Re: [Paddlewise] PaddleWise Water, Baja, Reverse osmosis pumps

Hello,
I think this thread came up re an upcoming Baja trip.  I've paddled ~2400
miles in Baja, mostly in winter, but never used a reverse osmosis pump.  I
recall meeting just one other paddler who carried one. Baja is mostly
Sonoran Desert, and can be unforgiving,  There are more paces to get water
than one might assume.   Last May there were arroyos running near San
Evaristo,  from the past September's rains.  Locals were getting their water
there despite a de-sal plant installed by the government in town.      Most
larger towns have   filter plants that make agua purificado, which can be
bought very cheaply-even LA Bay had one.

Sailors generally have reverse osmosis pumps on board that they say must be
run  regularly to keep them working.  They can be hailed  by VHF or paddling
up at anchor if necessary, and will usually share a bit.   They are also a
good source of WX forcasts from the SSB nets that they follow.
Water has never been a problem if sufficient supplies are carried, in view
of sources enroute.   Usually 2-4 10 liter MSR bags will get you by on the
longer stretches, depending on resupply available.  Trips around the islands
generally require more water than coastal paddling.  I have taken 40 liters
to go the 125 miles out and around I. d la Guardia and back.  It is best to
keep some reserve water as insurance against getting stuck someplace in a
blow, and being under pressure to head out because of low water.  The
stretch from La Bay to Santa Rosalia has several sources, El Barril, Pta San
Francisito, etc.  depending on conditions.  Always get up to date beta, as
things change. Some villages and ranchos have springs, however,  many older
wells on the coast have gone brackish. You never want to  prevail on someone
who is in short supply or who must boat in fresh water, unless it is very
urgent.  Groups of 1 to3  will place less burden on local supplies than
larger groups.  You should always offer to pay or trade something.   Often
chit-chatting with the local cowboys or pangeros will lead to  sources, as
well as provide a  chance to practice Spanish and  learn about how folks
live.

Coyotes don't have access to reverse osmosis pumps, but they seem to get by.
Don't EVER leave water bags out of hard kayak hatches while  camping, or you
could lose out to coyotes.  I've seen Baja coyotes digging holes in the
gravel, especially near palms, to find water trapped over bedrock.  I've
thought of putting an MSR water filter intake into these type of holes to
obtain  water.
The wine bag type of water bags sold by REI and others, are especially prone
to leaks.  The caps should be pushed on over a piece of plastic film and
then taped.   MSR 10 liter bags are the best, with the optional spigots.
Even the spigots have split and leaked. so it helps to have a spare cap.
Last May we used  insulated Camelback-type bladders on the back of our PFDs.
It seemed that we were much better hydrated by sipping versus stopping to
chug, and were using less water as well-a bit over 3 liters/person/day.
Pasta can be cooked in sea water then rinsed with a tiny bit of fresh, or
cooked in a mix of sea and fresh.    Paddling with low water use really
makes you think about how much water we use in our "civilized" life.

Cheers,
Jay
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