M0P48gJfhLNodgb8XMrax_U/s1600/SDYC+Bermuda+Tie+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDPtE65zLcYnfMbwfU-CoyTmvH7Iu07N0sGdcaTXnFX58KPbEVII-I82vrZUtKEpFxr7VDZujUiJF-oK-UWb7tNjLxNrse-aoEQ_-ul1e7AROyh9hzPT5M0P48gJfhLNodgb8XMrax_U/s400/SDYC+Bermuda+Tie+up.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CUBAR entries Wild Blue, Burntsand, Blessed and J Crew moored<br />
just in front of the SDYC clubhouse</td></tr>
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SDYC has choice moorage in front of the main Clubhouse. It's</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bermuda style with a submerged cable for bow connection. Boats</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are tied stern to the dock. Connecting the bow mooring line can be fun</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as SDYC's Mia and Wild Blue's crew Bob demonstrate. Note the tender</div>
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assisting Wild Blue is named "Blue Yonder". Curious.....</div>
Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-9348465640438695542017-10-30T20:00:00.000-07:002017-10-31T11:12:24.222-07:002017-18 Avalon to Mission BayMonday, October 30, 2017<br />
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We dropped our Avalon mooring lines at 7AM headed for Mission Bay. It's an 8-hour motor. Some of us were still sleepy-eyed after attempting to follow Game 5 of the World Series. Yes, it just has to be those baseballs!<br />
<br />
So the run was pretty uneventful. We did pass within a mile of the Gener8 Constantine a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC). She was lightering about 25 miles off the coast. Lightering entails offloading crude to smaller tankers or barges for transit to shore ports.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SE6KyJdPLbLdQ26l8CKYI5dwA6S_m_DLseerT0SVYOtkomDnOLHv7z_Jm8pOFkWq5k1RY3jbzNFeGheQ8XvIao5r7R9McB2uj0R0NBRpHmJ-LeTtV5zK5YDW6CeSFOyTouLe8sibDFI/s1600/Departing+avalon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1600" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SE6KyJdPLbLdQ26l8CKYI5dwA6S_m_DLseerT0SVYOtkomDnOLHv7z_Jm8pOFkWq5k1RY3jbzNFeGheQ8XvIao5r7R9McB2uj0R0NBRpHmJ-LeTtV5zK5YDW6CeSFOyTouLe8sibDFI/s400/Departing+avalon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Departing Avalon at 7AM.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UJ0bVheVc3-ymAiA_l7JymBX1C941ba4h9GV5nEisCRFPjtIkymR-okHUle-oCJcQA97RYku5zdXw48jXH7djQG6jg4S2SfOKHwk3MJ3n5lygMMg46uhSFMN6N9IXT9Rir-w8sQek2I/s1600/Gener8+Constantine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UJ0bVheVc3-ymAiA_l7JymBX1C941ba4h9GV5nEisCRFPjtIkymR-okHUle-oCJcQA97RYku5zdXw48jXH7djQG6jg4S2SfOKHwk3MJ3n5lygMMg46uhSFMN6N9IXT9Rir-w8sQek2I/s400/Gener8+Constantine.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gener8 Constantine a VLCC SUPER tanker! At 1050 feet<br />in length drawing 55 feet, this ship to too large to enter<br />port offloading facilities unless lightened.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
VLCC have a size ranging between 180,000 to 320,000 DWT. VLCC are very large shipping vessels, the standard dimensions of these ships range between 300 to 330 meters in length, 58 meters breath and 31 meters in depth. They are known for their flexibility in using terminals and can operate in ports with some depth limitations. The cost of a VLCC ranges between $100 million to $120 million depending on its age. See <a href="http://maritime-connector.com/wiki/vlcc/">Maritime-Connector.com</a> for more info on these giants and the bigger ULCC's.<br />
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Just after 3PM we motored into the Bay and made a hard left into Mariners Cove. There we dropped the hook and settled back for a longish happy hour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6DyAeFnvKBxbsrzlxxO5xOIXGcax7QyQdnkyA3skBwn3cYWo7QjtPWaF4cNO4I-gH9eBv86_oOQ3jv6dESI0cB2-nSoNWrxVh5NDvR7pQKmDxYwI0w0odTrJaDWtcycRTNghSHfSAJw/s1600/At+anchor+in+Mission+Bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6DyAeFnvKBxbsrzlxxO5xOIXGcax7QyQdnkyA3skBwn3cYWo7QjtPWaF4cNO4I-gH9eBv86_oOQ3jv6dESI0cB2-nSoNWrxVh5NDvR7pQKmDxYwI0w0odTrJaDWtcycRTNghSHfSAJw/s400/At+anchor+in+Mission+Bay.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At anchor in Mariner's Cove, Mission Bay</td></tr>
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Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-78686733734447735912017-10-27T15:16:00.000-07:002017-10-28T11:38:09.674-07:002017-17: Marina del Rey, Newport, then AvalonThursday, October 26, 2017<br />
<br />
Oh my it's been a HOT ten days at the California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey. Besides the record breaking heat, there's been some record breaking socializing by Alex with old Club friends. He's been wine and cheesing lots during Wild Blue's stay, with folks stopping by to yak about old times, dinners out most nights, wine tastings in the dining room and Dodger madness.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqyjJgRPxm6NFyU43pi9YLIfMteVnblrVxdD3MVe8yR5FH6hg3ZdSux_jSWbRyG293jeJOzRdQtvLMuNYe7BlgxtwGJFj-e0J3liORYgOhD8dM1CyGPEomip4A3BkoS7TzlOhrXYi_eY/s1600/Crew+at+Dodgers+Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1118" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqyjJgRPxm6NFyU43pi9YLIfMteVnblrVxdD3MVe8yR5FH6hg3ZdSux_jSWbRyG293jeJOzRdQtvLMuNYe7BlgxtwGJFj-e0J3liORYgOhD8dM1CyGPEomip4A3BkoS7TzlOhrXYi_eY/s400/Crew+at+Dodgers+Party.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Blue crew Elias cheers Dodgers<br />
while Texas native crew Sid boos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Everyone has been quite friendly in what has to be a the friendliest boating Club. Members Denny and Dick offered their backs to help offload Wild Blue's 150 pound anchor and 650 pounds of chain. Then Denny gave Alex his truck to drive it to the galvanizer in San Diego. Dick loaned Alex his newly certified life-raft, and then gave him a "stern" lesson in paddle tennis. Denny gave Alex his car to drive to and from San Luis Obispo. It was tons of fun seeing old friends and learning that pretty much all look as they did a decade and half ago!<br />
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Chain Gang</div>
<br />
Yesterday we slipped our lines and exited MdR under bright warm skies. The seas and wind were calm as yet another "globally warm" day started up in Southern California. By 11am we we're rounding Palos Verdes point then Point Vincente soon after. At 1PM as we approached Newport Harbor, we knew not where to moor the Wild Blue, however we had zoomed in on one of the lowest marine fuel prices in SoCal. Island Marine Fuel on Balboa Island has a great fuel price as we loaded 875 gallons at $2.60 and paid by credit card. This compares with quotes from $3.10 to $3.96 from ports northward. Amazing how the price lowers where the competition is plenty. In addition, we needed to load up as the California 20 cent per gallon tax increase starts Wednesday.<br />
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Dolphins Come Out Again</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivV1SJhG_ZtJ1-x-NPDeexryIL28DOspQsWSkpfoBnTxOlcyu33gzCt1pFkDvF9gj6IsgFO_O_e2PYVUWYSPRENpn8wa9QhGyfcm3l8e_irxUiap1jM_ER7XcujmBavAImJ-A_69PHBMQ/s1600/Palos+verdes+Point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivV1SJhG_ZtJ1-x-NPDeexryIL28DOspQsWSkpfoBnTxOlcyu33gzCt1pFkDvF9gj6IsgFO_O_e2PYVUWYSPRENpn8wa9QhGyfcm3l8e_irxUiap1jM_ER7XcujmBavAImJ-A_69PHBMQ/s400/Palos+verdes+Point.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palos Verdes Point</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFtfkkJTcxuuRO3bgw43FqDZnmeg7NE5aH_5BfROnX9R8WHT_qqOqwa0spOilJyo9BB95waOiVlxdfJu0K5KYBBMGmBAHlzJpKSqmswrd3FG3ziXyij074fkdvK6o4i1h5Xz56xdi66g/s1600/Homes+of+PV+Coast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFtfkkJTcxuuRO3bgw43FqDZnmeg7NE5aH_5BfROnX9R8WHT_qqOqwa0spOilJyo9BB95waOiVlxdfJu0K5KYBBMGmBAHlzJpKSqmswrd3FG3ziXyij074fkdvK6o4i1h5Xz56xdi66g/s400/Homes+of+PV+Coast.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homes on PV Cliffs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVZR5yZ_H1yJ_BBQu0io2CJ1ac9ev8xLS798lzQ-399veeq8Afp3ZyWr4GJ6D3khcDzg2MXDnvv3Vbs-pvkV8uokPp6D_KDnI_0nxBV9y24K4wRE18L9_K6NhOGDctloAuGmjHNKoP3Q/s1600/Point+Vincente.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVZR5yZ_H1yJ_BBQu0io2CJ1ac9ev8xLS798lzQ-399veeq8Afp3ZyWr4GJ6D3khcDzg2MXDnvv3Vbs-pvkV8uokPp6D_KDnI_0nxBV9y24K4wRE18L9_K6NhOGDctloAuGmjHNKoP3Q/s400/Point+Vincente.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point Vincente Light</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
By 3pm we were filled to the caps and looking for moorage. The yacht clubs (BYC, BCYC, NHYC) were already full but we managed the last slip at Newport operated MarinaPark. This near new marina is well-appointed and close to amenities. Crew Elias invited his old neighbors to cocktails aboard so Bill and Marsha drove their Duffy boat over. We enjoyed tales of their friendship as well as Ophthalmology, flying Hawker jets, and cruising boats in Europe. Great fun.</div>
<br />
Friday, October 27, 2017<br />
<br />
Today we enjoyed the morning calm of Newport Harbor as Wild Blue glided down the fairway and out to sea headed for Avalon on Catalina. Within a few miles of clearing the Newport jettys, a thick fog developed. Soon the fog horn was sounding as the radar lit up many local targets. The fog continued thick, thin and thick until we reached Avalon at noon. We paid close attention to the traffic and passed just ahead of the large blob on the radar which turned out to be a missile frigate! Luckily no shots where fired and we made sure to minimize our use of the North Korean language.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGNRARD_roD24NOlFuxMy5lvntArUlFmt1CpjKEZCSximyOANW9OfihWddxWhVFo8JZhB1YDvJi6HyVciOmxUprzcyQFXaKDztBerX6h2QtKs5CcVovICfI5n7ooIuU4lsA6k__BaL88/s1600/Crew+Elias+helms+the+WB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGNRARD_roD24NOlFuxMy5lvntArUlFmt1CpjKEZCSximyOANW9OfihWddxWhVFo8JZhB1YDvJi6HyVciOmxUprzcyQFXaKDztBerX6h2QtKs5CcVovICfI5n7ooIuU4lsA6k__BaL88/s400/Crew+Elias+helms+the+WB.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crew Elias Takes His Watch at the Helm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCSfUoeSnuGomEWK1dxNi6mlj3GY-sAkL3GuyJJu0e0dRA_dy8Ow9PJRYoqAcovhkSgespuGKHfBAfYqMChu7Y6Je62ZUiUrj0AJUyEnoRRz7luI3ryIx4A0SInoGfVZGcWe3fnmXzRc/s1600/Cat+Express.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCSfUoeSnuGomEWK1dxNi6mlj3GY-sAkL3GuyJJu0e0dRA_dy8Ow9PJRYoqAcovhkSgespuGKHfBAfYqMChu7Y6Je62ZUiUrj0AJUyEnoRRz7luI3ryIx4A0SInoGfVZGcWe3fnmXzRc/s400/Cat+Express.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Catalina Flyer definitely flew by us at close to 30 knots.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiZ4BaFUgHsYjjd9opBll8quE6nz-9j_UAyJoMdSaLXmpqX8CnvOBDGy8tnA5S1swikx621aTQy19PW6gcpxlj76iAznqtNIazpoyykCjaH0eLXNkNxUSgLVQUrKOmMWBHKPIRFUl9Cw/s1600/Radar+Blob+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="1600" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiZ4BaFUgHsYjjd9opBll8quE6nz-9j_UAyJoMdSaLXmpqX8CnvOBDGy8tnA5S1swikx621aTQy19PW6gcpxlj76iAznqtNIazpoyykCjaH0eLXNkNxUSgLVQUrKOmMWBHKPIRFUl9Cw/s400/Radar+Blob+.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The radar blob turned into a Navy missile cruiser</td></tr>
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The Avalon Harbor Patrol assigned us on mooring 211 and we've been enjoying the afternoon sun. Alex is here with Crew Sid and Elias until Monday when we drop our mooring for Mission Bay.<br />
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Cheers....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aCczgNg_Y2AWba6jUWhfce6eR3IlcwDolenaYEOisDmIteUM-KHr6k6QbvQL5WHa6h-IeKWrWWLdUKb9Q5cmrI-bUD_IJKDyAimA1kZAFTEKnkBF1XFWFPxlcDtcWGlpSEMfuS-CDO0/s1600/Party+time+in+Avalon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aCczgNg_Y2AWba6jUWhfce6eR3IlcwDolenaYEOisDmIteUM-KHr6k6QbvQL5WHa6h-IeKWrWWLdUKb9Q5cmrI-bUD_IJKDyAimA1kZAFTEKnkBF1XFWFPxlcDtcWGlpSEMfuS-CDO0/s400/Party+time+in+Avalon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday is party night in Avalon!</td></tr>
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<br />Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-14572224480591226202017-10-13T08:57:00.001-07:002017-10-13T09:26:31.534-07:002017-16 Channel Islands to Marina del ReyFriday, October 13, 2017:<br />
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9AM: The Wild Blue is moving further down the coast today. It's a short 6-hour motor from the Channel Islands Harbor to Marina del Rey. Crew Dick Squire is along for the ride and great story telling. Ocean is quite nice with low swell and light easterly winds. Weexpect to arrive at the California Yacht Club about 1230PM.<br />
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Once off Laguna Point, south of Point Hueneme and the rifle range, we passed within a mile of the research vessel (RV) Sally Ride. The Ride was built in downtown Anacortes, Washinton at Dakota Creek shipyard. During construction, her superstructure rose to heights of the taller buildings in town which drew lots of spectators including the various crew of the Wild Blue. We also came across Sally Ride at sea during many of her lengthy sea trials.<br />
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Sally Ride is a research vessel, capable of both coastal and deep ocean operations. The ship is equipped with cranes and winches for over-the-side loading of research equipment and supplies, as well as accommodations for twenty-four scientists. It is powered by a multi-drive, low-voltage, diesel electric propulsion system for efficiency and lower maintenance, with fuel costs. The Neil Armstrong-Class ships have state of the art oceanographic equipment allowing deep ocean mapping and information technology for ship monitoring and worldwide land-based communication.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqD1iy3B23NgOOccUa6ZGbBYVvboO14kyafj78mIRU9rI5_0eLZ47Gw5-mLfdJkFTC5U2YDrJ7jOljUohxHe2RIFO8ozKeBy7KqFdyFKowKtAwLpaWjQ4Wv1XoFPvR4sd_AuJKPIdGQhU/s1600/Sally+Ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqD1iy3B23NgOOccUa6ZGbBYVvboO14kyafj78mIRU9rI5_0eLZ47Gw5-mLfdJkFTC5U2YDrJ7jOljUohxHe2RIFO8ozKeBy7KqFdyFKowKtAwLpaWjQ4Wv1XoFPvR4sd_AuJKPIdGQhU/s400/Sally+Ride.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RV Sally Ride off Laguna Point, near Point Hueneme, California</td></tr>
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<br />Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-83919475433700097422017-10-01T19:47:00.000-07:002017-10-02T21:12:42.295-07:002017-15 Smugglers to Channel Islands HarborSunday, October 1, 2017: What a way to begin the month!<div>
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We have just a month to get the boat back to fully functional for the CUBAR, or <b><u>C</u></b>ruise <b><u>U</u></b>nderway to <b><u>B</u></b><u><b>A</b></u>ja <b><u>R</u></b>alley. Formerly named the FUBAR, the name was changed for political correctness. In November, Wild Blue and crew will be joining some 30+ other power boats for a group cruise down the coast of Baja, hopefully ending at LaPaz. See CUBAR.sdyc.org for cruise itinerary. </div>
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At this late date it's not a good thing to have a non-functioning crane and dead windlass. But alas, the replacement power supply for the ship's crane arrives Wednesday. A brand new windlass has been located and the old one, which has anchored this 95,000 pound ship more about 800 times, has been removed. So a fully functional craft should be back in the near term.</div>
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Yesterday afternoon, we anchored at Smuggler's Cove with about 20 others, Wild Blue being the closest boat to shore by far, with 12 feet of depth. Rick and Peg scouted the anchorage and stood by while we manually set the anchor in a semi-controlled manner ....... using gravity instead of a powered winch. When completed, all crew counted and reported the full manifest of fingers and toes. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqBcmCZO6iCiwZwPsfD2cQpRuzweNokvP5poj4eyGhCTWgfz0FXg_oWZK_lJQJFteUdEt2exuk_R_1ZP0OWWFZb3zMx24sPJBX63yIn0sFDxtdeu-sq9m8UXHIWaeRpgk-_j5whPBzFc/s1600/Centinela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqBcmCZO6iCiwZwPsfD2cQpRuzweNokvP5poj4eyGhCTWgfz0FXg_oWZK_lJQJFteUdEt2exuk_R_1ZP0OWWFZb3zMx24sPJBX63yIn0sFDxtdeu-sq9m8UXHIWaeRpgk-_j5whPBzFc/s400/Centinela.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centinela, a fully capable work boat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG05GKYbY_qItR6nYRZh_Cl3PLmL2tPTyJtlxq9JBsStC1Egjl5B_9Ct4j3Uih8T6fOGnOvYD-zQyGsCyhH_1Jf-5qWVWMWzskFy2I2BNCH66aiuER6ufJuFg4A5vKYIOkkzjXOHnfz3g/s1600/Smugglers+looking+SW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="1600" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG05GKYbY_qItR6nYRZh_Cl3PLmL2tPTyJtlxq9JBsStC1Egjl5B_9Ct4j3Uih8T6fOGnOvYD-zQyGsCyhH_1Jf-5qWVWMWzskFy2I2BNCH66aiuER6ufJuFg4A5vKYIOkkzjXOHnfz3g/s400/Smugglers+looking+SW.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking westward from the center of Smuggler's Cove</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oq2Eq0hwTLvFbH1MnXQOygDZhCwmO7Wtw-dJZdaCSRdIkzRXgKv6OKf1oCQPQu8VwWa6XwtkjGLuYdcaWcTegg9kfte18MzNWVgBIf2Eqe1k2n3vGRNGxf6sxNHh7DAGpTMOueXCfnc/s1600/WB+in+Smugglers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oq2Eq0hwTLvFbH1MnXQOygDZhCwmO7Wtw-dJZdaCSRdIkzRXgKv6OKf1oCQPQu8VwWa6XwtkjGLuYdcaWcTegg9kfte18MzNWVgBIf2Eqe1k2n3vGRNGxf6sxNHh7DAGpTMOueXCfnc/s400/WB+in+Smugglers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just outside the break!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4A_UHm8Bl50ZXoIoDm2DNIox_cS8O-AH1HWfhXsDHyCB4Ue40FnMwar2x-f5HmGAZ_9gBVvSg4PLumwCFBWcESVNb5JV1DVB56pkGMiw3feWxUXyEZjFY9h8nnn7WZMYVdbLChMJgusY/s1600/Captain+Rick+Wiles+on+Centinela+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4A_UHm8Bl50ZXoIoDm2DNIox_cS8O-AH1HWfhXsDHyCB4Ue40FnMwar2x-f5HmGAZ_9gBVvSg4PLumwCFBWcESVNb5JV1DVB56pkGMiw3feWxUXyEZjFY9h8nnn7WZMYVdbLChMJgusY/s400/Captain+Rick+Wiles+on+Centinela+.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt. Rick Wiles of Centinela</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkM60eGOgSd6T9ssMsRg2w9-68QqD9ESkFvon22aKXOXIcDyBawLRYz9oNHsAhg7w1NHhVw_554uEO-S4gD89_9WLLRMx9gEaQLoXRGE7GagQNyBniTBMaqEFd9keHE6osuf50V469hsY/s1600/Gerard%252C+Peg%252C+and+Vince+on+Centinela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkM60eGOgSd6T9ssMsRg2w9-68QqD9ESkFvon22aKXOXIcDyBawLRYz9oNHsAhg7w1NHhVw_554uEO-S4gD89_9WLLRMx9gEaQLoXRGE7GagQNyBniTBMaqEFd9keHE6osuf50V469hsY/s400/Gerard%252C+Peg%252C+and+Vince+on+Centinela.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crew Gerard, Peg,and Vince on Centinela.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohBBVIR7uEBovr63iLSDeiN2T_Tyv5LjXYTEb8E3oCZ-E2EK7VlV7uFGlV-Cdd16rPzoX7LTumhdTujPAMqeRuca_YLxK1SdJsMDr3BGMMcwxRd2cSq-gmeH787WDOr4WXe1_cAoHLGk/s1600/Centinela+at+speed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1044" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohBBVIR7uEBovr63iLSDeiN2T_Tyv5LjXYTEb8E3oCZ-E2EK7VlV7uFGlV-Cdd16rPzoX7LTumhdTujPAMqeRuca_YLxK1SdJsMDr3BGMMcwxRd2cSq-gmeH787WDOr4WXe1_cAoHLGk/s320/Centinela+at+speed.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centinela rooster tail.</td></tr>
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Today the crews relaxed aboard Centinela and Wild Blue. Crew took to kayaks, wet suits, swim suits and inflatables for trips ashore, to reefs, and to the bottom. Gerard speared a Calico Bass and plucked a half dozen scallops. And, one last time at 3:30, the "swabbies" manually raised the 140-pound anchor and 24-pounds of chain with such ease and control, that thought rises about the need for a functioning windlass--- NOT!</div>
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We arrived at Channel Island Harbor and secured moorage for a few days while repairs are effected. Next week we move down the coast to Marina del Rey and the infamous California Yacht Club.</div>
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Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-35592849391536540582017-09-30T10:21:00.001-07:002017-10-02T17:27:03.635-07:002017-14 Forney's to Prisoners Harbor, then SmugglersSaturday, September 30, 2017:<br />
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At 8:30AM we pulled the hook and beat our way through the Potato Patch and over the top of Santa Cruz Island's west end. The seas were exciting and then became thrillingly fast and we completed our rounding.<br />
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This morning we are hoping to to get ashore at Prisoner's Harbor and tour of the Island's shore are near the main ranch. Gerard spent many years contracting to the Nature Conservancy to preserve the buildings on the island and knows this place in detail. Standby for lots of photos and video when we get ashore.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsk3wZNnSrlBx5zDm8lHkXn7o3Jkt8HPvZyzbEnznNBgbeYPCV6twwfTiLQLK_Do_V3VUby-fRpSnakqt1WIF44ThlDA7RYbS-pQJEo4Y7cf0d2y9ZFSG_AwauKcGyI6W0WxaVQZw9jmQ/s1600/Our+Forney+Neighbor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsk3wZNnSrlBx5zDm8lHkXn7o3Jkt8HPvZyzbEnznNBgbeYPCV6twwfTiLQLK_Do_V3VUby-fRpSnakqt1WIF44ThlDA7RYbS-pQJEo4Y7cf0d2y9ZFSG_AwauKcGyI6W0WxaVQZw9jmQ/s400/Our+Forney+Neighbor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This fast yacht was our neighbor last night in Forney's. He<br />
quickly passed us eastbound on the way to Fry's Harbor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUf3fG4rtBa6NBbqq6qchEk2zc2xKkphbcl9L0nSBC3Cr8NAxLl1cR1cDa6AEJ5WNrjlCN3aGCYCRaLGqxgexZ3ZwN3mC1UVgmu6ptt8bv5x6j2TnYhyphenhyphenSTgxAl6R8cM2Cntn-P8HOfJps/s1600/Prisoners+Harbor+w+C+plus+WB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUf3fG4rtBa6NBbqq6qchEk2zc2xKkphbcl9L0nSBC3Cr8NAxLl1cR1cDa6AEJ5WNrjlCN3aGCYCRaLGqxgexZ3ZwN3mC1UVgmu6ptt8bv5x6j2TnYhyphenhyphenSTgxAl6R8cM2Cntn-P8HOfJps/s400/Prisoners+Harbor+w+C+plus+WB.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wild Blue anchored in Prisoners Harbor.</td></tr>
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As we entered Prisoner's Harbor Gerard recognized the Centinela. The skipper Rick and crew Peg are old friends of Gerard's so we invited them over. Rick filled us in on the history and recent events on the island. The Island is owned approximately 70% by the nature Conservancy and 30% by the National Park Service. The two groups work together in preserving the Island while allowing public access. So in was a natural to get on shore and see the Harbor up close.. Time to launch the tender.</div>
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Upon attempting to launch, the ship's crane was not functioning. It took us a bit, but after some analysis we discovered a 24VDC power supply to the hydraulic solenoids had fried. Fortunately, Rick offered his tender so that we could make it ashore. Vince and Alex an hour hike along the Prisoner's to Pelican Bay trail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FgOPWFCp2aGucd4W2z6r5MvCQu1I5bfhPkr8-JFaXM-R5rIY1c-3N0dVgqRjJu6FHcI5ywrtho4scCxvM5AbM7nf1_IlXYWkTGKyOQP76HocR4cfiWgOcV-vxw1j-8ayWcPiJL7QEq4/s1600/Buildings+at+Prisoners+harbor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FgOPWFCp2aGucd4W2z6r5MvCQu1I5bfhPkr8-JFaXM-R5rIY1c-3N0dVgqRjJu6FHcI5ywrtho4scCxvM5AbM7nf1_IlXYWkTGKyOQP76HocR4cfiWgOcV-vxw1j-8ayWcPiJL7QEq4/s400/Buildings+at+Prisoners+harbor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Masonry shed buildings for wharf storage. Built in 1887.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheis_iyzPAUaiu-AV1aw6knK6t7yUnrtPs_DmDlfQH0SP0IbqPn1dBlU_Kn3xFXRda7KMTEhZwI_VXB4A-gAQ5TYZY4zm7usyAy8AB979D5myXs73iaV-W1qdqShxBdvXgfngDdbjTa6o/s1600/Island+Packer+offloads+guests+at+Prisoners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheis_iyzPAUaiu-AV1aw6knK6t7yUnrtPs_DmDlfQH0SP0IbqPn1dBlU_Kn3xFXRda7KMTEhZwI_VXB4A-gAQ5TYZY4zm7usyAy8AB979D5myXs73iaV-W1qdqShxBdvXgfngDdbjTa6o/s400/Island+Packer+offloads+guests+at+Prisoners.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Island Packers boat offloads guest at the pier.</td></tr>
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The wind was building and the sea was getting bumpy here at Prisoners, so we opted to move to the other side of the Island at Smugglers Cove. Unfortunately it turned into a boat issue day. The ship's windlass decided to freeze up. This required using the backup system: the ever so popular.... human windlass. Fortunately we had anchored in just 12 feet which meant we had the 140-pound anchor and 18-pound chain aboard in less than 15 minutes. We're hoping for a similar shallow depth at Smugglers.<br />
<br />
The video below shows crew Vince, Gerard and broken boat owner Alex starring in "The Human Windlass".<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xPux5wdETvA" width="600"></iframe></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-46933299673626663092017-09-29T09:40:00.000-07:002017-09-30T10:13:25.982-07:002017-13 Forney's or Alberts Anchorage on Santa CruzFriday, September 29, 2017:<br />
<br />
We surfed out of Coho this morning at 8AM. The forecast calls for wind this afternoon so Forney's might not be the right choice for the night. We'll cruise down the backside of the Island looking for less wind.<br />
<br />
The forecast:<br />
East Santa Barbara Channel from Pt. Conception to Pt. Mugu CA including Santa Cruz Island-<br />
<br />
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM PDT THIS AFTERNOON<br />
THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...<br />
<br />
.TODAY...NW winds 5 to 10 kt, becoming W 15 to 25 kt in the afternoon. Combined seas 2 to 3 ft dominant period 10 seconds.<br />
.TONIGHT...W to NW winds 15 to 25 kt, strongest western portion, becoming N 10 to 15 kt late. Combined seas 2 to 4 ft dominant period 7 seconds. Areas of dense fog with VSBY 1 nm or less after midnight.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzKWND8sqz-Hq2-fhdU6o2f5obxD3s_V5_hhe11kz32wV09ugwtb4An69A3ZG0WidDvlY3RHclM04JLp95RojmhwHbAuZut9kdmBl6ssyiJPgPlik1OTwvHjx1R6FxwZA1NyFMQNC_VE/s1600/Heritage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzKWND8sqz-Hq2-fhdU6o2f5obxD3s_V5_hhe11kz32wV09ugwtb4An69A3ZG0WidDvlY3RHclM04JLp95RojmhwHbAuZut9kdmBl6ssyiJPgPlik1OTwvHjx1R6FxwZA1NyFMQNC_VE/s400/Heritage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heritage oil platform in the Santa Barbara Channel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pt7gCc0IhNM" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
4:20PM; We entered Forney's Cove and anchored for the night. The wind was light inside the Cove except for a couple afternoon puffs of 20 knots. Outside it looked pretty gnarly as the day ended.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
One other boat was anchored with us, a lobster style and crew with crazy foreign accent. Gerard went snorkeling and brought home a couple Calico Bass for a future meal.</div>
</div>
<br />Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-76827039185704882212017-09-27T17:27:00.002-07:002017-10-02T18:38:16.367-07:002017-12 Southbound Around Point ConceptionSeptember 27, 2017: Coho Anchorage<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
Tomorrow morning we continue our ride southbound and expect to make Point Conception around 5PM. This has been a fabulous week of weather along the Pacific Coast. It's 80F+ with zero wind here in Morro Bay this afternoon. The weather has brought out scores of northbound and southbound boats and yachts. Moorage at Morro Bay has been difficult with the Harbor Patrol directing boats to the Tideland Park public dock for tie-up. Wild Blue has enjoyed the excellent service of the Morro Bay Yacht Club, the nicest yachting folks on the Coast!</div>
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<div>
Here's are weather forecast for Thursday and Friday. Looks like this hot-box is about to cool off.</div>
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<div>
THU...Winds variable 10 kt or less...becoming NW 10 to 15 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 2 ft or less. NW swell 3 to 4 ft at 10 seconds. </div>
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<div>
THU NIGHT...NW winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts to 20 kt in the evening...becoming 5 to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. NW swell 3 ft at 9 seconds. S swell 2 ft. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
FRI...NW winds 10 to 20 kt with local gusts to 25 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. NW swell 3 ft at 9 seconds. </div>
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<div>
FRI NIGHT...NW winds 15 to 20 kt with local gusts to 25 kt in the evening...becoming 10 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. NW swell 3 to 4 ft at 9 seconds. </div>
</div>
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<div>
Check in tomorrow about 9AM and/or follow us on MarineTraffic.com.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikf-6XVHDEKNR0KuDrzx7rX_yirMMAm0zPSZ_PQqvh9mfBzxYi1SjX8Q_P2PzMJuoFAWf6r1p2qlscC5m4ZnJPIP0J7prW9lPLMrs5WpcgyDzRpyH9uuPOTGl9Hd_LVLoQyOlg2iReM7I/s1600/Calm+Harbor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikf-6XVHDEKNR0KuDrzx7rX_yirMMAm0zPSZ_PQqvh9mfBzxYi1SjX8Q_P2PzMJuoFAWf6r1p2qlscC5m4ZnJPIP0J7prW9lPLMrs5WpcgyDzRpyH9uuPOTGl9Hd_LVLoQyOlg2iReM7I/s400/Calm+Harbor.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No ripples means HOT BOX!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
10AM Thursday: We're 6 miles west of Avila Beach, CA moving at 8.5 knots. All fog with 3 foot rollers. A few gray dolphins (porpoises) came by but too quick fr the shutters. On schedule for dropping the hook at Cojo about 4PM.<br />
<br />
11:30AM:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1d0cz0AtHMk" width="600"></iframe></div>
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4:30PM: Coho Anchorage<br />
<br />
Nice ride down the coast. Wind piped up to 19 knots from the NW once around Arguello but now back to 11 knots here. Gerard is off to surf and Vince and Alex are into IPA and Sapporo respectively. Tomorrow off to Forney Cove on Santa Cruz Island. Cheers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw1jmB02Q549EEUZu0SuT7i761lfN7f6hseojiAQJzs0o-WSPN6PKzN7d8ysgin8eDi6rWZR1PdF0sVo4D62xhqvLfd68DxFYqFaydS2JeBLyWhahmu1eFwW3q-xlRnN3Ru8qeQqX-Sk/s1600/Coast+Starliner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1600" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw1jmB02Q549EEUZu0SuT7i761lfN7f6hseojiAQJzs0o-WSPN6PKzN7d8ysgin8eDi6rWZR1PdF0sVo4D62xhqvLfd68DxFYqFaydS2JeBLyWhahmu1eFwW3q-xlRnN3Ru8qeQqX-Sk/s400/Coast+Starliner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coast Starliner or Pacific Starliner?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSmH0s4l4tr8ioXtaIxJKObyfDee03BJOS4tLbw1k-8lhJyYc0VcmSgqgrkF5N9lCd8touqCzF6jV6a7XfxJ1H-7ObvUoQUWiBzUetWVHkwPqqOCJvzN1sDtmeFnpOYOtzOYcehlwFEk/s1600/Point+Conception+Lighthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSmH0s4l4tr8ioXtaIxJKObyfDee03BJOS4tLbw1k-8lhJyYc0VcmSgqgrkF5N9lCd8touqCzF6jV6a7XfxJ1H-7ObvUoQUWiBzUetWVHkwPqqOCJvzN1sDtmeFnpOYOtzOYcehlwFEk/s400/Point+Conception+Lighthouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point Conception Light</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2T-4KY3qon-Cw5sSiHXufZ0DwR2T6I0umXJXjmPfwvO39zD7_EDSzrCA2nvO3vdcyPvsox-MwL-Xeeetah0kJs8jVmqWaY95JB6jNTiWG21Ib-oEGSsCQCcS_DXmqgFcmykbRJIQ-H0/s1600/Lighthouse+Close+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2T-4KY3qon-Cw5sSiHXufZ0DwR2T6I0umXJXjmPfwvO39zD7_EDSzrCA2nvO3vdcyPvsox-MwL-Xeeetah0kJs8jVmqWaY95JB6jNTiWG21Ib-oEGSsCQCcS_DXmqgFcmykbRJIQ-H0/s400/Lighthouse+Close+Up.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lighthouse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HVryqLky4Vc" width="600"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gtix8fbIl_g" width="600"></iframe></div>
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Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-37770267242641151182017-09-17T07:00:00.003-07:002017-09-20T17:42:45.676-07:002017-11 Monterrey to San Simeon or Morro BaySunday, September 17, 2017: Continuing Southbound on the Central California Coastline<br />
<br />
7AM: We departed Monterrey Harbor a bit earlier today to make the best use of favorable marine weather. About 4:45 we found the harbor exit and rounded the Peninsula in the darkness, brightly lighted with the boats forward facing floodlights. The boat was bouncing as we bucked the swells but our movement moderated as we turned toward Point Sur. Current position is 12 miles NW of Sur. One of our goals today is to view the big Mud River slide up close. Should close about noon today.<br />
<br />
Today's NOAA weather forecast:<br />
<br />
Point Pinos To Point Piedras Blancas To 10 nm-237 AM PDT Sun Sep 17 2017<br />
<br />
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING...<br />
<br />
.TODAY...NW winds 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. NW swell 3 to 5 ft at 8 seconds. Patchy fog in the morning.<br />
.TONIGHT...NW winds 20 to 30 kt. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. NW swell 6 to 7 ft at 8 seconds. Patchy fog after midnight.<br />
<br />
Point Piedras Blancas to Point Sal westward out to 10 NM-249 AM PDT Sun Sep 17 2017<br />
<br />
.TODAY...NW winds 5 to 10 kt...becoming W 10 to 15 kt in the afternoon. Wind waves 2 ft or less. NW swell 4 to 5 ft at 8 seconds.<br />
.TONIGHT...NW winds 10 to 15 kt in the evening...becoming N 5 to 10 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. NW swell 5 to 6 ft at 8 seconds. Patchy fog after midnight.<br />
<br />
So much better weather ahead at Piedra Blancas and southward. We expect to skip San Simeon due to the expected big winds and continue to Morro Bay around 6PM or so.<br />
<br />
12:30PM: We paused at Big Sur's Mud Creek Slide to view the progress. From our amateur observations, it looks like two break walls are under construction at the base (waterline). Also a construction road from the south end has been graded to a flat equipment assembly area. A row of containers seems to serve to protect workers below from minor slides of rocks. These of course are just non-professional observations. Check out the photos.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZoS0ah7fiTFxALQJPH8p4n1Hz6EH_zNHdkUOIb8O4NtxkeDdtz5BxzYTiFKzDbuLiwO9UwWrHCmCXuBRI7gu_362_aOQomGWy4y4MJYgnaoz7oEy24_LTsU6Fz_iFZ34Z6HwCqNrIKU/s1600/Sunday+work+on+Mud+Creek+Slide_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZoS0ah7fiTFxALQJPH8p4n1Hz6EH_zNHdkUOIb8O4NtxkeDdtz5BxzYTiFKzDbuLiwO9UwWrHCmCXuBRI7gu_362_aOQomGWy4y4MJYgnaoz7oEy24_LTsU6Fz_iFZ34Z6HwCqNrIKU/s400/Sunday+work+on+Mud+Creek+Slide_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The overall slide area.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GB19R98W_k4SJvN8eGkXj4e6eWJ3oYlAIAj0IJnUZ6os_ymAzgAUgsW72dfuXf-XNf5rp4-q7ogwfQa2LjAuFEHJCrDvqQ4Votx3iVLJNsBEXTp8qogvyVMuEnEFW83ziUEtnepagkQ/s1600/Breakwall+to+prevent+future+erosion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GB19R98W_k4SJvN8eGkXj4e6eWJ3oYlAIAj0IJnUZ6os_ymAzgAUgsW72dfuXf-XNf5rp4-q7ogwfQa2LjAuFEHJCrDvqQ4Votx3iVLJNsBEXTp8qogvyVMuEnEFW83ziUEtnepagkQ/s400/Breakwall+to+prevent+future+erosion.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While the rest of use watch Sunday football (and ride boats)<br />
construction continues on building a new road over the BIG slide.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxglpy_YZxHI_GTFQ8QIuVMYwEvAImDsjEzwUwYt3bjAB6HoilPpQQm-dC76535rdUCesSPeuecV9NvX5lOsvQ98ktG-QNzQpGabog7No14fu8JsJ0JNRUPtNXx9T_jWsBqiuLU3LBex0/s1600/Container+wall+protects+workers+below+from+slides+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxglpy_YZxHI_GTFQ8QIuVMYwEvAImDsjEzwUwYt3bjAB6HoilPpQQm-dC76535rdUCesSPeuecV9NvX5lOsvQ98ktG-QNzQpGabog7No14fu8JsJ0JNRUPtNXx9T_jWsBqiuLU3LBex0/s400/Container+wall+protects+workers+below+from+slides+.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A row of containers serves as a break-wall from loose rock above workers,<br />
at least that's what we think.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziABYBbjQcNaAjERZJ_CocZvMtzmPC977fcaUmT-YcjlhBxYhze91xQ0L8ehp7z6ZR-hn1LwWdx7L7FqUyWVOWXjKYEXQqb3xVmBQ89LfaV2sgcgEpWmJTE7F8AkbAx0ybhaNMj3-5M8/s1600/Sunday+work+at+BIG+Mud+Creek+Slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziABYBbjQcNaAjERZJ_CocZvMtzmPC977fcaUmT-YcjlhBxYhze91xQ0L8ehp7z6ZR-hn1LwWdx7L7FqUyWVOWXjKYEXQqb3xVmBQ89LfaV2sgcgEpWmJTE7F8AkbAx0ybhaNMj3-5M8/s400/Sunday+work+at+BIG+Mud+Creek+Slide.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Equipment staging area near base of slide.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwdYnzcOjTQMny2acsVdI7q5cwKGi8tiDwkV_1t_w4WKCQu-uP0ksyin26N541IfokMvTU9BurP93xud-y76Yn6Gx6jgic9-yenqadcEhgNPx5YuOSpju-To-TPDafG2tNV2gUNocp0s/s1600/Tree+Bones+Resort+in+Big+Sur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwdYnzcOjTQMny2acsVdI7q5cwKGi8tiDwkV_1t_w4WKCQu-uP0ksyin26N541IfokMvTU9BurP93xud-y76Yn6Gx6jgic9-yenqadcEhgNPx5YuOSpju-To-TPDafG2tNV2gUNocp0s/s400/Tree+Bones+Resort+in+Big+Sur.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treebones is one of the businesses<br />
needing road access for patrons. <br />
Maybe the construction workers<br />
can stay over?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
2:25PM: Passing Point Pedra Blancas and still on schedule to arrive in Morro Bay at 6:30 tonight.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-A-Lamlafdsw46413gsnTwnySgnGQo2ynjRgUdG2yXEM3v8xJXjfFw0MpOUR8abaNlEUnxxw4hn5fx07nbktQLO3DqEnZ7KVj-DwQVH3Sqt_wPmOjKRrhUDpVe6hUZgHDVMqWjbB1pwk/s1600/Point+Piedra+Blancas+Light+Station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-A-Lamlafdsw46413gsnTwnySgnGQo2ynjRgUdG2yXEM3v8xJXjfFw0MpOUR8abaNlEUnxxw4hn5fx07nbktQLO3DqEnZ7KVj-DwQVH3Sqt_wPmOjKRrhUDpVe6hUZgHDVMqWjbB1pwk/s400/Point+Piedra+Blancas+Light+Station.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point Piedra Blancas Light Station</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rrEfK1HFbjg" width="600"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whale Jumps for Wild Blue</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OSNMmBqBKHI" width="600"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Entering Morro Bay Harbor at 5 times speed (or 40 knots!)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcljPAh0SolnORhZYvwbbOiYOXgJvTsxd5DIV6hwPXDZsgNMlEyGHbrZhVlh_jnp1yyukngogvBpleoqqr1YM0mDN1NZUrSaTf1HF6riPYcWswDAsJObQJRbz_fD2r-LvbYzC8idTQxcU/s1600/mbyc+webcam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcljPAh0SolnORhZYvwbbOiYOXgJvTsxd5DIV6hwPXDZsgNMlEyGHbrZhVlh_jnp1yyukngogvBpleoqqr1YM0mDN1NZUrSaTf1HF6riPYcWswDAsJObQJRbz_fD2r-LvbYzC8idTQxcU/s400/mbyc+webcam.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Blue and other transient boats tied to the dock<br />
at the Morro Bay Yacht Club. Here's the view from the MBYC Webcam. </td></tr>
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<br />Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-74959548027096789102017-09-16T08:00:00.000-07:002017-09-16T19:18:02.386-07:002017-10 Half Moon Bay to MonterreySaturday, September 16, 2017: Half Moon Bay to Monterrey<br />
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This is one leg in a multi-leg cruise that eventually gets the boat to La Paz, Mexico. The CostaBaja.com Resort will be Wild Blue's 2017-2018 winter home. During our journey, you can follow us live at <a href="http://marinetraffic.com/">MarineTraffic.com</a> via the boat's AIS transponder. As long as we have cell service, our plan is to post text, photo and video updates along the way.<br />
<br />
Today's NOAA Marine Weather forecast is:<br />
W winds 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. NW swell 3 to 4 ft at 8 seconds. Patchy fog in the morning.<br />
<br />
7AM: This morning we shoved off from Pillar Point. The ocean was filled with pedal kayakers. The yaks were all set up for fishing. There may have been 30-40 yakkers so we suspect a fishing competition..<br />
<br />
The ocean looks to be 2 to 3 foot swell well-spaced. The wind is light. Later.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyuuH0gYnw86rUrnvkxA3WPdAvF53Ndgg3OqHxHQxqmLxGbverOdg_96MTYbAgYKHHpx_xtPE3fihTUHRuzjbTWW3YI8E-9Rsnp97oo5idGqrdUyFhsJ8ZLADcRbueEC6hSWFsWIBHLc/s1600/yakker+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1600" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyuuH0gYnw86rUrnvkxA3WPdAvF53Ndgg3OqHxHQxqmLxGbverOdg_96MTYbAgYKHHpx_xtPE3fihTUHRuzjbTWW3YI8E-9Rsnp97oo5idGqrdUyFhsJ8ZLADcRbueEC6hSWFsWIBHLc/s400/yakker+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yak attack at Pillar Point</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwp49f98J4-QGdas-EGIm79Mqyo6Zm7-b3YgldRhGLffMle8RsMvWm7VTf0bOvvKvaf9ROVJD2rHldJIY-Q8sFu800-Kb5UDw4-Yq01G-Mr7sDtyIPt8t641p4Mt3vpxar4Nzdi8uCs2k/s1600/yakker+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1496" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwp49f98J4-QGdas-EGIm79Mqyo6Zm7-b3YgldRhGLffMle8RsMvWm7VTf0bOvvKvaf9ROVJD2rHldJIY-Q8sFu800-Kb5UDw4-Yq01G-Mr7sDtyIPt8t641p4Mt3vpxar4Nzdi8uCs2k/s400/yakker+2.jpg" width="373" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Equipped for fishing.</td></tr>
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1PM: A nice ocean and flying seals. ETA Monterrey is 3PM.<br />
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Ten seconds of flying seals</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchO09uumk-zxxkrBbI7DyVPOFyYFQhjlDDGZ4xIRT8pjnKbtLFJ6b_UV7u33sFTRDnbPI_KOtatG7jax8iLwr_-2MldjizpNQmkuxXubJsC4XXGiCKYjYOgCg1XIM_DHoN9jsx0Qw0GU/s1600/Whale+Watch+off+Monterey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchO09uumk-zxxkrBbI7DyVPOFyYFQhjlDDGZ4xIRT8pjnKbtLFJ6b_UV7u33sFTRDnbPI_KOtatG7jax8iLwr_-2MldjizpNQmkuxXubJsC4XXGiCKYjYOgCg1XIM_DHoN9jsx0Qw0GU/s400/Whale+Watch+off+Monterey.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we near Monterrey the whale watching boats are out in force. <br />
We did see about 10 humpback whales along our course today.</td></tr>
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6PM: We arrived in Monterrey about 4PM and were cordially welcomed by the locals. Besides providing us with a primo end-tie just across from Fisherman's Wharf, the Monterrey Fire Boat, following a long standing maritime tradition reserved for first time visiting yachts, welcomed us to the Harbor with a water cannon display.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great view from Fishermans Wharf. The Nordhavn 63<br />
just in front of Wild Blue named "Ha" put into the Harbor for Irma. <br />
The Florida owners had to hurry home to see if they still had one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJqDuqW6oXumEK-JW5y2fyOrWLhinfayNMyZXIlkjbK2U33Zt9-fFIs27szqjX_tcbNlZJ84tvZD9vP3YFkESZmp6NQqBihI8Ablmvirws_oaEQVQgyYdTao-PhzS8OOkHiGkAdx2uLM/s1600/M+Wharf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJqDuqW6oXumEK-JW5y2fyOrWLhinfayNMyZXIlkjbK2U33Zt9-fFIs27szqjX_tcbNlZJ84tvZD9vP3YFkESZmp6NQqBihI8Ablmvirws_oaEQVQgyYdTao-PhzS8OOkHiGkAdx2uLM/s400/M+Wharf.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wharf view.</td></tr>
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<br />Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-31096812712628377662017-09-15T08:30:00.000-07:002017-09-15T16:50:08.982-07:002017-09 Big Boat Regatta, The Gate, to Half Moon Bay<b>Friday, September 15, 2017: Big Boat Regatta, the Gate, to Half Moon Bay</b><br />
<br />
This is the first leg in a multi-leg cruise that eventually gets the boat to La Paz, Mexico. The <a href="http://costabaja.com/">CostaBaja.com</a> Resort, will be Wild Blue's 2017-2018 winter home. During our journey, you can follow us live at MarineTraffic.com via the boat's AIS transponder. As long as we have cell service, our plan is to post text, photo and video updates along the way.<br />
<br />
Today's NOAA Marine Weather forecast for the waters we will navigate is:<br />
<br />
<b>FRI...NW winds 15 to 25 kt. Wind waves 3 to 5 ft. NW swell </b><b>6 ft at 8 seconds. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>SAN FRANCISCO BAR FORECAST:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>IN THE DEEP WATER CHANNEL...Combined seas 6 to 8 ft with a </b><br />
<b>dominant swell period of 9 seconds.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>ACROSS THE BAR...Combined seas 7 to 9 ft with a dominant swell </b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b>period of 9 seconds. Maximum ebb current of 0.9 knots at 12:12 PM</b><br />
<br />
<b>8:00AM</b>: This morning we left beautiful <a href="http://westpointharbor.com/" target="_blank">Westpoint Harbor</a> behind as Wild Blue begins her cruise southward. Today, our crewman Dick Squire's son is competing in the Rolex Big Boat Series regatta. We hope to see his race start at 11:15 then follow the fleet up the Bay. We will continue under the bridge and out to sea. This should be fun and we hope we can stay out of the racers' wind.<br />
<br />
<b>1:35PM: </b>We watched the start of the Regatta. The racing was postponed over an hour until the wind increased and stabilized. Dick's son Alan Field on Phantom, a J-44, was last boat to start but first at the weather mark. <br />
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The weather never reached the forecast. We cleared the bridge before 1PM. The Bar was bumpy but nowhere near 9 foot seas! At 1:35 off Daily City we have 3-4 foot seas and less than 10 knots wind from the northwest. Will post photos and video this evening.<br />
<br />
<b>3:40PM:</b> Had a nice run down the coast to Half Moon Bay. Ocean cooperated with our desires and we tossed around just a dozen times or so. The harbormaster placed us behind the fish buyers building. We are secure and headed for dining out.<br />
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Tomorrow the plan is to be on the ocean early, say 6:30. Monterrey is our destination and some of Ed Ricketts hangouts. The marine weather looks pretty nice for tomorrow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvOaqJxRtVZWvA-H9tiouFYXHvEzTsEqMnF0MLRfPAhXbs1SIw_oNxu2xx7Reueg31w9f5ejIfyubTpjqW7ssWN0eHwDZF9Ecd6v-WrQNEoI1uhxbBbCnV-5Nk0zDPYaWhxwRI0GDeF0/s1600/WB+in+Pillar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvOaqJxRtVZWvA-H9tiouFYXHvEzTsEqMnF0MLRfPAhXbs1SIw_oNxu2xx7Reueg31w9f5ejIfyubTpjqW7ssWN0eHwDZF9Ecd6v-WrQNEoI1uhxbBbCnV-5Nk0zDPYaWhxwRI0GDeF0/s400/WB+in+Pillar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Blue next to the Fish Processor. "All the fish you can eat"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Jenkins and Dick Squire crew for the trip to Morro Bay. Matt is a <br />retired fire chief and this is is first cruise on the boat. Dick has seven<br /> decades of boating experience and this is his 20+ ride on the boat</td></tr>
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<br />Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-90750923313111856522017-09-09T13:58:00.001-07:002017-09-09T13:58:55.984-07:002017-08 Prepping for a San Francisco Southbound Cruise A quiet cruising summer aboard Wild Blue is about to change.<br />
<br />
Boat cruising activity aboard Wild Blue has been in a slump over 2017's summer. We've made just three cruises to the California Delta including a short cruise to Half Moon Bay. Over the past ten years, we've accumulated almost 6,000 engine hours cruising California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alaska. This summer we're under 100 hours of engine running, an historic low. Just like a horse, this ship is tugging on her lines, eager to get some exercise. All this changes on Friday as we get underway down the Pacific Coast on our journey to La Paz, Mexico. Once there the plan is to cruise the Sea of Cortez over the winter months.<br />
<br />
A Summer of Boat Maintenance and Improvements<br />
<br />
Wild Blue's cruising lows allowed maintenance highs. The list of deferred repairs and improvements had blossomed and a trimming was in order. With the following tasks complete, the list was minimized:<br />
<br />
scraped, primed and painted three cabin doors with 2-part Interlux<br />
replaced six door dog handles<br />
removed, filled and glassed 30 unused canvas snaps<br />
stripped, sanded and varnished all teak to 8 coats with Epifanes<br />
filled, fared and repainted numerous hull dings, scratches and dents with Interlux Flag Blue<br />
repaired SSB antenna connection<br />
repaired VHF antenna connection<br />
fly bridge and dinghy canvass repaired and replaced<br />
added Samsung 18-inch tablet with Navionics charts<br />
upgraded to 5G wifi router<br />
upgraded navigation computer to mini-Dell with solid state drive<br />
serviced main and generator diesel engine; adjusted valves<br />
added an ACR EPIRB emergency satellite rescue beacon<br />
completed boat waxing with Collinite insulator wax<br />
tagged circuit breaker switches with colored-coded ties for quick identification<br />
serviced fire extinguishers and engine room fire system<br />
cleaned and rebuilt the dinghy engine carburetor<br />
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Exiting San Francisco on Friday, September 15<br />
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Friday morning we'll leave behind Redwood City's Westpoint Harbor. This pretty marina is a great place to keep a boat: it's quiet, clean, secure and has great staff. When underway, we'll run north out of SF Bay and down to Half Moon Bay. A lot of pain for a small gain, or 50 miles to get 13 miles away. Assuming the weather cooperates, spend Saturday in Monterrey, Sunday in San Simeon, then arrive in Morro Bay Monday afternoon. We hope to spend a week for long-term provisioning.<br />
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Continuing south about September 22, will stop at Cojo Anchorage under Pt Conception, spend a few nights at Santa Cruz Island, then a couple weeks at Channels Islands while detail engine service is completed. Mid-October we visit Marina del Rey, Catalina, Newport Harbor ending in San Diego at the Yacht Club for the start of CUBAR (www.cubar.sdyc.org) and the La Paz leg.<br />
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As always we expect to Blog our way southward. Stay tuned.<br />
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<br />Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-46178939219252703742017-06-30T07:17:00.000-07:002017-07-13T08:51:26.189-07:002017-07 Yachtsman Magazine CoverThursday, June 29, 2017: At the Vallejo Marina Harbormasters Office<br />
<br />
The Harbormasters office opened up early for us, this so we could get underway along with the ebb to Pier 40's South Beach Marina. While our moorage payment was being processed, Alex noticed a prominently displayed magazine with a great photo of Wild Blue. Yachtsman Magazine July 2017 cover photo was from our April cruise to the Delta. We had anchored south of Decker Island, off the main Sacramento River ship channel in "Horseshoe Bend". Apparently a shore based photographer submitted his work and the astute crew at Yachting Magazine picked it up for the July issue.<br />
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<br />Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-29818810278680016702017-06-23T22:08:00.000-07:002017-09-12T14:18:10.137-07:002016-06 Pretending to Fish with College Chums Friday, June 23, 2017: Cal Poly Ranchers Cruise Outside the Gate and Delta<br />
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Alex flew from Sitka to San Francisco yesterday with a box full of fresh caught Alaskan King salmon. Turkey rancher Willie picked him up at SFO and they joined chicken rancher Joe and CPA Mike aboard Wild Blue in Westpoint Harbor, who were already enjoying refreshments. Back in the late 1960's, these boys, actually now mature men, along with Alex "Learned by Doing" at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Each year they return for an Alaskan fishing cruise. Last year their fishing exploits were considered "so noteworthy", Sea Magazine republished the Wild Blue Blog. You can review that <a href="http://www.baywoodinn.com/blog/March%202017%20Sea%20Magazine.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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After viewing the favorable marine weather forecast, we decide to begin our fishing cruise outside the Bay in the ocean for the first few days. The fishing reports seem to suggest Half Moon Bay's Pillar Point Marina as a good base for ocean salmon fishing. By 10:45 we are on our way north, bucking the last of the flood tide towards the Golden Gate. We time it just right, crossing under the great bridge just as the tide turns to slack, and we turn the boat southward. The ocean is quite nice: light wind, a soft, low swell nicely spaced, and no wind waves. Sea birds, whales and brownish water set a fine stage for salmon fishing. Even the fish finder displays large bait balls most typical at slack water. By 4:30 we are off the <a href="http://www.militarymuseum.org/PointPillarAFS.html" target="_blank">Pillar Point Air Force Station</a> and about ready to enter Pillar Point Marina.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybEaCagnYNyny8hewVqCkcX8fWq8MWbwWvGiDsjWbwZGi8yxg358th2tabNZHks_RlBc26SM1-D59-6LFte1pHV_E9uYRgO_fiM6FpQk3ABDZ9p2Fe-yeOULH64_e82ZPHW5dQZyXFxY/s1600/P1010240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybEaCagnYNyny8hewVqCkcX8fWq8MWbwWvGiDsjWbwZGi8yxg358th2tabNZHks_RlBc26SM1-D59-6LFte1pHV_E9uYRgO_fiM6FpQk3ABDZ9p2Fe-yeOULH64_e82ZPHW5dQZyXFxY/s400/P1010240.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile Rocks Light just outside the Gate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcE6-RYa_z1zgXEo1uqm39C_zKwKVgWcxjv4yHuuF6DoMPGfYFa-YJYlr9znwbeVMML7lqQmkHYuZDKt89iosJDsdjszVXQCDdJfHUZhCLTzAqxO569yDCkDHK507d4eYsDwFxK4RQP_0/s1600/P1010252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcE6-RYa_z1zgXEo1uqm39C_zKwKVgWcxjv4yHuuF6DoMPGfYFa-YJYlr9znwbeVMML7lqQmkHYuZDKt89iosJDsdjszVXQCDdJfHUZhCLTzAqxO569yDCkDHK507d4eYsDwFxK4RQP_0/s400/P1010252.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bait shows up on the fish finder. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIix_NUiMTbH4rzv8eYXAiHuHY-0c9YOuSsZrH2tIC8rP3iJ3P7xE_1h6DrMMcMyrYjaY0LoRiK9Mh56yal2MHtgyfM1erUfaNa3XqeugyDaHweANrbdvBRCWmFg0NjzFklIloou6LnUA/s1600/P1010258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIix_NUiMTbH4rzv8eYXAiHuHY-0c9YOuSsZrH2tIC8rP3iJ3P7xE_1h6DrMMcMyrYjaY0LoRiK9Mh56yal2MHtgyfM1erUfaNa3XqeugyDaHweANrbdvBRCWmFg0NjzFklIloou6LnUA/s400/P1010258.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pillar Point Air Force Station is currently used for missile tracking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wzgIHIadqk4" width="600"></iframe></div>
<br />
That evening Chef Willie, of <a href="http://williebirdsrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">WillieBird Restaurants</a>, created a gourmet feast of bay shrimp salad, garlic prawns, and egg flower soup. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFP7Y0luaCGDsPDYeoWM2R00lQR3n52MbRZ1kynmJH3z-58c165a4geQHbbHcPOl3wfWnK295RsiI37P__P5KF2DGIInM92XJZcypN86_eFI-jMX54q22JxBnxSBZWUVgbTzIMOy-Y7Zk/s1600/P1010264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFP7Y0luaCGDsPDYeoWM2R00lQR3n52MbRZ1kynmJH3z-58c165a4geQHbbHcPOl3wfWnK295RsiI37P__P5KF2DGIInM92XJZcypN86_eFI-jMX54q22JxBnxSBZWUVgbTzIMOy-Y7Zk/s400/P1010264.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garlic prawns, bay shrimp salad,egg flower soup? It was a<br />
three main course dining experience.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFroTNpr-9UZ0-Zk5bzrrPPucYCUp2ibFeXBWiwABGCJAmBbjy_s-lOkfXDI0N0OVppgKn3rPhyroS4UMzHyS5FKybFmxOMnwpenh8c9VKIVYnz9SV6m_Em71-_ScIiJhWeSx8NcvimAY/s1600/P1010269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="1600" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFroTNpr-9UZ0-Zk5bzrrPPucYCUp2ibFeXBWiwABGCJAmBbjy_s-lOkfXDI0N0OVppgKn3rPhyroS4UMzHyS5FKybFmxOMnwpenh8c9VKIVYnz9SV6m_Em71-_ScIiJhWeSx8NcvimAY/s400/P1010269.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IMO this egg flower with green onions, prawns and<br />
potstickers was the main course!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, June 24-25-26, 2017: The Pretending<br />
<br />
Well it had to be pretending, otherwise how could you explain it? For two and one-half days we saw all signs of excellent fishing conditions. Favorable tides, water, weather, bait, birds, and whales all pointed to a full fish box. We dragged lines daily for many hours...... nothing happened. Of the 20 or 30 sport-fishers we watched closely, not a one boated a fish. We rechecked depth, bait, lure, troll speed, and even made sure there were no bananas aboard! The fish were no where to be found. Now we call that pretending to fish, but also....... that's fishing. Monday was our last good outside weather day but by noon with still no joy, we stowed the rods, and headed through the Gate and up to the Delta. <br />
<br />
At 6-ish, we pulled into Delta Marina at Rio Vista located on the Sacramento River. Of course Rio Vista has the world famous <a href="http://www.fostersbighorn.com/" target="_blank">Fosters Big Horn Cafe</a>, a game hunters paradise, and Willie, Joe and Mike are game hunters. Willie had a friendly chauffeur deliver us to the Cafe. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pfV-_sHzZCg" width="600"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CAUTION: This is a boring video with excellent music.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiGQcQqYj3eYE0pVOVDQbzl6s7iMce3KYdqTxXAgNPaD5q6RkEdzFf1006COmehj91aJD8dRwFGDeLaw4LnrtyjtVjHc8tU11k3jS08aJL-y0Z8H7pshJsWLfwuPWBRByIOqVhT8lfNs/s1600/P1010284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiGQcQqYj3eYE0pVOVDQbzl6s7iMce3KYdqTxXAgNPaD5q6RkEdzFf1006COmehj91aJD8dRwFGDeLaw4LnrtyjtVjHc8tU11k3jS08aJL-y0Z8H7pshJsWLfwuPWBRByIOqVhT8lfNs/s400/P1010284.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All that remains of Lime Point Light under the north end<br />
of the Golden Gate is the fog horn building.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5-t2H1Yll6LgodCAaqhpgkRreM_tY-mqNK5UlvCuZ1QBM7AzWaToqqr8ljeO7Wp-AA19tJag9a2DTzycQEYUkbk_-Obf4UxGv1C9R0ovp0RkNNWJEAtcOAFHff2Llz_9dYF8_SXGccg/s1600/P1010288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1600" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5-t2H1Yll6LgodCAaqhpgkRreM_tY-mqNK5UlvCuZ1QBM7AzWaToqqr8ljeO7Wp-AA19tJag9a2DTzycQEYUkbk_-Obf4UxGv1C9R0ovp0RkNNWJEAtcOAFHff2Llz_9dYF8_SXGccg/s400/P1010288.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Baker Recreational Area with Robin Williams Tunnel<br />
above. Previously named the Waldo Tunnel after an 1850's politician, <br />
it was renamed after the late actor-comedian. It's appropriate to me as both<br />
comedian and politician make us laugh hysterically at times. <br />
<a href="http://www.militarymuseum.org/FtBaker.html" target="_blank">Fort Baker</a> was another coastal defense fort.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS62TUBz80tD7NWzD7Zv7fFg3UlrMjODrr-ePi_P2XQjrxYoRhrqwbESQYsvAttxsgHk6EZ6Kwag6X9bOLtF6VLOrjbD6C9DjUqy6wWnjaNtIa4JDxTxUD_f6Er74uERHRGa6g_60MUis/s1600/P1010291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS62TUBz80tD7NWzD7Zv7fFg3UlrMjODrr-ePi_P2XQjrxYoRhrqwbESQYsvAttxsgHk6EZ6Kwag6X9bOLtF6VLOrjbD6C9DjUqy6wWnjaNtIa4JDxTxUD_f6Er74uERHRGa6g_60MUis/s400/P1010291.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East Brother Light with a nice B&B.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6B6TzutxWIk2d6FuPxUb1Z8PImD09Ei0poBKiLUsssSkjJXFwEDC2gQvNEoONcvIU-s2le10FQy3nh3RwuIYQzvcEtIe9lHuvkYqX8hBS-dnGpMqM8S3ICUgDJvD8BWlL0se6jIELBQ/s1600/P1010292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1600" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6B6TzutxWIk2d6FuPxUb1Z8PImD09Ei0poBKiLUsssSkjJXFwEDC2gQvNEoONcvIU-s2le10FQy3nh3RwuIYQzvcEtIe9lHuvkYqX8hBS-dnGpMqM8S3ICUgDJvD8BWlL0se6jIELBQ/s400/P1010292.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always thought C&H was "Pure Cane Sugar From Hawaii".<br />
Guess they meant California.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrxIcubtVdo7f0UAWts80TitxIGXdvmk7YMkmzH7-ylKZ3EcpoRybv-he1hJqhM99IFMjOePMSBCuKhfe24p9q5a6gOBsnCZM6qrCvLjyxq0rAVtDA-3ESEtN2MWfI_sr0DwIy5VJLSE/s1600/P1010295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="1600" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrxIcubtVdo7f0UAWts80TitxIGXdvmk7YMkmzH7-ylKZ3EcpoRybv-he1hJqhM99IFMjOePMSBCuKhfe24p9q5a6gOBsnCZM6qrCvLjyxq0rAVtDA-3ESEtN2MWfI_sr0DwIy5VJLSE/s400/P1010295.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The US Navy mothball fleet at Suisun Bay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2g1KPL9KodSfh8QrmnU5ELrXKvbSUdSZtdlVpfItGelcC1FS2wj31_5HDqyCLEQrnqb-06zWETueNPYok0_v3tVwIM02aBViMEntEgyN2Lr07_DZ29aUT8kT3J_SbJNkzQszFs5uE1E/s1600/P1010305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1408" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2g1KPL9KodSfh8QrmnU5ELrXKvbSUdSZtdlVpfItGelcC1FS2wj31_5HDqyCLEQrnqb-06zWETueNPYok0_v3tVwIM02aBViMEntEgyN2Lr07_DZ29aUT8kT3J_SbJNkzQszFs5uE1E/s400/P1010305.JPG" width="351" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kite boards and wind generators have a need for big breeze.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiDJPABzpJS6edLXR5T6ExVKUJm6FVZfQbB4r1UeG0vOXp_mF3znS7sGM2c96PeCeD1lJVh50Hje6485tJNrPOSxF1EpYhBrR-ZvhP4yGMoVsClfKZH2uIuPop8MQ7cmOWDKCD1NkAaE/s1600/P1010311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1600" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiDJPABzpJS6edLXR5T6ExVKUJm6FVZfQbB4r1UeG0vOXp_mF3znS7sGM2c96PeCeD1lJVh50Hje6485tJNrPOSxF1EpYhBrR-ZvhP4yGMoVsClfKZH2uIuPop8MQ7cmOWDKCD1NkAaE/s400/P1010311.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hay barn, electric transmission line and wind generation:<br />
from old to new technology.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPvIoK_S92ArZkBJaMauqpS4B_AYrM4Sfk7-dRPdshyphenhyphen9oCgF3TlkqrqKfH4u3BBG_-Gm3nxEBVNKJ_vesCRa3Lq0z3QkxsfffdWfgrDYxqDzNvDQ5JKyu1tocvxof62Tw-lw5i04ybco/s1600/P1010276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPvIoK_S92ArZkBJaMauqpS4B_AYrM4Sfk7-dRPdshyphenhyphen9oCgF3TlkqrqKfH4u3BBG_-Gm3nxEBVNKJ_vesCRa3Lq0z3QkxsfffdWfgrDYxqDzNvDQ5JKyu1tocvxof62Tw-lw5i04ybco/s400/P1010276.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For lunch Willie worked up salmon fish tacos. The Chef<br />
even cut the salmon pieces to look like a small fish. Yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Tuesday-Wednesday, June 27-28, 2017: A Two-Day Delta Cruise<br />
<br />
After last evening's big game dining experience, we're leaving Rio Vista for the Willow Berm Marina, just off the San Joaquin River. To get there we follow the 3-Mile Slough. To get into the Sough, we need the Three-Mile Slough Bridge lifted. At the end of the Slough, this route requires us to turn left at the San Joaquin River, following along as it meanders eastward, then turn left at the Mokelumne River and following the "M" River to the <a href="http://willowbermmarina.com/" target="_blank">Willow Berm Marina</a>. After securing the boat, we hike the 1/2 mile to the entrance, pay our moorage fees, then enjoy several brews at a VERY local pub. Tomorrow we'll exit at 9:30 timing our route to ride the ebb current back to San Francisco at South Beach Marina.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fj2m-iQrINY" width="600"></iframe></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47CEIs9nL7ucZm_WQB_aYpOGz4XojrrjLvROEGjLgsrHw8KLTvvBlfw5V1M2MytmM_cwpmriHQZEJXXwZqvHUXta8bv1ILCtWiamhI9gP4xA_c2CmCUN4VwEZFDPuLFceEx4CMjjaaAw/s1600/P1010316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1600" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47CEIs9nL7ucZm_WQB_aYpOGz4XojrrjLvROEGjLgsrHw8KLTvvBlfw5V1M2MytmM_cwpmriHQZEJXXwZqvHUXta8bv1ILCtWiamhI9gP4xA_c2CmCUN4VwEZFDPuLFceEx4CMjjaaAw/s400/P1010316.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Delta cruising grounds are a series of interconnecting levees built<br />
within fertile farmlands of the region. The levees control the fresh water<br />
flow and farm irrigation from the San Joaquin and Sacramento River <br />
systems. Since the water ways are dredged, it's not unusual to see a <br />
large ship appearing to pass through the farmlands.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1026" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQ3ACRAF_hFHuzuvudBrSmnZb1AN9NxgrhLIsdfLRaDAG6PuAcsLJ8r_ZyoNj0IbvOBCp4CLQVyu4xK5JQ8fIA0t7NtqpOKZxN3y16DmX6jdpue6aDqE_tVmuuV9UOzki0CX0ejh8SyQ/s400/P1010321.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="256" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herons enjoy the Delta life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQ3ACRAF_hFHuzuvudBrSmnZb1AN9NxgrhLIsdfLRaDAG6PuAcsLJ8r_ZyoNj0IbvOBCp4CLQVyu4xK5JQ8fIA0t7NtqpOKZxN3y16DmX6jdpue6aDqE_tVmuuV9UOzki0CX0ejh8SyQ/s1600/P1010321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnu8CuUiNeDrkoW6pWO7e4iNw-sFhCIFZew27hkvT4k2IN-e4SUZhKAXS1DsknsDEy1vYsKFEl4j85-U4vysdr4Usm55roj-UlllBMIJFbPxiK1H7jJSnAwm3ea609sbip53EU9h89Bw8/s1600/P1010324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnu8CuUiNeDrkoW6pWO7e4iNw-sFhCIFZew27hkvT4k2IN-e4SUZhKAXS1DsknsDEy1vYsKFEl4j85-U4vysdr4Usm55roj-UlllBMIJFbPxiK1H7jJSnAwm3ea609sbip53EU9h89Bw8/s400/P1010324.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small boat mariners have to carefully navigate around large ships<br />
in the narrow waterways.</td></tr>
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Thursday, June 29, 2017: Delta to the City</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
The crew is spoiled. No fish, hot weather and the cruise is almost over. We glide into the South Beach Marina, San Francisco. Instead of a SF Giants game, we decide to entertain Joe's daughter at Tadich Grill, a Frisco favorite. The cruise finishes with another superb epicurean experience.</div>
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It's always a blast with the CP Boys. Each year we relive our college days, embellish and repeat the same stories, and wonder what happened with our other college friends. We are the lucky ones and look forward to reliving the good times next time we crew together, which looks to be La Paz Mexico this winter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMEmrekQ5PXrmU2V_cc_VaiM79Uu1Re6DUCY3eRud3pTRty3s7spBWo8Z0vijpmtzJTUwgM4sT4O56D4-qzk_eHMy_E0K93w0sYok48PrWsdGtRFtXJ8cY6o6UeoDCVzmhyphenhyphenrBfMxQBXc/s1600/CP+Boys+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMEmrekQ5PXrmU2V_cc_VaiM79Uu1Re6DUCY3eRud3pTRty3s7spBWo8Z0vijpmtzJTUwgM4sT4O56D4-qzk_eHMy_E0K93w0sYok48PrWsdGtRFtXJ8cY6o6UeoDCVzmhyphenhyphenrBfMxQBXc/s400/CP+Boys+Photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tax man Mike, chicken man Joe, Joe's attractive daughter, and turkey man Willie at<br />
Northern California's oldest (and Alex's favorite) restaurant Tadich Grill.</td></tr>
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<br />Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-59888340307312062662017-06-20T14:39:00.004-07:002017-06-20T14:39:53.746-07:002017-05 Fish On in SitkaThursday-Friday, June 15-16, 2017: Craig to Sitka<br />
<br />
This summer the Wild Blue is cruising San Francisco Bay and the California Delta, but when asked to crew in Alaska, how can we say no? The past several days Alex has been on Miss Micky, a new North River 33. Crewing with owner Captain Jay Field, Alex helped route Miss Micky from Craig-Alaska through El Capitan Pass, Rocky Pass and Peril Strait to Sitka.<br />
<br />
All went well even with an engine shutdown in Rocky Pass. At low tides, portions of the Pass get congested with bull kelp, so much so an engine raw water strainer filled with kelp. After a quick clean out, the engines were back online and again cruising at high speed. This fast aluminum sport fisher cruises at 24 knots, three times Wild Blue's cruise speed. A 3-day cruise on Wild Blue became a 11-hour motor on Miss Micky. It was a fast and fun ride into Sitka Sound.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_wb4DCAE7IVaFBpWsxaFOgI71eHg_tl3rAIKn4Dfnm27lAJCVyuX_F_iix492o13WWxKl4F-2Pw0NkMkt1qm3qZsljzC8b_wQWBd8_hAwqARc-Tz8d60AG_Qk9vYz223Kl3Z9FIB7bg/s1600/IMG_20170620_124953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1600" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_wb4DCAE7IVaFBpWsxaFOgI71eHg_tl3rAIKn4Dfnm27lAJCVyuX_F_iix492o13WWxKl4F-2Pw0NkMkt1qm3qZsljzC8b_wQWBd8_hAwqARc-Tz8d60AG_Qk9vYz223Kl3Z9FIB7bg/s400/IMG_20170620_124953.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Micky: Looks fast even when tied to the dock!</td></tr>
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Saturday-Monday, June 17-19, 2017: Fishing Sitka<br />
<br />
Once in town, we spent the next three days mapping out the nearby fishing spots identified by Wild Blue on previous fishing exploits. Here is the complete list of <a href="http://www.baywoodinn.com/blog/WildBlueSEAlaskaFishingSpots.pdf">Wild Blue's Southeast Alaska Fishing Spots</a>. On Saturday, a normal 5-hour trip on Wild Blue to Whale Bay was shortened to 90 minutes. The new boat's chirp sonar, with an experienced operator, can mark salmon at depth, a huge assist when adjusting trolling gear. We checked out the Bay, then moved back up north to Biorka Island. In three hours trolling, we "sore-mouthed" nine king salmon, keeping one for Alex's license.<br />
<br />
On Sunday, the Sitka sun shined in cloudless, bright skies. The Sound was near flat and winds light so Jay steered Miss Micky just outside Cape Edgecomb. There the guided sports-fishers were clustered close together. We again hooked several keeper kings, and kept a 33-inch, 15 pound fish for Alex. We ended the day on a double-hookup, sore-mouthing both for a future angler.<br />
<br />
On Monday the forecast was for 25 knot southerlies with 8-foot seas. We headed North to Salisbury Sound. There we fished the Shark Hole and the waters off Point Kruzof. Discounting the rockfish, it was a "no bite" day up until we trolled the Shark Hole's inner wall. Up close with the kelp in 70 feet, a King finally bit in 44 feet. It was a good 19-lb keeper king which Alex again recorded. That ended our King fishing as Alex's ticket was fully punched. This year we non-residents are allowed just one fish a day, three for the season.<br />
<br />
Jay's boat is configured nicely for trolling: easy access all around, new Cannon downriggers with digital controls, continuous drag adjusting reels, carbon fiber rods, half-tote ice container, Chirp sonar, and a quiet 4-stroke kicker. Jay's been fishing for years and Alex learned some new techniques for gear handling, fish de-hooking, and landing that maximizes trolling time. Miss Micky with Jay in control fishes extremely efficient and professional. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITsBzOhe16Z_I6-LVNtcP1CxI6z1hWWdzOHm_dDXikeuBiCL5UOrERKDCXEAVpJCImhQksUO9UKfUoCvcB72z-k0hJYCkjJD-JGnim-tQ-uouizlvh851xvqKy5kjOXamtyFxZRh19VU/s1600/IMG_20170620_124921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITsBzOhe16Z_I6-LVNtcP1CxI6z1hWWdzOHm_dDXikeuBiCL5UOrERKDCXEAVpJCImhQksUO9UKfUoCvcB72z-k0hJYCkjJD-JGnim-tQ-uouizlvh851xvqKy5kjOXamtyFxZRh19VU/s400/IMG_20170620_124921.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mis Micky's efficient layout allows easy access to gear.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJsU4N_1o_oWol9C6Y7zAPyn5elu5TrNPc8UxJWxjXUnX5BzyJwHz8hT_cdCP1LIRatar880CkmHRfGJNd3Nkh82dMNEGBk1zHvCMFlvEUDqXH5pQtN3HD926dvCrfE3s8XxqishDLYE/s1600/IMG_20170619_120909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1131" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJsU4N_1o_oWol9C6Y7zAPyn5elu5TrNPc8UxJWxjXUnX5BzyJwHz8hT_cdCP1LIRatar880CkmHRfGJNd3Nkh82dMNEGBk1zHvCMFlvEUDqXH5pQtN3HD926dvCrfE3s8XxqishDLYE/s400/IMG_20170619_120909.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain Jay Field displays a 19-lb King Salmon <br />caught in Salisbury Sound, Southeast, Alaska.</td></tr>
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Sitka once again served up a pleasant stay. Next week the college fish boys join Alex on Wild Blue in San Francisco for some California salmon fishing. See you out there.Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-47529711372579805912017-03-29T21:14:00.000-07:002017-04-11T23:06:37.983-07:002017-04 Up into the California Delta, Just Barely.Tuesday, March 28, 2017:<br />
<br />
Today our goal is to get up into the California Delta, just a little bit. Not having cruised the area, Alex is curious as to the currents, depths and passing room in some of what the chart seems to show as narrow waterways. Having spent the big bucks to purchase Hal Schell's 27-year-old "Guide to Cruising California's Delta" ($80 on Amazon for used 1995 Edition), we are eager to see if the book is still relevant.<br />
<br />
After a brisk morning walk along the Vallejo waterfront with hundreds of other folks, we eventually get away, exiting the marina, turning south and bucking the flood tide into Napa River through Mare Island Strait. At the bottom of the Strait, we turn to port into Carquinez Strait and ride a nice tidal current push eastbound. On the left side we pass MV Golden Bear, the training ship of the California Maritime Academy. Next it's under the twin Zampa Memorial Bridges (aka Carquinez Bridge, or Vallejo Bridge) doing over 9 knots with 1+ knot of push.<br />
<br />
Ship traffic is light: a few sailboats, a freighter, an ocean tug and a tug with large tow. All commercial traffic broadcasts AIS so we see them miles ahead or behind. Commercial traffic stays in the shipping lane, but since the depth and bridge clearance is sufficient for us, we stay to one side or the other. Not needing vertical clearance above 33 feet, we pass beneath the Benicia-Martinez Bridges some 300 feet north of the shipping lane and into Suisun Bay. Eventually we near Pittsburg-CA and bear left up the Sacramento River. This part of the river is lined with hundreds of wind generator towers, with large propellers turning slowly in a 15-knot breeze.<br />
<br />
By 2:30PM or so we're still riding the tidal current up river at 1.5 knots and ready to enter the Delta Marina just south of the town of Rio Vista. We videoed our entry into this cozy and well keep stop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRLbUNfW486bdZWhyphenhyphenAWXfLVA4-4BX1nwUkjPKNgfbFvd7-jsDXJAaqA8o-JXuyJHaWNXtgcllZneOmAPFYSyqKsFs4IrWPfIymZPWmFbKVnQSQmUC7wFcZx4lUmSAzfFJpxpPs8VG2gc/s1600/IMG_20170328_121752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRLbUNfW486bdZWhyphenhyphenAWXfLVA4-4BX1nwUkjPKNgfbFvd7-jsDXJAaqA8o-JXuyJHaWNXtgcllZneOmAPFYSyqKsFs4IrWPfIymZPWmFbKVnQSQmUC7wFcZx4lUmSAzfFJpxpPs8VG2gc/s400/IMG_20170328_121752.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Maritime Academy training ship MV Golden Bear in<br />
front of the Alfred Zampa Bridges supporting Highway I-80.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AZFrKBPDGtsvWLHhd3pnxxxC6y2S4jT8E6ApU9EZ0WIW3HCZnGRWuuQlyTRCCo0IRTj6XkOz0DNgbI9QbjctlveixJWsjiVLoNaJ9uUmb7o8F3RWTwY5cVPZEvrN76ZhjBibtJznFW8/s1600/IMG_20170328_150530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AZFrKBPDGtsvWLHhd3pnxxxC6y2S4jT8E6ApU9EZ0WIW3HCZnGRWuuQlyTRCCo0IRTj6XkOz0DNgbI9QbjctlveixJWsjiVLoNaJ9uUmb7o8F3RWTwY5cVPZEvrN76ZhjBibtJznFW8/s400/IMG_20170328_150530.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hundreds of large props generate electricity<br />
from this breezy section of the Sacramento River.</td></tr>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u0Tgu9reTbs" width="600"></iframe></div>
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Rio Vista is a nice clean town. It has just a few restaurants and is known for the regional favorite: Foster's Bighorn. We found fine dining at great prices in The Point Restaurant located in the bright blue building next the the marina entrance. We liked it so much we dined there two nights, although the majority wanted to try Foster's but were vetoed by the Admiral.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi656XTofpbVEOrII93qNbgLGlMobf1MMAOxgvLJN56GjuWyyOkzcIwV5-VTlxrs5FqWFJnrUeBimPQyUgT-e6M1iNCjgFdQ2k5Hwg3V3P2tNezH_gpo-LUHGktzqK7thLCN2-E8ZGzlbs/s1600/IMG_20170328_172007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi656XTofpbVEOrII93qNbgLGlMobf1MMAOxgvLJN56GjuWyyOkzcIwV5-VTlxrs5FqWFJnrUeBimPQyUgT-e6M1iNCjgFdQ2k5Hwg3V3P2tNezH_gpo-LUHGktzqK7thLCN2-E8ZGzlbs/s400/IMG_20170328_172007.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foster's Big Horn Restaurant has a<br />
nice bar and dining room adorned with<br />
the heads of many large animals. Needless<br />
to say, Admiral Pat refused to dine there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJgS3kFpG6xR6A5tgE2yV7BS53IJRE3JRiR2bMQAQHDF7aC-lvEKLoK8lzOXXhfOJL9zc9N3fPqSZc6P49eVIShutYGdOgwYBPWQ2vQxYMlFyJs8yHvChlsHjinGNWI-gTpMeJAyTjuU/s1600/IMG_20170328_181014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJgS3kFpG6xR6A5tgE2yV7BS53IJRE3JRiR2bMQAQHDF7aC-lvEKLoK8lzOXXhfOJL9zc9N3fPqSZc6P49eVIShutYGdOgwYBPWQ2vQxYMlFyJs8yHvChlsHjinGNWI-gTpMeJAyTjuU/s400/IMG_20170328_181014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Blue's spot at the guest dock at Delta Marina, a gem of a marina.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVXvB87Aytu39NNbIW88Qcbe2HP3fXJWtlVQgyLJP-8RLNj33JiEXSgyghk0Y130s-rRxeacCMxWCu7Fy58dMDArMX6gBWjpHgiXABBuoctksAuYrBJBoY7b7omwsZUto3BNyRVS0dhM/s1600/IMG_20170328_191915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVXvB87Aytu39NNbIW88Qcbe2HP3fXJWtlVQgyLJP-8RLNj33JiEXSgyghk0Y130s-rRxeacCMxWCu7Fy58dMDArMX6gBWjpHgiXABBuoctksAuYrBJBoY7b7omwsZUto3BNyRVS0dhM/s400/IMG_20170328_191915.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at the guest dock.</td></tr>
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<br />
We enjoyed the Delta Marina. The staff was quite accommodating and totally customer driven. When Alex reported our dead dinghy battery, employee Lenka called the Napa store and had a new battery delivered within 30 minutes! You can tell the owners take great care of their employees. After a year working at Delta, each employee is awarded with a professional artist's portrait. It hangs on the wall in the main lobby, and there at least eight on prominent display.<br />
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On Thursday we plan to motor back down the Sacramento to Pittsburg city Marina. The fuel price there is reported to be the best around. Looks like this is as far into the Delta we will get this trip. Were looking forward to spending more time and getting further up the river in April.Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-16193531829778866002017-03-27T21:07:00.000-07:002017-04-11T23:01:58.210-07:002017-03 Down the River then over to VallejoMonday, March 27, 2017: Riding the Ebb Tide Downriver<br />
<br />
For Monday's breakfast it was Della Fattoria, Petaluma's downtown bakery and cafe. Excellent breakfast and it's busy so come early. Later Alex's old college roommate Willie Benedetti came by for lunch, again at Sugo Trattoria. Willie, of <a href="http://www.williebird.com/">www.WillieBird.com</a> fame, grew up on the family ranch just outside Petaluma and, as always, he brought along a cooler of WillieBird products for the Wild Blue's stores. During lunch Alex realized the boat would miss the 1:15PM "D" Street bridge opening. A call to the Petaluma Public Works Department allowed us to begin our downriver cruise at at a 3:15PM opening.<br />
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Once past "D" Street and after 3 miles further, we needed the Haystack Bascule-Bridge opened as a train had passed. The bridge tender didn't respond on VHF Channel 9, but immediately raised it after a cell phone call to his station. Then we started moving, as our 8 knots of boat speed, 1+ knots of river flow, and the ebb tidal current combined to get our ground speed above 10 knots! The Wild Blue was making a fast exit back to mostly salt water. A semi-boring but short video,with a corny name, and excellent music, displays the downriver highlights. <br />
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Once back on San Pablo Bay, the afternoon westerlies kicked in with gusts over 20 knots. The wind was from our stern, but the ebb current on the bow built up some nasty chop. The autopilot struggled to keep a straight course and the seas pushed and overtook the stern. We zigzagged our way along until Lone Tree Point, about two miles before the turn into Mare Island Strait, where the seas flattened. We turned to port into the Strait and videoed our entry into the Vallejo Marina on the east side. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kKMnS35bK_Y" width="600"></iframe></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQCiGls9c-fLGAau0omEEG7xS98q4fUdFt9zuABOVby85go3X0Gxk7GE9CwpWcDyM5K2DGqmIKGpDqjRd35OgQy_nvU4PBEM0GnoXLAU1DEnyX8uNp8W5Yfm5WnnZg3_1wVGM1w_99cw/s1600/IMG_20170328_090558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQCiGls9c-fLGAau0omEEG7xS98q4fUdFt9zuABOVby85go3X0Gxk7GE9CwpWcDyM5K2DGqmIKGpDqjRd35OgQy_nvU4PBEM0GnoXLAU1DEnyX8uNp8W5Yfm5WnnZg3_1wVGM1w_99cw/s400/IMG_20170328_090558.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mare Island Naval Shipyard was the first Navy yard on the west coast. <br />
It was opened in 1854 and shuttered in the 1996.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoAcrVR7lf2mz1raHU89de1P5djRws8hmXxaFfzA2n4KiZBENGZi-7aQWSPRZvJ9HCdBFn9Ed7CrSsZoIQ3-1UROK0zSBOuIRQwarcL4f_YlbgbJz7aQykeaBGQYw1arhT-Dh08NAz3A/s1600/IMG_20170328_091101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoAcrVR7lf2mz1raHU89de1P5djRws8hmXxaFfzA2n4KiZBENGZi-7aQWSPRZvJ9HCdBFn9Ed7CrSsZoIQ3-1UROK0zSBOuIRQwarcL4f_YlbgbJz7aQykeaBGQYw1arhT-Dh08NAz3A/s400/IMG_20170328_091101.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vallejo to San Francisco passenger ferry takes about an hour<br />
in these 30-knot catamarans.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4YrY7O-erwepb3ud2D63uquoT1Hgsp6R7zPUcbFx2Cjcsxh7ZJf6CRSU3fTcHTjW4kXrNJ4rkjKfpBtvQXQELNeYLTU6Jpi6FHMouZ2FjPsu5OKd7EHQZ6GA1_rP9_VrbnZYQshadDM/s1600/IMG_20170328_091618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4YrY7O-erwepb3ud2D63uquoT1Hgsp6R7zPUcbFx2Cjcsxh7ZJf6CRSU3fTcHTjW4kXrNJ4rkjKfpBtvQXQELNeYLTU6Jpi6FHMouZ2FjPsu5OKd7EHQZ6GA1_rP9_VrbnZYQshadDM/s400/IMG_20170328_091618.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This doesn't look good for any size prop.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR4a0wca2VTYLNefSyYew4rHHLkKZMbW_jz22rLG9Hoo3jk9-COhGMgKdj51iyvmWSR_YEVH672OEm1CJ-NMRtnhJewTUiwrP_hRyjYpnYSsditW47CoLgKiT787IvWBT5hGr2U9Wbx8/s1600/IMG_20170328_092025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR4a0wca2VTYLNefSyYew4rHHLkKZMbW_jz22rLG9Hoo3jk9-COhGMgKdj51iyvmWSR_YEVH672OEm1CJ-NMRtnhJewTUiwrP_hRyjYpnYSsditW47CoLgKiT787IvWBT5hGr2U9Wbx8/s400/IMG_20170328_092025.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern end of the Mare Island Naval Yard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
It was still quite breezy after we tied up. We dined near the marina and hit the hay early.</div>
Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504411928191234965.post-82711802157036644842017-03-26T20:05:00.000-07:002017-04-11T23:04:17.060-07:002017-02 South Beach, Up the Petaluma River to the City of PetalumaSunday, March 26, 2017: Running Aground in Petaluma<br />
<br />
Our route today takes us with the flood tide, north from San Francisco Bay to San Pablo Bay and the Petaluma River entrance. Our goal is to cruise 16 miles up the Petaluma River into downtown Petaluma where we will tie up at the City turning basin. Because the river contains many shallow areas, we'll enter the River on the rising tide, hopefully avoiding any grounding. If we do get stuck, hopefully the rising tide will get the boat floating again.<br />
<br />
We exited South Beach by 8:30AM, after quickly re-docking to return the access card keys. Within 10 minutes we were passing under the Bay Bridge headed northward. The course took us along the east edge of SF Bay, east of Alcatraz and Angel Islands, and past the Tiburon Peninsula into San Pablo Strait. Soon we entered and crossed San Pablo Bay arriving at the Petaluma River entrance at half past 11. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVa9NKuVEYLPwTmepb1xELGvxzDqqhJ_2A1QLc5PeFLlXQ_9wUV_mGLKGVu3Kx3uUWVqgsFSJKu3aINyQCI7cNhIQXbF4uWHRPqeD4UNhkNDTWr_3mjh1EHYXA6-6R9pV_6bhcT6YCwY/s1600/IMG_20170326_084048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVa9NKuVEYLPwTmepb1xELGvxzDqqhJ_2A1QLc5PeFLlXQ_9wUV_mGLKGVu3Kx3uUWVqgsFSJKu3aINyQCI7cNhIQXbF4uWHRPqeD4UNhkNDTWr_3mjh1EHYXA6-6R9pV_6bhcT6YCwY/s400/IMG_20170326_084048.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking west with Alcatraz in the foreground and the Gate beyond.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXv0hqkeJQGFoJlYx09-3A0RczuQM3O0YcwQNHN0DrOGbu5P3wqnY59pz9mqkHNvD0g8jlNl4GbwKsg52rPmjw8AQcwExB1Yh9N1XBYUevLaY5dD60A6gLXPDOD9Nh-P1WIMd0-g_uUg/s1600/IMG_20170326_093716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXv0hqkeJQGFoJlYx09-3A0RczuQM3O0YcwQNHN0DrOGbu5P3wqnY59pz9mqkHNvD0g8jlNl4GbwKsg52rPmjw8AQcwExB1Yh9N1XBYUevLaY5dD60A6gLXPDOD9Nh-P1WIMd0-g_uUg/s400/IMG_20170326_093716.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East Brother Island Light Station is located <br />
at the southern edge of San Pablo Bay.</td></tr>
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The tide will continue to rise until the 2PM high slack, giving us about 30 minutes extra time for what is normally a 2-hour motor. However, we have two railroad bridges and one street bridge that can lengthen our cruise if not open. Normally the railroad bridges are open unless a train is scheduled. They are manned when closed, so a re-open should only last as long as it take the train to pass. The Petaluma "D" Street Bridge is normally closed, so Alex called ahead to the Petaluma Public Works Department scheduling a 1:15PM opening. Hope we make it!<br />
<br />
The flood tide not only increases the river's depth, but also gives us a speed boost. The boat's 8-knot water speed is boosted to 9+ over the earth's surface, as the tidal current pushes many, many miles upstream. The river's normal outflow direction is reversed by the flood tide. This direction change challenges the levees as the river reaches high water. <br />
<br />
Once past the river entrance, the boat towers over the surrounding terrain. With the tide approaching +5 feet, from the boat one actually looks down into the levied fields filled with crops and livestock. Its is a strange view to be above the road height, looking down at cars! <br />
<br />
We passed the open Black Point railroad swing-bridge, steered under the Highway 37 bridge, passed the open Haystack railroad bascule-bridge, and drove under the Highway 101 bridge. Today there is light river traffic as we see just a handful of pleasure craft and no commercial vessels. Approaching Petaluma, there's joggers, fisherman, walkers and gawkers on the tops on the levee. At last we arrive downtown at the "D" Street bridge and it's not open, as we're 25 minutes ahead of schedule. Shortly after a our call on VHF Channel 9, the bridge magically opens, we move through thanking the bridge tender as we pass, and enter the Petaluma Downtown turning basin for tie up. A boring 10-minute video with excellent music, documents our 2-hour river cruise at 10 times speed. Enjoy the music.....<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nhOXOhu19PE" width="600"></iframe></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUlC0ONtuBUru1LARB73hCh1G9mhyphenhyphen1r4Q2d7EpRKmIdJ06jxGipucjYIus61QUU2f9ABTGyac64VMWgJPWQRyQyfl2rAw3v0tN3By4ixV9qRq1na8TJwAOk8dQ6WExhfpczdDZ1x1sNk/s1600/IMG_20170326_160429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUlC0ONtuBUru1LARB73hCh1G9mhyphenhyphen1r4Q2d7EpRKmIdJ06jxGipucjYIus61QUU2f9ABTGyac64VMWgJPWQRyQyfl2rAw3v0tN3By4ixV9qRq1na8TJwAOk8dQ6WExhfpczdDZ1x1sNk/s400/IMG_20170326_160429.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Petaluma view from the Petaluma Yacht Club long dock.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the boat is secured, we head for lunch at Sugo Trattoria, a downtown favorite. Later the crew provisioned at the Petaluma Market close to downtown. Dinner was at Mi Pueblo's Mexican and was just fine. Tomorrow we head back down the river then up to Vallejo for a night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1TM1EqB2xHht1ram8ftIF2Not8Nmdzvn8JI-YQHlN4b5gSHIpTUQmAoui3zdiVzr9FPd3XlWShyZzn6lsOdxTIJ_VIGC_a3wEOMlqXBRU9yVZD04U14LgUuiIQzO8HXPjhKtstXSZo4/s1600/IMG_20170326_160456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1TM1EqB2xHht1ram8ftIF2Not8Nmdzvn8JI-YQHlN4b5gSHIpTUQmAoui3zdiVzr9FPd3XlWShyZzn6lsOdxTIJ_VIGC_a3wEOMlqXBRU9yVZD04U14LgUuiIQzO8HXPjhKtstXSZo4/s400/IMG_20170326_160456.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Blue tied up in front of the Petaluma Yacht Club. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxv5y16eItApKbuAhO5MR18ZTo5vn1O_Cppu6Py7T6nEF1GeO_hAZCzPdeBvkFhhBm2oEcZm94aK4VHE_h0rxaf5VGUltEZKGRCQWVOPsRV-KyStiSzJOwkL1_afDcg-1JTcsCx5R0-c/s1600/IMG_20170327_081853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxv5y16eItApKbuAhO5MR18ZTo5vn1O_Cppu6Py7T6nEF1GeO_hAZCzPdeBvkFhhBm2oEcZm94aK4VHE_h0rxaf5VGUltEZKGRCQWVOPsRV-KyStiSzJOwkL1_afDcg-1JTcsCx5R0-c/s400/IMG_20170327_081853.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At low tide we see just 4.9 feet of water depth but we draw <br />
5.5 feet. This means the keel is in the mud about 4 inches. <br />
The water dropped about an inch on Wild Blue's waterline,<br />
indicating <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">the boat is a bit grounded. We eased short lines to </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">allow the dock </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">float to descend, and avoid a broken line!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPoG0aILCoDBgJhkLBDU9JPihUi9F5UCsvS0NSnSxDWyVjtyUoeNccqOgKK2AMkPNJL3TuHXFyfUNX66AHr2X4fA5X8DBecihyphenhyphen0Cru8PiA_oO58FFWvdLOLF9xW7yRhhcI1WfgR_b6-iU/s1600/IMG_20170327_081959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPoG0aILCoDBgJhkLBDU9JPihUi9F5UCsvS0NSnSxDWyVjtyUoeNccqOgKK2AMkPNJL3TuHXFyfUNX66AHr2X4fA5X8DBecihyphenhyphen0Cru8PiA_oO58FFWvdLOLF9xW7yRhhcI1WfgR_b6-iU/s400/IMG_20170327_081959.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View at low tide, the shallow bar inside Petaluma's turning basin<br />
is exposed, along with its two shoal marker buoys.</td></tr>
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Alex Benson, Wild Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12040944135950563736noreply@blogger.com0