Our Time in San Felipe and onwards

January 13th, 2014

It was sunshine and coffee outside this a.m.!  What more can you ask for?   We are 5 steps from the beach!

We had visitors from Yuma (and Nanaimo) today, Mike and Reet and their dog came down from Yuma to stay for a couple of days (actually they ultimately extended their stay to be closer to a week) and over the next couple of days we immensely enjoyed their company during Happy Hour and dinner hour! 

We explored the town by foot and vehicle over the next couple of days and it was readily apparent that there were very few tourists and the town is quite desolate.  The Mexicans living there who are trying to make a living are very desperate.  It appears that the North Americans who came the previous five years and built and spent their money freely are no longer there.  So many half built developments and vacant homes.  Quite sad . .

January 16th

On the Road to Ensenada this a.m..  Back through the same military checkpoint.  Again, we were separated from our partners when they gassed up their vehicle.  It seems our communication skills could be better!  Anyways, we waited for them at the military checkpoint after our RV was thoroughly checked over and then re-commenced the journey.  Within 5 minutes after the turnoff to Ensenada and the previous checkpoint, there was another military checkpoint and our RV was checked AGAIN!!  Please note, that due to our partners having a boat/motor strapped to the back door of their camper, they have yet to open their RV for inspection.  The military personnel are very polite, but also very curious about the RV.  They open all the drawers, knock on walls, and check everything!
Went through a 3rd military checkpoint in Ojos Negros and yes, we were checked again!  Its actually becoming quite boring having our RV checked; in addition to frustrating as they are dirtying up the floor with their dust/sand covered boots!!
Arrived in Ensenada, and stayed at Estero Beach Hotel and RV.  The resort is very luxurious, but the RV park section only had 4 RV'ers in it and the hotel maybe had 1/2 dozen people.  Where are all the tourists?  Very curious . .
Enjoyed the hot tub in the evening after a lovely walk along the lagoon and ocean!

January 17th

We left early and drove 7 hours to Catavina.  Narrow roads (read . . NO shoulders) and rough pavement.  There were 6 detours; some 1 km or more long.  We went through 3 military checkpoints and no inspections!  Arrived at Rancho St. Ines at 3:00 and dry camped in a big sandy lot on the edge of the desert.  We were the first 2 RV's to pull in and then 3 others; one from Gabriola Island.  Prior to our arrival here, we had driven through vineyards, desert, and produce fields.

January 18th

Left Rancho St. Ines at 7:00 a.m. and drove for 6 hours to San Ignacio.  Visited the small, quaint village and visited the restored mission.  Beautiful . . walls made of lava rock 4 feet thick.  We went through 3 military checkpoints today/ 1 with a full RV check.

January 19th

Woke to the rooster crowing early and left for Playa Santispac.  The road passed through the Sierra San Francisco where you need to keep your speed low as there are so many curves.  We crossed lava flows from Las Tres Virgines where the last significant action was around1847.  THEN came the long descent to the Gulf of California!  The steepest grade (12%) called "Cuesta del Infierno" (Grade to Hell) is approx. 3 km long and is the steepest grade on Mex 1.  Whoa, this journey is not for the faint of heart!! 
Passed through Santa Rosalia, and old mining area for copper ore which is starting to boom again.  The church in town was designed by A.G. Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame, and due to the French influence most of the town buildings are built of wood.  The only town on the Baja peninsula to do so.
We arrived at Playa Santispac and are parked feet from the ocean again.

January 20th

Enjoyed coffee outside on the beach with the gulls!  Fresh produce, baked goods (still warm), agua and seafood are delivered to your door, starting at 7:30 a.m.
During the last week we have passed a number of cyclists travelling on the HWY and one in particular, we have passed several times.  Tom is his name and he is camped next to us this evening.  He is from the UK and started riding in September from Alaska.  We invited him over for dinner and he filled us in on his travels . . an amazing young man!

January 21st

Laundry, lunch and shopping in Mulege today; plus some kayaking.  Very calm seas.  This evening a couple from Fairwinds in Nanoose camped next to us. .  such a small world.

January 22nd

Kayaked for a couple of hours today and made fish and chips for dinner from the halibut we bought this a.m. at our doorstep!  Spotted dolphins frolicking in the bay about 100 yards offshore while we were having Happy Hour.  This evening a couple from Surrey pulled in two RV's over . . again, small world!

Jan. 23rd

Woke to a very low battery this a.m.  11% charge BIG PROBLEM!  Our neighbour Francisco (an engineering genious) came over to check it out and came up with nothing.  Once the sun came up within 2 hours the battery was charged back up to 100% but what was the issue?
Went kayaking through the mangrove lagoon and spotted heron and egret in there.
At about dusk I went for a walk to the banos, and lo and behold, there was a light on at the front of the RV which neither of us had turned on!  It appears that when I was washing the front of the Rv down, I had hit the light switch and it had been on for around 36 hours and therein was the solution to our battery problem.
Went for a fireside Happy Hour at a couple's from Kelowna.

Jan. 24th

Sunrise spectacular this a.m.  Jumped out of bed and took a picture . . stunning blues, pinks, reds!  Headed for Loreto and arrived a couple of hours later; after passing a semi tractor trailer flipped over on one of the dangerous curves that we are travelling!  and pulling a U'y on the highway because we had missed the entrance to town.  Frank will never be the same after this trip!!
The town of Loreto has been promoted by the Mexican government, similar to Cancun, Ixtapa, and Huatulco.  Lovely little town catering to North Americans; meaning somewhat expensive!  Visited the museum next to the restored mission which detailed the history of the area.