{"id":757,"date":"2013-02-24T00:47:07","date_gmt":"2013-02-24T00:47:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/?p=757"},"modified":"2013-02-24T00:47:07","modified_gmt":"2013-02-24T00:47:07","slug":"exploring-the-sea-of-cortez","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/?p=757","title":{"rendered":"Exploring The Sea of Cortez"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Sea<\/strong> of Cortez<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n

As it is too cold at home to do much boating, we were searching for a new adventure when we received an email from Marty and Suzanne, fellow Krogen owners and good friends. The magazine Cruising World is sponsoring a trip to the Sea of Cortez in Baja,Mexico.\u00a0 Suzanne and Marty are going and asked if we would like to join them.\u00a0 Of course we would!!\u00a0 \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0020\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n I know, it is the dark side for us trawler owners, but after all it is only for a week.\u00a0 Idyll Time<\/strong> is getting some tender loving care while we are gone (bath and gel coat waxing).\u00a0 We just won\u2019t mention to her that we are vacationing on a sailboat, after all she is the jealous type.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sea of Cortez, officially named The Gulf of California, is the body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland.\u00a0 The waters here are reported to be some of the most diverse on the planet.\u00a0 Grey and humpback whales migrate here each winter.\u00a0 It\u2019s more than 900 islands are nesting sites for thousands of seabirds and the surrounding waters are nursing sites for the myriad of fish species that visit these seas.\u00a0 The Baja peninsula split away from the mainland of Mexico over 20 million years ago.\u00a0 Most of Baja is a desert with the mountain range rising almost vertically from theSeaofCortez.\u00a0 Civilization here is almost nonexistent with only a handful of fishing villages dotting the shoreline. Boaters looking for marinas, restaurants, and nightlife will not enjoy this area.\u00a0 \u00a0If however you enjoy great scenery, lots of wildlife, quiet anchorages, and solitude then this is the place for you.\u00a0 It sounds perfect to us so here we go.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Day 1:\u00a0 La Paz, Mexico<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a 3 hour drive from the airport at Cabo, we arrive in La Paz, Mexico which is the headquarters for the Moorings Charter boats.\u00a0 Suzanne, Marty, Jeff and I will be captaining a 3900 Robertson and Caine catamaran for our week long trip exploring the Seaof Cortez. \u00a0We are allowed aboard Balajan<\/strong>, our 39\u2019 home for the next week at 4:00 PM. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0006\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0\u00a0 A quick search and we learn that the translation of Balajan<\/strong> is \u201cThe best girl you will ever come to know; loyal, adventurous, funny, and extremely beautiful.\u201d\u00a0 This seems appropriate for our vessel. The Moorings have provided complete provisioning for this trip as there will be no towns or villages for re-provisioning along our route.\u00a0 Suzanne and I do an inventory of our supplies while Jeff and Marty check out the boat mechanical systems. Everything seems in perfect order. This evening we have a get together dinner at a restaurant overlooking the marina where we meet our fellow cruising partners.\u00a0 We will have a total of four boats and 23 people in our flotilla.\u00a0 It looks like us Krogen owners are the only power boaters from the group as all the others are sailboat owners.\u00a0 Marty, Suzanne, and Jeff do however have extensive sailing backgrounds.\u00a0 We should be able to hold our own with this group.\u00a0\u00a0 \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0004\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n Peter and Carol King, owners of the charter company for Cruising World, will be captaining the lead sailboat along with a local captain, Jim, who has cruised the Sea of Cortez for the past 20 years.\u00a0 The nautical charts for this area are not very accurate and having someone with local knowledge traveling with our group will be invaluable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Day 2: La Paz to Caleta Patrida<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

We are chomping at the bit to get under way early this morning.\u00a0 First the formalities must be taken care of.\u00a0 Marty and Jeff attend a captains briefing along with the three other boat\u2019s captains.\u00a0 Suzanne and I take this time to check\u00a0 Balajan\u2019s<\/strong> spares.\u00a0 We finish our onboard boat briefing at 11:00 AM and are given the all clear.\u00a0 All four boats push away from the docks almost simultaneously and we form a grand parade as we motor out of the marina harbor.\u00a0 \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0034\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n Our first few hours in theSea of Cortez are not very kind as the seas are rough and confused.\u00a0 16 miles north of La Paz, we anchor in the cove of Bahia San Gabriel on theIsland ofEspiritu Santo for lunch. \u00a0After a few hours, we weigh anchor ahead of the group as we are eager for some sailing time.\u00a0 We soon have the main sail raised and spend the next few hours searching for whales.\u00a0 The sun is just touching the horizon as we pull into our evening anchorage of Caleta Partida.\u00a0 We are the last boat to arrive as all of the others did not sail today.\u00a0 They all motored into the anchorage. This is one of the most protected anchorages around, as we are anchored between the two islands of Espiritu Santo and Isla Partida. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0071_0\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 We are completely surrounded by the mountains that rise from the shores of these two islands except for a small shallow strait that separates the two.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Day 3: Caleta Partida to Isle San Francisco<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This morning we dinghy ashore to explore the small fish camp that is on the beach at Caleta Partida. The 12 ramshackle wooden shacks and rusting freezers are deserted.\u00a0 \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0077\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n Not a soul is around.\u00a0 They must have generator power at some time as there is a satellite dish attached to one of the shacks. Back aboard our catamaran, we have a short 6 mile trip to Los Islotes.\u00a0 The wind is blowing 20 knots and it is a cold 60 degrees.\u00a0 All the boats opt to motor instead of beating our way north under sail.\u00a0 Los Islotes is a small rock formation just off the northern tip of Isla Partida.\u00a0 This is a national wildlife sanctuary and home to a large colony of sea lions. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0091\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0\u00a0We had planned on snorkeling here with these magnificent creatures.\u00a0 With the cold rough water, no one is at all interested in a swim.\u00a0 We enjoy our time here taking photos and observing the antics of these playful marine mammals from the boat deck.\u00a0\u00a0 \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0092\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n We hoist the sails on Balajan<\/strong> as we leave this protected outcrop and enjoy a 19 mile sail north to the island of IsleSan Francisco which is our anchorage for the evening. This horseshoe shaped cove with its white sandy beach and clear blue waters make a perfect evening stop. \u00a0Just after arriving, a pod of dolphins greet us in the bay. We watch as they weave their way around the boats in their search for food. \u00a0A local fishing panga appears and approaches our boat offering to sell us fish. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0149\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0\u00a0They have no lobster so we decline.\u00a0 The Moorings has provisioned us with three large packages of fresh local fish so we don\u2019t need any of that.\u00a0 This evening Peter from Cruising World hosts a beach party ashore. Boy does he make some strong Rum Punch! We enjoy spending time getting to know our fellow sailors and swapping boat stories. Everyone here seem to be very experienced boaters so this should be a fun week.\u00a0 As darkness approaches everyone returns to their boats very happy. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc00258\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Day 4: Isle San Francisco to San Evaristo<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The morning is spent exploring theIslandof San Francisco.\u00a0 We follow a steep rocky trail which climbs a ridge to the highest point on the island 700 feet above sea level.\u00a0 From here we have some magnificent views overlooking theSea of Cortez. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0158\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0\u00a0Several whale blows are spotted in the distance.\u00a0 Descending down a much gentler trail, we discover numerous salt ponds on the island.\u00a0 The fishermen must have dug these for use of the salt in curing their catch.\u00a0 We arrive back to our catamaran to discover a small cruise ship anchoring in the bay. \u00a0The ship \u201cSafari Endeavour\u201d quickly unloads its tenders and shuttles several dozen life jacketed adventures to the island.\u00a0 It is time for us to find a more secluded anchorage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Our first stop of the morning is Isla Coyote just two miles north of San Francisco.\u00a0 This 40 ft. high rocky outcropping is surrounded by submerged rocks and ledges.\u00a0 Jim, our local guide, leads us into the shallow protected anchorage.\u00a0 This is one of only a few inhabited islands.\u00a0 A community of fisherman calls this little rock their home.\u00a0\u00a0 \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0187\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n We are welcomed ashore and given a personal tour by the patriarch of this community.\u00a0 The small collection of buildings is surprisingly neat and clean.\u00a0\u00a0 Most of the fishermen are off island now enjoying Carnival inLa Paz.\u00a0 Their catches of manta rays are undergoing a salt cure while they are away.\u00a0 \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0201\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0Several of the women have a display of jewelry made from local shells. Jeff makes a great purchase from the patriarch of a hand made fishing lure made of whale bone.\u00a0 Another interesting artifact here is a skeleton of a hump back whale which washed ashore several years ago.\u00a0 We feel fortunate to have been welcomed into this small fishing community.<\/p>\n \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc00269\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \n

Back aboard Balajan<\/strong>, we leisurely weigh anchor as our second stop of the day on Isle San Jose is less than one mile east.\u00a0 Once anchored in Bahia San Jose, we quickly deploy the dinghy to explore this volcanic island.\u00a0 It is quite a challenge navigating our tender into the protected marsh lagoon.\u00a0 We must first traverse several shallow tidal outflows.\u00a0 In a few spots it is necessary to haul the dinghy over the exposed sand due to the low tide.\u00a0 Once in deeper water we have a 3 knot current pushing against us.\u00a0 It was well worth the effort as the mangrove lagoon is quite wild and beautiful.\u00a0 Too bad we don\u2019t have more time to explore this mile long channel thru the mangroves.\u00a0 On our way out, we beach the dinghy along the tidal flats to explore the forest of giant cacti just behind the white sandy beach.\u00a0 This island is home to the Cardon Cactus which is the world\u2019s tallest cactus. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0206\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0\u00a0They grow up to 60 feet in height and may reach up to 200 years in age.\u00a0 This area is unique in that more than 110 species of cacti are found in the Baja area and 80 of these are found nowhere else on earth.\u00a0 We are dwarfed by these stately giants and enjoy wandering through the area.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We depart San Jose at 4:00 PM for a six mile motor north to Caleta San Evaristo.\u00a0 There is no wind today and the seas are flat calm so the sails are of no use.\u00a0 \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0150\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0We continually scan the horizon for whales but none are to be found today.\u00a0 Our only mammal sighting is a few dolphins frolicking at the surface.\u00a0 We enter the horseshoe shaped harbor at 5:00 PM and anchor a few hundred feet off of the broad sandy beach. This is our first anchorage on the Baja peninsula mainland.\u00a0 There is a small fishing village ashore with 20 permanent families along with a regional school and a desalination water plant. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0217\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 Our evening is spent aboard enjoying a great dinner of grilled pork chops, corn, and potatoes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Day 5: San Evaristo to Ensenada El Cardonal<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The local fishermen are out early this morning searching for bait in the harbor.\u00a0 We watch as they expertly throw their cast nets and haul in small bait fish.\u00a0 With their brightly colored foul weather clothing and beautiful wooden boats, they are entertaining to watch. The pelicans join in and fish along side them. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0215\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just as we were discussing the strong cold front and accompanying winds from the north that blew in during the night, we receive a VHF call from Jim, the local guide. He was able to get some local weather information from a friend of his.\u00a0 There is a strong Northern cold front bearing down on us and the winds will increase to 20-30 knots today and tomorrow.\u00a0 Our original plan of headed farther north in search of a pod of pilot whales is canceled.\u00a0 We are running south with the wind today as far as possible.\u00a0 Although we would have liked to gone ashore and explore this local fishing village, we opt to weigh anchor and get an early start.\u00a0 The seas will only continue to build through the day.<\/p>\n

\u00a0We unfurl the jib and are the first boat out of the harbor.\u00a0 We run downwind all day with just our jib out.\u00a0 As predicted, the seas continue to build.\u00a0 We surf some 10 footers and the catamaran performs great.\u00a0 By running downwind our ride is relatively smooth but it would have been a whole different story if we were heading north.\u00a0 Marty and Suzanne enjoy a long nap out on the front deck. With these seas it is way to rough to sight any whales.\u00a0 We do however have a beautiful view of the mainland mountain range off to our west. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0180\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0\u00a0These 2000 foot high mountains are lit up with the morning sun and we can see many brightly colored rock layers along their slope.\u00a0 It reminds us of the rock formations in the Grand Canyon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a 29 mile sail, Isla Partida comes into view.\u00a0 Just before entering our anchorage of Ensenada El Cardonal, we spot a group of manta rays doing summersaults.\u00a0 We wonder why they jump so high out of the water.\u00a0 It is a great way to end our sail.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Even though this anchorage is well protected with mountains on both sides, the wind manages to funnel though a cut and it is quite windy.\u00a0 All of the catamarans were dragging anchor this afternoon and several had to reset during the night. We had wisely let out more scope before going to bed and we never budged after that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Day 6: Ensenada El Cardonal to Ensenada de La Raza<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our destination for this evening is only 6 miles south of here so we spend some extra time exploring on land before leaving our anchorage.\u00a0 At the head of the bay we follow the mile long trail through the cactus forest which dead ends on the eastern shore of the island.\u00a0 Here we find a hard rocky coast which is much more exposed to the sea.\u00a0 \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0224\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n We next motor our dinghy over to the northern area of our anchorage where there was at one time an oyster farm.\u00a0 Here thousands of rocks were carried from shore to form an underwater foundation.\u00a0 The amount of labor required to do this is truly amazing.\u00a0 Jeff and Marty scramble up the steep mountain side to a cave 300 feet above the bay.\u00a0 This cave was originally used by Indians.\u00a0 They find many of the oyster shells inside. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc00295\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Back aboard Balajan<\/strong>, we hoist the sails at 11:30 and are soon battling the winds once again.\u00a0 The seas are still 6-8 foot and we are happy to be heading south. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0276\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n Our six mile sail goes quickly and we are to our evening anchorage within an hour\u2019s time.\u00a0 Once our sail is down, we anchor in the bay of Puerto Ballena at the anchorage area know as Ensenada de la Raza.\u00a0 We are now back on the island of Espiritu Santo.\u00a0 We spend the remaining day aboard Balajan<\/strong> enjoying some good conversation with Marty and Suzanne. It is just too cold and windy to go ashore. Before we know it, it is 5:00 PM and cocktail hour.\u00a0 My, how the day goes quickly when in good company.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Day 7: Ensenada de La Raza to Bahia San Gabriel<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Today will be our last full day of sailing. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0268\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0\u00a0We are again the lead boat out of the anchorage and the others soon follow.\u00a0 Although the winds are still blowing a good 20 knots, the seas have calmed down some and we have a great day for sailing.\u00a0 With both the main sail and jib fully raised, we tack and jibe across the open sea. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0308\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 We continue to look for the elusive whales but just as with the previous days of sailing they are nowhere to be found.\u00a0 We have come to the realization that these whales are simply not around this week.\u00a0 We saw many whale spouts out in the Pacific Ocean on our drive from the Cabo airport toLa Pazso we know they are in the Pacific just not in theSeaofCortezyet. We don\u2019t let the lack of whales damper our sailing.\u00a0 Jeff and Marty have a great time of working the sails as they glide across the ocean.\u00a0 It is a fun day as we sail along side the other catamarans.\u00a0 Who said power boaters can\u2019t sail!\u00a0 At one point our guide, Jim. hailed us on the VHF asking what we were reaching for a top speed.\u00a0\u00a0I think he was surprised with our sailing ability.\u00a0 After several hours of great fun, all four boats anchor in Bahia San Gabriel.\u00a0 It is a beautiful spot to spend our last evening aboard.\u00a0 We have one last get together on the beach this evening with the other boats.\u00a0 It has been a great week getting to know our new friends and cruising together.\u00a0 And what better way to end our trip than with a fantastic sunset this evening. \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0249\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Day 8: Bahia San Gabriel to La Paz<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We are up this morning before sunrise as we have to have Balajan<\/strong> back to La Paz by 10:00 AM.\u00a0 Leaving our anchorage just as the sun begins to peak above the horizon, we say goodbye to the other boats. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc_0269_0\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n \u00a0 Although our boat is due back today, the other three charters have one more day of sailing.\u00a0 We have an easy 16 mile motor in the calm seas and soon find ourselves safely secured in La Paz.\u00a0 The cleaning crew is waiting for us at the dock and they waist no time getting Balajan<\/strong> turned around for the next charter. For us it is now only a memory.<\/p>\n

We have enjoyed our time in the Seaof Cortez.\u00a0 Although the whales failed to appear, the memories of beautiful anchorages, stunning scenery and great companionship will stay with us for years.\u00a0 It was a fun time sailing with Cruising World and getting to know the others on the trip.\u00a0 Spending quality time with good friends Marty and Suzanne is always special. Having sailed 135 miles on this voyage, we have only begun to explore this 700 mile long sea. We along with Marty and Suzanne hope to one day be back in these waters aboard our own Krogen trawlers, Idyll Time<\/strong> and Alizann<\/strong>. \n\t\t

\n\t\t\t \t\n \"dsc00303\"\n\n \t<\/a>\n\t\t <\/div>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Sea of Cortez: As it is too cold at home to do much boating, we were searching ...<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/757"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=757"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/757\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":786,"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/757\/revisions\/786"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=757"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=757"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.idylltime.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=757"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}