Exploring San Carlos

San Carlos Area

4/1/18 to 4/5/18

We motored from Bahía Algodones to find another anchorage.  At first we explored down Bahía San Carlos first.  This house on top of the rock ledge would be perfect for my sister Carolyn because it has the best view. She has been one of my two sisters that have been keeping a watchful eye on our travels.  We are appreciative of both Carolyn and Marjorie for being our land based emergency contacts. 

There were more homes built into the hillside the farther we went.

 

e decided not to anchor at the end of this bay, as we noticed 2 boats up on the ground and figured the holding might not be the best there.  We motored out and found a cute anchorage below a high cliff called Shangri La Coves where we dropped the hook beside a steep rock cliff with some nice homes above.

There were several interesting islands a short distance away the we explored on our SUP boards.  

There were two large caves that we could paddle through. On the bottom one, you can see Dan paddling through.

It just happened to be Easter morning that we anchored at this cove.  It was not too long, before we noticed a lot of fishing boats driving by our boat on their way to view the caves.  It almost felt like a parade.  Usually the boats had 8 - 12 people enjoying the sites, listening to music and enjoying some drinks.  Each boat would stop at the cave and a picture would be taken with the passengers standing on the boats bow and the cave behind them.  At first I thought these were tour boats, but later I thought it was also various private owners taking people out for some extra money on this holiday.  

We tried to get a slip at the San Carlos Marina, but since they were not answering their phones, nor the VHF channel, we decided to paddle down the bay and go there in person.

It worked out well, and we were given a slip on dock A-18.  We quickly paddled back against a wind that was building, pulled up the anchor and motored into the marina while it was just approaching high tide.  

We had learned that the cruisers listen to channel 74 at this marina, and if we call in advance of our arrival, several helpful hands would be waiting at our slip to help tie the boat safely to the dock.  We were thrilled to be greeted by 3 fellow cruisers to catch the line.  To top it off, we got the entire run down on where to eat, where to shower, listen to music etc etc.  

I paddled into the bay several mornings before the wind picked up.  It was very scenic, some boats anchored and a few boats were on the shore after the last hurricane hit about 8 years ago.  

We decided to take a bus from San Carlos to Guaymas to go to Home Depot and Wal-mart for some supplies to ”winterize/summerize” this boat on the hard.  The driver was rather crazed and drove like a mad man.  Here he is counting the money as he weaves in and out of traffic.  

  

We enjoyed a nice pot luck with a few of the neighbors last night.  After a shared dinner on Malo we all met at a restaurant/bar that has a well liked and talent singer and guitarist.  It was rather impromptu which is always the best.  Andrew cooked the fish on his grill.

Steve and Darleen from S/V Mystic joined us as well.  It was interesting to learn their history in Washington State, as they were involved with taking in foster kids, especially teenagers.  Over the course of their involvement, they had (approx 1,400) kids come through their home, for various lengths of time.  What an admirable service they've done.  We all had fun listening to the music and a few of us even danced.  

I woke up with the intent of going for another nice SUP paddle in the bay.  It was a beautiful morning for it.

On my way back from the paddle, I had a craving for the rotisserie chicken a neighbor told me about.   Even though it was getting pretty warm, I grabbed my backpack and off I went to find El Pollo.  After I mile walk, I found it, bought some chicken with grilled potatoes, onions & pepper.  It was yummy!!!!!  (I did share some with our neighbor Andrew).  

Chicken is cooking with the potatoes, onions and peppers below.  It was the best ever!

We have spent 4 nights at the marina and will head back out on the hook in a quieter anchorage for the next 5 nights.  We have moved up our haul out date for April 13th at Guaymas Gabriel's Yard.  We are also planning our return trip to Eugene, Oregon and it looks like taking a motor bus out of Guaymas, Mexico to Tuson, Arizona or even farther is better than flying.