Travel Day 5 started with the whale tour and in the words of our group ” it was amazing” and ” it was a whale of a good time” .
A short driving day; we left the Pacific Ocean to venture inland to the middle of the desert to San Ignacio a date palm oasis. Rice and Beans our campground in San Ignacio was mostly empty when we arrived at mid afternoon but by nightfall the spaces filled up. Some of the Baja Amigos tried the Margueritas, and declared it a winner….. so far. Improving food, and happy staff at Ricardo’s place make it worth the price. The excursion into town passes through the date palms which tower high above us and can grow to 80 feet tall. In town we walked around the square and had a look see at the magnificent mission church of San Ignacio which is built of lava rock and has walls 4 feet thick. It is still used by the local community. I like the museum here because it is small and impressive, not to much to take in. The museum has a cave complete with paintings and it would have been a worthwhile look but it was closed. We wandered the streets, bought ice-cream cones and sat in the square under the massive Trees of India. The ice-cream store also had date pies and cakes which a few of us drooled over and could hardly wait for the Senora to finnish serving ice-cream cones. San Ignacio Lagoon is another wintertime sanctuary for the Gray Whales.
Day 6 & 7 were beach days at Bahia Concepcion. a popular destination for snowbirds. Getting there; was a short impressive trek from inland to the Sea of Cortez, passing by 3 dormant volcanoes and traversing the steep and winding decent to Santa Rosalia and our first glimpse of the Sea of Cortez. In Santa Rosalia, a copper mining town, we had our first body break of the day and a walk along the rocky shores. George and Marilyn found a couple of seaside treasures. Neil & Marilyn,s RV got its drivers mirror clipped by a semi on the twisty winding road; very little damage on the very well built mirrors.
Avast there, ye landlubbers! Prepare to be boarded.At midday we arrived to Playa Santispac, one of 12 beaches along Bahia Concepcion, and settled ourselves for 2 days of beach fun. Bev was the first one to wade in the water. For some it meant lounging in the sun, for others it was time to get in the kayaks and enjoy a tour around the bay. George and Rudy had a really good time touring in and out of the little bays. Dom took Christine out on her first time in a kayak. She is convinced she wants one now, so Norm, you better make room on your RV. Cliff took the single kayak out, Dom had a quick go around on the SUP board and Diane also enjoyed a quick go around but the wind was kicking up so we didn’t venture too far. Everyone enjoyed walks along the beach and a few ventured further for a more serious hike. Bev found her clippers and gave the guys haircuts, she did a great job despite the heckling.
Visiting and getting to know each other was the highlight.
Beach vendors came by with food and wares and kept us amused and managed to make a few sales, especially food. I have yet to be disappointed with anything we’ve bought over the years; most of the stuff is well made in Mexico and can seem pricey but the vendors love a good negotiation and that is half the fun.
A surprise appearance of Cheryl; one of our tour members from last season found us on the beach. After moments of hugging and greeting we caught up on news. She is with a group of people making a quick trip down to one destination with a couple of stops here and there. It is nice to see people coming back. She said she would see us again next year.
*
Wind came and went which only bothered us when a couple of gusts came while we were in the middle of our potluck meal on the second day. The campfire was perfect as usual with Bruce and Marion supplying wood and keeping the fire going. What a joy this couple is; they are Canadian friends of Baja Amigos and have been traveling here for years to spend winters. They are full of stories and information – but look out for Bruce he’ll spin a yarn with a straight face. A good time was had by all.
Travel Day 8, and another short driving day. We are off to Loreto, one of our favorite towns. For 2 days we’ll explore the town and area. Our drive passes by the other beaches which are also lined with RV’s and palapas which are converted into living quarters. Some are quaintly and uniquely decorated by the snowbirds who are artistic and create interesting and quite unique crafts.
Leaving the water behind we gasp at the mountains that lie beyond us with hazy layers upon layers of craggy peaks. A nice drive gets us into Loreto and after an impressive drive along the main boulevard and malecon, we make our way to Rivera Del Mar RV Park. The Park is pretty with blooming plants and trees. Yolanda works hard to make our stay a good one. It is a full service park and within walking distance to town and the malecon.
After lunch we all piled into the van and went to town. Dom dropped the group off at one end and met them at the other end. On our walk we toured the mission of Nuestra Senora de Loreto, the first and oldest mission in Baja, we walked cobblestoned streets lined with historic buildings, interesting shops, restaurants and hotels and above, the trees are groomed to form a arched walkway. Norman & Christine visited the Jesuit Missions Museum, while others wandered in and out of the shops.
Back at the RV Park each one filled the rest of the day as they wished. Some of us took our laundry to the launderette across the street. I call her one of my “laundry angels” because for not much more than doing it yourself in the coin machines she will wash, dry, fold and have it ready by the end of the day. Everyone caught up on e-mails and had showers. Later on, Rudy & Fae, and George & Beverly went out for their evening meal. Norm & Christine enjoyed a walk on the malecon where they saw families out strolling and children playing. Dom & I took Grady for his evening walk and all the neighborhood dogs barked at him from behind their gated yards. Others of the group stayed in for a quiet evening.
Aside from Grady there are no dogs on this tour but he gets lots of attention from everyone; most are dog people with their own dogs being lovingly cared for by family members back home. So Grady fills the doggy void.
Day 9, Dom’s birthday and before 9 am the group gathered at the van and sang Happy Birthday before getting into the van for their excursion up into the mountains to the village of San Javier and the Mission San Francisco Javier, the second oldest mission in Baja.
Everyone enjoyed the old mission and took lots of photos of the area, and someone found honey for sale in one of the little shops. On the way back to town the group stopped at Del Borracho’s for good burgers and for Christine to snuggle with the local donkey. The next stop was Conchita’s a quaint curio and gift shop for a shopping experience to remember. Fae and Christine bought really nice hats of which I am jealous. Neil & Marilyn, and Cliff & Bev took the opportunity to walk back to the RV Park which is a short distance from Conchita’s. The afternoon was spent leisurely.
Tonight we went out to Giggling Dolphin for our hosted Fiesta night Dinner. The restaurant is a museum of interesting items collected by Ubaldo the owner, and uniquely used in the decor.. The marguerites were good, the food was good and the entertainment was good. The mexican Trio had fun with their music and we laughed and thoroughly enjoyed their enthusiasm. Just before leaving Marilyn got on and peddled the blender bicycle. Back at the RV Park we said goodnight.
And then, it rained. More adventures ensued. But that’s for later.
