We awoke early to do a weather check. The wind had died some and the waves hitting the shore line was not as fierce. It was still too dark to observe the sea state so our decision was to go back and eat breakfast and assess the scene afterwards. As it became lighter, the conditions had improved so we decided to leave our little paradise. There was still a swell running but the wind had not increased. We paddled past the little town of San Bruno and opted not to get water. We felt good about having enough fresh water to get to Santa Rosalie. We even thought that if the conditions stayed the same we could even get to Santa Rosalie today. Little did we know what the day was going to look like. As we approached Bahia San Carlos the wind started to develop. We had passed several spots to camp, but also had been told about some that were a little further up the coast. Some poinitis(let us see what is around the next point) set in and on we paddled. Perhaps around the next point we would see that ideal spot. The waves now were strong and were breaking. Our kayaks easily disappeared from each other. We were glad that we were heading into the waves so we could see them clearly. Much better than a following sea. Finally we saw a place that looked feasible. From our perspective it was a cobblestone beach. I decided to do a surf landing in my plastic boat and check it out. I made it in OK, but alas discovered at this tide level right below the cobble beach were large rocks. It would not be a good landing for Don in his fiberglass boat. Now I was challenged to get my boat out thru the breakers. A large wave hit my boat and filled the cockpit up. We decided that I would swim/ push the boat out to Don who would tow it to deeper water past the breakers. Once that occurred I swam out and got back into my very full of water boat. We both worked at keeping our boats pointing into the waves and pumping out the water. Glad that we were a team!. Landing did not hold many options until the harbor at Santa Rosalie. We realized that we were now committed to making it to the harbor. Up to the crest and down to the trough, slow and in control was our motto. We inched our way forward making progress, but also becoming tired. We really had not eaten much since breakfast, but could not stop to grab any food. Finally we saw the town of Santa Rosalie. We had to use a ferry angle to get across to the harbor. Slowly we proceeded and felt quite the relief when we were able to paddle into the harbor. We paddled up to the dock and quickly ate our lunch for the day. We were quite wet and getting out of the boats and into dry clothes was a priority. We were greeted by several of the sailboat sailors who gave us the lowdown on the harbor facilities. One of the sailors said that they had gotten a reading of 30 knots. The 5 sailboats that were docked had all opted to stay put and were a bit surprised when we paddled into the dock. We as well thought it quite windy and were relieved to be there. Our boats handled well and it was a good experience to know how they handle in those kind of conditions. After unloading our boats on the dock, we were invited over to one of the boats for hot drinks and conversation. Laid our sleeping bags on the dock and quickly went to sleep. The town seemed quiet for a Saturday night, but I am sure we were too tired to notice. Not many pictures today. Just two, starting out and paddling into the harbor. Perhaps someday we will get a go pro and be able to get some action shots.
