Can't believe it! We're actually here... in Mexico... in one piece... and still happy.
Well, to be honest, last night with the winds gusting to at least 30 and the surge springing the boat back and forth (even tho' we are tied to the dock), and our soaking wet clothes (from re-doing lines and actually moving Shannon across to the other side to prevent her from crushing all her fenders) hung all over the place to dry... our dear Shannon did feel a tad 'small'. Even with all our fleece on and tucked under blankets on the couch reading our books, it took a goodly dose of Carolan's in hot chocolate to cheer up the crew. We were all feeling a little bewildered at the way mother nature decided to treat us on our first visit to Ensenada. It's 1045 in the morning as I'm writing this and the temperature is only 18 degrees. Our clothes are almost dry, the sun is out and Kathy's gone off with Rogelio (our wonderful marina manager) to try and get a cell phone. Sophie and I are onboard, tidying up and deciding which chore to do next. They say there's another system coming through on Sunday so I guess we're here for a few days at least. There's nothing about 15' seas that I find appealing and that's what they're calling for out there, never mind the wind. Besides, there's lots to do here :-) and we have a few repairs/maintenance issues to take care of (nothing new there, I know.. I know.)
Our trip from San Diego to Ensenada was fairly uneventful. We decided to slip at mid-night and, when we awoke from our early evening nap, we found ourselves surrounded by fog (what else is new?) Luckily it lifted just long enough for us to clear our slip and head out of Shelter Island harbour and San Diego. It filled in again as we cleared the last channel marker. We motored in calm seas and no wind pretty much the whole way to Ensenada, and the fog finally cleared off when we were a few hours from the end of our trip. Unfortunately, at about 1130 hrs., the auto helm declared itself "Not Stable". I thought it was talking about me but apparently it wasn't as it then shut itself down and ceased functioning for the remainder of the trip. Today, when Kath gets back with the cell phone we shall commence running some tests to see if we can figure out what's wrong. Luckily there is some internet (albeit off and on) here, and we should be able to access some Raymarine 'help'. Time will tell. The good news is that the marina is also a shipyard and Rogelio says he has a good electrician. Will let you know the outcome later.
With the weather systems predicted we're not sure when we'll be leaving here; hopefully and perhaps on Tuesday morning. We have to check 'out' (get clearance to leave) so that can be done on Monday and we'll then have 48 hours to 'get outta town'. Checking in wasn't too bad. It's easier now that you don't have to go clear across town and back again (several times) between the Port Captain' office, Customs and the Bank. It's all in one building, with a handy little photo-copying office just outside the door. Our only delay was that the sign on the Port Captain's office window said "back in 30 minutes" which really meant "see you in an hour and a half... maybe...". Eventually (about 3 hours later) we were done and headed back to the boat... armed with our Tourist Permits (good for 6 months), our Temporary Import Permit for the boat (which is good for 10 years), and copious numbers of photo-copied documents which we never needed cuz no one asked for them (this time). No questions were asked about the dog and Rogelio has advised us that no one here cares about that, but that Port Captains down the way might. We even managed to get a 'green light' which meant that the Customs fellow did not come down and tear apart the boat looking for contraband that isn't there... so it's all good.
We hope you are all well and enjoying life. Take good care... until next time. Carolyn
