And so, as with all good things, other good things are only just around the corner. BEACH time! Playa Tecolote greets us with a heavy onshore breeze, which defeated Jim and Glenda’s plan to kayak over to Isla Guardia. BooHoo 🙁
A hike up to “Bart Simpson’s Nose.” (a famous local hill formation,) proved a great hit, but then Jack decided to fall down the hill. Not having a Jill to do that with, he promply landed on a cactus bush, a nice sharp rock, and Diane. All this just to take away attention from the main event: the girls pantomime, skit, and general derision, aimed squarely at someone on the tour. Can’t be named. Had a Birthday. Was married to Christine Brinkley. And Diane. Not at the same time.
But no, the attention was still properly steered to the birthday cake (thankyou so very much) and the fabulous firethatJack+Riemerbuilt (again).
All enjoyed the mirth and sillyness, until Baja Midnight (9pm) came roaring along, and everyone went to bed.
Bernd climbed up on top of his rig, did a jig, and took this fine picture of the crew, It was a good day. (Except for Jack’s elbow/tennis ball).
Of course, when we were leaving Tecolote, the wind died down. As if to say “…just kidding, it’s actually paradise here”. Well it was, but we’ve got appointments to keep.
El Triunpho and brunch at the Caffe was just a lovely treat for us all. The food is good, and the bread is excellent. Nice to see that the service has improved slightly, and they brought around pieces of that great sourdough bread,and butter, make the waiting easier. A delightful repast.
Then on to the high desert and Rancho Verde. It’s pretty, and quiet. Happy hour was it’s usual fun, and in the morning, the temperature was a rather shocking 1 (one)degree Celcius! It’s 550 Metres up, and boy, do those meters change the nighttime temperature! Anyway, it was a nice rest from that noisy old surf, all night long 😉
The Tropic of Cancer was next on the agenda. We all lined up and had a quick look around. Then off for propane, Walmart, and into Villa Serena RV Park for 3 nights of looking around, eating, and general holiday fun.
A quick trip to town to go see the glass blowing factory, and they were giving a demo of their art as we arrived. Good stuff.
Off for the tour of old town, and the harbour, then to Vags for reservations.
Peter and Joe at J&P’s Restaurant were attendant hosts, and of course Margaritas flowed like…. wine, yeah, that’s it. Dancing broke out, and then more dancing. Bob and Jane lead the charge to the dancefloor, and suddenly there we all were, jiggling around to the Eagles, and then Roy Orbison. Baja Midnight came and went, and just as they were calling the papparatzi, it was all over.
Back to Villa Serena, everyone poured out of the van, and a great night at Vags was done again.
Next day, it’s a tour of the giant warehouse that is Artisanos. Always an interesting store with better quality ceramics than many places, and TONS of selection.
Then the cute downtown of San Jose was lovely. The government was setting up seats in the street, and a stage, and TVs, as they were about to announce just what it had done in the first 100 days after being elected: we should get our guys to do that….
Supper at Lattitude 22 was good. I think they are definitely improved over last year. Always an interesting atmosphere, that’s for sure!
BEACH Day!
Off for a nice relaxing swim at Playa Santa Maria. Lots of snorkelling fun, and a nice 2 hours of people watching as well. This beach is much changed from last year: there are now palapas, shelters, garbage cans, formal parking area, lifeguard, 2 (TWO) portapotties, and a cordoned off swim area to separate the boat/boat people from the shore swimmers. It works very well, and made me feel as though there had been some thought put into it.
But it’s getting busy. Even on a Thursday, it’s parking lot filled up quickly.
Happy Hour at Playa Medana was as interesting as ever: Victor came by selling his lemon wood boxes, the t-shirt lady came, as did many others. Margaritas once again flowed freely, Diane’s munchies disappeared, and we toasted the sunset of another beautiful day. Guess where? In Paradise!
Friday sees us getting ready to turn the corner and start heading north. Sometimes it seems like…. this is the end, it’s just a drive home now. Nothing could be further from the truth! Our stop at Los Cerritos Surf Colony proves that Baja has much more to offer. Glorious beach, clean (COLD) pool, with a swim up bar, Teresa greeted us so nicely, it is a real pleasure to be here again. Fully half of the tour braved the surf and enjoyed mid-sized surf that alternately thrills, and alarms the unwary. Glenda finally got to use her boogie board for something other than a RV decoration!
Evening sees us in the van again, off to Pesacdero and a hosted “back street” Mexican feast. Jose at Las Pasaditas does a great job of Papas Rellenos, and most folk enjoyed their first taste of this traditional Baja dish. It’d good, and filling, but all too soon we’re done and heading back to the rigs for another fire lit night of chatter and laughs, under a perfect full moon. Excellente!
Todos Santos trip was lovely, which is a designated “Puebla Magica” in Mexico. The roads and sidewalks are greatly improved this year. Perhaps the 16% IVA (sales tax) is actually being put to good use). Hotel California was a great draw, but slow service is their specialty. A nice, but hot, day and fun for all ages. Evening by the pool saw some enjoying a really good meal, impeccably presented and tasty indeed.
Onward, to La Paz!
