Author Archives: Brian

Octopus fiasco

For a short period last year we were blessed with visitors. All the kids came for a bit, and Jordan and Lyra even cruised most of the way up the Baja coast line.

At one of the anchorages we freed a trapped octopus. It ended up in the dinghy which almost sent Lyra over the side and into the water. Unfortunately we didn’t  get that on video, or we might have had a $10,000 winner.

We did get a little video of the release. The release was quite the challenge, because try as I might, that little critter did not want me to pick it up. I finally got it to stay on the oar long enough to get to the outside of the boat. Obviously by its departure, it was not happy with it’s treatment. Oh well, you can’t please everyone.

Here is video of it’s release;

Rename Stray Catz?

Back to the boat

We have been back at Stray Catz almost full time since the end of January. We returned to some problems that expanded into more problems. Nothing unrepairable. It just messed up our cruising season.  It has also allowed us to do some upgrades and repairs that we would have otherwise had to do on the water. Stray Catz is also getting a new paint job. After more than 25 years of being out in the sun, the shine was starting to fade.

With a slightly new/

different color scheme,   Anna

thinks we should also give Stray Catz a new name.  One reason being we have met a few other boats named Stray Cat which has caused some confusion in various locations.

We are still the only

Stray Catz that we know of.

I of course would never allow a name change with all the history we’ve already made with her, but I have considered the nickname Strayz.

I am curious what others might  think. Just because she has a new look do we give Stray Catz a new name?

My impression of a skunk

Fiberglass dust is messy

Exciting Visitors

Just a few more days and we get to see Jordan and Lyra. With Jordan’s busy schedule in Knoxville creating art and teaching classes, we thought she would never make it down to visit. But it’s finally going to happen. We are really looking forward to showing her and Lyra some beautiful scenery.

From Lyra's first visit to Stray Catz
From Lyra’s first visit to Stray Catz

Most of which is below the surface. Frolicking with sea lions, swimming with sharks, and eyeing the eels are all on the agenda. Lyra has a new mask and snorkel and has been practicing, so watch out underwater-world.

 

Always beautiful
Always beautiful

I’m about three posts behind our current location. Right now we’re sitting in old Mazatlan harbor getting ready to leave in the morning to cross back over to the Baja side of Mexico. From the weather reports it looks like we’ll get to sail some of the way. We pick Jordan and Lyra up in La Paz in 5 days.

Captaining the Captain
Captaining the Captain

Providing no complications, it takes 3 days to get there. (not hurrying) We spend a few days in La Paz, then we head back up to the islands north for some in the water fun. I sure hope it has warmed up since the last time we were there.

Places we’ve visited up to now include Isla Isabel, Banderas Bay and Socorro Islands. I expect to write something about all of them and maybe a few more, but for now I’ve got to prepare the boat for a passage.