This past winter in San Carlos was eventful and a lot of fun. We dove a lot and spent a lot of time promoting the dive shop we worked for, Ocean Sports, all around San Carlos. Jim also volunteered to write a weekly dive report for the local online newsletter, What’s Up San Carlos, www.whatsupsancarlos.com. The main theme was “temperate” (cold) water diving, how to prepare for it and what you will see in the Sea of Cortez. So this year we bought dry suits, the new Scubapro Everdry, made out of compressed neoprene so it looks and fits like a wetsuit. Diving off the Ocean Spirit
We had 2 amazing diving encounters this season. The first was when we came upon a small pod of Orcas, just off the coast opposite Tetakawi. They were amazing. They practically jumped up onto the back of the boat playing in the wake. Then they broke off from the boat to pursue a large pod of dolphins, which jumped out of the water en masse and scattered like scalded cats. I’m sure a few became “lunch” for the Orcas because they soon gave us quite an aerial show as well. Orca picture, Orca video . I truly believe it was one of those “once in a lifetime” experiences and I am overwhelmed that we were able to see it.
The 2nd was later, after the first of the year, when Jim spotted a Frogfish in Zorro Cove! It was quite big, over 5” and we were able to get some decent pictures, in spite of the fact the visibility was about 10’ and very green. Frogfish
This year we spent a lot more time exploring Guaymas and having great fun with our Mexican friends. Guaymas market scenes
In October our friends, Rogelio, Mierna and their family (9 in total) came over to work on Rogelio’s dive certification. Mierna brought ceviche (lime & garlic cooked fish) and agua chile (lime cooked whole shrimp with fresh chilies and red onions). Family fun
She is an amazing cook and they came back a few weeks later to teach me and some friends how to make tamales. I think we made about 200! And we had plenty of beer plus a liter of Bacanora (moonshine tequila made in Sonora). More than 2 shots and you have difficulties walking!
We went to a 19th birthday party for Anael, Ernesto’s (captain of the Ocean Spirit) daughter in November. You can’t believe how much food there was! Ernesto is a really good cook; as those of you know who have been fortunate enough to dive with him when he cooks. He made what the Mexicans call “pate’”. You can cut the proportions down, but here is a party sized recipe:
In a large bowl, very finely chop several inches of onions and celery.
In a blender, mix ½ a blender full of whipping cream with a large can of chipotle chilies. Blend until smooth, add to the bowl.
Add 1 jar of mayonnaise to the bowl and mix well.
Add 3 kilos of cooked and flaked yellowtail, mix well.
Serve with totopos ( tortilla chips but better) and kiss your cholesterol levels good-bye. It is so good. And of course there was plenty of beer. Then he grilled whole yellowtail on the BBQ and you just chunked off pieces for fish tacos and we also had tacos “al pastor” (seasoned pork) along with all the toppings. His wife, Anna Marie, creates amazing cakes for a living so you can imagine what she made for her daughter’s birthday. I think we ate for hours!
In December we had a Posada (Christmas party) for Victor and Maria and their families. Victor and Maria came with the house and apartment and we have known them for years. We had ton of food, lots of beer and a piñata full of candy. I think the adults had more fun scrambling for the candy than the kids. Posada pictures
Dear friends of ours from LA, Tressa and Jim spent Christmas week with us and of course we had to introduce them to all of our favorite restaurants. We had a blast showing them the sights…it was their 1st time here.
New Years Eve we went on a sunset cruise and then to Maria’s house way down in the barrio in Guaymas and actually stayed up past midnight. They had great grilled chicken, all the fixings and lots of beer. Lots of music and dancing in the dirt on 4 inch heels and mini-skirts (not me). (I don’t know how these women walk on uneven streets and cobblestones in them but they do). Of course they did not even start eating until midnight and they kept going until 10 am. We left waaaay earlier than that and got lost trying to find our way home. Thank goodness for compasses on your rearview mirror. Once we got headed north I knew we would run into a major street sooner or later, and we did. Quite the adventure! Christmas and New Years pictures
January and February were pretty mellow in comparison, but we had plenty of welcome back parties and see you soon parties and new friends made. Of course, we have to take them to our favorite taco stands and fish restaurants. Can you sense a common theme here? No wonder I can’t lose any weight…in spite of diving once a week and yoga 3 times a week!
Guaymas and San Carlos scenes.
More scenes of La Manga
March 10th found us all dressed up, in a catholic church in Guaymas, attending the wedding (boda) of Victor’s daughter. The mass was in Spanish, of course, but we were able to follow along. Kneeling, standing, praying and the “amens” are pretty universal. The music was performed by a Mariachi band. Even the “Ave Maria”. I could not see an organ anywhere. I was absolutely blown away by the dresses the bridesmaids were wearing. It was very beautiful and the reception afterwards was a lot of fun. They have a traditional dance called the “baille loco”. Everyone on the dance floor has a handful of confetti. The DJ plays the 1st part of a song and everyone does the steps to it. Then he changes songs and everyone changes steps. Some dances have funky hats or masks for the bride and groom to wear. It is very fast paced and LOTS of fun. Then you get to throw the confetti. Wedding pictures
Later In March we decided to quit working for Ocean Sports and get Abigail (our sailboat) out of dry storage and put her in the work yard and evaluate how much work (and expense) would be involved in getting her back in the water and doing some sailing next season. Much to our delight many of the issues we feared would be very involved and costly turned out not to be so. So next fall we will completely redo the bottom and the paint, the deck paint, some minor work on the rudder and put bigger winches on. I’ll need to completely sew and replace the dodger and bimini over the cockpit and try to sew sides for it also. Lots of sweat equity on our part (which is as it should be) and some new equipment and we’re off! Abigail pictures
In January I also began working on a new website for San Carlos. Next year, 2013, is the 50th birthday for San Carlos. Upon request, I started putting together a website celebrating San Carlos, its history, before and after pictures and an event calendar. It has taken on a life of its own and is a very comprehensive and informative site for anything and everything to do with San Carlos. Check it out and pass the link around and come and visit this amazing place we call home. Discover San Carlos website
