Internet Newsletter
From
The 90 Day Yacht Club Guide to Ensenada
Volume 2 , Number 9
A true traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arrival®
THE “NO VACANCY” SIGN SOON TO BE DISPLAYED IN ENSENADA
As we transition from the 90 Day offshore delivered Yacht Club to the somewhat nebulous realm of the 1 year offshore delivered Yacht Club it would be illustrative at this time to point out the two types of clientele that we have encountered here in the quote un-quote Club. The first group is the folks that are here to just “get their business done” and basically are noncommittal to the area and it’s attractions in a seemingly inconvenienced attitude of law compliant necessity. Cell phones always at the ear and ringing, kids carping at the parents to get home to their video games after the x-number of $’s of fireworks are blown; and after their time is served, gone and hardly missed. The second group are the true “True Travelers” who are continually dragging their feet when it’s time to do that dreaded border crossing back to the north, again dragging their feet when the 90 days are over, and often spend 4 to 6 months here in complete bliss and Pacifico (er, pacified) spent days of escape from the stress of civilization’s daily struggle.
We that
live here in Ensenada welcome both groups but are more in tune to those
that share our views about the beauty of this area of Mexico and are
inclined to stay as long as possible. I came hear for 90 days 5½ years
ago and am writing this happily on my boat in a place I have come to call
my home. Growing up in San Diego in the 50’s and 60’s spoiled me
rotten and this place is a resemblance of that little town I once knew,
now overrun with overpopulation. Here I look upon barren hills that will
one day be another Pacific Palisades and drive through undeveloped country
that will be the next Rancho Santa Fe. This coming Wednesday I will help
take an 80-foot boat back to the seemingly blissful state of existence of
a huge home in Huntington Harbour with private dock space at the estate.
These are new boat owners that will fondly remember their time spent here, are bummed
to be heading north, and say they will come back every year with their new
yacht for a month or so to again experience the
wealth of attractions Ensenada has to offer. So… having to spend one
year here for those of you that are open to the benefits of the beauty of
the area will experience absolutely no inconvenience at all; in fact it
will be a blessing to you and your familyJ
Hurry down though, as we expect the no vacancy sign to be displayed
as soon
as the Club fills up with new members and the turn around time is
lengthened to 1 year.
Click on this photo and the
following photo in this newsletter and use your web browser back button to
return to this page
THOSE DREADED, DANGEROUS DEVIL WINDS
Santana Winds or Santa Ana Winds?
The Santana Winds or Santa Ana Winds, most common in
the late summer, fall, and early winter, begin with dry air moving in from
the interior of the U.S. towards Southern California. This is caused by a
high pressure mass stationary over the Utah and/or Nevada area clearly
seen on isobar weather maps during the event. The most violent winds are
often felt in the Los Angeles area. As this air flows down into the Los
Angeles Basin through the low gaps in the mountains (notably Cajon
Pass on the east end of the San Gabriel Mountains and Soledad
Pass south of Palmdale), it compresses and warms about five degrees
Fahrenheit for every 1,000 feet that it descends. Though these winds are
much cooler high in the mountains, they can become hot and dry and assume
gale force when descending into the Los Angeles Basin. These
Santana winds often hit the
mountain passes and coastal low lands with gusts of up to 90 MPH. The
winds find many other paths through the mountain passes east of San Diego
and Ensenada and assume the same characteristics as they descend to our
coast. During especially strong Santana occurrences
the atmosphere locally will be just as unstable and dry as experienced to
the north, creating the dreaded fire danger and damage that we have
witnessed recently. While these winds blow locally, in the Sea of Cortez
the waters will be battered by the notorious Northerlies blowing south at
a force that makes this usually tranquil sea impossible to navigate.
In many parts of the world
we find that local weather conditions of outstanding characteristics are
named after their localities. This is especially true in Spain and Italy.
Did you know that for a time Volkswagens were named after notable named
winds? Sirocco, Golf, and Jetta are a few windy names that come to mind.
Sometime during the 1970s, southern
California TV reporters (mostly folks imported from other parts of the
U.S.) started calling them Santa Ana
winds. Sources credit the Santa Ana Canyon in Orange County as the
origin of the name Santa Ana winds,
thereby arguing for the term Santa Anas. This might be
supported by early accounts which attributed the Santa Ana riverbed
running through the canyon as the source of the winds... Other accounts
placed the origin of Santa Ana Winds with an Associated Press
correspondent stationed in Santa Ana who mistakenly began using Santa
Ana winds instead of Santana
winds in a 1901
dispatch. We wonder, what did Saint Ann have to do with these winds?
(Saint Ann is the mother of the Virgin Mary — Jesus’ grandmother). The
original spelling of the name of the winds is unclear, not to mention the
origin. Although the winds have been commonly called Santa Anas,
many argue that the original name is Santanas. Both versions of the
name have been used. The name Santana is said to be traced to
Spanish California when the winds were called devil
winds due to their heat. The word santana is Spanish for devil —
which is appropriate because these winds are like something out of Hell!
You can just imagine the early Spanish settlers encountering these winds
for the first time. The heat and fire combined with their inability to
fight these fire storms must have made them think that they were suffering
Satan’s wrath.
In the early days of Spanish exploration, it was the custom to name
places and occurrences for the saint on whose day the discovery or event
took place. Several blows of hurricane force are so named in the logs of
early navigators. Some accounts found in these logs state that the first Santa
Anas during Spanish times was experienced on July 26th, Saint Anne's
day, and was named for her. This seems doubtful for two reasons. The first
is that the first Santa Ana would not have been an important enough event to rate a
name. The second is that early records of the missions and expeditions do
not mention these winds by name, although attention was paid to weather
conditions. Another theory offered was that the winds were named after the
blustery Mexican general and president, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. This
theory has been discredited by pointing out that the winds were called Santa Anas in records written before the man was known. Still
another writer thought that the name was derived from an American Indian
word Santana, meaning big or bad wind. This point of view has
gained an increasing support, and has become official in some circles. Now,
the gringo press uses Santa Ana
Winds exclusively. This is indeed unfortunate because Santana
is so much more accurate in describing the character of these winds. Using
Santana is more respectful of
California history. There can be no doubt that the Spanish settlers would
have objected strongly to these winds being named after one of their most
beloved saints, the mother of the Virgin Mary. Many Ensenada residents
have heard the word Santana straight
from the folks who knew what they had been called for over 200 years.
When you see the neighborhood kids
using their fingers to illustrate horns on their heads as these hot Santana
winds scourge the atmosphere, there is no doubt they are referring to
these annual winds as winds from Satan.
AN
OPEN LETTER FROM STEVE ROSS ON BAD DOG ABOUT BEING HAULED AT BAJA NAVAL
RECENTLY
Yes, this is my second time at Baja Naval, and each time I have not been disappointed. I recommend this yard to all of you and I will be going back.
Hasta la bamba.....defending carnitas, margaritas and the Mexican way.....
...Esteban
ANCHORING
OR MOORING IN ENSENADA HARBOR
Your stay in Ensenada may include a visit to the downtown harbor to
either sightsee, check-in to the country, or perhaps to enjoy a free night
on the hook. Here are a few True Traveler tips to help you when in this
area.
Yachts can anchor inside the harbor as long as they are outside the
main navigation channel. The bottom is composed of soft mud and the
holding is not very good in the high afternoon breezes that often rake the
harbor waters. If there is an especially strong wind or a storm
approaching, an onboard watch stander is advised.
A few dozen moorings are available east of the channel just off the
docks inshore. They are all privately owned by either local fishing boats
or the following listed marinas. Moorings available for rent are owned and
operated by either Sergio’s (VHF-06), Juanito’s (VHF-18a), Gordo’s,
or Bandito’s. If you can’t raise them on the VHF or you would prefer
to take the mooring of your choice, simply circling the mooring ball will
cause the pangas (small skiffs) to appear from perhaps more than one of
the waterfront businesses listed above. They may all vie for your
business, and the bidding and competition should be entertaining for you
and your crew. Try to cut a deal that will include trips to shore on their
water taxi (which you can arrange by VHF when you need a ride ashore), or
a place to land your skiff at their docks. The personnel that rent you
your mooring ball will then become a great liaison for trips to town,
locations of goods and services, and any general help you may need.
Before you settle a deal with these fellows, have them lift the
shackles and cable for inspection for sea worthiness. If so overgrown with
growth you can’t see the fittings, that is an indication that the ground
tackle may not have been serviced recently, and you should decide whether
you want to chance using that particular mooring. This is especially
important if you are mooring a large yacht of large gross tonnage weight.
When approaching this area, be aware of the very shallow sand bar
that is between the northwest corner of the cruise ship dock and Baja
Naval. DO
NOT
attempt to shortcut across this area as we have been
involved in more than one instance of saving a grounded vessel that has
wandered upon this sandbar. Low tide has seen more than a few sailboats
healed over on the bottom waiting for a high tide. Often a group of pangas
can be seen feverously working to get a big powerboat off the bottom
before the tide goes lower and further damaged the struts and props
occurs. Unfortunately, these pangas have a tendency to gouge your gel coat
as they push and pull your now high and almost dry yacht.
Our advise is to arrange to dock your yacht at either of the three
prominent marinas in the Ensenada are; Baja Naval, Cruiseport Marina, or
the Marina Coral. Better security, facilities, and safety will be found at
these establishments, which will make your visit to Ensenada more enjoyable
and care free.
____________
Being an author is 5 % writing and 95% promotion
____________
THE
WEST NILE VIRUS
or in Spanish the Virus del Oeste
del Nilo
They are coming to a bedroom, bunk and outdoor entertainment area near you! Those pesky little buzzing near the ear sleep invaders are indeed here again but this time they are packing a big hazard which could threaten the very lives of your family. Last night I slept with one here at the Coral Marina but the night was so hot that I couldn’t keep the covers on, so the little bloodsucker had his way with me, the host, all night long. As I write this in early August the radio is right now telling me about 3 recent deaths in the LA/Orange county area. Truly bad news for our collective future if we don’t take the necessary precautions to avoid this new plague. Standing around the bar-b-que with stern floodlights blasting is not an option this summer and fall.
West
Nile Virus is a flavivirus commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the
Middle East. It is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis virus, which
is also found in the United States. The virus can infect humans, birds,
mosquitoes, horses and some other mammals. It is not known how long it has been in
the U.S., but scientists believe the virus has probably been in the
eastern U.S. since the early summer of 1999, possibly longer. In the
temperate zone of the world (i.e., between latitudes 23.5° and 66.5°
north and south), West Nile encephalitis cases occur primarily in the late
summer or early fall. In the southern climates where temperatures are
milder, West Nile virus can be transmitted year round. One of the species
of mosquitoes found to carry West Nile virus is the Culex species
which survive through the winter, or "overwinter," in the adult
stage. That the virus survived along with the mosquitoes was documented by
the widespread transmission the summer of 2000. The continued expansion of
West Nile virus in the United States indicates that it is permanently
established in the Western Hemisphere.
Here are preventive
measures that you and your family can take to protect your family and
yourself from mosquito bites: apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed
skin. The more DEET a repellent contains the longer time it can protect
you from mosquito bites. A higher percentage of DEET in a repellent does
not mean that your protection is better—just that it will last longer.
DEET concentrations higher than 50% do not increase the length of
protection. Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of
time that you will be outdoors. Repellents
may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands
of children. Whenever you
use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the
manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product.
Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since
mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Do not apply repellents
containing permethrin directly to exposed skin. If you spray your
clothing, there is no need to spray repellent containing DEET on the skin
under your clothing. When
possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are
outdoors. Place mosquito netting
over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants.
Consider staying indoors at
dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting
times. Install
or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get
indoors.Help reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you
work or play, by draining sources of standing water. In this way, you
reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed. At
least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and
water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.
Check for clogged rain
gutters and clean them out. Remove discarded tires,
and other items that could collect water. Be sure to check for
containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under
bushes or under your home. Note: Vitamin B and "ultrasonic"
devices are NOT effective in preventing mosquito bites. Is there a
vaccine against West Nile encephalitis? No, but several companies are
working towards developing a vaccine.
Most people who are infected with the West Nile virus will not have any type of illness. It is estimated that about 20% of the people who become infected will develop West Nile fever: the symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands. The symptoms of severe infection (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis) include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 150 persons infected with the West Nile virus will develop a more severe form of disease. The incubation period in humans (i.e., time from infection to onset of disease symptoms) for West Nile encephalitis is usually 3 to 14 days. Symptoms of West Nile fever will generally last a few days, although even some healthy people report having been sick for several weeks. Symptoms of severe disease (encephalitis or meningitis) may last several weeks, although neurological effects may be permanent. Occasionally, an infected person may develop more severe disease such as “West Nile encephalitis,” “West Nile meningitis” or “West Nile meningoencephalitis.” Encephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain, meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord, and meningoencephalitis refers to inflammation of the brain and the membrane surrounding it. Although there is no treatment for WNV infection itself, the person with severe disease often needs to be hospitalized. Care may involve nursing IV fluids, respiratory support, and prevention of secondary infections.
Current Data Map
Legend
Pink:
Positive Test Results
Aqua:
Samples Submitted
Yellow:
No Data
West Nile
Virus Website
Kids can
learn how to protect themselves from mosquito bites on
"The
Buzz-z-z-z on West Nile Virus"
Mexican West
Nile Website
http://www.cenave.gob.mx/von/default.asp
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Make effective use of your most valuable asset, your time
____________
THE BEGGARS OF THE STREETS OF ENSENADA
The sad faces of the tiny Indian children from mainland Mexico will tug at your heart, begging with their paper cups. Unlike the truly poverty stricken children you see in Tijuana, these children are a part of a scam. This is their job, however young they may be. The unseen facet of they're seemingly meager existence is that they live on communes in groups outside Ensenada overseen by male patriarch's. These women and children are trucked to town every day and pimped along the boulevard in a staged display of poverty, when in fact the men hiding in the shadows unseen collecting the benefits of the daily take are only using them. Truth be told, we imagine these men live a far better standard of life than their conscripts left daily in the hot sun to play a pathetic role. But when you are not looking, and the prospect of a tourist dropping a peso or two their way is exhausted, they can be observed smiling and enjoying each others company.
____________
Now that we baby
boomers are nearing retirement age and have paid all the funds necessary
for our retirement into the fund- the government is considering raising
the retirement age to 67 because there are so many of us- we that have
contributed to the fund that has been raided now for years to fund the
shortfalls of failed programs must suffer do to the ineptitude of the
system that is denying us the right to the offshore delivered 90 Day Yacht
Club fund savings, now expanded to one year.
____________
True Traveler Publishing
Phone:
(619) 857-0368
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