Near-Offshore, West Coast Baja Peninsula

Unstable weather begins to clear.
(Click on photos to enlarge)

After spending a few relaxing days, soaking in the jacuzzi, at Marina Coral, just outside of Ensenada, MEX, we were tempted to stay even longer, but a weather window appears to be opening for us, for an offshore passage to Bahia Magdalena, some 550 nm southeast of our current position. We expect it will take us five nights and six days to complete the passage, non stop.

Breaker, off entrance to Marina Coral, Ensenada.

We are waiting for some unstable weather to pass through (thunderstorms and lightning). A distant storm system, which has been generating large wave sets in our area, is expected to calm down within the next day or so, before we head offshore.

Boomer, off rocks near breakwater, at Marina Coral, Ensenada.

We'll be en route, just as the winter solstice arrives, and along with it, the shortest day of the year. As a result, our night watches will be longer and cooler; and this will increase our appreciation for the relative warmth of the sun, as it rises off the western Baja coast at 06:41, and sets off the North Pacific horizon, at 16:45.

End of day, Ensenada.

Bahia Magdalena, our destination, is one of only two, natural, protected anchorages along the entire west coast of Baja California; a stark peninsula of mountains, mesas, desert, and open ocean, which stretches some 760 nautical miles, between the US/Mexico border, 10 nm south of San Diego, and Cabo San Lucas, at the southern extremity of Baja California Sur.

Squall, off Islas Todos Santos, 10 nm west of Ensenada.

We'll run hand-lines with medium-sized cedar plugs (wooden lures) attached off of Anna's stern cleats, along the way, as we troll for yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, and skipjack.

We're getting ready to troll for tuna.


Happy Holidays! 
s/v Anna

p.s. Be sure to check out Cat's blog for kids: Busy Brains at Sea!