Where has January gone?

We have just returned home to INTREPID II after a very enjoyable evening aboard SV Rosebud, with friends Linde, Ken and ship's dog, Roger. We were treated to good food, conversation and posed for pictures taken wearing Linde's favorite panama hat - a must for all her guests.  Thanks for the great time! 

Today was spent researching ways to replace our fluorescent light fixture and in downloading and editing more pictures from around La Paz, which led to us wondering how a month had gone by so quickly.  It has never been in our cruising budget to spend this much time in one place, at a dock.  We can see from our postings and photos that we have spent it very enjoyably for the most part; however, other anchorages await and we keep our fingers crossed that in the next few days all the loose ends will be tied up, the weather stays good and we can head out.

The sunsets continue to be fabulous.....

We discover new places to enjoy good food.  Most recently we stopped in at Rancho Viejo to have a cold drink and wait for a shuttle ride back to the marina.  This restaurant has been a La Paz favorite with cruisers and others for many years.

Ambiance

Especiales

Kelly found another piece of diving/fishing gear - a "Hawaiian sling"  - low tech spear gun which he hopes to use to provide us with dinner from time to time once we leave La Paz.

Another piece of diving equipment 

The past few days have been frustrating as far as Internet and phone connections go.  On Friday the TelCel phones and Internet connections were down throughout La Paz for some mysterious reason.  Although we never planned on being tied to communication systems, they are very important for staying in contact with family and friends,and we hope you understand when we can't always reply when we'd like.

Tomorrow is February 1st - banks are closed in lieu of February 5th - Mexican "constitution" celebrations.  Carnival is coming February 11 - 16th.  These celebrations are similar to Mardi Gras, we are told, with parades, music, midway rides and good food, as a prelude to Lent.

Canvas work is nearly complete

A brief update:  We are doing day to day activities - going to the market, dropping by for coffee, checking for mail at Club Cruceros, saying 'farewell' to friends we've made who are heading out to the islands or across to the mainland.  In between we are connecting with Danny of Pacific Threads, who is diligently working on our bimini and dodger and side curtains.

Canvas work in progress - looking great

If all goes well, we will have the finished canvas work for this Friday and we can actually head out ourselves for some sailing to the islands.

Henry on keyboards and vocals - Baja South Band 

We had fun at the Club Cruceros' beach party last Sunday, which had to be moved to the Papas and Beer restaurant and bar nearby due to strong winds.  Several friends chose to stay on their boats in the La Paz harbour to ensure all was well as the "waltz" was definitely taking place.  The "Baja South Band" was in great form. Our friend Henry plays keyboard and sings and it was a treat to finally hear him and the entire band perform live.

Kelly walked his feet off today in an effort to find parts to fix our large fluorescent light fixture above the dining table -- no success, so he'll continue the adventure tomorrow.  Carol attended a "Sisters acquiring sea skills ("SASS")" luncheon today for a presentation on recommended anchorages in the Sea of Cortez and came away with some good additional information to complement the various cruising books we have -- first hand experience is always helpful. 

We are getting more frequent winds from the south and bits of light rain - which is apparently signs of Spring, not winter, weather -- perhaps being an El Nino year is impacting the weather.  This could make for good sailing but not as good anchoring in the anchorages exposed to the south - we'll have to see for ourselves.