First Solo Crossing

We did it! Add another notch in our adventure belt! Our first solo crossing across the middle section of the Sea of Cortez from San Carlos to Santa Rosalia! 80 miles. We had originally planned to cross with another boat and we both made our departure from San Carlos at 10pm on April 2nd. Unfortunately five miles into our trip our buddy boat had engine trouble and had to head back to San Carlos. Knowing they would be alright, we ventured on with stars above and the moon a few nights from being full which provided an incredible amount of light during our night crossing. The crossing went well. As usual not much wind so we were motoring with the aid of our auto pilot. Poncha and I each took turns resting in the cabin while the other was on watch. Needless to say neither of us got much sleep, however we quickly learned even to lay down was a good way to rejuvenate. The experience of being in the middle of the sea with no other boats around was very peaceful. It did help that the seas were calm and overall a great first crossing! If only someone took a pic! 

Prior to leaving we provisioned for a few days which equates to stocking Jade full of the necessities…food, wine, beer and of course ice.

Upon our arrival in Santa Rosalia we were both more than a bit tired, exhilarated but leaning more towards exhausted. However, we did not allow exhaustion to kick in until we were safely in the marina and docked at a slip. As we approached the marina the winds kicked up and the seas were rough. With Poncha at the tiller she turned us into the wind to allow me to bring down the main sail. This was an incredible feat due to the winds, sea swells and current. I was at the mast lowering the main sail and Poncha would yell "HOLD ON! HOLD ON!" With her caring command, I would wrap my arms around the boom until the big wave passed. Well, they didn't go away they just kept coming and Poncha kept yelling "HOLD ON! HOLD ON!" and I kept doing just so and managed to get the main sail down and secure. We then headed into the marina praying the waters would be calmer than what we were experiencing. Jade was teeter tottering so much when we were taking the sail down that our bowsprit which is six feel above water was dipping into the water and then she would bounce up and the stern would dip close to the water. It was *@#%ing incredible! Later we would learn other boaters were witness to our phenomenal rocking and rolling!

As we turned the corner into Santa Rosalia's marina the water was instantly calm and the protection from the wind was welcomed. Poncha easily guided our girl, Jade, into a slip and we were greeted by numerous other cruisers. 

We stayed a few days in Santa Rosalia. A very lovely Mexican town. Everything was easily accessible by walking. The town has two lovely plazas, restaurants, and incredible bakery and an amazing cemetery. In the 1800's and early 1900's the French operated copper mines which are now closed, however the relics of such are still present. The Japanese also had a presence in Santa Rosalia for a stint as can be told by a gazebo with ornate light fixtures.

We enjoyed a local visitor. This beauty stood four feet tall! 

We also enjoyed the view from Jade. An evening hangout for the pelicans.

We enjoyed a walk around the marina which is man made. Last year Hurricane Odeal destroyed one of the marinas and caused damage to other areas as seen in some of the pics.

There were also some sights that caught our attention due to their beauty like this old brick wall.

At the entrance to the marina we discovered a shrine that protects the marina and all who enter and exit.

A few of our sights as we walked through the town. An old mine entrance and a shrine marking the trail to the cemetery. 

  

We enjoyed a long walk which took us up to the cemetery on top of the hill. The cemetery went on for miles. An array of tombstones lined the hill.

 

 

Some very ornate.

 

Some very simple without even a name.

 

We happened to be walking around when we noticed numerous mounds of rocks and these mounds were in close proximity to one another. We soon realized we were looking at unmarked graves. No crosses. No names. Just rocks. Humbling.

The oldest tombstone we located which was marked was for a gentleman born in 1876 and passed away in 1942.

On Easter we gathered with 20 other cursers and enjoyed a potluck. The next day we departed and head off to Punta Chivata 23 miles away which took us 4.5 hours. By now we are getting pretty comfortable with anchoring. It still causes us to be vigilant and aware however some of the crazed feelings over anchoring are subsiding.

We splurged big time and enjoyed two bottles of mind-blowing beer from Dia De Los Muertos Brewery. An amber and an IPA!

Damn delicious and a great way to relax at a new anchorage with a lovely sunset.

The next day we set our sights on Conception Bay which would be our destination for a few days.