Gone fishin'

Knowing that it would be a calm day on the Sea of Cortez, we took Monday off from work and went fishing as a sort of team-building exercise. Pedro organized a day aboard the boat named "Suzy T," which we were promised has been the most prolific vessel in the fleet at the Hotel Palmas de Cortez. It started out as a cold and overcast day, but we were greeted by one of the most beautiful sunrises of the season. We had a very good day chasing sierra and bonita and dorado all over the bay, and came home with over 30 kilos of fish filets. Martin and Leo prepared fresh sashimi and ceviche for everyone to devour at the palapa bar.

It has been cloudy and cold here lately, dipping into the 50's (F) at night. It has continued to be windy this week, although it has not appeared as strong or forceful as it was last month. Still, we are able to sail every day. The croquet matches have become quite intense, as Jerry and Janice, Michael and Jane, and the other guests have obviously been practicing since they were here last year...

Back in the swing of things

I drove down to Cabo San Lucas on my day off this week to stock up on dog food and groceries and to just get out of town for a short bit. It was the first time I had been down there in a couple years, and now I remember why I try to avoid it. The bay was occupied by huge cruise ships, the parasailers were everywhere, and the traffic was tough to deal with. I made it back to Los Barriles by noon, though, as I knew it was going to be windy for the first time in a few days. Having just one day off a week doesn't make it easy to explore the surrounding area, but starting in a week or two we will be changing that so everyone can have some more free time.

The resort is almost full again, as folks have heard about the great wind conditions, and the new changes at Vela, and have booked vacations recently. We had thought things were winding down, but it is good to see some more action at the windsurf center.

This should be a fun weekend. Jerry and Janice, Michael and Jane, and other regular guests arrived yesterday and will be here for a couple weeks. Ron, who was the bicycle guide for Vela before me, surprised us by arriving a few days ago. He works for NOAA up in Alaska and hasn't been anywhere with a temperature greater than 70 degrees in over 4 years. Unfortunately that is about the warmest it gets right now in Baja. We have had a cold spell for the last couple weeks, reminding us that it is still Winter.

The wind is already blowing, so today promises some good action. Off to work I go...

Is the "answer" blowing in the wind?

You could probably tell from my lack of recent updates to this blog that it has been windy and we have been very busy at the Vela Center. After a few days of sailing bigger gear we have been blessed with strong, steady winds again. With fewer guests at the resort we are all able to take longer lunch breaks and enjoy the excellent conditions on the water. I have been very happy with my progression on the windsurf gear. I am completing most of my jibes now, not always carrying my speed or even pretty, but that doesn't matter. I am very comfortable on small gear in the windiest conditions, which will help me in the Gorge next summer. I haven't lived up to my New Year's resolution to spend more time kiteboarding, but it is still early January and lighter-wind days will be better for that anyway.

The gusty conditions lately have changed our view of the ocean. The sea swell and waves have eroded the beach in front of the hotel, revealing the rocks beneath the sand and forcing us to bury the "no launch or land" sign again. Of course, some folks still get caught up in the waves and get washed up on the shore. Doctor Rod has tended to more than a few lacerated feet and twisted ankles.

I have been taking care of my friends Matt and Jackie's home while they are enjoying some skiing in Tahoe this week. Their house is situated on top of the hill between the two arroyos north of town, offering fantastic views of Los Barriles and the Sea of Cortez. It is an amazing work of architecture as the house is cantilevered over the side of the hill. They have very prolific gardens, of which many are on a timed watering system, luckily. I have taken full advantage of the hot tub, laundry machine, and espresso maker. I even had my coworkers over for pizza and movies on the big television a few nights ago.

I have been checking out the conditions at the ski resorts back in the States. I am glad to see that this Winter has been good for everyone. I hope it continues through the Spring, as I still intend to be back in Oregon in the middle of March to make some turns with my friends...

Feliz Ano Nuevo

Happy New Year!!!

This has definitely been one of the most memorable holiday seasons that I have had in Baja. The wind has been blowing constantly for quite a while and I have sailed every single day for over 2 weeks now, the longest stretch that anyone can remember in recent years. It doesn't leave much time for rest or recuperation, but nobody is complaining. The timing couldn't be better as we have just made it through our busiest time of the season. The resort had been completely booked through January 1st. Most of those folks are departing this weekend, and our guest list will taper down until we finally close in early March. It is now time to catch our breath and relax a little. Hard to believe that we are about halfway through the season already...

On New Year's Eve I went to see the Needlefish play their annual gig at the restaurant Otra Vez. They are a jam band comprised of local windsurfers and fun-seekers. It is a rare night in Baja when so many people are awake until midnight. After a champagne toast and a quick fireworks display, though, everyone hastily made their way home to prepare for another day full of activities on the water.

Today is my day off, and it is perhaps the calmest morning that we have had in a couple weeks, giving me a chance to sleep in and catch up on emails. With all the action going on I have been delinquent in keeping in touch with everyone. Last Friday I was on the water for the most hours ever in a day, and I have been wearing myself out ever since. We were out late last night having fresh sushi and sashimi with our Belgian guests, Jean-Paul and Frederika, who have to leave today after 2 epic weeks here at Vela. They went fishing yesterday and caught about 30 kilos of dorado and sierra, which the chefs over at Palmas de Cortez cooked up for us.

Now the palm trees are swaying and I feel a slight breeze, again. I am heading to North Beach for a kiteboard session. I haven't had many chances to leave the center lately, so I've been focusing mostly on windsurfing this season. My only resolution for the new year is to spend more time kiting, hopefully starting today...