Little town with a big history.
We woke up to calm warm sunrise and the sea was silky smooth and glistening in the sun.
Today we left the beach and Bahia Concepcion. A short journey took us to Loreto on the Sea of cortez, for two nights camping at Rivera Del Mar.
We arrived at noon and after lunch the group went on an excursion to the beautiful Zocalo (town center) for a walk around town taking in the sites along the tree lined streets that offer restaurants, shops, cafes, hotels, museum, mission church -the oldest in Baja.
Loreto is an attractive town full of activity and interesting sites. There are several 18th century buildings which are considered historical monuments. They are not hidden away but are part of the down town area as is the Jesuit museum and Mission Church. The two oldest missions in Baja are here; the oldest in Loreto and the second oldest in nearby San Havier.
World famous cave painting sites are nearby here as well.
Loreto was the first permanent settlement in the California’s including the USA. It was the capital for 132 years. Growing up from a sleepy village to the popular tourist attraction it is today.
The malecon (the water front) is fairly new and great for a stroll.
Everything is within walking distance from the RV Park.
The group had a nice walk about town then some met Dom for a ride home while a few walked home. Back at the Park the afternoon was spent leisurely; showering, wi-fying, resting, reading and visiting. Our laundry chores were in the hands of the laundry angel. When RV Parks are full as it is here wi-fi connections are very poor and sometimes only occasionally I get on with my dinosaur on which I like to type the blogs. I’m not into blogging on a cell phone size keyboard which would likely get the blog out there but I would have gone mad by then.
Evening arrived and Dom & I strolled into town to see what we could see; checked in on a couple of our favorite spots and decided on pizza and a glass of wine at Mezzaluna. It was a lovely warm evening to be out and about.
When we arrived back about 8 pm the Park was quiet; one set of lights were on, another Baja midnight for the group.
This morning was warm and setting up for a hot sunny day. Dom took the group on an excursion up a mountain to San Javier the site of the second oldest Spanish mission in Baja. San Javier was initially founded by a Jesuit missionary in 1699. Today a small village of people keep the area alive and the once deserted now restored church is maintained by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History.
The group was impressed with the beautiful church with its well preserved baroque appearance and golden altar. The church is well worth the drive up the mountain and the ancient olive tree in the back yard got just as much awe from the group.
It is a nice place to wander around.
Stuart & Liz went kayaking today and enjoyed their exploration. Liz came back with shells to share with the ladies.
Back in Loreto the group visited Conchitas Curios, Gifts and Craft Shop; this is a really classy place to root around in and find that special something. Shirley did not find chili pepper pot holders which are on her list. Even if you don’t buy it is a lovely place to visit. Conchita is friendly and helpful. A few of us found choice items and then went for lunch. Everyone walked back to the Park for a nice quiet afternoon.
Tonight was our hosted Fiesta Night Dinner at Giggling Dolphin. Food was good, music was good, and the company was definitely good; we enjoy each others company.
Farming Belt of Baja
We are definitely into the hot weather; warm mornings and evenings and hot afternoons.
We had a later departure today so the group enjoyed a leisurely morning. A short drive took us inland to the farming belt of Baja and Ciudad Constitucion. Oranges are in season and we spotted fields of broccoli.
Ciudad Constitución is the fourth largest city in Baja. Growing up from a ranch at a crossroads where people started gathering it grew into the commercial hub and travel stop it is today.
It is the gateway to near by Magdalena Bay where whales come to mate and give birth. The bay is also known for fishing and kayaking.
We arrived to Cuidad Constitucion just before noon and stopped for an hour at Super Ley to grocery shop for the next 4 days. After today we will be beach camping for two nights so we need to be supplied. Also we will be having a pot luck and campfire on the beach.
Just a few kilometers down the road we arrived to Palapa 206 Motel and full service RV park. Everyone settled in and enjoyed the hot afternoon.
Liz bought a big bag of oranges and shared them with everyone before she juiced the rest. A perfect day for a drink of freshly squeezed oranges. Thank you Liz.
We had a really nice happy hour at Stuart & Liz’s, and Harold & Carol’s RV. Mike the owner of Palapa 206 was not home otherwise he would have been here visiting with the group. Mike’s dogs came over to play with our dogs.
It’s off to the beach we go
A fog set in just after everyone was up and around. We had an early start today because of a longer drive and we want to get to the beach as early as possible. Our destination being Tecolote for 2 nights of beach camping (boon docking).
The fog burned off before too long and the day became another hot one.
The roads were busy and we encountered construction just north of La Paz. The construction had come a long way since our January trip.
Playa Tecolote (meaning the owl) is located at the tip of a short peninsula which juts into the Sea of Cortez. A beautiful place for camping; warm days and cool nights with water perfect for swimming and kayaking. Many RVers spend their winters here. On the way to Tecolote we pass by Pichlingue the ferry terminal where ferries travel to and from Topolobampo and Mazatlan on mainland Mexico.
We arrived at the beach just passed noon and after lunch Stuart launched his kayak. He & Liz disappeared around the point and found a quiet spot to snorkel where they found a young sea lion hiding amongst the coral reef. I walked along the beach with Harold & Carol, the others lounged and walked. Dom, Kacey, Shirley & Linda always took time to read and had a book swap.
Happy hour was a friendly chatty time as usual and just after sunset we all went off to our Rv’s for dinner. A few sat together later again; the night was lovely. Dom & I enjoyed a quiet evening outside as we stared at the stars and talked about sleeping outside in our chairs then thought better of it once Dom realized it wouldn’t last because eventually he would have to turn on his tummy.
The next morning as we enjoyed an early walk with our dog Grady on the beach we met Stu & Liz also enjoying a walk with their dog Stitch. When we returned Stu & Mike came looking for Dom and his shovel to help someone stuck in the sand but by the time they got there the vehicle was out.
The wind that came up during the night had settled and after breakfast the kayaks were launched. Just about everyone had their turn with the kayaks and the stand up board. Carl had lots of practice getting in and out of his light as a feather single kayak. Talking about falling out of kayaks; Dom flipped Grady and I out of our kayak as he was trying to get in. Normally he gets in first then I do but for some reason we changed it and it worked against us. Harold didn’t want to miss out on an experience so he tipped out of the single kayak. The ladies are usually handy with their cameras so no doubt our mishaps are recorded.
Dom and I took Grady out with us and just before reaching shore we put him in the water so he could practice swimming. He did well last year but hasn’t had much opportunity for swimming since last season. He did well.
Stitch swims well and loved chasing his ball into the water. Sophie the puppy is socializing really well and enjoys trying to keep up with the other dogs.
Grady says “whats going on, is there food?”
Mike was a riot as he fished; he kept walking into the water until all we could see of him was his head, eventually he reached a sandbar. He didn’t catch anything but it was fun.
Pictures of Mike have been confiscated by the Mexican fishery and wildlife department, because it sent too many people in over their head.
The ladies did some shell picking and shared ideas about what could be done with them.
The dogs had a wonderful time running and playing in and out of the water.
Water play is all finished, the kayaks and life jackets are drying and we are all enjoying a lazy end to our afternoon in the sun.
Happy hour was fun then around 6 pm the pot luck food started arriving and we all feasted. George treated the group to a most delicious tres leche cake. After dinner we relaxed around the fire pit.
An early night for all.
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Sierra de la Laguna Mountains
Another lovely morning and we leave the beach for Rancho Verde RV Haven in the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains.
Dom caused a little excitement on the way off the beach this morning. He got stuck in the sand. George unhooked his truck from his 5th wheel and came to the rescue. Not much effort and we were out. The group hooted and clapped. The local dog responded to the joy of the group and started running around and gave Dom a lick on his ear as Dom unhooked the tow rope. Every camera in the group, including mine took photos of this momentous event.
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Back on the road the journey went smoothly. Saturday morning found La Paz fairly quiet and it seemed in no time we arrived to El triunfo. El Triunfo is a former mining town nestled in the Sierra de la Laguna. We stopped here for a walk around town to take in the sites ( smelter towers of the old mine, church, piano museum which was closed, artesian shops) and have brunch at the EL Triunfo Cafe. Bunch was not a disappointment and we also bought bread and treats from the bakery at the front of the restaurant. The sour dough bread and the scones and cinnamon buns are irresistible.
San Antonio is another small town we passed through today. It has the honors of being the capital of Baja for 2 years.
Around 1 pm we arrived to Rancho Verde, a refreshing place to stop for the day.
