Log from the Sea of Cortez

This Spring, El Gato returned to the Sea of Cortez with eyes wide open. You may (or may not) recall that our introduction to the Sea last year was full of surprises. This year we returned, buddy-boating with our friend Nancy on Aldabra,  John and Donna (and Lucy) on Carmanah, and Tom and Helen (and Daisy) on Catitude.  Our intention was to make it as far North as Bahia de Los Angeles. We accomplished our goal-and then some within a 3-month period.

We never expected our 18 year-old dog, Roxie, to still be with us for this trip. She is now almost completely blind and deaf, but she still has joy, and even surprises us with bursts of running and leaping on the beach, so we just enjoy what time is left with her.

Roxie enjoying wading in the Sea of Cortez

Buddy-boating in the Sea of Cortez

While in the southern section, we spent time paddle-boarding and playing plenty of “free-range” Bocce ball together. We found new trails to explore, as well. And, along with John, we finally made it to the top of that pesky volcano on Isla Coronado.

John at the top of the Volcano. A hot, steep, rocky climb.

We also had movie nights aboard El Gato, which was a lot of fun, complete with popcorn and intermissions. A couple of nights, we had 11 people in the salon.

Movie night

Eventually, Catitude and Carmanah each went their separate ways, while Aldabra and El Gato continued northward.  We were sad to say Adios, because, in this sailing life, you can never be sure when you’ll see your friends again.

Buddy boats in Agua Verde

Tienda (store) in Agua Verde

Our favorite restaurant at Agua Verde. Fish Tacos-YUM!!!!!

We stopped in Bahia Conception for several days. There was a nasty red tide, but along with it was the presence of whale sharks, the largest species of fish in the world. Despite their size and appearance, they are docile and curious. I was approached by a couple of them as I paddle boarded one day– a real treat!!

Whale Sharks!!!

Chance loves scouting for dolphins on the bow of the paddleboard

Finally made it to Santa Rosalia

Santa Rosalia is a cool town with a marina (!) where we could re-provision, get fuel, eat in restaurants and do laundry. We took some fun Urban Hikes and hooked up with Adam and Jess (and Foxy) on Volare. It was a well-deserved stop.

Santa Rosalia by night

Santa Rosalia

We finally made it to Bahia de Los Angeles, which was to be our turn-around point, but we met the crew of Pincoya who suggested we continue further north to El Refugio. We listened, and were treated to sea lion colonies and pelican rookeries. We also had a  couple of dinners with our new friends on Pincoya. Unfortunately, although the water was finally crystal clear, it was way too cold for swimming.

The sea lions were plenty in El Refugio

 We eventually headed back south, and after more hikes, the Chocolate Clam Festival in Loreto and  warmer water we arrived back in La Paz, where we said a temporary goodbye to Nancy before sailing back to the Pacific coast of Mexico to put El Gato to bed for the long, hot, rainy summer.

Nancy and I and a Giant chocolate clam