One to check off our Bucket List!

Wednesday the 12^th around 2:30a.m., Rick and I heard someone moving about in the cabin, galley and salon area. We both were thinking maybe Jeff was up getting some water or searching for something. Then we both smelled freshly brewed coffee.  Ah…we then looked at each other knowing this must mean Jeff is awake and we are getting ready to take off and go to Mexico. We both jumped out of bed and went out into the cabin. Jeff asked Rick, “hey…do you want to get going?” Yes, he said with no hesitation! We were ready no matter what the hour.  So we all put on foul weather gear, pulled out of our slip and left San Diego at 3:45a.m.  

Me in the Galley

Peggy taking the wheel

We motor sailed with jib and mainsail most of the morning.  The Spinnaker sail came out later in the afternoon.

At 5:53a.m. we crossed the border into Mexico!! Yay!!  As we crossed over from the U.S. to Mexican waters we saw Islas Coronados (Crown Islands) to our right (4 miles south). The islands are now a wildlife refuge.

At 8:20 a.m. Jeff hoisted our American flag and the Mexican flag side by side up to the top of the starboard spreader.  This ritual is something that is expected by the Mexican Government. And…the flags have to be proportionate to one another. The U.S. flag cannot be bigger than theirs.

Hoisting the flags

We had a quiet sail the rest of the way. The winds were light but picked up to 16 knots by the time we got closer to our destination.

Rick and Jeff 

Islas Coronados

Just passing into Mexico

Fish on?

We arrived in Ensenada at 3:52 p.m. It was a little cloudier and cooler than I had expected (69 degrees). But we are here!! We made it!! Jeff called ahead by radio to find us a slip for the night. He finally lucked out finding Cruise Port Village Marina who have room for us. Up until then, there were no spots available at any of the other marinas. When we got into a slip, we were greeted by several friendly young men from the marina.  They got us squared away in no time. They were incredibly friendly and helpful! I had this fear of soldiers greeting us with loaded riffles because of how everyone talks about getting into Mexico.  After all we have not properly checked into customs yet. The office of immigration closes at 2 p.m., so we just missed by two hours.  We plan to go this morning and get checked in.

 

Ensenada 

It is so nice here! The facilities are super clean which a plus! And everyone is so friendly.

Not sure how long we will be here. It depends on the checking in process.  Possibly we will leave tonight or tomorrow at the latest.

Bye for now.

Abrasos!