Voyage of the Sea Bear

Dark came early. I guess it always does.

When the alarm went off it was well before sunrise. We wanted to be around the cape as early as possible. I took a flashlight, checked for loose items on deck, while JC prepared things below. Once everything looked OK, I started the deisel and let her warm up. With JC behind the wheel, I untied us from the big floats, and pointed my flashlight at the nearest boat. As we turned around, I kept marking the closest obsticle, and JC navigated us out of the cove. Once we were clear, I took over as helmsman, while JC got us coffee.

We were again underway! I put both fishing lines in the water as soon as I could. I was really hoping for fresh fish for lunch or dinner. As we turned west, the sun painted the hills behind us bright orange. It was an overcast morning, but warm, and calm. Calm was the important part, as Cabo Corrientes had a reputation for getting windy with strong, mixed seas. Before 10AM we had a nice 6 pound tuna cleaned and in the ice chest. MMM, sushi and fried tuna steaks today.

As we rounded the point, things couldn’t be better. The wind and waves were from behind us, and we scooted along at 6 to 7 knots. The water rocked the boat for 10 to 20 minutes at the worst part, but then as the cape blocked the westerly swells we settled down again into a smooth ride. A few hours later we were tucked into Ipala.

Ipala was marked as a “commercial harbor” on the map. What we see here now is about a dozen pangas moored off of the ruins of an old pier. There appear to be three resteraunts on shore, and even a few cars and trucks. Later today we may go in to shop, if we can get a ride. Fresh fruit, veggies and a soda pop would all be welcome. There is a big flat rock in the middle of the cove, about 2 feet under the water. Someone was kind enough to tie a bright orange ball it, marking it’s location.

We inflated the rubber dingy and motored ashore. I was hoping that one of the local fishermen would give us a ride, but by 5 PM I decided we were on our own. JC bought avacadoes and one of the big Arizona Ice Teas I like so much while I looked at the doves and parrots caged in the little square. Then we walked down to the smallest of the three resteraunts and had dinner. We both had shrimp dinners, but I guess I’m getting spoiled. They wanted 100 peso each for the meals, and that seemed real high to me. JC had a Pina Colada and I had a little beer, bringing the total to 285. Total dinner was about $22 for both of us.

So in the morning we’ll continue south. I hope to some day find a place where the gringos don’t get special menus with higher prices on them. When I do, I may stay a while. Till then, we sail, fish, and eat on board the Sea Bear, saving our cash and enjoying the ever changing scenery.

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