Seven days turned into nine days at Marina Cortez in La Paz, but it was nice staying at a marina for a change.  We didn’t have to load up the dinghy every time we wanted to go ashore, we could use the dock to work on canvas projects (hammering in rivets), we could use land showers, and Jacintha had lots of friends on the same dock.   She and her friend from Family Circus (a family with 5 siblings aboard) exchanged sleepovers on the two boats.

Swimming with Sea Lions

We felt like we were growing roots, so we shoved off and headed back to the Islands for 4 days.  The highlight of this trip was swimming with the Sea Lions.  Our guidebook mentioned a place known for curious California Sea Lions near the northern end of Isla Partida just behind 2 large rocks called Los Islotes.  The rocks have been painted white from birds hanging out there feeding on the Sea Lion’s leftover fish.  We anchored in 60’ of water with just 100’ of chain on a rock bottom so we decided to keep 1 person aboard while the others rowed the dinghy to a mooring buoy next to the rock.  I went with Jacintha and we snorkeled in 10’ of water with lots of Sea Lions swimming around us.   The larger ones mostly sunned themselves on the rock ledges watching their pups and juveniles play in the water.  When we were done, Karen went in and got some great photos and video.  A small Sea Lion darted toward her then swam away and posed in a graceful arc, then swam back to her and nipped at her fins.  Another medium sized one came up to her and playfully nipped her in the side.  It was amazing how curious, fun, and unafraid of humans these creatures were (I don’t think the Sea Lions around Seattle are quite as friendly).

We spent the last 2 days at Caleta Partida, a nice anchorage at the southern end of Isla Partida.  There we combed the beach and added 6 more hermit crabs to Jacintha’s collection.  We also joined 2 other boats for a fantastic potluck dinner aboard sv Scoots (Eric and Vanda, home port San Fransisco).

Video:  http://youtu.be/pmpdH-8zI_U