The Bay of LA, never a dull moment
Wednesday May 25th
Cool night with light breeze. Actually temps are getting cooler as we head north into the Bay of LA area. We’re up and heading in the the village 9ish with plans to provision get a little internet and lunch before heading north. Light winds as we motor in and anchor in front of Guillermo’s. Rob and I do the fuel getting a ride quickly to the Pemix 1 mile north. Our usual internet café is no longer so we try hotel Vitta Villas where phones seem to work but no laptop service. No blogs from Bay of LA this time ;(
12:30 and we’re back on the boat with winds building from the SE making it difficult getting provisions on the dinghy at the boat ramp. Rounding north passing the shoal that extends out 1/2 mile heading north, suddenly the SE winds fade and we see white caps coming off shore at us. Here goes another adventure in the Canal de Ballenas and the Bay of LA. Winds are soon blowing 25kts as we make the channel between Baja and Isla Smith. One gust above 30 and it’s time to reef before we hit the main channel. Rob’s harnessed, tethered and forward to hookup the main sail 2nd reed ring. Double reef looks appropriate with the conditions we see ahead. Luckily winds are going to be a broad reach and we can spell lots of power off the double reefed main. We’ve also rolled up the jib to not over stress our repair. The plan is to stay closer to west shore to minimize the wave action until we reach Bahia Remedios open to the west then fall off and ride the swell towards Puerto Refugio. Double reef and things are very stable but with a 35kt gust I call for life jackets. White caps with spray plums from them are everywhere and we are riding comfortably along hitting 12kts on the puffs. Puerto Refugio here we come. This channel works like clock work when it blows. Winds blow out of the west and gusty all caused by Pacific air spilling over Baja. Passing north of Bahia Remedios things lighten shift more northward giving a down wind run until things dissipate and everybody returns to the foredeck for lounging. All in all makes for very exciting and interesting sailing day.
Approaching Puerto Refugio there’s whales spouts all around us and pair surface 100 yards in front of us but no whale stories today. We make a pass through the north anchorage fishing and checking to see how the BoBo situation is. No fish caught and very few bobos so we anchor in our usual north anchorage spot near the hill top shrine Soon after we anchor Rob catches a small grouper and sea bass buy buying them from a ponga fishermen. Grouper for dinner tonight
Thursday May 26th
The new anchor definitely got tested last night with winds in the 20s most of the night. It’s so nice to not work about dragging anchor. Every set has been perfect and solid this season.
Heading for Gonzaga today. Heading NW out of the anchorage there’s fin whales everywhere, at least 25 and we have to pay attention heading out but non come close. There’s the typical wind blowing up the channel with 6’ well spaced swells coming from the north. Engines off and sailing at 7kts. Gonzaga 48 miles NW here we come.
Until the next Update
Sending from Alfonsinas. Crossing to Penasco tomorrow (Sat)
Nice !!