Puerto Escondido to Isla Coronados - Tuesday March 29

Approaching the volcanic Islas Coronados from the south

Our stay in Puerto Escondido was basically a 'pit stop' to take on fuel and water, have showers, add to our provisions.   It also provided a chance to haul the laptops by dinghy to the cruisers' lounge at Singlar Marina to use the Internet and check emails.  Tuesday morning we were settled in the lounge with both laptops going.  Our intent was to head out about noon for our next anchorage, the new to us Islas Coronados.

At 12:16 the engine was on and Kelly slipped us off the mooring ball arrangement, while I headed INTREPID II out of this 'hidden harbour".  We needed to move on before the currents set in through the narrow channel leading into the "Waiting Room",  then reach open water.  Isla Coronado lies 19 nm away, almost due north up the channel between the Baja Sur peninsula and large Isla Carmen's west side.  We needed to locate an anchorage where INTREPID II would be protected from north winds, in case the forecast northers arrived early.  It is possible to take day trips from Loreto.  The volcanic Coronado is only 8 miles NE of the town; boat tours promise a variety of marine and wildlife sightings as well as walks on sandy beaches and the opportunity to climb the volcanic ridge.

Seas were calm as we motored into 6 knots of wind 'on the nose' from the north, to a heading of 2 degrees.  Gradually the wind rose to 14 knots true from the north east; no point in rolling out the jib for the remaining time.  We were making about  5.7 knots over the ground and would arrive well before dark.  On reaching the anchorage there were no other boats in sight; we would have the anchorage to ourselves for now.  Slowly exploring the south anchorage, we were looking for sandy patches in between the ever-present dark seaweed.  The hook settled down in 18 feet over sand at N 26 degrees 06.271 minutes and W 111 degrees 16.502 minutes.  The wind was a steady 9 - 12 knots from the north east.

Isla Coronado - our anchorage was in the dark blue bay

While we were settling in, a distinct 'whooshing' sound alerted us to the presence of dolphins.  We were treated to a wonderful display of acrobatics, including 3 dolphins leaping straight up back to back to back and flipping back into the water.  Jumps, pirouettes and great exuberance just for us!  Sad to say we don't have the photo equipment to capture much of this.  We've learned to enjoy the moment and savour it in our memories.

Volcanic cone of Isla Coronado

Mountains above Loreto to the west

Later, a quiet dinner while watching the sun set just north of Loreto.  The lights of the town blinked on just to the southwest.  We were alone but not quite.  An abundance of black sky allowed us to admire the show of stars as they came into view.