Whales and the Cruiser's Shrine - Caleta San Juanico - 3/17 - 3/18/11

WHALES !!! On Suzanne's mid-day watch, as we motored north from Puerto Escondido to Caleta San Juanico, the rhythmic sound of the Yanmar engine was interrupted by -- yikes, it's the big blow of a whale -- and just 20 feet off our port beam.  Wait, there's two and they're huge!  "Tom, get up here!"  We were so busy watching as they cruised along side Begone that neither of us grabbed the camera until they moved a little further away.  A sailboat on the mainland side had been rolled by a whale (considered to be an accident).  So the separation was welcomed.

Our friends, John & Dorothy, say San Juanico was one of their favorite anchorages.  And we understand why.  Perfect protection for a north/northwest wind.  Excellent bottom for anchoring. 

The additional draw for Suzanne was the search for “Apache Tears” (small volcanic lava rocks) found along the trail near the anchorage.  Plus we needed to leave our mark at the Cruiser’s Shrine.   

Cruiser's Shrine @ San Juanico

Because the weather window was perfect for continuing our trip up and into Bahia Concepcion, we only enjoyed one night at anchor in San Juanico.  So off we go - leaving behind a flat stone at the Cruiser's Shrine where "Begone - Tom & Suzanne" was written with a Sharpie.