Adios to San Carlos and Homeward Bound

INTREPID II  in works yard awaiting further repairs to rigging and hull

Our 'cruising season' is coming to a close as we spend these last few days preparing INTREPID II for the fierce Sonoran summer sun and rain and wind and all those elemental forces. 

These have not been satisfying weeks as we discuss options with our assigned insurance adjuster; while personable and in contact, we are feeling less than supported to return our sailboat to her 'pre-Sergio' condition.  What we thought were practical, viable suggestions to transport her to the San Diego area, or even closer to home, for a concentrated, intense number of weeks to totally repair the damages was not given much consideration.  We do not want to lose another cruising season!

So - we have taken deep breaths and made plans for the Captain to drive us home and then in a very short turn-around, return to San Carlos with as many replacement parts as we can somehow afford after this very expensive few months. [As we mentioned, so far all costs are out of pocket as our 'named storm' deductible is 10% of hull value.]  Our focus currently is to ensure we have the correct forms and information to satisfy the Mexican Customs ("Aduana") people on our way out of the country and on Kelly's return with replacements.  Cruisers are allowed to bring back items duty free if all has been processed as required.  We will soon find out if the directions we have received from others are still valid as to where to stop and what information is required.  We are hopeful our 'best laid plans' to work with local riggers will result in the mast being raised once all the needed testing and installation of fittings, chain plates and wire is successfully accomplished.

We usually travel further on our first day homeward, but decided we should allow for much time at the border for Mexican customs procedures and for U.S. border delays.  Hotels have been booked along the way and we are crossing our fingers that all will fall in to place to arrive home well before the Easter rush on highways and ferries.  There will be no time for family visits, sadly, nor for short excursions into National Parks, as is our usual journey northward.

Likely this blog will be updated on our return home.  Thanks for all your interest and support and encouragement.

Time flies with much more to accomplish

San Carlos sunset - looking towards the source of the 2 a.m. "musica"

Today is Thursday, March 28th - how did that happen?

This will be a very brief update for various reasons - including an unexpected bout of vertigo for the Admiral, who thinks she is on the mend, slowly.

The INTREPID II CREW  have been busy on boat work, boat research, boat pondering and evaluating options.  We are still up in the air with less than 2 weeks to go before we leave for home as to whether we leave Intrepid II here in San Carlos in the works yard, with the mast laying beside it; or, if it would be much more practical to have her trucked to San Diego where we could get the remaining work done professionally and hopefully much more timely. That option is viable only if the insurance company determines it will cover the costs; our 'cruising kitty' has long since evaporated contributing to our insurance deductible, which is 10% of the hull value of INTREPID II.  We therefore have to develop at at least plans A, B and C for how to travel homeward, determined by weather, how we feel and if the boat will be moving at a later date.

Kelly working on stubborn mast fittings - a few to go yet

INTREPID II in works yard with mast alongside so we could remove rigging and inner cables

New location in works yard - on concrete (masts shown are from another boat)

Last Saturday the Admiral experienced a scary vertigo situation.  Five days later, she continues to have dizziness but not as drastic.  Amazingly we were able to visit the ear nose throat specialist we saw last year, as he made a special trip to his office for us.  No ladder climbing just yet to work on INTREPID II for a few days; lots of  'getting ready to leave' projects to accomplish at our condo.

And speaking of our usually tranquil and cozy rental situation, starting about three weekends ago, our condo complex, which has 3 of the 6 units occupied by long term folks like us, has had a revolving door of families arriving anywhere from Thursday on and staying until Monday morning.  San Carlos is a weekend resort destination for people from Cuidad Obregon and Hermosillo, which are only a two hours drive.  Unfortunately, our boat project focused routines and schedules do not match up very successfully with the party scene.  The small patio, bbq and pool areas are a popular draw for energetic visiting and activities long into the evening due to the impressive water view. We have some success in conversing with these visitors, some of whom have been returning for years.  Often we are treated to samples of food and appreciate the hospitable gestures. Infrequently, but recently, we had to endure a large, inconsiderate group who took advantage of the situation.  

Once again it is wedding season and San Carlos is a prime 'boda' destination, with wedding venues right across the bay, blasting competing music for all to 'enjoy'.  So I think some of our exhaustion is due to sleep deprivation as well as the stress and strain of making things happen and making decisions.

Whining is over  We focus on the tranquil days, wishing fellow cruisers well as they finally set sail or prepare to store their sailboats. The shore birds, the sunrises and sunsets, the people we have come to know who are heading homeward, all are positive experiences.

We continue to treat ourselves to lunch and dinner at  favorite restaurants once or twice a week.  Not all gloomy!

Cheery image from local restaurant (credit to artist)

The Admiral