No big Adventure in Puerto Lobos this year (2nd Update)

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By Lowell | April 23, 2012 | Category Baja 2012

Last year’s update from Puerto Lobos was titled “big adventure” after sticking Gato Loco on the reef on the north shore of Lobos. I can’t tell you how many people have said be careful in Lobos and believe me I’ve learned that lesson well.

Exiting Penasco at 5 AM >

The trip to Lobos started at 5 AM as we motored out of Penasco with nothing but a few bait boats out catching bait fish for the days fishermen. Winds were typical out of the east but light. This high pressure weather system in control is making it warm but only light breezes and that was the prevailing condition for the day. We never saw Victor and the boys.. They thought they would be at Bird Island around 10. We sail by around 9:30 and needed to keep moving to make Lobos before dark with the light winds. I’m sure we missed some good fish fillets and stories.

Heading south on the Sonoran coast there’s two fishing villages that make their living off the Sea. The first is Soledad where we saw these two boats working. The yellow spools rigs imply they work long lines..

 

 

 

 

 

Further south is Rio Concepcion where we saw pongas so loaded they looked like submarines. Not sure what the catch was but we’re guessing it was scallops. I wished we had waved one down, it sounds like a great dinner plan. Rio Concepcion shore >>>

Flat seas and light winds prevailed at the day progressed. It turns out that Doug is a MaGuiver like me so we were busy fixing things as we enjoyed the our first day on board.

We made Puerto Lobos around 5:30 with lots of time to spare before sunset. The reef to be avoided is to the left of this picture and was showing clearly as we approached with  mid tide.. Memories there for sure.. 🙂

 

Lobos meaning “Seal” definitely applied at our anchorage. There were bait fish all around the boat and a big fat seal floating near by belching fish. Doug is checking him out above.

We decided to relax on the boat for the afternoon and not go ashore. I’d emailed Ted & CJ that helped us last year and they were not in Lobos so cocktails and dinner on board was in order. Weather was warm until sunset and then just perfect. We’re anchored in the south bay with protection from all directions except south. The sunsets over Lobos with the light house in view  below..

Monday (April 23) Over night temps were perfect for sleeping. Winds were blowing through the night and some swell made it into the bay creating light swell more soothing than annoying.

Oh, I forgot to mention, I called Bill after we anchored last night and his first reaction was “Not Again”.. This morning I woke thinking this is the last chance for any ground support on the cruise. Our port motor has been using lots of oil and noticed something on our way south yesterday. Time for a talk with Jackie our Cholla Bay outboard mechanic. With the help of Bill and Dave & Kelley I got in contact with him. Describing symptoms he thinks we are loosing the oil out the lower crank seal and as long as we keep oil in the engine there should be no problem. This news is reassuring as we cross today to Puerto Refugio far from any mechanical support.

8 AM we depart for Refugio 58 miles SW. As we motor out of the bay, we spotted a pod of about 25 dolphins near by and swim by to give us a show, even a few nice jumps. The picture above, shows they have air support from a local pelican.

Exiting the bay we found that “yes” the wind was blowing overnight. There’s 3’ seas coming from the NW and there confused. Light winds and confused seas, not a great way to start a crossing.

Until the Next Update.