Friday, 20 March 2009
Estero Beach stop 15
March 10 and our last caravan official travel day. We were headed back to Ensenada and Estero Beach Resort. We indeed left earlier than the 6am that was scheduled. All of us were ready so we headed for a long day of travel. We did seem to mess things up – first we needed gas so we stopped, then we needed propane so we stopped. Finally we arrived at the campground. We found a place to park with our back to the bay. After we got all in and had checked the electric before we did so, we discovered our unit would not allow electric to work. We decided to stay anyway. We were getting good at dry camping. At least we had water. I ended up flagging units in and Winston helped park. The office had given us wrong sites so we did a number of exchanges. The end of the hour for everyone to arrive and we were missing 8 units of the 25. We were worried. We had heard from some that Jack had lost his transmission on his classic motor home about 40 miles after he left the last campground. Two others were with him trying to determine what to do. But where were the others? Three others came in. Now we were only missing two – W.D. & Martha and John & Judy. It was over 2 hours after the expected time and finally they appeared. John & Judy had had a blow out. There was quite a bit of damage to the underside. After we got them parked we all wandered over to the dinner at the resort dining room. We had a last game of Joker with Tom & Penny and Dick & Judy.
March 11 and we had another day in Ensenada. It was a free day to catch up and get ready to leave. Some of the Mexicans in the park had offered to wash the camper and car. Oh, they looked so good and the price was reasonable at $45. They even windexed the windows. If only the inside was as clean. We drove to the Wal-Mart and Costco. It certainly was nice to see familiar stores. We had planned a crock pot meal and since we had no electricity, Lois cooked the food. We all ate together. Then we had one last game of Joker. Jack had gone down with a two truck and they brought his motor home up to Ensenada for a new transmission. The resort had a nice room that he was able to have for a nice price.
March 12 and we have one last chance to see the sights. After working on computers and pictures with Lois we decided to head back to La Boufadora and see if we could find a couple of items to buy. Lois was looking for a whale tale pin and Winston was still looking for a ring. The four of us were off in the jeep. It is a beautiful drive, south about 20 miles along the coast or bay line. We saw hills and homes and fields. Finally we saw the community. We paid a man to park and walked down the line of vendors. A number were not open but those that were all were trying to help us. Some the word was up and down what we were looking for. And we found it. Winston now has a beautiful red coral silver ring that fits. Lois has a necklace with a whale tail. I was able to find a few things I had wanted as well. We headed back in time for the banquet, a cookout. It was nice and Linda did a great job as MC. The 1st timers received a certificate as did all of us for completing the caravan. We went ahead and moved the motor home to the parking lot so we would be ready to leave first thing.
March 13 and the last day is here. First we met most for breakfast at the resort dining room. It was a nice good-by. We were all given the last segment of the caravan journal. Then our group was ready to go – Norm & Lois, Dick & Judy, John & Judy, and W.D. & Martha. The others pulled out around us and we heard the CB’s going crazy as everybody tried to keep from getting lost as we wandered through Ensenada. It is a good sized town. We had a hard time keeping the 5 of us together because of the Altos and the stoplights. We had decided that we would take the toll road instead of Mex 3 that went through mountains, had narrow roads and construction. It was a good idea but, we were in the lead and we missed the sign (The sign was wrong!) that should have said Mex 1, not Mex 1D, the toll road. We DID Tijuana, all of it. We must have driven through that town for hours, well at least one hour. Dick & Judy took the lead when we tried one road and found we wouldn’t make it. Norm & Lois had said they really didn’t want to lead – didn’t blame them, that’s for sure. We wandered through some areas that made me glad it wasn’t after dark. We saw homes, if you can call them homes, on the side of the hills made out of 4x8 sheets of plywood. Then we got in construction where we were turning at 90 degree angles with our units. It was some trip. Finally we made it to Tecate and somewhere near the border. That was interesting as well, since the directions were not clear. We did begin to hear the others on the CB indicating they were on one side or the other of the border. Now we know why people say they got down and kissed the ground!! The border crossing was simple after all of our worries. They wanted to know where we were from, where we had been and did we have anything to declare. Norm & Lois headed on but the rest of us found a place to eat on the little back highway we were on. We had a great hamburger. French fries and knew we were home to the USA!
March 11 and we had another day in Ensenada. It was a free day to catch up and get ready to leave. Some of the Mexicans in the park had offered to wash the camper and car. Oh, they looked so good and the price was reasonable at $45. They even windexed the windows. If only the inside was as clean. We drove to the Wal-Mart and Costco. It certainly was nice to see familiar stores. We had planned a crock pot meal and since we had no electricity, Lois cooked the food. We all ate together. Then we had one last game of Joker. Jack had gone down with a two truck and they brought his motor home up to Ensenada for a new transmission. The resort had a nice room that he was able to have for a nice price.
March 12 and we have one last chance to see the sights. After working on computers and pictures with Lois we decided to head back to La Boufadora and see if we could find a couple of items to buy. Lois was looking for a whale tale pin and Winston was still looking for a ring. The four of us were off in the jeep. It is a beautiful drive, south about 20 miles along the coast or bay line. We saw hills and homes and fields. Finally we saw the community. We paid a man to park and walked down the line of vendors. A number were not open but those that were all were trying to help us. Some the word was up and down what we were looking for. And we found it. Winston now has a beautiful red coral silver ring that fits. Lois has a necklace with a whale tail. I was able to find a few things I had wanted as well. We headed back in time for the banquet, a cookout. It was nice and Linda did a great job as MC. The 1st timers received a certificate as did all of us for completing the caravan. We went ahead and moved the motor home to the parking lot so we would be ready to leave first thing.
March 13 and the last day is here. First we met most for breakfast at the resort dining room. It was a nice good-by. We were all given the last segment of the caravan journal. Then our group was ready to go – Norm & Lois, Dick & Judy, John & Judy, and W.D. & Martha. The others pulled out around us and we heard the CB’s going crazy as everybody tried to keep from getting lost as we wandered through Ensenada. It is a good sized town. We had a hard time keeping the 5 of us together because of the Altos and the stoplights. We had decided that we would take the toll road instead of Mex 3 that went through mountains, had narrow roads and construction. It was a good idea but, we were in the lead and we missed the sign (The sign was wrong!) that should have said Mex 1, not Mex 1D, the toll road. We DID Tijuana, all of it. We must have driven through that town for hours, well at least one hour. Dick & Judy took the lead when we tried one road and found we wouldn’t make it. Norm & Lois had said they really didn’t want to lead – didn’t blame them, that’s for sure. We wandered through some areas that made me glad it wasn’t after dark. We saw homes, if you can call them homes, on the side of the hills made out of 4x8 sheets of plywood. Then we got in construction where we were turning at 90 degree angles with our units. It was some trip. Finally we made it to Tecate and somewhere near the border. That was interesting as well, since the directions were not clear. We did begin to hear the others on the CB indicating they were on one side or the other of the border. Now we know why people say they got down and kissed the ground!! The border crossing was simple after all of our worries. They wanted to know where we were from, where we had been and did we have anything to declare. Norm & Lois headed on but the rest of us found a place to eat on the little back highway we were on. We had a great hamburger. French fries and knew we were home to the USA!
Rancho Santa Inez stop 14
March 8 and it is Winston’s Birthday. We and Firman and Cheryl were deparkers. A number, finding out it was Winston’s birthday, gathered round and sang Happy Birthday to him. Everyone was in such a hurry to leave that although we were to begin at 9 we had little to do. There were only 4 left to check. As we traveled we played leapfrog with all of the others. Cheryl wanted flower pictures since they had not gone back in the dessert to San Borja. We stopped often, got out, took pictures. It was a good drive. We had lots of cactus: cardon, pincushion, barrel, prickly pear to name a few. We also saw the elephant tree. What an interesting plant it is with its twirled and gnarled trunk and branches. It protects small cactus and other dessert plants that grow under it. Frank said that he and Carol had walked as far as 5 miles looking for one near their home and here they were everywhere you looked. As we had started out after filling up the diesel tank and the water tank we had a coyote run in front of us for at least a quarter of a mile. He was so frightened he stayed on the road. I was so disgusted I couldn’t get my camera to work fast enough. Again we saw a truck that had not stayed on the road. He had fruit as his load and it was spread everywhere. We arrived at the campground. It is a nice oasis in an area where there are many huge boulders and lots of cactus. We saw a smattering of rain on the windshield. Then we realized it had turned chilly. The wind was blowing. The paved road leading in has white rocks on each side. We later found out that the lady who built it was good friends with the Mexican President and he had “helped” her. There is also an airport that can be seen from the campground. This was built at the same time and used to have at least 6 planes in every day but since the drugs have become such a problem it has become nearly empty. No one flies much here because everyone who does is suspected of drug dealing. Ralph, an American, gave us a lot of information about the place and the area. Lois came over and said, “We have TV, do you want to watch?” Can’t remember how long it had been since we had seen TV except in a couple of restaurants (in Spanish). We had dinner at the “local” hotel. We had made our selection earlier and I always seem to choose the wrong one. The choices were beef or shrimp. The beef was the best looking steak I have seen in quite awhile. The shrimp was okay but it was wrapped in tin foil and steamed, I guess. We had a game of Joker with Dick and Judy.
March 9 and nothing is scheduled. Of course that doesn’t seem to stop anyone. Betty, who is writing the journal at this stop, had talked to Ralph and he had told her he would show anyone who wanted to go some cave paintings. We finally drove about 7 miles, got onto yet another dirt road and parked. We got out and looked at a “hill” with lots of large rocks. The flowers were beautiful. There was even a cactus that had a disease (crustacized??) that looked like a ninja turtle. We climbed up and over the rocks until we reached the top of the hill – mountain. Then we got on our hands and knees or rears and inched into a cave. These were the best cave paintings and so well preserved since they are not out in the open. We scooted or got back down as best we could. It was an experience. As we headed back, Dick and some others came up and told us our missing 2 trailers had finally come home. Alex & Arlene and Cliff & Marcia had returned. Alex had gotten the transmission fixed in his Suburban after many frustrating moments. We were so glad to see them. Cliff & Marcia had stayed behind in case they needed any help. It took them 9 days to get everything fixed but they are back! It was time to get ready for another move. Dick had asked if we would be parkers since he was not sure if Cliff and Marcia would be here so we head out at 6 in the morning. We understand that Bruce & Enid always seem to be ready to go long before the posted time. We had a “GRAM” or a get reacquainted meeting with all of us talking about the Baja Adventure. One of the main things I will always remember is the dust and dirt everywhere. I have no idea the motor home and Jeep will ever be clean again. We use the California Duster a lot and it does seem to help some, particularly on the Jeep. This stop has really shown the colors of the desert – the pinks, yellows, whites, purples and reds as well as the greens of the cactus.
March 9 and nothing is scheduled. Of course that doesn’t seem to stop anyone. Betty, who is writing the journal at this stop, had talked to Ralph and he had told her he would show anyone who wanted to go some cave paintings. We finally drove about 7 miles, got onto yet another dirt road and parked. We got out and looked at a “hill” with lots of large rocks. The flowers were beautiful. There was even a cactus that had a disease (crustacized??) that looked like a ninja turtle. We climbed up and over the rocks until we reached the top of the hill – mountain. Then we got on our hands and knees or rears and inched into a cave. These were the best cave paintings and so well preserved since they are not out in the open. We scooted or got back down as best we could. It was an experience. As we headed back, Dick and some others came up and told us our missing 2 trailers had finally come home. Alex & Arlene and Cliff & Marcia had returned. Alex had gotten the transmission fixed in his Suburban after many frustrating moments. We were so glad to see them. Cliff & Marcia had stayed behind in case they needed any help. It took them 9 days to get everything fixed but they are back! It was time to get ready for another move. Dick had asked if we would be parkers since he was not sure if Cliff and Marcia would be here so we head out at 6 in the morning. We understand that Bruce & Enid always seem to be ready to go long before the posted time. We had a “GRAM” or a get reacquainted meeting with all of us talking about the Baja Adventure. One of the main things I will always remember is the dust and dirt everywhere. I have no idea the motor home and Jeep will ever be clean again. We use the California Duster a lot and it does seem to help some, particularly on the Jeep. This stop has really shown the colors of the desert – the pinks, yellows, whites, purples and reds as well as the greens of the cactus.
Bahia de los Angeles stop 13
March 4 and it is a travel day. We traveled with Norm and Lois – we led this time. We left early so we could make stops. Only problem was, there wasn’t much to stop at. This is one problem we have found. It is impossible to get off the main rig with our big rigs and their unpaved, bumpy, dirt roads. We finally pulled off and ate lunch, rested and wasted time so we would not be early. It was a beautiful road when we turned off of highway 1 leading to Bahia de los Angeles. We drove through the cirio plants. They are so unusual. The campground was right on the water. We have had some awesome views at different campgrounds. I have tried to take pictures out our door so we can show the water views we have had. We wandered up and down the beach and checked out our new quarters. After a siesta we headed for the school where we were to have our dinner and present the items we had brought for the children – paper, pens, pencils, clothes, computer disks and cds as well as other items. We had collected over $360 US dollars and 2200 pesos between us. It was to be presented. Betty’s brother, who works as president of a soccer league in Ottawa had sent complete soccer outfits for about 20 kids – shoes, socks, pants, jerseys, balls. The kids were there to receive the outfits and they were excited. One of the ladies of the community does a lot of cooking for special events so she had chile rollenos, refried beans and other items. She also had fixed a different kind of flan. John probably liked it better, since there was no liquor included. Enid and Bruce were quite disappointed because Antonio (who speaks excellent English) had gone to Ensenada and was not there to receive the items and the money. It was decided to wait and present the money when he arrived. It also made it interesting because plans were now uncertain as to what was going to happen and when while we were at this stop.
March 5 started with a tour of the sea turtle project. It is located in the campground and was begun by a government grant in the early ‘70s. The campground was built with the same funding, we think. At one time it must have been state of the art but it has been allowed to rundown. There are indications there was electric although we were told that the community of 600 people has only had electricity as we know it for a little over a year. They used batteries and propane before then. They probably went to bed early as well! We find that is one way we save on our need for electric. The young lady talked about the turtles indicating that there were seven types of sea turtles and that Baja California has six of them. The other one is only found in Australia. There were skeletons of each type including the leatherback. In the three tanks there were three different turtles, although one tank was empty. She indicated a fisherman had bought two of them in. They seemed unable to use one of their front flippers. She said they were small for their age. She was quite informative saying that the people still think of the turtle as a delicacy as turtle soup but they do understand that they are protected and should not be captured. Enid informed us that once again there had been a change in plans. The weather had been rough enough that we would not be able to go out on the boats. Instead Antonio had arrived back and had set up a trip to San Borja for anyone who wanted to go. It would be a six our trip in a 14 passenger van. Those who could be ready to go by 11 would need to take a lunch. We said we would go and off we went on one of the best event s of the trip. We traveled through unbelievable terrain where the flowers of the dessert were in full bloom and we were in the area of the cirio which only grows in Baja. It is the plant – bush or tree – that looks like an upside down carrot. They were beautiful as were the flowers. We traveled yet another rocky road – but no water and only one time when the back scraped bottom. Our driver was excellent. We arrived at San Borja which is a small ex-mission. It was built in the mid 1700’s by Jesuits, handed over to the Franciscans in 1767 and to the Dominicans in 1773. The 18 year old son greeted us. He was quite impressive especially when we learned he had mastered English on his own by listening to visitors, watching TV and using the internet. We passed only one vehicle and it was the German van that we had seen before at San Javier. We asked Arturo if he knew German as well. Yes, he did. He actually lives in one room of the mission. There were more rooms than we have normally seen. He carefully took us through and pointed out many points. Before we entered he had asked us if we wanted a group picture. He took all of the cameras and hung them over his shoulders and arms and proceeded to take our picture. Inside he taught a number how to take the best picture with features on their cameras that they did not know about. He was so entertaining and informative. He showed us his garden, pointed out a beautiful flowering pomegranate bush. Behind the mission were the remains of the original mission. He is in the process of trying to restore the newer section by pouring calcium into the walls that are very thick. He is also cutting stone to fit where it needs to be. He is chinking the sections where there are leaks. He is a busy young man. We also saw the graveyard and had pointed out that the indentation was a mass gravesite of over 1500 Amerindians. After eating our lunch under palapas we walked to see the springs. These springs were the reason that people were able to live there. They provided water and it is used for irrigation now. There are a number of rock walls. We were told they kept the cows out of the garden area. There were many crops including grapes and dates. The grape vines were from very ancient plants. After our walk we climbed back in the vans and began our 2 hour trip back to camp. Our driver stopped often for us to take pictures of the beauty of the land. We were told that the week before there had been 3 days of light rain off and on. It had brought the beauty of the desert to a point we had not seen as we traveled down the peninsular. By the time we got back we were tired. At 7:30 we had to be at the community center to present the money that had been collected for the school children and the library. When we arrived we saw all of the items that different people of the community had made. There was a lot of jewelry out of abalone as well as shell creations and some small pocketbooks. Antonio had arrived and gave us a slide show on the area and the turtle project (which he must be in charge of) as well as describing the boat trip that we would be taking. It was interesting that we were told later that the fee for camping at the campground was to be $5 a night. For 4 nights and 23 trailers that comes to $460. When Bruce and Enid went to take it to Antonio he said come with me and he took them to the school and had them present that to the school for their needs. He told them that we meant so much to the community. It made us feel good.
March 6 was a wonderful day. It began mighty early – we were to be on the beach at 7 am. Seven pangas came into sight. We crawled into them as best we could. The fisherman driving ours showed his strength by picking me up and getting me over the side. We went out past islands and saw blue heron, cormorants and osprey. There was a huge osprey nest. Seals swam past us performing their gyrations up and down all around us. They appeared to be playing hide and seek with us. We saw one island that appeared from a distance to be all white. The smell told us that the cormorants had roosted for so long that deposits had accumulated for many years. We stopped on one for a potty break. A rattlesnake was seen so we didn’t stay too long. The water was choppy and the boats were smaller than on the whale watch, most held 6 people. Consequently it was decided we would not see the sea lions. We bounced back across. Our boat driver was soaked but he had positioned us so we were not to wet. We landed at an area where the clams were. You should have seen all of us clamming. They were small but as it turned out they were mighty good. They had sea water added to them after we got back. Some ate them raw but most of us were waiting until they were cooked. Bruce & Enid had a huge pot and a burner. Tom sort of took over cooking. They cooked and cooked, we had gathered so many. We ate and ate! About the time most everyone had their fill the local lady who was making a cake for Felix and Joann’s 50th wedding anniversary arrived. It was so large that we decided to go ahead and present it. It was quite good; a white whipped cream frosting with little pieces of confetti-like on top, strawberry jam and then the cake that also had pineapple and other ingredients in it. She had gotten big 5 and 0 candles to light as well as a heart with a bride and groom. Since Betty and I were in charge of birthdays and anniversaries, we presented the cake and served. Afterwards we ate spaghetti with Norm & Lois. Needless to say there were clams in our sauce. There was a nice campfire down on the beach which most everyone went to and enjoyed. John told us that Larkin and Lucette had told him of their problems as they traveled to this campground. Larkin looked at something off the road and nearly lost his small trailer. He said it went from one side to the other at nearly a 90 degree angle. When they arrived they found the refrigerator had thrown everything out, one cabinet was off the wall, tops of a number of counters were no longer attached and it was a general mess. I stayed up to read and Winston went to bed. The awnings began to bang and flap so I went to put them in. As I came around the corner Bob was preparing to do the same. I think I startled him. He jumped about 6 inches. I guess it was a good thing I was there because he had his big awning out and with the way the winds were he could have had problems. We got the awning in.
March 7 and it is Joann and Felix’s 50th wedding anniversary. As for us, it was a quiet day. We picked up shells – very, very small ones that were all around the rvs. They were in the sand. It was amazing to me that their were 3 main types – one I call a swirled horn, a snail type and an olive just like is found in Florida. We decided to go back on the road to the mission. We wanted to re-look at the flowers that were so beautiful and also the rocks. Winston was hoping to find some lava rocks. Much of the area has been volcanic at some time. Research indicates that at one time all of Baja California was attached to Mexico itself. The shifting of the sea and land caused it to come about. As we drove back we realized it was lunch time so we found a neat little place. First the lady thought we wanted to rent a room but after indicating we were hungry we soon received menus. Winston had a fish taco and I had flautas. It was preceded by a cream soup that was good but we had no idea what kind it was. We went to buy water at the grocery store. We learned another lesson; next time we will be sure we have larger water containers. We had a 10 liter one and a 5 liter one. We paid the same price for both garrafon de aqua of 6 pesos. Another lesson learned. When we got back it was siesta time followed by a driver’s meeting. After the driver’s meeting Betty and I presented Joann and Felix with a card that everyone had signed and then said we had a surprise. Everyone gathered around while Rolf and Firman held the ends of a metal pole. In the middle was a piñata filled with suckers and wrapped chocolate candy. A blindfolded Joann had first chance to hit it with a small baseball bat. Then Felix tried. Finally between the two of them, it was broken. Candy went flying. We all laughed and had a good time. Hopefully they will remember their 50th anniversary! Tom had told a number of us that if there were more clams he would make polenta. We laughingly told him it was just Italian grits. Seventeen of us gathered around and joined in sampling a cactus wine that Jerome wanted to have finished before we cross the border. We complied. It was different – very sweet. It didn’t smell good but the taste was unusual and not bad. The polenta was excellent, served with either clams or Italian sausage over it. Polenta is coarse ground yellow corn cooked with cheese and butter. It turned cold so everyone got done quickly and headed for the rvs. Bruce and Enid are having battery problems so some of us loaned them blankets. Winston said they were wandering around with flashlights. They probably were in bed by 7. We turned the generator on to recharge our batteries since we still had two more days to go without water or electric. Propane was down to a third so we will have to conserve. Most everybody seems to be doing well. You do hear generators running off and on at all times of the day. One thing we notice here is the number of unfinished buildings. So often it looks like such a good beginning and then it stops. Evidently often the government gives so much money, but not enough to finish a project. Another thing that seems to bother us is the fact that you can usually tell when you are coming to a community by the trash dump beside the road. It seems like it could be back hidden instead of right there.
March 5 started with a tour of the sea turtle project. It is located in the campground and was begun by a government grant in the early ‘70s. The campground was built with the same funding, we think. At one time it must have been state of the art but it has been allowed to rundown. There are indications there was electric although we were told that the community of 600 people has only had electricity as we know it for a little over a year. They used batteries and propane before then. They probably went to bed early as well! We find that is one way we save on our need for electric. The young lady talked about the turtles indicating that there were seven types of sea turtles and that Baja California has six of them. The other one is only found in Australia. There were skeletons of each type including the leatherback. In the three tanks there were three different turtles, although one tank was empty. She indicated a fisherman had bought two of them in. They seemed unable to use one of their front flippers. She said they were small for their age. She was quite informative saying that the people still think of the turtle as a delicacy as turtle soup but they do understand that they are protected and should not be captured. Enid informed us that once again there had been a change in plans. The weather had been rough enough that we would not be able to go out on the boats. Instead Antonio had arrived back and had set up a trip to San Borja for anyone who wanted to go. It would be a six our trip in a 14 passenger van. Those who could be ready to go by 11 would need to take a lunch. We said we would go and off we went on one of the best event s of the trip. We traveled through unbelievable terrain where the flowers of the dessert were in full bloom and we were in the area of the cirio which only grows in Baja. It is the plant – bush or tree – that looks like an upside down carrot. They were beautiful as were the flowers. We traveled yet another rocky road – but no water and only one time when the back scraped bottom. Our driver was excellent. We arrived at San Borja which is a small ex-mission. It was built in the mid 1700’s by Jesuits, handed over to the Franciscans in 1767 and to the Dominicans in 1773. The 18 year old son greeted us. He was quite impressive especially when we learned he had mastered English on his own by listening to visitors, watching TV and using the internet. We passed only one vehicle and it was the German van that we had seen before at San Javier. We asked Arturo if he knew German as well. Yes, he did. He actually lives in one room of the mission. There were more rooms than we have normally seen. He carefully took us through and pointed out many points. Before we entered he had asked us if we wanted a group picture. He took all of the cameras and hung them over his shoulders and arms and proceeded to take our picture. Inside he taught a number how to take the best picture with features on their cameras that they did not know about. He was so entertaining and informative. He showed us his garden, pointed out a beautiful flowering pomegranate bush. Behind the mission were the remains of the original mission. He is in the process of trying to restore the newer section by pouring calcium into the walls that are very thick. He is also cutting stone to fit where it needs to be. He is chinking the sections where there are leaks. He is a busy young man. We also saw the graveyard and had pointed out that the indentation was a mass gravesite of over 1500 Amerindians. After eating our lunch under palapas we walked to see the springs. These springs were the reason that people were able to live there. They provided water and it is used for irrigation now. There are a number of rock walls. We were told they kept the cows out of the garden area. There were many crops including grapes and dates. The grape vines were from very ancient plants. After our walk we climbed back in the vans and began our 2 hour trip back to camp. Our driver stopped often for us to take pictures of the beauty of the land. We were told that the week before there had been 3 days of light rain off and on. It had brought the beauty of the desert to a point we had not seen as we traveled down the peninsular. By the time we got back we were tired. At 7:30 we had to be at the community center to present the money that had been collected for the school children and the library. When we arrived we saw all of the items that different people of the community had made. There was a lot of jewelry out of abalone as well as shell creations and some small pocketbooks. Antonio had arrived and gave us a slide show on the area and the turtle project (which he must be in charge of) as well as describing the boat trip that we would be taking. It was interesting that we were told later that the fee for camping at the campground was to be $5 a night. For 4 nights and 23 trailers that comes to $460. When Bruce and Enid went to take it to Antonio he said come with me and he took them to the school and had them present that to the school for their needs. He told them that we meant so much to the community. It made us feel good.
March 6 was a wonderful day. It began mighty early – we were to be on the beach at 7 am. Seven pangas came into sight. We crawled into them as best we could. The fisherman driving ours showed his strength by picking me up and getting me over the side. We went out past islands and saw blue heron, cormorants and osprey. There was a huge osprey nest. Seals swam past us performing their gyrations up and down all around us. They appeared to be playing hide and seek with us. We saw one island that appeared from a distance to be all white. The smell told us that the cormorants had roosted for so long that deposits had accumulated for many years. We stopped on one for a potty break. A rattlesnake was seen so we didn’t stay too long. The water was choppy and the boats were smaller than on the whale watch, most held 6 people. Consequently it was decided we would not see the sea lions. We bounced back across. Our boat driver was soaked but he had positioned us so we were not to wet. We landed at an area where the clams were. You should have seen all of us clamming. They were small but as it turned out they were mighty good. They had sea water added to them after we got back. Some ate them raw but most of us were waiting until they were cooked. Bruce & Enid had a huge pot and a burner. Tom sort of took over cooking. They cooked and cooked, we had gathered so many. We ate and ate! About the time most everyone had their fill the local lady who was making a cake for Felix and Joann’s 50th wedding anniversary arrived. It was so large that we decided to go ahead and present it. It was quite good; a white whipped cream frosting with little pieces of confetti-like on top, strawberry jam and then the cake that also had pineapple and other ingredients in it. She had gotten big 5 and 0 candles to light as well as a heart with a bride and groom. Since Betty and I were in charge of birthdays and anniversaries, we presented the cake and served. Afterwards we ate spaghetti with Norm & Lois. Needless to say there were clams in our sauce. There was a nice campfire down on the beach which most everyone went to and enjoyed. John told us that Larkin and Lucette had told him of their problems as they traveled to this campground. Larkin looked at something off the road and nearly lost his small trailer. He said it went from one side to the other at nearly a 90 degree angle. When they arrived they found the refrigerator had thrown everything out, one cabinet was off the wall, tops of a number of counters were no longer attached and it was a general mess. I stayed up to read and Winston went to bed. The awnings began to bang and flap so I went to put them in. As I came around the corner Bob was preparing to do the same. I think I startled him. He jumped about 6 inches. I guess it was a good thing I was there because he had his big awning out and with the way the winds were he could have had problems. We got the awning in.
March 7 and it is Joann and Felix’s 50th wedding anniversary. As for us, it was a quiet day. We picked up shells – very, very small ones that were all around the rvs. They were in the sand. It was amazing to me that their were 3 main types – one I call a swirled horn, a snail type and an olive just like is found in Florida. We decided to go back on the road to the mission. We wanted to re-look at the flowers that were so beautiful and also the rocks. Winston was hoping to find some lava rocks. Much of the area has been volcanic at some time. Research indicates that at one time all of Baja California was attached to Mexico itself. The shifting of the sea and land caused it to come about. As we drove back we realized it was lunch time so we found a neat little place. First the lady thought we wanted to rent a room but after indicating we were hungry we soon received menus. Winston had a fish taco and I had flautas. It was preceded by a cream soup that was good but we had no idea what kind it was. We went to buy water at the grocery store. We learned another lesson; next time we will be sure we have larger water containers. We had a 10 liter one and a 5 liter one. We paid the same price for both garrafon de aqua of 6 pesos. Another lesson learned. When we got back it was siesta time followed by a driver’s meeting. After the driver’s meeting Betty and I presented Joann and Felix with a card that everyone had signed and then said we had a surprise. Everyone gathered around while Rolf and Firman held the ends of a metal pole. In the middle was a piñata filled with suckers and wrapped chocolate candy. A blindfolded Joann had first chance to hit it with a small baseball bat. Then Felix tried. Finally between the two of them, it was broken. Candy went flying. We all laughed and had a good time. Hopefully they will remember their 50th anniversary! Tom had told a number of us that if there were more clams he would make polenta. We laughingly told him it was just Italian grits. Seventeen of us gathered around and joined in sampling a cactus wine that Jerome wanted to have finished before we cross the border. We complied. It was different – very sweet. It didn’t smell good but the taste was unusual and not bad. The polenta was excellent, served with either clams or Italian sausage over it. Polenta is coarse ground yellow corn cooked with cheese and butter. It turned cold so everyone got done quickly and headed for the rvs. Bruce and Enid are having battery problems so some of us loaned them blankets. Winston said they were wandering around with flashlights. They probably were in bed by 7. We turned the generator on to recharge our batteries since we still had two more days to go without water or electric. Propane was down to a third so we will have to conserve. Most everybody seems to be doing well. You do hear generators running off and on at all times of the day. One thing we notice here is the number of unfinished buildings. So often it looks like such a good beginning and then it stops. Evidently often the government gives so much money, but not enough to finish a project. Another thing that seems to bother us is the fact that you can usually tell when you are coming to a community by the trash dump beside the road. It seems like it could be back hidden instead of right there.
San Ignacio stop12
February 28 and again the dogs slept all day and barked all night. When that didn’t happen the roosters were crowing. It was a nice campground except it was unbelievably tight quarters. We heard the first leave just before 6. Jack’s vintage motor home had been running a little hot so he wanted to travel when it was cool especially since he knew we had the roughest climb back up. He did fine. The two bad points of the day were Alex and Arlene broke down. They are in Mulege since their Suburban transmission may have to be replaced. They broke down about 40 miles out of Loreto and another two families drove on to Mulege and found a campsite for them. Then they dropped their trailers and went back and got the trailer while a wrecker got the Suburban. They are bedded in. The other misfortune was Norm. As he pulled into the Rice and Beans Campground (neat name!), and was directed to turn up the hill to circle for his parking space, he scraped against a rock wall. Winston was directly behind and lay on his LOUD horn. Luckily he realized even though Dick was telling him to come on up that Winston was leaning on his horn for some reason. Judy and I carefully guided him back so there was no further damage but his bay door in front of his tires was badly scraped. We all got parked in another tight campground. As is so often the case, the electric was unusable for the motor homes. The household type outlet had no ground and showed burn marks. The electrician came and Winston asked about the amount of power. Some had readings as high as 151. We usually run from 110 to 125. The electrician said it had always been that way and never even fixed the ground wire. We later learned that they have no ability to step down power and so they start in town with unbelievable amounts and then push it out to go as far as it can. Many of the Airstreamers did not hook up, others were creative. They did such things as hook heaters on one of the 110 outlets outside to overuse power and get it down to usable by the time it got inside the unit. Others strung a number of cords together to get it down. It was quite warm so we had to use the generator for the ac. We had supper in the campground restaurant. It was different – either chicken or shrimp soup and tortillas. The dessert was an awesome date pie although one of the sons said it was cheese cake.
March 1 was the day that the first half of the caravan was going on the Whale Watching Tour. They left bright and early in vans for Antonio’s out at San Ignacio Laguana. We had a free day. Since it was Sunday and no one could find a church that spoke English a number of us held our own special church – it was probably more meaningful. We talked about Psalm 90 and how fortunate we were to be alive and well. After our church we drove with Dick & Judy and W.D. & Martha were with John & Judy toward San Ignacio and found a nice looking hotel that had a restaurant. No one was inside but a nice man said the kitchen was cleaning up from a big breakfast and they would fix us something. Afterwards we found phones to use except I had left my phone card back at the motor home. On we went to the center of town. What a nice small town. The plaza was so cool with trees that had to have been many, many years old. The leaves looked like privet hedge but they were tremendous and kept the area so cool. We wandered into the hardware store and found a lime squeezer – now we needed to buy limes. The next stop was the mission. It was one of the nicest ones and showed pictures of many of the missions in Baja California. We were surprised how many we had seen. It was so cool inside. The most interesting looking store that carried things we gringos might want as souvenirs was closed since it was siesta time. Most stores do close from 1 until 3 each day. They open about 9am and close at 7 or 8 pm. We headed back toward the campground after a stop at the Premix for gas and next door there was a Mercado (grocery store). It is always fun to wander and see things they carry and guess at what is in some of the containers. Pictures do help since the Spanish certainly doesn’t. Another quick stop was made to buy water. Often it is sold in 5 gallon containers. Sometimes you take the container and pay a deposit until you bring it back. Other times it is in a plastic container. It is run through a reverse osmosis process so it is usable. A good game of joker was going on so I joined in.
I had a pork roast so Judy and I started checking to see those who might be interested in getting together for supper. We ended up with 20 of the 22 in front of Tom & Penny’s trailer since they were on the upper level where there was a slight breeze and it was a little cooler. It became a spur of the moment pot luck.
Afterwards there was a lot of dog walking going on. We were taking care of Noel, Bruce & Enid’s dog. Since Bruce is hearing impaired he has Noel, a black lab trained to help him with the phone and door as well as smoke and carbon dioxide detectors. He demonstrated what she would do. If it was a danger sign she would insist he go to the door, if it was the phone she would indicate where the cell phone was. Sally had her hands full with Dunbar, Mickey, Clara, and Lucky as well as her own two dogs. Bruce will take care of Rusty and Streamer while we are on the overnight.
March 2 and it is our day. The 22 of us left at 8:30 in the vans driving the dirt roads to Antonio’s. For some reason it reminded me of going to the Tundra Buggies in Churchill when we were on the Polar Bear Caravan. However the weather certainly was different. As soon as we unloaded the other group left in the same vans and we dropped our backpacks in the dinning room and off we went on our first whale watch. And what a whale watch it was! There were 8 of us in each boat – small pangs. We had our life vests and zoom we went across the bay passing other small settlements, sometimes only tents. Since it is whale watching time for only 2 or 3 months it seems to be a big business. When we got to the area after about a 15 minute ride there were 10 boats the same size there.
Immediately we began to see blows. It was awesome. Then we began to see whales. I have no idea how many but we were twisting and turning in the boat trying to see them. Then we would suddenly realize there were none showing so we move a little ways where there were blows. We saw groups of two, we saw mother and baby. Finally a baby came close to the boat and all except Winston like feeling a catfish skin. We had been told where not to pet, such as the blow hole and flippers. The baby really seemed to enjoy it and stayed with us quite awhile. We had been told that for some it was a “life-changing experience” to pet the whales. The time passed so quickly – 2 hours out with the whales. Then we headed back. We had lunch and then I think everybody napped. We had chosen our rooms, we were told to find an empty building. Each building was off grade, about 12 by 12 with full or 2 twin beds, a dresser and a hanging down light cord. The dresser had a bowl to wash in. The outhouses were just that – one had a whale head on it and another had whale tale. We quickly got the knack of going, putting water from a bucket in and flushing. It worked like a charm. Being on the water is exhausting. We had a free afternoon so there was lots of card playing and joker playing going on. Some took walks, some read books, and some just talked. Supper came and more games followed. It was early when everyone wandered to their bungalow. Sleep followed soon even though all wondered about the distance to the outhouses in the middle of the night. When we made our trip we found that the sky was brilliant with stars. We were lucky enough to have a building near the water. There was a cool breeze blowing and it was good sleeping.
March 3 and breakfast was early – 7:30am. It was Mexican eggs with refried beans and tortillas. Actually it was quite filling, I just can’t quite get used to beans for breakfast (and every other meal). We had one more chance for whale watching. Some chose not to go. They had had enough the day before. Jack had fallen on the coral rocks after getting out of the boat and David had gone down on top of him. David said he was too sore. Judy and Penny decided to cancel because the water did not look as smooth as it had the day before. I must admit it was rougher going back and forth but once we got out it was an even better day. There was mating, there was spy hopping, there was even breaching. We were the only boat close when one whale flew up in the air and flipped over. He did this four times and it was unbelievable. What fun creatures these grey whales are. They were so playful and lovely to watch. Many had barnacles on their backs. Indeed it was a wonderful experience. We zoomed back to the camp and prepared to make our return trip over the bumpy roads. The dogs were glad to see us. We made a quick trip back into the town to see the store we had missed and I had an opportunity to try to call Katie to wish her Happy Birthday. She was working but we did catch Shawn. I ended up buying a shirt for 110 pesos or about $7 American. We had our driver’s meeting out in the parking area near some trees in preparation for our move the next day.
March 1 was the day that the first half of the caravan was going on the Whale Watching Tour. They left bright and early in vans for Antonio’s out at San Ignacio Laguana. We had a free day. Since it was Sunday and no one could find a church that spoke English a number of us held our own special church – it was probably more meaningful. We talked about Psalm 90 and how fortunate we were to be alive and well. After our church we drove with Dick & Judy and W.D. & Martha were with John & Judy toward San Ignacio and found a nice looking hotel that had a restaurant. No one was inside but a nice man said the kitchen was cleaning up from a big breakfast and they would fix us something. Afterwards we found phones to use except I had left my phone card back at the motor home. On we went to the center of town. What a nice small town. The plaza was so cool with trees that had to have been many, many years old. The leaves looked like privet hedge but they were tremendous and kept the area so cool. We wandered into the hardware store and found a lime squeezer – now we needed to buy limes. The next stop was the mission. It was one of the nicest ones and showed pictures of many of the missions in Baja California. We were surprised how many we had seen. It was so cool inside. The most interesting looking store that carried things we gringos might want as souvenirs was closed since it was siesta time. Most stores do close from 1 until 3 each day. They open about 9am and close at 7 or 8 pm. We headed back toward the campground after a stop at the Premix for gas and next door there was a Mercado (grocery store). It is always fun to wander and see things they carry and guess at what is in some of the containers. Pictures do help since the Spanish certainly doesn’t. Another quick stop was made to buy water. Often it is sold in 5 gallon containers. Sometimes you take the container and pay a deposit until you bring it back. Other times it is in a plastic container. It is run through a reverse osmosis process so it is usable. A good game of joker was going on so I joined in.
I had a pork roast so Judy and I started checking to see those who might be interested in getting together for supper. We ended up with 20 of the 22 in front of Tom & Penny’s trailer since they were on the upper level where there was a slight breeze and it was a little cooler. It became a spur of the moment pot luck.
Afterwards there was a lot of dog walking going on. We were taking care of Noel, Bruce & Enid’s dog. Since Bruce is hearing impaired he has Noel, a black lab trained to help him with the phone and door as well as smoke and carbon dioxide detectors. He demonstrated what she would do. If it was a danger sign she would insist he go to the door, if it was the phone she would indicate where the cell phone was. Sally had her hands full with Dunbar, Mickey, Clara, and Lucky as well as her own two dogs. Bruce will take care of Rusty and Streamer while we are on the overnight.
March 2 and it is our day. The 22 of us left at 8:30 in the vans driving the dirt roads to Antonio’s. For some reason it reminded me of going to the Tundra Buggies in Churchill when we were on the Polar Bear Caravan. However the weather certainly was different. As soon as we unloaded the other group left in the same vans and we dropped our backpacks in the dinning room and off we went on our first whale watch. And what a whale watch it was! There were 8 of us in each boat – small pangs. We had our life vests and zoom we went across the bay passing other small settlements, sometimes only tents. Since it is whale watching time for only 2 or 3 months it seems to be a big business. When we got to the area after about a 15 minute ride there were 10 boats the same size there.
Immediately we began to see blows. It was awesome. Then we began to see whales. I have no idea how many but we were twisting and turning in the boat trying to see them. Then we would suddenly realize there were none showing so we move a little ways where there were blows. We saw groups of two, we saw mother and baby. Finally a baby came close to the boat and all except Winston like feeling a catfish skin. We had been told where not to pet, such as the blow hole and flippers. The baby really seemed to enjoy it and stayed with us quite awhile. We had been told that for some it was a “life-changing experience” to pet the whales. The time passed so quickly – 2 hours out with the whales. Then we headed back. We had lunch and then I think everybody napped. We had chosen our rooms, we were told to find an empty building. Each building was off grade, about 12 by 12 with full or 2 twin beds, a dresser and a hanging down light cord. The dresser had a bowl to wash in. The outhouses were just that – one had a whale head on it and another had whale tale. We quickly got the knack of going, putting water from a bucket in and flushing. It worked like a charm. Being on the water is exhausting. We had a free afternoon so there was lots of card playing and joker playing going on. Some took walks, some read books, and some just talked. Supper came and more games followed. It was early when everyone wandered to their bungalow. Sleep followed soon even though all wondered about the distance to the outhouses in the middle of the night. When we made our trip we found that the sky was brilliant with stars. We were lucky enough to have a building near the water. There was a cool breeze blowing and it was good sleeping.
March 3 and breakfast was early – 7:30am. It was Mexican eggs with refried beans and tortillas. Actually it was quite filling, I just can’t quite get used to beans for breakfast (and every other meal). We had one more chance for whale watching. Some chose not to go. They had had enough the day before. Jack had fallen on the coral rocks after getting out of the boat and David had gone down on top of him. David said he was too sore. Judy and Penny decided to cancel because the water did not look as smooth as it had the day before. I must admit it was rougher going back and forth but once we got out it was an even better day. There was mating, there was spy hopping, there was even breaching. We were the only boat close when one whale flew up in the air and flipped over. He did this four times and it was unbelievable. What fun creatures these grey whales are. They were so playful and lovely to watch. Many had barnacles on their backs. Indeed it was a wonderful experience. We zoomed back to the camp and prepared to make our return trip over the bumpy roads. The dogs were glad to see us. We made a quick trip back into the town to see the store we had missed and I had an opportunity to try to call Katie to wish her Happy Birthday. She was working but we did catch Shawn. I ended up buying a shirt for 110 pesos or about $7 American. We had our driver’s meeting out in the parking area near some trees in preparation for our move the next day.
Loreto stop 11
February 24 and we traveled from Ciudad Constitution to Loreto. First we had a nice Mexican breakfast with Patty at her campground. We went through the Sierra Madra Gigantus and that is what they were! Loreto proved to be an interesting town and a difficult time for many trying to get to the campground. The parkers arrive4d in town and discovered that some of the streets were being painted and construction was going on. They ended up with a police escort. Dick & Judy had a tough time not running over street curbs trying to get back and then the streets were narrow. Some Mexicans quickly moved their vehicles when they saw the big silver trailers coming. When we arrived we missed the turn. After turning around with Norm in the lead, he missed it again. We did make it. He had to turn around again and was quite upset at the way a Mexican would not give way just kept coming and blowing his horn. We wandered through town trying to follow Tom’s CB suggestions. Finally there was Judy with a red flag waving at us to turn down a narrow road. We finally blocked the whole road so Norm could make the turn. Then we drove down into an arroyo that the Mexicans sped through passing us 90 to nothing and throwing dust everywhere. We found the campground with the help of another red flag. We parked really close together. It seems like it wasn’t long before it was time for vans to come and take us to Domingo’s Steak house. The steak was wonderful – nearly American food! We were serenaded by 2 guitar playing Mexicans. Our taxi vans arrived to take us back to camp. It is a fairly nice campground close to the water and even has a swimming pool that many took advantage of while we were there. We had time for a little joker in the clubhouse area.
February 25 was Ladies Day. The women went to town together. We wandered all over town shopping and looking. It was fun being together. There was a mission that we looked into. We also walked into an old (although we later learned it had been built only 10 years before) hotel that had a swimming pool at the top. There was a beautiful spiral staircase leading to the level where a small restaurant and the pool were. When you were in the lobby or courtyard you could see the pool through the beams of the roof. Shops lined the small street with nice shade trees on both sides. We all ate lunch together at Loreto Islis Restaurant which was just across from the malison and the bay. A number of the men, meantime had also journeyed downtown and had found another restaurant that Tom showed them from his first caravan to Baja. After arriving back at the campground and a short siesta probably because of the barking dogs and crowing roosters that had raised havoc most of the night. We noticed the dogs all seemed to be sleeping quietly trying to build up energy to bark at night. Soon another joker game was on tap. Winston and I went back into town. He had decided he would like a ring of some stone, probably something like Blue Boulder Mexican Agate (I think that was it). His fingers were too big so he will continue to look.
February 26 and it was a suggestion that we carpool to San Javier, a community of 150 people, and see the area and Mission San Francisco Javier. We drove the 22 miles in Norm and Lois’ little red “Mexican” car. He always says he fits right in with the little Ford Fiesta. The road started out as a black top. We were a little behind the others and passed the turnoff so we played catch-up all of the way. The road was again, unbelievable! The views were awesome as we traveled over and around. Of course the road had soon turned to dirt (and boulders). We ran into construction where they backed the huge equipment out of our way so we could sneak through. Again we had to ford some water. We came across Rancho Las Parras (thought we had found San Javier because of the small mission). San Javier itself was a beautiful little community. The roads were made of cobblestones and the area was well kept. We walked through the mission that was founded in 1699, but what we saw was built between 1744 and 1758. After wandering around the town a little we found the one and only restaurant. It was simple but good. We had quesadias (sp) and refried beans. If you travel in Mexico you had better like refried beans. We even got so we called them brown grits. We drove down one road past the school that seemed full until we found goats. The kids were so cute. We had our cameras going. Since they had blocked the road that at one time had gone just below a small dam we had to wind our way back. According to information the community grows 400 tons of onions a year. I have absolutely no idea how they get them to market over those roads! We went back over those same rough roads but stopped at one area where we had learned there were cave paintings. They were there but not as n ice as the others we had seen. They were trying to protect them a little with a fence but evidently graffiti is a major problem even though the paintings are usually tough to get to and find. We headed back home.
February 27 was a day to wander around Loreto. Norm and Lois went with us. We went into the hotel again to show Norm. He ended up staying for a massage while we went shopping. Winston and I ended up with 3 nice planters – one looks like a turtle. The other two will go on the front porch at home. We were still looking for a ring. One lady said if we came back around 5 she would have had time to go through her inventory. She thought she might have what we wanted. The 4 of us looked for a restaurant and were headed to Domingo’s only to find it was closed at lunch. We went back to the rvs and ate lunch. Later we went back to check out the rings only to find she still hadn’t gotten them. After grabbing an ice cream cone, we drove down to the marina to watch the pelicans. John had told us they were great – dive bombing and splashing people as they tried for food. They were neat to watch. We went back and no ring was just right. Zoom we had to be back for a drivers meeting. Winston said he would fix supper if I would go to the meeting. It was a deal.
February 25 was Ladies Day. The women went to town together. We wandered all over town shopping and looking. It was fun being together. There was a mission that we looked into. We also walked into an old (although we later learned it had been built only 10 years before) hotel that had a swimming pool at the top. There was a beautiful spiral staircase leading to the level where a small restaurant and the pool were. When you were in the lobby or courtyard you could see the pool through the beams of the roof. Shops lined the small street with nice shade trees on both sides. We all ate lunch together at Loreto Islis Restaurant which was just across from the malison and the bay. A number of the men, meantime had also journeyed downtown and had found another restaurant that Tom showed them from his first caravan to Baja. After arriving back at the campground and a short siesta probably because of the barking dogs and crowing roosters that had raised havoc most of the night. We noticed the dogs all seemed to be sleeping quietly trying to build up energy to bark at night. Soon another joker game was on tap. Winston and I went back into town. He had decided he would like a ring of some stone, probably something like Blue Boulder Mexican Agate (I think that was it). His fingers were too big so he will continue to look.
February 26 and it was a suggestion that we carpool to San Javier, a community of 150 people, and see the area and Mission San Francisco Javier. We drove the 22 miles in Norm and Lois’ little red “Mexican” car. He always says he fits right in with the little Ford Fiesta. The road started out as a black top. We were a little behind the others and passed the turnoff so we played catch-up all of the way. The road was again, unbelievable! The views were awesome as we traveled over and around. Of course the road had soon turned to dirt (and boulders). We ran into construction where they backed the huge equipment out of our way so we could sneak through. Again we had to ford some water. We came across Rancho Las Parras (thought we had found San Javier because of the small mission). San Javier itself was a beautiful little community. The roads were made of cobblestones and the area was well kept. We walked through the mission that was founded in 1699, but what we saw was built between 1744 and 1758. After wandering around the town a little we found the one and only restaurant. It was simple but good. We had quesadias (sp) and refried beans. If you travel in Mexico you had better like refried beans. We even got so we called them brown grits. We drove down one road past the school that seemed full until we found goats. The kids were so cute. We had our cameras going. Since they had blocked the road that at one time had gone just below a small dam we had to wind our way back. According to information the community grows 400 tons of onions a year. I have absolutely no idea how they get them to market over those roads! We went back over those same rough roads but stopped at one area where we had learned there were cave paintings. They were there but not as n ice as the others we had seen. They were trying to protect them a little with a fence but evidently graffiti is a major problem even though the paintings are usually tough to get to and find. We headed back home.
February 27 was a day to wander around Loreto. Norm and Lois went with us. We went into the hotel again to show Norm. He ended up staying for a massage while we went shopping. Winston and I ended up with 3 nice planters – one looks like a turtle. The other two will go on the front porch at home. We were still looking for a ring. One lady said if we came back around 5 she would have had time to go through her inventory. She thought she might have what we wanted. The 4 of us looked for a restaurant and were headed to Domingo’s only to find it was closed at lunch. We went back to the rvs and ate lunch. Later we went back to check out the rings only to find she still hadn’t gotten them. After grabbing an ice cream cone, we drove down to the marina to watch the pelicans. John had told us they were great – dive bombing and splashing people as they tried for food. They were neat to watch. We went back and no ring was just right. Zoom we had to be back for a drivers meeting. Winston said he would fix supper if I would go to the meeting. It was a deal.
Ciudad Constitucion stop 10
February 22 was a travel day. Cheryl & Firman, Norman & Lois, Jack and we were going to travel together. We waited for the driver’s meeting and were told no one was to tell about their being stopped by the policia in La Paz. We had so many, some two times. Their stories were interesting and someone from the newspaper was coming to transcribe their comments. Many were followed a ways while the police tried to find something to get them for. They were stopped for speeding, no seat belt and for going through stop (alto) signs. Many felt like they had left nothing except money (bribes) in La Paz. Firman and Cheryl had one of their license plates taken. Cheryl was worrying about not having anything to write for the journal. Quickly that was changed. One person started having trouble leaving and getting through the sand. A number of the men pushed them out. Then Norm started and immediately went down. He has a 39.5 foot motor home. It is heavy and he had mistakenly let his grey water out under his motor home while he was parked. He was definitely stuck, so quickly everyone came running. Firman had sand boards that were neat. They could not get them under the coach until they put the stabilizers down on each side, one side at a time. Different ones were down on their hands and knees digging. The boards saved him and finally with cheers he came out and didn’t stop! Off we went, knowing that we would be late getting into the next campground. We stopped only for gas but got behind a slow, slow moving truck. Trying for 4 of us to get around him was interesting. After he had about 10 cars behind him he slowed down on a curve to let us all pass. The temperature reached 97 according to the thermometer in Cheryl & Firman’s truck. We quickly parked since it was a familiar campground. It was nice to be back in Ciudad Constitucion. While a number of the women played joker, the husbands went next door to watch a cock fight. The rooster has a sharp sterling silver spur attached to his foot. It was very different from anything they had seen or done before. Patty, the campground owner, who lived a year in Pittsfield MA, and her helpers fixed a nice beef stew and chicken supper for us. They also served the most delicious drink that certainly doesn’t sound good – lime juice, cucumber juice and a little sugar. It was so refreshing. We were so tired from the heat that bedtime soon followed.
February 23 and we have another free day to explore the area. Instead after another nice breakfast in the campground of bacon and cheese omelets, potatoes, toast and juice. We finally got moving and knew we would need more pesos to get out of Mexico. Patty wrote a note to her bank and away we went. What an experience it was! We did not have our passports so after much discussion we were “charaded” that our license would not do. Back to the campground we went. With passports in hand we waited again for a different lady. She seemed ready for us until she saw Winston had signed the traveler’s check with the first lady. The first lady had a problem with mine since my driver’s license has an “E” as a middle initial and the traveler’s check did not have one. Luckily my signature on the passport was without. Whew! She did not like Winston’s signature since it didn’t look exactly the same as it did when he obtained his passport. He signed again on the back. Then we were sent to another line to wait 30 minutes to see a teller who gave us our pesos at a better rate than the board said – 14.75. Back to the campground we headed for lunch. After a game of joker we finally decided to go to the bakery. Jerome & Vickie went with us and we bought separate pieces of cake for all 4 of the birthday people. Of course, we couldn’t stop there. We ended up with a whole flan for 10 for dessert for the group eating together and 2 breakfast elephant ears and an extra cake – just in case, you understand! The whole amount was 166 pesos or a little over $10 American. It was time to go back and fix our supper for tonight.
Our flan turned out to be a cake like with whipped cream on top. It was good, except not made today! We enjoyed just sitting out as darkness came on. The degrees change so fast and a breeze helps, except it stirs the dust. Another game of joker and it was bedtime.
February 23 and we have another free day to explore the area. Instead after another nice breakfast in the campground of bacon and cheese omelets, potatoes, toast and juice. We finally got moving and knew we would need more pesos to get out of Mexico. Patty wrote a note to her bank and away we went. What an experience it was! We did not have our passports so after much discussion we were “charaded” that our license would not do. Back to the campground we went. With passports in hand we waited again for a different lady. She seemed ready for us until she saw Winston had signed the traveler’s check with the first lady. The first lady had a problem with mine since my driver’s license has an “E” as a middle initial and the traveler’s check did not have one. Luckily my signature on the passport was without. Whew! She did not like Winston’s signature since it didn’t look exactly the same as it did when he obtained his passport. He signed again on the back. Then we were sent to another line to wait 30 minutes to see a teller who gave us our pesos at a better rate than the board said – 14.75. Back to the campground we headed for lunch. After a game of joker we finally decided to go to the bakery. Jerome & Vickie went with us and we bought separate pieces of cake for all 4 of the birthday people. Of course, we couldn’t stop there. We ended up with a whole flan for 10 for dessert for the group eating together and 2 breakfast elephant ears and an extra cake – just in case, you understand! The whole amount was 166 pesos or a little over $10 American. It was time to go back and fix our supper for tonight.
Our flan turned out to be a cake like with whipped cream on top. It was good, except not made today! We enjoyed just sitting out as darkness came on. The degrees change so fast and a breeze helps, except it stirs the dust. Another game of joker and it was bedtime.
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Monday, 23 February 2009
Ciudad Constitucion stop 10
February 22 was a travel day. Cheryl & Firman, Norman & Lois, Jack and we were going to travel together. We waited for the driver’s meeting and were told no one was to tell about their being stopped by the policia in La Paz. We had so many, some two times. Their stories were interesting and someone from the newspaper was coming to transcribe their comments. Many were followed a ways while the police tried to find something to get them for. They were stopped for speeding, no seat belt and for going through stop (alto) signs. Many felt like they had left nothing except money (bribes) in La Paz. Firman and Cheryl had one of their license plates taken. Cheryl was worrying about not having anything to write for the journal. Quickly that was changed. One person started having trouble leaving and getting through the sand. A number of the men pushed them out. Then Norm started and immediately went down. He has a 39.5 foot motor home. It is heavy and he had mistakenly let his grey water out under his motor home while he was parked. He was definitely stuck, so quickly everyone came running. Firman had sand boards that were neat. They could not get them under the coach until they put the stabilizers down on each side, one side at a time. Different ones were down on their hands and knees digging. The boards saved him and finally with cheers he came out and didn’t stop! Off we went, knowing that we would be late getting into the next campground. We stopped only for gas but got behind a slow, slow moving truck. Trying for 4 of us to get around him was interesting. After he had about 10 cars behind him he slowed down on a curve to let us all pass. The temperature reached 97 according to the thermometer in Cheryl & Firman’s truck. We quickly parked since it was a familiar campground. It was nice to be back in Ciudad Constitucion. While a number of the women played joker, the husbands went next door to watch a cock fight. The rooster has a sharp sterling silver spur attached to his foot. It was very different from anything they had seen or done before. Patty, the campground owner, who lived a year in Pittsfield MA, and her helpers fixed a nice beef stew and chicken supper for us. They also served the most delicious drink that certainly doesn’t sound good – lime juice, cucumber juice and a little sugar. It was so refreshing. We were so tired from the heat that bedtime soon followed.
February 23 and we have another free day to explore the area. Instead after another nice breakfast in the campground of bacon and cheese omelets, potatoes, toast and juice. We finally got moving and knew we would need more pesos to get out of Mexico. Patty wrote a note to her bank and away we went. What an experience it was! We did not have our passports so after much discussion we were “charaded” that our license would not do. Back to the campground we went. With passports in hand we waited again for a different lady. She seemed ready for us until she saw Winston had signed the traveler’s check with the first lady. The first lady had a problem with mine since my driver’s license has an “E” as a middle initial and the traveler’s check did not have one. Luckily my signature on the passport was without. Whew! She did not like Winston’s signature since it didn’t look exactly the same as it did when he obtained his passport. He signed again on the back. Then we were sent to another line to wait 30 minutes to see a teller who gave us our pesos at a better rate than the board said – 14.75. Back to the campground we headed for lunch. After a game of joker we finally decided to go to the bakery. Jerome & Vickie went with us and we bought separate pieces of cake for all 4 of the birthday people. Of course, we couldn’t stop there. We ended up with a whole flan for 10 for dessert for the group eating together and 2 breakfast elephant ears and an extra cake – just in case, you understand! The whole amount was 166 pesos or a little over $10 American. It was time to go back and fix our supper for tonight.
February 23 and we have another free day to explore the area. Instead after another nice breakfast in the campground of bacon and cheese omelets, potatoes, toast and juice. We finally got moving and knew we would need more pesos to get out of Mexico. Patty wrote a note to her bank and away we went. What an experience it was! We did not have our passports so after much discussion we were “charaded” that our license would not do. Back to the campground we went. With passports in hand we waited again for a different lady. She seemed ready for us until she saw Winston had signed the traveler’s check with the first lady. The first lady had a problem with mine since my driver’s license has an “E” as a middle initial and the traveler’s check did not have one. Luckily my signature on the passport was without. Whew! She did not like Winston’s signature since it didn’t look exactly the same as it did when he obtained his passport. He signed again on the back. Then we were sent to another line to wait 30 minutes to see a teller who gave us our pesos at a better rate than the board said – 14.75. Back to the campground we headed for lunch. After a game of joker we finally decided to go to the bakery. Jerome & Vickie went with us and we bought separate pieces of cake for all 4 of the birthday people. Of course, we couldn’t stop there. We ended up with a whole flan for 10 for dessert for the group eating together and 2 breakfast elephant ears and an extra cake – just in case, you understand! The whole amount was 166 pesos or a little over $10 American. It was time to go back and fix our supper for tonight.
La Paz stop 9
February 17 Since we were late the evening before, we had our driver’s meeting before the parkers left. We were deparkers with Firman and Cheryl. It seemed like everyone got out quickly and we only had duty about ½ hour. We check each trailer or motor home as it leaves to be sure steps are in, antenna is down, hitch and lights are good and spouse is on board. Firman & Cheryl led and we followed. The roads were probably the best we have had on the trip, even some four lane and new construction. In Todos Santos we turned wrong but we saw a Pemex gas station so we went to it. That proved to be interesting before we got out since we were headed the wrong way. We made it and turned around to use the truck route since the gas station man had told us not to go through town; the police would not like it. Of course, we had seen Airstreams everywhere we looked. We didn’t stay long since we knew we were to come back for a day. Our travels had been along the coast but we soon turned inland to cut across the state. There was lots of cactus and sand and dirt, as usual. We stopped at a propane station for Firman to fill up. We were on the outskirts of La Paz, the capitol of Baja California Sur. After carefully following the directions we saw Lois waving the red flag and calling out that we were one mile away from the campground. It was about 2 minutes into the parking time. The campground had just been fixed so we could use it and we were told it would be dry camping again although we did discover we had water. It was a delightful place, except for dust (of course). Our dinner was in La Paz at La Boheme French Restaurant. It was a nice area out in the open in the back. Winston had requested the beef and I, the shrimp. What I didn’t know was that the shrimp was actually more of a chowder consisting of shrimp, fish, octopus and mushrooms and who knows what else. It actually tasted pretty good but was rich and those with stomach problems really didn’t need that. By the time the meal was over it was dark and here we were somewhere in the center of La Paz with only a general idea of how to get home. We told Dick we were following him since we were driving with Norm & Lois. Now that was some trip. We saw lots of the inner city of La Paz. We certainly were happy when we saw WalMart and had an idea where we were – about 3 miles from our motor home. We had gone through I have no idea how many topes and altos, many 4-way. We where mighty glad to see the shining trailers even though there was no entrance light to where we were camped on the other side of a busy four lane highway (Mex 1). La Paz is the capitol and supposed to be one of the safest cities in Mexico. The leaders told us we should not be afraid to walk in town along the 5 mile Malecon (walkway along the water).
February 18 and we were awakened (some of us) by the beep, beep of a car horn. The man with the pastries was here. They were so good and still warm – long johns, plain or chocolate covered and apple turnovers. He also had bread and juices. I was going to purchase a good looking purple juice until I found out it was beet, carrot, celery and mango juice. I’m not that healthy! What a nice way to start a day. Before long a huge bus was waiting outside the campground gate. We were touring the town, guided by a local young lady who really seemed to enjoy her job. First we visited the Church and learned that the pictures on the wall have English titles. This is because the Queen of England had visited here and made them possible. Next we went to a pottery shop that had been in existence for many years. We purchased two plates, their design is so Mexican. Next we went to a weavers who also had been in business for many years. Both businesses were family run and owned. It was interesting to watch the weavers and the potters design their wares. We did purchase a tablecloth there. We were delivered back to the campground and it wasn’t long before Norm & Lois, Winston & I and Dick & Judy and John & Judy were out touring. We went out to see the beaches, or playas. Some of the areas were pretty and some were starting to grow with American homes. We went to see the Mushroom rock that we had been told about. It was neat, we had to walk a distance in the sand to find it. Surprise - there were vendors there – ones that were serious who didn’t let you walk away. I did end up with a silver necklace. We drove to another area and looked for shells but the thrashing and turning of the waves breaks them up into small pieces. There were lots of rocks nearly the size of a baseball. We wandered our way back through town and re-found the campground after a stop at WalMart. Sure is fun trying to find things when the signs are in Spanish. We have yet to find lemon juice. I hate to guess how many clerks have tried to help us. Enid says she buys real limes and squeezes them. She also said she felt that was one thing that helped keep away the stomach upsets.
February 19 - Another day in La Paz, and more exploring to be done, but first we hear the beep, beep of the bakery man. Will we have rolls, every morning? We were going to go to a museum even though we had been told it was all in Spanish captions. We never made it. Instead we headed to town, to the Mercado or the city market. Now that was interesting. At one vendor I wanted to buy a little topper for a cake for someone who is celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. First I walked into the area and evidently I wasn’t supposed to do that. I opened the glass case and the lady seemed a little upset. I was trying to tell her about the 50th so all I could think of was Sinco. She thought I was telling her I would pay 5 pesos instead of the 10 that was written on the item. She quickly took the item and closed the case door. Again we went through the same process. Finally I gave up and handed her 10 pesos. There was a communication gap for sure. When we passed one vendor he wanted to know if we wanted to have our picture made with a just killed pig. We thought not! The fish (pesorara) smell was evident. Then we wandered the streets looking at the different stores. We saw three or four party stores. I have never seen so many types of candy and piñatas. Next we wandered back toward the car when we realized we were hungry and remembered that Applebees was close. Lois had had some stomach problems so we thought might be a good place. There were 2 menus – one in English, one in Spanish. The funny part was looking at the prices on the English menu that had $ pesos. Can you believe a hamburger cost $132? After lunch we walked the malecon – a beautiful sidewalk beside the water. Many were busy setting up for the carnival. We were amazed because it evidently took them 3 or 4 days to set up the rides and booths. It was a good time to head back.
February 20 and again we hear the beep, beep of the baker. What a wonderful way it is to start off the morning. This is the day that those who want to are carpooling to Todas Santos. It is an older community and we find we really enjoy just wandering the street. The mission is beautiful and there are lots of small shops, although we soon discover they don’t bargain much. There are some well known artists who have come to live here. We saw some of the work and much of it is a little abstract for me. Dick & Judy and we found a small internet café that served sandwiches on baquettes – ham and cheese but with avocado and tomato. It was very good. Then we found the museum and in the back were reproductions of the kitchen and home from at least 200 years ago. It was made from sticks woven together and palms for the roof. With the lack of rain, they last a long time. Inside the small buildings were the items that were used for living. It gave us a feel of what it was like to live back then. We purchased a few items and came home happy. We had a cookout with some of the others followed by a game of joker.
February 21 was our last day in La Paz. There was no beep, beep this morning. We decided that the baker must be able to make money at the carnival in town. We performed a number of housekeeping chores to get ready to move and get our clothes clean. I used the owner’s washer and dryer that were located at the back of her home. The washer was in an alcove where they had been raising four puppies and the dryer was outside in the elements. In the early afternoon we and Tom & Judy drove into town. We went early so we could walk the malecon. Judy had spent 24 hours in the hospital with vertigo so she had not had an opportunity to see much. She and I wandered through the carnival setup while the husbands sat on a bench talking, watching the waves and the very small float plane. Soon we saw others from the caravan and wandered back toward the Italian Restaurant where we had entertainment from one of the Universities. The young men and women were spectacular in their colorful costumes as they performed dances from various states of Mexico. I must admit it was tiring watching them because they did not stop dancing. They were spectacular. They were followed by a nice Italian dinner of shrimp or chicken fettuccini. After another last stop at WalMart we were back home. All weekend we had been serenaded and talked to by a girls and boys Apostolic Church retreat that was being held in the next part of the campground. There were probably 60 or 70 kids. They sang and sang and then there was some preaching (we think). We wish we knew what was being said. They seemed to have a wonderful time and were friendly especially when Winston walked the dogs.
February 18 and we were awakened (some of us) by the beep, beep of a car horn. The man with the pastries was here. They were so good and still warm – long johns, plain or chocolate covered and apple turnovers. He also had bread and juices. I was going to purchase a good looking purple juice until I found out it was beet, carrot, celery and mango juice. I’m not that healthy! What a nice way to start a day. Before long a huge bus was waiting outside the campground gate. We were touring the town, guided by a local young lady who really seemed to enjoy her job. First we visited the Church and learned that the pictures on the wall have English titles. This is because the Queen of England had visited here and made them possible. Next we went to a pottery shop that had been in existence for many years. We purchased two plates, their design is so Mexican. Next we went to a weavers who also had been in business for many years. Both businesses were family run and owned. It was interesting to watch the weavers and the potters design their wares. We did purchase a tablecloth there. We were delivered back to the campground and it wasn’t long before Norm & Lois, Winston & I and Dick & Judy and John & Judy were out touring. We went out to see the beaches, or playas. Some of the areas were pretty and some were starting to grow with American homes. We went to see the Mushroom rock that we had been told about. It was neat, we had to walk a distance in the sand to find it. Surprise - there were vendors there – ones that were serious who didn’t let you walk away. I did end up with a silver necklace. We drove to another area and looked for shells but the thrashing and turning of the waves breaks them up into small pieces. There were lots of rocks nearly the size of a baseball. We wandered our way back through town and re-found the campground after a stop at WalMart. Sure is fun trying to find things when the signs are in Spanish. We have yet to find lemon juice. I hate to guess how many clerks have tried to help us. Enid says she buys real limes and squeezes them. She also said she felt that was one thing that helped keep away the stomach upsets.
February 19 - Another day in La Paz, and more exploring to be done, but first we hear the beep, beep of the bakery man. Will we have rolls, every morning? We were going to go to a museum even though we had been told it was all in Spanish captions. We never made it. Instead we headed to town, to the Mercado or the city market. Now that was interesting. At one vendor I wanted to buy a little topper for a cake for someone who is celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. First I walked into the area and evidently I wasn’t supposed to do that. I opened the glass case and the lady seemed a little upset. I was trying to tell her about the 50th so all I could think of was Sinco. She thought I was telling her I would pay 5 pesos instead of the 10 that was written on the item. She quickly took the item and closed the case door. Again we went through the same process. Finally I gave up and handed her 10 pesos. There was a communication gap for sure. When we passed one vendor he wanted to know if we wanted to have our picture made with a just killed pig. We thought not! The fish (pesorara) smell was evident. Then we wandered the streets looking at the different stores. We saw three or four party stores. I have never seen so many types of candy and piñatas. Next we wandered back toward the car when we realized we were hungry and remembered that Applebees was close. Lois had had some stomach problems so we thought might be a good place. There were 2 menus – one in English, one in Spanish. The funny part was looking at the prices on the English menu that had $ pesos. Can you believe a hamburger cost $132? After lunch we walked the malecon – a beautiful sidewalk beside the water. Many were busy setting up for the carnival. We were amazed because it evidently took them 3 or 4 days to set up the rides and booths. It was a good time to head back.
February 20 and again we hear the beep, beep of the baker. What a wonderful way it is to start off the morning. This is the day that those who want to are carpooling to Todas Santos. It is an older community and we find we really enjoy just wandering the street. The mission is beautiful and there are lots of small shops, although we soon discover they don’t bargain much. There are some well known artists who have come to live here. We saw some of the work and much of it is a little abstract for me. Dick & Judy and we found a small internet café that served sandwiches on baquettes – ham and cheese but with avocado and tomato. It was very good. Then we found the museum and in the back were reproductions of the kitchen and home from at least 200 years ago. It was made from sticks woven together and palms for the roof. With the lack of rain, they last a long time. Inside the small buildings were the items that were used for living. It gave us a feel of what it was like to live back then. We purchased a few items and came home happy. We had a cookout with some of the others followed by a game of joker.
February 21 was our last day in La Paz. There was no beep, beep this morning. We decided that the baker must be able to make money at the carnival in town. We performed a number of housekeeping chores to get ready to move and get our clothes clean. I used the owner’s washer and dryer that were located at the back of her home. The washer was in an alcove where they had been raising four puppies and the dryer was outside in the elements. In the early afternoon we and Tom & Judy drove into town. We went early so we could walk the malecon. Judy had spent 24 hours in the hospital with vertigo so she had not had an opportunity to see much. She and I wandered through the carnival setup while the husbands sat on a bench talking, watching the waves and the very small float plane. Soon we saw others from the caravan and wandered back toward the Italian Restaurant where we had entertainment from one of the Universities. The young men and women were spectacular in their colorful costumes as they performed dances from various states of Mexico. I must admit it was tiring watching them because they did not stop dancing. They were spectacular. They were followed by a nice Italian dinner of shrimp or chicken fettuccini. After another last stop at WalMart we were back home. All weekend we had been serenaded and talked to by a girls and boys Apostolic Church retreat that was being held in the next part of the campground. There were probably 60 or 70 kids. They sang and sang and then there was some preaching (we think). We wish we knew what was being said. They seemed to have a wonderful time and were friendly especially when Winston walked the dogs.
Cabo San Lucas stop 8
February 14 and it is Valentine’s Day. Winston had found the neatest Spanish card. He asked if I knew what it said. After turning it over on the back was the English translation. We had breakfast for the last time back at the Resort. Then it was time to get the Jeep hooked up and head for the next campground. We traveled with Norm and Lois. They have a 39 foot motor home so I guess we look like rich Americans traveling together. We saw the monument for the Tropic of Cancer but so many AIrstreams were there we kept on going. We were headed to Cabo San Lucas, one of the major tourist areas in Baja California Sur. The roads really improved as we got close – four lane even. They have it so you go off the main highway and onto a frontage road and then before long there will be a bridge or underpass to get back on the other side. That is what we had to do to get to the campground. One of the landmarks on the way was a Glass Factory. We saw there was no way to get to it. We pulled over to the side where there was extra room and parked, both of us. We walked back and enjoyed going to the factory. There were actually glass blowing and it was fun to watch. In one of the shops that had interior design items, the owner (from Missouri) told us that the little drink shop there had the best prices in all of Cabo San Lucas for Norm to get some beer so we went there. She was correct and the owner sold us the prettiest Tequila and then gave us another. We now have our alcoholic souvenir. We followed the intricate directions and got to the campground. They had been told how many sights we needed but turns out there were only 21 sites for our 25 rigs. We and Sally used the same site. For some reason the electric did not work for us so more dry camping. After getting settled in, we found the view was nice – the water fairly close by. A young Mexican lady came by and asked if we would like our rig washed. Oh, boy, would we! Winston and she came to an agreement to do the Jeep and motor home (without the top) for 300 pesos or about 25 US dollars. It surely looked good when she finished. Later most of us walked to our dinner at Puerto Vieja Restaurant, about 2 blocks outside the campground. We had a very nice dinner but we ate early so they could serve others for their Valentine’s Day dinner. We ambled back to the campground and ended up with a good game of Joker with Dick & Judy and Tom & Penny.
February 15 is a free day. Since it is Sunday, we looked for an “English speaking Church. We were with Dick & Judy and W.D. and Martha were with John & Judy. We wandered through some of the interesting narrow back streets of Cabo San Lucas, found an American who said we were only a block away. Sure enough, there was “English Speaking Church.” They really did like to sing, about 30 minutes standing and singing followed by a good sermon. We re-found our vehicles and made for the “tourist section.” Wouldn’t you know it, after finally finding a parking place and wandering through a mall we found a Burger King. We went around the wharf checking out all of the vendors. Seemed like each was selling similar items but just a little different. Their wares were often arranged on a blanket on the sidewalk or else they walked around with jewelry in cases or necklace whistles on their arms. The vendors were all ages from about 10 up to elderly. We found our way back to the cars and found Sam’s and Costco on the way back. You know we had to stop. There was another good Joker game – I think Tom and Penny are hooked.
February 16 and another breakfast is on the schedule. We carpooled and that was an experience! We hung on Bruce’s (the leader) back bumper to get there rather than get lost. We made it through downtown and all to a narrow cobblestone road straight up to the parking lot. Sure were glad we didn’t have our motor home! The breakfast was way up on top of the hill with a beautiful view from Hotel Finisterra. The buffet was awesome, even had made to order omelets and wonderful pastries. Afterwards we walked around the hotel and heard the fee began at $400 per night. Don’t think we’ll be staying there anytime soon. We went back to the campground so Winston could feed the dogs and work on a work on a water problem we had with the filter. Then we were off again but in the other direction to San Jose de Lucas. It was a much nicer town but again very touristy. We drove past lots of really nice hotels and found the plaza which had some wonderful shops around it. We bargained a little and had a good time. We had to be back in time for the busses for our sunset cruise. Vans picked us up and first took us to a glass blowing factory. I didn’t think it was as good as the other one although it was larger. They had 5 different young men blowing and working with the glass. There was so much to buy but it was dusty, high and poor quality. We left it there. Then we went to the wharf only to discover we had some waiting and wandering time. We joined a number of others, must have had over 100 on the boat and we were stuffed in. We got a table on top but it was so tight we could barely move. We headed out off the coast and wandered around for 2 or 3 hours. We did see some blows, some seals and had gulls chase us for the food we had. They served drinks and had dancing as well as giving us a meal with chicken on a skewer. The sunset was awesome. The gulls following us were fun to watch and we were able to figure out where we were camped. The vans met us and returned us to our campground.
February 15 is a free day. Since it is Sunday, we looked for an “English speaking Church. We were with Dick & Judy and W.D. and Martha were with John & Judy. We wandered through some of the interesting narrow back streets of Cabo San Lucas, found an American who said we were only a block away. Sure enough, there was “English Speaking Church.” They really did like to sing, about 30 minutes standing and singing followed by a good sermon. We re-found our vehicles and made for the “tourist section.” Wouldn’t you know it, after finally finding a parking place and wandering through a mall we found a Burger King. We went around the wharf checking out all of the vendors. Seemed like each was selling similar items but just a little different. Their wares were often arranged on a blanket on the sidewalk or else they walked around with jewelry in cases or necklace whistles on their arms. The vendors were all ages from about 10 up to elderly. We found our way back to the cars and found Sam’s and Costco on the way back. You know we had to stop. There was another good Joker game – I think Tom and Penny are hooked.
February 16 and another breakfast is on the schedule. We carpooled and that was an experience! We hung on Bruce’s (the leader) back bumper to get there rather than get lost. We made it through downtown and all to a narrow cobblestone road straight up to the parking lot. Sure were glad we didn’t have our motor home! The breakfast was way up on top of the hill with a beautiful view from Hotel Finisterra. The buffet was awesome, even had made to order omelets and wonderful pastries. Afterwards we walked around the hotel and heard the fee began at $400 per night. Don’t think we’ll be staying there anytime soon. We went back to the campground so Winston could feed the dogs and work on a work on a water problem we had with the filter. Then we were off again but in the other direction to San Jose de Lucas. It was a much nicer town but again very touristy. We drove past lots of really nice hotels and found the plaza which had some wonderful shops around it. We bargained a little and had a good time. We had to be back in time for the busses for our sunset cruise. Vans picked us up and first took us to a glass blowing factory. I didn’t think it was as good as the other one although it was larger. They had 5 different young men blowing and working with the glass. There was so much to buy but it was dusty, high and poor quality. We left it there. Then we went to the wharf only to discover we had some waiting and wandering time. We joined a number of others, must have had over 100 on the boat and we were stuffed in. We got a table on top but it was so tight we could barely move. We headed out off the coast and wandered around for 2 or 3 hours. We did see some blows, some seals and had gulls chase us for the food we had. They served drinks and had dancing as well as giving us a meal with chicken on a skewer. The sunset was awesome. The gulls following us were fun to watch and we were able to figure out where we were camped. The vans met us and returned us to our campground.
Friday, 13 February 2009
Las Barrilles stop7
February 11. It is yet another travel day. They seem to come so often. It seems like you would get used to the roads but a number of us shared later that it had not been a fun day. We had been told about a stop where they had wonderful oyster tacos. We stopped but they were out which was okay with me! Norm & Lois and John & Judy and we decided to go on to the most interesting sounding place that we had been told about. In El Triunfo there was a mission, (which we visited); a basket shop (which we visited and bought at); and a music museum (where Nicolas Cirrallo was the curator and performer). Mr. Cirrallo was quite an interesting person. I purchased one of his CD’s of concertos and symphonies. I imagine that he had performed for a number of years because he is quite well known in Mexico. We left the town and immediately, in my opinion, the road went to awful. It was downhill and very curvy – there are now handholds on the bar next to my seat. The performer had a neck problem in which his head leaned to one side – I think I know why, he had to hold on like I did and was hiding his face in his shoulder. Finally we got to the bottom and there was the town of Loreto, where we will stop on our return. Our supper was at the resort not too far from the campground in miles but it was many bumps and 10 to-pes from there. The resort was beautiful and the meal was a Mexican buffet. We ended our evening with a fun game of joker with Dick & Judy and Tom & Penny.
February 12 and we have our breakfast buffet at the resort. They had wonderful looking fruit – pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe and mango. They would fix eggs as you wished, French toast, pancakes, bacon, hot dogs, ham and a few Mexican items including refried beans. We looked around the compound. At 10, which in Mexican time became 11, we all gathered for introduction to driving ATV’s. Nearly every one of us rode one around. We are now experts. We wandered around and then decided it was a do-nothing day. We messed with the computer, still trying to get pictures on the blog. Talk about lazy – we were! I wandered down to the beach. It was nice but gets very windy in the afternoons. That is when the kites and the windsurfers all come out. After our supper we walked down to Dick and Judy’s trailer. Eight of us sat out until it was pitch black.
February 13. This is the day we are to ride ATV’s. We had another breakfast buffet at the resort. Judy and I had discussed that it might be a good time to do laundry since we were on the afternoon ride. We had our dirty clothes with us so we found the laundry – not quite open but beautiful and new. Three of us soon filled up all of the washing machines. Husbands went to compute. The young lady attendant (who could not speak English) helped us but forgot to turn the propane on for the dryers so we had to wait an extra time for clothes to dry. My cost was 100 pesos (about $7.50 US) for 3 washer and 3 dryer loads. Not too bad! We went to a shop we had been told about where there were wood turned items. It was good work with turquoise inlaid in many of them. Most of the wood was Mango. They seemed a little high priced. After lunch we went up to do the ATV’s and wouldn’t you know it, all the double seaters were gone. As Enid told us they promise them they will be there and then it just doesn’t happen. After looking the situation over I backed out. I was to have my own – with gear shift. Dick tried to show me how and rammed into the two waiting in front of him. I could just imagine me doing that so I stayed home and got to do some much-needed cleaning. The dust is everywhere. You should see the car – it is one dust ball. Winston is back and what a grungy creature! He is heading for a shower for some reason. He said it was beautiul – they went down the beach and then over BUMPY roads to a waterfall. One of the husbands climber up to take a picture and fell about 8 feet into the water. He chipped a tooth or two, bunped his head and got scrapes. Bet he will be sore tomorrow!. Nealy time for a Drivers Meeting and then possibly got into town for a nice dinne of shimp ceviche (raw shrimp cooked in lime juice. The lime juice cooks them.)
February 12 and we have our breakfast buffet at the resort. They had wonderful looking fruit – pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe and mango. They would fix eggs as you wished, French toast, pancakes, bacon, hot dogs, ham and a few Mexican items including refried beans. We looked around the compound. At 10, which in Mexican time became 11, we all gathered for introduction to driving ATV’s. Nearly every one of us rode one around. We are now experts. We wandered around and then decided it was a do-nothing day. We messed with the computer, still trying to get pictures on the blog. Talk about lazy – we were! I wandered down to the beach. It was nice but gets very windy in the afternoons. That is when the kites and the windsurfers all come out. After our supper we walked down to Dick and Judy’s trailer. Eight of us sat out until it was pitch black.
February 13. This is the day we are to ride ATV’s. We had another breakfast buffet at the resort. Judy and I had discussed that it might be a good time to do laundry since we were on the afternoon ride. We had our dirty clothes with us so we found the laundry – not quite open but beautiful and new. Three of us soon filled up all of the washing machines. Husbands went to compute. The young lady attendant (who could not speak English) helped us but forgot to turn the propane on for the dryers so we had to wait an extra time for clothes to dry. My cost was 100 pesos (about $7.50 US) for 3 washer and 3 dryer loads. Not too bad! We went to a shop we had been told about where there were wood turned items. It was good work with turquoise inlaid in many of them. Most of the wood was Mango. They seemed a little high priced. After lunch we went up to do the ATV’s and wouldn’t you know it, all the double seaters were gone. As Enid told us they promise them they will be there and then it just doesn’t happen. After looking the situation over I backed out. I was to have my own – with gear shift. Dick tried to show me how and rammed into the two waiting in front of him. I could just imagine me doing that so I stayed home and got to do some much-needed cleaning. The dust is everywhere. You should see the car – it is one dust ball. Winston is back and what a grungy creature! He is heading for a shower for some reason. He said it was beautiul – they went down the beach and then over BUMPY roads to a waterfall. One of the husbands climber up to take a picture and fell about 8 feet into the water. He chipped a tooth or two, bunped his head and got scrapes. Bet he will be sore tomorrow!. Nealy time for a Drivers Meeting and then possibly got into town for a nice dinne of shimp ceviche (raw shrimp cooked in lime juice. The lime juice cooks them.)
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Ciudad Constitucion stop 6
February 8 and it is a travel day. We will be writing the journal for this area so we have to pay good attention. Rather than travel with a group of 5 we waited for the deparkers Norm & Lois and Al & Mary Ann. We are traveling to Ciudad Constitucion (or as our GPS called it Villa Constitucion.) The road offered spectacular scenery and lots of twists and turns, ups and downs. All of the groups were traveling so close together that we could hear each other on the CB’s. It was even more comical when we reached the military checkpoint. We backed the whole works up with at least 14 of us waiting to go through. They stopped one trailer and went through it. Jackie & Alan were the lucky ones. After our 160 mile trip we were ready to find the campground. Dick and his parking crew, as usual, did a good job of keeping us all straight. It is nice to have some electric and water again. The campground is called Manfred’s RV Trailer Park although we understand the name has been changed to Mision ****. The owner is Patty and she is most helpful. At four we slowly gathered for a social hour followed by a nice dinner of pork and fish, rice, and potatoes with Mexican accompaniments such as flour tortillas, refried beans, cactus salad, onions. Desert was Flan. We ate under a palapaya. They are so neat with the fronds so beautifully laid as a roof. After we were done we moved outside for the entertainment. Many headed to get a jacket since it became rather cool, some blankets were seen. What wonderful entertainment it was! The local university provided us more of an introduction to the dance and music of the Mexican people. The young girls and men danced for us a number of dances of different areas of the country. This was all done in native costume. A group of men and one woman sang love songs. Two of the students who are learning English did the introduction which was good for us and them.
February 9th was a free day except for breakfast in the campground. It was scheduled from 7:30 to 9 so some slept in. When we arrived we discovered cantaloupe waiting for us and a bright shining face wanting to know if we wanted coffee and an American or Mexican breakfast. I think most opted for the American. A bacon omelet with fried potatoes certainly tasted good. Then evidently it was time for many to catch up with family and friends via the computer. Norm and Lois and we decided that the adventure Bruce and Enid had talked about sounded good. – a trip to Comondu. It was a little farther than we thought or expected. We did think about Bruce talk about riding in on a donkey. Civilization as we think of was far behind. After about 40 miles on pavement and then another 30 miles over bumpy dirt, gravel, boulder and cemented road we arrived at the Oasis. There was even a creek we had to ford in the car. The first of the two towns (San Miquel Comondu) had many fragments of buildings. We had passed Tom and Penny and Jerome and Vickie. They told us about the olives and how nice the Mission was, so we passed through and drove the 3.7 kilometers to San Jose Comondu. We were thirsty and saw signs for Tecate so thought they might have soda. Sodas as well as olives were there. except the owner spoke no English. We are getting better at hand signals. We drove on to the Mission just down the street. It was an interesting building – very high with the rounded ceiling. The Mission is actually a surviving Jesuit missionary house that is currently used as a church. The walls of the original Mission were torn down for other buildings. There is a bell from 1708 hanging in front. About that time we saw Roger & Gloria and Frank & Carol. They told us of their visit and meal at Martina’s so off we went with just a memory of a picture of her place and no memory of her name. We were near her place, actually right in front, when Norm tried to ask some fellas where she was located. It was like a game of charades. Winston stood at the half open door and yelled her name. She appeared and invited us in. We pantomimed eat and later asked for a restroom. That was an experience. She began fixing a meal for us – hand made tortillas (while we watched, she was as good as any American pizza maker) cheese, meat (carne) with onions and peppers, fresh tomatoes, It was delicious and such an experience since we were able to watch her through the entire cooking process. She had a gas stove, modern refrigerator and even a microwave. We listened to Mexican music on a boom box. The electric looked a little primitive but it worked. She had a small room at one side that had a bed. Her husband and son came in as we were eating. Martina showed us her weaving – baskets, pocketbooks, hat and placemats. It was so beautiful and I am now the proud owner of a beautiful basket that she signed. It was so late that we knew we best hurry back before the sun disappeared. It was long gone by the time we reached the campground. We noticed others still computing and others eating at the campground restaurant. It was time to call it another exciting fun adventure!
February 9th was a free day except for breakfast in the campground. It was scheduled from 7:30 to 9 so some slept in. When we arrived we discovered cantaloupe waiting for us and a bright shining face wanting to know if we wanted coffee and an American or Mexican breakfast. I think most opted for the American. A bacon omelet with fried potatoes certainly tasted good. Then evidently it was time for many to catch up with family and friends via the computer. Norm and Lois and we decided that the adventure Bruce and Enid had talked about sounded good. – a trip to Comondu. It was a little farther than we thought or expected. We did think about Bruce talk about riding in on a donkey. Civilization as we think of was far behind. After about 40 miles on pavement and then another 30 miles over bumpy dirt, gravel, boulder and cemented road we arrived at the Oasis. There was even a creek we had to ford in the car. The first of the two towns (San Miquel Comondu) had many fragments of buildings. We had passed Tom and Penny and Jerome and Vickie. They told us about the olives and how nice the Mission was, so we passed through and drove the 3.7 kilometers to San Jose Comondu. We were thirsty and saw signs for Tecate so thought they might have soda. Sodas as well as olives were there. except the owner spoke no English. We are getting better at hand signals. We drove on to the Mission just down the street. It was an interesting building – very high with the rounded ceiling. The Mission is actually a surviving Jesuit missionary house that is currently used as a church. The walls of the original Mission were torn down for other buildings. There is a bell from 1708 hanging in front. About that time we saw Roger & Gloria and Frank & Carol. They told us of their visit and meal at Martina’s so off we went with just a memory of a picture of her place and no memory of her name. We were near her place, actually right in front, when Norm tried to ask some fellas where she was located. It was like a game of charades. Winston stood at the half open door and yelled her name. She appeared and invited us in. We pantomimed eat and later asked for a restroom. That was an experience. She began fixing a meal for us – hand made tortillas (while we watched, she was as good as any American pizza maker) cheese, meat (carne) with onions and peppers, fresh tomatoes, It was delicious and such an experience since we were able to watch her through the entire cooking process. She had a gas stove, modern refrigerator and even a microwave. We listened to Mexican music on a boom box. The electric looked a little primitive but it worked. She had a small room at one side that had a bed. Her husband and son came in as we were eating. Martina showed us her weaving – baskets, pocketbooks, hat and placemats. It was so beautiful and I am now the proud owner of a beautiful basket that she signed. It was so late that we knew we best hurry back before the sun disappeared. It was long gone by the time we reached the campground. We noticed others still computing and others eating at the campground restaurant. It was time to call it another exciting fun adventure!
Mulege' (Mule-e-hay) stop 5
February 4 and it is another moving day. We were traveling with John & Judy, Norm & Lois and W.D. & Martha. It was an interesting day of 200 miles. We stopped at where had been suggested for breakfast even though most had already eaten. W.D., Martha and John didn’t go in. We had parked next to someone selling tangerines and oranges which of course we had to buy. W.D. and Martha gave up and went on. We had more curvy and hilly sections of road. Santa Rosalina was our next stop that had been suggested. We parked by the road near 3 other Airstreams and were immediately told we needed to pay to park. The young man was quite an entrepreneur. He insisted he would take us to the mission. We began walking up the hill and realized the mission we were in was not the one built by Eiffel who built the Eiffel tower. As we began walking again he showed up in his car with a taxi behind to take us all to the mission. After haggling over the price we got in and seen saw the mission. We went in and then decided we would walk back. We wanted to see what else was there. We wandered around d and finally found a place that sold telephone cards. Mine was 50 pesos and should be about 20 minutes worth. Judy was able to call her Mother so she felt much better. We bought bakery items at the ‘French’ bakery so wandered around eating and looking. We realized we had better hurry or we were going to be late this time to park. We walked back about a mile to the campers – they were still there. John had to get gas so we slowly ambled through town with the Sea of Cortez on our left. We had curvy roads and hilly roads ahead. We were not going real slow when we rounded a corner and there was a policeman telling us to stop. It turns out a trucker had missed the corner and had burned up. This happened between the time our parkers came by and we arrived. Luckily we were all safe but the driver and another were not so fortunate. We thought we still had 15 miles to go and it was the time we were to be there. As we rounded a curve coming down a hill there was a red flag and someone in the CB saying “change of plans, turn here.” It was straight down to the beach. Dick was waiting to park us and suggested we pull straight in so we could look at the water. What a beautiful sight! The other campground had been closed; the parking crew discovered when they got there – the trials and tribulations of being a leader. Dick and Judy say there is no way they would lead a caravan! At Santispak we parked next to Norm and Lois. Soon we were bombarded by vendors. Some came selling shrimp and they looked great – 120 pesos for a kilo. We bought and ended up cooking them on the grill with Norm and Lois. We ate together and then played joker. Those shrimp were delicious.
February 5 and it is a day for ourselves. The vendors soon arrived and we bought frozen scallops and a metal and wood chicken after a bunch of bargaining. Just like many others we decided it would be an excellent day for laundry. We were told there was one of the best laundries through Baja California Sur in Mulege. We slowly got our act together and drove about 10 miles back to town. We found the roads to be as narrow as any we had seen. They had warned us not to attempt to take our motor homes or trailers into town. We never would have gotten out, that’s for sure! After parking we were quickly told by others to move since W.D. had gotten a ticket and had to pay 110 pesos in the same place. We washed – bought tokens with pesos for the washers but the dryers used US quarters. Dick and Judy waited for us and we wandered the town looking at items including beach shoes. We were looking for a phone and finally found one that worked. I was able to make one call. We found a nice little hotel with an outdoor area to eat in. Three of us chose the cheeseburger and curly fries that were straight. It was a huge burger. As usual we had filled up on chips and salsa. After wandering around some more, Winston saw a stained glass of a Mexican leaning against a cactus. After a great deal of bargaining we are now the proud owners. We headed back for our Jeep and the campground. We had a caravan cookout that consisted of way too much, particularly since we had just eaten. We had chips and salsa and cheese, barbeque beef and tortillas, potato salad, beans, dill pickles, jalapeños and cookies for dessert. While we were eating on the beach a Mariachi band came and serenaded us for 3 hours. We sat and watched as the sun set with beautiful pinks over the water and the islands out from where we are situated.
February 6 was a day to tour Mulege. The vendor who had tee shirts came back with one I had wanted. He also had beautiful tablecloths but we refrained, couldn’t get him low enough. We were picked up by 4 vans, most carrying 14 people. We soon learned we would have to open windows for a breeze. The weather is pretty good – warm during the day and cool at night. Sometimes the wind picks up pretty good. We first went to the mission and Salvador told us the history. We walked to the top of the hill and saw the oven where they had baked the stones that had been used to build the mission over 300 years ago. The view of the town was nice with palm trees used to make the thatch roofs on many of the buildings and a lighter colored palm tree that produce dates. We drove to another building that was a prison. It has been made into a museum but we couldn’t go in since the hurricane in 2006 had removed the roof and it has yet to be fixed. They are waiting on the government. Nothing moves fast in this country! We drove over very bumpy and narrow roads beside a river that runs through much of the town. This river had risen so quickly in the hurricane that people were killed. Next we drove to the lighthouse. A number climbed to the top of the hill it was on, while the rest wandered around and ended up picking up shells. Winston found where the pelicans were resting and waiting to have their babies we were told. Next we drove back into town to a hotel where we were served a fabulous lunch – much too much to eat – guacamole, refried beans, tortilla chips and salsa, enchiladas, 2 flatuas, chile relanos followed by flan for dessert. We were entertained by a musician singing and playing a piano like instrument. After that we were ready to head back for a siesta. We both seem to have acquired a cold so we needed that rest.
February 7 was a free day. Twenty-eight of us had chosen to go on an adventure to see cave paintings at La Trinidad. The only trouble was, we didn’t know what an adventure it was going to be. Two 14 passenger vans picked us up with Salvador driving one and his non-English speaking wife the other. We first had to go to the polizia to be checked in since we were going on government lands. They only permit so many to go. Salvador said about 600 people visit each year. At the politic station there was one jail cell. It made us certain we were going to be have to behave. We were told the one prisoner only receives food if someone (family or friends) bring it. He stood up high on the bars talking to us, asking for food or a cigarette. I saw his bed in one corner; it consisted of two 2inch mattresses on the floor. There was no protection except a wall had been built on the outside to give some protection from the sun? We signed our names and climbed back into the vans. Off we went through the narrow twisted roads of town to the outskirts and what must be a secondary road that led to La Trinidad. We saw four signs the entire time we drove. I have no idea how far we went but it seemed like forever. The guide book says it is 18 miles. The roads were dusty and BUMPY. There were rocks as large as softballs in and beside the road. We went into ‘river beds’ and up at angles that scraped the back bumper. We stopped and Salvador talked about the different cactus and shrubs (what they called trees) and their medicinal uses. Some were used for cancer, upset stomachs and infections. It was time to climb back in the van and travel over bumpier roads. At one point it was so bad that Salvadore went through and stopped, got out and went and drove his wife’s van through the downgrade. We reached a gate and were told that was why we had paid 100 pesos was to pay the doctor who owned an unbelievable number of acres that we had to cross. We came to another gate so I assume we were in someone else’s land. We saw no humans, one jack rabbit with big ears, a couple of birds and one chipmunk. It was pretty desolate. Suddenly we saw crops and a farm stead. The crops were alfalfa and sorghum. We parked and began the real adventure. We hiked up and down over very rocky terrain. Salvador had told it was a 20 minute walk but I know it took us all longer. Jack, our oldest member, was talked into going and he made it with help. We had to climb over rocks and then put our wading shoes on to go through a number of water holes. We were in a canyon that was unbelievably beautiful. We climbed up and there were the cave drawings. They were in white, red and black and Salvador explained them. There was a deer that was hanging that meant he had been made to jump off the cliff. Another deer had arrows pointed at his stomach indicating that the animals were pushed toward other Indians who shot them. There were Indians, a coyote, children’s hands to show the continuation of the tribe. Evidently the 3 colors were 3 different groups of Indians showing they had been there. We 'oh-ed and ah-ed' and then began our slow walk and wade back. When we arrived the two women had fixed lunch of flour tortillas, refried beans, tomatoes, onions, cheese, and jalapeños with coke, sprite or strawberry soda. It was so good. Our return trip was over the same bumpy roads but we made it. After a quick rest we had our driver’s meeting out under the palapa (frond covered shade). There was time for a quick supper and joker with Norm & Lois.
February 5 and it is a day for ourselves. The vendors soon arrived and we bought frozen scallops and a metal and wood chicken after a bunch of bargaining. Just like many others we decided it would be an excellent day for laundry. We were told there was one of the best laundries through Baja California Sur in Mulege. We slowly got our act together and drove about 10 miles back to town. We found the roads to be as narrow as any we had seen. They had warned us not to attempt to take our motor homes or trailers into town. We never would have gotten out, that’s for sure! After parking we were quickly told by others to move since W.D. had gotten a ticket and had to pay 110 pesos in the same place. We washed – bought tokens with pesos for the washers but the dryers used US quarters. Dick and Judy waited for us and we wandered the town looking at items including beach shoes. We were looking for a phone and finally found one that worked. I was able to make one call. We found a nice little hotel with an outdoor area to eat in. Three of us chose the cheeseburger and curly fries that were straight. It was a huge burger. As usual we had filled up on chips and salsa. After wandering around some more, Winston saw a stained glass of a Mexican leaning against a cactus. After a great deal of bargaining we are now the proud owners. We headed back for our Jeep and the campground. We had a caravan cookout that consisted of way too much, particularly since we had just eaten. We had chips and salsa and cheese, barbeque beef and tortillas, potato salad, beans, dill pickles, jalapeños and cookies for dessert. While we were eating on the beach a Mariachi band came and serenaded us for 3 hours. We sat and watched as the sun set with beautiful pinks over the water and the islands out from where we are situated.
February 6 was a day to tour Mulege. The vendor who had tee shirts came back with one I had wanted. He also had beautiful tablecloths but we refrained, couldn’t get him low enough. We were picked up by 4 vans, most carrying 14 people. We soon learned we would have to open windows for a breeze. The weather is pretty good – warm during the day and cool at night. Sometimes the wind picks up pretty good. We first went to the mission and Salvador told us the history. We walked to the top of the hill and saw the oven where they had baked the stones that had been used to build the mission over 300 years ago. The view of the town was nice with palm trees used to make the thatch roofs on many of the buildings and a lighter colored palm tree that produce dates. We drove to another building that was a prison. It has been made into a museum but we couldn’t go in since the hurricane in 2006 had removed the roof and it has yet to be fixed. They are waiting on the government. Nothing moves fast in this country! We drove over very bumpy and narrow roads beside a river that runs through much of the town. This river had risen so quickly in the hurricane that people were killed. Next we drove to the lighthouse. A number climbed to the top of the hill it was on, while the rest wandered around and ended up picking up shells. Winston found where the pelicans were resting and waiting to have their babies we were told. Next we drove back into town to a hotel where we were served a fabulous lunch – much too much to eat – guacamole, refried beans, tortilla chips and salsa, enchiladas, 2 flatuas, chile relanos followed by flan for dessert. We were entertained by a musician singing and playing a piano like instrument. After that we were ready to head back for a siesta. We both seem to have acquired a cold so we needed that rest.
February 7 was a free day. Twenty-eight of us had chosen to go on an adventure to see cave paintings at La Trinidad. The only trouble was, we didn’t know what an adventure it was going to be. Two 14 passenger vans picked us up with Salvador driving one and his non-English speaking wife the other. We first had to go to the polizia to be checked in since we were going on government lands. They only permit so many to go. Salvador said about 600 people visit each year. At the politic station there was one jail cell. It made us certain we were going to be have to behave. We were told the one prisoner only receives food if someone (family or friends) bring it. He stood up high on the bars talking to us, asking for food or a cigarette. I saw his bed in one corner; it consisted of two 2inch mattresses on the floor. There was no protection except a wall had been built on the outside to give some protection from the sun? We signed our names and climbed back into the vans. Off we went through the narrow twisted roads of town to the outskirts and what must be a secondary road that led to La Trinidad. We saw four signs the entire time we drove. I have no idea how far we went but it seemed like forever. The guide book says it is 18 miles. The roads were dusty and BUMPY. There were rocks as large as softballs in and beside the road. We went into ‘river beds’ and up at angles that scraped the back bumper. We stopped and Salvador talked about the different cactus and shrubs (what they called trees) and their medicinal uses. Some were used for cancer, upset stomachs and infections. It was time to climb back in the van and travel over bumpier roads. At one point it was so bad that Salvadore went through and stopped, got out and went and drove his wife’s van through the downgrade. We reached a gate and were told that was why we had paid 100 pesos was to pay the doctor who owned an unbelievable number of acres that we had to cross. We came to another gate so I assume we were in someone else’s land. We saw no humans, one jack rabbit with big ears, a couple of birds and one chipmunk. It was pretty desolate. Suddenly we saw crops and a farm stead. The crops were alfalfa and sorghum. We parked and began the real adventure. We hiked up and down over very rocky terrain. Salvador had told it was a 20 minute walk but I know it took us all longer. Jack, our oldest member, was talked into going and he made it with help. We had to climb over rocks and then put our wading shoes on to go through a number of water holes. We were in a canyon that was unbelievably beautiful. We climbed up and there were the cave drawings. They were in white, red and black and Salvador explained them. There was a deer that was hanging that meant he had been made to jump off the cliff. Another deer had arrows pointed at his stomach indicating that the animals were pushed toward other Indians who shot them. There were Indians, a coyote, children’s hands to show the continuation of the tribe. Evidently the 3 colors were 3 different groups of Indians showing they had been there. We 'oh-ed and ah-ed' and then began our slow walk and wade back. When we arrived the two women had fixed lunch of flour tortillas, refried beans, tomatoes, onions, cheese, and jalapeños with coke, sprite or strawberry soda. It was so good. Our return trip was over the same bumpy roads but we made it. After a quick rest we had our driver’s meeting out under the palapa (frond covered shade). There was time for a quick supper and joker with Norm & Lois.
Guerrero Negro Stop 4
February 2nd
The parkers left at 6:30 since it was to be a very long day – 247 miles that was expected to take 8 hours. Top speed limit most of the time is 50, as though you could go that fast. At 7:30 we left with Norm & Lois and John & Judy. The first part of the journey we led. We had been told to be sure and have plenty of gas when we left the first town about 30 miles from our campground. None felt they needed any so we continued. Soon we saw the Cirio or Boojum trees we had been told about indicating the desert. They were described as upside down carrot tops and that is probably a good description. We went through desert areas with lots of volcanic rocks and hills and every type of cactus imaginable. Near a junction there was an onyx shop we had been told about. The elderly gentleman who could speak no English had chimes and carvings of white onyx. We had to help him out. We think he indicated that he had done the carving himself. He was living in this house in the middle of nowhere with next to nothing. The main room had the carvings and chimes hanging from the ceiling; the other much smaller room had a small bed and something to cook on. We traveled on through interesting country. When we got to Guererro Negro we went through another checkpoint where we had to pay 20 pesos to have the underneath sprayed for bugs. We were entering Baja California Sur, another Mexican state. We also had to change our watches back to Mountain time. Nearly all of us were early and got chastised and later fined by our sheriff David. We were only a couple of minutes early and had seen others going in so we thought it was okay. We decided we will not be early again! Our campsite was at Mario’s Tours, Restaurant and Campground. He does a little bit of any and everything. Since we had no electric, Winston had to drive the motor home back out and go to another site. It wasn’t real good even then. They have used HUGE scallop shells for the driveways. They are so pretty and seem to work. We had our dinner in Mario’s Restaurant. It is a circular building with gravel floor and palms for the roof.
February 3rd
It was another get up early morning. We had to be in Mario’s Restaurant ready to go on our first whale watching trip. Twenty-one of us went in the first group. After an explanation about the grey whales (that are black colored except the barnacles growing on them make them appear grey). We drove through the salt processing plant of which Mexico owns 51% and Japan’s Mitsubishi owns the other 49%. After about 20 minutes of fast drive (the only kind Mexicans know), we arrived at a small landing area that had about 6 boats. Ten got in our small boat with the Mexican boatman. He knew next to no English. As we took off a porpoise jumped right beside us. Off the wooden boat went as fast as he could go so we could into the lagoon area. This is a World Heritage area that protects the whales as well as the many birds – over 100 kinds. The lagoon is large emptying into the Pacific Ocean. We suddenly slowed down, the bow dropped and we could see blows in a number of directions. Our other boat, as well as two others from another company, was nearby. Our guide went here and there trying to get us as close as possible to different whales. We saw mother and calf a number of times and would watch them swim under us and come up the other side. A couple of times we could not help but wonder if they would come up right under us. They breached and turned their tail for us. Often there would be two swimming together side by side. What an awesome sight to see! They were as long if not longer than the boat. Suddenly the guide said lunch (it was 10am) and handed everyone a bag lunch with sandwich, orange and canned drink. Because of the diesel fumes I decided to wait on food. Turns out I wasn’t the only one bothered by the smell and the constant circling. We joined our other boat and a mother and her baby entertained us. We stayed for about two hours. Coming back was even better since I love to watch the seals. We passed a large boat loaded with salt ready to go out to an offshore island where it could be transferred onto larger boats to be shipped to other countries. This boat had one huge seal on the back. He was just as proud as he could be, holding his head majestically. Then as we went by the side on the second rung of the ladder was a baby. Not much farther on there was a large round container (buoy) and the top was filled with seals. They showed off for us so we could get good pictures. Then again we slowly headed for port and got a nice picture of pelicans and then osprey on one of the nests that had been placed to try to get them to breed here. We were back to the ramp. Our flotation devices quickly came off since many of us had worn more clothes than was probably necessary but they did feel good when we were going at some speed. Back at the campground after a rest we headed to the salt works tour. It certainly was interesting. Mario’s van took us way out to where they were scooping up salt that had been allowed to dry and was at least 18 inches deep. The salt was fed into areas by huge pumps and allowed to dry about 6 months before it was ready. They used graders to push the salt around. They had huge machines that took it up and loaded it onto 3 huge dump containers pulled by a huge tractor like machine. They filled all three sections and drove to another area where it was dumped and washed and put on conveyor belts that led a long distance to barges. The barges then carried it out to an island about 25 miles off shore where the larger boats could get in. It was strange since we were driving on salt that seemed like dirt and when you walked on it you felt like it must be ice. We all inched carefully until we realized it was not slippery. Most of us got a chunk or two to take with us. The lady guide told us to wash it in salt water until it gleamed, allow it to dry and then spray it with acrylic and we would have a souvenir. We drove back through town which is much different than most we had seen. It is a company town and has a store for the workers as well as some better looking homes than most. The salt works is open and working 24 hours with most workers having a 6 hour day. They even build all of the equipment including the graders and trucks. The operation is huge. We got back in time for our driver’s meeting.
The parkers left at 6:30 since it was to be a very long day – 247 miles that was expected to take 8 hours. Top speed limit most of the time is 50, as though you could go that fast. At 7:30 we left with Norm & Lois and John & Judy. The first part of the journey we led. We had been told to be sure and have plenty of gas when we left the first town about 30 miles from our campground. None felt they needed any so we continued. Soon we saw the Cirio or Boojum trees we had been told about indicating the desert. They were described as upside down carrot tops and that is probably a good description. We went through desert areas with lots of volcanic rocks and hills and every type of cactus imaginable. Near a junction there was an onyx shop we had been told about. The elderly gentleman who could speak no English had chimes and carvings of white onyx. We had to help him out. We think he indicated that he had done the carving himself. He was living in this house in the middle of nowhere with next to nothing. The main room had the carvings and chimes hanging from the ceiling; the other much smaller room had a small bed and something to cook on. We traveled on through interesting country. When we got to Guererro Negro we went through another checkpoint where we had to pay 20 pesos to have the underneath sprayed for bugs. We were entering Baja California Sur, another Mexican state. We also had to change our watches back to Mountain time. Nearly all of us were early and got chastised and later fined by our sheriff David. We were only a couple of minutes early and had seen others going in so we thought it was okay. We decided we will not be early again! Our campsite was at Mario’s Tours, Restaurant and Campground. He does a little bit of any and everything. Since we had no electric, Winston had to drive the motor home back out and go to another site. It wasn’t real good even then. They have used HUGE scallop shells for the driveways. They are so pretty and seem to work. We had our dinner in Mario’s Restaurant. It is a circular building with gravel floor and palms for the roof.
February 3rd
It was another get up early morning. We had to be in Mario’s Restaurant ready to go on our first whale watching trip. Twenty-one of us went in the first group. After an explanation about the grey whales (that are black colored except the barnacles growing on them make them appear grey). We drove through the salt processing plant of which Mexico owns 51% and Japan’s Mitsubishi owns the other 49%. After about 20 minutes of fast drive (the only kind Mexicans know), we arrived at a small landing area that had about 6 boats. Ten got in our small boat with the Mexican boatman. He knew next to no English. As we took off a porpoise jumped right beside us. Off the wooden boat went as fast as he could go so we could into the lagoon area. This is a World Heritage area that protects the whales as well as the many birds – over 100 kinds. The lagoon is large emptying into the Pacific Ocean. We suddenly slowed down, the bow dropped and we could see blows in a number of directions. Our other boat, as well as two others from another company, was nearby. Our guide went here and there trying to get us as close as possible to different whales. We saw mother and calf a number of times and would watch them swim under us and come up the other side. A couple of times we could not help but wonder if they would come up right under us. They breached and turned their tail for us. Often there would be two swimming together side by side. What an awesome sight to see! They were as long if not longer than the boat. Suddenly the guide said lunch (it was 10am) and handed everyone a bag lunch with sandwich, orange and canned drink. Because of the diesel fumes I decided to wait on food. Turns out I wasn’t the only one bothered by the smell and the constant circling. We joined our other boat and a mother and her baby entertained us. We stayed for about two hours. Coming back was even better since I love to watch the seals. We passed a large boat loaded with salt ready to go out to an offshore island where it could be transferred onto larger boats to be shipped to other countries. This boat had one huge seal on the back. He was just as proud as he could be, holding his head majestically. Then as we went by the side on the second rung of the ladder was a baby. Not much farther on there was a large round container (buoy) and the top was filled with seals. They showed off for us so we could get good pictures. Then again we slowly headed for port and got a nice picture of pelicans and then osprey on one of the nests that had been placed to try to get them to breed here. We were back to the ramp. Our flotation devices quickly came off since many of us had worn more clothes than was probably necessary but they did feel good when we were going at some speed. Back at the campground after a rest we headed to the salt works tour. It certainly was interesting. Mario’s van took us way out to where they were scooping up salt that had been allowed to dry and was at least 18 inches deep. The salt was fed into areas by huge pumps and allowed to dry about 6 months before it was ready. They used graders to push the salt around. They had huge machines that took it up and loaded it onto 3 huge dump containers pulled by a huge tractor like machine. They filled all three sections and drove to another area where it was dumped and washed and put on conveyor belts that led a long distance to barges. The barges then carried it out to an island about 25 miles off shore where the larger boats could get in. It was strange since we were driving on salt that seemed like dirt and when you walked on it you felt like it must be ice. We all inched carefully until we realized it was not slippery. Most of us got a chunk or two to take with us. The lady guide told us to wash it in salt water until it gleamed, allow it to dry and then spray it with acrylic and we would have a souvenir. We drove back through town which is much different than most we had seen. It is a company town and has a store for the workers as well as some better looking homes than most. The salt works is open and working 24 hours with most workers having a 6 hour day. They even build all of the equipment including the graders and trucks. The operation is huge. We got back in time for our driver’s meeting.
San Quintin stop 3
January 31 and we were up early, leaving with the parkers at 6:30am. We traveled along quickly learning about topes (speed bumps). I am not sure there are any stoplights in Baja California or Baja California Sur. They use Alto (stop) signs freely and the toe-pez are unbelievable. They come in 2 sizes – small and narrow or large and wide. Often there will be about 8 or 10 small ones followed by one BIG one. We called out to each other on the CB when we saw them and also when eighteen wheelers were coming at us. The roads vary but typically have a center yellow line and white lines on the sides, but they are narrower than in the US and the real problem is the drop-off of about 8 to 12 inches on the sides. Often their may be another dirt road off to the side. At one area we saw the Mexicans flying down the dirt road beside us trying to pass and they did. The only paved road is the highway. Other dirt roads are not bad but they may be washboards. Luckily our second rest stop was at a Pemex gas station. Needless to say we filled up. Pemex is the only gas station in Mexico. Its prices are set across the country by the Mexican government. The parking crew arrived in time to set up and grab lunch. The campground was down a dirt road bout a mile. The El Pabellion RV was on the good side of the dunes with the Pacific Ocean on the other side. It was windy but we had protection. Winston and Jack worked together at one end parking the rigs and Dick and Judy did the other end. Linda flagged them in at the office and I went out to the highway and flagged them down and talked them in over the CB. We got them all in with only one problem, David turned to go into his site and when he hesitated he got stuck in the sand. With help from many he soon got out. We had another Fiesta.
February 1 and we drove to downtown San Quintin with Dick & Judy. We walked the main street going into a Mercardo (grocery store or supermarket) where the only thing we bought was toilet paper (4 rolls that are half as tall as US and half as large). We wandered through a novelty store that every type of candy, paper goods, piñatas, anything for a party. We when into a pandered - bakery (and bought some rolls and a doughnut). The Mexican bakery is not like American. Usually only un-sweet items are sold there. The sweet items are sold at another store. We checked out a Pharmacia. Soon we began picking up or guessing many of the words. Now if we could just do the same with the money. We headed back to the campground. The number of places selling things alongside the road is unbelievable. Many are little taco stores that are open air – anything to make a little money. The people seem so poor. As you drive highway 1 on each side are the stores but between on each side is a dirt road that often the Mexicans drive on. They drive crazy and fast. It was difficult to believe it was Sunday although we did notice in the plaza at the band shell a group was singing. They were dressed up. We got back and it wasn’t long before we had to gather our drinks and silver so we could go to the cookout. We had all been given our steaks to keep in our own refrigerators and the cookout committee had fixed potatoes, avocadoes and corn on the cob. Mmmm good! Afterwards we had a nice campfire followed by the driver’s meeting. Our time was coming to move again.
February 1 and we drove to downtown San Quintin with Dick & Judy. We walked the main street going into a Mercardo (grocery store or supermarket) where the only thing we bought was toilet paper (4 rolls that are half as tall as US and half as large). We wandered through a novelty store that every type of candy, paper goods, piñatas, anything for a party. We when into a pandered - bakery (and bought some rolls and a doughnut). The Mexican bakery is not like American. Usually only un-sweet items are sold there. The sweet items are sold at another store. We checked out a Pharmacia. Soon we began picking up or guessing many of the words. Now if we could just do the same with the money. We headed back to the campground. The number of places selling things alongside the road is unbelievable. Many are little taco stores that are open air – anything to make a little money. The people seem so poor. As you drive highway 1 on each side are the stores but between on each side is a dirt road that often the Mexicans drive on. They drive crazy and fast. It was difficult to believe it was Sunday although we did notice in the plaza at the band shell a group was singing. They were dressed up. We got back and it wasn’t long before we had to gather our drinks and silver so we could go to the cookout. We had all been given our steaks to keep in our own refrigerators and the cookout committee had fixed potatoes, avocadoes and corn on the cob. Mmmm good! Afterwards we had a nice campfire followed by the driver’s meeting. Our time was coming to move again.
Estero Beach stop 2
January 29th and Scott’s birthday - At 10:30 our group, the last one, was ready to go. Our 8 rigs lined up and started off. Frank was caboose and he had an excellent CB. We got on I-5 and headed south for our big adventure. We crossed the border – all of us got green lights to keep going. The day before we had seen how backed up the getting into the USA side was. They have about 4 lanes and still can’t handle all of the traffic. Vendors go up and down with their carts selling tacos and drinks. We skirted Tijuana on the toll way around the west side alongside the Rio Grande River. It was an interesting trip – nice four lane road with 3 toll stops, about 76 pesos each time. We all kept together and had no trouble. The scenery was interesting. We got our introduction to some of the poverty we would see and also some of the beautiful homes that Americans are building along that stretch. We were headed to Ensenada and the Estero Beach Resort and RV Park. We certainly were glad to see the welcoming wave of the red flags of our parkers. It was a nice campground. We could see the water and walked along a semi-paved path when we went for our dinner. The homes in the resort were interesting. The resort has been in existence for over 50 years and some of the trailers with some homes built around them have been their since time began for the resort. Others are beautiful homes still being built. There were not many people that we saw. We had a fiesta (what is known in most caravans as a GAM – get acquainted meeting) soon after we arrived. Usually 5 rigs get together for about an hour with snacks and learn about each other. This was followed by a meal at the resort.
January 30 and breakfast is served at the resort restaurant. It was a great meal – a beautiful fruit plate followed by a plate full of food including huevos ranchero (eggs with a tortilla shell on the bottom, then eggs and salsa over the top), refried beans and tortillas. After we had finished we wandered over to the museum on the resort grounds. What a wonderful small museum. Our guide was the owner. He is over 80 and so impressive. He described the areas and pointed out some of the items. He has unbelievable collection of valuable historical items.
Afterwards we wandered through the resort. Then Norm & Lois and we decided to follow Tom & Penny, Linda and Dick and Judy as they were going to La Bufadore. It is an area about 25 miles from Estero Beach where the water goes into a crevice and there is a big blow when it moves back and forth. There was also a market area. We noticed that many of the places were closed but we enjoyed looking anyway. After wandering down the hill through all of the vendors and seeing the blow we ambled back to one of the restaurants. All of us decided it was time to eat again. We enjoyed a nice meal in an outdoor café overlooking the water. What a life – someone needs to lead it!
One thing we have to get used to is, if they want to let the person behind know they can pass, they turn their left signal on. That is fine unless they really want to turn. We still don’t know how they indicate they are turning. We had our driver’s meeting when we suddenly were reminded that we would be on parking duty. The more we thought about it, the more worried we became about our diesel. We had not been able to get off the freeway (I-8) when we were coming into San Diego. Then we were told not to stop and get diesel since we were leaders and then we discovered that we were parkers at the next stop and still would not be able to get diesel. The problem was if we get below ½ in the tank the generator is not happy, not to mention that the next campground had no electric. We had our driver’s meeting to prepare to travel the next day.
January 30 and breakfast is served at the resort restaurant. It was a great meal – a beautiful fruit plate followed by a plate full of food including huevos ranchero (eggs with a tortilla shell on the bottom, then eggs and salsa over the top), refried beans and tortillas. After we had finished we wandered over to the museum on the resort grounds. What a wonderful small museum. Our guide was the owner. He is over 80 and so impressive. He described the areas and pointed out some of the items. He has unbelievable collection of valuable historical items.
Afterwards we wandered through the resort. Then Norm & Lois and we decided to follow Tom & Penny, Linda and Dick and Judy as they were going to La Bufadore. It is an area about 25 miles from Estero Beach where the water goes into a crevice and there is a big blow when it moves back and forth. There was also a market area. We noticed that many of the places were closed but we enjoyed looking anyway. After wandering down the hill through all of the vendors and seeing the blow we ambled back to one of the restaurants. All of us decided it was time to eat again. We enjoyed a nice meal in an outdoor café overlooking the water. What a life – someone needs to lead it!
One thing we have to get used to is, if they want to let the person behind know they can pass, they turn their left signal on. That is fine unless they really want to turn. We still don’t know how they indicate they are turning. We had our driver’s meeting when we suddenly were reminded that we would be on parking duty. The more we thought about it, the more worried we became about our diesel. We had not been able to get off the freeway (I-8) when we were coming into San Diego. Then we were told not to stop and get diesel since we were leaders and then we discovered that we were parkers at the next stop and still would not be able to get diesel. The problem was if we get below ½ in the tank the generator is not happy, not to mention that the next campground had no electric. We had our driver’s meeting to prepare to travel the next day.
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