Gato Loco Leg 5 Blog #4
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We woke to another gorgeous morning in Vee Cove. What lucky, lucky people we are! This morning the water was much more clear than yesterday, so Sally and Bill were off to snorkel from the boat to the cliffs. Bill took some amazing underwater photos, as you can see. Yesterday it got quite windy and Marilyn’s only towel went overboard. It was so clear that Bill was able to locate it at the bottom not too far from the boat. We were anchored in about 8 feet of water, so it wasn’t too difficult. We set off towards our next anchorage at Yellowstone Beach on Isla Monserrate.
As we sail, we spy a couple of fins belonging to sharks, possibly Mako, according to Bill. Good thing we aren’t swimming! Not too long after, we started seeing numerous, large manta rays. They were having a blast swimming towards the surface and then flinging themselves out of the water as if they were doing sommersaults. Incredible! Off to the port side we noticed a flurry of birds around what we thought was just waves. Turns out it was a very large whale shark just cruisin’ along, minding his own business. As we got closer to Isla Monserrate, we were surrounded by a huge (probably over 100) pod When we had almost gotten to the island, we encountered another pod of these dolphins. This pod was further away, but it was as if they were welcoming us to their home…what a welcome it was!
We anchored at Yellowstone Beach, which had beautiful yellow striated limestone cliffs, hence the name “Yellowstone”. There are a number of dangerous reefs and rocks that surround Monserrate, so great care needs to be taken when coming in to the island. Marilyn and I were still suffering from too much sun so we stayed aboard, while Bill and Sally headed to the reefs to snorkel. The snorkeling turned out to the best so far. They saw manta rays, yellowhead wrasse, yellowtail snapper, grouper, angelfish, and more.
After a gorgeous sunset and a great dinner (we called it Sally’s Suprise since she pulled it together from our diminshing food provisions), we played some Hearts. Marilyn, with grace and dignity, lost again and showed us her new best friend, the Queen of Spades… The wind picked up and we were in for a pretty rough night. We were swinging around in circles quite a bit and doing a lot of up and down. Bill said the wind was blowing at least 15 knots. Well goodnight folks, we shall talk to you in the morning if we don’t blow away…hee, hee, hee…signing off for Leg 5 and taking another Heffernan-ism, “Later freighter!”
Until the next Update… The GatoLoco Crew
_____________________________________________________________ Leg 1 April 11-19, Crew: Bill, Bruce & Cynthia Tegge, Clyde Betts sail from Puerto Penasco to San Carlos |
We had good wind, even if it was a bit rough, and were able to put up the jib and the mainsail. (Sorry for my lack of sailing lingo and knowledge. I grew up on power boats so I am sure I sound like a sailing newbie!) Bill put out a fishing pole while we sailed. He caught 2 good-sized Bonito. Unfortunately, they are not good eating, so he threw them back. I guess we can’t say that Bill never caught us any fish!
of dolphins. I am not sure the name of this particular dolphin, but these are fast and extremely playful. They are dark on the top of their body, and lighter underneath. They swim almost in unison, never breaking stride, leaping out of the water as they fly along together. Up and down, up and down they flew…never stopping as they cross the sea. We ran to the bow of the boat for a better look and they decided to grace us with their presence as they followed the bow for a while. It was truly moving and emotional, something we won’t soon forget…
I can’t begin to imagine how exciting it would be to see all those dolphins swimming and playing right in front of you. AMAZING!!! Thanks for your input and pictures!
Ms. Wendt——-have I told you lately how awesome you are at blogging?
Lisa,
This was awesome to see…what a wonderful experience you are having in Mexico. I always loved Rocky Point since we started going there at the age of 8 or so…. Hopefully someday I’ll get to visit you and share these places with you. Not sure if sailing is my thing, I’m still a bit fearful of the water, but it looks gorgeous. Cool to read that a couple of boats were from Coos Bay. That must of really brought up some conversation.
Miss you.
lisa