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| Engine Being Installed |
On April 5, we heard our new diesel fire up for the first
time—something like hearing a new born baby’s first cry, I suppose. It took a
week and a half to fashion the motor mounts, change out the raw water-cooling
hoses, invent a way to connect the exhaust, hook up the fuel lines, and attach
the control panel. It was Mexican inventiveness at its best, but in the end it
all worked. As we write this, we have had 85 flawless hours listening to our engine
purr along when the breeze is contrary or too light for sailing. Sweet!
As we were settling back into the cruising life at La Cruz
(just north of Puerto Vallarta), our
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| Birthday Girl |
sailing friends Brent and Jill (from Queen
Anne in Seattle) aboard Cayuse came by to get the blow by blow of the engine
story. Along the way they mentioned that day, April 11, was Brent’s
birthday—and we replied that it was Lynne’s birthday! So, we went out together
and splurged on dinner at Masala’s. the best and only fine dining in La Cruz.
Great salads, outrageously tasty filet’s, coffee flambé’ and then a super
special flaming desert of ice cream pie. Feliz Cumpleanos, Brent and Lynne!!
As we write this post, we are anchored at Bahia Ballandra,
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| Surprise! |
just
north of La Paz and are beginning our journey through the Sea of Cortes islands.
In some ways, these are the Mexican equivalent of our Desolation Sound—beautiful
scenery, good protected anchorages, and reasonable distances between stops. Then
throw in 80° water, blue skies, and the hospitable Mexican culture. We always
enjoy our Northwest sailing, but this Mexican cruising has an allure all of its
own.
Two days ago, we put down a deposit for a spot aboard a
ship to send Schatzi back to the Northwest in June the civilized way. The trip
north by a small boat can be treacherous, what with a south setting swell, current,
and prevailing breeze. We will set up Schatzi for the transit at the end of May,
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| Bahia Balandra |
and then fly to San Carlos to get our Xterra and trailer out of storage and
head north. We should be back in Seattle in mid-June, and Schatzi should arrive
in Victoria some time about July 1. As this all comes together, we will send you
another post and let you know how our swansong Sea of Cortes cruise goes and
how the return plans are falling into place, We look forward to seeking all of
you as we swallow the anchor and pull to a close our five year sailing odyssey.
Roger, Lynne, and Salty
You can reach us at 206-755-4193 or email rdwerner47@gmail.com. And if you are so inclined, you can leave a
comment at the end of this post.
