Click images to see more on each area. Mexico Maps shows the geographical layout.
Mid-April, 2011 - We stopped in at La Paz, strolling the pretty malecón boardwalk and finding
provisions for the galley and for the boat. A brief venture to Bahía San Gabriel taught us the horrors
of the springtime Coromuel winds in La Paz and the value of choosing the right anchorage. We found
the perfect anchorage in Puerto Balandra where leisurely days spun into peaceful nights, and we
were surrounded by gorgeous beach scenery.
Late April, 2011 - Our first island stops in the Sea of Cortez were the Ensenada Grande anchorage at
Isla Partida and the popular "hook" anchorage at Isla San Francisco. Suddenly we were immersed in
nature at the colorful confluence of the southwest's lush, rugged desert landscape and the inviting yet
unpredictable waters of the Sea of Cortez. From ideal tropical beach settings to red rock canyons to
scrambling hikes to cliff overlooks, we soon felt civilization slipping away.
Late April-Early May, 2011 - We stopped at several anchorages on our way north, getting a surprise
fish delivery to Groovy at San Evaristo and a surprise bee invasion at Puerto Los Gatos. Taking
refuge from a late season Norther at Bahia Santa Marta, we rocked and rolled in bone jarring swell for
three days. All this made our arrival in idyllic Agua Verde even more sweet. With views to die for,
free ranging goats and cattle, and a lively beach-front fishing economy from yesteryear, this dustry,
tight-knit village won our hearts completely.
May, 2011 - We continued to revel in the Sea's natural beauty, both colorful cliffs on Isla Carmen's
east side and white sand beaches at Isla Coronado. What a shock, then, to stop in at Ensenada
Blanca where the first phase of a multi-gazillion dollar resort dominates the bay. Reading Steinbeck's
Log of the Sea of Cortez made me realize that the Sea has been undergoing this transformation from
rugged wilderness to elegant resort for over 70 years.
Late May, 2011 - We continued paralleling Steinbeck's experiences as we explored Puerto Escondido
and the town of Loreto. Here we thought about the nature of dreams and the evolution of Baja
California from simple fish camps and villages to trendy upscale towns. In between musings we tended
to more practical things like getting provisions, haircuts and dental care.
June, 2011 - After a final spring Norther at Isla Coronado that saw Groovy challenged more than she
had ever been, we sailed north to San Juanico and the many bays and beaches of Bahía
Concepción. Here we found peace and tranquility, beautiful hikes, expansive views, and a vibrant ex-
pat community with new shoreside friends on the beach. The cares of the world slipped away. After
these dreamy days we left the boat in a slip in San Carlos, Mexico and eventually drove our fifth
wheel to the Flagstaff, Arizona area.
Early October, 2011 - We returned to Groovy after our last summer RVing days in Williams, Arizona.
Suddenly we found ourselves back in our beachwear enjoying beers at a beach palapa. San Carlos
is where our cruising dreams first developed and was our major transition point this year between our
life afloat and life on the road. We pondered these things as we prepped the boat for a second
season of cruising.
Mid-October, 2011 - We stopped at Punta Chivato where the beach was thick with shells. We explored
the lovely grounds of a beautiful and inviting looking hotel and patio bar that were unfortunately closed
for the season. Venturing another 25 miles south, we entered Conception Bay where we visited Geary
Ritchie, the famous cruisers' weatherman, in Playa El Burro, and visited the fantastic and unique
National Outdoor Leadership School in Playa Coyote.
Late-October, 2011 - We swam, hiked, snorkeled and relaxed at lovely La Ramada Cove and Isla
Coronado, two of the Sea's quintessential tropical anchorages. A little culture, civilization and
provisioning at Loreto followed by a fuel stop at Puerto Escondido got us ready for a few more weeks
of remote anchorages on our way south. Helping a struggling boater into Puerto Ballandra, a small
bay that is invisible without radar, and witnessing the remains of an unfortunate boating accident
reminded us that the idyllic moments are very precious, as challenges lie in wait for us at every turn.
Early November, 2011 - We visited tiny Isla Coyote, one of the few inhabited islands in the Sea of Cortez,
and discovered a whimsically decorated and once tight-knit community whose 30 residents had dwindled
to just one man and his dog. Next door, Isla San Francisco treated us to a very special avian visit, and
Ensenada Grande a few miles south, offered up a 20 Euro note from its depths. Puerto Balandra gave us
an idyllic tropical setting of crystalline water and white sand beaches.
Mid-November, 2011 - An impending Norther sent us into La Paz where we returned to some favorite
haunts and got our water heater repaired. Groovy joined the other anchored boats in the La Paz Waltz
when the winds piped up. Better weather sent us back out to the nearby anchorages of Playa Bonanza
and Bahía Falsa (Pichilingue) where we met some Germans on an epic cycling tour.