As the first storm of the season passed the tip of Baja we made our way back to La Paz. With temperatures reaching 101F and only the slightest breeze to keep us comfortable we are spending our days preparing Pablo for the hurricane season. Working in the morning hours before the thermometer gage reads ‘sweltering’ and taking our siestas in the afternoon while hiding from the sun, A.K.A death ray. This is a task we never enjoy but a price gladly paid for the 3+ months of cruising in the Golfo de California. While this season has been strange and unusual due to the Corona virus situation it has served up some lovely memories just the same. We have named this season the “Year of the Dolphins” as we have had so many dolphin sightings this year. From the many pods who came by to visit while we sailed to the daily passes they made through our anchorages we have seen more this year than ever before. Although “Año de la Tortuga” was a close second because this year we had our most exciting turtle experience ever.

There is a place we love to anchor on Isla Carmen called Bahia Marquer. It’s loved for many reasons; the afternoon southeast breezes, the close proximity to Puerto Escondido for supplies, the fact that it’s an anchorage on an uninhabited island and yet we can get a cell signal. Really it has just about anything we could want including some nice snorkeling. We have always had some great snorkeling experiences here but this year we were gifted with our first ever sightings of sea turtles and dolphins while snorkeling. What a delight! Steve was able to get some video of the Olive Ridley sea turtle and I swear that a dolphin came by and waved hello to me as it swam past. It was a mind blowing, unforgettable day. 

We had another first this season as we traveled to the various anchorages around Isla Carmen. The island is a preserve for the Borrego Sheep and while we had a brief glimpse of a young sheep as he scurried away from us a few years ago we have not had the sightings that others have. However, this year while anchored on the north end of the island in an anchorage known as La Lancha we spotted a small herd of about 10 sheep on an outcropping of rocks overlooking the boats below. The picturesque males standing solid above their herd while mothers and young ones lounged around the rocks was beautiful. 

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There were many opportunities for hikes and land excursions. We scaled rocks and traversed ravines always looking for the next interesting creature or plant and this year we spotted quite a few lizards we had never noticed previously. We spent time in rainbow colored sea caves, we swam, watched fish from the cockpit as Pablo became her own ecosystem when we stayed in one spot for more than a few days. Really, it was a good sailing season.

We are grateful that we have been so free and wild for so long. I dare say spoiled. We had gatherings with friends because we were all in the same social bubble being isolated out in remote anchorages. We celebrated two birthdays, shared meals, and helped each other through the weird stuff. Having regular conversations sorting through rumors vs facts, what are we aloud to do, where do we get supplies and how to interpret having the Mexican Navy stop by on occasion to let us all know we must “stay in our homes”. There were definitely some strange days to go with the good ones.

We are now heading up to the USA, although this year we will not be driving our motorhome. After much thought and consideration we have decided to fly. The big plan is to fly directly from San Jose del Cabo to San Jose California where Steve’s son Donald will leave our car for us. We will collect the car and then head to a house in Sebastopol, CA where we will stay for the months of August and September. From there? Who knows? Like the rest of the world we will have to wait and see what comes next. 

But truly, we are ready for some family time, albeit at a socially distanced safe space and we really are ready for rest. People think we are living a vacation, but boat life takes its toll on the body and these bodies need a break.

Love, hugs, and blessings to all of you!