September 15th

 Septembre 15 is actually the Mexican Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo is actually just a celebration of the battle of Veracruz. It appeared for the parade everyone in town was in the parade. Citizens of all ages participated.

 This group of young men from a local athletic club built human pyramids when ever the parade slowed.

 The military had the K9 Corps out in force.

Interesting parade float. The Army suspended a line between two trucks. As the truck moved down the parade route a soldier would climb between the trucks. They had a safety harness but none was needed.

Sea of Cortez

 I have been errant in keeping up with the blog. We plan to head for the South Pacific this Spring so a lot of STUFF has been pushed to the back burner. We came down from San Diego with the 2015 Baja Ha Ha, a cruisers rally. The stops at Bahia de Tortugas, Bahia Santa Maria were great get togethers. That being said....Being at sea with 100 other boats at night in close proximity was not a high point. For many it was the first extended passage so a lot of newbies. Enough said.

The Sea never disappoints. Very few others and the scenery is awe inspiring.

 

 Moon rise over a tourist camp on Espiritu Santo. The only way to this spot is by boat from La Paz. Not sure about cost but was told it was up market for tent living.

Another vista in the sea.

Imperial Beach Day

 Imperial Beach. We got together with John and Marlene , who were staying in their land yacht at Imperial. Beach Day! The beach stretches all the way from Coronado to Mexico.

 YMCA has a portion of the beach for family activities.

 To get back to the mooring I need to pass by the USS Midway. It is now a museum. Hope to visit before we leave for Mexico.

Life on a Mooring

 We are still in San Diego and hanging on the Laurel Street mooring. We plan to join the HA HA in late October. It is very noisy during the day due to CG and the airport . We try to visit other anchorages when we can. The A1 and A5 are both good to get some quiet.

 Nice display of local craft on the mooring despite the noise.

By sunset most nights the noise abates and all is well.

San Diego and on the Boat!

The pride of The San Diego Maritime Museum

The Star of India

 One of the visiting tall ships.

 HMS Surprise. This vessel was featured in the movie Master and Commander.Very authentic except on gun deck the walkway around the twelve pounders did not exist.

 Surprise at the gun deck.

 A Russian submarine that was built in 1972. One of the last non nuclear subs built by the major powers.

 Inside the sub. While in New London I toured an old diesel boat and was amazed at how cramped the quarters were.This submarine was spacious by comparison. The Ohio Class of todays fleet are huge by comparison.

 On board the replica of America, built in 1965 was a copy of the schooner that one the Auld Mug for the first several times and became the Americas Cup.

 In the main salon were the half models of past Americas Cup winners.

 Another view of the Russian attack sub. Built in 1972.

 Skyward on the Star.

Mesa Verde

 The office of the Mesa Verde National Park has a decidedly SW look. After leaving Bryce Canyon we decided to visit the Mesa Verde National Park in NW Colorado. Our first choice was Chaco but it was 60 miles down a dirt road so Mesa Verde was the destination. On a motorcycle dirt roads do not equal fun.  It was a stunning ride up the mountains on paved roads. We were dodging rain squalls the entire way but made it to the park without getting wet.

 The pueblo is well protected from the elements as well as potential enemies. Historians are unsure why the mesa was abandoned but it appears a seven year drought may have been a big part of the decision to leave.

 No indication of a drought this time as the stream was flowing and foliage looked healthy.

Bryce Canyon National Park

 We left the boat on a mooring in San Diego and decided to go on a motorcycle trip and visit the National Parks in Utah. A grand Adventure to be sure. Larry Johnson joined us on his Harley.

 Bryce was a pleasure to the eyes. Around every corner and with changing light it was constantly changing.

 The hoodoos stand like sentinels in the high desert.

 This is called Thor's Hammer.

 Vistas are of the big sky variety.