Asuncion, Mexico

Sunday, April 3, 2011

027-8.260 N
114-17.470 W

Ahoy from Asuncion, Mexico!

I'm happy to report that we're in sunny Asuncion! Yup, the sun actually came out late yesterday afternoon and we were finally able to see some of the coastline. We left Turtle Bay at about 7:30 AM yesterday in the sunshine, but as soon as we hit the harbor entrance the fog descended upon us, obscuring just about everything. We had 2 sailboats who where headed N pass within 1/4 of a mile of us and we didn't even begin to see them. Not surprising, but scary.

The winds have been very unfavorable. We raised the sails in the harbor based upon a NW wind, but by the time that we got outside of the harbor the winds had dropped significantly and soon we had southerly winds and we're headed SE. The main came down and we motor sailed with the jib only.

In the afternoon the fog lifted and we could actually see the coastline again. It's pretty dramatic with very high, steep cliffs and mountains running down to the coastline. We went around Isla Asuncion, which is populated by huge bird populations, and decided to give it's anchorage a try. However, as we approached the island the stench of rotting guano drove us away. After checking the guide, it warned us about the smell issue. So, we headed into the anchorage off of the town.

We pulled in and dropped the hook near the cannery dock. Despite a WSW swell, we didn't roll very much. Some in town called to us and asked if we needed anything or if we needed a ride in. I was rewiring the SeaTalk autopilot connections and declined, but we would have loved to have gone in if I hadn't been doing that.

After a good night's sleep we departed for Santa Maria bay, which is just N of Mag bay. This is a 150 mile trip and we'll be in tomorrow morning. We're sailing along at 7+ kts right now and the sun is out, so life is good!

-- Geoff & Sue

For the cruiser: We anchored at about 27-08.26N 114-17.46W in about 20' in sand.

Log ID: 1429