S/V INTREPID II - Cape Dory Intrepid 40

My photo
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. 2024 - well cruising plans certainly have been dashed the past few seasons!

February 21, 2019

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.
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