Anchorages in review - Los Gatos (April 9 - 10)

Distinctive red rocks of Los Gatos

Easter Monday:  up and about, checking in to both the Sonrisa ham radio net and the single side band Amigo net.  Geary's weather update wasn't coming in too clear as we prepared to haul anchor and bid adios to San Evaristo.  Engine on at 08:05 and we were underway by 08:20, calling Bill and Linda on the VHF to say adios and wish each other "fair winds".  Our vessels were  headed in opposite directions for now.  The anchor and windlass had worked well, but Kelly was beginning to think the repainting of the anchor chain at various depth intervals was contributing to the problem of the windlass 'tooth' catching.  Perhaps the paint was being flaked off and sticking?

San Jose Channel had a slight swell running southward as we turned left and northbound, with either Timbabichie or Los Gatos as our destination, 26 and 28 nms respectively.  The winds were forecast as NW 6 - 7 knots, but we had light SSE winds most of the way.   That meant motor sailing to keep our progress at 5 knots.  Dolphins passed us heading south.   As we headed in to check out the Timbabichie anchorage about 13:00 hours we enjoyed the company of a few more.  This anchorage is more exposed and open to the east and south east; as as the winds had been "easting", we chose to continue the remaining few miles to Los Gatos.  

Timbabichie - open to the east and south 

Dolphins passing by

We prepared to drop the main and head into this anchorage, which was surprisingly empty.  A sailboat which had been well to our starboard and seemingly headed up the channel, was now changing tack and headed straight towards us.  Strange tactics to employ, as it was obvious we were in the midst of dropping sails.  Did they suddenly decide they wanted first pick of the spots?  Did they want to anchor right on Shawn and Heather's recommended way-point?  In any case, we picked up the pace, secured the main and spun back around to head towards the mid point of the anchorage. Los Gatos has a fairly long and usually submerged reef extending north from Punta Botella on the south side, as well as one further in which separates the southern part of this bay into two lobes.  The rocks were now the distinctive red that warmed up the surroundings and set off the blue of the water and the sparse green vegetation. 

Looking northward with campers on beach and sailboat at anchor

View southwest across sandy beach

We were second-guessing the winds at this point.  Would they continue with a south - southwest flavour?  We decided they would and dropped the hook in the prime spot just east of the red rocks which jut out from the western shore.  Anchor down at 13:40, facing ESE by the time it set.  We will wait and see how things unfold.  That curiously acting vessel continued in to the anchorage, checked out the campers on the north beach, then headed back out and north.  Eventually two other sailboats arrived, choosing the northern side as well.  Perhaps their weather crystal ball had received an updated weather fax?  The vagaries of choosing a suitable anchorage add to the adventure.

The day was becoming hot!  80 degrees F as we put up our sunshades; the water was actually 72 degrees F, the warmest we'd had so far.  It was so tempting to jump in to cool off.  A lazy afternoon, a treat to relax and enjoy the distinctive scenery and contemplate the upcoming days of our trip.  We were only here for one night.  The lethargy that set in decided us to admire, rather than hike the surrounding rocks and shoreline.  On our first visit, we had joined friends on the shore and climbed the smooth faced rocks and walked the extensive beach.

Cattle at the shore - we wondered if they actually drank the salt water?

We did feel the refracted swell which cruising books advise is common here; again our flopper -stoppers smoothed out the motion.  As dusk fell we spotted small 'fins' poking out of the water off our stern;  our thoughts were they might be either small dogfish, or the tips of small rays.  By the time the sun had set and we were settling in for the night, we decided we'd picked the better side of the anchorage.  Our neighbours to the north were rolling considerably more.  Sometimes you get it right!

Anchorages in review - San Evaristo (April 6 - 9) Semana Santa

Augustine, Kelly and Linda and Bill (SV Tanque de Tiberon)

Good Friday morning: blue skies, mares tails and wispies overhead and ripples in the water from the breezy night.  Our south side anchorage has served us well, along with the flopper stoppers, as the wind did blow from the south as forecast.  While eating breakfast, we noticed that SVs Dune, Mood Indigo and Otter had hauled anchor already and headed out; we were not in a rush as San Evaristo was our destination to spend the Easter weekend - 9 nm across the San Jose Channel.  We knew it might be crowded but had bypassed it on the way down.

Our engine was on at 09:53, the main was up. Kelly went forward to raise the 110 feet of anchor chain.  This was taking much longer than usual, even allowing for his routine of every 10 feet or so tapping down the chain in the anchor locker to ensure it flaked smoothly.  The windlass 'tooth' was catching on the chain periodically; a new issue.  He finally manually hauled in the remaining feet and we headed out dead slow into the channel as he worked on the windlass.  A compensating treat along the way - a splashing ray!  Never enough time to grab the camera for these fellows.

We motored up the channel with no wind and light south swell.  Bill on Tanque de Tiberon replied from San Evaristo to our VHF call. He advised the anchorage was crowded, but there was room to squeeze in.  By noon we were scoping out a spot, but after two tries near T/T and not finding good holding, we anchored further south in 20 feet where the sand was clear of seaweed.  (24 degrees 54.506 N, 110 degrees 42.389 W).  Eight boats stretched out along the shore north to south. It was indeed crowded.  SV Marionetto had chosen the north lobe and seemed to be secure there; we don't trust the steep drop-off located there when a norther blows.

A very crowded anchorage - looking north

This was another enjoyable visit; San Evaristo is a welcoming place for us.  We joined Bill and Linda for dinner at Cipriana's later in the day; thanks to Charlotte of SV Willful Simplicity for making our 'reservations' with the engaging Cipriana.  The new cantina is still 'in progress', so we sat under the old palapa and watched the catch of the day being cleaned and filleted for our dinner.

Catch of the day being cleaned

Cipriana's - new cantina in progress behind current palapa on beach

Waiting for dinner at Cipriana's

Glad to be back in San Evaristo

Water is warm enough for some!

The village was more active than we'd seen in the past, being Semana Santa - Easter Week.  Families returned to visit; children played on the beach and in the water (although we cruisers felt it was still pretty brisk!); dogs frolicked; the goats bleated and pangas took visitors on tours.  Lively and celebratory.  Our amigo Augustine, whose daughter Cipriana appears to have taken a more active role in running the cantina, came by to welcome us and assure us all was well.  He delights in his grandchildren and had a big smile on his face as he zoomed around on jet ski giving them rides. What would an quiet anchorage be without a jet ski?  It apparently belongs to the actual 'owner' of the cantina property and provided much amusement for all the families.

Jet ski rides for everyone

The northers did blow as forecast.  We spent much of Saturday onboard, foregoing a visit on T/Tiburon to ensure we were at hand if the anchor chose to drag in such close quarters.  The evening brought the sound of church bells chiming for the procession to the church. It would have been a windy and very cool climb up the hill.  Sounds of a more party-type celebration came from the north side of the beach; something for everyone.  The full moon was rising well after 'cruisers' midnight', but we caught a glimpse of it rising during one of our anchor checks.

Full moon rising - almost Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday: bright and beautiful!  W celebrated with an Easter brunch of pancakes. By early afternoon it was calm enough to go ashore to hike south of the village.  We were accompanied by our 'critters':  Jabber the parrot has been with us on all our cruises and Jester the clown fish came along for the adventure this season.  Finishing up our thirsty journey back at the cantina, we met with Tom and Jeanne  of SV Eagle,  who were taking pictures of all the activities.  Jeanne had been taking local family pictures as well and presenting copies back to the pleased villagers.

Short climb behind village

View over San Jose Channel

View over San Evaristo village

Jester and Jabber - where's the beach??

That was a thirsty hike!

Happy Hour took place on Tanque de Tiberon with the two Captains comparing notes on windlass issues, while the Admirals shared stories about stowing gear and provisioning.  Back onboard it was tme to prepare for moving on and sending messages back to family and friends via Winlink.  Life is good.