Sailing Encore

La Paz has been so relaxing. The sail from Mazatlan took well over 30 hours but it was smooth motor sailing for the most part and during the day there were dolphins, seals and jumping / spinning manta rays to entertain us.The night passed with naps and turns at watch at the helm under a partial moon sky. Very few ships on the radar and once the sun came up the navigational sights noted in the guide book proved true and easy to follow.

La Paz Marina is full of beautiful charter sail and motor boats and about a handful of cruisers journeying through. We have met people who have shared their travels up into the Sea of Cortez, giving us their favorites on anchorages and snorkeling sites. And from us they have learned about west and south travels that are next on their trip. The whole area of La Paz feels like Palm Springs set next to the ocean. Cactus and rocks xeroscape the land around the marina and town.

The people are very friendly and the town relaxed and easy to enjoy. Our marina provides a shuttle to town that we use almost daily. We walk along the Malecon and enjoy the statues and views.

La Paz was once famous for its natural pearls and had a thriving pearling industry from 1616 to 1940 when the oyster beds were destroyed by disease. There is the standard old catholic church- this one has interesting architecture built with various rocks from the area back in 1861 and still in use today. We walk along the colorful streets and shops and I count over 15 shoe stores- for some reason they are really into shoes in La Paz.

We visit the markets to re-provision the boat. I have found the most amazing bread and bakery shop with wonderful sourdough baguettes and the perfect scone!

And we visit the whale museum and learn more than I ever knew about whales!

Okay, raise your hand if you knew that the whale evolved from a land animal.Over 50 million years ago this wolf-sized animal- Pakicetus– went back into the water and over millions and millions of years evolved into our modern day cetaceans, a group made up of whales, porpoises, and dolphins. The museum had information on whales, sea turtles, dolphins and sharks.

Many species of whales migrate south to Mexico waters including Humpback, Grey, Sperm, Orca, and the largest- the Blue whale. We have been entertained by these giant creatures our whole trip. Also watched a video about the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate and how they have a transform boundary, with the Pacific plate moving northward with respect to the North American Plate. In essence, we could leave our boat at the La Paz Marina and eventually be back in Southern Cal.I loved the Whale museum and even got my first trip souvenir – a t-shirt! We have eaten at some great restaurants too. Vernon satisfied his fast food burger craving and I got some great sushi and tempura shrimp and vegetables. Fun change from fish tacos.

We have also been working on the boat. We created netting covers or screens for all the windows and hatches. Hopefully prevent mosquito attacks.

We fixed the awning to make it easier to put in place when we get to an anchorage. We changed out the headsail. Vernon changed the oil and filters on the engine and cleaned an electric winch. We cleaned topsides and down below. It didn’t all go great- the oil drain pump broke- $100 re-placement. And Vernon dropped his open pocket knife into his foot. Ouch. Dermabond closed that wound after a good cleansing.

Today we will set sail north into the Sea of Cortez for two weeks of island anchorages and snorkeling and hopefully some sweet sails and sunsets. There probably won’t be any Wi-Fi opportunity to post but I will take photos and notes and let you know how the adventure goes!

This video is for my granddaughter who loves fishes. It is of the fish right by the boat in the marina. Love You sweetheart!