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.