Haul out in Guaymas - May 2017

We have a NEW alternator bracket now.
But before this happened we planned on taking a much needed break. We planned on heading over to Ensenada el Carricito, a bay 10NW away from Guaymas, to rest and swim, and just be, with no agenda.
As long as we put a few hours of work in each day cleaning and packing we should be on track to return to the Marina next weekend and prep to haul out the 22nd.
However, the alternator does not have a bracket. (Yet)
So, crap, I am not wasting 3 days hanging in Guaymas!
Since, no way was I going to let this stop us, I rigged up a solution via copious zip ties.
It’s not pretty but it worked! (There and back and in between too)


So off we go a sailing to our little bay
around the corner. It was great to
really sail for half a day! We assessed
the anchorage, dropped hook and e
njoyed the next 6 days in paradise. Of
course we had to re anchor twice due
to wind and swell changes with a little
dragging thrown in to keep us on our
toes. Occasionally, locals would visit
the beach, or fisherman would be
hunting octopi, but we were relatively
alone. As if we hadn’t had enough
alone time together? Ah, but this was of the relaxing variety, not the kind where an argument was solved with battling pool noodles, or being too exhausted, this was hang out and enjoy life togetherness.
The water was beautiful and so we swam and swam, and saw much sea life, I wish I had pictures of this part as it was so amazing and one of the things that is high on my list of must do’s while cruising. But I don’t.
We tried our hand at the Hawaiian Sling (spear) to catch lobster, but it took us 3 days before we could even find the lobster, and then the lobster were too fast for our lazy spear. We have decided a small spear gun is in order.

After 6 blissful days of fun we upped anchor and headed out to return to the marina. It was a spicy day with swell and some amount of wind. Shay was mildly seasick and I enjoyed sailing the boat for about 5 hours on a fantastic sail back to town. Our last sail of the season.
Once docked - which was doubley fun in 20knot winds blowing off the dock, we started taking down the sails and lines, and cleaning everything for stowage.
Our muscles worked overtime hauling and hauling and washing and oh!, we finally got the alternator bracket installed too!
We placed all clothes
and cushion covers in vacuum bags, all books, electronics and valuables in ziplocks, wiped every surface in vinegar, took out all the food... on and on.
We needed to drive EM over to the haul out facility Monday evening due to tide restraints and after almost grounding (seriously, I felt the keel plow thru the mud,) made our way to the yard docks to stay the night.

The next morning we prepped EM for haul out. It was super stressful. For me. Shay just left and went to the van and read. She was really too big for this sling (EM) and due to her draft and weight we changed plans and set her up very close to the dock to avoid a long and dangerous trip to the further yard.

It was good to get the stands up and have her on land after the trials of the last couple days. The next few nights we stayed in a nice hotel in San Carlos as a birthday present to me. It was awesome! Showers, pool, AC, TWO big beds. It was the best present. During the day we worked on EM, and in the afternoon when the pizza oven that blows red sand started up (ie. the heat,) we retired to the hotel pool. After Friday we stayed on EM overnight until we left Guaymas for home.

We prepped the engine and all systems, tools, decks and deck hardware, tarps, etc, etc. It really was brutal work. But she will dry out now over the summer and be ready to be painted next fall. We needed to haul out to paint her bottom. (Yes, that’s how you say it.) And do some repairs on the hull, and seacocks.
So we left Sunday afternoon and drove to Hermosillo for the night. Our season was over. It was bittersweet.

We drove the van home. It was quite overwhelming when we reached Phoenix, so we got off the highway and took lesser roads all the way to Eugene, Oregon. It was a beautiful drive up 395, the back side of Yosemite. We car camped in rural campgrounds in the dessert, and stopped at a few hot springs along the way. Our bodies were still messed up from all the boat yard work and being in a hot spring was wonderful.
When we hit Oregon and left the dessert, we entered the forest and the luscious green of the woods was incredible. It was if we were bathing in green. It had been so long since we experienced the PNW green, it was delicious.

We stopped in Portland to visit family and then finally came to a stop in Port Orchard, at our friends Vic home.
It’s been a challenging re-entry. Overwhelming in most every way. However, we are grateful to be staying in Port Orchard with Vic, to visit with friends, to sail again with the WINOS(!), and well, that’s about it. It’s cold here.

Since everyone wants to know THE PLAN, I can tell you we hope on returning in November after we make more money, work on the rental property, hang with friends and get supplies for next cruising season.

A few things I re-learned over the course of 7 months. (I hope these lessons stay with me for at least a little while.)
I can do much more than I think possible.
Most things aren’t as scary as I imagine it to be.
I am happier if I can let go of plans, and shoulds, and just let life happen.
My body is so very much happier and healthier in a warmer climate.
I need to figure out how to stay in touch with loved ones better during our travels. Laugher is important everyday.
The ocean is healing. And spectacular.
I am meant to be a sailor and belong on a boat.
I don’t need much stuff to be happy.
Yoga is very hard on a small boat.
Pastries are dangerous.
Except gifts, they can be turning points in life.
Friends are a gift.
Shay’s List:
You don’t need a shower as much as you think you do
Friends are priceless
Don’t be afraid to let the love flow ie, screaming to BULA in a crowded marina, “Love you, back!”
Nature provides more necessities than one thinks
My wife is awesome
Have a great summer!