Discover the Heart of Our Sailing Adventure

Journey to La Paz: A Sailor's Tale

With our adventure launching on August 18, we left Vancouver with La Paz as our first significant waypoint on our journey.

As we cruised down the Washington/Oregon coast, we spent six days sailing approximately 80 nautical miles offshore, traveling from Anacortes to San Francisco, marking my first offshore experience. Upon arriving in California after navigating through what turned out to be less turbulent waters than expected, we took the opportunity to explore all it has to offer along the way, slowing our pace as we waited for hurricane season to pass before heading further south.

This journey has been filled with countless firsts for both of us, from my inaugural overnight sail and watch to submarine encounters, sailing beneath the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, discovering the Channel Islands, experiencing the vibrant chaos of Newport, the abundance of sea life and so much more.

We faced days of calm winds and flapping sails, followed by nights of towering seas, beautiful sunsets and breathtaking sunrises, starry nights and countless sunny days  – it has all been amazing!

As we bid farewell to the California fog and embraced the warm, inviting waters of Mexico, we uncovered charming fishing villages and stunning beaches that have truly enchanted us.

SV Inscrutable has proven to be the ideal home and sailing vessel for our adventure. Our system for raising and lowering the sails is efficient, and we have established seamless nighttime routines for our watches, creating a harmonious rhythm aboard.

We eagerly anticipate sailing to Hawaii following our time in Mexico. For the upcoming months, La Paz will serve as our home base as we delve into the numerous islands and bays in the northern region of the Sea of Cortez.

Final passage to La Paz

Bahia de Los Muertos to La Paz

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we set off from Los Muertos, eager to embrace the night. The air was a warm 26C on a clear evening as we motored towards La Paz and enjoyed a non-eventful evening on the water only passing by a few tankers and a couple pleasure craft all night.

As the morning unfolded and the lights of La Paz started to appear we arrived at the anchorage just before 0500 on Nov 23, completing our first major milestone of the trip. We have traveled 2499 nautical miles since we left Vancouver and sailed over 620 nautical miles in November alone!

We are settling into La Paz for the next few months, and patiently awaiting Logan and Cash’s arrival on December 12. Our first week has been a delightful mix of exploring the vibrant local markets, visits with friends and tackling various boat chores, allowing us to find our rhythm in this lively city while we are anchored in the bay.

The Importance of UNESCO Sites

Preserving Our Global Heritage

The Sea of Cortez is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as the Aquarium of the World due to its remarkable biodiversity and thriving marine ecosystem.

Marine life in the Sea of Cortez includes:

  • 891 fish species, 90 of which are endemic
  • 39% of the world’s marine mammal species
  • A third of the world’s marine cetacean species
  • Mobula rays
  • Humpback, grey, and possibly blue whales
  • Whale sharks

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are vital in preserving the cultural and natural heritage of our world. These sites are recognized for their outstanding universal value and are protected to ensure they remain intact for future generations.

In La Paz, the surrounding areas boast several sites of significant cultural importance, reflecting the rich history and biodiversity of the region. These sites not only attract tourists but also play a crucial role in educating the public about the importance of conservation and cultural appreciation.

EXPLORE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

Some examples of other UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

  • The Pyramids of Egypt
  • The Great Barrier Reef in Australia
  • The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador
  • The Taj Mahal in India
  • The Grand Canyon in the USA
  • The Acropolis in Greece
  • Geiranger Fjord, southwestern Norway
  • Aboriginal rock painting, Kakadu National Park, northern Australia 
  • Huanglong Scenic Area, northwest Sichuan
  • Iguazu Falls in Argentina
  • Historic Areas of Istanbul, Turkey

Capturing the Essence of La Paz

Our La Paz Photo Journey


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