Enticing Ensenada





Military was very evident in Ensenada.

Baja Naval



You're crazy if you don't go there! That's what people told us. Ensenada is THE place to check into Mexico. All the entry services  (immigration, bank and port captain) are all in one location. Not only that, Baja Naval is a first class marina (offering wifi, free US calls and hot showers) with friendly English-speaking staff. All for $38.00. The wonderfull fellow who helped us, provided all the forms we would need and even made copies for us.

We left San Diego at 2am this morning, carefully manuvering between all the other anchored boats. Forty minutes later we were hoisting sails, although the wind was very light. Greg managed to sail for several hours but eventually gave up and started the engine. By around 7am the wind came up again and the engine was put down. By 9 the wind was nonexistant. We motored the rest of the way to Ensenada, arriving just before 2pm, 12 hours after having left SD.

We were so proud of ourselves - getting to port in time to check in. As we tied up the boat the marina attendant showed up and informed us that CIS (customs) closed at 2 o'clock. D@##! What happened to siesta time and staying open till 7?


Ensenada Malecon

 

Malecon "We're all in the same boat"


Our first sunrise over Baja was beautiful. A school of dolphin swam ahead of us chasing their breakfast followed by a flock of hopeful birds. A dozen brown pelicans passed by our starboard side. Around midmorining dolphins were swimming along with us on both sides of the boat.

After settling with the marina office we took a little walk into town (no quarantine - no NO ONE OFF THE BOAT here). We found an alley full of souvenir stalls and carts followed by a row of aggressively friendly tacorias and a large fish market. WOW! So much fish - so little refrigeration. By 3:30 most their ice had melted. I had to wonder what they do with all that fish after closing.
 


Mercado de pescado

 Tueday we went to CIS (central check in). After an hour and 30 min we were much poorer and ready to go. They were able to speak pretty good English and very helpful. We walked around town, only window shopping since Greg won't let me buy anything, until we found a supermerchado. Lots of fresh food and Mexican wine for less than $7 per  bottle; I can't wait to try it. Since we are leaving immediately to catch good wind I didn't buy any fresh fish.
 

Our first Baja Dog



Had lunch at a little taco place and 4 tacos, a coke and a beer was $8 US - what a change from San Diego.











 

PINK? Pidgeon






  

Pink stripe on head makes me think its paint.