Another Whale channel passage on Gato Loco
Early morning light at Puerto Refugio
Saturday May 4th
Just one day until the new moon and tidal flow in Whale channel is important to factor into the passage planning. Low tide is at 7AM this morning and we’re heading out at 6 to get a couple of hours of favorable tide flow. Winds are forecasted to be light. Our experience with Whale channel has given us the utmost respect for this sailing ground above all others in the Sea. With that said after an hour motor sailing south in the channel we see the first sight of white caps indicating that yet again the channel will give us a good ride. First order of business is to reduce our main sail to the first reef point. Our main sail is new this season and we want to be safe and protect the main sail also. The Pacific wind spill over is flowing today and we soon have 20kts favorable wind pushing us across the channel to the west windward side of the channel. The windward side is always the preferred approach to reduced sea state. Today the wind Gods were very nice giving us enough wind to get 3 different exciting rides but never strong enough to be dangerous. I do love the challenge. Thank you Whale channel.
Waiting at the end of a channel passage is always a Guillermo’s margarita.
Today we arrive 3ish time to enjoy a little down time before the chores. We need fuel, groceries and Guillermo’s internet is sort of working but to send a blog out we’ll need to walk a mile up the road to the internet café. After some refreshments we divide and concur the chores and meet back for a nice dinner.
Hector, one of Guillermo’s fishing staff, gave us a ride to the Pemix for gas and passed along some weather advice that they expect wind in the Bay tonight. Enjoying the anchorage we revisited the weather and decided to stick it out for the night. More on that later.
Today is derby day and the ladies are following the race online and also decide I need a derby hat.
Things are pretty busy all over the bay with bicycle riders arriving all afternoon from Ensenada. They’ve worked up a thirst and keep Guillermo’s bar pretty busy. My last walk to the internet café and stragglers are still arriving.
Back to the weather… We had a beautiful evening on shore and on the boat but as we retired, just as Hector said, the wind started blowing and blew 25kt gusting to 30 all night long. The anchorage was still comfortable but noisy. And like clockwork the next morning winds calm right down. Don’t you love Bay of LA.
Sunday May 5th
We’re off for a little more island time on Isla Salispuedes 40 miles south east today.
All good on Gato Loco
Until the next Update