Cypress - 10-26-2006 at 09:27 AM
Any nomads live, have lived, or spend much time in BOLA?
elgatoloco - 10-26-2006 at 10:03 AM
Yes. It is one of the most strinking places in all of Baja IMHO. The stark contrasts between desert and sea are more in evidence and the islands that
grace the horizon are always affording an everchanging view depending on location and the light. We always look forward to a return.
We have spent a fair amount of time camping in the area over the years. Back in the good old days there was this great camping area named after a
lizard or something that had a few palapas on the beach and was run by a very nice, helpful, generous,humble fisherman- called himself Doc.
There are many who frequent these forums that have lived or do live part time in Bahia de Los Angeles and lots more who have spent even more time then
us. Most prefer to remain anonymous because thay are running from the law.
That is a biggrin and a wink. Still hoping for the 'tongue planted firmly in cheek' thingy.
Von - 10-26-2006 at 10:42 AM
Hey Elgatoloco, you mean camp Gecko? 
Ive been going down to camp Daggetts for 15 years and will be there in my later years to come. Ruben Daggett and Amanda his wife are very close
friends of mine.
I love BOLA its my utopia from this rat race I live in San Diego, but i need
to be where the moneys at so i should not complain for its been very good
to me and my wife and children...... 
Cypress - 10-26-2006 at 11:33 AM
elgatoloco. Thanks for the reply and the humor.Hope to hear from more
Nomads on this.
Mike Humfreville - 10-26-2006 at 12:58 PM
There are several of us here that spend time or live in Bahia de Los Angeles. Do you have specific questions?
Cypress - 10-26-2006 at 01:24 PM
Mike, Thanks for the interest.Specific questions?Where to begin? Prospects for longterm rentals? Prospects for purchase of
house/property?
Cypress...
Mike Humfreville - 10-26-2006 at 05:17 PM
Bahia de Los Angeles is a great place for a few of us. Some folks flat don't like it here. It is mostly desert and sea. The fishing isn't what it
once was but so goes the entire gulf. There are several places to stay, both hotels and campgrounds. There are numerous restaurants and markets but
none of the hyped tourism you find further south. The typical profile for owning a home is to buy the house from the American (typically but not
always) who built it and to lease the property from the landowner for the legal max of up to 10 years. In our case we knew we would be spending
serious time here and we wanted something that was a little more money than we were willing to throw away without a fight. Thus, we are buying the
terrain via a fideicomiso, a bank trust, that allows you to deed the property, sell it, live in it full or part time without the need for
demonstrating improvements (i.e., like is required with a corporation - which we didn't want).
Over the past few years we looked at a number of places here (Bahia de Los Angeles). They ranged from 15K$ through 150K$. Most of the Americans live
along the water. The bay has many miles of beachfront. There are several "collections" of American homes and many that are located more remotely.
The more isolated, the more likely you'll experience non-aggressive theft (i.e., when no one's home a few small items can turn up missing -
occasionally it's more serious but still typically non aggressive).
The nearest relatively major supply point is Guerrero Negro, 3 hours distant each way. If you build anything sizable you'd want to buy your materials
in Ensenada, San Quintin, or GN. There is qualified local labor available but you have to learn who's good at whatever you need done.
The village itself consists of about 500 folks. Most of the villagers make a living doing personal fishing or taking tourists out. There is
significant interaction between the locals and the foreign residents and we strive to be mutually supportive. A new high school is drawing some
attention (for such a small village). There is a sizable museum which contains a lot of local history. During the summer water is used carefully and
comes, in small measure, from a local spring in the village and then, also, often trucked in from miles out in the desert. There is significant
social life and interactions between the Americans. Most folks aren't here more than a few weeks/months each year. The summers here are extremely
hot, often over 100 degrees for days/weeks on end. There are problematic periodic winds.
I hope this helps. Bahia de Los Angeles isn't for everyone. It's a tiny village nestled between the central Baja desert and the Sea of Cortez. It
is not lush. It is unique in Baja.
I hope this answers at least some of your questions. It is definately not a place to buy before you have spent serious time here at points throughout
the seasons. Good luck and keep us posted.
RockhouseTom - 10-26-2006 at 06:58 PM
Cypress,
I have been going to BOLA with my family for less than 2 years, but have a house there and can't think of place I'd rather be. The people are the
best!
I have even drank a few with soulpatch. Well, Ok more than a few! 
David K - 10-26-2006 at 10:29 PM
Photos of Mike & Mary Ann's place, on the Bay, one year ago: http://www.vivabaja.com/1005/page3.html
4baja - 10-27-2006 at 06:07 AM
soulpatch, ive seen you drink more then a few beers there. yes we are all friends who have places there and yes we love it. we go down every other
month and stay as long as we can. it can be very hot in the summer, cold in the winter, and wind at any time. and yes dogs like the place too.
Cypress - 10-27-2006 at 07:15 AM
Thanks everybody!
Great pictures and advice.