January 2019 in San Carlos

Glorious sunset over San Francisco Bay

Oops - it is already February 13th as I finally managed to upload pictures from my cell phone and tempermental camera to the Captain's laptop - just enough challenges each time to take the fun out of sitting down to do an update.  However, we have photos now convey how we are spending time in the relatively warmer climes of San Carlos, while family and friends are enduring frigid weather in Alberta and heavy masses of snow in Victoria.

What our house-sitter has to deal with (photo credit MLH)

Three weeks of January were spent in a more spacious, but less inviting rented casita near the San Carlos golf course.  The outstanding plumbing and electrical issues were finally addressed and we often enjoyed sitting by the pool under the large palapa, reading and sipping a beverage and discussing the day's progress.  A sweet semi-feral cat at times kept us company; she appeared to be attached to the complex and less timid than several other cats we spotted gathered by the dumpster outside the gate.  There are no shortage of 'events' to attend in this community, including the Rotary Club "Cow Plop Bingo" and volunteering for the 2nd annual Women's March against Violence.  That event coincided with the January 20th Super Blood Wolf Full Moon which had us staying up long past "cruisers' midnight" to admire and be awed by the incredible show.

Blood Full Moon with eclipse at start then almost complete

We were pleased to return to our earlier rental accommodations nearer the marina, in yet another of the six units, which has a spectacular view.  Of course, to complete the cycle, we were under the weather when we left and the "crud" was acting up again as we moved in.  However, waking up to inspiring sunrises or  flights of pelicans across the bay and sipping morning coffee with binoculars at the ready is a definite way to rest and recover.

Our morning panorama - a setting for variety of shore and sea birds 

A trip to the Sunday market in Empalme was long overdue.  When the weather cooperated at month end, we made the trek south of Guaymas.  The search for additional tropical shirts was challenging, but successful; fresh vegetables to complement those at the Saturday market in San Carlos were in abundance.  At last we located "the" place from which to buy shrimp at the entrance/exit to Empalme.  Half a kilo of the large azul camarones and half a kilo of the medium regular kind. We enjoyed showing Empalme to cruising friends Ann and Barry, who were readying S.V. Cat's Paw IV to cruise the Sea of Cortez, having completed their circumnavigation. Great to catch up with Bluewater Cruising Association members!  We rested up after our trek through the market stalls with delicious breakfast and lunch offerings at Cocina de Rita in the small community of San Jose de Guaymas.

View of village square and church in San Jose de Guaymas from Cocina de Rita

Camarones azul from Empalme

We do take time to be "tourists" as well.  After many years of construction, an impressive lookout on the way to Marina Real provides panoramic views to the far side of the Tetakawis and across to the south over the Sea of Cortez. 

View to the east of Tetakawis from Mirador Lookout

 

And at the marina seca??

Boat projects continued at various stages of progress throughout the month.  The Captain does intend to provide his commentary from a technical perspective as time permits.  He spent considerable time online searching for thru hull replacements, which did arrive in good time.  He then spent even more time arranging for the necessary marine grade sealant with which to install them.  The sealant is not available locally and cannot be shipped by air into Mexico.  By chance, a cruising friend had an Amazon Prime order being shipped to Tucson and we were able to add the sealant to his order.  In very reasonable time our small package arrived and the thru hull replacement could proceed.  Just one example of where the time goes when you undertake boat projects!