Escape from the Tehuantepec - April 14

Actually, It was pretty anticlimactic. The terrifying Bay of Tehuantepec turned out to be pretty mellow. Of course, we made sure we had a good weather window, but have been told over and over again that it can slam shut in a nonce, leaving the hapless sailor in a big mess of high winds and big waves. But none of that came true for us. The only problem we had was when we first left Huatulco - about three hours out - when the seas got really sloppy and the wind was right on our nose. Since we were motoring anyway, it wasn't as bad as it could have been, but it still slowed us down considerably and was uncomfortable, with the boat pitching all over the place. Then is quieted down, and the most we have had to contend with is very little wind. But since we decided to motor until we are across this place, it has not made a difference. We did put up the jib yesterday when the wind direction was favorable, and it increased our speed nicely. Right now we are motoring along with no wind, and even if there was any, it would be right on our nose.

This is by far the longest period of time we have ever motored. And the engine seems to love it. All the gauges are and have been all along right where they should be. We had trouble with the engine last summer, but after Senor Omar worked on it, it has been just fine. We were nervous about how things would go, because this is where you want to be able to rely on your engine. So I am pretty happy. Right now we are still off Mexico, probably about 90 miles or so to the border with Guatamala. We are not going to stop there, but will go straight on to El Salvador. We will visit Guatamala via land once we get settled. It costs about 150.00 to enter the country if you go by sea, and you have to stay at their marina as they don't allow anchoring. Additionally, I am sure it also costs something to leave the country, so it is easier and cheaper to do it this way, especially since we would only be there for a day or so. Our friends and the other boats from the El Salvador rally are waiting for us. I am wondering if they give a prize for being the last rally boat to arrive - we might win that one.

Like I said, it has been a lovely ride except for the engine noise and the engine heat, which makes it impossible to sleep comfortably in the cabin. Last night I slept in the cockpit, and when Mike woke me for my watch, he slept there too. Since it is so calm today, we have the hatches open and it is a lot cooler in here. I still wouldn't sleep in our berth - it is right next to the engine compartment. While I was on watch just as it was getting light, I spotted a panga right in front of us. I altered course, but we passed close enough to wave hello. It was nice to see someone else up at that time. We have had to avoid several long lines, which can be hell if they get wrapped around your propeller. I wish it were illegal, I hate those things. Today Mike out out a pole, and we caught a bonita, but threw it back. We are hoping for a tuna.

There is a superstition among sailors that you never start a voyage on a Friday. We have sort of ignored that, because when we took our first trip to Ensenada in our 25 footer a couple years ago, we had to start on a Friday because of my work schedule. But this time we really tempted fate - not only did we leave on a Friday, but it was Friday the 13th!

Anyway, that is it for now. We have seen dolphins, turtles, frigate birds, boobies, and the bonito, and it has been a great trip so far. I may or may not get to write another underway post, but if I don't, do not worry, we are fine out here.

"What a long strange trip its been." (Jerry Garcia) (I hope I have not used this previously!)

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