March 18, 2008 - Slip D 28, San Carlos Marina

It's almost 9 pm, and we're both beat. It's been a very busy day. We drove the unhitched truck over to the marina around 7:30 am, to grab some breakfast and see about launching the boat. I scheduled a 10 am sling launch, and then we had breakfast at the boaters' hangout called Barracuda Bob's. Food was great, and it was warm enough to sit outside. After breakfast I looked up my new friend Peter, who had confirmed long term parking with his friend Al. Al agreed to meet me at the marina tomorrow at 11:30 so I could follow him to his parking facility.

Then we drove over to the nearby market and bought seven 5 gallon jugs of purified water. I hauled them back to the boat, which we'd left at the RV park, and filled the drinking water tanks. The water cost 14 pesos per gallon, but the deposit on the jugs was 50 pesos per jug. We returned the jugs and then went back for the boat. We hitched up and got to the marina right at 10 am. After tending to the paperwork, they did a fine job slinging the boat into the water. Chinook was finally in contact with the Sea of Cortez. We climbed aboard, lowered rudders and partial centerboard, started the 50 hp and putted over to our slip.

Then began the work. We hauled gear down from the truck, and started rigging. While we were at this task a Macgregor Classic pulled into the slip next to ours. She belongs to Rich, who happens to be a member of the Tuscon Sailors Club, and a heck of a nice guy. He ended up accompanying us on a grocery trip to the big store in Guaymas. After shopping we all went out to dinner and swapped sailing stories. It was a fine time.

After dinner it was back to the boat and more work. I worked at finishing rigging and attaching gear topside while Sandy packaged and stowed groceries. We were both worn out by the time we reached a stopping point. We've gotten lots done today, and hopefully can wrap up tomorrow morning with time available for showers. I'd like to pull out of the marina around 1 pm, and maybe head over to Martini Cove, which is just a short ways north of the marina.