7th December, 2014

Almost There

December 4. 2014

We are on our last leg, from Ensenada de los Muertos to La Paz. We are not sailing and I don’t even care. This is the first time in weeks the wind and sea have laid down. We are passing through the Cerralvo Channel which can be challenging at times due to the strong winds, building seas, and fast current that are known to flow through here. So far, though, we are motoring an easy 6.5 knots.

It is a perfect day. Warm with a soft breeze. There are clouds scattered throughout the sky keeping the tropical sun from burning our skin.

All has been quiet but for one little bit of drama when the Baja ferry decided to enter the channel at the same time as us. Bobbi was at the helm and moved our boat to port and the La Paz Star passed us by with ease. She’s a big girl. Especially up close.

This part of our journey, from San Jose del Cabo to La Paz has been relatively calm. It could have been a lot worse as this is the time of year for northers. Northers bring wind on the nose, high-square waves and seas close together (i.e. 5 feet at 4 seconds). Last year this was one of our most difficult passages. I guess the wind and sea gods decided to give us a break, considering the gale we encountered on our last leg.

We are most grateful.

At the end of my shift, we came out of the lee of Isla Cerralvos. Now we ARE sailing! We are on a close reach and are moving along at a comfortable seven knots. With flat seas! SWEET!

We will arrive in La Paz just two days short of a month from leaving San Diego. I think we are all a bit weary and ready for land. I know Jay and I are anxious to see Cadenza.

We are told she did well during the hurricane, but still she is undressed. There is much to do before we can take her out and sail her again. We need to rig the sails, hook up the electronics and fix the dinghy. We need to clean and reorganize and provision.

Once she is ready, we will take her for a test sail to the islands. After that we will prepare to cross the Sea.

Next stop – Mazatlan.

Another adventure awaits.