Crossing the Sea of Cortez is a big trip, out on the open ocean for 40 hours straight without stopping! This trip required a lot of preparation. We did not travel with other boats, we went solo, and we had to make sure all systems were working properly (these long range boats are a bit complicated!). We left La Paz about 7:00 pm on Friday. Due to the 40 hours we predicted it would take, it made sense to leave at this time so we could arrive in Mazatlan after sunrise on Sunday the 7th to enter port. These long voyages require us to take turns overnight piloting the boat. It is tough to stay awake as the pilot house must stay dark for night vision. Not being able to see outside is also tough, as your only guide at night is your chart and radar. Movies are a godsend to make the time go by. I know I'm painting a picture of misery, but it is actually quite enjoyable overall to be out on the open ocean with no ships or boats in sight, no land in sight at times (in the middle of the Sea of Cortez), the sound of water, the smell of clean air and salt, beautiful sunsets and sunrises, and the beauty of the stars! It is very peaceful and relaxing (as long as the weather is calm of course and it was on this trip). We cook meals, listen to the news (satellite radio), watch movies, sit outside on the bow of the boat or on the fly bridge in the sun, and even swim! Due to the calm conditions, we stopped the boat on Saturday afternoon and took a dip! We were careful, making sure we had a life ring and line available and used our boogie boards. Since its been so hot (avg 88) the dip felt wonderful and refreshing!
One of our favorite things about my overnight shifts is walking out on the Portuguese bridge and looking up at the night sky. The stars are so vivid, you can see the Milky Way. The sunrises are also beautiful, it brings on a feeling of peacefulness and contentment. It's really a feeling like no other being out on the water without anyone in site. A few times we did see pods of dolphins that met up with our boat to swim along with us along the side and bow. It's a thrilling show, especially when they arrive to play in the dark. They glow in the water, something called bioluminescence. They look like they are lighted up, so you can easily see them! We also saw jumping fish that also appeared lit up and looked like fireflies dancing on the surface of the water!
You may wonder how Murphy does on these crossings. She doesn't do much as you can imagine, but she does go potty out on her green turf mat out on the bow of the boat, and she finally has learned to go number 2 as well! She sleeps a lot, but I think she likes the smell of the salt water and the wind in her fur when we are out on the fly bridge. She loves to look out over the ocean waves and daydream! (I think!)
We arrived in Mazatlan about 7:30 am on Sunday. The air is much more humid, the land more green, but it's still HOT! Highs are still in the upper 80's. We are excited to explore Mazatlan!