Bahia de Los Angeles to San Francisquito (Update #4)

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By Lowell | April 26, 2011 | Category Baja 2011

 

Telling Steve about our adventures sailing through Canal de Ballenas (Channel of the Whales) only heighten his vigilance because he’s been there himself before a few times. What will this passage bring? Wind is light so we decided to leave sails down as we approached the wind slot with blue water indicating wind. The wind slot is produced by air spilling over from the Pacific through canyons in the Baja mountain range. It’s 9:30AM which should moderate things. A 15kt west wind slowly built and once we were confident things were stable we rolled out the jib and got a nice ride. No drama this time… But the day is not over yet….Read on…

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Bay of LA has lots of islands setting between it’s Baja shore and Isla La Guarda. Almost east of Bay of LA is Isla La Ventana (window in Spanish) and you can see the reason why.

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The final approach to Bay of LA requires swinging south to avoid a long sand spit and shallow waters marked by their little light house. In the picture right fishermen have come inside the spit to calm waters to clean their fish with birds happily clean up all the scraps.

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It’s Easter Sunday and our worries that thing might be closed were ended as we near the tienda and see the internet cafe open across the street. Not many locals out though. We found out that last night there was one of those big winds Bay of LA is famous for. They call them “Elephantes” named for the clouds that some times appear looking like elephant trunks caused by air from the Pacific Ocean on the other side of Baja.. All the tent campers got up and left early this morning after not having a pleasant night.

 

 

Updates sent,  provisions bought, and first load of fuel taken to Gato Loco, we’ve got the final gas cans filled and it’s time for a little reward… Guillermo’s margaritas. A plate of Veracruz fish and all is good.

Gato Set peacefully  near Guillermo’s dock.

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As we finish our margs the wind starts to blow a bit. Based on stories about last night we plan on going to Puerto Don Juan one of the best protected anchorages on the Sea of Cortez just 6 miles east.. Lets get going.

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We’re off to the dock with our last two gas cans and winds seem to be building. Loading, all the sudden a rush of air comes out of the dinghy and as we pull it up on the dock the starboard chamber goes totally flat. There a sharp piece of steel sticking out of the pier that we didn’t notice. Winds are getting stronger and Gato Loco is dancing on her anchor. Crap what now.. Just as we were about to make our exit we’re trapped on the dock and as I said there’s no locals, no pangas???  Okay, Okay… Duck Tape… We need duck tape and something to get air back in the dinghy. Back to the store, no duck tape.. There’s people setting on their porches on the beach… First house I visit has duck tape and suggests strongly that we shouldn’t get in the dinghy with a duck tape patch. Now how to get air back in… Water bottle… Second house has a small water bottle. I cut the bottom out and put a duck tape gasket on it. Back to the dinghy. Winds aren’t letting up but not out of control. Duck tape patch applied now it time to turn blue putting the air back in the air chamber. 3 turns each and Steve and I have enough air in it to chance a run for Gato Loco 100 yards way.. Off I go with the punctured dinghy tube slogging along. Stepping foot on Gato Loco I race for the foot pump and add more air. Off for the dock to pick up Steve… No Steve… I see him racing from the beach. He had gone to return the duck tape. I arrive at the dock as he races up placing the 2 gas cans and himself in the dinghy.. Hope the duck tape holds……. Drinking a beer on the boat as we sail east to Don Juan, we can’t stand much more excitement.

 

It’s my first time anchoring in Don Juan. We could see dust still blowing in Bay of LA as we motor into Don Juan with no wind and totally peaceful. Nice call…

It’s finally a tequila night for me and vodka for Steve. We need to chill out…

Awe the stars… I’ve got my headphones on listening to the new Peacemaker CD Unida Cantina.. It doesn’t get any better than this..

Abandoned fishing boat deep in the Don Juan anchorage >>

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Monday..

Up late this morning (7AM)..

Repaired the dinghy and off to San Francisquito 45 miles south.

All good on Gato Loco       Until the next update.