S/V INTREPID II - Cape Dory Intrepid 40

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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.

December 7, 2009

Update From Ensenada de los Muertos - Dec. 7

Christmas music is playing in the background as we have a late desayuno (big breakfast) in "the club at the bay of dreams" in Ensenada de los Muertos.  We are catching up on weather and updating this blog -- while looking out at white sand, cacti and palm trees -- pretty strange in some ways.  We wish all our family and friends back in Alberta and BC a return to better weather as it sounds like winter has really settled in.  Perhaps our warm wishes will speed the really bad stuff on its way. 

We spent an extra day in Cabo San Lucas then had a very bouncy motor ride for 3.5 hours to San Jose del Cabo and into the marina.  In hindsight we were feeling the effects of the wide open east Pacific waters when we expected more of a calm, smooth jaunt.  We were even taking a few waves over the bow and into the hatch we'd casually left open.  INTREPID II arrived at this marina at dusk, settled in and took a taxi into the town as the marina is a separate real estate development to the east.  We chose to stay a second day to spend time in the much more tranquil setting of San Jose del Cabo in hopes of finding a way to put more $$ on our TelCel computer stick -- Mexican communications continue to be complicated at times.  The town was setting up its Christmas decorations and we enjoyed walking about.  Carol found a great straw hat in the market and we enjoyed the break.

Here is a map of the Los Cabos and East Cape area, showing the relative distances to Los Frailes and Bahia de los Muertos - rechristened by public relations folks to Bahia de los Suenos.  (I haven't spotted a copyright mark so hope this is indeed for public use.)

East Cape Resort Map
Los Muertos is to left and between W and S of compass rose
Los Frailes is south of Cabo Pulmo

The next morning (December 3rd) we headed out for Los Frailes (the Friars) approx. 30 nautical miles or 6 hours or so away.  INTREPID II enjoyed some actual sailing but mostly motor sailing with the jib out as we dodged all the sport fishing  boats and pangas which are here for the world class fishing.  We aren't quite set up for that yet and envy those who are.


Los Frailes was a somewhat rolly but very enjoyable anchorage for December 3, 4 and 5th . We practiced our surf landing in the dinghy, walked the beach, snorkeled with a friend (Jack of SV Waterdog) along the rocky drop off and did boat chores.  As we hadn't been in the water for years, this was a real treat.  It isn't really warm but still pleasant and Kelly took the chance to check the boat bottom and zincs, etc.

Sunday, December 6th, we left Los Frailes early (6:40 am) for this anchorage with had a good start, then experienced increasingly choppy conditions with wind on the nose from the north, north west.  Throughout the day we tacked, rolled up the jib, unrolled it, motor sailed, passing by Punta Pulmo - a great diving site, Los Barailles - a famous kite boarding mecca, and around the point and into the bay of dreams (or bay of the dead - take your pick).  Clouds are settling in as we finish up this note -- hmm - not in the forecasts we just reviewed.  Plans are to head north tomorrow towards La Paz, but likely stopping in one of the bays along the way after "turning a corner" south again.

We are unsure how successful we'll be at sending Christmas cards in time this year, so please know we're thinking of all our family and friends and wishing you well as the holiday season approaches.
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