LA Bay Time

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By Lowell | May 22, 2015 | Category Baja 2015

Tuesday May 19th

It’s going to be hard to get the crew to leave Gonzaga. Alfonsina’s food and staff have been very very good to us. Dinner last night was Jeffrey’s all time Baja’s best and the staff and customers were so much fun. Today we woke up with a decision on whether to stay for another day but after checking weather we will have wind at our back for the north today and on our nose (SE) tomorrow. That’s a no brainer, we’re going. One last breakfast and Rafine (from Idaho) our waiter/chauffer gave us a ride to the store and gas station to pickup supplies to head south. Finally on our way back to the boat we spotted a beach house open with a internet dish. They were very gracious and let us send the blog out.

Below… Frankie loves the Gonzaga Beach (we should be back on our way home)

11ish we hauled anchor and headed for Puerto Refugio (or bug town, our nickname) 46nm south east. Last night before dinner we started licking our wounds from the Willard Bay blast. When the main sail clue blew out it ripped all the rivets from the sail cover lazy-jack. We got them all riveted back before dinner. Today we need to fix the main sail clue.

Searching through spare parts on board we found some stainless strap which should be as strong as the tired straps that held the clue before. Some bending and drilling and we made a good fit with 3 clamping bolts to secure the clue back in position.

“Wounds fully licked”

 

Bug town here we come and we’re ready with our full head net gear.

 

The motor sail to Refugio was uneventful with light north winds never enough to shut engines down. Seas remained fairly smooth and we arrived 6:30 ready for bugs..  Bugs where are you?? Motoring through the slot to the east bay, hoping to snag a Yellowtail, we didn’t pick up one bug. Turning back through and anchoring near the slot with north wind protection and still no bugs. Americans fishermen are camped just west in the best protected camping area with no bugs. A big thanks to Adam for the head gear but we don’t need them. Victor: Great News,,, NO BUGS

Instead of bugs we have these pesky whales swimming through the anchorage. 3 whales are working the east bay and 2 large fins cruise our anchorage several times. Just at sunset, as we cook dinner, one does the belly roll contortion 50 meter off our steer making this one of the best dinner entertainment ever. Attempts to get photos was a failure… Sorry. Another awesome dinner.

Whale Channel adventures…Wednesday May 20

We’re off early for the channel. Tides turn 10ish to the north so we need to make as much progress south before they turn. The name Whale channel definitely applies today. Whales cross our bow as we exit Refugio with sail rock in the background. Progressing south there’s 10 whales escorting us at a distance. Ham radio weather indicates SW winds later in the day. Entering the channel a strong wind line (20kt) greets us with 3 foot swells up  the channel – typical. We get a fast ride across the channel and then winds go flat – typical. Looking south to the Pacific spill-over slot we see another strong wind line blowing out of the west – typical again. We get another zoom ride with winds in the 25kt range and then just north of Smith island winds go flat again – typical. Whale channel never disappoints.

Tonight’s anchorage will be in the channel between Smith and Isla Mitlan where we will get protection from forecasted west winds. We’re in by noon and have the afternoon to rest and explore and maybe Jeffrey will catch some fish.??

Thursday May 21st (Happy Red nose day)

Well these clowns had a very tough night with strong west winds blowing into our anchorage. The cruising guide indicated we would have good protection from westerly winds deeper into the channel between the two islands. I can report it doesn’t work for Gato Loco. We had to haul anchor and move out closer to channel entrance where the current had less effect. Deeper in the north flowing current caused Gato Loco to crab sideways to the wind creating lots of windage and more force that the anchor could hold. The 12 midnight maneuver in no moon was challenging but successful. The new motors were tested and passed the test. The anchorage further out was pretty rough but the crabbing was much less and we had 275’ of anchor chain out making the set solid for the rest of the night. We’re just happy to have the night over. 

This morning winds continue to blow. We only have 15 miles to make Bay of LA. We’re relaxing on our rolly anchorage waiting for the winds to lighten up.. All good on Gato Loco even with our overnight challenges.

Until the next Update

Fishing Report:: NOTHING CAUGHT. We need Victor’s help..