Out and about in San Carlos

While restoring and organizing INTREPID II back to a well functioning sailboat is our top priority, we do take time for day to day tasks, participating in local events and catching up with cruising friends.

BCA cruising friends Barb and Bjorne of Hoku Pa'a are diligently putting their sailboat back together in "Gabriel's works yard in Guaymas.  They kindly drove down with an overlooked item - our Melita coffee pot! - and our Christmas mail, much appreciated.  We met them again recently at Marina San Carlos where they were connecting with a cruiser who had several large quantities of line for sale.  Fortunately, he had something which fit their needs for a halyard for their new mast.  Then a quick visit to INTREPID II on A dock, as she hasn't been back home since 2009.  The cleaning, polishing and detailing efforts of "Jimmy" who is in great demand by busy cruisers showed her to good advantage.  There was time for lunch at JJ's and to meet Byron, the resident "maitre 'd" then both crews headed back to boat projects.

Kelly welcoming visitors aboard INTREPID II 

Local and visiting musicians play throughout the week at various restaurants and later that day (what a social whirlwind!) we joined our neighbours and their friends for a "Special Jazz, Pizza and Wine" event at La Bartina 64.  A new to us spot on the outskirts of San Carlos.  Well attended and enjoyable, although as always, little chance for conversation over the music volume.  The first group was "Assterisko", a soft and hard rock classic group; we would return for their excellent renditions.

"Assterisko" at La Bartina 64

Verania Luken and Enrique Hulsz - jazz performers

 They were followed by one of the top Mexican jazz vocalists, Verania Luken and guitarist Enrique Hulsz, who will also be performing in an upcoming music festival in the historical city of Alamos.  The restaurant and outside patio were filled with interested patrons as the vocalist sang a medley of songs reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald. Our group enjoyed the offerings for a time then departed to allow new arrivals to enjoy the event.

Sunday was also the 2nd birthday of our great-nephew Michael.  He was feted to a family party with balloons and presents and we hope our birthday card will reach him shortly.  Perhaps we should bring back a pinata for him!

Say's Phoebe (Sayornis saya)

Watching for 'wildlife' is always on our agenda.  Our best guess for the first bird is a Say's Phoebe (Sayornis saya).  Sibley's reference indicates its habits are similar to the Eastern Phoebe, which "forages mainly for small flying insects from low perch; may perch on open fences, rocks, branches'.  This bird definitely was on the watch from the top of a dead tree stump in the open lot in front of our patio.

Gila Woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis)

The sight of a 'flicker' on the aloe-type plant in the rock garden was a treat.  We have Northern Flickers back home, who regularly visit our suet-feeders.  This bird was enjoying the blooms which are similar to a red-hot poker plant. (Must get our other reference book from the boat!).  Sibley's states the Gila Woodpecker "is common in low-elevation deserts with woody plants large enough to provide nest sites, including areas with saguaro cactus".

We never tire of looking out the kitchen window which faces north, into the vacant lot below.  "Our" jackrabbit often forages within view, ears always alert.  A burrow must be nearby, but we won't search for it; it's more enjoyable to look out and be surprised.  With thanks to Wikipedia, we believe our neighbour is an Antelope Jackrabbit (Lepus alleni), a species of North American hare, found in northwestern Mexico and southern Arizona.  The male and female are identical, large in size, wit long, pointed ears and a distinctive coat coloration. It feeds on cacti, mesquite leaves and other vegetation.

Antelope Jackrabbit (Lepus alleni)

Frequent visitor - part of a larger herd from nearby ranchito

Snowy Egret at marina

The horses from what we assume is a neighbouring ranchito often show up and meander through the vacant lots of the De Anza and adjacent neighbourhoods.  We have only seen people 'round them up' occasionally.  They are docile and feed on what looks to be extremely dry vegetation.  Unlike the cattle who also show up, they don't wander up the road and down the driveways to feed on private gardens.  The Snowy Egret at the marina was posing politely near the ramp.

Hasta luega - projects are calling.