Shoving off for the Sea of Cortez

[Chinook]

We've arrived in Mulege. Stern anchored inside the bar, bow tied to the seawall. Response to Santa Rosalia question. Prices are in pesos, local postings use $ for pesos unless $US.

We saw absolutely no traffic on our crossing. Nada. We do have a radar reflector up, and spotlight on deck and plugged in. Local knowledge says the only hazards possible, other than the stray whale, would be the local panga fishing boats, which operate at night up to 10 miles offshore. Some have a running light, some don't. The full moon on our crossing was very handy.

Webpage is up to date through Santa Rosalia (7 days ago). I'll be sending new entries for the last week in to son Ken while we're in Mulege. Watch for them.

Adios, Mike - Chinook

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

Mike,

You should be really happy you are way south rather than in the Northwest. I would guess there is more snow at your house now than when you left.

We've had measureable snow in the Seattle Metro area for 6 days in a row ending this past Monday. I woke up to 2" on Sunday morning here in Bellevue. I keep having to go out and knock the snow off the tarps over the boat.

My parents are up closer to the mountains just outside Granite Falls at the foot of Mt Pilchuck. They had a foot on Saturday, 18" on Sunday, and 9" on Monday.

The UW reports we've had the longest period of cold temps at 500mb (17,000 ft) recorded in *any* month, not just March, since 1976. For 6 days straight it was -36 or below in the upper atmosphere.

I hope you're enjoying the sun.

[Chinook]

Hi Duane,

Thanks for the weather update. Your weather sounds downright uncivilized. It's in the low 80's during the day here, cooling at night into the 60's. Water temps are just warming into swimmable range, approaching 70 or just above in the sheltered bays. Weather is a bit relative, thouh. Locals and snowbirds around here in Mulege report that this has been one of the coldest winters in recent memory. Again, cold is relative. Our experiences in Mexico and with the Mexican people we've met have been uniformly delightful. People, including officials we've needed to do business with, have been very warm, friendly and helpful. Our woeful lack of Spanish has not been a problem. Many people here speak at least a little English, and with our pocket guide and a mutual desire to communicate, we've been doing fine. This is a great place for spring cruising. Journal update reports and pictures through April 1 will be posted soon, perhaps by the coming weekend.

[Chinook]

Progress report. We spent 3 days in Loreto, a lovely town with a rich history. We're now at Puerto Escondido, 15 miles south of Loreto. We stopped at the Singlar marina here for gas, showers, laundry and internet contact. All the above are available here, when working. Their gas tank is dry at present. Lots of diesel but no gas. Anyone got a tip on a mod for getting my 50 hp Nissan to run on diesel? Laundry worked ok, washers at least. They're out of propane for the driers. Did manage to get one load in, after inquiring where I could put up my clothes line. Showers - one stall on the women's side had a little warm water. It did the job. I'm hoping that the gas truck makes it out here tomorrow. La Paz is just a little too far for me to go on my remaining supply. But what the heck, I can think of worse places to sit while waiting for fuel.

[Chinook]

We've reached our destination and turn around point of La Paz. We've cruised 375 nm to get here, and everything (knock on wood) has been working great. We've had to hunker down a couple of times because of wind strength and sea size. 15 to 20 knots here will kick up 5 to 6 foot seas, steep faced and closely spaced. Not comfortable, so we stay put and enjoy the beachcombing. Prevailing winds should soon be switching to the south, so will assist us on the return cruise back up north.

[Herm. Beeck]

Mike
Are you still in La Paz?

[Québec 1]

Excellent post for what seems to be a fabulous trip. I appreciate your pleasantly detailled descriptions and of course the photos. Especially nice to read the decsriptions of the church visits. I enjoy sundays services while travelling as it gives me a very good ideal of the type of people and community I am visiting. May I wish you a pleasant remainder of your trip and a hearty Bon voyage
Q1

[Chinook]

We've been out of touch for a while. Just thought I'd check in. We're at Punta Chivato, still on the Baja side. This is our departure point for the crossing back to San Carlos, on mainland side. We may go tomorrow morning, early, as weather forecast is good for Saturday, but not so good for Sunday. I'll check in from San Carlos.

Thanks for the comments on visiting churches. We share your feelings.

[Chinook]

Quick note. We made our crossing back to San Carlos from Santa Rosalia in the early morning hours today. For the first time on the cruise, with a full load of gas I gave her close to full throttle. Ran at 9 to 10 knots from 1 am till 9:30 am, a 78 mile run. Sea was glassy most of the way, and the bioluminescence was stunning. Great trip. Now for the clean up, de rig and drive home. The Sea of Cortez is an enchanting place to cruise.

[Kelly Hanson East]

Mike - what was the fuel economy like on that 78 mile run??

[Chinook]

Speed does come with a price. With dinghy strapped on the bow, I burned an estimated 32 gallons of gas on the crossing. That works out to 2.4 miles per gallon. I had 7 gallons in reserve when we tied up at San Carlos Marina. I monitored things fairly closely, and could have slowed down if needed, and gotten back up to 7 mpg, running at 5.5 knots instead of 10. However, every once in a while, usually on the run back to starting point, we like to open her up and leave a big wake.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Mike
Your web site, and this trip, are just as enjoyable to read as the Alaska Trip. The pics are outstanding.
You guys know how to enjoy boating

[Chinook]

Hi Louis,

Thanks for the kind words. This has been our most enjoyable cruise, start to finish. We've developed a real fondness for the Mexican people we've met, and for this cruising area.

[tangentair]

Mike
Your web site, and this trip, are just as enjoyable to read as the Alaska Trip. The pics are outstanding.
You guys know how to enjoy boating

On this Louis and I are in complete agreement, great reading, good pictures, could almost taste the salt air.

[Tahoe Jack]

Hey Folks.....just checked Chinooks website and found the final on-water trip days posted. Damned fine writing and a real adventure writeup.....thinking Mike ought to consider a book of their several major trips. BTW, some of us gearhead types likely would appreciate a bit more detail on equipment, provisions etc....either here on on their site... Jack