0825: anchor up. We thought that it was going to be a bit of a challenge - might even involve one of us (that being me) going into the water to unwrap the chain around the rocks. When we were snorkeling yesterday we could see how the chain was laying so we had an idea of what we had to do to raise it. But with my excellent job at the helm and David's excellent direction and maneuvering on the boat hook we were able to raise the anchor without any issues.
0905: sails set. I set up Otto and we headed out on a course of 110 at an average speed of 5 knots. Not a cloud in the sky and already a couple of whale sightings! We are on our way to Encinada de Mantanchan, just south of San Blas.
0938: sighted a leatherback turtle
1021: another whale putting on a show and coming our way. Maybe this one will get close enough to get a picture.
About to cross another meridian and time zone change. So you guys in the Sault - we are only only hour difference. And you guys on the west coast of Canada - 2 hours different.
1306 CST saw a whale a couple of hundred yards off the port side. It he must have heard us first as he put his tail in the air and then went deep. So you do not have to worry Mom. Most of the sightings are quite a ways away and if they are closer than they do as much to avoid us as we do to avoid them! Lots of fisherman out
Slowed down to 4 knots but still on a steady course.
1400: had a nice lunch of nachos and salsa with guacamole. Our speed slowed down to less than 3 knots. So we decided to start the motor in order to time our arrival better. And that is when our perfect day stopped being so perfect.
The motor started fading and surging. So we turned it off nd David went to inspect. Looks like the connection for the positive battery post was loose and partly broken away from the alternator housing. So David had to replace the alternator with the spare. He said it is getting easier. Pretty soon he will be able to do it in his sleep. He bled the motor. I kept the boat on a steady coarse of 110 at about 3 knots. Of course all of this took about an hour and a half.
We were almost done when a panga with 5 guys In it decided to come over and visit us. Yes - my heart did start to flutter a bit. But David talked to them and they were just making sure that we knew where we were going . We chatted a bit and then they left. We did a jibe, had to bleed the motor one more time and then continued on our way.
Weather cooperated while Captain Fantastic did his thing again. Now we are sharing a Coke and enjoying the rest of the day. Never get too comfortable on a boat as things can change very quickly!
Phoned Paul to wish him a belated Happy Birthday. News of the crack down by the Mexican IRS and Customs to ensure boats have their proper Temporary Import Permits has reached the Sault. Unfortunately Mexicans follow Napoleonic law which means you are guilty until proven innocent. Over 300 boats have been held preventing owners from leaving marinas. They seem to have started in the south and are working their way north. And they only seem to be targeting boats in marinas. They are heading north, to places we have already been to so we think we will be okay. The tourist board and marinas are complaining because it could have a big effect on tourism. A lot of Americans have already stopped coming down here due to the perception that it is unsafe.
So hopefully they do something about it. The permit is required for all boats coming into Mexico and is good for ten years. Rumour has it that a number of people who have exceeded their ten years are not renewing. So we say go after them and leave us alone. But we will just keep our mouths shut and hope that we are not targeted.
They do not take your boat but will detain you until the formalities take place which can take up to a 4 months.
Anchor down at 1845 in Encinada de Manchantan in 14 feet of water with a sand bottom. Salad and chicken wings for dinner. And another one of those perfect sunsets.
Day is done!
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