S/V INTREPID II - Cape Dory Intrepid 40

My photo
Intrepid II is a Cape Dory Intrepid 40 sailboat, hull #2, designed by Chuck Paine and discovered by the Captain in Blue Hill Maine in 2006. The crew are Kelly (Captain) and Carol (Admiral and Blogger). In 2009 INTREPID II embarked on her West Coast journey from Victoria to San Francisco, the Baja Sur Peninsula and into the Sea of Cortez. In 2010/2011, we sailed from Guaymas, south to Bahia Banderas and back. In 2011/2012 we left Guaymas, headed south to La Paz, spent three weeks at anchor on our northward journey and rested on the hard in San Carlos. Her 4th, 5th and 6th seasons were Boat Projects related. Season 7 - an incredible amount of boat work - but no cruising. Season 8 - Tropical Storm Sergio toppled Intrepid II in San Carlos dry storage. A disappointing season of serious and costly repairs. Season 9 - continuing those repairs and still hopeful for cruising.

April 1, 2012

Semana Santa has begun!

Drum beats, snatches of music, loud cheers, streets closed off near the `malecon`.  Semana Santa has begun in La Paz.  This Holy Week lead up to Easter is not the solemn reflection of religious events. Those of course do take place, but it's more of a `spring break`feeling.  We've been told lots of locals try to get away to the beaches to party or go fishing or whatever they can arrange;  but it sounds like there will be plenty to occupy people who stay behind.

INTREPID II was tentatively scheduled to untie the dock lines today; snip that La Paz bungy cord and head northward towards the islands and beyond.  However, once we started checking weather forecasts and comparing notes with other folks on the dock, it looks like we`d be setting ourselves up for some rolly nights right off the mark.  Strong westerlies are appearing on the grib files and other forecasts.  As we've mentioned, the nearby anchorages of Espiritu Santo are open directly to the west/southwest; great northern and often south wind protection; not so much for the Corumels and westerlies.  A good reason to stay a few more nights and ensure the loose ends are dealt with....and listen to the sounds of the festivities (earplugs tonight for sure!).

Isla Espíritu Santo and Isla Partida (5378264191).jpg
Anchorages of Isla Espiritu Santo

Colour coding anchor chain
We've made progress on the boat projects.  Kelly has replaced the gaskets on the three critical portlights and so far so good; they appear to have sealed well.  The anchor chain has been cleaned.  We've repainted it at various lengths to identify how much has been let out; the trick is remembering the colour code!
Our canvas work was completed.  We are happy with both our new cockpit cushions and our sunscreen panel between the dodger and bimini.  Now INTREPID II is well equipped to be warmer in the cockpit on any damp overnights or when the wind is sharp and colder. Hopefully they won't be needed for the remainder of this season. Thanks to both Danny and Hector for their fine work.


New cockpit cushions - very comfy
















Thanks are in order to our good friend Henry, who drove us on a short trip over the mountains to La Ventana - a kite surfing mecca on the east coast facing Cerallvo Channel.  On our first passage in 2009 we'd tacked back and forth forever it seemed, in front of this wide bay, which is not great for anchoring, so it was fun to see it from a land perspective.
Kite surfing campground - season is almost over 

Enjoying La Ventana with Henry

We`ve provisioned but will continue to add fresh produce and top things up before we leave. There have been casual visits onboard, and a few dinners out listening to great music.
 Cruisers enjoying Friday night at Tailhunters 
In case there isn't a chance for a final update before we leave, our plans are to 'mosey' or 'meander' up the Sea in a northerly direction.  Find those peaceful spots where we can enjoy the beauty of the Baja peninsula; somewhat stark and arid, but still full of life and colour.  From time to time we may be in cellphone range and will do an update.  Otherwise you may not see any news here for 3 weeks or so while we explore our way back towards Guaymas.  We will do our best to send out updates via Winlink when propagation is good.  Those of you on our SPOT update should start to get those 'we are here' messages in a few days.

Take care!

1 comment:

Arlete said...

Thanks so much for your post on my blog. Good luck moving northward. Soon we hope to be moving southward - maybe our paths will cross again. -Arlete & Dick on Cuatro de Mayo