END OF THE SEASON AND SAN CARLOS HAUL OUT

 

After our stay in Mulege, we drove back to Marina Puerto Escondido, where Paradice was moored. It was March 7th 2020, Day 247 of our cruise. We had been in Mexico for 145 days. 

Returning we found the first evidence of Covid-19 restrictions on Baja side of the Sea of Cortez. We had been following the news online etc, so we were not surprised to find this.

However, we realized some important decisions would need to be made. We had 35 days left on our visas. They original plan was return to our home in Las Vegas mid April. If we don't go home now would the borders, airports, bus lines be closed? We had planned on taking the express executive bus line, however they would not accommodate Patches (our Boston Terrier). 

Once back at the boat we discussed at all the options. Pairadice would be going into storage yard on the hard. We already have a reservation for the haul out in April. Should we change our travel dates, a small number of things would be effected. But first we had to get to San Carlos, then, figure out how to cross the Mexican border in order to return home.  

The cruise from Marina Puerto Escondido to 

San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico

was 133nm 20hrs at 8 knots

We set out at sunrise on March 17th, day 257 (155 days in MX)

However, before we could leave, we had to accomplish a number of things

to get Pairadice ready for storage. That included fun and games with our friends

Rob and Deanna on Bella Luna, repairing plugged sanitation lines, catching up on

laundry, maintenance and provisions for the last crossing. 

It rained over night and we did a lot of "hobby horsing". We made the most of short shifts and many naps. It was still raining when we arrived in San Carlos. As I was getting ready about, readying dock lines and setting the fenders, I found we had a stowaway on the flybridge. I had never seen a bat up close, therefore risked pissing off the Captain by sneaking a photo opt. It flew away as the fender reached the water. We had previous slip assignment and it wasn't long before we were enjoying a big breakfast and long nap.

This was our view of the hillside from our moorage, every morning for the next week. 

The churches are always welcoming.

Patches loves her local walks where ever we are.

Beautiful in the laundry room...

...complete with local entertainment helps with folding clothes.

John getting everything ship shape for the coming haul out.

We were able to move our storage reservation to Tuesday, March 24

Cleaning the bilges. 

Empty and clean the fridge, giving anything of substance away to marina staff. 

Marina Seca does not use a travel lift but a hydraulic trailer towed by a front loader.

That was a first for us! All we could do is stand back and watch.  

Pairadice is ready for the trailer and the road!

LOA is 52' / beam 15.5' / draft is 5.5 / weight is 60,000lbs (30 tons)

All previous haul outs were accomplished with a travel lift.

This was the first time she was ever on a trailer.

We had to trust the expertise of the yard crew and could not interfere.

A front loader is the tractor that hauls the boat out of the water.

 This is on the hard at the top of the ramp.

Crazy right? 

  

Pairadice on the road to Marina Seca, the work yard, 

then she will be moved to the storage yard for the summer. 

This is what the hydraulic stands look like on the trailer. 

It's time for a power wash and new bottom paint!

Pairadice on the hard waiting for the support jacks to get settled in.

I like the contrast between John's size and his boat. 

Yes, all sorts of maintenance is planned before our next cruise in the fall of 2020.

the work list has over 20 items listed. I'm sure that list will grow with time. It does include; 

new bottom paint, new sani lines, new cutless bearings, all kinds of filters, 

sending the prop out, remove and inspect, clean and inspect, etc. All kinds of stuff. 

More later on accomplishing that!

Secure in the yard at Marina Seca, San Carlos, Sorona, Mexico.

Arrangements were made for a local to drive us to Nogales, MX tomorrow at 7:30 am.

A pair of longtime friends happened to be traveling in Phoenix, AZ.

they dropped everything to pick us up after we walked across the border to Nogales, AZ.

We loaded our essencials in bags, backpacks and hauled it to the hotel in a wagon. 

 

 Reservations had been made at Hotel Tetakawi on the main drag.

Patches had a nice yard to peruse.

And was allowed to join us for fresco dining across the street at sunset. 

I made friends with the staff at Charly's Rock.

San Carlos, Sorona, MX sunset.

I was trying to keep up with John at the border crossing.

We met Jeff and Wendy at the McDonalds in Nogales, AZ. 

They hauled us to their digs in Phoenix, AZ and put us up for the night.

After renting a car from the nearby airport...

saying goodbye and thank you! Jeff, Tracey, Wendy & John.

Getting settled in at home with a visit of a few of our kids!

MULEGE

The Mulege back story goes like this....

Our Selene purchase was in the spring of 2015, in which we spent that year refitting, upgrading and getting to know all her systems backwards and forwards. We made many trips back and forth to Portland, Oregon that year, working on the boat, installing a water maker, sewing canvas, etc. John had retired, however I was still working in dentistry. My last work day 12/14/15.

We had formulated a 5 year plan, the first of which was to cruise and explore the Inside Passage of Canadian British Columbia. While accomplishing that in 2016, during our return we stopped at a great small marina called Lagoon Cove. Lagoon Cove is famous for many things like history, hikes and of course "Happy Hour". The marina hosts fish for prawns everyday! Everyone contributes to the potluck buffet, visiting and mingling on the above decks. Just so happened we ended up seated at a picnic table with the Studebakers (from Mulege, MX) and the Leisinger's from (Oregon, USA). Turns out Dr. Al Leisenger is an endodontist and runs a dental clinic in Mulege in conjunction with Rotary International during the winter months. To say I was enthused to be a part of contributing would be an understatement. It became a bucket list item and John made sure it happened! We failed to keep in touch, however, while in the Sea of Cortez and finally having a prospective date in mind, I reached out via email. We had not been forgotten and our timing was perfect! The Studebaker's put us up in "The Nest" (A Casita) at their home. 

the rest will be explained with the captions during the photo description.

On Sunday, March 1st, day 241 we rented a car and had lunch in downtown Loreto,

planning tomorrows trip to Mulege, BCS. 

Loreto Lighthouse

The culture and architecture are fascinating.

On Monday, March 2nd, day 242 (our 140th day in Mexico) we arrived in Mulege!

And our timing was perfect! The dental clinic had gone through a major renovation. 

so that afternoon there was a celebration with awards from Rotary International for 

all the volunteers, contractors and staff. We arrived just in time to meet everyone 

involved. Tuesday was moving day!

We settled in to "The Nest" in Mulege, BCS home of the Studebaker's.

This is our view from our guest Casita for two,

Tranquility in the tree tops. 

Dana and John humoring me for a photo by the pool.

This is the lovely "Nest".

On to the next, the Rotary Celebration.

This is actually a volunteer dental and eye clinic. 

John with Dr Al Liesinger from Rosenberg, OR. He runs the dental clinic.

Operatory's with fresh paint, installation flooring and move in ready!

One step at a time. 

Tracey with Dr. Al Liesinger.  Love all the colorful murals incorporated with the clinic.

Checking out the steralization area.

Tom Studebaker, receiving his award for his contract work. 

And more contributors...

Back at the Studebaker's nestled above the Rio Santa Rosalia 

(river off Bahia Concepcion, Sea of Cortez)

The Liesinger's house is among these homes across the river. 

I also got a chance to spend some time at the PAW clinic observing the work they do there.

Dana looking after a feline patient.

When Dana was done working she t took me to visit the old mission. 

Founded in 1705 by Jesuit missionaries, the impressive and perfectly preserved, 

stone church, La Mision Santa Rosalia is definitely worth a visit!

Set high atop a hill above Rio Mulege, the oasis views are stunning!

Imagine this construction in 1705!

Views from the mission, of the Rio Santa Rosalia....

And then we had to take a peak in the age old cemetery still in use. 

Back at "Le Nest", home of the Studebaker's.

And what fine hosts! They even loaned us a Razor 

side by side for a scheduled 40 mile Poker Run!

Poker for Paws... fun charity ride Punta Chivato...

The men ( Tom and John) worked together getting the buggies ready for the forty mile 

ATV Poker run. "Poker for Paws", fun charity ride Punta Chivato.

This was the meeting place.

We started off through the mountains. 

Ready to go, selfi!

What an honor to be gifted this ride for the day! Thanks Tom and Dana!

Everyone is in line for the poker hand.

Tracey and John

 ......through the desert......

Then along the beach!

What a blast! So much fun!

Another stop for more cards.

Dinner and drinks, of course!

The proceeds go to the PAWS Animal Clinic 

and Hagamos Mas (Santa Rosalia Dog Shelter).

Spent some more time unpacking, lining shelves, setting up sterilization and testing equipment. 

What a wide and bright sterilization area! 

The Studebaker residence. 

Patches making herself at home.

Faro de Mulege, (lighthouse) Baja California Sur, 

at the mouth of the Rio Santa Rosalia.

....and more amazing views!

Patches loving her adventure!

John and Dana at the local Art Show, another well invested charity event!

A visit to Iglesia Apostolica de la Fe en Cristo Jesus de Mulege, BCS

Then a visit to the Museo Excarcel, a prison from 1906!

 

This rock art is much older than the prison, but from the river areas. 

The prison is unique in that it was built without doors on the cells. 

A conch shell was blown in the morning signaling it was time for the inmates

to go to their jobs. They could enjoy meals and a siesta with their families.

The conch shell was blown again in the evening when it was time for the 

incarcerated to return to their confinement. Now that's an honor system.

More artifacts from the period, stored in dwelling to complete the museum.

This is an example of a local market.

To find the usual things us Gringo's are accustomed to, 

(like Dr Pepper) becomes a scavenger hunt.

We capped off the Mulege excursion with a visit to the Leisenger's

home for a dinner party. A great time had by all! Truly memorable!

And the views of Faro De Mulege ended a fabulous visit.