Bahia Agua Verde – Goat Cheese, Buzzards, and Marlin

Happiness never decreases by being shared.

Buddha

Overlooking the Sea of Cortez near Agua Verde
During hike with Conor and Lanea on s/v Moondance

A very slow sail where we have plenty of time to practice using our new asymmetrical spinnaker (thank you again s/v Born Free!). The winds, as seems to happen most often, start really picking up just as we attempt to anchor – from no wind to 22 knots in a matter of minutes but we are ready as we just put away the spinnaker and were only using the jib at the time.

Puerto Los Gatos – Stunning Nature Carved Stone Elegance

When he wanted to take her picture,

He didn't tell her to smile, but told her,

"I love you" and her smile was more beautiful.

Unknown

Anchored near many amazing rock formations

Beautiful rock formations surrounding a barely sheltered bay (although none of these pictures give them justice) – no idea why they call it Puerto (port) for there is no port of any kind here – it is much more of a cove. Perhaps if I took some time to research its history…

Mainland Baja California Sur – Night of the Solstice

In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved,

How gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go

Of the things not meant for you.

Buddha 

Small town of San Evaristo with the Sierra Giganta in the background

A quick jaunt in San Evaristo hoping to perhaps find some eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables. We have been 12 days away from any store and our supply of fresh goods is running a little low although not desperate by any means. Thankfully we grow sprouts and it truly helps stretch out times between needing lettuce again.

Isla San Francisco - Pink Salt and Agates

Climb mountains not so the world can see you,

But so you can see the world.

Lifehack

This is what 7.5 months in the wind and sun does to you!
Time to replace the boat's flag

A two night stop at Isla San Francisco before heading back to the mainland of Baja California Sur starting with San Evaristo. The water is more translucent the more we go north. We can now see 14-18 feet deep through the turquoise beams of the water.

What To Do With Your OWN Beach?

Remember that the best relationship is one in which

Your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

Dalai Lama 

Beach "art"

We finally make it to this beautiful bay which is part of a Natural Marine Park so there are no houses, and almost only nature – yeah! We read that there are at least 31 species of dolphins in this region (from the approximate 90 in the world!) – just to give you an idea of the richness of this area.

How Only Eight Miles Can Make You Think Twice…

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.

Oscar Wilde

Bouldering with Nikki - she's quite the climbing puppy

From Mazatlán to Isla Espiritu Santo’s Playa La Bonanza, approximately 275 nautical miles (nm) away, we had a marvelous sail, clocking 117 nm on day one and 113 nm on day two. Now 100 nm/day may not sound like much but for a small older model boat like ours, that many miles per day is a lofty goal and had only been reached once before. Therefore, to have two days in a row at such velocity meant EVERYTHING had to fall exactly into place: winds, currents, waves, us being on our toes, Nikki barking just right, and nothing breaking down.

Good Bye La Cruz, Take Two

Do good and throw it in the sea.

Arab Proverb 

This is what a night of no-wind looks like on our radar. 
We basically go in 'circles' clocking about 15 miles but ending in the approximate same place by morning.... 

We tried to leave for the Sea of Cortez (nearly 600 nautical mile trip) on June 1st but on the sail outbound of La Cruz in Banderas Bay near Puerto Vallarta, the head of our jib blew apart under 17-20 knots of wind and many choppy waves. We had to return to the marina so I could fix it. Did I mention June 1st was a Friday? Many sailors believe that one should never attempt the beginning of a passage on a Friday so maybe – well who knows…

Why We Are Not Half Way Around the World...

A wise traveler never despises his own country.

Carlo Goldoni 

Dolphin playfully swimming along for an extended time - especially for you Sam

Before we left California on this voyage, we had developed a ‘guesstimated plan’ for our travels. This was done with much studying of ocean charts, water currents, seasonal weather patterns, etc. Since leaving, we have adjusted our language to replace ‘plan’ with ‘intention’ (thanks to Lanea on s/v Moondance).