Sailing the Sea of Cortez
I made a plan to head back up to Mazatlan and take the Ferry across to Baja. I will sail on Paradigme for a week and see how that goes, then sail with Sea Dream, then get back on Paradigme and head south. Perfect!
March 26 - Heading back north. I drove to Mazatlan the day before the ferry to ensure there wouldn’t be any issues on the highway - the ferry cost was $900 CAD with the car, Ruby and a room; wasn’t going to miss it.
March 27 - Go time. I arrived super early to the Ferry and grateful I did. Getting through was the most intense security I have ever experienced. 4 check points where you tell them all the same thing and then a dog search of the vehicle. Being one of the first ones at least put the car on the top deck where items were easily accessible. The boat was much more than I expected - a huge cafeteria, an upper deck bar, and the room was great. I was told when I booked that Ruby would need a crate and would also need to stay in the room the whole time - had to buy a crate and keeping her without a bathroom break was going to be a challenge but she needs to learn to use an alternative pad anyways so I was up for the challenge. The next morning I am awoke at 5:00 am by a speaker system - we are almost there. I go to get a coffee and chat with one of the crew members who tells me that there is a turf pad area where I can bring my dog… Ugh Mexico sometimes 🙄 Take her out (she stil hadn’t used the pad in the room, such a good girl) and a mad rush to get packed up. Debark and heading to Loreto.
Due to miscommunication I ended up staying in Loreto on the first night. A bit put off but I found the cutest little place and we will try to coordinate getting on the boat tomorrow. Turned out Paradigme had to make a decision not to sail to Marquesas and was going to head to San Carlos and haul out for a bit. All good, I said asta luego to Nic and jumped over to Sea Dream. I was now titled the Marina Mermaid 😂
Spent a week in the marina getting settled, organized and prepping to sail - destination Cabo. This was my first time provisioning for such a long trip… Grocery shopping on steroids (putting everything away and establishing ways to keep produce fresh with minimal fridge/freezer room was an def an undertaking. Some veggies cannot be stored with each other, some need to be in the dark, some need to be wrapped in tinfoil. And then remembering to check everything daily to make sure it doesn’t go bad (we forgot to check the celery - stunk in the boat for days). Thankfully Mexico eggs don’t require refrigeration.
We didn’t make it to Cabo to surf - dilly dally’ers - but what an incredible trip. Hiking, spearfishing, paddle boarding, so much wildlife, beautiful beach finds, ukulele nights under the stars . The Sea of Cortez is absolutely stunning and the company was amazing. I am forever grateful for this opportunity.
