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Cinder Cone
This is the cinder cone volcano at Isla Coronados. Molten balls of lava were thrown out and cooled into boulders before hitting the ground. Hola,
We've made it another 100 miles. From Isla Coronados to Santa Rosalia with stops in between. We left Isla Coronados and it was choppy with an East swell. We pulled in to Caleta San Juanico at the southern end hoping to get out of the swell. No Luck. This is a beautiful bay and normally a must stop if cruising the islands. So the next day we went around the point to a small cove called La Ramada that faced North west and we were out of the swell. It was so nice we stayed a couple of days. The Trimaran that drifted away was here too. After talking to them I found that their mainsail had come unglued. I offered them a small main I found in a dumpster in Alameda. I don't think I've heard the words thank you, thank you, thank you so many times in my life. So I did my good deed and justified my dumpster diving.
On the morning we were going to leave we decided to walk over the pass to a "Cruisers Shrine" This is a tree at the North end of Juanico Bay where cruisers leave a momento, a poem, etc.
Punta Pulpito
Ansa and ECHO are rounding the point. This volcanic core has a big vein of obsidian. See the black streaks. We didn't make it because the path had caved in right before the shrine. So we hung our momentos on an elephant tree at the end of the trail.We will do a better job on our return trip.
Punta Pulpito was our next stop. It is a large rock that has a huge vein of obsidian in it. This is a strange anchorage. At the top of the mast the wind was blowing from the North. Halfway down at the flags it was blowing East. At the deck there was no wind. The boats were pointing East because of the swell but the wind was blowing mostly and strongly from the North. We left the next day.
Off to Santa Domingo, another ugly day, 47 miles with a swell on the beam, a 2 knot current on the nose and wind the wrong way.
Whew.... There is a big bay here going South called Bahia Conception. It is about the size of San Francisco Bay but with only about 300 people. Plenty of time so we thought we would check it out. Being close to the 4th of July the best cove, El Burro, was full. Finally after hours
Caleta San Juanico
Rocks in the bay at the North anchorage. The Cruisers Shrine is below to the right but the path is caved in. of driving around we decided to go to a cove a little farther South. Bahia Santa Barbara. This is a well protected bay with lots to do. We went snorkeling, went to a little island, drove by the mangrove swamp etc. A couple of days later Dave decided to go to El Burro cove to buy some fresh food stuff at a little store. I went with and ECHO sat alone at anchor. After a few more days, spots opened up in El Burro so we went there. It was getting hotter and hotter. No wind and high 90's in the boat, 108+ outside. Humidity 90%. We spent most of our time in the water. After 1:00 you will find most people in the water. Most look like a water noodle sticking out of a straw hat hanging around the back of the boats. Dave finally needed to make water and wanted to try going to Mulege about 14 miles up the coast. He needed to buy a new fishing reel. The last fish he caught was just too big. I left ECHO alone at anchor and Ansa motored 14 miles to town.
You can't go up the river
Cruisers Shrine at San Juanico
A little tree with a lot of stuff hanging in it. But it is a been there done that and brings good luck. to town because its too shallow. You just park out in the ocean and take a dinghy to town. I stayed with Ansa. Even the dinghy hit bottom a couple of times.
It got hotter and hotter and finally I decided I couldn't make it to the 4th of July celebration. It is a big deal here and cruisers make it a must do every year. Kind of a rendezvous. The party is put on by a guy named Gaery that lives in a palapa in El Burro. Most of the year he provides the best weather information for the Sea Of Cortez. Although an amature volunteer he is more right than wrong.
The next morning Dave showed up bright and early with a chocolate cake he had baked, and birthday presents. A bottle of malt vinegar (can't buy it in Mexico), potato chips and gummy bears. So I am 60.
Back to Santa Domingo and North. Then up to Punta Chivato. Here there is a dirt runway with lots of American winter houses lining both sides. A nice small boat ramp, a hotel and a good restaurant.
Next is a little cove at the North East
Punta Chivato
This is the restaurant and hotel at Chivato. There is a community of American Pilots that have winter homes lining both sides of the runway. side of Isla Marcos called Sweet Pea cove. At least this time we had the current with us so we made real good time. We rested here for two nights and left to Santa Rosalia Harbor and a marina, fuel, food, water, propane, laundry, long shower, INTERNET, and a swimming pool. yeh!!!!
Santa Rosalia is a played out Copper mining town. 655,000 tons of copper was shipped. It reminds me of Virginia City 30 years ago before the jelly beaners and salt water taffiers took over. The mine was owned by a French company so there is a French influence. Most of the town is built of wood instead of stucco. It is fairly modern with sidewalks and street signs. Most corners have handicap ramps. This might be because it is the capital of the biggest "county" in Mexico.
Saturday night we went out on the town. Our first stop was to try a "Mexican" hot dog. There are more hot dog stands here than taco stands. The populace loves them. But they are a little different. They take a regular hot dog and wrap it with bacon. It then goes into a pan of
Bahia Santa Barbara
Off the bow on a quite evening. bacon grease to cook the dog and render down the bacon. Then for a few seconds in a very hot pan of bacon grease to crisp up the dog and bacon. Then placed on a rack to drizzle off the bacon grease. Surprisingly they are not greasy. To create the official dog it is placed in a soft fresh bun like a hoagie bun. Then a light layer of fresh chopped onions is spread. Add a layer of finely chopped tomatoes. A ribbon of catsup. A ribbon of mayonnaise, and a ribbon of nacho cheese. Topped with sliced JalapeƱo peppers. Yum Yum
My favorite combination was the catsup, cheese, Mayo, and grilled onions.
Dave said the first one was so, so...... but he had another.
The streets are one way and make a circle around the town. Talk about dejavue. Every teenager with access to a vehicle is cruising on Saturday night. Girls dressed to kill walking the streets sucking up the wolf whistles. Oh to be 19 again!
We will probably be here for a while. I have ordered a new jib so might have to cross over to mainland
Mexico at San Carlos to get it. Otherwise we have a month and a half to get another 135 miles and to our destination for hurricane season. The farther North we go the less internet we have. Before here the last place was 100 miles back. Where we are going there may be none.
Later......
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char
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miss ya
Just love reading your blogs..........wish we were there. Belated Happy Birthday Mike. Weather here has finally turned around, going to be warm but not as warm as there. Love Char