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.

February 23, 2012

Puerto Ballandra to Aqua Verde - Monday Feb. 13

On our Monday morning departure from Puerto Ballandra towards Aqua Verde, we had a beautiful sunny morning, a slight ripple and swell to the sea and a smiggin of haze over the Baja peninsula. We motored slowly over to SV Daydreamer to say farewell, then headed down the west side of Isla Carmen.  Soon afterwards, we spotted some fins between INTREPID II  and the island but nothing we could capture in photos.  As the splashes became more exuberant, we determined there were more than a few dolphins in the area.  Out came the cameras; soon we had a pod of Bottlenose dolphins swimming over to check us out.

Such an event is a major treat. With the calm seas, we were comfortable leaving the auto pilot on and moving forward on the deck; Kelly to starboard and Carol to the bow.  We try to remember that experiencing these encounters is more important than taking photos.  It is extremely difficult to duplicate in a photo the awe and connection you feel when a dolphin turns on its side and regards you with its very knowledgeable look.

These photos offer a glimpse of our special treat.



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