David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64479
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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NEW YEARS 2005, a look back.
Paulina's post about not being in Bahia de los Angeles for New Years had me remember my first trip to Baja taking Elizabeth (the future 'Baja Angel'
and future Mrs. David K).
We had three days and I wanted her to see a little of what Baja had to share. It would let her see what gets me all hyped up and see if she might
enjoy that kind of thing as well.
Elizabeth had been to Baja before knowing me. Telling me she had been to La Bufadora, near Ensenada. So, I could really show her a lot more even if we
had just three days!
We left after work and drove to El Rosario getting there near midnight. The room at Baja Cactus just amazed her considering where we were. Big Plus.
After breakfast we headed to L.A. Bay for the New Years party at the Diaz compound. Along the way, she was introduced to boojum trees, the mission of
San Fernando, petroglyphs past the mission, and near Catavina we pulled off to see the rock art. Another Toyota Tacoma had seen us and also pulled
off... and it turned out to be other Baja Nomads that I had met in the past, small world. They told us that they didn't know where the site was, but
seeing my Tacoma, they knew I could show them the way. Another impressed moment for my new girlfriend!
At L.A. Bay, Elizabeth had her first fish taco (at China's taco stand) and we got a cabin at Doc's Camp Gecko for the next two nights. We met other
Nomads there too, Bedman, 4baja, more ..., Packoderm included. We went to the turtle research facility and there Elizabeth got to hold a baby
turtle... big plus. At La Gringa, we examined star fish and the 'magic rocks', that when added tom a camp fire, turn the fire into neat colors.
That night was dancing and fun with Dern and Paulina. Wild Bill and Elena la Loca were there too... We visited with Herman and Beach Bob as well. So
lot's of people that made impressions on Baja Angel, for sure.
On the way home, I took her up the gulf side via Coco's Corner, Gonzaga Bay and San Felipe. Coco was more than friendly and at Alfonsina's, Antonio
offered Elizabeth a free Margarita... Happy New Year Baja style! Elizabeth is amazed at how friendly everyone is in Baja. The last photo about sundown
was taken at the rock house, overlooking El Huerfanito and the other Enchanted Islands.
It got dark before San Felipe, so it was just a long drive back north reflecting on all we had seen and enjoyed. Elizabeth was hooked on Baja... and
she hadn't even been to what would be her favorite place there, Shell Island (that came later that year).
San Fernando:
Catavina:
Camp Gecko:
Dern & Paulina's Hector & Sunshine:
Turtle Facility:
Magic Rocks:
La Gringa:
First Fish Taco:
Boojums:
Montevideo:
COCO'S CORNER:
Gonzaga Bay:
Enchanted Islands:
The trip was a great success. Elizabeth was now a Baja Nomad, 'Baja Angel'. This would be the first of many dozens of great Baja trips to come over
the next 10 years! Our last was 4 months ago, and we can't wait until we can go back!
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: optimistic
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Great memories for you two, which is super!!! Loved the Photo-report.
Many thanks for posting, David.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Barry
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Bob H
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5867
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
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That's a pretty cool trip report. Thanks, and Happy New Year to you two!
The SAME boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It's about what you are made of NOT the circumstance.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64479
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Thank you Barry and Bob. Trip reports can be fun reading even if 10 years old. Happy New Year 2015!
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güéribo
Nomad
Posts: 239
Registered: 10-17-2014
Member Is Offline
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So great when people share the same passion. Sweet report!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64479
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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10-4
Agree! That trip worked out perfectly too, a great introduction to the Baja for Elizabeth, that many don't get to experience, but one Baja Nomads
mostly can relate to. We covered highways and dirt roads, accommodations from a luxury room to rustic cabins, history from the missions to the
prehistoric Indians, friendly Mexicans and friendly gringo Nomads, all in a 3 day trip.
(of interest, I had to remove the Spanish additions in gueribo to get this post to show up)
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64479
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Coming up on 15 years since the first trip I had with Elizabeth to Baja. Looking back, we have seen so much since and so many new and special Baja
events together. Many things have changed since that trip...
Sadly two of the sites are now locked off from the public to see (Mission San Fernando, cliff art, and Montevideo cliff art).
Antonio of the turtle rescue program is gone along with the turtles. China, where Elizabeth had her first fish taco, has recently died.
Coco lost his other leg but is still amusing those who stop by.
I have been so very lucky to have found such a great partner in life and that we could enjoy so much Baja California travel and camping, together,
with family, and with friends.
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sancho
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2524
Registered: 10-6-2004
Location: OC So Cal
Member Is Offline
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Glad you see you realize how fortunate you are in your partner.
Not all have the enthusiasm we here share.
Not complaining, but I have to be a bit of a salesman when
pitching the idea of Baja in a tent, been successful so far,
but get apprehensive when her sister questions the
accommodation. She is generous though, in allowing me to plan
a few months stay on the Peninsula
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