I just returned from 3 weeks in Baja, unfortunately El Norte was there also. We were wind bound for 4 days, it seemed like the wind would never stop. It blew pretty steady at 17 to 21 knots (20-25 mph) for 3 days. We launched early on the 4th day but the Sea of Cortez was still a sloppy mess. We plunged into 5-6 foot waves that were fairly steep the wind came up a little and we started to see caps almost immediately so we decided to head back for shore. We had a long paddle ahead with few landing areas. Hard to keep track of folks in those big waves we could see folks briefly before they headed into the troughs. It is a challenge keeping a party together in that mess. I tried to take Doug's advice and keep my hips loose and it really helps. I tend to tighten up when I see one of those big waves approach and it feels like I am going up a 45 degree angle. I guess that is no big deal for some of you but I was relieved to head for shore. The sailboats were only using jibs and some folks who arrived on an island in a pongo were also wind bound for a few days. We launched the morning of the 5 day and the sea had calmed we were in 2 to 3 foot waves much more manageable and comfortable. We could not finish the paddle along the coast because we were running low on water and layover days. We headed back to Baja Concepcion and did an overnight paddle and some day paddling. Our last evening El Norte paid another visit and blew for about 24 hours. We came back in some good breaking chop (2 feet) and 17 to 20 knot head winds. I have a smart track rudder system on my Current Designs GTS boat, and it is not effective in heavy winds, I think it's too small. I know "you don't need no stinking rudder", well... it does help on the GTS stiff tracker. Anyone else have trouble with the Smart Track rudder with heavy winds and chop? I do like the GTS in following seas but it is not the most maneuverable boat when you need to turn around quickly in big waves. We had a great time hiking and snorkeling. The blue footed boobies are a blast to watch when they dive bomb after fish. We had number of tarantula visits, saw some stingrays and a few mantas launched from the ocean. The dolphins danced around my kayak I rated them a 9.0 for synchronized swimming. I took detailed notes on the drive down. They just published a great almanac of all the topo maps of Baja, it shows the location of the gas stations. I also made detailed notes of the gas stations so let me know if you are headed south. Ecomundo is a great place to leave your car Roy (the owner) is around all the time he lets you park next to his lodge. He is a great guy and will even rent you a sea kayak. I might write up a full trip report if I have time. -- MZ I posted my pictures on the web: http://community.webshots.com/album/102735573FARBtB http://community.webshots.com/album/102764614DekguZ visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> I just returned from 3 weeks in Baja, unfortunately El Norte was there also. > We were wind bound for 4 days, it seemed like the wind would never stop. It > blew pretty steady at 17 to 21 knots (20-25 mph) for 3 days. Mary, were you paddling down south from somewhere near Baja Concepcion mouth (S.Marcos island etc), around unprotected (east) shores of Concepcion peninsula? Also, was the weather pattern noticeably different throughout day and night? Tarantules ain't too good, but biologists reported about rattle snakes too :-). Perhaps in winter season they are not in a visiting mood. Alex. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hello all, four of us are taking a month long trip to Cambodia and Vietnam. We'd love to paddle while there but it is proving difficult to find a way to do this. Maybe the brilliant minds of Paddlewise can help. We'll be on Cat Ba Island in Halong Bay and it would be great if we could find a guide or outfitter. All I've been able to find are expensive ($1500US) tours and US-based outfitters who only lead longer trips. I'd also like to avoid taking a "No Experience Necessary" guided tour if possible. Ideally, someone on the list has a good friend with a shed full of boats who loves showing people around. Wishful thinking, I know. So, anyone know of anything or am I doomed to look at all of that beautiful water kayak-free and sad? Thanks! -Patrick *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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