meri's blog

Sailed in fantastic 20+ knot winds from Ensenada Quemado to La Mona this morning... where we came across a couple whale sharks! Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the ocean... not to be mistaken with 'whales', which are mammals. Whale sharks can get up to 60' in length. They are plankton/pelagic fish, crustacean and squid eaters and so are totally harmless...

Still at Crescent Bay... LOVE this anchorage! Jim, the kids and I are in the water constantly. We haven't gotten sick of the snorkeling yet. The cool breeze is very nice and makes it more than comfortable to be in the Sea in the summertime.

Tim is a spear fishing fool! I am amazed at this kid and his diving/hunting abilities! I believe my husband is equally amazed, but may be a bit disappointed that he himself is only slightly better at spear fishing than I... and I suck, in case you're wondering. I've caught zilch... ZERO!

"Kelp infested crap-hole"... this is Tim's description of San Francisquito where we stayed three nights in the most glorious breeze ever! Dunno, maybe it's just the teenage perspective. As for Jim and me, we sat in our beach chairs on the bow in the evenings sipping wine and enjoying the twinkling of stars overhead... and the delicious breeze!

Fishing was a grand experience! On route from Santa Rosalia to San Francisquito (which we did in one long hop beginning at 2am and arriving at 6pm). Jim and Tim each caught a nice dorado a piece. Prior to that, however, they caught two brown boobies. I'm not referring to a Mexican mermaid...

Jellyfish are prevalent here. One way to avoid painful stings is by wearing our very cool Lycra suits we had made for us in La Paz by Katty. Carolyne picked out her material and Katty had a full suit made for her in 3 days. The hood helps protect her face and neck from pesky 'string-of-pearls', which we have been warned about.

Lucky Day! Our new friend Cap'n Ron on his Boston Whaler caught this lovely Dorado bull and GAVE it to me! He didn't want to fillet it, so in trade for a couple of man sized chunks he agreed to let me keep the rest if I'd clean it! What a deal!!!! Brian on 'Topaz" stepped in to help Cap'n Ron pose for the photo.

Visiting Sweet Pea Cove on Isla San Marcos was a relief... from the heat! When anchored one night here and enjoyed the fresh breeze and cool, clean water! Several caves are located around the island. A private beach lies behind the cave and the kids played endlessly. Snorkeling was only so-so, as the water was slightly cloudy.

I am happy to report that I have finished the dinghy chaps cover for our inflatable dinghy! It was pretty much a total nightmare. But it's done and our $2,000 dinghy will live a much longer life now that it's spared direct sunlight.