February 2020 Update - so far

Continuing on from our January catch-up posting . . . .

We continue to stop by, either during our walks or when out on errands, at "Dorado" to spend time with our amigo Lucky.  He certainly does have folks keeping an eye on his food and water bowl but we miss his company and a few treats are usually in order.  We travel with a bit of cat food just in case his bowl is empty! 

I can see the bottom of my food bowl!

Several weeks ago, a young male kitten was "dropped off" nearby and he spent days crying and hiding behind a padlocked metal gate.  He apparently could squeeze out to check what was in Lucky's bowls and for some companionship and guests left water and food nearby.  We were concerned as well and made some attempts to see if a foster home was available, however, unlikely.  Happy ending so far - the owner of the rental condos provided a collar and arranged for neutering at the upcoming spay and neuter volunteer clinic and posted online to find "Dorado" a home.  We wish him a happy, safe, indoor life.

Lucky and his gatito amigo Dorado

Boat Projects:

Mountings from cutting board material for instruments

Perhaps the Captain will eventually find time to describe his efforts.  In the meantime, here are photos of the instrument mountings he designed and made out of cutting boards.  Another hole saw was needed and hand sawing to correct size, then mounting the pieces to the pedestal guard.  Then installing the wind and boat depth/speed instruments and connecting them, as well as the gps chartplotter, which is above the compass binnacle.  Voila - we now have navigation information at the helm again.

Instruments inserted and ready to go

Filling v-berth water tank requires taking bedding and cushions and all sorts of stuff off the berth to access the water storage below.  Our starboard water tank developed a leak we have been unable to locate, so it has been drained and that project is for another day!

V-berth location of forward water tank 

There are some compensations for all this effort!  We followed a nearby cruiser out towards Nacapule Canyon to the site of an in progress development on a large ranch, as he had offered to lend us a tool to help the Captain with yet another project.  It was a treat to take a break and explore a bit of the Sonoran desert environment, even if we were driving.

Following towards the home site location

The View - The Silence

Work in progress towards a home in the Sonoran desert

 We must find time to explore this spectacular environment.

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.

Visit to Cardon Catus Sanctuary - February 18

Cardon Cactus Sanctuary near San Jose de Guaymas, Sonora

As part of the tour itinerary offered by the owners of Rancho Pitahaya, the organic Dragon Fruit farm near San Jose de Guaymas, guests are led in a convoy of vehicles to a Cardon Cactus Sanctuary to walk amongst these giants and stand in awe. 

Pachycereud pringlei or Cardon cactus, is native to the Mexican states of Sonora, Baja California and Baja California Sur.  "Cardo" in Spanish refers to "thistle".  With reference to Wikipedia, we learned the Cardon is the tallest cactus species in the world.  It displays a large diameter trunk from which branches grow upward, but very slowly.  We were advised that the cacti we were viewing were hundreds of years of age in many cases.

Although referred to as a 'sanctuary', there are no fences nor means of protecting the plants; there were ATV and other vehicle tracks throughout our trek.  Our guide Greg took great pains to ensure we did not touch nor in any way disturb the site and we parked together and walked our way through the forest.  The afternoon was very overcast and grey which is reflected in the following photos.  The mood of the visitors was exited and impressed!  Join the tour!

Tour guide Greg in distance leading the way

Cardon Cactus sentinel

For a bit of scale - the Captain is 6'3"

 

Skeleton of an ancient Cardon

Nesting holes for desert birds

Close ups of lower trunk

Ocotilla flowers in bloom in Cardon Cactus Sanctuary