Shoving off for the Sea of Cortez

[Chinook]

I've been working on the boat since late fall, getting her prepped for our spring cruise on the Sea of Cortez. Projects included adding solar vents, solar panel, increased water capacity, steering unit replacement, refrigerator installation, and a bunch of small improvements and upgrades. It's finally time to stop working on the boat and start sailing her.

The truck is hitched up, and we pull out in the morning. We'll spend a week on the trip south, visiting family along the way. We will cross the border at Nogales, and put in at San Carlos, around March 19. Weather permitting, we'll do an overnight crossing to Baja under the first full moon of spring, arriving at Santa Rosalia in time to celebrate Easter there. From there, our plan is to work our way south, hopefully as far as La Paz, before turning around for the return trip. We expect to return to San Carlos around the 15th of May.

Not too many internet opportunities along the way, but we'll try to post updates on this site when possible.

Stay tuned, Chinook

[Québec 1]

Bon voyage

[Jim Bunnell]

Have a great trip! Post details when you get back if you can't as you go, please.

Jim

[baldbaby2000]

Have a great trip. I was trying to plan a trip for April but don't I can pull it off. A friend of mine and his wife who have a motor boat, and the Admiral and I were talking about the options. Just a couple days ago we were talking about what you're planning: putting in at San Carlos and crossing over to the Baja. I hadn't thought of doing it at night. One of the main things we're trying to determine is the availability of gas. I don't think we'd get as far as La Paz but I'm still looking forward to how your trip goes.

[Chinook]

One last check in before pulling out. Tuscon Sailing Club members do fall and spring group sailing trips on Sea of Cortez, and they make their crossings at night, when wind and sea conditions out toward the middle are more settled. Also, it can get gusty and rough near the Baja shore in afternoon, so a morning arrival is a better strategy. Fuel is available at Santa Rosalia, Mulege, Loreto/Puerto Escondido, and La Paz. We'll probably buy gas at all those places, and will average about 130 miles between fuel stops. We're carrying 40 gallons total, and I figure to have better than 200 miles of motoring range at 6 knots. I'll post when the opportunity allows.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Have a great, safe, fun trip

[Night Sailor]

I'm sure we all wish you a safe and very pleasant voyage filled with beauty and peace of mind, and memories for a life time.

And we hope like heck that you can get it all down in a log to share with us in detail on your website some day after you get back!

[jaguar496]

Alice and I can only SECOND all the well wishes, and we pray your wonderful journey is always safe. "THE RESTLESS TWO" (STEW)

[Chinook]

First leg of the drive went well. We're in Klamath Falls OR visiting my sister and brother in law. Good road conditions, and I got 14 mpg with the diesel truck. We'll continue south tomorrow, with an early stop at a niece's home near Sacramento. So far, have only thought of two pieces of gear I forgot to pack. However, they are rather critical to meal and recreation plans. I left the gaff and landing net home. I'll be purchasing replacements for the trip. Then I'll have to figure out what to do with a spare gaff and net.

[dennisneal]

Godspeed, Fair Winds, and a Safe Return!

[Chinook]

Road trip has brought us as far as the Phoenix area, but not without incidents. Freeways just north of LA are in terrible shape. Broken concrete sections really jolted us , and managed to break a weld on one of the trailer fenders (I had the tiedown strap hooked to the fender bracket - after the fact I've learned that's a bad idea - better to hook on the frame). I made it to my folks place, installed an aluminum angle bracket brace, but it broke again on the way to Phoenix and I lost the whole fender. I've installed another bracket which holds a flap (rather classy look if I do say so) , and that will have to do for now. Also picked up a nice rock ding, which I'm told is standard for driving on Arizona highways. Got it fixed here in Chandler. We're laying over for a day here with family (nothing on the trailer likely to break while it's parked in their driveway). We plan on crossing the border on Monday. Wish us luck with the paperwork.

More later, Mike and Sandy - Chinook

[richandlori]

If the roads North of LA are "rough" wait unitl you cross the line

Take care!

Rich
S/V THIRD DAY

[Divecoz]

Road trip has brought us as far as the Phoenix area, but not without incidents. Freeways just north of LA are in terrible shape. Broken concrete sections really jolted us , and managed to break a weld on one of the trailer fenders (I had the tiedown strap hooked to the fender bracket - after the fact I've learned that's a bad idea - better to hook on the frame). I made it to my folks place, installed an aluminum angle bracket brace, but it broke again on the way to Phoenix and I lost the whole fender. I've installed another bracket which holds a flap (rather classy look if I do say so) , and that will have to do for now. Also picked up a nice rock ding, which I'm told is standard for driving on Arizona highways. Got it fixed here in Chandler. We're laying over for a day here with family (nothing on the trailer likely to break while it's parked in their driveway). We plan on crossing the border on Monday. Wish us luck with the paperwork.
More later, Mike and Sandy - Chinook

Paper work should go fine be early . .
Roads are roads . I have driven all over America , for not being a Truck Driver and What's good here today may be crap next year. Mexico roads are much the same. You'll be on from what we are hearing to be some pretty decent roads.. Most often its only the Quota roads that are dare drivable but its getting better.
Fuel in Mexico can be crappy..Carry a good fuel cleaner water absorber.
Dont if you can help it . . .gas up in small towns and NEVER NEVER when you see a truck dropping fuel...
Be thankful its going to be a short quick trip on one road and a straight shot. Once its all done you'll look back and say Piece Of Cake.
PS
Have 3 color copies of every piece of paper and I D your carrying. tucked away.

[Chinook]

Hi Dive,

Thanks for the advice. We'll do our best to follow. Just got back from the grocery store here in Chandler AZ. My Hispanic brother in law took us on a tour of the store, with emphasis on the produce, bakery and meat departments. I think we'll be leaving some of our packed provisions behind, and relying more on local foods. We should eat well.

[richandlori]

We should eat well.

Yes you will! Part of the fun for us while in Baja was going to the market and using 100% local foods for meals. The kids liked it...and we had great meals, and learned quite a bit about the local culture.

For some reason people get into the mindset that people don't eat in other countries and tend to bring too much food with them...heck...we did. We enjoyed buying from the smaller tienda's and supporting the smaller towns people which can really use the support and are some of the nicest people you will ever meet.

Be sure to give us updates about your trip...because we love to hear them.

Regards


Rich
S/V THIRD DAY