Skagua n. place where the north wind blows

On our previous ocean travels, we had a handheld GPS which told us our latitude and longitude.  Using these, we plotted our location on a paper chart using a pencil and a splitters and a ruler.  When near land, we plotted our location more frequently than when further away.  Using these marks, our own reckoning, cruising guides (books with diagrams and instructions how to enter an anchorage), and our radar (to see our situation in relation to land or other boats), we navigated to and from, in and out and around. 

Well, after many months of saying, "we are heading to the Sea of Cortez area, here we are.  The water is warm, the beaches have almost no shore pound (making landing the dinghy very easy); there are many other sailboats and sailors in this area.    Yesterday we got to meet our new friends on S/V Nike.  They are friends of a Santa Cruz friend.  Dorothy and I have been messaging back and forth for many weeks looking forward to meeting each other in person.  Yesterday, our kids paddled to shore and played in the water and sand together.  Eila was beyond happy to have someone else to make friendship bracelets with, swim and talk to.  She's our extrovert!  Brian and I sat with Dorothy and learned a bit about each other.  Later, we had a progressive dinner...first dinner aboard S/V Nike then dessert aboard S/V Skagua.  What a joy when Dorothy read out an Advent reading, and then we all sang 'Silent Night' together.  

As we make progress southward, here are some different things we have seen that herald our arrival in warmer latitudes.

Salty Water

Well folks, after 26 hours of sailing and motoring we just now arrived at 6:30am in Cruiseport Village Marina in Ensenada.  We have a 9am appointment at the harbor office to have them help us check in to the country.  I'll let you know how it goes.

I have a vivid memory from a couple of weeks ago.  It was a day when we had loaded up the back of my minivan with some of the last odds and ends from our house.  I drove them down to the harbor. As I opened the back and assessed the contents, deciding which ones I could fit in my arms to carry down the dock to waiting Skagua, I had a moment of clarity. "These represent Brian and my hopes and dreams."  It was interesting the different items.  There was the plastic (large) tub of curated books.  I had sifted through the many many books from our house, and selected these to match this year's science topic (Marine zoology), history topic (California), and to match my girl's many other interests. This one tub contained hope of joyfully reading to, sharing knowledge with, homeschooling Eila along our journey in a hands on way.  I packed hard to find canned goods, specialty flours and baking ingredients, imagining delicious meals cozying us away from home, or shared with new  acquaintances along the way. And then there were Brian's items, a spearfishing gun, a surfboard, a family collection of wetsuits. Representing the fun and adventure he dreams of sharing with his kids.  Brian also packed safety gear, electronics, tools, etc.  A hope to be prepared to protect us in all possible situations. Another couple of boxes held Spanish Bibles for kids and adults.  That's another dream of ours, to share hope with people we encounter in Mexico.