Up early to beat the wind we departed to the north. Quickly raising the main and screecher only to be disappointed half an hour later when the morning winds subsided and it became a motor. Oh well, it was comfortable.
Not too crowded in San Juanico, we lucked out and there was a great spot near where I like to anchor and with a few days of strong winds coming, that was a relief. I was content to take a nap after a not great night’s sleep before cooking up dinner. A long, very long game of Uno took place with Jean declaring we weren’t stopping until she won a round. Whelp I won five games and Vicki three before Jean finally pulled it out. Whew, we could now watch some Big Bang
The next morning Jean and I started early with a pre-sunrise hike to the hill overlooking the achorage – a go to spot for me whenever I’m here. Then in the afternoon we all paddled into shore for a hike to the north beach. The wind was already in the 20s so the break was appreciated as was stretching our legs. We had seen two dinghies on the shore and reaching the north anchorage met SV Sea Again and SV Varekai. Both kids boats, with very creative and inventive kids who took orders for sand art delivering various animals, a mushroom, even a seahorse as the adults talked. With bellies rumbling we said our goodbyes and wandered to the end of the beach before taking the road back around the camping beach.
Back to the kayaks we dropped our things and went to check out the Cruiser’s Tree. I have to say it was very disappointing. A number of cruisers had used their trash (empty wine box, square foam packing materials) with no effort other than running a string through some trash. Along with much damage to older contributions, it looked more like a trash heap than the inspirational spot of years past. Blerg.
The afternoon included lunch followed by a way too long nap – evidently, we needed it. As dinner time was approaching a sailboat worked its way in. To our surprise it was SV Empty Space, another fellow Seawind 1160. The must have liked us because the anchored about 100 feet away, I hated to do it but had to get on the radio and ask if they could let out a bit more chain at least. With about 125 feet between us, I was okay but no super comfortable – but it is what it is. A nice dinner followed by watching Deadpool versus Wolverine, cue repeat, which kept me up way past my bedtime. Good thing I had the nap.
Overnight I kept watch on the distance from SV Empty Space where we kept 100 feet or so between us as we crossed over to the opposite side of them. That made me concerned that our chain would foul their anchor. Thankfully there was no drama and in the morning they upped anchor (getting about 35 feet away from us) and headed north. The wind continued to howl and Vicki grabbed a kayak for a paddle and beach walk, while I worked on replacing the Spinlock clutch we had blown out in Isla Coronado a few days ago. Work followed with some down time and lunch.
Pretty chill couple of days, each day brought strong winds but it was very comfortable aboard minus the noise. Jean and I paddled to the big house and explored what was left of the collapsed sea cave near it before paddling around the point to park the kayaks and rock crawling around the area. We found a few nice shells and had an enjoyable break from the wind. The paddle back was a bit easier than coming, thankfully.
The next day I joined Jean, after her beach run and stretching, for more exploring along the western beach. The highlight being the veins of mica in one hill and cool sandstone with circular patterns that was also nearby – my friend Jen let me know if was gneiss rock.
The last morning I was up before the sun for a hike to the hill behind the hill overlooking the bay. It is a fun little scramble up lose shale and gave a nice view of the farm (happy to see it is still there). Down and back up the hill overlooking the bay (again) for the sun to get above the clouds and paint a nice picture of the bay.
Back aboard, Jean and Vicki headed off in the kayaks while I finished up taking some measurements of the hatches for an upcoming project to replace the acrylic. Soon enough they were back and it was time to start the heading south.
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