Toni’s Birthday: Simple Joys at Punta La Gringa

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September 26… Bay of LA was starting to feel just a little bit crowded, so we decided to travel to an anchorage just around the corner for my birthday. We’ve just pulled into Punta la Gringa, and it feels like stepping into a postcard. The water here at Punta la Gringa is a brilliant turquoise near the shore, fading into cobalt blue further out. It’s so clear I can see the sandy bottom from the cockpit of Thaalia. This spot is located at the northern edge of Bahía de los Ángeles, and I’m already fascinated by the desert-meets-sea vibe. Tall cacti cover the hillsides, and rocky cliffs stand guard along the shoreline. The contrast between the dry land and the sparkling sea is something I’ll never tire of.

We arrived around midday. As usual, I was at the helm, and George was up on deck, ready to drop the anchor. We have a system worked out by now—hand signals, slow maneuvers, lots of communication. When everything is set, George gives me a thumbs-up, and I cut the engine. It’s always a wonderful feeling, that brief moment right after the anchor catches and the boat settles, swaying gently in the current. That’s when we know we’re home for the night.

Of course, the first order of business after dropping anchor is our Thaalia tradition: “rum and yellow shit.” I know, I know—it’s not the classiest name, but it’s what we call our signature drink. If you ever stop by, we’ll be glad to make you one!

After settling in, I took a few pictures of the scenery. Photography has always been my way of capturing memories, and Baja never disappoints. Looking through my lens, I see two worlds: above the water, desert mountains and cacti; below the water, fish darting around coral heads. If the weather cooperates tomorrow, George and I plan to snorkel along the rocky outcroppings north of our anchorage. Rumor says there are schools of colorful reef fish here, and you know I love an underwater photo shoot.

Speaking of weather, late September and early October can be interesting in the Sea of Cortez. It’s still hot and humid—no surprise there—but chubascos sometimes blow through at night. These intense squalls come out of nowhere, with strong winds that can really kick up the sea. We’ve seen a couple so far this season, but fortunately, none have hit us directly while anchored. If one does, we’ll be ready, double-checking the anchor and stowing any loose gear on deck before going below to ride it out.

We spent the afternoon in typical cruiser fashion, relaxing in the cockpit, reading books, and swapping stories about where we’ve been and where we’re headed next. The breeze is light today, so Thaalia barely budges on her anchor chain. Around us, I see a few other sailboats, but it’s not overly crowded. Everyone sort of does their own thing, yet there’s a friendly vibe if you hail someone on the VHF or wave from your dinghy

And then comes September 27th—my birthday. The day starts perfectly, with a spectacular morning sunset that bathes everything in hues of gold and orange. Fallen rays pierce through the clouds, casting a magical glow on our beloved Thaalia. The sky is painted with gorgeous blue, and I couldn’t have asked for better weather on my special day.

This year, George surprised me with a birthday adventure—spear fishing! Well, to be honest, I sat in the dinghy while he did the spear fishing, but it was thrilling nonetheless to watch him dive into the inviting water. He swam confidently along the rocky outcroppings, and I could feel my excitement building as I awaited the moment he would return. Success! He emerged with a beautiful grouper, its colors vibrant against the backdrop of the sea.

For dinner, we crafted a meal worthy of the moment: grilled grouper paired with a fresh cabbage salad and red wine. I also roasted some potatoes on our trusty galley stove, the perfect accompaniment to our catch of the day. It might have been a low-key birthday celebration, but the delicious flavors and the company of the sea made it feel truly special.

As the sun began to sink low in the sky, casting golden light across the water, I took a moment to bask in the warm glow of gratitude. George and I dined on the deck, the gentle sound of waves lapping against the hull providing the perfect background music to our evening.

The day ends on a soft note. The desert quiet surrounds us, and I can barely keep my eyes open as soon as it’s fully dark. Life on the water has a way of syncing you with the sun. By 9 PM, I’m ready to drift off, lulled by the gentle sound of waves against Thaalia’s hull.

In these quiet moments, I reflect on the beauty of living this life, the joy of celebrating another year surrounded by nature’s wonders, and the gratitude I feel for each sunrise and sunset. Each birthday spent in this remarkable corner of the world serves as a reminder of the unique adventures that await and the countless memories yet to be made. As I drift to sleep, I can’t help but look forward to what next year will bring—whatever it may be, I know it will be an experience I embrace wholeheartedly.