Puerto Balandra- Bahia San Gabriel Dec 5th, 2009

We left La Paz and off we went to Puerto Balandra. The wind was blowing from the north at about 10-13 knots, but there is little swell just chop as we made our way. We looked over the anchorage and decided it was to open to the north and we would have a very rolly night if we anchored. So we took pictures and made our way to Bahia San Gabriel on Isla Epiritu Santo. The bay here is a little more protected and so after three hours and 21 n. miles we anchored. I caught Sand Bass from the back of the boat so we had fresh fish for dinner. We took the dinghy and explored the shore and the lagoon where it seemed to be a Magnificent Frigate rookery. The night was noisy with the splash of the roll off the swim platform so we decided to head to our next location, Caleta Partida

Marina Palmira La Paz Mexico, Dec 2-4th, 2009

Well we cleaned up the boat since she had logged so many miles in salt water. Today we rode our bikes into town all the way on the Malecon. So what is a day in La Paz like? Ok, a day in La Paz. Wake up to sunshine, make bed, put on shorts, t-shirt sandals, oil the teak furniture, clean the chair covers, watch the fish, see a huge puffer fish, get on the bikes ride two miles to town for lunch, have a cerveza and grilled fish, ride four more miles to Walmart for DVDs. Alexus gets a flat tire, kids with bikes pump up the tire, we give them pesos for their help. It goes flat again. We walk by 4 men who speak no English, but convey that there is a bike shop 2 blocks up. (Bike Angels)The shop, a cement block building 10'square, fix the tire we and pay the $3.50. We ride the 6 or so miles home on the Malecon along the bay of La Paz and watch the sun set.. ah…..Well after a taxi ride to the CCC ( big grocery store like a Super Walmart) and back the boat is provisioned and we are ready to explore the Sea of Cortez. Tomorrow we will head to Puerto Balandra, which is the home of the famous Mushroom Rock. It is only about 12 miles away so a very short day. Yea!!!!

Marina Palmira La Paz, Nov.28- Dec 2nd, 2009

Well we are one crew member less as we move to Marina Palmira closer to La Paz. Rachel arrived safely in Seattle and Lori will be leaving tomorrow and then Loe leaves the next day. It was a grand adventure and I know they are both ready to be home with their girls and not in a moving boat or trying to sleep with the engines running. It was a kick as we pulled into our slip, two boats over were Larry and his wife Muggs who were our dock mates in Alameda. What a wonderful welcoming, it did feel like a homecoming to have people you know right next door. The world is very small.

Alexus and I spent a great deal of time on the boat while Lori did the tourist thing. Loe' and she went to the bus station to get their tickets for Cabo San Lucas as they fly out of Cabo to get home. It will take them about 3 hours by bus to get to the airport and about 2.5 hours by plane to get back to the bay area.

Well Lori left today and off she went and arrived safely at home. I know she was excited about the interior re-design Jude did on her boat. I am sure it is beautiful. We went into town and did more exploring, Loe stayed on the boat and got ready for her early departure tomorrow. Well, Loe left this morning and she arrived safely in SF that evening. We are on our own. The boat feels bigger, but we will miss our friends. It was a once in a life time adventure that we all shared. That evening Larry and Muggs came over for cocktail hour and we laughed the evening and night away with our shared adventures down the coast. Since October both boats have gone over 1425 nautical miles. Wow, when I think of that it is amazing!!