Hauling Out Malo

Hauling Out Malo

Friday April 13, 2018

This was a big day for us as Malo was scheduled for an 8 am haul out at Marina Secca Guaymas otherwise known as Gabriel’s Yard.  There was much anticipation and planning done by Captain Dan because of shallow depth considerations in the harbor on the way to the Marina, as Malo has a 7’6” draft which is deep.   I will spare the details, but we made it safely and I know Dan felt a huge weight off his shoulders when everything went very smoothly.  

The windy forecast held off until later than expect and instead we had calm waters with some fog rolling in, the first that we’ve seen in Mexico.   

Malo heading to her haul out spot.

We arrived at the haul out a little early and had to motor around a bit before we spotted two yard workers ready to meet us at the “ways” or the peers from which we would be hauled out. As you can see below Malo is entering the ways. 

Malo is getting tied up by the marina staff.

Alex One and Alex Two along with a third worker, did a great job of handling the boat in the ways and on the travel lift.

Malo is then hauled up and out on a travel lift.

Malo was transported slowly through one yard with an attendant and entered another gated yard to her new home.  

Along the way, I spotted the first set of “banos” or bathrooms.

Malo was given a power wash to clean the bottom.  It is amazing how fast the barnacles grow on the bottom, even though we dive the boat and scrape off the growth fairly often.  This is what they start to look like after a few short weeks.  

Once Malo was situated and put on her boat stands, Dan and I went to the Marina office to check in.  Ariana the Administrative Manager was incredibly helpful.  Dan had communicated with Gabriel over e-mails, but now we were excited to meet him.  Everyone at the yard treated us well and we were happy to leave Malo there.

Gabriel mentioned about music happening at the nearby restaurant later on.  Dan and I decided it would be a nice way to cerebrate the end of a successful haul out day. We enjoyed chatting with others who also kept their boats in the yard, listened to a guitarist/singer and enjoyed a nice dinner out.  

Our to-do-list for preparing the boat for a summer rest in the hot desert was quite extensive.  Dan has the list on his blog if you are interested.  https://onemoretimetosail.blogspot.mx

We both went to work as there was much to do.   It felt a bit overwhelming to me.  Add the heat factor and I found it difficult.  Slowly by tackling things one by one, the boat got sorted out and we will be heading back to Eugene, Oregon shortly.  

Below is a picture of Dan flushing the salt water out of the outboard motor.  He did the same to the diesel engine.  

As you can tell from the next two pictures, things get a little mixed up as we sort things out for storing Malo.

The mess even extended onto the cock-pit.  I think this state of upheaval was unsettling to me and it made me want to get out as quick as possible.  I was feeling ready to head back to Oregon.

Malo's Final Passage to Guaymas, Mexico

Malo's Final Passage to Guaymas
4/8/18 - 4/12/18

We have just completed our last passage for our 2017-2018 season of A Voyage On Malo.  We have gone over 3,000 miles in 8 months and are finishing up the cruising life.  The last several sails were absolutely delightful, with winds and with my ability to sail the boat.  I have learned a lot, however I am tired and ready to take a break.

The Sea of Cortez is filled with beauty.  This was taken while heading north from Bahía San Pedro before arriving to San Carlos.

We anchored Malo near San Carlos where we got to go out for dinner with Mark & Serina on

 S/V Pegasus.

The following morning, we sailed off the hook and headed 20 nm south to an island anchorage outside of Guaymas.  This was our last sail and my last time helming Malo.  

The Sea of Cortez in all it's vastness.

Our last anchorage and last sunset while on the hook.

Heading into Guaymas Harbor which as you can see is very industrialized.

We decided to spend 2 nights at Marina Fonatur in Guaymas in hopes of getting some of boat projects done before taking Malo out of the water at Gabriell's Yard on 4/13.

Our first BIG project was to take down the main sail and the jib sail.  They will get stowed below deck when we button things up.

Dan changed the oil & filters on the engine which was a big load off his mind.  

I am doing things like cleaning the fridge, throwing away things, packing bags to take home, cleaning etc etc.  We are both busy with projects.  

Bahía San Pedro

Bahía San Pedro

April 5- 9th, 2018

We left the comfort of San Carlos Marina and headed 15 nm north to Bahía San Pedro which is on the mainland with a view of San Pedro Island.  I was looking forward to getting back out on the hook and to do a little sailing as well.  It is difficult to believe that it will be our last real remote anchorage for this season.  

The sail was enjoyed with using only our code one sail.  Never once did we use the main, although the jib was used just as we sailed into the bay to anchor.  At first there were short, choppy waves hitting us head on, even though the wind was coming from the South.  It was annoying as it slapped the sail but eventually the seas calmed down and the sail was more  peaceful.  I think we arrived by 1 pm so it was a short sail. 

Flying the Code One Sail

Sailing into Bahía San Pedro, a charming and remote bay.  

The rock shores were impressive.  I hope to explore the caves that are supposedly around there.

With enough day light left, we launched our SUP boards and headed to explore the beach 

We explored some of the area by the bay.  It is all desert but obvious cattle dung was all over the place, so they must be around somewhere. We found this watering hole, but it did not look very appealing.

On the return trip, we stopped and said Hello to familiar cruisers from San Carlos Marina - Steve and Danielle on S/V Mystic.  

We enjoyed an incredible sunset with a pink sky in almost every direction.

The morning light on the cliffs beckoned us to get going and do some more exploring. Once again we took our SUP boards to shore,  The water here is very swirly with currents and wind.  It made for an interesting paddle and I was a bit concerned if we would make it back to the boat as the wind picked up.   

I brought my hiking boots in a dry bag as I knew we would explore an arroyo (or a dried up river filled with debris and rocks that the waters have brought down from the mountains.)  We walked for quite a way and while it was hot, it was interesting.   

Eventually we found three cattle under a tree watching us closely.  We decided to let them be in peace and not get too close.  Dan was enjoying taking photos, as he finds the desert most interesting.   

We found a large cave but it required a hike up the side of a cliff full of cactus and various bushes with thorns on them.   At first I declined to join Dan on the exploration, but then curiosity got the better of me and I did indeed make the climb.  I did get a few battle scars yet I was glad to see it. 

Battle scars from the desert cave exploration.

Finally when we got back to the beach, the wind had indeed increased and we had to carry our boards to a more sheltered section of the cove in order to paddle to our boat.  We also wanted to collect some fire wood and make a fire pit, as we wanted to have a fire on the beach later that evening.

 

We enjoyed a nice dinner on Mystic (Steve and Daniele’s boat) and followed it with a wonderful beach fire.  It was nice, although a bit windy.  The stars were magnificent.  

On our third day, we took the dinghy to check out the caves, but the waves and wind were too large so we turned back and checked out the area by the fish camp.  We were pleased to discover a hidden treasure!  

As we walked onward, we discovered another beautiful cove and it was sheltered from the southern wind we were experiencing in the bay we were anchored in.  

We both enjoyed walking along the rocky coast and looking at the clear water below.

And this is me, sitting on the rocks at this very cool place.