We got into camp at about 8:30. Eddie, Donna and Bruce had already been testing some tequila. It appeared to be operational. We got everything set-up, and turned-in for the evening. The next day, the tides were totally out of sync for launching and were still running a tad high. At dawn, the tides were on the way down...far down. I did a few chores and by afternoon, we were ready to launch and catch the evening bite. We got on the water at about 4:00 PM. It was dead-ass calm: glassy and swell-less. It just doesn't get any better. We headed south toward Punta Bufeo. Unfortunately, I forgot my cameras the first two days, so no pictures.

My camera was particularly missed on the first day. When we awoke Saturday, a whale was heard blowing off camp. He was working his way south and by the time we were fishing, he was off Pompano Point. When we were done fishing, we decided to slowly approach him, as he was lazing on the surface nearby. It was a young (~25' long) Gray Whale, complete with barnacles. This was the first Gray Whale that we've seen down here. Usually, we see Finbacks. Ultimately, he let us approach quite closely: about 15 feet away. I ran the motor about as slow as she'll go. He'd blow, then sit there for awhile before submerging. When he'd submerge, his tail would go down first, then he'd raise his head above the water, perhaps to get a look at us or his surroundings in general. His head would then go down and his tail and fluke would be visible. He sort of bobbed like a bottle. When we got a good look at his tail, it was apparent that it was fouled in one of those damned drift nets. I hate drifting gill nets anyway, but won't go into it here. I guess it's just one of those differences-in-culture things. In any case, we realized that this lonely whale was probably abandoned by his pod to die and we were saddened by it. We hoped that he might free himself and find some other buddies...he really didn't seem to be snagged too badly. There was plenty of bait around and he probably didn't have a very hard time finding lunch and dinner.

Inshore fishing was really not very good. We trolled Fastracs, cast Crocs, and jigged. Action was sparse. Plenty of bait was around and may have contributed to the lack of bites. The fish we did catch were stuffed to the gills...literally. On the way back, it dawned to me that we needed water, so I hung a left past the Point and beached over at Punta Bufeo Village. I went to see Tio and Luis. Luis was down at Alfonsinas, but Tio said they were coming up manana anyway. Tio and Luis' brother (I don't know his name) arrived right on time. Sure is good to have the ol' water truck back in action.

Here, Cathy guides the hose through our cactus garden.

Tracy watches in awe as Tio fills our water storage drums.

Tio mugs for the camera.

Nice fresh agua for showers. It's been over a year since we've had them filled. Speaking of showers, Pandro took one that night. While that's not a big event in and of itself, when he came out, he said he heard a critter going under the trailer and it was making "clicking sounds". I got my flashlight and investigated. I anticipated seeing a Ringtail, but instead, found a buzztail.

Senor Sidewinder came to visit. I like Senor Sidewinder, but not under my trailer. I dispatched him summarily, and rather stupidly, with a shovel. After seeing the guys at Green Farm catch numerous snakes with a snake stick for relocation, I really couldn't figure out why I didn't do the same. In any case, I made myself a snake snare and now have it handy for the next time. I've never had a snake visit before...it's only the second one I've seen down here. Eddie's killed a couple and Bruce has sent one or two on their way. From now on, we'll relocate them a mile or two away to eat more vermin...rats and mice, of which there's no shortage. Here, the Crocodile Hunter holds up the victim.

After 2 days of fishing down south and getting practically nothing exciting, we made plans to head out to the islands on Monday morning. After two very calm days, we awoke Monday to one of those "bright", clear days that presage Nortes. I get antsy when the weather's like that. Sure enough, I looked through the Bwana-scope and saw whitecaps on the horizon. No Isla run today. Here Cathy and Donna verify my findings while Freddie and Bruce mug for the photographer.

The `caps finally arrived, but their fury was much subdued. The troops relaxed under the veranda and contemplated life in Baja.

When the wind was up, Tracy and Pandro took Bruce's kayak out for a spin. Here they are, up by Tonia's place. This is taken through the scope, so pardon the quality.

Here's another one, on the way back.

While we did miss the island run, the winds subsided by 1:00 PM, so we went out and headed up to the Humps. Here's Capt'n Pandro and his crew in Cathy's new ship. That's Bosun's Mate Freddie in the bow and First Mate Tracy amidship.

Here's another one...on the troll.

We didn't catch much off the Humps either. Fortunately, Bruce kept a good number of the bass that he caught, so we could have fish tacos that night.

Pandro had to leave on Tuesday. He pulled his boat out and split early Tuesday morning. We had one more day to go. Would this be a so-so fishing trip? To find out, the page will tell.