We arrive in San Carlos, and there is a holiday on Monday and where we were planning on staying is not available. We hustle around and find a place to stay "Gringo Pete’s", Let’s just say that a lot of cruisers stay here as it is close to the dry storage. The units are large, and they have a kitchen and shower. The camaraderie is what keeps you staying there, it is definitely not the accommodations or the maintenance, or the road you need a 4x4 to traverse.
We take time to check that Blue has ‘weathered’ the summer and all seems well, only a wee ‘innesttation’. As most of you know, I’m not really good with critters, the smaller the harder for me so finding the only type of infestation we had was a wee nest in the anchor roller and empty roach traps made this a very positive experience for me. 
One of the messenger lines for a halyard was tangled up in the rigging so a trip up the mast was in order. I can’t believe I’m actually OK with going up in the bosun chair. I even took pictures.We’re invited to an American Thanksgiving Potluck, so we call an early end to our workday on the hard. Not, a hardship as we’re not ready to launch.
We’ve decided rotisserie chicken is an acceptable alternative to turkey. Turkey served with homemade cranberry sauce, from a cruiser back in Victoria, (Thanks BJ), the requisite mashed potatoes, stove top stuffing, and tamales carne, with chips and salsa as an appetizer and freshly baked brownies, thanks to Betsy from Quayak, for dessert, completes this less than traditional festive meal. There was much appreciation for the delicacy.
Mike and Mary just one of the guests here at Gringo Pete’s has been here for 6 weeks, their boat a catamaran was hauled out in Guymas and broken. So they have been under major reconstruction. We originally met Mike and Mary in Morro Bay on last year’s trip down.
November 24 – December 6
We decide enough of Gringo Pete’s and move onto Blue, which was moved into the work yard a couple days ago. We have had the opportunity to clear the cabin out and make space for us to sleep so we can get on with some of the major and many minor jobs we have planned.
They include some welding to repair dents in the keel replacing rudder bushings, (Thanks Peter, they were perfect), painting and cleaning, and many many minor tasks. The camaraderie in the yard is amazing and we make a number of new friends.
Our launch is delayed as the weather is nasty, (40+ knots) and there are no slips in San Carlos Marina, and there are a number of Mexican holidays. We need to find a Mexican calendar so we can get track of all the festivities.
Finally we splash on the 6th and get fuel before we head over to Marina Real about 7 miles north. Although we start early, by the time we get there the wind and waves have become ‘interesting’. Blue performs in her usual fine form. There is a reason they call the first passage the shake down cruise. Things that are going to shake down do! So another trip up the mast is in order as the main halyard decided on a new route, not effective or efficient for the operating of the main sail. OH Goody! not so much as this time up the mast in the bosun (boatswain) chair will be a swaying in the breeze or if Dick decides to move even one muscle I’ll be like a puppet on a string.December 6 - 9
We are met at the dock by friends Paul and Kristy of Beneteau 35 Shearwater X that we first met in Coos Bay last year. Much socializing along with trips to Guaymas and shopping and eating and internet excursions. We end up storing our vehicles at the same place and getting a ride back to Marina Real together.
Hanging out in San Carlos waiting for a weather window. 