Mexico Cruisers Heading South

"This time of year, every time the weather is good the marina fills up," said Scott Pryor of the Monterey Municipal Marina. This writer was lucky enough to grab the second to last slip at the 413-berth facility, having just sailed down from San Francisco aboard Tom Liliienthal’s Beneteau 41 Dreamseeker. So why the rush to Monterey? Actually harbormasters all along the coast would probably make similar comments these days, as dozens of boats are fleeing the impending arrival of winter, and heading for the sunny climes of old Mexico – many will head south with the 14th annual Baja Ha-Ha rally, which begins October 29.

Weather along the north coast has been mellow for the past few days, but tomorrow afternoon is supposed to be a bit nasty off the Big Sur coast, so perhaps we’ll just chill out and take in the sights, visit the renown Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Monterey, of course, is a very cool place for a respite. Dozens of shops and restaurants are within walking distance of the marina and the well-protected marina promises a sound night’s sleep – except  the squalking of the prolific sea lions on the breakwater. What we want to know is what the heck do they have to talk about at all hours of the day and night that’s so all-fired important?