It’s Potrero once again, and we are meeting our new group on glorious sunshine, no wind, no rain. The trees are all sprouting, and spring is near, here in SoCal.
A quick trip in the van over to the border to get tourist permits, and it’s back to enjoying a perfect day. At 3pm we convene for the Rendezvous Reception, and we get to hear each others stories, and share information about the upcoming adventure that we will all be on together. Everyone is so amiable, it looks like a great start to the trip.
Hi Pat!
Day 1 sees us all lined up at the border, getting inspected. For the first time, we’re asked for Grady’s papers; good thing they’re up to date! It’s an easy crossing though, and very soon we are slowly leaving Tecate behind, and seeing the riot of colour and mayhem that is Mexico.
The road is nicer now, and large stretches are repaired or even new road over the mountains in glorious, well shouldered, shiny new 2 lane highway.
Wine groves, olive groves dot the landscape as we meander along, taking in the sights. Ensenada comes soon, and we see there is a cruise ship in dock. Expecting tourists all over the road, we enter the downtown strip, and find few. The ships horn sounds 8 times, I guess it was time for them to leave anyway.
Villarena is quiet as usual, no Adolpho to chat with this time, a shame. He is a highlight for me here, with his stories of miracles and God.
La Bufadora spouts well, and all are properly impressed by the magnificence of nature, once again. The vendors are busy with so many people, I was surprised we could still drive right down to the municipal parking lot. It’s a lot closer for those who don’t walk distances easily.
A lovely night was made nicer by the addition of Wayne and his guitar. He has an extensive repertoire, and soon Yolanda was singing along, even I was tempted to sing. Thankfully for all, I resisted the temptation.
Morning comes, and brings a damp fog…. let’s go south, to another beach! Why not?
Fidels was a good stop for the night, it’s dry, but threatening to rain. Thankfully the rain holds off, and soon enough morning brings dry roads which we can roll out back to the highway with ease.
Catavina and the boulder fields is impressive to say the least. A quick trip to the cave paintings is in order, and it’s a perfect day for it.
Next, its off to Guerrero Negro for the whalewatching. It’s a new experience for all of us at Marios, but they use the very same lagoon that our usual supplier does: Scammons. It’s a rough ride though, seas are high, and the pangas are battered around. One boat sees whales close by, but the other has a more difficult time of it. It’s an adventure for sure. 12 tired Baja Amigos return, mostly satisfied, but all thrilled by the whole experience.
Again we set off for new territory, and it’s Rice&Beans at San Ignacio.
A quick tour about town reveals it’s charms. the Zocola is lovely, and the mission is sparkling. The dates are in season, and date shakes, date cake, date cake, are available. And enjoyed.
Evening brings on the legendary Oswaldo/Ricardo Margaritas, which are still spectacularly sublime. Excellent food and company send us off to another cool evenings sleep.
Here you all are:
Morning sees the caravan leaving under thick cloud, which morphs into foggy spots, right up to the volcano Las Tres Virjenes, which spectacularly appears from cloud and fog to reveal it’s full splendour. Quite a sight to see it break out of the mist!
But it’s beach day, and after fueling up at Mulege (actually, after waiting for the Pemex station to get their power back on) the few miles to Santispac beach reveal a lightly used beach, where we get ourselves around one of the new palapas that have appeared along the west end of the strip. It’s big enough for us all to shelter from the heat of the sun, which is finally upon us.
It’s resting time, but the lure of 2 for 1 margaritas has us all scurrying off to the bar at 5pm. Woohoo! it’s good, and none of us have to drive tomorrow! it’s dancing, and general Wednesday goofiness all round. The music starts us all doing the aging gringo step dance, and nearly all of us are happy.
Food is fine, margaritas flow freely, smiles all round. Good times on Santispac, and Armando’s Bar!
Our next day involves a very laborious and intense session of sitting about, doing nothing. I get the paddleboard off, but no one wants to go, so I just paddle off to go look at the pelicans, bluefooted boobies, oyster catchers, and seagulls which hide on the far side of the nearby island. It’s sublime, peaceful, serene, all those things in spades. It’s an island that’s easy to reach, and well worth the time.
Next time: Loretto, a precious gem.
