February 27, 2018 – Days 0 – 9 With anticipation and overwhelming excitement we finally met all 14 of our Baja Amigo’s on February 9th. Lorne and I hosted a rendezvous where everyone was able to meet each other while enjoying an array of appetizers and beverages. We then went through an orientation of expectations, radio training, driving do’s and don’ts and reviewed the tour itineraries. At the end of the the orientation our Amigos were put at ease and where very ready for the adventures to start!
We happened to arrive in Ensenada during its 100th carnival festival, which meant the Malecon was blocked for the festivities. However we were able maneuvered our way through the city to Punta Bunda. Once camp was set up, the group enjoyed an excursion to La Bufadora where the blow hole was very active and we enjoyed great seafood, tacos and of course margaritas.
The next day (Day 2) we made our way through the Santo Tomas Valley which showcased vineyards and cactus (napoles) farms. The Amigos were very excited when we arrived at Fidel’s in Lazaro Cardenas. The white sandy beach stretch for miles and everyone went for long walks or bike rides before gathering for a gourmet hotdog roast! Lots of laughs and stories were shared around the beach fire.
On Day 3 we drove through the Cativina Boulder fields which reminded us of the cartoon the “Flinstones”. The thousands of boulders were massive and so round. A trip up to the Cave Paintings was a great little hike where everyone enjoyed the many different varieties of desert plants and cave paintings. That evening Oscar and Matilda made the Amigos an authentic Mexican dinner which was enjoyed in the covered picnic area. After being wined and dined an evening of cards was enjoyed!
Day 4 took us to Guerrero Negro in the Baja Sur. After driving past Rocky Hill and through the Cardon Cactus Forest we arrived at Malarrimo’s RV park and hotel. Our Amigos stocked up with some groceries, went on bike rides and walks around town. A wonderful happy hour which included story telling of travel adventures was enjoyed before the fabulous seafood dinner at the hotel. With full bellies everyone turned in early to get ready for their Whale watching tour the next morning.
The Amigos arrived back from the Whale watching tours with so many cool stories. It was an experience that they will never forget. Especially when the baby whales would come up to the sides of the boats for pets. After filling their bellies again with fresh fish and shrimp tacos from Tony’s Taco shop we were on our way to San Ignacio (Day 5)! San Ignacio is a quaint little town with one of the most beautiful missions. It is an oasis that has thousands of date palms. The amigos enjoyed browsing around the town’s centre square while treating themselves to date shakes, ice cream and baked goods. The night was topped off with a dinner and the famous margaritas at Rice and Beans. Full bellies again!
Playa Santispac – Day 6 & 7
Another beautiful drive from San Ignacio to Playa Santispac included the Las Tres Virgenes Volcanoes, lava flows, elephant trees, solar farm and the long steep drive down Devil’s grade. Driving through the towns of Santa Rosalia and Mulege led us to Playa Santispac. There were a lot of excited voices over the radios when the beach at our next stop came into view. Camping right on the beach again! The kayaks, bikes and an ATV were available for the amigos to enjoy. Beach fires, a potluck dinner, hikes along the waters edge was enjoyed by everyone including the our 3 dogs (Lily, Chaulko and Shady). The next morning we were greeted with vendors delivering fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, prawns, lobster, banana bread, tamales and much more. It was hard to leave Play Santispac.
Onward to Loreto (Day 9)
This drive has spectacular views of the Bahia Conception. The coast line is lined with beautiful white sandy beaches that is full of RV’ers. We drove along the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range to Loreto. Today was laundry day! We were all so excited because we could just drop it off and pick it up that evening. Loreto was experienced differently by each of our amigos. Enjoying the Malecon, music in the park, artisan alley, riding bikes and checking out the local pubs and restaurants. A fishing trip was booked for the next morning with three amigos from the group. They came back with 50 pounds of fish which included a sea bass and 2 yellow tail tunas. The rest of the group went on an excursion to the San Javier Mission. The views were spectacular, looking very much like areas of the gran canyon. Our driver took us on a little side tour, to a tree that was huge and growing from a cliff side.
Stay tuned for the next blog to see what was done with the fish!
