Playa El Burro to Santa Rosalia (Seawind Rally last Standing)

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By Lowell | May 10, 2010 | Category Baja 2010

Thursday May 6th

Warmer night like it always is in Conception. Lazy morning since we only have a 35 mile day ahead of us. We could almost hear Gerry’s voice as he did the Sonrisa ham weather since he does it from his palapa house right in front of our anchorage. He will also give boats access to his internet if you ask and follow his rules to not interfere with his weather work.

Great dinner at Bertha’s last night. Kurt & Laurie have decided to head south with Sylvester to La Paz. They needed fuel and the manager volunteered to bring diesel as she came to work today so they could head south with more confidence of not running short of fuel going to Puerto Escondido. Photo above illustrates the typical construction. Lots of homes extend to the south from the original Bertha’s restaurant.

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Pulled anchor 11ish and headed north out of Conception still waiting for wind. Frank gets her internet fill as we sail past Mulege towards Punta Chivato. Winds were light heading out but pick up as we approach the top of the bay and we get to shut down the engines and sail on a beam reach at 6 its fetching Chivato.

Not sure what the song was, but Frank and Chris both break in to dancing the Pony.

Sailing north there are islands and shoals as we approach Chivato. To make the straightest path requires watching the depth which topped out at 12′ as we made the point.

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Small bay east of Punta Chivato with White sand beach. Looks to be a potential anchorage with south & North protection.

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Awesome sail north but winds lighten as we head west towards Craig’s Channel south of Isla San Marcos. Approaching the channel, winds are at our back allowing us to sail wing on wing and again we shut motors down. Rounding north heading for our Sweat Pea Cove anchorage we’re flying… Nice day of sailing..

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Sweat Pea Cove has one boat anchored and there will be room for the four boats still in the Rally. Neely and I dive our anchor to check the bottom which has sand mixed with large rocks scattered on the bottom. Our anchor is hook in a nice rock ledge.

Sunset with Baja to the west and Dream Catcher this side of the island nav light.

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Friday May 7th

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Calm anchorage overnight with light cool breeze making it a bit more comfortable than Conception. As we were listening to the morning ham net we have visitors. Mexican Marines power south around the point and pull into the fishing camp on shore by our anchorage. Lisa, on Tenacious Grace, later related her nervous reaction as they approached and put on face masks. They searched the camp and then waved as they left as fast as they arrived without approaching any of the boats in the anchorage. I assume they’re mission is to keep any drug activity out of this area. We were approached by a similar boat last year.

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After our visitors leave we motor to the islands northern most anchorage Los Arcos with sea caves and a very distinctive beach hidden behind a low arch you can dinghy through.

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Los Arcos has now become a must anchor location after our visit today. Space and sand bottom for 4 or 5 boats with a nice beach. There’s shelf rocks scattered on the bottom so you have to pay attention entering and especially dinghying to the beach and the big arch.

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The main attraction at Los Arcos is the arch above. There’s a good reefs just outside full of fish and I saw an octopus while snorkeling. I guess I’ve missed how cool this area when reading the cruising guides in the past.

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Beach as you enter the arch >>>

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<< Swimming back through to the outside reefs. Note the hanging rope at the entrance.

Motoring into the arch the Tenacious Grace crew is checking out the underwater action. They’ve put on wet suits for protection from the small jellyfish that have been in the water. We need to spend more time exploring but want to get into Santa Rosalia early today. I would recommend later Gato Loco crews stop and check this anchorage out.

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1ish we pull anchor and head for Santa Rosalia. As we get underway a fog bank appears around the north end of the island and soon consumes us. It was moving so fast I first thought it might be a storm but just dense fog. Not long after a large pod of pilot whales appeared ahead forcing us to change course. They look to be the same pod we saw on our way south.

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Approaching land in the fog without radar is a little unnerving. The GPS chart plotter on board is off by as much as 1/2 mile and needs a little visual assistance as you approach land. We eased our way with Frankie & Chris on the bow.. All the sudden there’s a big rock mass just in front… Land ho.. Yikes!!. This is not working. Tenacious Grace reported the GPS coordinates for the entrance and finally we used them to make our way in just seeing the entrance with less than 200′ vis. More drama for the blog..

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Marina still fogged in after we arrive.

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Lots of war stories at the final rally dinner at El Muelle resturant. Last crews standing… Ralph & Helen on Moondrifter, Brad, Lisa, Kat & Zac on Tenacious Grace, John & Ragina on Dream Catcher and Lowell, Frankie, Neely, Bob & Chris on Gato Loco. A toast to all our other friends and boats that made a part for the cruise. It was great to see friends and meet new fellow catamaran sailors. Let’s sail again together.

Heading back to the boats after dinner there’s a great surprise finding the fruit stand still open. Breakfast tomorrow will be more interesting..

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Saturday May 8th

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View of Santa Rosalia from the hilltop were the old French operational buildings are as well as famous French Hotel

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Bruce & Cynthia have arrived and we will head north towards the mid-drift islands tomorrow.

I’m rushing to finish this update as we set on the south beach at Bahia San Francisquito waiting for north winds to back down. We’ve arranged to get 4 bags of ice delivered and I’ve found found there’s internet at the house on the south end of the beach past the little Mexican resort.

Life is good

Until the next Update