Year 6
1999 - 2000
October ‘99
October of ‘99 is short and sweet with a brief recap of the summer highlights and an update of the extensive repair work being done on the keel of our Wandrin’ Star.
*Additional notes may appear in italics after my mom’s initial journal entries.
A ladybug means you should check the comments at the bottom of the page to see what Mom has chimed in on after reading these!
October 3, 1999
Lakeside, Az
I’m so bad here in the States about keeping up with this.
Peggy and Caleb’s wedding on June 9th was very nice. She did most of the planning and everything herself.
We found a house – 3 bedroom, huge house over in “Webbville”. It’s basically a new house, 10 years old, but never lived in. We are painting, among other fix-it jobs. It was awful outside when we moved in – now it’s really nice.
It rained nearly every day from July 1st to Sept 20th or so. It is real green and pretty, but thank god it’s sunny now.
John found lots of paying side-jobs painting houses, so he was gone most all weekends and evenings.
Danielle came up quite a bit. Chelle and Rick are expecting in April. Shine is still in Clay Springs and working in Lakeside for Pepsi. Peggy and Caleb bought Sam and Rane Jones’ old house in Show Low (they moved to Pima).
John put new tires and heavy-duty shocks on the van.
I worked in operations with Jim Watson this summer while Carol Heidt had back surgery. Nice change.
We bought a laptop computer and have the internet at the house. John turned into an internet junkie, looking up different things. Samie emails Megan, Angela and Tiffany a lot. If I can ever find it available, I’ll get on.
Arne and Janice, Renegade, got married on September 24th – after 6 years or so together.
Even with all the rain, I managed to keep a little tan.
I made new curtains for the boat. Really nice.
We found out we do have some major problems with the boat bottom – the keel was full of water. More about that when we get down there and know what it really is.
*That house has been vacant almost as much as it has been lived in! My parents live down the street from it now and it is vacant again. After we moved out of it, Danielle, Ben and their 3 boys moved into it for a few years before they went on to build their own house. Since then, I think there have been two other tenants. I can’t help but wonder what it is about that house that it is vacant so often? It is a simple house with quite a large yard, but the yard can easily get overgrown if not tended to, maybe that’s something that drives people away. Who knows!
Remember the days of one shared family computer and one phone line that was tied up as long as anyone was online!? And don’t forget that dial-up tone!
October 15, Friday
Last day of work again for another 7 months. Well, work in the 8 to 5 world, anyway.
October 16, Saturday
We loaded up the van, winterized the house and left Show Low around 10 am. Spent the night and John and Maryann’s.
October 17, Sunday
San Carlos
We left the States and crossed the border and 21 km – (green light and only 30 minutes total, VISAS and all). It was 2 pm when we got in to San Carlos. We stayed 2 nights at the Pink Palace. Before renting a house from Hilda for $500 for the month. That’s what it looks like for getting the boat fixed and back in the water.
October 28, Thursday
We have been in this 2-bedroom house for a week now. It’s an ok little house. It just needs emptied out and sprayed with a high-pressure hose. But it has furniture and beds and kitchen things.
John goes down every day to watch the workers grind away more of our boat bottom. They took the rudder off and fixed all of that area – building it back up with layers of fiberglass and resin. Most of the back keel is down to paper thin now with holes here and there – scary, really. But they’ll build it all back once they get all the soaked spots ground and dry.
Bill and Trisha got down here Monday, the 25th, it’s good to have them around.
We have spent time with Bill and Trisha. Samie and I are working at school and John watches every day as they grind away more of the boat.
November ‘99
November of ‘99 is slow, but steady while we pass the time waiting for repairs to be completed on the keel of the Wandrin’ Star.
*Additional notes may appear in italics after my mom’s initial journal entries.
A ladybug means you should check the comments at the bottom of the page to see what Mom has chimed in on after reading these!
November 1, Monday
Yes! We turned the corner – today they started putting new fiberglass ON the boat!
November 2, Tuesday
No workers today – it’s another one of their holidays. So we visited Bill, Trisha, also Pat and Mikey Speer’s, who are here to clean out their little trailer – they sold it.
Danielle called – her and Ben are expecting a baby the end of June – first of July! Cool.
November 4, Thursday
John and I went for a “sail” today, with Carl and Linda on Fido Pause, a 26’ boat. They are new to all this, so we went out just beyond the main bay and helped with the basics. No wind – Linda likes it that way, too. Neat people.
The workers have all the holes covered up now – she’s looking like she has a float-able bottom again.
November 8, Monday
Happy Bday Aunt Janice.
On Saturday 6th, we went to dinner with Carl and Linda, Fido Pause, at the internet café – Willy, China Moon, and Bob, ?, also joined us. Very enjoyable and great food.
The boat bottom is going back pretty good.
It’s been getting breezy in the afternoons and it’s cool in the shade.
Samie tested in science (A) and grammar (B). She’s starting to get bored here in San Carlos and especially in the house.
*Mom’s migraines strike again. 😩 I don’t know what her headaches have to do with me deserving a CD, unless this is when I started doing my best to help her with the headaches. I’d help massage her temples, neck and shoulders trying to help relieve any built up tension.
November 17, Wednesday
The one side of the boat is almost done with the rebuild and ready for the barrier coat. John is thinking that we might be in the water around the 6th of December.
Bill and Trisha took us, Bruce and Jeannie Tilly (friends of theirs that are here year round) on a sunset cruise aboard Prime Time. It was perfect! It had been slightly foggy all day and made for a beautiful sunset. We even had a whale swimming along at the surface. Then we all had BBQ chicken at the Gibson’s. As always it was a hysterical evening. This time, John had put new cinders in Bill’s BBQ grill and Bill had black smoke billowing and very crispy on the outside chicken.
*I’m glad I went on this outing, even though I don’t remember it. As I approached my teen years, I see how much I chose to stay home and do “more interesting things” like stay glued to the television or play on the computer and whatnot. Of course, I was enjoying my new little freedoms, but it bums me out now, looking back. I guess that’s what teens tend to do though, isn’t it?
* I love when Mom and I have our laughing fits, they’re the best! I can still make her laugh like this!. 😁The last one was when I had her going for nearly 20 minutes with a hill-billy accent and lingo that went on for so long, it nearly stuck!
I absolutely LOVED You’ve Got Mail, and still do. It and When Harry Met Sally are easily my two favorites.
November 23, Tuesday
Well, Duane and Camille Smith and Bill’s mom, Velma drove in on Sunday – Cecil and Joann Berry came in on Monday – let the fun begin. It really is a fun group. Bill’s mom is 82 or something right there – and just a crack up!
Last night we spent a couple hours with them all, Samie too.
Barb and Steve, Blue Chablis, drove in yesterday for a few days.
Goon called this am, they are doing fine. She’s off the pill now, after trying different kinds and all making her sick. She’s gonna go into the at-home business of selling products like my sister Jo. Hope it works out.
November 24, Thursday
San Carlos
Had a nice Thanksgiving dinner with Bill and Trish Gibson, Duane and Camille Smith, Cecil and Joann Berry, Bill’s mom, Velma and 2 more couples.
*Ahhh! The good ol’ days of internet cafés, paying for time online and sometimes not being able to connect! This place also had a selection of movies to rent and a restaurant - a little bit of everything.
Remember when we didn’t have these all-too-convenient cellphones and had to sometimes just go out into the world looking for each other?! My, how the times have changed, my friends! I am grateful to have known at least a little bit of life before the internet and smartphones and all this ever-present technology. As helpful as it is, there was a lot of magic hidden inside the seeming inconveniences of those times in the past.
I forgot about this Wild Hearts movie! It was good, might have to watch that again.
Yes! I loved these games that Barb downloaded for us, they were pretty comical. Take a look: here is Frogapult and Elf Bowling.
I swear you can’t go wrong with Goldie or Steve! What a cute movie.
November 25, Friday
Had dinner with Blue Chablis and Abientot.
Sure is nice to have cruising friends here – even thought they are going back to the States for a while.
*Another throwback with the chain letters we used to forward to each other when email was new and fresh. Remember the ones that threatened you’d be cursed with bad luck if you didn’t forward the email to a certain amount of people? Looking back, this was kind of like the original spam mail. 😆
Ha, I don’t blame Mom and Dad for getting after me at the internet cafe.
At least I tried to get on Mom’s good side the next day, but it was probably throwing us off school work. 🤪
December ‘99
It’s December of 1999 - who’s ready to ring in the new millennium with us?!
We are happy to get the Star back in the water, where she belongs. Lots of boat projects help pass the time before we cross to the Baja side and get our 6th cruising season really started.
*Additional notes may appear in italics after my mom’s initial journal entries.
A ladybug means you should check the comments at the bottom of the page to see what Mom has chimed in on after reading these!
December 1, Wednesday
Bill and Trish took us out to eat at Piccolo’s, then they left for Pinetop on Thursday, the second.
December 6, Monday
The boat is so close. Yesterday I helped John reconnect the rudder steering cables and we all 3 contributed to painting a dolphin on each side, forward at the bow, just under the waterline. Some boats have eyes there, we wanted dolphins! They look cool, Samie named them Freedom and Utopia.
The bottom is black this time with an aqua boot strip – looks really cool!
Today it is cloudy and has a look of winter. The days have been cooling off more and more. Nights are cold in this house with Mexican floors and no carpeting or curtains on the 3 big front windows.
*I have been trying to remember the second dolphin name for the longest time! I always remembered Utopia, but Freedom had wandered off into the aether somewhere (no pun intended!). I had been watching the movie Ever After and loved everything about it. In the movie, the book, Utopia was mentioned often. So was the concept of freedom. Thusly, our dolphins were named in appreciation of these concepts.
That year, on our way out of Marina Real, some guys were passing us in their fishing boat and saw a little glimpse of Freedom pop up out of the water, we saw them pointing and looking for it again. We loved that. 😊
December 8, Wednesday
Chelle called, she had a sonogram and this one is a boy, also. He will be Jeremy, after Rick’s brother who died a few years back.
The internet has been down the last 3 days – so can’t do the email thing.
December 10, Friday
We are aboat – afloat again!
Yes – after 2 months we finally went in the water at 10 am. Samie rode on the boat while the tractor drove it Marina San Carlos. We checked everything out and motored around to Marina Real. The winds even were with us – no wind – smooth. We backed into the slip, so that we don’t have those nasty, cold breezes blow’en down in the cockpit. We don’t have the wind vane on anymore and it does make a difference backing up.
We spent about 3 hours cleaning up, dust, etc. Had dinner at Tequila’s and rented the movie Armageddon. We have rented a movie every night for the last month from Internet Café. Still no email service.
*It is always a relief and a joy to get your boat back in the water, where they belong! It feels so weird to see them up on the hard, balancing on stilts, and nerve-wracking when transitioning them onto the trailer to take them to or from the marina. I can still feel the relief of feeling her moving in the water underneath our feet and “stretching her legs” as we took her back around to our spot in Marina Real. I am unfailingly emotional about this beloved boat of ours, and even these memories makes me tear up a little. 🥰
I have to give a shout out and many thanks to the crew of guys that worked so hard on our boat to make sure all the water was drained and dried out and to rebuild our keel to tip-top shape. It is such a great feeling to be able to trust the people who are working on your house/home/boat/vehicle… whatever the case may be, but especially when their repairs being done well and properly are so crucial. Muchos gracias, amigos!
December 11, Saturday
We moved all our stuff to the boat and unpacked most of it. Sure feels good to have our sea legs and we slept like babies. Home at last!
*The waterworks continue here for me here, remembering the feeling every year of finally stepping back on board. The feeling of the subtle movements of the Star as we stepped into the cockpit and moved down through the companionway into our little cocoon, the womb of our trustworthy vessel and our most favorite home. A boat is rarely ever just a boat, especially when they’re liveaboards that carry you through high seas, keep you warm through the night, offer shelter in rough weather and deliver you safely to the adventures you dreamt of and had the gusto and courage to embark upon.
I still remember with detail the very first time I ever boarded her, in June of 1994, when I was just 7 years old. I remember the feel and look of the wood interior, the kind of scratchy material of the brown, yellow and rust-colored, late 70s upholstery in the v-birth. I remember that “boat smell” that I don’t know how to explain, but always lights up a very happy place inside my heart. I remember running up and down from the v-birth to the cockpit and back again, like a pup with the zoomies. I was so excited for this new adventure that awaited us on this boat. It turned out to be everything and more. ❤
On a less emotional note, I have to chuckle at this journal entry and my continued need to fill any blank spaces on my walls. If you know, you know - all the wall space in my apartment is absolutely covered with art prints, photos, decorations, paintings, all of it. Any unfilled space begs to be adorned - sometimes it just takes me a minute to figure out what will fit there best.
December 12, Sunday
I’m glad we moved the boat around on Friday because it’s been blow’en hard since then. More organizing. I have the new curtains up and hemmed – they look so nice – along with the new cushions.
December 13, Monday
John went into Guaymas to buy lumber to build the “garage” to replace the hard dinghy that we used to store stuff in. I should mention, Bill Gibson bought the dink and painted it all fancy. Looks really nice.
Samie spent several hours at the Internet Café – it’s finally up and running. We all had dinner up there.
December 14, Tuesday
John worked all day building the box (garage). I helped some. It was a warm day and I love being outside for a change. It did get windy around 2 pm and cold. Samie spent an hour at the IC.
December 16, Thursday
We got the box all mounted on the back. What looked like an extra big box – soon filled up. It will work much better than the hard dink.
Gene and Jo, Sun Bear, came over to try and hook up the TNC to the ham and laptop for email. It’s there – but something is not right still.
We went into the IC for dinner.
*TNC stands for terminal node controller, which is what allowed us to receive emails through the HAM radio. It’s actually pretty fascniating. It took quite some time for emails to load, as they were translated through the radio waves and decoded onto our computer. As they loaded onto the computer, you could watch them come in in snippets. You’d see a part of a sentence here and there amidst a sea of gibberish appearing on your screen as it all came through. Once it was all done and decoded, the email would show as intended. Your email address was your HAM call-sign.
December 17, Friday
Lots done again today. Gene got the email working from the boat – cool! It is actually pretty much as easy as hooking up to the internet.
Shadowfox got here today. They aren’t taking the boat out this season – only came down for a few days to do some work. Samie is thrilled, to say the least.
December 18, Saturday
Samie spent the day at Shadowfox helping them empty lockers and pack up. Meghan is spending the night with us. John and I sent email via the ham radio all by ourselves. Too cool.
I started our curtains on the back in our room. We had to mount the track first.
Beautiful today – NO wind!
*Mom never had any love for sewing, so-to-speak, but she sure did whip up her fair share of projects, and did so well! I remember one year she surprised me with new curtains for my bedroom at the house in Lakeside. They were navy blue with little silver stars. I loved them! Thanks, Mom. ❤
December 19, Sunday
It was slightly foggy with a light breeze from the SE, cool off and on. Swithced around at 4pm, 15 N.
John worked on 2 shelves for Samie’s room.
*I think part of this project was a desk Dad made for me on the opposite site of the v-birth from where I slept. It was attatched to the wall and could fold down to make more room when not in use. I think the other shelf was attached to the underside of my cabinets so that I had some storage along the blank hull space, if that makes sense. I stored my CD collection there. Oh! I think he also built a shelf along the very front, just under the chain locker. That’s where I set up my stereo. Mom and Dad really helped me have my own personalized space. I hope I didn’t take it too much for granted at the time. Thanks again, you two - you took real good care of me.
December 20, Monday
John and I went into Ley’s to stock up. $968 pesos – or $105 US. The meat – 4 meals each – chicken, steak (12), 3k bacon, 2 roast $50 US (@ 9.15 exchange).
Samie spent the afternoon at the IC.
We heard today that Baker and Cindy on Lighten Up are down in Bahia Panama, Costa Rica.
Also, Ron (Golf Oscar), found an oar fish up on the beach. True Blue found one 4 years ago at San Evaristo. Only 50 have been recorded as found since the 1800s.
December 21, Tuesday
Another trip into Guaymas. John finished and we mounted Samie’s shelves. I made curtains for her two port hole windows. We are staying so busy and the days are flying by. Samie and I have had 2 weeks off of school – time we get it going again.
The full moon tonight co-insides with the winter solstice and brings the moon in orbit so close since 1866 – 133 years ago. It’s real bright out tonight – would have been a great time to made a crossing. Looks really cool through binoculars.
The Peanuts comic strip that has been around since 1950 is ending on Jan 3, 2000. The writer, Charles Schultz is 77 and giving it up.
Beautiful, warm day. No wind.
*Such a sad day hearing that the Peanuts comic strip would be ending! Dad would often pick up the news paper, and I was always happy to pilfer the comic section. I enoyed Peanuts, Mutts, Luann, The Far Side, Baby Blues, Dilbert, and Foxtrot, to name a few. Looking all these up has me wanting to get my hands on one of those comic sections for a little nostalgic rewind. Especially the Sunday funnies, in all color!
December 22, Wednesday
John went back into Guaymas and had the fuel filter replaced on the van – it’s been leaking since the States (off and on).
The wind howled today and looks like we’re in for a few days of it.
The death toll in Venezuela from rain and flooding has reached 30,000 and expected to rise.
December 23, Thursday
John was using the table saw at Jeff’s house when the saw caught a piece of wood and threw it back into his hand. It went into his thumb under the skin – gross. He was alone and had to pull it out with his teeth.
We finished one of the two frames for the lights in the salon. Took all day. Beautiful, warm day.
Gene and Jo, Sun Bear joined us at the Internet Café for dinner.
*Dang, we practically lived at the Internet Cafe that year!
December 24, Friday
John finished the other light frame. We have bought 12-volt lights now.
I guess I’m starting a tradition, this is the second year I have made pizza for dinner on Christmas Eve – strange.
December 25, Saturday
Feliz Navidad or Merry Christmas
I remember when Samie used to wake us up on Christmas morning! Now I have to wake her up. I waited until 9:15. She got the discman that she’d wanted and I made the curtains for her room.
We had a wonderful ham dinner with a variety of dishes that everyone else here brought up to Wind Chime’s, Ray and Lyn’s condo. Imagination, John and Rey – Sunshine, Al and Louise – Antigua, Charlie and Brenda – Sun Bear, Gene and Jo and also several from the condos. It was very nice.
Blew 20-25 pm.
Last night Osprey Joe had his power boat all lit up for the light parade in San Carlos Bay – real pretty.
*I don’t think the scratchy squelch of the HAM ever bothered me in the mornings - I think it was a sort of comfort, actually, hearing everyone chatting about weather updates and whatnot. I liked hearing Dad run the nets and how everyone communicated well with each other.
I loved our simple Christmases. All of those presents were right up my alley and made for a happy-camper!
December 26, Sunday
We are still “fighting” with the email on the boat. What a pain. We heard there was an earthquake here about 7-7:30 pm last night.
Jeff and Hilda’s place rattled – they ran outside.
Warm – no wind. Planning to leave on Wednesday.
December 30, Thursday
I fell behind in my writing. We enjoyed getting to know Charlie and Brenda on Antigua, but they went back to St. David Benson area.
Roger and Darian, Aurora, drove down for a few days – he’s doing ok with the lymphoma cancer – they got it all and he will do some radiation.
Tasca, Cloud Nine, is not doing as good with hers.
Z-town had a 5.9 earthquake.
Weather looks good for a few days. We pulled out at 10 am, so did Kelly and Jan, Refuge, who are traveling with us across.
Smooth night – nothing over 10k all the way to Isla San Fransisco, 195 miles in 29 hours.
The breaker for the radar and depth blew – John fixed it. Bulb in masthead running lights burned out – that he will have to climb and change – also wind point and speed is not working. But we made it, no problems.
December 31, Friday 1999
Isla San Francisco
Last day of the year and the century!
This am as the sun came up, I saw a green flash! Cool – I’d seen one once when the sunset, but never knew it happened on a rise.
We anchored in San Fransisco at 3 pm – pooped. 6 pm – water is so flat and calm, like a mirror. And it’s warm, 80°, wearing shorts and no cockpit curtains up.
Spectacular sunset! I woke up at midnight when the block party brought in the new year.
*Dang! Mom and I don’t remember making this long of a crossing all the way down to Isla San Francisco! We do, however, remember being here for the New Year. She remembers people were getting together on the beach to bring in the new millennium and that I wanted to go so bad, but that they (Mom and Dad) were being “fuddy-dutties” - her words, not mine! I was definitely pouting for a bit in my journal, but thankfully I calmed myself down from being upset to just being a bummed out while I watched the sunset, and later listened to people on shore and on other boats while they did the count down and whatnot.
We were never notably concerned with the whole Y2K controversy - I don’t think I even understood what all the fuss was about, but I remember seeing all the news headlines and videos about people stocking up doomsday style for the potential digital meltdown.
January ‘00
Well, it turns out Y2K wasn’t the big scare everyone was bracing for!
In January 2000, we scoot down to windy La Paz, belly up to the dock and spend a little time with some familiar faces before hopping over to the mainland, down to La Cruz, our home away from home.
*Additional notes may appear in italics after my mom’s initial journal entries.
A ladybug means you should check the comments at the bottom of the page to see what Mom has chimed in on after reading these!
January 1, Saturday 2000
La Paz
Well, I guess the Y2K Meltdown was NOT. We never thought it would be.
We left Isla San Fransisco at 7 am and came on in to La Paz at 12:30. Took on 54 gallons of fuel and anchored right in front of the marina.
Saw Bob and Cynthia and their new boat, Storm Haven.
We have made it to warmer weather.
January 2, Sunday
Quiet day, warm. John got with Rick on Tortuga and figured out the low batteries for the computer and phone – he’ll fix that tomorrow. Bob and Cynthia came by – sure have missed them.
Still haven’t found Princess Erica, they are all 4 down here, but don’t know where. Haven’t seen Linda and the girls for 3 years now.
January 3, Monday
Wind started blowing last night and now we are in a norther. We spent the day waltzing out in the anchorage – luckily we got a straight in slot at the marina, safely tied up by 3:30 pm. I’ve decided I’m not even coming into La Paz without a slip!
Goon called, Grandma Melissa Davis passed away last night on the 2nd at 96 years. She also said that Ruby is getting married again on February 12th. He’s not from around there and Peg’s never met him.
*Funny, Mom recently watched Lonesome Dove and I told her I knew I had watched it one year in La Paz while in the marina and that Iremembered loving it. Apparently I need to rewatch it and have a box of tissues nearby…
January 4, Tuesday
It continued to howl, but laid down some for the night.
January 5, Wednesday
Calm today, Princess Erica came in to the marina around 3 pm. We all went to dinner in town. Amy has to fly back to Canada tomorrow.
January 6, Thursday
Wind howling again. Yesterday we had Jeffery the Rigger go up the mast and now the wind speed and direction works again.
Grandma Davis’s funeral was today – I wish I could be there.
June 7, Friday
Still blew all day. John finally got all 3 leaks in the dink patched. Every time we aired it up, there was another leak. This time the bow-sprit got it while we bounced from the wind and surge.
Watched some of Princess Erica’s film on their river rafting in Canada – cool.
Barn and Steve, Blue Chablis, won’t be down this year. Steve has something wrong where there is too much iron in his blood. So he has to give blood every week for the next 5 to 10 months. Ouch!
*Years later, when Mom and Dad were traveling the States via motor home, they would end up going river rafting with Daryl and Linda! They had a blast.
Youch - that’s a lot of doctor’s visits for Steve. No fun. I am happy to report he is doing well these days, to the best of my knowledge.
January 8, Saturday
Happy 24th, Danielle.
Called her this am – doing fine. She is starting to show at 4 months but hasn’t felt the baby move yet.
Calm and warm today. Amazing how warm it is when the north wind isn’t howling! Breeze did come up at 1 pm at 12-15 – calm night. Great dinner at Storm Haven, Bob and Cynthia.
January 9, Sunday
We were gonna leave today – BUT – as it turned out, the marina office was closed and nowhere to buy ice – also the wind was blowing 15k at 9:00 am. So here we go again – the waiting game.
John waxed one side of the boat and polished the stanchions. Samie and I enjoyed a lazy day.
January 10, Monday
Los Muertos
We left Marina de La Paz at 9 am. It was the 11th that we got out of there last year. Nice, quiet, no wind. Samie drove the boat all the way around the corner, past the Pemex plant. Halfway through (the second half) Ceralvo channel we had 15-20k true from behind – north east. Kinda rolly – but nice enough. Anchored at 5 pm – 10k in here coming over the mountain. I’m pooped.
January 11, Tuesday
We left Muertos at 7 am with Tortuga, bound for La Cruz. 12k, NNE, slightly bumpy seas. 6-7 boat speed.
January 12, Wednesday
Smooth seas, 6k, NNE – great day, calm night. We slowed down around sundown to wait for Tortuga, they were having problem with fuel filters.
John caught a dorado and a 40–50-pound yellow fin tuna. It put up quite a fight.
Goon called.
January 13, Thursday
Hazy this morning, flat seas, 4k breeze. Anchored in La Cruz at 11 am. Good to be home.
Went ashore for dinner at Cruise Quarters – OF COURSE.
Hey – it’s warm here – and humid. Feels wonderful!
January 14, Friday
Hazy again, strange off-shore wind this am, 15-30 k until noon, then 15-20 other direction. John went to Nuevo to check in.
January 15, Saturday
Same off-shore breeze again – must be 90° and no humidity in it. My hair and towel were dry in 5 minutes. Jena spent the night.
January 16, Sunday
I love the smells and sounds of La Cruz when I wake up in the mornings. Strange as that sounds. Every morning I smell bacon and humidity and smoke from the brush fires and of course the pelican shit that covers the break wall. I hear the rooster crow and the waves breaking on shore. They all mix together to make a feeling of home as we rock gently on the hook.
*I love these descriptions of Mom’s here! I sent this to her tonight and she said it made her homesick. ❤
January 17, Monday
I love sitting on deck to dry my hair in the mornings after my shower. No blow dryer and a tan in the process.
Normal day, John and I went into town after dinner for a while – listened to music at Dos Felipes.
January 18, Tuesday
Emails this am weren’t the best – first, Angela, Megan said they won’t get the boat down here until around the middle of March – poop – then Deb said Vel’s dog only had 1 puppy – so we won’t get one.
*I had a note in my journal that we weren’t going to get a Shih tzu anymore, but that I was ok with that because I was starting to want a Westie, instead. We were looking at those breeds because they grow hair rather than fur which is hypoallergenic and shed less.
January 19, Wednesday
Strange wind day, 10-20k out of the west – straight over the plaza and big, dark, foggy clouds, too. Now the swell is wrapping around and all boats are rocking side to side.
January 20, Thursday
Happy Birthday Janelle.
John cleaned all the lines and hoses for the toilet today – what a stinky mess. But now it works much better.
Full moon AND lunar eclipse tonight. Only saw a small part – it was cloudy!
Carl from Marina Vallarta was fired. Why, we don’t know, but he called us from his house on the VHF radio tonight. Pretty cool – he must see a 1000 boats a year and remembered us.
*It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s gotta do it! 💩
I wonder why Carl got canned?
January 21, Friday
Tom (Tango Papa), the weather man on Chubasco net was telling all that we know of La Niña and El Niño – now there is La Mama which is a 6 or 7 year pattern that is coming and will follow the weather of this last 12 months. La Mama – cute.
We took a bus into Nuevo Vallarta to see Hot Toddy – but Dan and Michelle were nowhere to be found. Finally got a taxi around to Paradise Village, but that’s all changed – we had to call Dick at the marina office to “ok” us in. Then John had to leave his driver’s license so we could all get passes! Then, the gates into the boat docks are locked – both coming in and out! With all this new security, we didn’t even let Samie go swimming, so we just caught a bus back to La Cruz – Sam was pissed.
No sooner got home and Tortuga, Rick and Marilyn, asked us to go with them to Bucerias. Walked around there for a while, came back and ate at the rib and chicken place next to the figure store.
Saw Neal, Carousel, at Felipe’s on the way back to the boat. It was a nice change of pace for me.
*I hope I didn’t give Mom and Dad too much grief. I’m sure they were a bit irked by all the extra security (great for hotel management, I suppose, but a completely different experience for us) and lost interest in the whole thing after all the rigmarole. I totally get why it would have made them want to throw up their hands and just go home. I don’t think I had any friends there to meet, anyway, so I wasn’t missing out on as much as I maybe told myself I was.
C’est la vie.
January 22, Saturday
John’s been sanding and varnishing the cockpit grate – looks good. We went in to Felipe’s daughter Valeria’s 7th Bday party. She is a cutie. Samie spent the night at Jena’s.
*I would love to add some fun notes from my journal in these spaces, but I really don’t have any. Most of my entries just talk about whatever new movies I was renting and me wanting to check my damn email or wishing I was back in the States. How funny now that I’d be happy to trade places!
Kind of like one of those “if I knew then what I know now” things.
January 23, Sunday
John and I watched volley ball games at the plaza and visited with Oso, who now works on one of the party boats out of Vallarta.
January 24, Monday
John is helping Felipe with his engine in the panga for the banana boat. Took the sail into Miguel and Verna to be repaired.
January 25, Tuesday
Almost no breeze today – warm.
January 26, Wednesday
John worked on the gen-set. I didn’t do into shore today – I stayed home and cooked a pot roast.
January 27, Thursday
Same ‘ole, same ‘ole.
January 28, Friday
John changed the engine oil.
January 29, Saturday
Jena spent the night.
January 30, Sunday
Samie and Jena spent afternoon ashore, John did a little of this and that on the boat. Went to Crews Quarters to watch a GOOD Superbowl game.
January 31, Monday
Fairly calm day. Just heard that Air Alaska that left PV at 3:30 pm today for San Fransisco & Seattle crashed into the ocean below San Fran. No details yet. Plane had problems with stabilizer and wanted to land early in LA, but went down, nose first. 88 people died.
Rumor is that a family of 5, from a boat in PV was on board.
*How tragic to hear about that plane crash. 😥I found the details here. Among the list of fatalities is the Clemetson family of 6, but the information I was able to find only mentioned they were traveling and from Seattle. There is a beautiful memorial for the victims at Hueneme Beach. Reports state that the cause was due to “insufficient lubrication of the jackscrew led to the stripping of the screw threads, causing the plane’s horizontal stabilizer to jam in a position that forced the plane into a drastic nose-down orientation.”
I actually spend a fair amount of time considering the importance of maintenance crews, carpenters, mechanics, electricians, engineers and the like to be properly focused, educated and willing to take their time to get the job done right. I even mentioned it in December’s post when mentioning my gratitude for the crew who repaired and rebuilt our boat bottom skillfully and properly. Sometimes I will even take time while driving to work to appreciate every nut, bolt and screw that was properly put into place on my car and for the mechanics who tend to her and keep her in good shape. I hope that these skills and talents are not lost to technology and that there are young people not only interested, but invested in keeping these trade skills alive and who take them seriously.
February ‘00
February 2000 is pretty mellow. We say goodbye to La Cruz for what would end up being our last time. We mosey up to Mazatlan where we enjoy some time there with our friends in the marina and I turn 13.
*Additional notes may appear in italics after my mom’s initial journal entries.
A ladybug means you should check the comments at the bottom of the page to see what Mom has chimed in on after reading these!
February 1, Tuesday
John worked on Felipe’s panga engine again. Swell started running 4-5 feet today. I saw 3 good sized rooster fish next to the boat feeding on the little guys.
John saw a whale next to the boat early this morning when it was still dark out.
*I don’t remember rooster fish - they’re pretty impressive!
February 2, Wednesday
Swell is really running big. I took in a cinnamon swirl cake for Rosa, her favorite. Came back to the boat early, feels good.
Talked to Baker and Cindy from Liten Up, they are down in Panama, the Pacific side, doing good. Also, Tom, Val and CJ, Christina, are in the same area and doing good.
February 3, Thursday
Swell calmed down, there was a warm, light breeze.
February, 4, Friday
Samie only missed 1 on her math test. Mornings on the boat – afternoons ashore. Same every day.
John checked out this morning. Angela is in Mazatlan now.
February 5, Saturday
John cleaned – scraped the barnacles off of the steps and the flopper-stopper. Samie’s spending the night at Jena’s.
Waiting for Gene and Jo, Sun Bear, to come in tonight. They left La Paz 3 days ago. They were close to Punta Mita at sundown when their transmission gave out. So – only 4-5 k of breeze, they made their way around the outside of the Tres Marias – rather than trying to come in at Punta Mita.
February 6, Sunday
Happy 65th Birthday, Mom
Brian, Rari, came in this morning from the South. Stopped by for a visit. Sun Bear finally made it in around noon.
Us, Minfi,(?) Sun Bear, Valor and China Moon all went into Felipe’s for a great dinner.
February 7, Monday
John got the “lawns” all mowed – dove the boat and cleaned the dink bottom, too.
Went into Crew’s Quarters to say goodbye to Jena, Blair and Rosa. Hope to see them in Arizona in July.
*We didn’t know it then, but this would be the last time we saw our dear friends at Crew’s Quarters. We did not get to see them in Arizona that summer, and the next and final season of cruising, we ended up staying in Baja the whole time. Life is a trip sometimes with moments like these, when you don’t realize you’re doing something or seeing someone for the last time. Like the last time you pick up your toddler to cuddle them, the last time you ride bikes with neighborhood friends, or, like this, the last time you see a friend or family member.
Thanks to social media, we are still in touch with Jena and Rosa. Sadly, Blair has since passed away, but Jena is married with three beautiful children, and Rosa is doing well - loving being a grandma, I’m sure! I reached out to Jena the other day with a photo of our old cake pan that Blair had written a cute message on, and she sent one back, a Valentine’s Day card I had printed for her. 🥰 Some memories are made to last.
February 8, Tuesday
We left La Cruz at 7 am, swell started coming in the bay entrance and it got real lumpy going around Punta Mita. Had 10 k of south breeze – anchored at Jalatembra for the night.
February 9, Wednesday
Happy Bday Regan – we left Jalatembra at 6:15 am, light north breeze in to San Blas. Anchored 11 am. Saw 2 whales just off the starboard – they went under us.
February 10, Thursday
Went into see Jan and Norm for a bit. Went around to anchor in Matanchen Bay for the night. 4th night I had a migraine.
February 11, Friday
Fogged in, totally – couldn’t even see the front of our boat. Finally, at 9 am, we had ¼ mile, maybe – so with the radar we left. 10 am it finally lifted. We had a nice passage, only NW with no BUFFALOS – only CHUBBY prairie dogs! Had shrimp boats in the daylight only. But John was avoiding pangas just out of Mazatlan. We were just off the light house as it was getting light. Tied to a dock, water only for now. Samie has friends!
*Buffalos and prairie dogs are referring to the size of the white-caps from the wind. I forgot all about these terms cute.
It’s so freaky to be moving along in the boat when you can’t see anything and can’t stop quickly or adjust course as fast as you may need to if you suddenly come up on something out of the fog.
February 13, Sunday
Hi, Mother. You think that I am writing that you are weird, but I got the worst case of it – or maybe you did – STOP SINGING!!!!
Gotta go stop the music… 😊
Love Always,
Samie Kinney
hehe, you sound like a fly buzzing around my ear. 😊 hehehehaha
Samie had today off, no school. John’s been busy washing down and shining. D
Dan, Hot Toddy, stopped by for the night. He was driving their truck down to PV. Samie and I had a “girl’s night”. She shared her music with me – which I enjoyed.
*Mom and I had a great time being goofy together. We listened to the Lou Bega CD and “Mambo Number 5” has been a random song that we still joke about every now and again. I’m so grateful that we have always been close. 🥰
February 14, Monday
Happy Valentine’s – Little Hal, Angela, made all the girls and Puddin’ (their dog) valentines.
*Little Hal was seriously the sweetest!
February 17, 2000 Thursday
Happy 13th Birthday, Samantha
For 13 years, I’ve been blessed with a wonderful daughter.
We moved to a power dock yesterday.
Samie baked a cake (boxed) and frosted it. The girls went to the pool. Angie and I took Hal boy shopping for Samie, he bought her a silver starfish key chain. He was so proud. She also got two shirts, anklet, notebook and I got her a Lou Bega CD.
*Mom told me at some point how Hal debated so seriously about what to get me. I did have that keychain for quite some time and remember being sad when I lost it. 😕
Sunday, February 20
Happy Anniversary Mom and Daddy
Goon called, she thinks she is pregnant. She’s very excited.
Samie had Ashley, Vagary spend the night last night. They have kinda paired off, while Megan, Angela, and Natalie, Night Owl, have. Samie is somewhat unhappy that Megan has not spent much time with her, since they have been friends a long time.
*Typical friendship growing pains, here, as we were all growing and changing and all the things. A handful of ups and downs were had, navigating things.
February 21, Monday
Goon called in tears, she started her period and is not pregnant. Called Danielle and Ben – it’s a boy – a very active one!
*Peggy said it just wasn’t nice!
*Sad to hear this for Peg to have gone through, but she went on to have 3 amazing kiddos!
Danielle and Ben’s boy, Chase, is now married and has a son of his own. The three of them are an adorable family.
Danielle and Ben also had two other boys, Reese and Jake. Reese is also married, has a little girl and another baby on the way. Jake has a long-time girlfiend. Boy, how time flies!
February 22, Tuesday
Rane called, Barbara Jones had a major heart attack on Sunday, but doing ok now. Rane is pregnant again, #4.
Bob, Cynthia and Lee came over, we ordered 2 for 1 pizza – 2 huge pizzas for $180 pesos.
Got an email from John McFall, Jeremy and Val like that house so much – so they are looking for somewhere else to put us for the summer. SHIT.
*I didn’t remember anyone renting out the house while we were gone. Not sure what that couple ended up doing, but we were able to move back in that summer.
February 24, Thursday
Out mail finally caught up with us. Christmas cards and such. Samie got a $50 US money order from Sam, Rane and kids.
February 26, Saturday
I’m really bad about writing in here this season. Wind blew in the afternoon again and into the evening. I dug out the heater, the nights and mornings are cold.
February 27, Sunday
Samie, Megan and Natalie went to the pool. John helped Hal clean his – one of them – winches. Cloudy, the breeze was cool. I baked cookies.
Monday – Taco Loco with Angela.
Tuesday – 2 for 1 pizza with Angela.
Wednesday – Meatloaf at home alone.
March ‘00
March of 2000 has arrived and it’s time to head northbound, toward San Carlos. We say goodbye to the crew on Angela, cross over to Baja and island-hop our way up into the Sea of Cortez.
*Additional notes may appear in italics after my mom’s initial journal entries.
A ladybug means you should check the comments at the bottom of the page to see what Mom has chimed in on after reading these!
March 2, Thursday
Sunny, breezy.
Mom, Daddy and Goon called for my birthday - #45 – Angela had us over for dinner, it was great.
*Oh my goodness, 45! It is so weird knowing that I’m creeping up on my 40th birthday in 7 months. I think it would be so cool if there were a way to be friends with my Mom at these similar ages. Maybe in another life. 🙃
March 3, Friday
Cloudy and cool. Samie and the other girls have been hanging out with Jared and Sean, who’s family is staying at Marina El Cid Hotel for the last 2 weeks. They are all going out to dinner.
March 4, Saturday
Samie and Megan went out to anchor with Natalie on Night Owl to watch the fireworks – they said it was quite a show.
*Samie met Stephen, Dream Weaver. 😊
❤ ya, Mom.
*I added that last part - Stephen was my newest crush.
I’m surprised that I don’t really remember going out for the fireworks.
March 5, Sunday
Samie and I went to the parade with Angela, we were invited up to a hotel room with Dr. Pepe to watch from a balcony. What a view! Beautiful floats and fireworks.
*We had a great time watching the parade. I remember it being so very crowded in town and walking through the streets. It was nice to be able to see the parade from up on the balcony. I don’t remember who Dr. Pepe was.
March 6, Monday
Happy Bday, Cardon.
Second day of a mild migraine, only the second one I’ve had since mid-November. I think this one is the weather? Who knows.
We heard that Duncan from Scorpio in PV was found in his boat with a gun shot to the head; maybe suicide, they’re not sure. We just saw him and his girlfriend in La Cruz last month.
*Mom had also mentioned a 4-day migraine in February. This one makes 9 days’ worth of migraines for this season. Thankfully, less than the last.
How terrible to hear about Scorpio - I don’t remember meeting him, but I remember hearing the boat name a lot. Heartbreaking, no matter what the cause of death was. 😢
March 8, Wednesday
Had pizza last night with Jo and Gene, Sunbear.
Lakeside got 14” of snow, but it’s melting fast.
Wind blew 20k all day – cold.
March 9, Thursday
20k – cold.
March 10, Friday
Angie took me in to the store for a big shop ($958). John went with Pam, Novia, to get all the meats ($500). Hal, Angela, and the gang took us out for tacos – great place – across from Taco Loco and better.
Wind 10k until 5 pm, now 15-20k, strange. Cold!
March 11, Saturday
Happy Bday, Cammie
Visited with Glo, Double Time, she just flew in to join Lee.
March 12, Sunday
John paid the fuel and slip fee, $485 US. We were there 1 month. It might just be a record – planned to leave on the 13th and it looks like we’ll actually make it out on that date – no waiting for weather!
Calm, light SW, 5k.
We had Hal, Angie, Megan and Hal Boy over here for a roast dinner. I sure have enjoyed their company this year. Really nice to be right next to them in the slip.
*Mom always enjoyed Angie’s company, she was a really sweet lady. I always enjoyed being over at their boat - her and Hal were pretty easy going and were ok with a bunch of kids being over at their boat, and so patient with all of us, too!
March 13, Monday
Maz to Baja
Fogged in – great CALM day to leave! 8 am, Neal, Novia, played tug boat and pushed the nose around as we backed out of the slip – perfect. Went through the entrance in fog – some swell. Dolphins, huge ones, escorted us out! Cool! 5 miles out it fogged up again.
Saw several big turtles floating, one at a time, not together. Went through a pod of small dolphins – jumping and spinning in the air – so cool. They swam the bow for quite a while. Had small marlin jumping around, but no one hooked one.
Nothing over 12k all day and night.
*We didn’t video nearly as much this year, but we did get some footage on this trip. Apologies for my sort of all-over-the-place filming, I edited most of it out for an easier watch. I kept the “tour” for a little glimpse of the interior of the boat with our new upholstery and whatnot.
Glad I did get some great shots of the dolphins in the third video. I love hearing how excited Mom always got when there were dolphins. 😊
March 14, Tuesday
As the sun rose beautifully behind us, we had dolphins at the bow for a long time. The water is clear blue and I can see many “layers” of dolphin below the bow – wow (again).
We had 12k WNW all of the last 25 miles or so, nice sail. Small manta rays flipping, more dolphins.
We were anchored at 11 am – 27 hours – wonderful crossing.
John helped Bob with one of his dinghy motors – Samie and I blew up the kayak. I went out in it. 82°, 5k breeze – great.
Had BBQ baby back ribs – really good.
*The layers of dolphins really is the coolest, to see how many there are both under and surrounding your boat! It is such a fun thing that they like to come play with boats as they cruise along on the water’s surface.
March 15, Wednesday
It sure feels good to be away from the marina and anchored again.
John and Bob, Storm Haven, went for a dive – no luck, but good visibility. Wind blew 10k SE all day, so the anchorage was bumpy.
Talked to Angela on 4051, they were 2 hours from Isabella at 6:30.
March 16, Thursday
Los Frailes, Baja
Southeast, 12k again – a bit lumpier today.
Pot luck dinner on Storm Haven. It was so swelly that Miss Kris’s dinghy got up under the swim ladder on a swell and it got popped. Tore a 4” L-shaped rip in it. We’re not talking just a dinghy – it’s a big-bucks power boat “tender” – you know the kind, with a steering wheel! Anyway, they got it out of the water before it sunk and drowned the engine.
Great evening.
*Ooof! Good thing Miss Kris noticed the dinghy in time!
March 17, Friday
Light and variable breezes, beautiful. Gail, Priority, and I got out in the kayaks for an hour or so. I had a school of small manta rays swim under the kayak – one jumped and flipped beside me – pretty cool.
“Party” on Dave and Evie’s boat, Enetie, a trawler – beautiful boat.
*I’m bummed looking back on my journals here - Mom was being a bit more active in some ways during this time, but I was holed up in my room, being a bit of a brat because I just wanted to be back in the States with friends. All my journal entries talk about writing letters, reading and re-reading letters, checking for emails, and daydreaming about getting back to Lakeside. 😕 I noted on the 20th that “Mom wants me to get off the boat and do stuff, but I’m like, naahhh. Dad wants me to go diving with him, and I kinda feel bad that I’m not because he really wants me to.” I go on to admit that I’m acting up basically to get my point across that I didn’t want to be on the boat anymore because I just wanted to be in school with my friends. It’s honestly such a bummer to read back on all that . I wish I would have gone diving and explored more with Dad or learned more things with him and gone kayaking with Mom. I get that it’s normal for teens to behave this way, but sheesh! If only I could have enjoyed the moment and my parents more, instead of making myself kind of miserable wishing I was somewhere else and dismissing how incredibly lucky I was to be exactly where I was. 😥
“If I knew then what I know now…”
March 18, Saturday
North 15-20k all day.
BBQ on Miss Kris – BIG power boat – Kris and Chuck.
March 19, Sunday
Los Frailes
Happy B-day #8, Hal Boy.
Enetie and Miss Kris left early for Muertos this a.m. North 15, p.m. 4V – bar dropped 7 points. Happy hour on Wandrin’ Star with Priority and Storm Haven (aka Spam Haven).
John and Bob went out for a night dive.
*Neither Mom or I remember this nickname for Storm Haven - they must have had an abnormally large stock of Spam?!
March 20, Monday
It was so calm all day, it was like glass. Bob, John and Jim all went fishing in Bob’s tender – way out, 12 miles or so – no fish.
About 5 pm a mom and baby humpback were putting on a show just 500 yards or so away. Spectacular!
Us and Priority baked pizzas and took them to Storm Haven and we all shared. Fun.
March 21, Tuesday
North 10-15 all day – cool.
John sanded the varnish in the cockpit.
Oh, it was fogged in totally this morning.
March 22, Tuesday
Happy Birthday Delores.
John did half the varnish in the cockpit. 10-20 all day.
Movie and popcorn on Storm Haven – Cynthia is a good social director and/or planner. Anyway, we (us, Priority and Spam) all watched There’s Something About Mary. We all put out a lot of loud laughter.
Wind blew all night.
*Cynthia was so great and I definitely remember more get-togethers whenever she and Bob were around. I loved how much fun Mom had with her.
I remember watching this movie with the group, it was a good time, and yes, a LOT of laughter.
March 23, Thursday
Cloudy, 20-25k north all day.
Goon called, she and Caleb want to drive down to San Carlos when we get there.
March 24, Friday
We stuck our nose out of the anchorage at 9 am- too lumpy for us – we went back and spent a long, lazy day. Storm Haven and Priority went on to Los Muertos said it wasn’t too bad.
We left at 6 pm and had a smooth ride. Small manta rays jumping all around. Just before the dark really set in – we came real close to a panga sitting there fishing.
Beautiful moon rise!
March 25, Saturday
La Paz
We passed Muertos at midnight – talked to Bob and Cynthia. Around 2 pm, the wind in Ceravo picked up – we have a cormel blowing w-20k, but no big seas. The wind followed us all the way around and through the Lorenzo Channel – 25 and 30 on the nose. But still not too lumpy – although there was salt spray everywhere.
Better to have wind in Lorenzo than Ceralvo, and of course 3 ferries.
We were anchored at 10:30 am in 5k – nice. We are tired, but want to get out of La Paz BEFORE we get “stuck” here.
TO DO LIST:
Fresh veggies.
Milk, butter, etc. (3 stores)
Beer
Laundry
Cambio
Dinner out
Fuel
Can’t believe we got it all done in one day!
Talked to Chelle – all is well, she thinks she’ll have the baby any day.
Danielle and the baby are doing fine.
March 26, Sunday
Cloudy, but calm, took on fuel at Marina Palmira at 8:30 am – OUT of La Paz at 9:30 – a record 24 hours in and out!
Calm ride, except the last 2.5 hours into Ensenada Grande on Partida. (20-25N)
Water is beautiful.
March 27, Monday
We decided to stay here today. John had to fix a broken fresh water pump.
Miss Kris and Enetie came in around 3 pm.
It was calm all day until then – gusty like yesterday. Gorgeous sunset.
March 28, Tuesday
Isla San Fransisco
We left this a.m. at 7, along with Miss Kris and Enetie for Isla San Fransisco. Lumpy, left over swell for an hour or so, then smoothed out. Saw dolphins and whales in the distance, and a small hammerhead shark. It was real hazy – dusty, or something when we left – you could only see the island right there – nothing in the distance, strange.
We spent an hour or so on the beach.
Ron – Golf Oscar – Sea Lion, is anchored here with the mini cruise ship. He came by for a while and brought a bucket of ice – neat guy.
Miss Kris, daughter and husband, Linda and Scott also stopped by.
Talked to Jim and Kitty on happy hour net. They just got into San Carlos in their motor home.
Looking forward to seeing them again.
March 29, Wednesday
San Marte
We left San Fransisco at 6 am and anchored in San Marte – south of Agua Verde at 1:30. Just north of Isla San Fransisco we spotted 10 or 12 whales, all in a line, swimming the surface. Never seen anything like it before. Really cool – all blowen’ and it looked like you could walk from one end to the other on all their backs. Unfortunately, they were a ways off and in the sun. Also saw dolphins everywhere and more whales. We think they were sperm whales. (*Yes)
Nothing over 10k all day and calm seas – beautiful 90°.
We’ve never been in this anchorage – but Jeff and Kathy, Abientot are here, good to see them again.
March 30, Thursday
We left San Marte at 7 am and motored the 9 miles to the south west anchorage of Isla Monserrate. It’s not really much of an anchorage – but great when no wind. The guys – John, Jeff, Abientot, and John and Linda from Hawkeye went diving. He brought in some scallops and 2 bugs (lobsters).
We had 8k from the south east but not enough to worry about.
We were hoping to see Linda, Princess Erika, but she flew out of Loreto to B.C. this a.m. Poop.
Talked to Mom and Daddy, they are leaving for Nauvoo on the 4th of April for at least 2 months.
9 pm the wind started out at 10 k SW – bad. By 10:30 all 3 boats were bringing the anchors in – bouncy and sloppy.
John from Hawkeye has been around at the NE anchorage before, so he led the way – Abientot doesn’t even have radar. It only ended up blowing 15-20k, but was pretty bouncy. Also pretty nerve-wracking going around the point in the dark and at times only 20 feet of water between the boat bottom and the reef! It was 12:20 am when we were all anchored safely.
March 31, Friday
By sunup we also had a north swell running in, making for wash board conditions. So – once again we weighed anchor and went on into Escondido.
We borrowed Daryl’s truck and drove in for ice, etc.
Visited with Bert, Island Woman. Daryl, Princess Erika, came over for dinner – scallops, shrimp and lobster.
April ‘00
April 2000 was a pretty busy month as we scoot our way up from Escondido to Isla Carmen, San Juanico, and Pulpito before making our way into Conception Bay and then crossing over to San Carlos. We enjoy some dolphins in the bay at Pulpito, and I go hiking the gals to the top of the Pulpit, itself. Dad enjoys lots more clamming and fishing with the guys.
*Additional notes may appear in italics after my mom’s initial journal entries.
A ladybug means you should check the comments at the bottom of the page to see what Mom has chimed in on after reading these!
April 1, 2000 – Saturday
Shine called – when the phone rang we thought it was Chelle having the baby – NOT.
John’s been helping Daryl with the leak on his boat.
Calm day.
April 2, Sunday
Escondido
Almost no wind – light southerly. Abientot left for Ballandra on Carmen. We’ll leave tomorrow. Paula, Back Streets, stopped by.
April 3, Monday
Escondido is always so flat that it feels like we’re in a marina.
We left at 6:45 am – no sea life – anchored at Balandra, Isla Carmen at 9:15 am. We were motoring only, not even a ripple on the water – 6.5 to 7.5k boat speed. John polished this and that – Samie did school and I sun tanned.
The Mexican Navy boarded all 3 boats here in the anchorage – very nice, just checking all the paperwork, VISAS, etc.
April 4, Tuesday
San Juanico
We left Balandra at 6:30 am, no wind, but a big swell from the north coming into the channel. I “rode” the bow pulpit for a long time – cool, up and down on the swell. Better than a roller coaster. That lasted for an hour or so, then the north wind really kicked in. 20-25 NNW and lumpy. John’s shine job yesterday is all salty now.
We were anchored up at 11:15 am and it continued to blow 25-30k until 2:30 pm, then laid down to nothing. Calm night.
*I love that Mom went out on the bow to enjoy the feeling up there - it’s the best! The view is great because there’s nothing between you and the wide open ocean, you feel all the movement in the best way and get to enjoy the sound of the boat slicing through the water. There’s nothing like it! 😍
April 5, Wednesday
San Juanico
John went diving out on the south point with Dave and Bobbie from Endeavor – found NOTHING!
Blew out of the east, 8-15k all day – laid down at sunset – 10k west all night.
April 6, Thursday
Punta Pulpito
We left Juanico for Pulpito at 6:15 am, anchored at 8 am.
Barb and Steve, Blue Chablis, crossed from San Carlos yesterday. Good to see them. Abientot also came up here – but they came later – in a fog with no radar.
John and Jeff dove – scallops. They all went out in their own dinks and brought back fish – made for great dinner.
When John was cleaning the fish in the dink, he put a small hole (-) in the dink. So it’s on deck with the patch drying.
We had a small pod of dolphins in the anchorage playing, flipping and swimming around the boats for at least an hour. SO COOL!
*Whoopsie daisy! If it weren’t for us wanting to go see the dolphins in the dinghy, who knows if we would have noticed the leak. So that worked out in our favor. Lucky it was just a small hole from the fillet knife.
Watching the dolphins come right into the bay was fun. I get now that they were probably mating, which makes more sense why the guys were teasing each other when contemplating getting in to swim with the dolphins, not to let one of the males get at them. 😉
Glad to know that Barb and Steve were able to get at least a little time on the boat for this season!
April 7, Friday
Pulpito
Samie, Kathy, Abientot, and Barb, Blue Chablis, all hiked the high point – can’t wait to see the pictures from up there. Maybe I’ll go next time.
John and Jeff dove again.
John and I went south and picked up shells and several sea urchins. The gang all brought salad and their fish over and we BBQ’d it with our burgers for dinner together.
John caught a big red snapper. 10k north all afternoon.
Samie went out in the kayak for a bit. I’m glad she’s getting out of her room and doing something.
Phone is not working – John tried talking to the offices. Hope Jeff in San Carlos will go pay the bill so it goes back on – Chelle’s baby is due anytime.
*I’m so glad I got out and enjoyed myself on this day, as well - I had a great time with Barb and Kathy!
I would love to go hiking in the Sea again. If I were there now, I feel like you’d have a hard time keeping me on the boat unless it was windy.
April 8, Saturday
Lazy kind of a day – the guys all went fishing in their own dinks. 10k north all day.
April 9, Sunday
Pulpito
Abientot, Slacker, and 3 other boats that were in here all left at first light for Conception – we should have, but oh well. John and I went fishing in the dink on the point. We caught several triggers, but gave them all to the young guy fishing from his panga.
Blew 10-12k south all afternoon. 8 pm now, still 8k and really quite lumpy.
We may leave in the night sometime – if it gets worse – for Conception, at least it will be from behind, going north.
Wind finally dropped to 5k all night, but we were a little sideways to the swell – “rail to rail” a few times – reminded us of being anchored at San Benedicto Islands.
Phone patch to Chelle.
*I like that Mom went fishing with Dad, I don’t remember her going very often. I love that they gave all the fish away.
Wow, rail to rail - sounds like we could have used the flopper-stopper!
April 10, Monday
We left Pulpito at 5:30 am – no one got much sleep in the rolls.
Nice, flat ride on up to Conception Bay. Anchored at “Marina Bradberry” in front of “TPX”. Jerry and Nola’s trailer on the beach at 12:30 pm. We finally got to meet Jerry and Nola after 5 years of saying we’d come here and then never making it. The water is so clear and warm - 76°. No breeze and many, many Bo-Bos.
Jerry and Nola took us in to dinner at the La Palapa, very good. Then into town for a few things – neat looking town.
*Bo-bos = no-see-’ems. Teeny-tiny biters. The kind of buggers that are tiny enough to get through mosquito netting.
The town Mom is referring to is called Mulegé, which I circled on the map reference on April 14th.
The photo below is from a little lookout nearby the Santa Rosalia Mission. Really beautiful. I wish I remembered more about this town - the photos I’m seeing online are so beautiful! 😍
I didn’t find a restaurant called La Palapa, but I imagine it would have been a lot like this one on the beach, roughly where my memory seems to recall going.
April 11, Tuesday
Phone finally worked – but reception right here is off and on. Called Chelle – she goes in today, they are going to induce labor, so Jeremy should show his cute face today.
Jeremy
11:20 pm – 19 inches – 5lb, 15oz, all is well.
*Welcome to the world, baby Jeremy!
Chelle and Rick would also have a third son, named Kannon. They are doing well.
April 12, Wednesday
Conception
We went over – 7 miles or so – to Santa Barbara Cove and anchored with Abientot. The guys dove – 20-25 pin scallops, what a haul.
20k north wind blew us out, so over to Santispac for the night.
We had dinner, huge burgers at Ray’s with Abientot, Jeff and Kathy, Slacker, Mike and Julie, Love-n-Luck, Jay and Penny (not here).
*I can’t find these specifically named places we went to for the life of me; they aren’t specified as such on Google Maps or in our old copy of Charlie’s Charts. Based on little details here and there, I marked my deductions on the map of where I think everything was.
My most random memory here is hearing a jake break on a semi for the first time as they were coming down the hill near the anchorage. At night, especially, the sound would carry real well, and I remember asking Mom what the heck that noise was. Now, if I ever hear a jake brake, I think of nights here in Conception Bay.
April 13, Thursday
Back around the “Marina Bradberry” not enough breeze today to keep the Bo-Bos away -driving me crazy. We had Jerry and Nola over for dinner, scallops and clams.
Breeze finally kicked in and blew out the Bo-Bos.
April 14, Friday
Conception
Happy Birthday, Chelle! (26)
Lazy day, we spent a couple hours at Jerry and Nola’s palapa, John got more clams and I more shells. It is so amazing to me how many different sizes, shapes and colors there are. I love it.
At 4 pm we moved up to Santa Domingo for tomorrow, we’ll visit Wandrin’ Star, Wayne and Leslie tomorrow, then plan on leaving late afternoon for San Carlos.
Talked to Chelle, all is well, Jeremy is fine.
Also talked to Danielle, her blood pressure is starting to go up and the doc put her on medication to stop small contractions – like Chelle had in January. She’s going back to doc Monday – still has 2 months to go. Her and Ben are moving to the house they bought in Apache Junction.
*Ok, I think I am making some connections here. I think maybe Jerry and Nola stayed in a palapa here on Playa El Burro.
April 15, Saturday
Wind – of course – started up at 3 am, 15-20 NW, it got pretty lumpy for a couple hours, then calmed down for a bit. John and I went over to Wayne and Leslie’s, Wandrin’ Star, for a visit. By then the wind and wave action have increased – so 11 am we both up’ed anchor and went back to “Marina Bradberry” – much nicer. Wind but no swell.
John took Wayne and Leslie into shore to see Jerry and Nola. I stayed home with Samie and made her study for a test.
Happy Hour on our boat.
April 16, Sunday
San Carlos
John, Wayne and Leslie went into town with Jerry and Nola to get ice. We left the anchorage at 9:30 am and headed out to Punta Chivato.
I was looking over the back end of the boat and noticed that it was “dragging” out in the water. Where normally it is 4 to 6 inches out of the water – not a good feeling – are we holding water in the keel? No – since we are not making water, the tank is getting empty and we are lower in the back.
We were anchored at 12:45 – we had 12k NE, a nice beam reach all the way. Went to the beach, even Samie, to collect shells – got some good ones. Last year a juvenile grey whale washed up on the beach – this year they are putting together all the bones on a stand for display – cool.
We, Abientot, Slacker, and another boat all left Chivato at 4 pm for San Carlos. ENE 12k until the sun went down, then it was 3k and smooth all the way in – anchored at catch 22 beach at 3:30 am. ¾ of the way across we had a resident frigate bird riding on the wind indicator on the main mast. I banged on the mast for a half an hour, but he stayed or would come right back.
April 17, Monday
San Carlos
We came into marina Real and John got busy washing down. Talked to Bill and Trisha Gibson last night and believe it or not they left this am for Arizona.
Jim and Kitty, ex Summer Wind, are here in their motor home – big thing. Had them over for a clam dinner.
Don and Sherry, Trust Me, ex Luna also here – haven’t seen them for a couple of years.
Slept good tonight.
April 18, Tuesday
More work – wind is howling – 25k as this front is going through. Cloudy and cooler than it has been.
April 19, Wednesday
San Carlos
Happy Birthday Charlie, Antigua.
Wind again at 20-25k.
April 20-21, Thursday and Friday
Calm and warm days.
Looking out from the boat to the roads – up to the look out and club med – it’s nearly always bumper to bumper traffic.
6:30 pm – strange – it’s now blowing 15-20.
April 22, Saturday
It blew 25-30k all night last night. Today was calm and warm am – by noon it was howling again. We went over to Marina San Carlos to visit Jeff and Kathy for a bit. Abiento, they have decided to truck the boat home to Flagstaff so they can work on it.
April 23, Sunday
Samie made Easter cards and a poster – she’s always leaving me little notes and such things.
Sunny- no clouds – warm! NO WIND. John is busy everyday cleaning this or that. I’m also doing my job – getting a tan. We sure enjoy visiting with Mexican workers here on the dock who take care of the power boats. Really nice guys.
*Mom and I still leave each other little notes and things to find to this day, whenever one of us visits the other. I have been slacking though - I will do better this year. 🙃
Mom had a tough job, but someone had to do it!
We always enjoyed our friends in Marina Real.
April 24, Monday
Bob and Cynthia, Storm Haven, came in this morning. They haven’t been to San Carlos for 3 years and are really glad to be back. No wind again.
Don and Sherrie stopped by, we went in to Tequilas for dinner with Bob and Cynthia.
April 26th, Wednesday
John bought Mexican car insurance, $103 US. We stopped by Tony’s for veggies.
Brenda and Charlie, Antigua, drove down today – good to see them.
April 27, Thursday
Happy Birthday Tiff and Warren!
Priority, Jim and Gail came in today. Her mom us very ill, so they’ll be heading to Chicago soon. Warm – no wind.
April 28, Friday
Hot – no wind.
April 29, Saturday
John is cleaning and checking the house batteries – so the 12 volt system is shut down this morning.
It’s amazing how much of this boat – 98% - is run on batteries. I can’t cook, run water (except the foot pump), no radios, no lights, phone or TV. I’ve never really thought about it.
*We always had the batteries good and charged thanks to the generator, which we ran twice a day for a couple hours in the morning and evening when we didn’t have access to power.
May ‘00
May of 2000 has arrived and it’s time to prep the boat for summer. Before we pack everything up, Peggy and Caleb come down for a visit and we take a trip out to a nearby anchorage. I ride back up and stay with them while Mom and Dad come up a week later.
*Additional notes may appear in italics after my mom’s initial journal entries.
A ladybug means you should check the comments at the bottom of the page to see what Mom has chimed in on after reading these!
May 3, Wednesday
I lost a few days here, not much going on – bad migraine.
We went in to the Pollo Feliz (Happy Chicken) for dinner with Charlie and Brenda.
*This makes for the 4th migraine mentioned this season, around 10-12 days collectively. Less than last season, but not by a whole lot. 😥
May 4, Thursday
Peggy and Caleb got here around 4:30. The boys went fishing in the dink – no luck.
May 5, Friday
Happy Bday Schyler, #5.
John and Caleb went fishing with Joe and his son on Black Shark, John had shown Joe how to get his GPS up and running.
They came back with 4 small to medium (Caleb’s share of the 8) dorado. We had some tonight.
Brenda and Charlie, Antigua, were finally able to leave for Puerto Escondido today.
I sure have enjoyed Brenda – we’re a lot alike.
Talked to Schyler, he is sounding so grown up.
May 6, Saturday
We sailed out 12 miles to Bahia San Pedro to anchor with the kids for the night. 15-20 SE – at least we were going with it. We all went to the beach for shells – piles of the pink murex.
Calm tonight.
*I loved having my sister to visit! We always had a great time.
*The piles of pink murex shells were left from fishermen. I don’t know if the snails were edible, but I found some information explaining that they can be used to create a purple dye.
Dad took a last opportunity to use the hookah and clean the bottom before summer, and Caleb gave it a try, too. It’s such a weird sensation, getting used to breathing while your face is under water!
May 7, Sunday
Peggy is miserable with all the “no see-ems” that ate up her feet and legs.
We motored back – calm. Caleb learned how to use a throw net and brought in a bunch of bait fish – so he and John went out in the dink for a couple hours – one trigger fish!
We all went in to Tequila’s for dinner.
Peg, Sam and I stayed up watching old home videos and laughing. Great time.
May 8, Monday
Caleb went fishing again on Black Shark. They caught 11 dorado – he got to keep all the fish.
I told him it’s because they didn’t want to mess with it.
John worked at cleaning the boat.
The girls just hung out.
Bill and Velinda stopped by. They just got married on Saturday and are here in town for a week.
May 9, Tuesday
The kids all 3 left town at 10 am. We let Samie go up with Peggy and Caleb. I “miss” her. Sure did have fun with them here.
Spent some time with Bill and Velinda. Had dinner with Bob and Cynthia.
*I was excited to go back a little early and stay with my sister. I got to stay in one of the spare rooms and had my own space for a few weeks while Mom and Dad finished up on the boat and got things sorted out back at the house we were renting for the summer.
We stopped in Phoenix to visit Michelle and see baby Jeremy. ❤
May 10, Wednesday
We took Bill and Velinda up to Bahia San Pedro.
15-20 SE – The guys dove, Velinda walked the beach, then the 3 of them fished from the dink.
BBQ, steak, trigger fish (1) and 6 small scallops – great dinner. I’m so used to Samie being with us that I set a place for her too!
Blew ALL NIGHT.
*I love that Mom still set me a place. I wonder how long it took her to notice it? 🙃
May 11, Thursday
We left at 8:15 am headed for Marina Real, not nearly as bad as we thought it would be. Of course we didn’t put up the sail and just went straight into it, 15k on the nose, 2-4 foot swell.
We took on fuel, $1,892 pesos, 110 gallons.
Bill and Velinda “jumped ship” as soon as we were docked – so we were able to get a lot done.
Sure is strange not having Samie here.
We went out to Pollo Feliz for dinner with Bob and Cynthia, then for ice cream.
Up to 90° today – getting hot and real humid. Many flies.
*As easy as it is to feel crowded in a small space like the boat, I’m sure it is just as easy to notice an absence! Especially with Mom and I having our routines together, I can imagine it was weird for her. I’m sure I was happy to be back with her after a few weeks apart. We have always been best friends, even on our worst days. 🥰
May 12, Friday
Real humid - decks, docks, everything was very wet this morning.
We dropped, folded and bagged all the sail and lines. Got a lot done. Bill and Velinda stopped by – Bill and Velinda stopped by – Bill went up the mast and did a couple things – he climbs power poles at NEC – so it’s no problem for him. They had us over for dinner, cute little place they are staying at, Conquestor II.
Hot, hot morning, afternoon wind, 10-15 NW – hasn’t been north for 2 weeks – NO FLIES TODAY – don’t know why?!
*Seems to me like climbing the mast was Dad’s Achille’s heel. 🙃 The man doesn’t like heights! I’m glad we always knew someone who didn’t mind helping.
May 13, Saturday
North wind 15k again – maybe that’s why no flies. Got lots done today.
Tequila’s for dinner.
May 14, Sunday
Happy Mom’s Day.
Ready to go – John took the generator out, with Miguel and Chewy’s help.
Dinner at Tequila’s with Bob and Cynthia – Roger and Darian, Garth, Sandy and Bill.
May 15, Monday
We left the Marina, breakfast and Rosa’s and in Mesa at Chelle’s at 6:30 pm.
Little Jeremy is so cute!! Really an alert guy. Schyler is changing and growing up all too fast. Stayed at Chelle’s, Tuesday night stayed at Danielle’s. She is due in a couple of weeks.
May 20, Saturday
Finally got Jeremy and Val out of the house and we are moved in.
Started work the 21st.
*I guess there was a big misunderstanding with Jeremy and Val about when and if they were moving out. Mom and Dad had to stay with Barb and Richard for a few nights while things were sorted out and they could get us moved back in. So it worked out that I was already staying with Peg and Caleb.
May 29, Monday
Samie and I went with Peggy to her doc appointment, we heard the baby’s heart beat – 169 beats per minute.
June 3, Saturday
10:41 am – Chase Benjamin Esparza born 7lb 11oz, 20” to Danielle Kinney and Ben Esparza.
They induced her late last night – she says it wasn’t that bad. We’ll go down in a week or two after she’s got her strength back.
*Welcome to the world, baby Chase!
June 25
Went to see Danielle and Chase. What a cute – BIG guy.
Also got ourselves a Westie puppy. Seager is 9 weeks old, born April 25th.
*Yay! Our Seager Boy was the best. ❤ We loved having the new addition to our family, he was lots of entertainment, for sure.
Summer went on by as normal. Jerry, the house owner never came up with the money to re-roof the house. So John did other smaller projects to “pay rent.” He also had a couple of side jobs for extra money.
Samie had lots of neighbor kids around this summer. She loved 8th grade, 9 weeks at Blue Ridge.
Seager is a lot of fun.
The girls came up several times with the kids – what cuties.
Peggy is so cute pregnant. 7 months along when we left to come back to the boat.
We worked 2 weeks longer than normal – had to buy a new gen-set - $7000 plus $900 for the new main sail. Water maker parts and a bigger inverter.
So, it was October 28th before we left the snowy mountain.
Got to the boat in San Carlos at 2:15 pm on October 29, 2000.
*A lot of the neighborhood friends I made that year would go on to be lifelong friends that I’m still in touch with. We had a lot of fun for the next few years.
