The night was windy, really windy. There wasn’t much fetch, but the gusts brought plenty of noise. Just before bed, a small cruise ship slipped in to seek shelter and with it came bright lights blazing 24/7. Fortunately, it anchored behind me, so the glow stayed out of my cabin. The forecast called for the wind to ease overnight and pick up again during the day, so I set my alarm for a 3 a.m. departure.
Right on schedule, I headed out of the anchorage. With no moon, the cruise ship’s lights were actually helpful. The passage was mellow enough that I tackled a job I’d been avoiding – polishing the galley countertops. It’s not a hard task, just a messy one requiring multiple buffing pads, abrasives, and spray going everywhere. After 18 years, it was time to bite the bullet. The results were worth it and while not perfect (since I didn’t sand out the deeper gouges) but a huge improvement. Honestly, the cleanup took almost as long as the buffing, and I kept finding residue for days. That stuff gets everywhere.
The forecast promised a low key passage north the next day, so Punta Alacran would have to be a short stop. I love the spot, it has great hiking, excellent wind protection, and usually a few friendly beach dogs to join me on my morning walk. After settling in, I paddled ashore for an afternoon hike. A group of visitors were at the Eco‑resort, which surprised me this late in the season. As I passed a yurt, the dogs barked and someone called out a hello. It turned out to be Kevin, one of the resort’s owners, whom I’d met back in November 2017. Hard to believe it had been that long. We chatted for a while, reminiscing about his days on Seawind 1160 syndicate he was a part of that still exists back in San Diego. With the sun dropping, I had to cut our conversation shorting than I would have liked and hustle through my usual hiking loop, hitting the hilltops and following the shoreline north. Fast, but wonderful.
When I reached the resort again, Kevin and the guests welcomed me onto the deck. More great conversation followed. I declined offers of beer and margaritas, but when someone offered a clam they’d harvested earlier in the day, my answer was an immediate, “Yes, please and thank you!” It was incredible. Dinner was offered too, but I didn’t want to impose, so I headed back to Strikhedonia with plans for Kevin to visit the boat in the morning.
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