We left Isla San Benitos in 25 knots of wind, and unfortunately tore our reaching sail. The last 4 hours of the 60 mile trip, we had incredible flat water sailing because the wind came from the land. Turtle Bay – Mexico
The Baja coast is pure desert scenery at the beach. Bold, stark and beautiful Turtle Bay – Mexico
Turtle Bay – Mexico
Just as we arrived at the south side of Cedros Island, we were hailed on radio by our friend from Ensenada, Jeff on s/v Beatrix. From 12 miles behind, we almost caught up to him. If I just hadn’t ripped that sail! Look closely and you’ll see s/v Beatrix in the bottom center of the photo about to tack into Turtle Bay Turtle Bay – Mexico
Beatrix anchored in Turtle Bay Turtle Bay – Mexico
Welcome to Turtle Bay Turtle Bay – Mexico
Turtle Bay (Bahia Tortugas), is the best “all weather” anchorage on the Baja Coast. About 1.5 miles across and roughly circular, this is the first stop for the Baja-Ha-Ha cruise rally and home to we guessed about 1000 people Turtle Bay – Mexico
When we arrived ashore, we immediately ran into Gary from s/v Sparkle. Gary had been in Ensenada when we were there and is single handing Turtle Bay – Mexico
Scott & Cindy arrive at Turtle Bay…..You can see from our atttire, it’s still a little chilly Turtle Bay – Mexico
Gary was very familiar with Turtle Bay and gave us the full tour. We had lunch, stopped at the “tienda” (store) and a quick check on the internet Turtle Bay – Mexico
This is the hotel that is the headquarters of the Baja-Ha-Ha cruise rally. Latitude 38 magazine out of the San Francisco Bay area is the sponser. Turtle Bay – Mexico
We’ll call it an internet store…internet cafe would be a bit grandiose…….:) At 1.80/hour, use only computer #1…….such a deal for a quick spam check Turtle Bay – Mexico
Gary’s s/v Sparkle, sparkling in Turtle Bay Turtle Bay – Mexico
Jonathon brought us fuel out in his panga Turtle Bay – Mexico
Fuel in remote places is a big deal. The panga had a 500 gallon tank. Scott pumped 40 gallons into our own jerry cans. Checking is lack of water and dirt is a big deal. Putting into the jugs first lets the sediment and water separate out. We then use a special filter, which is known as a “Baja Filter” for extra caution. The good news is, so far, we have found the fuel quality to be quite good. And at $2.40 per gallon, quite a bit cheaper than in the US. Turtle Bay – Mexico
Bye Bye Turtle Bay Turtle Bay – Mexico
The dock at Turtle Bay. We tied our dinghy up here and climbed up and down the 15 foot vertical ladder. Turtle Bay – Mexico
Isn’t she cute Turtle Bay – Mexico
Enroute to Bahia Asuncion, we got the spinnaker up for the first time. This is our biggest sail. When the wind is behind us, we fly…. Enroute Bahia Asuncion – Mexico
Enroute to Bahia Asuncion, we saw our first groups of whales heading south. s/v Odyssey who we had met in Ensenada with Marv and Ardy, began what would become a “buddy boat” relationship with us all the way down to Cabo San Lucas. Enroute Bahia Asuncion – Mexico
It was a long day, 55 miles to Bahia Asuncion. This is Isla Asuncion which adds great protection to this anchorage. Just before we arrived, two whales sounded right in front of our port hull and came back up just after clearing our starboard hull! Enroute Bahia Asuncion – Mexico
Leaving Bahia Asuncion, we took this photo from the other side of the island in the morning light Enroute Bahia Asuncion – Mexico
s/v Odyssey (Petersen 44) enroute to Punta Abrejos, San Ignacio Lagoon Enroute – Punta Abrejos, San Ignacio Lagoon
We arrived after a day and two nights sail. Captain Cindy’s looking excited…… Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Sunrise at Cedros Island Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Cedros at Sunrise Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Isla San Benitos East (between Cedros Island and the Isla San Benitos group) Isla San Benitos – Mexico
We were greeted by this pair of “fishing dolphins” at our arrival at the anchorage Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Fishing Pangas at the anchorage Isla San Benitos – Mexico
We landed the dinghy on the beach….Our new wheel system for landing has worked out extremely well Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Just as we landed the dinghy, we realized we had some company Isla San Benitos – Mexico
The wheels were remade out of stainless steel from the original aluminum and have a quick system for deploying and retrieving our 250 lbs of dinghy to pull it up on the beach. The buildings are the fishing village (you’re seeing about 20 percent of it) in the background Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Male Bull Elephant Seal at the beach landing Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Scott gets as close as he dares. We didn’t want to wake the sleeping giant. This big boy probably weighed well over 1000 lbs. They move amazingly fast on land as well Isla San Benitos – Mexico
When we first arrived. A family came out to greet us in their panga. They wanted “candy”. Cindy provided them with a healthier snack when we went ashore…..including a little chocolate. Daniel, Damian & Alejandra……… Isla San Benitos – Mexico
In many places in the “eco” areas of Mexico, we have found these signs explaining the local interests and need for protecting the environment. Unforntunately, the locals don’t always read the signs….. Isla San Benitos – Mexico
This gives you an idea of life in a fishing village – The outback of Baja…….. Isla San Benitos – Mexico
A new church was being built. They used the wall of an adjacent house as one wall for the church Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Beach House at Isla San Benitos with Cedros Island in the distance Isla San Benitos – Mexico
We went for a 5 mile strenous hike up to the top of the mountain at Isla San Benito West to the light house…….Spectacular views Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Cindy with Isla San Benitos Middle and East, with Cedros Island in the distance Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Scott with Isla San Benito Middle, East and Cedros Island in the distance Isla San Benitos – Mexico
We believe this to be a “Century Palm” which blooms about every 10 years Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Views of Isla San Benitos Isla San Benitos – Mexico
The last quarter mile of this hike was very steep. Scott was exhausted Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Beach House with Cedros Island in the distance. Anchorage at Isla San Benito West Isla San Benitos – Mexico
This sign asks for visitors to be respectful of the Elephant Seal colony Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Who’s striking the pose here anyhow? Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Elephant Seal Colony (Group) Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Pup with Mom…. Apparently the pups are born over several months as we saw mostly newborns; but some who were weaned Isla San Benitos – Mexico
What Mom was communicating, we’ll never know, but she was laying down the law Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Mostly the gals hung together if they didn’t have any pups Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Living large and cute on the beach Isla San Benitos – Mexico
The alpha males seemed to have one thing on their mind…. Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Isla San Benitos – Mexico
After all that hot action, he had to take a cool dip. Maybe she told him to take a cold shower Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Redux……. Isla San Benitos – Mexico
What I chose not to show in these photos were the fairly high infant mortality rate. Several young pups were on the beach who didn’t make it for one reason or another. Isla San Benitos – Mexico
We actually saw one elephant seal give birth. The birds cleaned up the delivery room in seconds. Mom seemed confused and was separated from her newborn. She couldn’t seem to get past another mother who thought she was trying to nurse her baby. We hoped the outcome would resolve itself, after an hour it still had not. This may be a common reason for pup loss Isla San Benitos – Mexico
The mothers had barking voices, the babies sounded like monkeys when they cried out Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Many of the mothers barked at their pups, for the most part, the pups could have cared less. In some cases (as the mothers only had one pup at a time), we thought they might be telling the other pup to go find their own mother Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Though we shot most of these images with a film lens equivalent of a 350mm (we shoot digital with a 1.4 times image enlargement), two or three times in several hours, mom would let us know, we were close enough Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Many of the mothers seemed to be territorial and didn’t want another mother to get too close to her pup Isla San Benitos – Mexico
The mother on the right thought her personal and pup space was being crowded Isla San Benitos – Mexico
As you can see, mom (differing from many mammals) seems to have lots of choices for her young to nurse. Mom is just asleep Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Well, mom’s trying to sleep anyway Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Cute Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Newly weaned, this guy was trying see how fast he could reach “Alpha” status Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Enough of you big boy Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Yes, mother would love it…….such a face Isla
Back off buddy! Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Isla San Benitos – Mexico
We were sad to leave Isla San Benitos. The people were nice, the experience unforgettable Isla San Benitos – Mexico
It’s a tough life for these fishing families. Much welcomed supplies arrived on m/v “San Benito” from Cedros Island. Also, new families taking their turn fishing from the village. The average family stays only a few days to a few months before returning to their homes on Cedros or Isla Natividad (to the south of Cedros Island) Isla San Benitos – Mexico
These pangas catch my photograhic eye and I never tire of taking their picture. You sort of get a “sense” of each one, a feeling for each boat almost as it were alive and a distinct individual Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Farewell Islas San Benitos…..We really enjoyed our stay, now on our way……..To Turtle Bay! Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Ready or not, here I come Isla San Benitos – Mexico
Our temporary home at Cruiseport Village Marina. This is adjacent to where the Cruise Ships tie up for their three & seven day cruises from Los Angeles. It’s also where we first had our floating home on the West Coast after being transported from Spain (via Dockwise). Ensenada – Mexico
We decided to top off on fuel at Marina Corral. This marina is about 2 miles from the main harbor in Ensenada. It was a perfect day. Ensenada – Mexico
Captain Ed of the fishing vessel “Lunker” was our dock mate and became a good friend. Not only was he a delight, but a wealth of information about the Mexican coast toward our next destinations. Ensenada – Mexico
Ed specializes in rock fish using rod and reel. His market is in Southeast Asia and the fish are shipped live. His boat was a US Navy “gig” (craft for ferrying officers to and from ship). With great skill and care, Ed keeps “Lunker” from being a clunker…………:) Ensenada – Mexico
This huge Mexican Flag flies in Ensenada Harbor at a monument in tribute to important persons in Mexican history. It is supposedly the largest flag in Mexico and flown proudly here in Ensenada. The “bollard” (red metal object) next to Cindy is used to tie the Cruise Ships up when visiting. Ensenada – Mexico
We use a vacuum bagging system for long term storage of certain food items like frozen meats. When getting ready to go offshore, we have to provision (in this case), for up to 6 weeks without being near a real market. The Pacific Coast of Baja California is virtually empty once we leave Ensenada for the next 700 miles. Scott has been known to borrow this device to store spare engine and generator parts……:} Ensenada – Mexico
Cruiseport is a very beautiful, well maintained, security marina right in the heart of downtown Ensenada. Ensenada – Mexico
Scott dresses with great optimism! It was 57 degrees and rained the whole next day Ensenada – Mexico
There are actually two large cruise ship docks adjacent to our marina. They come and go and we never hear a sound. Cindy saw this sunset with “Elation” in the background. Ensenada – Mexico
We were invited to a Cruisers Brunch at Baja Mama’s at Estero Beach just south of Ensenada. We were able to finally meet the many voices we had heard on the “Net” (local VHF radio gathering) of the expats who were transiting or in some cases, live in Ensenada. Ensenada – Mexico
This is truly a beautiful building with extensive grounds Ensenada – Mexico
Ensenada
Scott poses with this fountain. There was a tile fresco behind this fountain in respect of the Mexican soldiers who died defending Northern Baja California in the war against the USA. Forturnately, that was a long time ago Ensenada – Mexico
Cindy in what was once an active Church on the Cultural Center grounds Ensenada – Mexico
Ensenada – Mexico
Right across the street from our Marina is one of the most beautiful buildings in Ensenada. It’s an historic cultural & civic center. The architecture is colonial reminiscent of Alhambra, Spain. This building was at one time a casino and currently displays the history of Mexican discovery in placards throughout its gardens. There is an outdoor theater and if the story is true, the bar where the “Margarita” was invented Ensenada – Mexico
Dave & Diane came along for the boat ride and to give us a hand fueling up at Marina Corral Ensenada – Mexico
Diane and Dave came for the test sail when we got the mainsail back from “El Norte”. It’s a bit chilly as you can see by Diane’s hat…….You betcha snookums…….:) Ensenada – Mexico
Scott went up the mast to check the rigging after the big Santa Ana blow we got on the way down from San Diego on Christmas Day. We had brought the mainsail back to Costa Mesa for some minor repairs. We took advantage of this time to do some maintenance. On Cindy’s B-Day no less! Ensenada – Mexico
The various wires and cables that hold the mast up straight in the air had streched a bit since our refit last year. This is a normal settling in effect. Scott went up the mast to adjust the “tuning”. Cindy uses the electric halyard winch and bosun’s chair to haul Scott up and down. We use a primary and safety line anytime we go up the mast. Note the Mexican Flag being flown from the starboard (right) side of the mast. This is done as a courtesy when visiting any foreign country by visiting boats and ships of all types. Ensenada – Mexico
These statues are of Juarez, Hildago and Carranza, Heroes to the Mexican people. The flag in the background is one of the largest in Mexico. Ensenada – Mexico
Dave of “Tattooed Mistress”. Dave & Diane are two American kids, doin’ the best they can……..(with apologies to JCMellencamp). They will eventually head south next season Ensenada – Mexico
La Bufadora is just south of Ensenada and is famous for its “Blow Hole”. This is natural feature where the ocean swell is forced into a small cavern and compresses the water through an opening to make a spectacular geyser. This day was very crowded with local tourists, a festive day was had by all La Bufadora – Punta Banda – Mexico
Cindy & Scott started some local touring with our new friends Sharon & John from “Sunbow” and old friends from Marina del Rey, Dave & Diane on “Tattooed Mistress” La Bufadora – Mexico
Here is the tile sign proclaiming that the bar at the Ensenada Cultural Center is the birthplace of the MARGARITA……….read on. Hey, who knew the Caesar Salad was invented in Tijuana? (It really was!) Ensenada – Mexico
Marina Corral has a very narrow entrance and as it was calm, the perfect day for going there. Captain Cindy fearlessly guided us through the breakwaters. The week before, a small vessel was caught in large swells and washed up on the rocks…….. Ensenada – Mexico
You can see in this photo, the “bollard” from the previous photo being used to tie the bow of Carnival Cruises’ “Paradise” up to the dock here at Cruiseport Village. Everyday, hundreds of people arrive and leave from the two cruise ship docks. They almost never stay overnight. Ensenada – Mexico
We went for a walk down the Ensenada “Malecon” (boardwalk). We came upon this sign which is translating sea lions as “marine wolves”. Of course the locals completely ignore its admonition. There is a large colony of “marine wolves” living on the wreck of the old Catalina Island Ferry boat located right outside Cruiseport Village Marina. Ensenada – Mexico
Our temporary home at Cruiseport Village Marina. This is adjacent to where the Cruise Ships tie up for their three & seven day cruises from Los Angeles. It’s also where we first had our floating home on the West Coast after being transported from Spain (via Dockwise). Ensenada – Mexico
