Monday musings - February 19

Monday musings....all weekend as we dutifully followed our schedule of medications, we considered what the coming weeks have in store for INTREPID II.  There is only so much flexibility that can be built into a cruising season and we didn't allow for as much 'under the weather' time. The "San Carlos crud" we referred to earlier was actually more serious for the Captain and understandably has meant less energetic efforts on the boat.  Progress is being made of course, but the weeks slide by; cruising is still our hope, even for a few short weeks.  Stay tuned.

In the meantime, we made a second visit to the nearby Estero de Soldado on Saturday afternoon, as we had read in the local birding report of sightings of Roseate Spoonbills.  A bird we had never observed.  There are several 'off the road' tracks near the estuary and one led us to a gap in the vegetation, where we stopped and parked.  The first birds we spotted were not far away and not of the delicate, rosy variety.  A pair of Black Vultures ( Coragyps atratus) were standing quietly by observing.  The field guide mentions the 'wrinkled grey' neck and all blackish colouration of feathers with silvery patches on the wingtips.  Very conservative and still.

Black Vulture pair (Coragyps atratus)

Closer to the water we were enthused to view a pair of what had to be Roseate Spoonbills (Platalea ajaja) feeding in the shallows, although they were at a distance.  These wading birds nest and roost in low trees and forage by walking slowly, sweeping their bills from side to side to capture fish and invertebrates.  The 'spoon-shaped' bill is indeed distinctive when raised out of the water.  Based on our Sibley's guide we assume we were seeing 2nd year birds, as they were missing a distinctive reddish section to their plumage.  

Roseate Spoonbills ( Platalea ajaja)

Even from a distance, we were able to spot several other residents of the estuary and check our findings in the field guide.  Our 'best guess' is attached to each.

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

Mid January Musings

Hola!  Time flies when boat projects become more challenging and complex and require extending stays in rental accommodations.  Here is a quick summary of how the days have unfolded since the New Year.

The Captain may eventually find time to reflect and comment on the efforts he has put in to replace hoses and valves and clamps.  To wait patiently - sort of - for yet more parts to make their way to Mexico, then through Customs and on to San Carlos.  To track down parts manufacturers only to be told "oh - we haven't updated that drawing for years - it doesn't match the part you have".  It is now January 13th and we are at times concerned that we won't have a home either on land or onboard at month end.  The property rental office is sending clients to view our apartment.  The marina states it is high season and slips are in high demand.  The pressure is on!

The Admiral is pleased with her efforts at designing and sewing ten new pairs of curtains for INTREPID II; six are now complete.  There is also a large bolt of Sunbrella fabric propped in the corner awaiting efforts to turn it into covers for much of our exterior teak.  However, a stuffy head and persistent cough are not the ideal conditions to work with in sketching out the most efficient use of pricey fabric.  Hoping that soon we will both feel much more energized and inspired.

We do relish the much better weather here in San Carlos and wish for improved temperatures for everyone 'back home'.  The sunrises and sunsets are consistently beautiful and inspiring, our current neighbourhood has its share of visitors and we do take breaks to enjoy the surroundings.

Sunrise view from De Anza 

Local herd of cattle foraging through empty lots

Colour in January

Yesterday it was time for a treat, so late afternoon saw us driving to Thrifty's for ice cream, then on to the Estero el Soldado (the Soldier's Estuary).  This nature sanctuary is located near the highway leading in to San Carlos, off the Boulevard Escenico.  This area was established in 2006 in an effort to ensure protection of the flora and fauna, while allowing visitors to walk or kayak to observe. The coastal lagoon is 180 acres adjacent to San Francisco Bay beach, and we accessed it near Condominios Pilar.  There is also a Visitor's Office off the road leading to the Delfinario on the way to Miramar.

Estero El Soldado 

Lagoon at low tide

Mangroves surrounding esturary

There were few birds in the lagoon, but we relished the peacefulness and quiet.  A walk along the beach at dusk added to our relaxation before heading 'home' for the evening.

Cactus with Tetakawis in far distance

Sending out shoots along the sand

Gull on San Francisco beach

Waves roll in