David K - 8-2-2005 at 08:55 PM
Tuesday, 7-26-05.
We return to Mex. 1 after the side trip to historic Agua Dulce, and drive on to Laguna Chapala, where we join Mex. 5 (still dirt, thank God) for the
trip towards San Felipe. It's 111 miles from El Rosario to Laguna Chapala at the junction.
In about 30 minutes, we travel the 13.1 miles to Coco's Corner and see some new can decorations at the entrance.
Coco is there along with his assistant and a couple from Ensenada (teachers) who are taking Coco back to Ensenada the next day for more work on his
remaining leg. Coco says he wants them to remove it, but the doctors are reluctant to do so.
The teacher tells me he used to instruct at Guayaquil and was responsible for every home having running water... Unfortunately, the government put
Highway One a mile away from this town instead of next to it, and most of the residents have moved on, some to Catavina. Guayaquil was the new home
for the former miners and townspeople of El Marmol, who stayed in the area following the 1958 closure of that mine.
We have a couple of Pacificos and the soon empty cans are added to the supply for more 'Mexican garland'.
We head on towards Gonzaga Bay...
[Edited on 8-3-2005 by David K]
David K - 8-2-2005 at 09:07 PM
At mile 26.3 from Laguna Chapala, is the signed road right for Punta Final (using the former gulf coast road, pre-1986)... the newer graded road stay
more inland.
At mile 28.9 the road left (west) to Las Palmitas, the El Camino Real, and Santa Maria canyon is passed.
At mile 35.1 is the 'driveway' to Camp Beluga and at mile 36.4 we arrive at Rancho Grande where we find an excellent supply of spirits.
The Pemex station across the way, on Alfonsina's property appears open. We have over a half tank from El Rosario, plus 5 extra gallons in a can, so no
need for fuel. No ice at Rancho Grande, by the way.
Here is a photo of El Huerfanito island (the Little Orphan)...
David K - 8-2-2005 at 09:10 PM
The road was not too bad, but over the 'hills' (south of Puertecitos) it was a bit rougher than before (a good thing 
)...
[Edited on 8-3-2005 by David K]
David K - 8-2-2005 at 09:21 PM
This salt flat is a popular photo spot... some of the Enchanted Islands are seen in the distance.
A surprise came 7.4 miles south of Puertecitos: New road work... in the form of new base/fill dirt poured on top of the washboard surface. This made
for a fast jaunt into Puertecitos... where everything looked closed... including the taco shop that had made some good birria for us last January... A
Viva Baja sticker is on his door (he put it there).
The new road base lasted a short distance north of Puertecitos then gave way to the very holey or missing pavement.
[Edited on 8-3-2005 by David K]
David K - 8-2-2005 at 09:24 PM
The landmark Scout near CowPatty's... (by the way. Patty is moving her place south, to near Okie's Landing).
Baja Angel hops in, next to 'Gumby'...
David K - 8-2-2005 at 09:27 PM
Funny sign... can you guys read it?
David K - 8-2-2005 at 09:34 PM
Destination reached, camp set up, and we enjoy a great Baja sunset from Shell Island.
Photo looking across the arm of the Cortez that makes this an island... The sun sinks just right of Diablo Mountain.
We are the only ones there... total Baja feeling!
In the next part, I have some nice daytime photos of the beach, water, camp, etc.
Stay Tuned!
doubtful scout
Bajagato - 8-3-2005 at 07:31 AM
here's what the doubtful scout had to say last time we were by this roadside photo opt...