Cedros Island sunset. Though not seen in this frame, the dolphins were there.
This point in our journey felt like a distinct transition. We were entering Baja. This desolate, yet beautiful piece of land can be difficult to sail, and we knew we were in for an adventure. We were ready!
After looking at surf forecasts (none coming) and seeing an incoming gale later in the week, we decided to cover a good amount of distance right out of the gate. Turtle Bay is more than 330 nautical miles from San Diego, way more than any of us had ever sailed in one push.
Just outside of Turtle Bay. Our first good look at Baja and the local gray whales.
Outside the San Diego harbor we were met with short period 5-8 foot swell out of the west and light winds. In other words, Patience was bucking like a bronco. For the first time since we left I actually felt seasick. I held out pretty well throughout my 7-11pm shift, but just before I turned in, I decided to contribute to the ecosystem and feed the fish my previously consumed dinner. I shot for distance, waited for the relief and that was that. No problems to speak of since.
We had to motor sail with the light winds, but the second day we had fine winds and were able to cruise in quiet again. As we passed Cedros Islands, a pod of several hundred common dolphins followed us for 2 hours during sunset. It was truly a blissful evening.
The town of Turtle Bay from our anchorage.
The following morning we were just outside the the mouth of Turtle Bay and there was not a breath of wind. We motored in perfectly glassy condition and for the first time marveled at the landscape before us. Though we had been in Baja for 3 days, we hadn’t gotten a good look given our lengthy distance to shore. We were greeted by diverse wildlife that was different compared to what we had been used to. Magnificent friget birds, Guadalupe fur seals and gray whales were going about their business in these rich waters.
