Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Fishing Trip #2
Last Thursday Steve and Lulu joined me on Wind Raven for a few days of fishing around Isla Carmen. It is my understanding that Isla Carmen is the second largest island in the Sea of Cortez. They arrived at wind Raven at around nine am. We secured their dinghy to my buoy, as a reserved marker, and proceeded to the fuel dock. When we arrived there was a very large power yacht filling up with fuel and taking up all available dock space. As a result, we spent the next hour and a half or so motoring in circles while they fueled up. We finally fueled up and headed out into the sea. It is only about five miles to Isla Carmen from Puerto Escondido, so we had plenty of time to make it to our anchorage at Bahia Marquer and get in some fishing for Trigger Fish on the reef. Lulu opted to stay on the boat, so Steve and I took the dinghy over to the reef and caught some nice sized Trigger Fish. When we returned to the boat we filleted the fish and Lulu cooked them. They brought some macaroni salad and coleslaw, which complimented the fish nicely.
The next morning Steve took Lulu out in the dinghy to show her how to catch Trigger Fish. Unfortunately, due to unfamiliarity with casting reels, they experienced some of those exasperating backlash problems. Backlash is to be expected when learning the fine points of successfully operating a casting reel, but it can be extremely frustrating. I have to give them credit, as they kept at it for several hours.
The following day we headed around the bottom of the island and picked up a Trigger Fish on a Magnum Rapala when we crossed over the sand bar. I don’t know what that fish thought he was going to do with that large of a lure. Maybe he was just going to bite off a piece of it for a snack. That was the only hit we got until we were about to enter Bahia Salinas, at which time we caught our first Dorado (Mahi Mahi). It was a small one, which suited us just fine and it made a delicious evening meal for the three of us.
We anchored at Punta Perico with rollers refracting around the point. The next morning Steve informed me that Lulu wasn’t feeling well and had a severe headache and would like to forestall the viewing of the abandoned town until a later date. He said he thought it would be better to go back to Puerto Escondido so Lulu could get her medication. On our way back we threw out a couple of lures and caught another Dorado of about the same size.
Yesterday the 27th we went to Loreto for Lulu to see a Doctor. She did and was prescribed some medication that should (we hope) take care of her problem. No one wants to be sick anytime/anywhere, this is especially so in paradise. While we were there I picked up a new 1000 amp/800CCA battery for our capstan. I wanted to get a 1000CCA, but there were none available in Loreto. We had lunch at a little place that Judy and I had tried previously, due to Mexico Lindos being closed on Mondays.
Today I will install the battery and then if time enough remains, I will re-mark the chain while removing those annoying twists that magically appear in it, causing much consternation! Tomorrow I will continue to chip away at the never ending list of “To Do’s.”
The interesting thing about Dorado, besides their excelent flavor, is the collor changes they go through after they are caught. When first removed from the water they are a bright gold with a royal blue back. Sorry but I wasn't fast enough to get a photo of the first five or so minutes out of the water, but maybe next time? In the mean time here are some photos for your perusal.
WELL I TRIED! AFTER WAITING 10 MIN FOR A PHOTO, IT SAID "SECURITY ERROR"
i WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR A BETTER CONECTION.
The next morning Steve took Lulu out in the dinghy to show her how to catch Trigger Fish. Unfortunately, due to unfamiliarity with casting reels, they experienced some of those exasperating backlash problems. Backlash is to be expected when learning the fine points of successfully operating a casting reel, but it can be extremely frustrating. I have to give them credit, as they kept at it for several hours.
The following day we headed around the bottom of the island and picked up a Trigger Fish on a Magnum Rapala when we crossed over the sand bar. I don’t know what that fish thought he was going to do with that large of a lure. Maybe he was just going to bite off a piece of it for a snack. That was the only hit we got until we were about to enter Bahia Salinas, at which time we caught our first Dorado (Mahi Mahi). It was a small one, which suited us just fine and it made a delicious evening meal for the three of us.
We anchored at Punta Perico with rollers refracting around the point. The next morning Steve informed me that Lulu wasn’t feeling well and had a severe headache and would like to forestall the viewing of the abandoned town until a later date. He said he thought it would be better to go back to Puerto Escondido so Lulu could get her medication. On our way back we threw out a couple of lures and caught another Dorado of about the same size.
Yesterday the 27th we went to Loreto for Lulu to see a Doctor. She did and was prescribed some medication that should (we hope) take care of her problem. No one wants to be sick anytime/anywhere, this is especially so in paradise. While we were there I picked up a new 1000 amp/800CCA battery for our capstan. I wanted to get a 1000CCA, but there were none available in Loreto. We had lunch at a little place that Judy and I had tried previously, due to Mexico Lindos being closed on Mondays.
Today I will install the battery and then if time enough remains, I will re-mark the chain while removing those annoying twists that magically appear in it, causing much consternation! Tomorrow I will continue to chip away at the never ending list of “To Do’s.”
The interesting thing about Dorado, besides their excelent flavor, is the collor changes they go through after they are caught. When first removed from the water they are a bright gold with a royal blue back. Sorry but I wasn't fast enough to get a photo of the first five or so minutes out of the water, but maybe next time? In the mean time here are some photos for your perusal.
WELL I TRIED! AFTER WAITING 10 MIN FOR A PHOTO, IT SAID "SECURITY ERROR"
i WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR A BETTER CONECTION.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Up To Date!
I failed to mention earlier, that when we left Bahia Marquer on Isla Carmen to troll for Dorado, a whale surfaced off our port side. As you know I am a bit apprehensive when it comes to whales coming close to the boat. They might be docile, but they are just too damned big. One flip of their tail and we are history. No matter my feelings towards them, they seem to have some strange attraction to Wind Raven. Bill first spotted the whale a comfortable distance away, but a few minutes later it moved up behind us and began to follow us. I turned off the sonar, as it is said to disorientate them, and then revved up the engine to let him know of our presence. Hell, it didn’t faze him/her a bit. It just kept following us for another ten to fifteen minutes. I tried to get some photos of it, but was unsuccessful due to its barely breaking the surface for air. It was just another beautiful day in Baja!
Bill said wanted to return to Puerto Escondido a day early to get ready for his return to Washington. Actually what he meant was to help me with a few problems I had on the boat. I had mentioned that the main sail was hard to raise. He asked if I was using the topping lift, and I said that I was. Well I was using it, but not correctly it seems. Being a newbee I did not know that I was supposed to lift the boom up above level prior to raising the main sail. He showed me the correct procedure, and boy does it work slick. No stress or strain. He also showed me some tricks of flaking and tying the sheets, instead of coiling them and causing twists. He did a lot of reading on my electrical system and advised me to install at least a #1 battery cable ground wire from the capstan battery to the shunt for the house batteries. I went to the local chandlery and discovered it was going to cost $350.00 for the cable. The next day I went to an electrical store in Loreto to check their prices. The gentleman didn’t speak much English, but after my feeble attempts at Spanish, with many hand motions and mimes, I got it across what I needed. He took me in the back and showed me what he had, but it wasn’t what I wanted. As I was about to leave he asked how much I needed. I told him seventeen meters. He gets this big smile on his face and digs out a receipt book and shows me a sale for seventeen meters of double ought battery cable. It sold for 3000 pesos. That’s about $270.00 American. He said I could have it for 1500 pesos. I was so shocked I asked in a surprised tone, HOW MUCH? He immediately dropped it to 1000 pesos. I said 1000 PESOS? He then said 800 pesos. I said No, No, No, 1000 pesos is bueno! His smile got bigger. It was funny that every time I responded in shock of the low price, he would lower it. Dale told me that I had made a friend for life and would always be treated well in that store. The store owner then said that I could pick it up tomorrow. I told him that I was afoot and needed it today. He said wait 30 minutes and grabbed his keys and headed out the back door. When he returned I discovered that the cable even had bronze connectors soldered on each end. What a deal! I now have the cable installed. This should cure my charging problem. I hope!
Dale gave us a ride to the airport to drop bill off and I rode back to Puerto Escondido with him. We were supposed to hook up with Steve and Lulu at Agua Verde when we were on our fishing trip, but failed to contact them. Upon my return from taking Bill to the airport I sent an e-mail to Steve and Lulu asking them their location, as in their blog they last said they were in Agua Verde and were going to stop at more anchorages on the way to Puerto Escondido. To my surprise the next morning I had an e-mail from Steve stating that they had arrived in Puerto Escondido and were within sight of Wind Raven. I looked out and sure enough, there sat Siempre Sabado just a few moorings away. Steve stopped by later that morning and caught me up to date on their travels. I gave him some Trigger fish fillets that I had way too many of for one person to eat. Hope they enjoyed them.
Today I will try, (hate that word, sounds like assured defeat) to repair an irreparable cabinet door. Wish me luck!
Tuesday or Wednesday Coney said she would give Steve, Lulu and I a ride to Loreto for the day. Of course I bribed her with an offer to pay for the gas and buy her lunch at Mexico Lindos. I want to try something different, but damn, those tostados are toooo gooood!
Bill said wanted to return to Puerto Escondido a day early to get ready for his return to Washington. Actually what he meant was to help me with a few problems I had on the boat. I had mentioned that the main sail was hard to raise. He asked if I was using the topping lift, and I said that I was. Well I was using it, but not correctly it seems. Being a newbee I did not know that I was supposed to lift the boom up above level prior to raising the main sail. He showed me the correct procedure, and boy does it work slick. No stress or strain. He also showed me some tricks of flaking and tying the sheets, instead of coiling them and causing twists. He did a lot of reading on my electrical system and advised me to install at least a #1 battery cable ground wire from the capstan battery to the shunt for the house batteries. I went to the local chandlery and discovered it was going to cost $350.00 for the cable. The next day I went to an electrical store in Loreto to check their prices. The gentleman didn’t speak much English, but after my feeble attempts at Spanish, with many hand motions and mimes, I got it across what I needed. He took me in the back and showed me what he had, but it wasn’t what I wanted. As I was about to leave he asked how much I needed. I told him seventeen meters. He gets this big smile on his face and digs out a receipt book and shows me a sale for seventeen meters of double ought battery cable. It sold for 3000 pesos. That’s about $270.00 American. He said I could have it for 1500 pesos. I was so shocked I asked in a surprised tone, HOW MUCH? He immediately dropped it to 1000 pesos. I said 1000 PESOS? He then said 800 pesos. I said No, No, No, 1000 pesos is bueno! His smile got bigger. It was funny that every time I responded in shock of the low price, he would lower it. Dale told me that I had made a friend for life and would always be treated well in that store. The store owner then said that I could pick it up tomorrow. I told him that I was afoot and needed it today. He said wait 30 minutes and grabbed his keys and headed out the back door. When he returned I discovered that the cable even had bronze connectors soldered on each end. What a deal! I now have the cable installed. This should cure my charging problem. I hope!
Dale gave us a ride to the airport to drop bill off and I rode back to Puerto Escondido with him. We were supposed to hook up with Steve and Lulu at Agua Verde when we were on our fishing trip, but failed to contact them. Upon my return from taking Bill to the airport I sent an e-mail to Steve and Lulu asking them their location, as in their blog they last said they were in Agua Verde and were going to stop at more anchorages on the way to Puerto Escondido. To my surprise the next morning I had an e-mail from Steve stating that they had arrived in Puerto Escondido and were within sight of Wind Raven. I looked out and sure enough, there sat Siempre Sabado just a few moorings away. Steve stopped by later that morning and caught me up to date on their travels. I gave him some Trigger fish fillets that I had way too many of for one person to eat. Hope they enjoyed them.
Today I will try, (hate that word, sounds like assured defeat) to repair an irreparable cabinet door. Wish me luck!
Tuesday or Wednesday Coney said she would give Steve, Lulu and I a ride to Loreto for the day. Of course I bribed her with an offer to pay for the gas and buy her lunch at Mexico Lindos. I want to try something different, but damn, those tostados are toooo gooood!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Bills visit
Bill arrived last Friday and we decided to stay in Puerto Escondido Saturday. Sunday afternoon we sailed to Loreto and anchored off the beach. Some friends of Dales were also anchored there, so we asked them to keep an eye on our boat while we went into town for dinner. They said they would, so off we went. Yes we went to, our now favorite restaurant “Mexico Lindo.” The food was excellent, as usual. Instead of the tacos, I had Tostados con Poyo . They are smaller, but they give you three. Dale said he wasn’t hungry but managed to eat a tostada. Bill tried the Tacos and agreed that they were great. We went back to the boat after dinner and retired for then night.
It was up at five in the morning and into the dinghy for a quick run over to the live bait boat. We got twenty live baits that became dead baits in about ten minutes, while we were transferring them to Wind Raven. Oh well, that’s how life goes, so we tried dead “live baits!” Unfortunately they did not work. From Loreto we headed out to the north end of Isla Carmen. We did get one hit from a still mysterious fish. I guess he didn’t like our dead “live bait” and spit it out. We trolled around Punta Lobos and Punta Perico, anchoring off Punta Perico South. This is at the North East corner of Bahia Salinas. In the days we stayed there we learned; how to fish for and catch, I might add, a variety of game fish. The most delicious of these being the Trigger Fish.
Dale had to go back to Puerto Escondido after three days, so after we dropped him off Bill and I headed over to Bahia Marquer on Isla Carmen. We stayed at this anchorage for several days honing our skills on catching several verities of fish. We caught and released many fish and had a great time doing it. Eventually we tired of the catch and release and pulled anchor to do some trolling for Dorado. No we didn’t land any but had some very good hits. I will learn how to catch them next, but not with a guide. Would you believe they charge $190 for four hours? I think not!
Bill was a great help while he was here. He checked out my electrical problem of charging my capstan battery, and discovered it was minus a ground wire to the main shunt. As a result the capstan was trying to ground to the anchor and chain. This could be the reason there is no longer any galvanizing on my anchor or chain. This is also the reason I have been going through so many zinks.
This conection took over 30 min to post!
I have to go get veggies now and will continue later.
It was up at five in the morning and into the dinghy for a quick run over to the live bait boat. We got twenty live baits that became dead baits in about ten minutes, while we were transferring them to Wind Raven. Oh well, that’s how life goes, so we tried dead “live baits!” Unfortunately they did not work. From Loreto we headed out to the north end of Isla Carmen. We did get one hit from a still mysterious fish. I guess he didn’t like our dead “live bait” and spit it out. We trolled around Punta Lobos and Punta Perico, anchoring off Punta Perico South. This is at the North East corner of Bahia Salinas. In the days we stayed there we learned; how to fish for and catch, I might add, a variety of game fish. The most delicious of these being the Trigger Fish.
Dale had to go back to Puerto Escondido after three days, so after we dropped him off Bill and I headed over to Bahia Marquer on Isla Carmen. We stayed at this anchorage for several days honing our skills on catching several verities of fish. We caught and released many fish and had a great time doing it. Eventually we tired of the catch and release and pulled anchor to do some trolling for Dorado. No we didn’t land any but had some very good hits. I will learn how to catch them next, but not with a guide. Would you believe they charge $190 for four hours? I think not!
Bill was a great help while he was here. He checked out my electrical problem of charging my capstan battery, and discovered it was minus a ground wire to the main shunt. As a result the capstan was trying to ground to the anchor and chain. This could be the reason there is no longer any galvanizing on my anchor or chain. This is also the reason I have been going through so many zinks.
This conection took over 30 min to post!
I have to go get veggies now and will continue later.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
More Photos
Our Friend Bill
Bead Work At Mexico Lindo
Bead Work
Sunrise off Isla Catalon
Sunset at La Paz
Feeding the Frigats
Our Friends Bill and Dale Going after Trigger Fish
A earley Morning Shot At Puerto Escondido
Sunrise At Puerto Escondido
Bead Work
Entering San Everesto
Another Sunrise Shot
Entering Agua Verde
The Artist
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
I'm Back----Kinda!
Okay I know, its been a while since I posted. I've been a bit busy of late, just having too much fun. We went fishing off of what they call, "The big island" here in Puerto Escondido. We did very well, catching a variety of reef fish. The majority being Trigger Fish. I will have to write more on this later as my internet conection is very bad at this time, and I want to try and get some photos posted while I have the chance.
Well that didn't work. After ten minutes the first photo still was not uploaded, so I gave up. I will go to Pedro's cafe for lunch and try again. Now I have to get to work installing a ground wire to my capstan that James neglected to install, which resulted in a dead battery and me having to pull 150 ft of chain and 65 lb anchor in by hand. Must get busy.......Later!
Well that didn't work. After ten minutes the first photo still was not uploaded, so I gave up. I will go to Pedro's cafe for lunch and try again. Now I have to get to work installing a ground wire to my capstan that James neglected to install, which resulted in a dead battery and me having to pull 150 ft of chain and 65 lb anchor in by hand. Must get busy.......Later!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Gone Fishin!
On the 29th Judy got on the morning Cruisers net here and announced that we needed a ride to Loreto on the 31st and would buy lunch for whoever gave us the ride. To my surprise, after the net was over, a gentleman responded to Judy and said that he had planned on going in that day, but could put it off until the next day if we still needed a ride. Judy made arrangements to meet him in the parking lot at ten the next morning. We rode in along with our host (Dale)and another gentleman who also needed a ride that same day. It was a very pleasant and cool ride into Loreto in his air conditioned SUV. We went to Dale’s favorite Restaurant, which turned out to be new favorite restaurant. The food was excellent, very reasonable, and they gave huge portions with excellent condiments. Things such as avocados, three different salsas, peppers, and they even gave us a real salad with dressing along with three arocherro tacos. All of this was only 65 Pesos, (about $5 US.) As you enter the dining area there is a huge shark about elbow level in the center of the room that is being covered with tiny beads in beautiful colors in the mode of Baha SUR. I can’t begin to describe the incredible beauty, or the talent and patients this gifted artist displays in this great work of art. This next Friday when I go back, I promise to take my camera and photograph it for your perusal.
Dale chauffeured us around all day and then when we arrived at the airport at three in the afternoon, Dale waited there to give me a ride back. On the way he stopped to introduce me to a very knowledgeable local fisherman that answered all my questions and told me where to catch the most fish when Bill gets here. Our new friend Dale has decided to join Bill and I fishing when we go. He introduced me to a lot of locals, so many in fact that there is no way I can remember all of their names. They were all exceptionally nice and very informative, covering everything from fishing to hurricanes, and anchorages.
I worked on the boat today, trying to make sure it is ready. I checked the prop shaft alignment, which turned out to be right on. However while checking it, I discovered a leak in the water line that runs from the heat exchanger to the V-Drive. It turned out to be a worn out one half inch nipple that had become very thin in the thread area. I went up to the yard and asked the owner of the small marine supply if he had one. He said he did, so that will save a trip to town. He also told me about a booster for the internet signal that he said really works great. If it isn’t too expensive we may get one so we will have better phone access through Skype. It would also give us better access to the weather reports. That would be nice, and safer too! I will get those photos posted asap. Judy is now in Oregon visiting friends and family. I hope you all have a great day. See ya in the movies!
Update! I will haul out the boat to grease the Maxprop at ten tomorrow morning. I checked the alignment on the prop shaft and coupler yesterday and to my surprise they were right on. That leaves the prop as the culprit. Hopefully, after being greased it will quiet down and we will have a trouble free trip around the islands for the next week or so.
Dale chauffeured us around all day and then when we arrived at the airport at three in the afternoon, Dale waited there to give me a ride back. On the way he stopped to introduce me to a very knowledgeable local fisherman that answered all my questions and told me where to catch the most fish when Bill gets here. Our new friend Dale has decided to join Bill and I fishing when we go. He introduced me to a lot of locals, so many in fact that there is no way I can remember all of their names. They were all exceptionally nice and very informative, covering everything from fishing to hurricanes, and anchorages.
I worked on the boat today, trying to make sure it is ready. I checked the prop shaft alignment, which turned out to be right on. However while checking it, I discovered a leak in the water line that runs from the heat exchanger to the V-Drive. It turned out to be a worn out one half inch nipple that had become very thin in the thread area. I went up to the yard and asked the owner of the small marine supply if he had one. He said he did, so that will save a trip to town. He also told me about a booster for the internet signal that he said really works great. If it isn’t too expensive we may get one so we will have better phone access through Skype. It would also give us better access to the weather reports. That would be nice, and safer too! I will get those photos posted asap. Judy is now in Oregon visiting friends and family. I hope you all have a great day. See ya in the movies!
Update! I will haul out the boat to grease the Maxprop at ten tomorrow morning. I checked the alignment on the prop shaft and coupler yesterday and to my surprise they were right on. That leaves the prop as the culprit. Hopefully, after being greased it will quiet down and we will have a trouble free trip around the islands for the next week or so.
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