CHRISTMAS MORN - Photos from the Past Few Weeks

Christmas Eve day and Christmas Day have started with abundant rainfall and wind but skies are brightening and patches of blue are appearing.  We have eased into this Navidad reading email greetings from family and friends and opening some thoughtful -lightweight and practical- gifts. They will be fun to put to use on INTREPID II and be a reminder of special people who keep us in their thoughts.

We will soon set out to attend the annual Christmas mid-day dinner at the San Carlos Yacht Club which is a fund-raiser for local children, "Castaway Kids".  Everyone contributes a salad and/or dessert and the organization highlights the accomplishments of many of the young people who are being supported in their education efforts.

So as time has slipped away as we work on boat projects, here are glimpses of the past few weeks in pictures.

Rigging and Sails:  We had Jesus making adjustments to our rigging and install new "spreader boots".  He had to return to help the Captain solve the issues around our roller furling once we had the jib installed only to find it kept unrolling itself.  A pennant is needed to ensure a better fit and that is on our list to design and put together.

Rigger aloft fitting spreader boots

Jib on roller furling 

Roller furling - our dilemna

Vew of upper reaches of furling 

Land Life:  We have attended the annual Festival de Camarones (Shrimp Festival) and enjoyed the ever changing sunsets and full moon displays.

Kelly bringing some tasty camarones dishes to sample

Exuburant entertainment at the Camarones Festival

Another glorious San Carlos  sunset

Full moon reflected in the bay

Pottery:  A colourful covered casserole dish from the local pottery store - practical as well.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FELIZ NAVIDAD

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE INTREPID II CREW

Wishing everyone a joy filled, peaceful Christmas and holiday season.  Thank you to family and friends who have supported and encouraged us as we work to ensure INTREPID II will soon be cruising once again.

May this be a happy, satisfying and comforting celebration of the intent of this time of year - thinking of others and reflecting on the goodwill we all try to extend throughout the year.

You are in our thoughts.

Feliz Navidad from San Carlos, Mexico

Thankful Thursday - November 28th

Wind and waves building

The storm has broken and we are thankful.  Perhaps U.S. Thanksgiving had something to do with the abating of the high winds and buckets of rain pummeling our condo door.  Below is the view all day yesterday while we mopped the floors and wrung out towels placed at the base of the door.

Fierce weather looking east towards Miramar

Currently the waves are more subdued and the sun is sparkling. Pelicans, cormorants and grebes are diving in the milky surf.  We always wonder how shorebirds stay safe during these torrential onslaughts.  Power went out for a time and the passageway lights were out all night.

INTREPID II appeared secure and clean at the dock this morning when Kelly arrived. He has successfully installed the new head and fixed the port side drain.  Now we are waiting for our galley sink once a local plumber has made his repairs and fixes.  Bit by bit the projects are being attended to.

Lucky observing his domain after the storm

Lucky, the resident condo cat, joins us to survey his domain.  He sheltered inside with us during the rains but enjoys sleeping under the parked vehicles near the condo office if conditions are good. Sadly although he has lived here for over 11 years, he has yet to have an actual shelter to call home.  His many returning amigos do look out for this special, gentle gato.

Rainy days in San Carlos -November 25th

The INTREPID II crew are all together again as of late Tuesday.  Road trips and flights and a trip to West Marine in Phoenix all went reasonably smoothly early last week.  The rain was pouring down at Km. 21 when the Admiral applied for her tourist visa and staff had space heaters and heavy jackets on due to the chill. Just before turning on to the new and in the works bypass around the east side of Hermosillo the rain stopped and that fresh rain smell was welcome.  Sadly, we spotted at least three spots where semi trailers had likely skidded and gone into the ditch. All were being attended to.

There were a few days of transitioning and organizing at the casa while the Captain continued his efforts on B dock. We thought we left the rain behind in Victoria but overnight and the week to come are forecast to bring precipitation to the Sonoran desert.  It is much needed so we reschedule boat chores and final rigger appointments to suit the weather.  Next up is seeking the advice of a plumber.  The galley double sink plumbing connections need repairs or replacing.  Hopefully our call will be answered and our request for assistance fit in to his busy schedule.

We continue to see cruisers at the grocery stores or Saturday market as they arrive from almost all compass directions.  All have boat projects to attend to of various complexities.

The shorebirds still visit our location daily although they have yet to pose for better photos than we took last season.
Dolphins visit at times but rarely close enough to capture with a camera.  We have learned to enjoy the moment.
Wishing everyone an excellent last week of November.

Cruising Season 9 - October & November 2019

INTREPID II in the water at last

Thanks to family and friends who have been asking for updates about INTREPID II and how much more time will we need to repair all the outstanding damages.  The Captain actually spent almost a month in extremely hot, humid June weather in the works yard, working with the rigging crew to install new rigging and fittings.  That was after a month of sourcing and purchasing the appropriate replacements with the assistance of a rigger working our of Portland, Oregon.

Our summer was one of concern and frustration at times as we wondered if our insurance claim would ever be settled and wishing we were provided with updates about its progress. We wonder if the insurance industry really considers the emotional wear and tear on cruisers dealing with a less than transparent process.  However, a settlement cheque came through after Kelly had arrived in San Carlos and that was one less issue on which to focus.

INTREPID II splashed last Monday, November 11 and so far so good as far as leaks and seepages.  Lots to do for outstanding maintenance in the head and cockpit drain and other items on The List which had to take a backseat to more critical repairs from the toppling.  Riggers have promised to be available for the tuning at the dock, and then sails can go on and further tuning under sail.

Cruisers and other land based folks are steadily arriving in San Carlos and Kelly has connected with a good number - all trying to get their vessels ready for the important goal of actually setting sail.

The Admiral will soon head south.   She is hopeful there will be new destinations and voyages to relate in the coming months.  Thanks for joining us.

Adios to San Carlos and Homeward Bound

INTREPID II  in works yard awaiting further repairs to rigging and hull

Our 'cruising season' is coming to a close as we spend these last few days preparing INTREPID II for the fierce Sonoran summer sun and rain and wind and all those elemental forces. 

These have not been satisfying weeks as we discuss options with our assigned insurance adjuster; while personable and in contact, we are feeling less than supported to return our sailboat to her 'pre-Sergio' condition.  What we thought were practical, viable suggestions to transport her to the San Diego area, or even closer to home, for a concentrated, intense number of weeks to totally repair the damages was not given much consideration.  We do not want to lose another cruising season!

So - we have taken deep breaths and made plans for the Captain to drive us home and then in a very short turn-around, return to San Carlos with as many replacement parts as we can somehow afford after this very expensive few months. [As we mentioned, so far all costs are out of pocket as our 'named storm' deductible is 10% of hull value.]  Our focus currently is to ensure we have the correct forms and information to satisfy the Mexican Customs ("Aduana") people on our way out of the country and on Kelly's return with replacements.  Cruisers are allowed to bring back items duty free if all has been processed as required.  We will soon find out if the directions we have received from others are still valid as to where to stop and what information is required.  We are hopeful our 'best laid plans' to work with local riggers will result in the mast being raised once all the needed testing and installation of fittings, chain plates and wire is successfully accomplished.

We usually travel further on our first day homeward, but decided we should allow for much time at the border for Mexican customs procedures and for U.S. border delays.  Hotels have been booked along the way and we are crossing our fingers that all will fall in to place to arrive home well before the Easter rush on highways and ferries.  There will be no time for family visits, sadly, nor for short excursions into National Parks, as is our usual journey northward.

Likely this blog will be updated on our return home.  Thanks for all your interest and support and encouragement.

Time flies with much more to accomplish

San Carlos sunset - looking towards the source of the 2 a.m. "musica"

Today is Thursday, March 28th - how did that happen?

This will be a very brief update for various reasons - including an unexpected bout of vertigo for the Admiral, who thinks she is on the mend, slowly.

The INTREPID II CREW  have been busy on boat work, boat research, boat pondering and evaluating options.  We are still up in the air with less than 2 weeks to go before we leave for home as to whether we leave Intrepid II here in San Carlos in the works yard, with the mast laying beside it; or, if it would be much more practical to have her trucked to San Diego where we could get the remaining work done professionally and hopefully much more timely. That option is viable only if the insurance company determines it will cover the costs; our 'cruising kitty' has long since evaporated contributing to our insurance deductible, which is 10% of the hull value of INTREPID II.  We therefore have to develop at at least plans A, B and C for how to travel homeward, determined by weather, how we feel and if the boat will be moving at a later date.

Kelly working on stubborn mast fittings - a few to go yet

INTREPID II in works yard with mast alongside so we could remove rigging and inner cables

New location in works yard - on concrete (masts shown are from another boat)

Last Saturday the Admiral experienced a scary vertigo situation.  Five days later, she continues to have dizziness but not as drastic.  Amazingly we were able to visit the ear nose throat specialist we saw last year, as he made a special trip to his office for us.  No ladder climbing just yet to work on INTREPID II for a few days; lots of  'getting ready to leave' projects to accomplish at our condo.

And speaking of our usually tranquil and cozy rental situation, starting about three weekends ago, our condo complex, which has 3 of the 6 units occupied by long term folks like us, has had a revolving door of families arriving anywhere from Thursday on and staying until Monday morning.  San Carlos is a weekend resort destination for people from Cuidad Obregon and Hermosillo, which are only a two hours drive.  Unfortunately, our boat project focused routines and schedules do not match up very successfully with the party scene.  The small patio, bbq and pool areas are a popular draw for energetic visiting and activities long into the evening due to the impressive water view. We have some success in conversing with these visitors, some of whom have been returning for years.  Often we are treated to samples of food and appreciate the hospitable gestures. Infrequently, but recently, we had to endure a large, inconsiderate group who took advantage of the situation.  

Once again it is wedding season and San Carlos is a prime 'boda' destination, with wedding venues right across the bay, blasting competing music for all to 'enjoy'.  So I think some of our exhaustion is due to sleep deprivation as well as the stress and strain of making things happen and making decisions.

Whining is over  We focus on the tranquil days, wishing fellow cruisers well as they finally set sail or prepare to store their sailboats. The shore birds, the sunrises and sunsets, the people we have come to know who are heading homeward, all are positive experiences.

We continue to treat ourselves to lunch and dinner at  favorite restaurants once or twice a week.  Not all gloomy!

Cheery image from local restaurant (credit to artist)

The Admiral

Update from the Captain - Restoring INTREPID II after Sergio

Kelly working on prop and zincs in works yard

As you can expect, the Captain has spent his time since arriving in late October in 'hands-on' mode, focusing on assessing, researching, repairing or arranging for repairs to ensure INTREPID II is once again a sturdy, safe, sea-worthy vessel.

Kelly has put his thoughts and comments in writing and we have added them to CAPTAIN KELLY'S Page tab.  More to follow as he completes additional projects!

Visit and tour of Rancho Pitahaya Dragon Fruit Farm - February 18

Yum!  Fresh Dragon Fruit Ice Cream

For some time we have been encouraged to sign up for a tour of the local organic Dragon fruit farm "Rancho Pitahaya", operated by Greg and Elizabeth Hovey, who supply organic produce at San Carlos weekly markets as well as Dragon fruit in season.  An opportunity appeared a month or so back to join a group on February 18th; we arrived at 1 p.m. to find a very large second group already ensconced around the outdoor table piled high with oranges and grapefruit.  Seems like a bit of over-booking, but all was managed in stride by the hosts.

The groups were treated to fresh squeezed citrus drinks topped up with rum, tequila or vodka if desired, to enjoy while listening to Greg outline the history and plans for their farm, which is the only organic one in Northern Mexico.  [If you search for Rancho Pitahaya dragon fruit farm, you will find the Facebook site with photos, information and directions.]  The walk around tour provided a close up look at the method of propagating the vine cactus in sand and the arrangement of upright posts and supports on which the plants grow.

Dragon Fruit vines supported on upright posts (with toppled posts from tropical storm Sergio damage)

Dragon fruit cuttings curing before planting in sand to establish roots

 As mentioned in our earlier blog post, after the farm tour we traveled in vehicles to the Cardon Cactus Santuary and stopped in at a dairy farm in San Jose on our return.  This extended family run farm provides raw milk, queso fresco and a cooked cheese similar to ricotta (whose Spanish name escapes me).  We were encouraged to feed hay to the young calves and the master cheese maker brought out samples of both kinds of cheese to taste.  So good and we brought back some of each.

Impromptu feeding time when visitors arrive

The afternoon wrapped up with another sampling of citrus beverages and a five course meal, prepared by Elizabeth while we were on our tours.  Served at round  tables in the screened in porch, we savoured a variety of dishes and a tasty main course of bbq'd camarones and veggies on a skewer.
The finale was dessert - Dragon Fruit ice cream made on the spot.

A definite recommendation if you find yourself in San Carlos with time to book a tour.

Visit to Cardon Catus Sanctuary - February 18

Cardon Cactus Sanctuary near San Jose de Guaymas, Sonora

As part of the tour itinerary offered by the owners of Rancho Pitahaya, the organic Dragon Fruit farm near San Jose de Guaymas, guests are led in a convoy of vehicles to a Cardon Cactus Sanctuary to walk amongst these giants and stand in awe. 

Pachycereud pringlei or Cardon cactus, is native to the Mexican states of Sonora, Baja California and Baja California Sur.  "Cardo" in Spanish refers to "thistle".  With reference to Wikipedia, we learned the Cardon is the tallest cactus species in the world.  It displays a large diameter trunk from which branches grow upward, but very slowly.  We were advised that the cacti we were viewing were hundreds of years of age in many cases.

Although referred to as a 'sanctuary', there are no fences nor means of protecting the plants; there were ATV and other vehicle tracks throughout our trek.  Our guide Greg took great pains to ensure we did not touch nor in any way disturb the site and we parked together and walked our way through the forest.  The afternoon was very overcast and grey which is reflected in the following photos.  The mood of the visitors was exited and impressed!  Join the tour!

Tour guide Greg in distance leading the way

Cardon Cactus sentinel

For a bit of scale - the Captain is 6'3"

 

Skeleton of an ancient Cardon

Nesting holes for desert birds

Close ups of lower trunk

Ocotilla flowers in bloom in Cardon Cactus Sanctuary

San Carlos Bird Life - our ever changing views

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

Every day offers a varying view of the shorebirds of San Carlos, right outside our patio.  We take advantage of the 'show' as much as possible before heading off to the works yard, market or other tasks of the day.  There appears to be the same individual Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Tricoloured Heron and Reddish Egret wading and fishing in this section of the bay; some territoriality is evident when one or the other wanders in or purposely lands too close to another bird's chosen waters.  The following photos offer a sampling of our ever changing views.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)

Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor)

Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor)

Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens)

Reddish Egret striding

Willets, Royal Terns, Black Oystercatchers, Killdeer, a variety of Gulls, and of course the Brown and White Pelicans, Short-eared Grebes, Cormorants are nearly daily visitors, depending on the time of day, the tides and their own schedules!

Willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus)

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)

Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani)

Family of Eared Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis)

Eared Grebe just before diving

Royal Tern (Sterna maxima) with Willet in foreground

Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)

Gathering of Pelicans and Cormorants as tide ebbs

Cormorant drying wings after diving

Yellow-footed Gull (Larus livens) and Gulls in conversation

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)

Brown Pelican in flight