A little bird told me.....

San Carlos has an abundance of bird life and the local "What's Up in San Carlos" online newsletter carries a birding report which reports recent sightings in the area.  We also refer to "The SIBLEY Field Guide to Birds of Western North America" as one of our sources to puzzle out visitors to the marina waters and around our rental accommodation.

This little fellow is a sparrow - perhaps a Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) or Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina).  They appear in flocks of six to a dozen in the empty lots nearby and forage on the ground amongst the mixed grasses and bushes.

My initial reaction to spotting this solitary bird was 'a cardinal'.  The birding reports mentioned spotting Northern Cardinals and Pyrrhuloxias, a name I wasn't familiar with.  Sibley's pointed the way and the photo below, not as clear as I'd like, is of Cardinalis sinuatus.  "Common in brushy desert habitat; moving in small groups through brushy vegetation; stubby, curved, yellowish bill and longer pointed crest" (page 398).

Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus)

This photo was taken with my cellphone, so is not distinct.  This particular Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) was intent on some fish in the water between A and B dock, near the entrance ramps.  SIBLEY'S states:  "forages for small fish in shallow water, actively crouching and running" (page 57) - exactly what we observed.

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) at marina

We don't have clear photos of the gatherings of water birds visiting the marina this past week, but Kelly identified them as Eared Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis). They are also known as Black-necked grebes. [I am taking the liberty of copying a photo from Wikipedia, with thanks, until we can get a clear photo of our own to use.]  These birds "winter on open water from small ponds to open ocean, often in groups of up to 100 or more; dives for aquatic insects and crustaceans".

Eared or Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) courtesy of Wikipedia

Now that I recall, we saw 'rafts' of birds when we were anchored in Caleta San Juanico and they could have been the same bird.

Raft up of seabirds - possibly Eared Grebes - San Juanico 2012

Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) and Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) are common sightings as well.  These photos were on San Francisco Beach on our visit to the Estero. The pelicans are a delight to watch as they plunge-dive into the water to catch their meal.  I particularly love to watch them as they fly in a low formation just above the water, keeping in time, rising and falling. 

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

The Turkey Vulture has a "distinctive flight with wings raised in dihedral and tilting gently from side to side" (Sibley, page 96).

Always on the lookout for new sightings.

San Carlos - making progress

Hola!  Now that we have reminded a few more family and friends that our blog is 'active', I realized I had better be somewhat more consistent in actually posting updates.  Wish we knew why some of your comments won't come through for posting. 

It is Tuesday, January 23rd; we spent time this morning over breakfast reading about the magnitude 7.9 earthquake which hit Alaska in the early hours of the morning.  That is a major tremble and we haven't seen updates on the damage - hoping minimal impact. The subsequent tsunami warnings reached all the way down the West Coast to our own Victoria area.  Saanich and Esquimault opened up shelters for those in low lying areas.  Tofino sounded the tsunami sirens and people flocked to the emergency shelters.  Fortunately there was little impact.  However, the southern Island has been experiencing more than enough strong winds, waves and winter weather these past days.

San Carlos had another 'blow' starting late Friday evening and continuing through the weekend and even Monday, depending where you were.  It is winter here as well and a low of 9 C is noticeable.  Marina San Carlos is situated such that there is a considerable funneling effect onto the docks which makes for chilly deck work.  Yesterday Kelly put the hatch boards in to keep it warmer in the cabin while he worked.

Cloud formations to the north

At dock winds northwest winds funnel through gaps

As for 'progress', we are certainly making headway, but realistically, it has been much slower than anticipated. Here is one example of why:
The second part Kelly ordered from Defender for the 'head project' took longer than the first order and FedEx compounded the delay.  Our status update showed the parcel arriving in Guaymas last Tuesday at 12:37; then no activity.  Kelly ensured that staff at San Carlos Marina Seca and Marina offices knew of the impending delivery.  Pesos for the duty charge were left with them.  Pesos in a baggy were left on INTREPID II with several nearby folks aware that the marina staff might once again send the hapless FedEx driver to A dock, whether we were onboard or not. Once the promised Thursday deadline had passed, emails were fired off.  Friday morning, we were headed in to Guaymas on other errands, but stopped on the way at the FedEx depot.  Drivers were in their vans; packages were loaded.  We asked if our package was in one of the vehicles, hoping we could 'simply' show ID and save time and trouble by taking receipt then and there.

Hah!  Suddenly phone calls were being made - the truck to San Carlos had left. OK - then let the driver continue on to deliver it.  Oh no - the helpful staff were trying to reach the driver to have him turn around .....We succeeded in intervening and saying now that we knew the parcel was not lost, that we would pick it up on our return.  The only reason we can fathom for the delay was there were not enough parcels to warrant a delivery to San Carlos; so we waited 3 extra days.  Each of those days actually costs us as we cannot move aboard until the head and related systems are functioning.

Then there are several jaunts to Home Depot in Guaymas.  Fortunately, it is located on the 'north' end of the city closest to San Carlos and on the main road in.  We did score new faucets for the sink at a sale price; "llave para bano (ban-yo)" with a brushed nicked "acabado niquel" finish.  These products are about the same price as back home; we chose a set that does not have the attached closure for the sink drain, opting for a simple, replaceable plug.  Our hopes to replace the rather unremarkable sink with an attractive Talavera patterned one have been dashed.  If you really want one, be prepared to tear out your existing vanity and reconstruct it around the sink, allowing enough room for faucets.  We cannot manage that on INTREPID II.  Major disappointment.

Talavera sink - maybe later

My new tip for learning practical Spanish:  I have been collecting the Home Depot flyers to review the descriptions of sinks, faucets, toilets, stoves, fridges and the like.  Since it is something we are familiar with we can infer much of the meaning and expand our vocabulary.  Bueno!

[I'll post this now as the morning has flown by and tasks await.  Hope to post some photos of birds we've spotted recently as well as continue the upate.  Thanks for being patient!]

Mid January Musings

Hola!  Time flies when boat projects become more challenging and complex and require extending stays in rental accommodations.  Here is a quick summary of how the days have unfolded since the New Year.

The Captain may eventually find time to reflect and comment on the efforts he has put in to replace hoses and valves and clamps.  To wait patiently - sort of - for yet more parts to make their way to Mexico, then through Customs and on to San Carlos.  To track down parts manufacturers only to be told "oh - we haven't updated that drawing for years - it doesn't match the part you have".  It is now January 13th and we are at times concerned that we won't have a home either on land or onboard at month end.  The property rental office is sending clients to view our apartment.  The marina states it is high season and slips are in high demand.  The pressure is on!

The Admiral is pleased with her efforts at designing and sewing ten new pairs of curtains for INTREPID II; six are now complete.  There is also a large bolt of Sunbrella fabric propped in the corner awaiting efforts to turn it into covers for much of our exterior teak.  However, a stuffy head and persistent cough are not the ideal conditions to work with in sketching out the most efficient use of pricey fabric.  Hoping that soon we will both feel much more energized and inspired.

We do relish the much better weather here in San Carlos and wish for improved temperatures for everyone 'back home'.  The sunrises and sunsets are consistently beautiful and inspiring, our current neighbourhood has its share of visitors and we do take breaks to enjoy the surroundings.

Sunrise view from De Anza 

Local herd of cattle foraging through empty lots

Colour in January

Yesterday it was time for a treat, so late afternoon saw us driving to Thrifty's for ice cream, then on to the Estero el Soldado (the Soldier's Estuary).  This nature sanctuary is located near the highway leading in to San Carlos, off the Boulevard Escenico.  This area was established in 2006 in an effort to ensure protection of the flora and fauna, while allowing visitors to walk or kayak to observe. The coastal lagoon is 180 acres adjacent to San Francisco Bay beach, and we accessed it near Condominios Pilar.  There is also a Visitor's Office off the road leading to the Delfinario on the way to Miramar.

Estero El Soldado 

Lagoon at low tide

Mangroves surrounding esturary

There were few birds in the lagoon, but we relished the peacefulness and quiet.  A walk along the beach at dusk added to our relaxation before heading 'home' for the evening.

Cactus with Tetakawis in far distance

Sending out shoots along the sand

Gull on San Francisco beach

Waves roll in

HAPPY 2018!

Shadows and canyons

Only January 2nd, yet time is flying!  We hope this 2018 New Year is off to a very good start for everyone.  For all our family and friends in the truly Frozen North - you are amazingly stoic and resilient - weathering those frigid temperatures - even before the wind chill was factored in.  The temperature appears to be climbing upwards; fingers crossed for you all that the deep freeze is over for this winter.  The joy and excitement of birthdays, retirements, anniversaries and the challenges of health issues - we have you in our hearts and thoughts.

The INTREPID II crew enjoyed a quiet Christmas here in San Carlos.  The Community Christmas Luncheon was a treat and we are pleased we attended this fund raiser in support of Castaway Kids; specifically funds are being used to sponsor young people in university.  It was a chance to meet cruisers new to us and share our sea stories.

New Year's was intentionally low key, as it is at home.  Preparing our own chicken enchiladas, rice, beans and avocados and served with chilled white wine was an enjoyable way to see out 2017.

Home made enchiladas!

There was music coming from every direction, but surprisingly did not last far into the night as expected.  New Year's Day - we welcomed it with a tasty slice of quiche from Ruth & Rudy's Bakery and mimosas made with fresh squeezed orange juice and vino blanco expumosao Champbrule Brut, from Baja California.  Salud!


Boat projects continue, but at a slower pace than intended.  The mainsail was hauled on deck, then returned below as we puzzled over missing sheets and lines.  Things are mostly ready, but the winds tend to blow up inconveniently.  So on to the removal of hoses in the head, to be replaced with those we purchased in Portland.  Except as all boaters know, there is extremely limited access in the such a small closet-sized space!  Kelly has had to twist and turn, saw and drill, wrench and pry.  Today he located his hacksaw and is attempting to intimidate yet another stubborn hose.

Back at our rental casita, Carol has been hand-washing a variety of canvas and checking for needed repairs; it's lovely to have the sun and breeze take care of drying the fabric, lines and sail-ties.  The planned curtain replacement project is underway - so far, measuring and cutting and soon the Pfaff machine will be in use.

Our casita has fantastic views and local flora and fauna- the camera is always close at hand.

A sunbathing Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) surprised us recently.  We had spotted a pair crossing the road as well as in the nearby vacant lot.  Sibley's Guide indicates the birds "require open ground for running to capture preferred prey of lizards and snakes". Let's hope our pair are diligent about their responsibilities!

Roadrunner resting on wall

Cactus in nearby field

Plans?  We are hoping to extend our stay at the rental apartment until INTREPID II is actually liveaboard-ready, which could be another two weeks.  If we can negotiate a pro-rated rent based on the monthly fee, the additional amount will be more reasonable than moving to a motel or finding a storeroom for all the 'boat stuff' we have stowed to keep it out of the way.  We have moorage at Marina San Carlos until the end of January.  We are still hopeful there will be cruising on the horizon!

A special thanks to our house-sitter, Lorraine, who has had to deal with unanticipated adventures.  Thanks also to Bjarne and Barb who have agreed to bring down a much needed package - we look forward to seeing you shortly.