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.
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