Baja CS, Mexico

So, what’s it like here while most everyone suffers through either blistering winter conditions in central canada or the mild wet coast?  I guess it’s summarised in one word – wonderful.  Daytime temperatures hover around 25 while nights drop to mid teens – a little cool but then we get to keep the comforter on the bed for another few months before putting it away for a number of years to be hopefully pulled out somewhere in South Africa.  A few years away, I know.

We cruised up the east coast of the Baja north from Cabo San Lucas and are now residing here in La Paz.  Stops on the way north included San Jose Del Cabo, Los Frailes

Los Frailes, Baja

and Los Muertos.

Walking the landscape of Los Muertos

Sailing up the east coast of the Baja is always a challenge at this time of the year as the winds are predominantly north, north-east or north north-east sometimes reaching upwards of 30 knots.  Sailing upwind against these winds presents lots of challenges and results in lots of water over the bow not to mention frayed nerves, frustration as wind shifts occur and one loses all that one has gained in a short tack.  Anchorages in these winds feel like you’re holding on with your fingernails and in Los Muertos the wind blew off the land for 3 days at 25 knots covering the boat in the fine gritty sand and dust.  Made us feel like we were sailing up the Red Sea in a sand storm.

Finally we reached La Paz.  The last time we were here was in 1983 when all the boats were at anchor.  Now there are 4 major marinas complete with haul out facilities, boatyards and marine supply stores.  We’re currently tied to the dock for a week and enjoying hot showers, running water, electricity and a chance to clean the boat from the grit that embedded itself in every imaginable place on the boat.

Marina La Paz

La Paz remains small and hasn’t lost it’s mexican feel.  The outskirts are growing along with extensive developments in various stages of completion that include very expensive homes overlooking the seascapes.  We love the town and are looking forward to carnival from March 8th – 11th., learning a little spanish at CCIC and taking in a few land based trips to places such as Todos Santos.

Next in our lives are visitors.  We’re looking forward to showing a number of people around La Paz and heading out to the islands for hiking, fishing, windsurfing and relaxing.  More later….