Cabo San Lucas, MX November 2008

Cabo San Lucas

The sailing to Cabo was wonderful. Cruising shoot, main, jib were all put to use day after day in warm winds varying from 10 to 20 knots. With Martin Pengelly along as crew, we were able to travel several days at a time with good rests.

A Bonita was our only fish along the way as we lost our two lures in what was prime fishing country! Stops at Bahia de Tortogas and Bahia de Santa Maria broke up this 800 mile run.

Bahia de Tortogas is described as “coyote ugly” and this is a compliment. We had heard in San Diego that the two diesel fuel men who bring very small barges of fuel to your boat were at odds and that one (Gordo) was known to flagrantly cheat while (Annabelles---Enrique) was slightly better. Each came to the boat to tell us how dreadful the other was. Fortunately, we needed little fuel so went with good, clean fuel from Annabelles. The town is poor, very dusty with fishing (and fuel) as limited work.

Bahia de Santa Maria is a large, beautiful bay bigger than English Bay but surrounded by a sandy low shore that blocks the swell. A lonely hill at one side holds several small huts and fishing pangas. We bartered for two fish trading a tin of Spam, corned beef and coke. These two round flat “Tiger fish” were the toughest we’ve ever tasted! We know who got the better deal. The swim in lovely green coloured water was warm and relaxing.

FINALLY!! Cabo San Lucas

Rounding Cape Falso and Cabo San Lucas was a monumental event. The armada of early morning charter fishing boats roared past us as we approached the arches and hole in the rock and added to our excitement. The temptation to sail through the Arches soon passes for the size of the Pinnacle, Arches and other reddish brown rocks is immense. Sitting at anchor (since a daily rate at a marina was $131.00 US), we were entertained each evening with four hotel bands and three to four boat tours’ bands. The shore was always a maze of lights. The day was filled with pangas whirling around us along with water taxis and jet skis buzzing us all afternoon. Still we managed to enjoy this vibrant place as the noise and action all seemed to fit. We swam off the boat and beach, walked the malecon, saw that the Margaritaville bar no longer existed, and walked some of the town. Martin left this warm, sunny climate to return to Vancouver and we moved on to Los Frailes.