capn.sharky
Senior Nomad
Posts: 686
Registered: 9-4-2003
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What we want for Baja California
I read on this board about a project starting in Mulegue. Someone wrote that they like Mulegue the way it was now. Yea, and I like Loreto the way it
was thirty years ago too. And for that matter, Southern California. But, before we jump on someone putting in a project in Baja lets remember that
Baja is not ours but the Mexicans. I suspect we are all driven by fear---especially those that have seen what happened in Cabo San Lucas. None of us
want that to happen to "our towns". On the other hand, what do the Mexicans want? The need to feed their families too. Every project brings in more
money to the areas and work for the Mexicans. I am afraid that we have little or no control over what will or will not happen in Baja. True, it is a
pristine area within an hour and one half from LAX. But with the overcrowding of Los Angeles (and all areas of the U.S.) and with the baby boomers
coming of retirement age, I can see that Baja will become attractive to many of them. And they have money from their 401K's. Its odd how we want to
stop illegal immigration here in California but we continue to build houses and trailer parks in Mexico. Wonder when the Mexicans will start to think
like us. As painful as it may seem to think about things getting bigger in Baja, just remember that in many was it is much better than it was thirty
years ago. Electricity, water and telephone service has improved. There is still a lot of land down there. Tell me what you think.......
If there is no fishing in heaven, I am not going
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Bob H
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5867
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: San Diego
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Where did you read about a project starting in Mulege, and what is the project all about? We are headed down there tomorrow.
Bob H
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Debra
Super Nomad
Posts: 2101
Registered: 10-31-2002
Location: Port Orchard Wa./Bahia de Los Angeles BC
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Sharky....
You are so right in many ways, it is their country, but, I think that what you are saying might have more to do with "American" values rather than
Mexican, they don't seem to want or need all the trappings we have, case in point
I think I read it in "God and Mister Gomez" (I may have mixed it up with another book)....anyway, it went somtihng like. American to Mexican: Why not
work hard and get a retirement pension and then you can fish all day...Mexican: I already fish all day, and I get to do what I want.
Thing is, Bahia de Los Angeles is a good example......they have no phones, except Sat., no Elec. except generators, they wait for gas and fresh veges
to come to town (twice a week, and at different stores) 
And now they are being offered all of this "modern" stuff I can tell you, they are having meeting almost weekly to figure out a way to keep it OUT!
they love their life-style and I think want to keep it that way....go figure? Aren't we all running down tbere every chance we get? 
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JESSE
Ultra Nomad
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Registered: 11-5-2002
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Sharky,
Baja belongs to the rich and powerful of Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. i am afraid that regardless of what our wishes are, they will determine the
future of this land, unfortunatelly, that looks very bleak.
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Debra
Super Nomad
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Location: Port Orchard Wa./Bahia de Los Angeles BC
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JESSE
I sure hope not.
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capn.sharky
Senior Nomad
Posts: 686
Registered: 9-4-2003
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Bob
I believe it was your project I read about. Deborah--what will happen, will happen. God and Mr. Gomez will not be able to stop it. I am old enough to
be somewhat immune from the progress as things take a long time to develope in Baja. At 62 (in August) I can safely say that I probably will not see
great changes in Baja in my future. I stopped going to Cabo 33 years ago when they put in a Baskins Robbins Ice Cream store. Never went back. I
resist going to Los Angeles whenever possible. Don't even do the Boat Show anymore. Jesse, the poor in Mexico should benefit somewhat by the
progress. However, I suspect the difference will always remain great. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. In the meantime, I am going to
enjoy the hell out of Baja while it is still pretty good down there. Australia is just too far away for me.
If there is no fishing in heaven, I am not going
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TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
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People only want change when it will benefit them. When things change not to their liking then it's bad. Over time things will change no matter what,
some good and some bad. Most change occurs because someone wants to either make money (housing or business projects) or improve life (hospitals,
schools etc.).
I think many if not most Americans go to Baja to get away from the hussle and bussle of living in the fast lane. As least I do. I like the slower pace
and simple way of life. The fast lane affords me many things, which I enjoy, and some day soon I hope it will afford me the slow pace I seek when in
Baja.
There is a vast mostly empty area between the border and the tip that will stay nearly the same for many, many years. Enjoy it.
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JESSE
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3370
Registered: 11-5-2002
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Lets enjoy it while we can, technology will find a way to purify salt water at reasonable cost?s in the future, and when that days come, it will all
go to hell.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9006
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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Unconfirmed rumors
I think some major changes may definitely be in store for Baja, though much of it will not affect the sparsely populated areas between the towns that
many Nomads like to explore.
I keep hearing rumors about a major increase in commercial fishing being allowed in Mexican waters; something like 40 new long-liner permits being
considered right now. Desert exploring not withstanding, I bet easily over 50% of travelers to Baja come for some type of fishing. And I don't mean
triggerfishing. That kind of open season may test the desires of even the longest retirees in Baja.
Another unconfirmed rumor has "Mexico" considering legalizing gambling. Supposedly, this will allay the concerns of resort communities that have
traditionally depended on sportfishing, since the commercials will put an end to that.
Anybody else heard these rumors?
I agree with Jesse on the wishes of the powerful being the deciding factor. That's pretty much been the way of the world. Why would it change just
for Baja???
If all this happens, it will be disappointing to me, personally. But it certainly will help the locals.
Financially, anyway.
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Phil S
Super Nomad
Posts: 1205
Registered: 10-28-2003
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Mood: After 34 years. Still in love w/ my wife
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Growth is inevitable
How many of you who grew up in the U.S. "small towns" remember the adults saying, "we need some industry to keep from losing our "youth" to the larger
cities where they can find employment? Down here, I'd suspect that the mom's & dad's say the same thing, and look hopefully to the "future" that some
form of greater employment besides fishing would allow their children to find work in their small towns. Probably a world wide problem, most likely.
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wilderone
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3788
Registered: 2-9-2004
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A project in Mulege - or anywhere for that matter - may or may not be desirable depending on the scope of the project, and it's sensitivity to the
land the community it will be created within. Mulege is already an established town, and could possibly use a well planned, small scale development
that blends in nicely, with an upgrade in infrastructure to support it. That would be a boost for the local economy and the entire town. However, if
taklen it too far, it will become a burden on the land, an eyesore for the community and something that does not "fit". This is insensitive and just
plain wrong. LORETO BAY IS JUST PLAIN WRONG. It is a new town planned for thousands, next door to a real town (Loreto), on the edge of a marine
preserve. The rhetoric associated with this ill-conceived environmental disaster, sounds like a script for a snake-oil salesman. Phil, it may be a
Mexican state, but who is selling out to the foreigners - the Canadian developers, the Japanese fisherman, the American hoteliers? It's not Mexicans
who are decimating the magnificent peninsula. There are some branches of Mexican government who have made great strides in trying to protect the
Gulf, the fish population, improved the highways, built gas stations (albeit a monopoly) -- but too many foreigners, who contrive deals with other
branches of the Mexican government, erode those efforts. The Mexicans want the same things everyone wants - a good quality of life - which
essentially means, a roof over their head and a meal on the table, an education and healthcare. Everyone of these things, their own government should
provide through community planning and democratic action through their representatives. However, this concept is practically laughable. The Mexican
government is to blame for allowing the pillage of the land, to the detriment of their own citizens. The Mexican government is now at a crossroads -
where they could and should learn from past mistakes and the mistakes of others (the United States), they do not, but rather, rush headlong into folly
(escalera nautica). You state, "its odd how we want to stop illegal immigration here in California, but we continue to build houses and trailer parks
in Mexico." That is nonsensical. Illegal immigrants are not bringing their 401k's into California with them, and home owners in Baja California are
not looking for a job or welfare. "There is still a lot of land down there." That is a pathetic, unenlightened statement which sentiment is the
basis for the current dilemma - a lack of understanding of the ecological balance. This will only lead to its slow demise, as the Mexican government
fails to protect its jewel.
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capn.sharky
Senior Nomad
Posts: 686
Registered: 9-4-2003
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Wilderone
I'll take the blame for the illegal imigration statement---but not the others. Those were made by other posters. However, I will tell you that I
agree with what you say completely. I,too, do not really want to see the Loreto Bay project suceed. I would rather see Americans that want to come
to Mexico fit into the mexican neighborhoods. I guess the point of my statement was---we don't seem to want the Mexicans here in California, but we
want them to accept us in Mexico. I, for one, prefer living down in Loreto rather than here in So. Cal. Jesse brought up some good points regarding
the water situation in Loreto and sorrounding areas. All the cars and boats and toys that we Americans bring into Mexico will definately have an
effect on the ecosystem.
If there is no fishing in heaven, I am not going
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Skeet/Loreto
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4709
Registered: 9-2-2003
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Capn Sharky
Good Morning Sharky!
I just returned from a 7 day trip from Dos Palos to Lubbock Texas,then to Lawton okla., back to Amarillo Texas,leaving Amarillo in a Snowstorm!Only to
return to this Board with a discussion on the Merits of Loreto and Baja.
Sharky, do not worry too much about Loreto being overrun by Americans in the near future.
i was setting in a small "Sports Bar" in Albuqurque, New Mexicao and observed the many young Men and women going about their Lives as Follows:
In a Sports Bar, with drink in Hand,eyes tranfixed on 5 "Idiot Sports Figures Arguring about some Game"
their eyes glazed over , never knowing what was going on around them, with their hand Held computers at their side, being controlled in their every
day life by a computer.
No smiles on their faces!,no conversation with their neighbors.and until the next generation comes around I do not think they will be able to
accomplish much in their miserable lives except "Instant Gratification' and the Money they seek!
And Yes! there are a few that will seek out such places as Loreto and make the extra effort to make "Life and Adventure" as you and I have
done,learning a new culture,learning the people and their Culture,Helping those who are Poorer than we are,understanding their needs as well as our
own!
Sadly, most will go to Baja for their own enjoyment,never even attempting to learn what Baja is all About, only their own self-interest, an displaying
their "Toys" and trying to find a Cheaper place to Live!
How Sad!
You and I have seen the Best of Baja! I too have not been back to Cabo in 20 years,preferring to engage with the many Good People of Loreto{as well as
some bad ones}
And as we look ahead to the Future we will see a reflection of Americano influence in Loreto,but Alas! we can go 25 or 30 miles North or South and get
away from the Crowd. The City Slickers, the Eco-Nuts,The I know better than you crowd,the Doomsdayers, with all the Hate in their Hearts.
So, Sharky, Brace up! It is not as bad as it seems! I hope to see you on my next trip so that we may set back and relive our "Good years" in Loreto
and let the Young, unlearned masses drive in the Fast Lane to Nothing.!!!
Skeet/Loreto
"In God I Trust"
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