Cutting the dock lines, and the first storm of the season.

We had a tropical depression form last week, and although it did not develop into a storm or hurricane it caused a bit of excitement here. Friday around noon it started to rain. Not one of our old Pacific Northwest drizzles but a tropical downpour. I went out for a moment to cover up a few things and was instantly drenched. A bit later strong winds started up and so we headed back out again. The boat was not quite prepared due to the brightwork/varnish we are doing. We needed to secure items stored on the dock, re-tie the dock lines, and take down our canvas shade covers. While we are doing this we can here loud crashing noises of awnings falling over, banners shredding and canvas flogging in the wind. The rain continuing to pour down the whole time. One of our jerry jugs and one of our large storage tubs that we used in the truck blew into the water and drifted across the bay. After an hour or so we had a few minutes of calm then the wind started again from the opposite direction. Another hour of strong winds and then it was all over. Afterwards people compared there wind speed readings so the winds were most likely in the 45-55k range. We had wind waves in the small harbor so those speeds seem pretty accurate. We were told that it was the highest winds in at least fifteen years. We were lucky and were able to recover most of what had blown away.

 

We were able to finally get away from the dock.  We got the boat cleaned up and stowed away enough to head out. Of course we only went on a short trip to Isla Venados, an island right off the beach of Mazatlan.  We thought that a short trip and a night on the hook would be a good way for everyone to get their sea legs. This could be important for the cats especially since blue has never been underway. If we can avoid sick crew and potential messes, it is worth waiting another day before heading out. Although so far it seems to be an exercise in futility as far as Blue is concerned.

 

Tomorrow we should be underway to cross the Sea of Cortez. We should end up somewhere between Isla San Francisco and Aqua Verde, all depends on the wind.