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!
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