What a day!

Yesterday we were invited out on the Pancho Villa. It was sunny and calm as we cruised out of the harbor, and by the time we anchored at the first fishing spot, jackets and sweatshirts were off. We got to talk to Ray, the captain this time. He was telling us about the overnight trips they take, and the whale watching tours.

He said he does one trip every year with just a bunch of locals. They overnight to the Golden Reef off the Baja, and everyone just sleeps wherever they can, bringing air mattresses and everything. He implied there was a lot of boozing, so I suppose everyone just sleeps wherever they pass out. Then they fish for 2 days, and steam back Sunday night. He wants to get us out on the whale-watching trip and later maybe some overnight fishing. He also dives, and here's a picture of him catching a lift on a whale shark.


On the way out Ray spotted some dolphins and they turned the boat that way. We got to watch them play and jump, and some of them followed the boat- they are FAST!!


I'm hoping one of the guys who had a camera will send me some of his shots. Unfortunately when you have a handful of fishing rod, it's hard to take pictures. Maybe next time I'll devise a way to wear it around my neck on a lanyard. Here's their main salon on the boat. The stern is behind those windows.



There were no chairs this time, and I decided to sit on a corner of the upper deck (basically on the roof of the salon) and fish from there. It was very comfortable, and also happened to be the most incredible place to catch fish!

For about an hour I was pulling in a fish and sometimes two every time I dropped the line! I lost count, but I think I caught about 30. I know my arms finally got so tired I had to stop. Chris on the other side was catching them equally fast. Both of us caught double triggers, which meant we were pulling up about ten to 15 pounds of fighting fish. Today my arms are actually a little sore, but I dreamed of fishing last night! It was just a great time.



While you're fishing, pelicans are floating near your line, eying you and your possible catch. One of them actually came over and grabbed one of my rock bass as I was pulling it out of the water! I didn't know what to do, and the crew shouted, pull it out!! So I did.

These guys and brown pelicans all around the boat.

A little later we saw a sea lion. Usually when you see a sea lion, suddenly the fishing dries up. Happened this time as well.


Ray told us of a superstition that doesn't allow bananas on a boat. If a captain sees that someone has brought a banana on board, he will likely cancel the trip.

Our friend Dan and Shadow's friend Taz arrive today!! In a knockout session of driving, Dan made it to Phoenix in 2 days. He's on his way here now, so we'd better get ready! What can I put in his house.... balloons? I know for Cheryl we could fill the place up with lime chips...we'll think of something.