At Long Last - another post - February 20th

Just a few wires and cables to sort through

Where did January and much of February 2020 go??  Oh - boat projects of course!!

We have made several attempts to upload and edit photos and find a good internet connection to sit down to craft a few postings.  However boat projects and issues take priority with a focus on getting INTREPID II repaired and renewed and ready for cruising. So this post will be a summary of the past weeks with photos - we have not even used our proper cameras for weeks, so the phone pics unfortunately do not have as much clarity.

January 2020:  It was a treat to continue our stay at "Dorado" over Christmas and the New Year - 2020 - another benchmark!  Although a hit to our budget, with rental of a small condo and the marina slip, we could leave our tasks as is at the end of a boat project day and still have a comfortable abode to relax, cook and sleep. Another bonus - we continued to have the company of the 'condo cat' Lucky and he appreciated the attention and warm, dry spot to sleep when the weather was wet and cold.

Our Amigo Lucky - showing us the proper napping technique

However, once Christmas celebrations and decorations were tucked away, we focused on readying INTREPID II to live aboard, even though boat projects would continue.  Finding spots to sleep and cook were our goal, and on Friday, January 3rd we spent our first night onboard on dock B.  It had been quite some time!  Our slip is only 5 spots down from the ramp, so not too long a hike when carrying bags or bins. INTREPID II  is stern-to the dock to keep the Northers from blowing in to the cockpit and lets us see the comings and goings of neighbours - altogether more friendly.

Unfortunately, the "San Carlos crud" struck a few days later and the Admiral had several days and nights of misery and weeks of coughing.  The Captain had his share but fought off the worst of the incessant coughing.  (Now, in mid February, it seems another version is making its' rounds - fingers crossed.)  What a waste of time and energy!  Thankfully we know who to see and where to find the farmacia.  Mid January was no picnic for family in friends in Alberta and B.C.  - a deep freeze set in and snow fell at the estate.  We so appreciate our attentive house-sitter friend!  Although it is winter here, we are thankful for the milder temperatures and inspiring skies.

Sunset over Posada beach from El Mar

Tetakawis as backdrop to a San Carlos evening

Night sky from Palapa Griega 

Boat wise, the fridge and freezer were not staying cold or frozen as they should.  Days later, after calling in the "refrigerators only" Jesus and his assistant, we had a new thermostat and a circulating fan and all was mostly well.  Then it was time for the two 8D gel-cell batteries to protest.  The Captain removed the one which gave up the ghost from the mix. We borrowed a load tester from a neighbour and are hoping the remaining one, along with our solar panels, will be sufficient for this season's cruising.  The battery selection here is limited for marine purposes.

With the demise of our Furuno radar after the knock-down, new compatible instruments were required along with a new radar.  Kelly anticipated challenges during the installation process and he was not disappointed.  We now have an NMEA 2000 network which links wind, boat depth and speed and a gps chartplotter.  There are now fewer older wires and cables running through the boat and we anticipate a more streamlined system.   Days of crawling on the cabin sole, looking at the webs of cabling, sorting out the must keep ones and feeding through new cables and connectors is a tale best left for the Captain to tell.  Of course we needed items which were not anticipated when planning out the initial network.  Garmin came through; Fedex fell down somewhat at the delivery end, but we tracked down our cables at last.

And suddenly it was February - another post will follow. 

Gorgeous blooms to brighten the day - in January!

 And we are so pleased Betty Lou and David continue to keep Claire atop their bow pulpit - a fun and cheery addition to B Dock. (with permission)

Claire of Dock B

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.

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

HAPPY 2018!

Shadows and canyons

Only January 2nd, yet time is flying!  We hope this 2018 New Year is off to a very good start for everyone.  For all our family and friends in the truly Frozen North - you are amazingly stoic and resilient - weathering those frigid temperatures - even before the wind chill was factored in.  The temperature appears to be climbing upwards; fingers crossed for you all that the deep freeze is over for this winter.  The joy and excitement of birthdays, retirements, anniversaries and the challenges of health issues - we have you in our hearts and thoughts.

The INTREPID II crew enjoyed a quiet Christmas here in San Carlos.  The Community Christmas Luncheon was a treat and we are pleased we attended this fund raiser in support of Castaway Kids; specifically funds are being used to sponsor young people in university.  It was a chance to meet cruisers new to us and share our sea stories.

New Year's was intentionally low key, as it is at home.  Preparing our own chicken enchiladas, rice, beans and avocados and served with chilled white wine was an enjoyable way to see out 2017.

Home made enchiladas!

There was music coming from every direction, but surprisingly did not last far into the night as expected.  New Year's Day - we welcomed it with a tasty slice of quiche from Ruth & Rudy's Bakery and mimosas made with fresh squeezed orange juice and vino blanco expumosao Champbrule Brut, from Baja California.  Salud!


Boat projects continue, but at a slower pace than intended.  The mainsail was hauled on deck, then returned below as we puzzled over missing sheets and lines.  Things are mostly ready, but the winds tend to blow up inconveniently.  So on to the removal of hoses in the head, to be replaced with those we purchased in Portland.  Except as all boaters know, there is extremely limited access in the such a small closet-sized space!  Kelly has had to twist and turn, saw and drill, wrench and pry.  Today he located his hacksaw and is attempting to intimidate yet another stubborn hose.

Back at our rental casita, Carol has been hand-washing a variety of canvas and checking for needed repairs; it's lovely to have the sun and breeze take care of drying the fabric, lines and sail-ties.  The planned curtain replacement project is underway - so far, measuring and cutting and soon the Pfaff machine will be in use.

Our casita has fantastic views and local flora and fauna- the camera is always close at hand.

A sunbathing Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) surprised us recently.  We had spotted a pair crossing the road as well as in the nearby vacant lot.  Sibley's Guide indicates the birds "require open ground for running to capture preferred prey of lizards and snakes". Let's hope our pair are diligent about their responsibilities!

Roadrunner resting on wall

Cactus in nearby field

Plans?  We are hoping to extend our stay at the rental apartment until INTREPID II is actually liveaboard-ready, which could be another two weeks.  If we can negotiate a pro-rated rent based on the monthly fee, the additional amount will be more reasonable than moving to a motel or finding a storeroom for all the 'boat stuff' we have stowed to keep it out of the way.  We have moorage at Marina San Carlos until the end of January.  We are still hopeful there will be cruising on the horizon!

A special thanks to our house-sitter, Lorraine, who has had to deal with unanticipated adventures.  Thanks also to Bjarne and Barb who have agreed to bring down a much needed package - we look forward to seeing you shortly.