March 12, 2018
Day 19 & 20 – La Paz
From Todo Santos with full bellies we headed north east to La Paz for our second visit. We were able to witness the painting process of the authentic Mexican pottery pieces at Ibarra’s Pottery. After purchasing our pieces, we spent the afternoon on the Malecon. We couldn’t wait to get back to the little taco shop that we found on the first visit. Vicki, Dick and Chauko (Puppy Mascot) were dropping off our caravan tomorrow, which was full of mixed emotions! We were also going to be saying goodbye to Murray and Merlyn, in Mulege as they chosed to stay to visit with their family. We also welcomed a new couple, Glen and Frances with their four legged kid (Chi). So we celebrated the comings and goings, as a group in “Amigo” style with games, a pot luck dinner and topped the night off with a special farewell cake around the fire pit.
Day 21 – Puerto Escondido
Wow! We pulled into the parking lot at the marina in Puerto Escondido. What a beautiful place to park for an evening. We were surrounded by outstanding views of the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range and beautiful views of the marina. It was full of sail boats and yachts. A walk about by some of he gang and their 4 legged kids took them around the many developments that have been started but not finished as you enter the marina. Snacks and beverages were enjoyed at the roof top cafe before starting up the BBQ’s. The next mornings sunrise was spectacular as it rose over the sea and lit up the mountain range. Rather than waking up to roosters, most of us were up early to witness the sunrise and its colours.
Day 22 & 23 – Mulege
The drive today was amazing. The sunny skies, the calm sea and the mountain ranges gifted us with views that were so picture perfect. The coast line was truly from a tropical magazine as we drove the curvy roads and looked down at the white sand boon docking coves. When we past the Santispac campsite we all had the same thoughts. Ohhhh Ahhhh! But onward we drove to the Hotel Serenidad which is located on the Mulege River. This is we parked for the next two days. A quick trip into town to drop of our laundry, pick up supplies and of course a little shopping. We enjoyed the Saturday night pig roast (ribs) with about 75 people. The margaritas flowed once again while Tomas presented a slide show to the Amigos. Tomas was able to capture the most amazing photos of the Whale tour, the many beaches, hiking, fishing, driving around the bends, and each of the Amigos.
On day two we toured around Mulege, visiting the lighthouse, prison (which was closed), the mission and its fabulous views. Some of the Amigos hiked around the Lighthouse and some of us climbed the stairs. When we arrived at the mission, the church service was still in session. However, the bells were ringing upon our arrival! The views of the river and the town of Mulege, from the top of the mission, looked like you could be in South America on the Amazon river. So tropical and so green. We ventured back into town were we had lunch and enjoyed some shopping for souvenirs. Back to the RV park, we wound down by meeting a few amigos at the pool side and played “Threes”, a Belizian dice game. Guess who won?
Day 24 – Guerrero Negro
It was a bit of longer drive today from Mulege to Guerrero Negro. Today we went into town to pick up some supplies and we really wanted to find Tony’s Tacos, but he wasn’t there. Back to Mario’s RV park we joined the rest of the amigos at the restaurant on site. Lobster, scallops and fish were enjoyed immensely by the amigos. Early to bed in preparation for our departure to Bahia del Los Angeles.
Day 25 & 26 Bahia De Los Angeles (Bay of Angels)
After turning off of Hwy 1 and driving to Bahia De Los Angeles everyone was excited to spend some time at the beach again. Before descending down the hill to this sleepy little fishing village, we were presented with the views of the small islands that line the towns beach front. Walks along the beach at Daggett’s Beach Camping, to the light house, shell collecting and relaxation was on the agenda for the afternoon. The next morning we were presented with another outstanding sunrise and a calm sea. The kayaks and quad came out for some play time, before we ventured out on the excursion. Joel picked us up in his 15 person passenger van and took us to the Museo De Naturaleza Y Cultura (museum), the onyx church, Lucy’s gallery and the view point. The museo was impressive for such a small venue.
You could easily spend a hour or more looking a old pictures, reading some history and looking at all of the artifacts. To top off our tour, Joel took us to “China’s” a little road side taco stand were we treated him and ourselves to yet more great tacos! Back to the RV park for an enjoyable afternoon on the beach with some more kayaking and strolls. A birthday was celebrated with “special gifts” and a cake that were crafted by the amigos. Both evenings at Bahia De Los Angeles were spent around the fire pit with many laughs and very real ghost stories!
Day 27 – Lazaro Cardenas
After a very long day of driving today we pulled into a little seaside community Lazaro Cardenas . We parked in a private parking lot facing the bay. It was so quiet and tranquil. After having a small rest we all met at the Molino Viejo restaurant for our last hosted dinner. As each meal came out excitement for your own dinner to arrive was unbearable. Lobster, steaks, stuffed bacon wrapped prawns, stuffed mushrooms, fajitas, wine and margaritas were all top notch. A Mariachi band played while all the amigos were once again very full and happy!
Day 28 – Valle De Guadalupe (Our last full day in Mexico)
It was an easy drive today through San Quintin and Ensenada, then through the wine country to our destination in the Valle De Guadalupe. Once we arrived at Rancho Sordo Mudo RV park. This RV park was special, as it is part of the Christian-based residential school for deaf children in Mexico. We were fortunate enough to deliver some donations of food, clothes and money. We had about an hour to freshen up and have a snack before heading to the L.A. Cetto winery. The L.A Cetto winery is one of the oldest winters in Mexico founded an Italian, Angelo Cetto who started the business in 1928. The family history and growth of the winery was explained in great detail. I especially loved the story of the wine festival, where they have grape crushing competitions, which leads to bull riding and partying for 14 hours! After the tour we had the privilege to sample the wines. The Valle De Guadalupe also has orchards of olives! Guess what I purchased! Balsamic and oil! YUM!
Day 29
It was an early start at 7 am to take our Amigos to the boarder, which was an hour away. It was a somber morning. We all said our special good byes, with us girlies trying not to cry. I was never told by my boss that I would have such emotions at the end of the trip. The drive to the border reminded me of the series “survivor”. As we are driving knowing the end was near, I couldn’t help reminiscing of everything that we accomplished over the past 28 days. I tried to crack a couple of funnies over the radios, to try and break the silence but it didn’t work that well. I think reality was setting in. This is it – we have completed our very first Baja Amigos Caravan Tour. Lorne and I are so grateful for the couples that toured with us. We all had such great life stories to share and the stories lasted 28 days! We loved that we had such a connection with each and every one of you.
Until we meet again – Hasta la vista
Lorne and Josie
