meri's blog

Came to town to use the internet. My battery needs to be replaced in the computer and so I need an outlet to use the computer at all anymore. What a pain! I plugged in at an office in town and 10 minutes later the electricity went out in the building. Alas.

This is the time and place that a real Mexican attitude of "manana" comes in real handy. There are certain things that just can't be controlled... electricity is one of them. So I a learning each and every day to shrug off that which I cannot change. It's not easy for me.

We arrived in BLA (Bahia Los Angeles, MX) the first week of September. We were here last year and we loved it. Things have changed and this is what I have to report:

Internet... we got it on the boat last year and though it wasn't fast, it worked. This year, not so good. Reception and continuity is more sporadic than last year and just because you walk to an internet cafe doesn't mean you'll get internet. There will be a waiting line, though!

We have some very good friends that have cruised on their Formosa 51' in the Sea of Cortez for several years. At this point in their lives, they are making another transition. Therefore, their beautiful boat is for sale.

Jim and I have been aboard this boat; I have stayed aboard it for extended periods of time. This boat is in impeccable condition. Better yet, it is completely CRUISER-READY.

Okay... think I figured out the species of rattlesnake I blogged about: Crotalus Ruber (The photo on the left is a pic snapped by my friend Daine on s/v Ceilydh. Compare it to the photo in the link I've attached below!)

Check it out!

Tortillerias are found everywhere in Mexico. The Baja is famous for their flour tortillas, a favorite amongst most gringos. Some tortillerias make only corn, a favorite amongst most Mexicans. On mainland Mexico flour tortillas are hardly ever found... only corn. But you won't see many old ladies sitting around hand flattening homemade tortillas in this part of Mexico in bulk.

We left Santa Rosalia for a couple days while we awaited Rich's return from the states. The harbor in Santa Rosalia is very hot and lacks breeze. Lori on Third Day was feeling adventurous (and hot) and went with us as well as Ceilydh. All of us are waiting for Rich. We got an email from him saying he'd be a couple more days. No problem...

Lori gasped in horror and her body jerked back towards me. I was behind her and reflexively grabbed Lori's hands and stared towards what had frightened the bejeebies out of her. Right there on the path, coiled up in a tight little bun, lay the ubiquitous rattlesnake...

I have tried for almost two years to get a photo of the rays that jump up out of the water, flap their wings and then smack the water hard as they make their descent back. My camera is just not fast enough to catch them in the act. So, I asked my friend Diane aboard Ceidlyh if I could post her photos... they are most excellent!

This is the third dorado caught this year and the first bull. Tim is an awesome fisherman, although he does have help while I handle the helm and his dad helps get the fish on deck.

We are still in the Santa Rosalia area on the southern Baja of Mexico. We love the little town. The people are wonderful here. Unfortunately, this is the hottest time of the year and we don't have air conditioning aboard the boat. We don't need it at any time...