La Paz

I arrived in La Paz a little over a week ago and it has fully been living up to its name (La Paz means "The Peace" in english).

My exit from Cabo happened to coincide with the passage of some substantial storm systems and I ran into one that really got the Rascal rocking and rolling.  It came on fast, but I managed to get my sails reefed in time and the Rascal came out a little damp, but relatively unharmed.

The rest of the trip up the coast was uneventful and I took my time, exploring bays and beaches as I sailed along.

Since I arrived in the La Paz area, I've spent the vast majority of my time relaxing.  Some days I do nothing but read my book.  I don't think I've ever been so relaxed in my life.  I've got no schedules to hit, no weather windows to worry about, and no job to show up to in the morning.

It is outrageously hot here.  High nineties or triple digits every day.  There is no escaping such frightful temperatures on the Rascal, but typically there is a light breeze blowing and I installed a couple of fans to help cool things off in the evening.  The sea is always just a dive away.

I've explored a bunch of the bays and coves along the coast between La Paz and Cabo, but for the most part I've been anchored close to the city.  Its nice to be able to row to shore and pick up a bag of ice or a delicious taco from one of the street vendors.

Coastline cacti

An expired, sunbleached puffer fish floating down the coast

Whale bones washed up on the beach

I have a handful of boat maintenance things to accomplish here in La Paz before I head north, the most important being the setup and install of my solar system.  I've been exploring around town a bunch as well, searching for good markets and picking up more fishing supplies.  

There is a very helpful crew of voyagers around La Paz during the summer and they run a morning radio broadcast where you can get weather info, ask about various local shops, and trade equipment if needed.  They put together a 4th of July party on a beach a couple miles outside of town and it was awesome to meet the dozen-or-so boats that came out for it.  I made a mean pulled-pork chili that wasn't too shabby if I do say so myself.

A friend of mine is visiting this weekend and after that, I'll probably work my way further up the Sea of Cortez.  I'm eager to explore new anchorages and get back into deep water where the big fish are!