Loreto Fest, Doug departs
Thursday May 3rd … Isla Coronados north anchorage…. 10 kt north wind blew into the anchorage last night forcing us to use a blanket in the early morning. There’s maybe 10 boats in the anchorage with us overnight. As we begin to make plans boats start pulling anchorage and heading south, presumably to Loreto Fest. Our plans are to stop by Loreto as we sail south to Puerto Escondido so Doug can get a bit of sightseeing. He’s not been there and I’m sure he will like it a lot based our talks about him and Coni’s travels.
We anchor near the beach north of the breakwater marina & lighthouse in 10’ over sand with a good bite for the anchor. The waterfront malecon has a major renovations in progress with streets and boardwalk being replaces with coble stone concrete, a bit of a mess at the moment but it will be great when they finish.
We take a walking tour in to the plaza area and have lunch at one of our favorite restaurants with great food as usual.
Left, bead artist working with work spread out so she can find the next shell or bead to place on her work.
Back to the boat we find the locals are catching Rooster fish off the point in front of Gato Loco. These are big fighters and the guys are working to bring one in as we pull our anchor to head on to Escondido. 
Light east winds heading south but we’re not in a hurry since our 12 day cruise will be over as we head into Escondido. Doug is enjoying the last hours and is torn.. He misses Coni and is ready to see her but wishes he was staying until Sunday to catch a little Loreto Fest.
Turning north and heading into Escondido there are boats everywhere as usual for Loreto Fest. The outer anchorages areas are full. We have reservation in a morning ball inside so no worries about finding a spot.
Thursday night Loreto Fest is up and running.. Food, drinks, musicians and a puppet show. The Roy OrbiShark show with all the classic Roy Orbison music sung by Roy OrbiShark and his special guest. Actually very entertaining.
Doug in his late night position as the official shuffler for Bitchin Rummy. He knows this game inside out and I had to get a great card draw to win. I did win the last game we played and refused to play any more wanting to finish with a win. It was a fun game and I’ll be teaching the next crews with hopefully a few more wins..
Friday May 4th – We’re up early. Doug has a 8 AM taxi ride to the airport. He’ll fly to Hermosillo and then catch a bus to Puerto Penasco arriving before dark and in time for the Friday night Cholla Bay festivities. My next crew (Frankie, Bill & Steve) will be there to share fun. Can’t wait to hear the stories.
Loreto Fest Friday night had lots of music including sailing musicians, Local Mexican band and finished the night off with a gringo band from Loreto that had everybody on the dance floor.
Roger on Pacific High and his best friend crew Ned^^^
Most all the sailors attending Loreto Fest are serious sailors coming from all over the world. It’s very humbling to hear about their adventures. Sailing the Sea of Cortez is challenging but we don’t have to do long passages. There’s 3 boats here that have sailed from Europe singlehanded. I’m not sure that’s in Gato Loco’s future although we hope to sail south in the coming years.
Picture right is Ralph & Helens MoodDrifter. Steve & Pam are also here on Barramundi and Bruce, Tina & Devin are here on Cat Can Doo. Looking to be a fun Seawind Rally.
Left…Today’s swap meet. I did get Frankie something to celebrate her arrival on the boat.
Tonight I’m working as a bartender and then heading to the Tripui resort for dinner with Steve & Pam. There’s another rockin band tonight. The bay will be full of music and probably lots of howling at the “SUPER MOON” mother nature arranged for the evening. HOWL HOWL HOWL..
Sunday May 6th
My new crew has arrived.
Big Fun..
Let the Seawind Rally begin..
Until the next Update..
Happy 🙂
Oh boy do you look happy!! Enjoy enjoy enjoy!
Lowell….Thanks again for the wonderful 2weeks aboard Goto Loco and a truly amazing experience!
I am glad the new crew arrived safely and are ready for more fun and good times. I wish you full sails and cool breezes! Doug
As so the fun continues. Have truly enjoyed hearing Doug’s stories first hand after picking him up at the “Albatross” bus station Friday evening. Good to bid a birthday boy (Bill) a great week along with Steve and Frankie. Enjoy, enjoy and enjoy some more!
From the boats Loreto Fest looks like it will be great fun. I understand Kurt is joining you today – best wishes to all the Seawinds & their crew for a terrific Seawind Rally. Reading the blogs has been a real joy & very emotional to see the cruising ground & Baja scenery that we both enjoyed so much. The Loreto town looks wonderful & is obviously doing well – I’ll be keen to see the new waterfront on our next visit there.
Best wishes to all.
Lowell, please tell Frankie that Cholla was over a bit ago and has her step back and looking good and happy!! 🙂
Frankie, we will be in Cholla tomorrow for “Cholla” lovin! So don’t you worry.. Just have a wonderful time!
My family lived in Loreto when i was about 7 or 8 years old. I have a picture of me dancing in the town square. It might be the same one in the top picture. My father thought it would be a great idea to grow tomatoes in that area. He packed up my mother and their 5 children and moved to Loreto. Lost his shirt and everything else. I will return one of these days.