beercan
Senior Nomad
Posts: 670
Registered: 4-3-2005
Location: North of da Bear
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Old Lady keeps rolling
I just received my invite to Mama Espinoza's 103rd Birthday party !!! Wish I could live that long !
I am probably flying for the Sams this weekend, so won't be able to attend the 16th --But will wish her the best when I arrive this coming Friday
!
* libs, all about choice until you choose different
* B. Hussein Obama - an Empty Suit for Empty Minds.
* Annoy a liberal - Work hard and be happy!
* Arguing facts & truth to libs is like bringing a warm smile to a gun fight.
* Lets win the War on Terror
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BornFisher
Super Nomad
Posts: 2107
Registered: 1-11-2005
Location: K-38 Santa Martha/Encinitas
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Hope she has many more--- what an incredible lady.
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Eli
Super Nomad
Posts: 1471
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: L.B. Baja Sur
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Mood: Some times Observing, sometimes Oblivious.
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Oh My Gawd, I can't believe it, 103 years old. The last time I saw her was almost a half century ago. Dad & I stayed with her for a week or so on
our way to San Ignacio.
I still have the image in my head of her as a dignified handsome strong sure of herself woman with a long braid. I was so impressed when I met her.
Well, I hope that her mind and body still serve her well enough for her to continue to enjoy her life. Somehow, I imagine it does.
Sara
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mama (Anita) Espinoza was a delight to meet last summer...
She autographs her book for us... Her memory is amazing and if you traveled through in the old days, before pavement came in 1973, she would remember
you if you stopped there.
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David K
Honored Nomad
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Location: San Diego County
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By-the-way, Mama's age has been reported as many different years.
In the book you see her autograph (which she told me is the most authentic of the books written about her or by her, over the years), with the title
'Anita' by Martin Barron E. c2002, her birthdate is Oct. 16, 1910... (pg. 47)
In her autobiography 'Reflections' by Mama Espinoza c1994 she gives the year 1908 of her birth as told to her. There were no registry books until
1910, however.
Anita was the youngest of 10 children born to Tecla and Eugenio Eduardo Grosso Bouitare.
Anita married Heraclio Espinoza in 1932 and they had 10 children: Socorro 1933, Mario 1934, Lucio 1935, Maria (Chichi) 1937, Eugenio 1939, Elva
(Rolli) 1942, Heraclio (Pingo) 1944, Santiago (Jimy) 1945, Sergio (Sony) 1947 and Antonio (Tony) in 1949.
In Greg Niemann's book, 'Baja Legends' c2002, he has many pages devoted to Mama Espinoza. Greg gives the year of Mama's birth as also 1910.
Once you are near 100 years old, does it really matter?  
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOÑA ANITA GROSSO de ESPINOZA
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
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Bob - R U going to the DP racing BBQ in Oct? i am thinking of going over to the strip from havasu that sat morn. spending the night and getting bombed
with the crew.
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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Marc
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I was chatting with the lady at the register at Mama's on Sept 14. She told me that business has never been so bad in her memory and that she
suggested to Mama that they close shop. Mama then replied to her that she can remember when her place was at the end of the road and maybe ten cars a
year stopped there. The message; don't give up!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Marc
I was chatting with the lady at the register at Mama's on Sept 14. She told me that business has never been so bad in her memory and that she
suggested to Mama that they close shop. Mama then replied to her that she can remember when her place was at the end of the road and maybe ten cars a
year stopped there. The message; don't give up! |
Sounds like Rolli... She told me the same, how bad business was... not enough Americans coming to Baja.
Here is a photo at Mama Espinoza's of Rolli (on the right) chatting with 'BajaCactus' (Antonio and Loreina) in 2005:
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Corky1
Nomad
Posts: 416
Registered: 11-22-2003
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A little story to go along with Mamma's birthday.
Corky
Corky's Little Baja Story
My first trip to Baja was to pre-run the 1971 Baja 500: Ensenada, then back to Ensenada, 480 miles +. Sat AM daylight, we leave Ensenada, and ride to
Camalu, the end of the pavement. This is before the paved hwy to La Paz. I am riding a 71 Husky 400, my partner is riding Yam 250 DT-1. This was going
to be our race bike.
Everything went O.K. and we got to Papa Fernandez place at Gonzaga Bay and spent the night. We were riding with two other very good and very fast
riders. Max Switzer & Gene Cannady. (They finisher 2nd overall on a 125 DKW that year.) Next morning we headed north over the three sister grade,
the Yam loses 1st gear, a few miles later loses 2nd gear, finally 3rd goes. This is very ruff terrain, and now you have to really hang it out to ride
in 4th gear. If not, the bike would then bog on the up hills. Every time he stalled I had to tow him 'til he was going fast enough to ride in 4th
gear. Very hairy conditions. Finally, he lost all the gears in the trans.
If you know anything about early Huskys the rear was very flexy. Pulling him, the side plate on my master link would rub, wear out and come off and I
would loose my chain. I had 2 extra spare master links. When we got to Puertocitos, about 45 miles, our riding partners had already left for
SanFelipe. They had to get to work on Monday A.M. They left us a note "You can get out of here by Helicopter, Gene and Max". Now we had about 50 miles
of fairly easy trail to get to San Felipe. I towed him all the way. I was using my last master link. If you wondered, my chain was 520 his was 428.
In San Felipe, we decided to take the highway back to Ensenada, adding about 200 miles to the trip. Couldn't buy any master links in San Felipe. We
started up the hwy towards Mexicali. A Mexican with a pick up stopped and offered a ride. Put both bikes in his truck and jumped in the cap. Once in
the cab, we realized he was very drunk. It was a very slow, scary trip. About every 10 miles he would stop and get out and look for "RALPH". Finally
getting to Mexicali, unloaded from truck, started towing again towards Tecate. About 20 miles later, my last master link goes. His bike has chain,
motor runs, no trans. My bike motor runs, trans is good, no master links for chain. We push the bikes off the road about 100 yds and hide them in the
brush, and started hitch hiking to Ensenada. Just imagine: two gringos with Sears linemen boots, dirty army field jackets, carrying helmets, with 2
days of dirt riding on us. Would you stop and pick them up???
Now its dark Sunday night, on the WY, in the middle of nowhere, in Baja. Belive me in Baja at night is very dark. I'm sure the few vehicles that did
by come didn't see us until they past us. We keep walking down the highway, Very quite, strange noises. As we were walking I heard this funny clicking
noise. We both stopped and listened. I told Bob that's some one jacking up a car with a jack. They have a flat tire. We both started running down the
highway before they left. The vehicle was around a curve in the road and we couldn't see it. When we got around the curve, here was this 64 chev 4dr
sedan with rear partly jacked up and this Mexican staring at the two crazy figures running at him out of the darkness.
Now this guy was dressed in tux standing in the road changing a tire in the middle of nowhere. We quickly realized he was as confused, as we were in
need of a ride. Things worked out O.K. With my limited spanish I explained our situation and that we would change the tire for him if he would give us
a ride. It turns out he had just gotten married, his bride was in the car, still in her wedding dress and they were headed to Tecate for their
honeymoon. After looking at the tire we took off and the one we put on , I still didn't think we were going to make Tecate. I asked if there was a
tire shop near by. He said yes and off we went to the tire shop. (A wooden shed about a mile off the road). We bought him a good used tire and two
used tubes and we were on our way. When we got to Tecate he said he would take us to Ensenada for the tires and stuff we bought for him. Then he would
go back to Tecate for his honeymoon. Long story, but true. We got my truck went back and got the bikes and got home to LA late Monday afternoon...
Corky
My partner and my wife and our 1971 race bike
Our 1972 race bike - 85mph on the pavement!
Corky
www.racersandranchers.com
BRC Member # 34313
AMA # 199311 Charter Life Member
 
\"Keep The Rubberside Down\" |
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mulegemichael
Super Nomad
Posts: 2310
Registered: 12-24-2007
Location: sequim,wa. and mulege
Member Is Offline
Mood: up on step
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i love your story...just how many times can we add to it with our own "experience" stories...and...most of them involve a flat tire..wonderful stuff
and i'm so glad we survived
dyslexia is never having to say you\'re yrros.
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13197
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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yes indeedy, that is a good story and one for the history books ... and do you know, once i was in Point Loma (San Diego) driving to the grocery store
on a Sunday, very early, with my 4 year old in the car. I saw a guy running by the side of the road in a very nice suit. too odd, so I stopped an
asked if he needed help. Please take me down rosecrans, he said. my car broke down, I have to get to the mayor's house for a breakfast. I did take
him to the mayor's house (O'Connor at the time) and he was soooooooooo thankful. Obviously, this is before cell phones .... and Rosecrans did not
have many businesses yet ...wait stop wait stop wait ... Now I feel REALLY old.
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DavidE
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California México
Member Is Offline
Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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dsxlyics
dxiclys
ah shoot! Dyslexics Of The World Untie!
"The Bad Road Brings Good People" July 19, 1964
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beercan
Senior Nomad
Posts: 670
Registered: 4-3-2005
Location: North of da Bear
Member Is Offline
Mood: happy to be in Baja
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A good visit
Had a great time talking/visiting with Mama Saturday . For a 100 year plus person, her senses are remarkable. English good and full of vinegar !
Although we are gonna miss the Birthday Fiesta next week, we (the Flying Sams ) did get an invite and we attended a Wedding reception for the
Rodriquez Family (owners of the tomatoes ) .
A Grand Daughter was married and there musta been over 500 + people in attendance!!
* libs, all about choice until you choose different
* B. Hussein Obama - an Empty Suit for Empty Minds.
* Annoy a liberal - Work hard and be happy!
* Arguing facts & truth to libs is like bringing a warm smile to a gun fight.
* Lets win the War on Terror
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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1910-2010 = 100
or
1908-2010 = 102
103, 104
Rather it be 100, 102, 103 or 104, Happy Birthday Mama!
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BajaGringo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3922
Registered: 8-24-2006
Location: La Chorera
Member Is Offline
Mood: Let's have a BBQ!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
1910-2010 = 100
or
1908-2010 = 102
103, 104
Rather it be 100, 102, 103 or 104, Happy Birthday Mama! |
Cristina and I attended Mama's party last Saturday and really had a great time. Not really sure if Mama turned 103 or 104 but whatever it be she sure
has an incredible memory for her years. It was a bit cool with the overcast weather but everybody stayed until the evening to share in this special
day.
Even got to hear our own ELINVESTIG8R belt out a couple of pretty good songs in Spanish at the microphone and had the entire crowd at one point
singing along.
Really hope to be able to spend another birthday with Doña Anita next year...
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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One thing for sure, she officially made it to 100 this year (per her book)!
I wonder if she gets a letter from the president of Mexico, like those who turn 100 in the US get from our president?
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Von
Senior Nomad
Posts: 961
Registered: 10-1-2006
Location: Poway-Rosarito
Member Is Offline
Mood: getting ready!
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;
[Edited on 10-21-2010 by Von]
READY SET.....................
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Von
Senior Nomad
Posts: 961
Registered: 10-1-2006
Location: Poway-Rosarito
Member Is Offline
Mood: getting ready!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Corky1
A little story to go along with Mamma's birthday.
Corky
Corky's Little Baja Story
My first trip to Baja was to pre-run the 1971 Baja 500: Ensenada, then back to Ensenada, 480 miles +. Sat AM daylight, we leave Ensenada, and ride to
Camalu, the end of the pavement. This is before the paved hwy to La Paz. I am riding a 71 Husky 400, my partner is riding Yam 250 DT-1. This was going
to be our race bike.
Everything went O.K. and we got to Papa Fernandez place at Gonzaga Bay and spent the night. We were riding with two other very good and very fast
riders. Max Switzer & Gene Cannady. (They finisher 2nd overall on a 125 DKW that year.) Next morning we headed north over the three sister grade,
the Yam loses 1st gear, a few miles later loses 2nd gear, finally 3rd goes. This is very ruff terrain, and now you have to really hang it out to ride
in 4th gear. If not, the bike would then bog on the up hills. Every time he stalled I had to tow him 'til he was going fast enough to ride in 4th
gear. Very hairy conditions. Finally, he lost all the gears in the trans.
If you know anything about early Huskys the rear was very flexy. Pulling him, the side plate on my master link would rub, wear out and come off and I
would loose my chain. I had 2 extra spare master links. When we got to Puertocitos, about 45 miles, our riding partners had already left for
SanFelipe. They had to get to work on Monday A.M. They left us a note "You can get out of here by Helicopter, Gene and Max". Now we had about 50 miles
of fairly easy trail to get to San Felipe. I towed him all the way. I was using my last master link. If you wondered, my chain was 520 his was 428.
In San Felipe, we decided to take the highway back to Ensenada, adding about 200 miles to the trip. Couldn't buy any master links in San Felipe. We
started up the hwy towards Mexicali. A Mexican with a pick up stopped and offered a ride. Put both bikes in his truck and jumped in the cap. Once in
the cab, we realized he was very drunk. It was a very slow, scary trip. About every 10 miles he would stop and get out and look for "RALPH". Finally
getting to Mexicali, unloaded from truck, started towing again towards Tecate. About 20 miles later, my last master link goes. His bike has chain,
motor runs, no trans. My bike motor runs, trans is good, no master links for chain. We push the bikes off the road about 100 yds and hide them in the
brush, and started hitch hiking to Ensenada. Just imagine: two gringos with Sears linemen boots, dirty army field jackets, carrying helmets, with 2
days of dirt riding on us. Would you stop and pick them up???
Now its dark Sunday night, on the WY, in the middle of nowhere, in Baja. Belive me in Baja at night is very dark. I'm sure the few vehicles that did
by come didn't see us until they past us. We keep walking down the highway, Very quite, strange noises. As we were walking I heard this funny clicking
noise. We both stopped and listened. I told Bob that's some one jacking up a car with a jack. They have a flat tire. We both started running down the
highway before they left. The vehicle was around a curve in the road and we couldn't see it. When we got around the curve, here was this 64 chev 4dr
sedan with rear partly jacked up and this Mexican staring at the two crazy figures running at him out of the darkness.
Now this guy was dressed in tux standing in the road changing a tire in the middle of nowhere. We quickly realized he was as confused, as we were in
need of a ride. Things worked out O.K. With my limited spanish I explained our situation and that we would change the tire for him if he would give us
a ride. It turns out he had just gotten married, his bride was in the car, still in her wedding dress and they were headed to Tecate for their
honeymoon. After looking at the tire we took off and the one we put on , I still didn't think we were going to make Tecate. I asked if there was a
tire shop near by. He said yes and off we went to the tire shop. (A wooden shed about a mile off the road). We bought him a good used tire and two
used tubes and we were on our way. When we got to Tecate he said he would take us to Ensenada for the tires and stuff we bought for him. Then he would
go back to Tecate for his honeymoon. Long story, but true. We got my truck went back and got the bikes and got home to LA late Monday afternoon...
Corky
My partner and my wife and our 1971 race bike
Our 1972 race bike - 85mph on the pavement!
Corky
www.racersandranchers.com
BRC Member # 34313
AMA # 199311 Charter Life Member |
AWESOME! story really enjoyed it! My mom and Dad got married in 71 and had a honey moon then i wonder if it was them? that would be CRAZY! Im going to
ask my dad tomorrow what he did or were he went for his honey moon i know they use to go to Ensenada and Tecate a lot! i was born in Nov. of 72'
m~m~m~~~ WAS This in June? They were marriend in June now that i remember!
[Edited on 10-21-2010 by Von]
READY SET.....................
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