Author: sailawaysarantium

I’ve only done this once before, on a boat, so let’s see if I remember how to! My old Volvo was easy!

Tomorrow, I’ll tackle the impeller, which will be a first for me! Any suggestions?

I woke up this morning and decided to go for a walk before the wind picked up! The trail turned out to be a meandering path through cacti and boulders up an old riverbed!

After the morning walk, Sarantium sailed out of Ensenada Grande and right away was sailing at 7.5 knots! We kept the wind on broad reach for two hours and then gibed. Sarantium pointed straight into La Paz and after four hours we dropped the sails and motored into the long channel until we dropped anchor. What a day on the water. Today might have been the best sail EVER!

Now it is time to reprovision and get ready to explore the rest of Baja and Sea of Cortez, before hauling out in Gyaumus on February 24th. I am starting to feel like I am running out of time as the winds will be on our nose, sailing north from here. It is only about 100 nmiles to Loretto from here, however the northwest winds will be strong and by the time we get there we will have sailed 400 nmiles probably. We might have to leave earlier than planned to make our haul out date. After, haul out on February 24th, we continue to sail south towards Mazatlan and PV. From PV we sail to French Polynesia!

Waking up this morning to a large vessel lowering their anchor and zodiacs. Google tells me “this vessel belongs to the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet. And “this fully stabilized, nimble vessel was designed to meet the precise needs of our expeditions and features the latest satellite and navigation technology, reinforced Zodiacs, a mudroom, and a superior viewing experience on decks and in common areas. The ship comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 spacious outside cabins.”

Further, “National Geographic Venture traces the coast of North America, bringing Guests to Alaska and British Columbia in the summer, before heading south in the winter to navigate Baja California and the Gulf of California, as well as Costa Rica and Panama. The ship is designed to navigate narrow inlets and wildlife-rich passageways inaccessible to larger ships.”

My guess is that they’re are here for the Blue Footed Boobies that nest here on the island and that can be seen on the walls of the mountain by the mountains. Today I will venture out to find these beauties.

Why do they have blue feet?

The blue pigment indicates that they are healthy. It is apparently from the nutrients that they consume. The bluer the feet the healthier the bird. The carotenoid pigments that they receive from their diet which appears blue on their feet. Also, the blue-footed booby name originates from the Spanish word “bobo,” which means silly or foolish. These birds “tend to have a lack of regard for possible danger, making them vulnerable at times.”

Now, I will need to go and find them! Coffee first!

I keep pinching myself! No plans, nowhere to go, no timeframe… just a bottle of champagne 🍾🥂🍾🥂🍾

Sunrise, coffee, stand up paddle, yoga on the beach, walk and silence… No wind, snorkel and whatever the day brings…