Jan 28, 2013,
 SO SORRY, THIS ONE IS WAY OUT OF ORDER AND I CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO PUT IT BACK
 anchored at Ensenada Grande, Isla Espirito Santo, BCS

After a rocky night, we were up early to catch the morning radio net for the weather.  Nothing but static.  We tried every frequency that was supposed to have a broadcast until 10:30 and could not get anything.  Either we are in a radio dead zone or there is something seriously wrong with our radio.  We finally reached another boat on VHF which assured us that strong northern winds were still predicted for today or tomorrow. We would not be going anywhere today.

The west wind which was causing all of the rocking and rolling was gradually dying down, so we got to work on today’s project, finally bolting the compass back on.  While Alan rounded up the right bolts and drilled holes and got everything ready, I got to work cleaning out one more cupboard.  This one had my little battery operated sewing machine, sail mending kit, velcro, elastic, odds and ends of fabric, misc. crafty stuff and board games.  I got everything all finished, neat and tidy, labeled and organized about the time that Alan was ready for me to help screw on the compass.  Both projects done and time for lunch, which was salad from last night’s left over tortellini.

Meanwhile the wind had died down almost completely and it was another lovely, warm, still afternoon perfect for putting on another coat of paint.  It looks so good when it is done.  The entire area just outside the cabin entryway is finally free of bits of flaking paint.

All day we had been watching the sky, waiting for the wind to shift to the north.  Waiting for the big storm.  If it actually came from the north we were perfectly protected in our little cove.  If it came from the west we were in for another rocky ride.  And all day it grew more still.  Towards evening clouds began to build in the west.  Out came the books to see if we could figure out what kind they were and what they meant. One thing was for sure, they were in the west, blowing towards us and creating a beautiful sunset.    We cleared the decks and made sure everything was tied down for the night and went below for dinner.  Still no north wind.

Then about 10:00, the wind began to blow, the boat swung completely around and began to rock from side to side.  And here we are with another long night of 10 knot west winds.  Time to leave the Sea of Cortez and head for Mazitlan and the mainland.