V-Cove to San Juanico

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By Lowell | June 3, 2010 | Category Baja 2010

Gato Loco 2010 Leg #6, Tuesday – All were abuzz this morning on board, as the local BEE population decided we were their best bet for fresh water. The handle on the rinse off hose at the back of the boat looked like a bee hive! First order of business, exit V-Cove. We also woke up to another clear day, no wind… another motoring day. Still, no complaints here, as the weather & water are awesome. We are all still pumped up from our “Hearts” tournament last night, which ends up contributing to our day later on. With motors running we have twin fishing lines trailing Gato Loco in hopes of catching some dinner, or at least a snack!

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As we motor along, we get a nice surprise… a Sea Lion floating on it’s back, nose up and tail up out of the water. It’s too far for a photo, and of course sees us coming, barks at the other(s) around him and takes off under water, only to surface again about 100 yards behind us, out of photo range. Still, nice to have seen them! A bit later, Bill notices one of the trolling lines taking a hit, hands off to Larry with visions of Dorado and ceviche or fish tacos. It’s been along time since Larry reeled in anything on a fishing line, but he makes the best of it with Bill coaching.

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The mystery fish puts up a good fight, leading us to believe it may in fact be Dorado… only to be disappointed again. Bonito #2, so much for snacks. It was fun to reel one in though, so all is not lost. From here, its back to the drone of the motors as we chug our way up the Sea of Cortez with Tres Pilars (Three Pillars) and the anchorage at Caleta San Juanico in mind. We have some down time while we motor. Score – Ladies 3, Guys 1.

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Dave & Ellen make the best of the down time.

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How many men does it take to watch a boat under autopilot get to where it’s going? At least two…

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After a stretch of motoring we approach Tres Pilars at the south end of the San Juanico anchorage, our stop for the night. This turns out to be one of the best stops yet. Once again, we’re disappointed we don’t have an underwater camera. The snorkeling at the base of these rocks is unbelieveable! Several “first time ever” sightings happen here for some of the crew… bright red fuzzy starfish, tan/yellow and black starfish with large black barbs on their backs for protection, an array of fish we have never seen before, and a laundry list of things growing underwater that catch our eyes. This is a must stop for anyone wanting to see the wide variety of underwater life in the Sea of Cortez!

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We all had a great experience with the snorkeling, Dave too, even though it doesn’t look like it in the “post snorkeling” photo taken as we round the Tres Pilars (background left) and make way into the San Juanico anchorage.

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As remote as this location is by land, it’s obviously not THAT bad. Three houses, two with negative edge pools, overlook the anchorage here. Another case of taking one look and having “did I win the lottery yet?” come to mind! Amazing location.

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As we drop anchor and prepare to settle in for the night, another amazing sight is the stack of cactus on top of the rock in the background! Ellen is kind enough to catch Linda & Larry enjoying the view upon arrival.

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All around us Manta Rays keep jumping, and of course they do so when there is no camera in hand. We finally start counting their jumps… usually 3. So, Linda sees one its first jump, nabs the camera while jump 2 happens, awaits jump 3 with camera in hand… no jump 3. Then next time she’s camera ready by jump 2… no jump 2. The best she got was the splash landing. The Manta Ray’s acrobatics in mid air are quite a show!

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On our way to go make our contribution to the “sailor’s shrine” located in this anchorage, we encounter problems with the dinghy motor. It has been cutting out, but Bill’s been good at re-starting. Not this time… we paddle back to Gato Loco for a look. Plugs are fine, seems the fuel feed gizmo (technical speak) on the fuel connection at the motor housing is not working 100%. Something about a pressure valve is what Bill determines. Note to Victor / Lowell… that seems to be this issue, will need to investigate further upon return. Bill seems to have it under control, but it did quit one more time again today after this mechanical intervention.

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Post mechanical intervention, we get on shore to have a first hand look at the “sailor’s shrine”, a shabby but sturdy tree just a few feet from the waterline that has “contributions” strewn all over & under it from sail groups and cruisers of the past 20+ years. We found a carved rock dated 1987! And of course, momentos from previous Gato Loco crew!

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The front, top, and both sides – plus the ground underneath this tree are covered with items left behind by those who have ventured here. Everything from simple “we were here” notes to messages in bottles to personal items with personal messages adorn the tree. Ours is about to be added.

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Bill does the honors as Ellen & Dave, Linda & Larry add another “Gato Loco” contribution.

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It’s hard to read but below the 2010 date is says “All Hearts”. While the phrase was born out of our previous night’s Hearts Tournament, like lyrics to a song, it can be interpreted any way the reader sees fit.

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We climb the hill up by the houses in the previous photos to have a closer look (and do verify that there is in fact a negative edge pool behind the rock wall). Amazingly, people are there at the house, enjoying their afternoon. Meantime, nice view shot of the anchorage, with Gato Loco far left.

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Couldn’t resist a group shot up here… with Bill once again doing the honors.

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As the sun closes in on sunset, the winds pick up a bit and create some chop around the anchorage. That coupled with the “iffy” motor on the dinghy creates a group decision to remain on board for “Dave’s Famous Hotdogs” vs. a campfire on the beach. So we have some evening down time with fellow sailors & cruisers nearby, dinner and “Movie Night” at hand. As we make our way through dinner and a flick, the winds are picking up, Gato Loco is rotating around the anchor, and anticipation of possible full on sailing creeps in. Could tomorrow be the day?? We’d love to get back to true “sailing speak” in this blog!!! Long haul to Mulege tomorrow, visions of triple sails and 10 knots come to mind. Till morning, blogger Larry and crew out.

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