Cactus Forest

The island of San Jose, just north of Isla San Francisco, has a huge cardón cactus forest...definitely worth dropping anchor in Bahia Amortajada and going for a hike. The cardón is the largest cactus species known, growing to heights of 50-60 feet, weighing up to 25 tons, and living as long as 300 years. Lightening strikes are a major cause of death for the cardón. It differs from the smaller saguaro cactus, sending up numerous branches from its base, and is unique to the Sonoran Desert, the Baja and the very south of Arizona.

Cruiser's Potluck at Evaristo

Evaristo, on the main Baja penisula, was a windy anchorage, filled with sailboats. We circumnavigated the bay in our kayaks, walked into town, and ended up joining other cruisers for a potluck on the beach, trying to tuck in out of the wind. The kayaking was a challenge with 15-20 knot winds, but it is one of the few ways we get any exercise!

Espiritu Santo

The volcanic cliffs that drop to the sea are a geologist's wonderland.

Espiritu Santo

Fishermen's shacks sit on the sand spit that separates Isla Espiritu Santo from Isla Partida...we traded water and batteries for fresh yellow-fin tuna.

Las Cuevas de Espiritu Santo

Cool and damp, with elaborate patterns of rocks, colors, and textures, the caves give a inside picture of these islands.




Wonder what pirates frequented these caves years ago?

Sea of Cortez Race Week

Winds ranged from non-existent to more than 20 knots...trying the patience of sailors who don't like light air, and challenging the navigational skill of all.



Craig coordinated the foredeck, kept the lines clear, and strategized the course.

Sea of Cortez Race Week

Although happy with being crew on Patsy's 50-foot Gulf Star, Talion, we were intrigued by the thought of having one of those big motor yachts...with a helicopter, even!

Patsy on Talion

Life on a racing boat...well, OK, a cruising-racing boat...well, OK, a home that is also a boat that is used to cruise and sometimes to race...

Life on Talion, Patsy's Gulf Star 50, has been one of the highlights of our trip so far. There is a fine balance of racing, cruising, relaxation, conversation, good food, movies, and just the daily flow of being a team together.

Isla Partida

The view requires a fairly steep scramble up, over what climbers refer to as "rotten rock," chunks breaking off in your hand and scree skittering out from beneath your sandals, some of it Class 4. It's hard not to grab for a branch to catch yourself...have to watch out since those tree branches are usually cacti, and their thorns are unforgiving.