BrithdayCruise Update 2–The North Shores

---

By Lowell | June 3, 2017 | Category Baja 2017

Finally resting in our Loreto area home port – Vee Cove on the north shore of  Isla Carmen Wednesday night

 

 

Tuesday May 30th

The birthday crew slept in today. Lazy morning before we move Gato Loco to the SW cove of the Ballandra anchorage for some swimming, boarding and Johnny’s first dinghy fishing excursion. With his handy dinghy handler (me), we managed to catch 4 trigger fish  that made a great fish taco lunch. Frankie also got her golden fill when Daisy stopped by to say hello. Daisy is from Juno Alaska. Loves the Sea and swims every chance she gets.

We bid Rally folks Ralph, Helen, Randy & Jody goodbye and we headed north around the island to Vee Cove one of our favorite anchorages on Isla Carmen. In general this week has been cooler with stronger winds out of the south – southeast. Each afternoon they have reached near 20 making for fun sails to our next anchorage.Winds are hooting on the north of the island and Murril had a great time at the helm. Two lures in the water and John is a little frustrated that he hasn’t had a “fish on”.

Yeah, Vee Cove is empty and all ours.

 

Wednesday May 31th

Wow, we’ve been on the water for over a month. Where did the time go?

South winds blew through the night and we had a light sea roll from the north into the anchorage rocking Gato Loco all night long.

Yesterday was a fun afternoon playing in the Vee Cove playground. John and Frankie join me to explore the sea cave near the boat. Before long Al and Carol are in the water snorkeling chasing schools of fish around the anchorage. Check out the video playing in the sea cave.

 

 

Thursday May

Pleasant cool evening last night while we enjoy the granger of the Vee Cove anchorage. Today John and Carol have checked out the anchorage and have found the hot spot for fishing for trigger fish. Before long they return to the boat with 4 nice fish that will be dinner tonight. Al has turned into paddle board lady jumping on it when ever there’s a chance. Frankie and I climbed the cliffs and sand dune enjoy the area before we depart.

The plan today was to go to San Juanico  but the sea report was not favorable so we adjust our plans to a new anchorage here on Carmen. We’re now headed for Painted Cliffs on the east shore with a good south wind protection and also blocking the light north roll that we had last night.

We’ve never anchored here and find a huge bay with a far reaching east point giving good south protection. We did find some rocks just below the surface so care must be taken entering. Things seem to be clear closer to the east point.

 

Painted Cliffs beaches are mostly stone and not so good for beach coming. Al, Carol, Murril and I make an attempt and give up after the larger stones take over. Reports are good for fishing but our  stores are full at the moment. South wind were blowing again late evening making another great evening with smooth water in the anchorage.

John and Carol enjoying the evening in Painted Cliffs

Friday May 2nd

The big story consuming my time is our autohelm has died, tripping the breaker. After a full autopsy the drive motor is seized up and looks to be finished. Because of this problem we leave Painted Cliffs early to get back to cell coverage to begin the search for a solution to this big problem. Did mention that the autohelm is the most valuable piece of equipment on board. It will be a long 12 passage back to Penasco hand steering. A trip is not complete without a little drama. Standby for how this unfolds…

Until the next Update