0750, Wed, 012512. La Paz. The beautiful weather has left us behind for the time being, the wind is here. With gusts to the twenty knot range it wouldn't be much of a big deal, but the tide runs in both directions and when it runs the opposite direction of the wind the boats get to dancing. The boat next to us really started dancing and the guy got rather indignant, like I was the one that decided to swing crazy. Well, he was the first one in so it was my obligation to do something so I kept a close eye on things for the afternoon wondering what the heck the boats were going to do. Finally I had had enough and said to Sue it was time to move. We did a lot of looking around for a better spot, the question being where to go. We finally made our move and like a couple of pros, we managed to get the hook up and back down without too much trouble. It is always exciting in a blow but add the tide and it is really hard to figure. Hopefully we are settled into a much better spot. Now I did learn something through all this. Usually the helm is left pointing straight ahead. The wind fills the back of the boat pushing forward until the boat reaches the end of its tether. Then the boat makes a big sweeping turn and runs with the tide back to the other end of the tether. It can turn into quite a ride when the wind and tides are equal in opposite directions. I got to thinking, boats at sea can "heave too" in heavy weather and simply rock back and forth without making much headway. I gave the helm a crank all the way to windward and we stopped shooting back and forth. Now, why isn't this stuff in the books. I guess some things just have to be figured out, called experience, huh?
During my watch I noticed a boat coming down the channel that wasn't like all the other boats. This one was one of those big day cruiser type boats that usually sport the big engines. It wasn't in the best of shape. Then I noticed the military boat running alongside it with the military guys at the ready with their rifles wearing black hoods. I understand they wore black knit hoods so the bad guys can't ID them and put out a hit. The guys aboard the big boat were all sitting in a row and from what I could see, didn't look too happy. The boat was escorted into the military docks and tied up there. Looked like a bust to me.
Our friends are in the middle of a mechanic's visit, never fun, so we cancelled the card game. I think that was prudent with all the winds. Sue and I had at it though, but I got whipped, oh well.
We watched a DVD that was given us and then headed to bed……more later..
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