In stark contrast with last month, February’s meetup at Potrero is greeted by sunny skies, and wind warnings. Thankfully, at exactly the moment that the rendezvous reception was to begin, the wind died completely, and we could enjoy a nice afternoon getting to know each other. Diane’s array of tasty morsels was a hit, as ever, and as the wine flowed, we explained the ins and outs of this new adventure to our new family.
So soon, the next morning arrived, and everyone is up and chomping at the bit. It’s off to Mexico we go. A very smooth border crossing and drive through Tecate later, we’re roaring in perfect formation along the brand new roadways that have appeared this year in north Baja. It’s a real treat to see so much effort being put into good, and wide, roads. Maybe they’ll fix the really rough sections further down? We’ll see.
Ensenada is an easy Sunday drive, with little traffic in town, and very quickly we’re at Costco’s parking lot for lunch and provisions. Then we’re off to Punta Banda, and Villarimo RV Park. A beautiful day driving is culminated in a serene evening by the ocean. It’s warm, and NOT RAINING! Some of the boys are looking at TV for the Superbowl. Some of us are toasting the dying day. Some are just glad to be here, actually we all are.
At La Bufadora:
Next morning and we’re off to the beach!, the PACIFIC BEACH, and Fidel’s El Pabillon RV Park. Hot breezy weather greets us and after lunch the rest of the glorious afternoon is spent walking on the endless sand with only a couple of Mexican fisherman on the beach besides our happy group. The dogs; Grady, Sophie, Lady, Tucker, Amber and Cricket run and play, enjoying the freedom off leash.
With camera in hand I snap a photo of yet another one of Bajas beautiful sunsets, bright orange red as the men build a lovely fire from the wood that Fidel so dutifully brought for us and everyone arrives for a happy time while we wait for perfect coals for our hot dog roast; a variety of fixings arrive and a really nice evening is had by all.
Next morning, one more wander on the beach and with RVs ready to go the group is circled up ready for a review of the day then we are off to the high desert half way between east and west. The boulder fields contrasted by the green desert plants {lush from previous rains}are a spectacular sight; nature’s rock garden.
At Rancho Santa Inez everyone chooses their camping spot and has lunch. Early afternoon finds them clad in hiking gear for their hike to see cave paintings. This is a lovely setting surrounded by the boulders and desert plants.
We all take advantage of the local family rustic home restaurant where we enjoy a traditional country meal of rice, beans, tacos and enchiladas.
The moon on the horizon is rimmed in orange in a otherwise black starry sky; one just wants to stand and stare above. As Mike can attest, at 4am, braving the boogeyman.
Our clocks set forward to Mountain time, we awaken in the dark for our day driving to Guerrero Negro. An easy day, with the possible exception of Mike&Linda doing an impromptu roadside stop, in the sand, just for the view they say. It’s a long story, but ends well for all.
At Milarrimos’ Diane does a great job of aligning the RVs, and then it’s all cheers when Mike&Linda arrive unscathed and smiling.
Supper at the restaurant is mostly good, and in the morning, the whales beckon!
After much whale taling, we smoothly roll on down the highway for only a few hours, and find ourselves in San Ignacio, a lovely little mission town and date oasis. It’s a quick trip into town, and then it’s all hands on deck for the real margarita testing to begin. Lots of votes for Ricardo and Oswaldo and their version of the perfect concoction. A nice evening of chatter, no-one got lipless, but Trish did have to leave early….. Fun evening, good times. Thanks everyone!
So now we have a drive across to the Sea of Cortez, Santa Rosalia (fix that road, PLEASE!) and our beach for 2 days, Playa Santispac.
Perfect weather is on the menu, and off come the kayaks. Mike inflates his Sea Eagle kayak, and I unload the roof of the van for the first time this tour.
A quiet beach this time, and we find a large area where we nearly all fit together. Judy and Simonne have a 50 yard walk to the get together area in front of the WindBlocker, John&Debbie’s rig. Day 2 brings us to the Potluck, and what a feast was prepared for all. Great food appeared, and was appreciated indeed. Thankyou!
And now, we’re in Loreto, enjoying more lovely hot weather. More next week. Happy, happy.
