Doug Means' Viva Baja Cactus trip photos/report (62 pics)

Last time I had a trip report, I waited until after more important news had subsided (Hurricane John), and lost some of the details of my trip because of the delay. Although my thoughts now are with the initial report on Mike Humfreville, I wish to post my info from this past Saturday a.s.a.p.

The thanks for this event go out to Antonio ("BajaCactus") and David K. They are the people responsible for organizing, coordinating and communicating this event for us and to us. A big, understated, thank you to both of them!

How about some photos?!!!:

With the post from M stating she wouldn't be able to pick up Amo, I left a message for Sr. Pescar and we were able to coordinate driving down together from the Del Mar area (he, myself and my three boys - Jonathan, Andrew and Ryland). When we arrived at the San Ysidro meeting location, we were greeted by none other than a smiling David K:



And upon our departure in San Ysidro received a warm hello from Antonio ("BajaCactus"):



Since we hadn't arrived at CECUT yet, the bus was not yet full, but most were filled with anticipation for the day:



While we awaited people we were meeting at CECUT - and before touring the Museo de las Californias - we were greeted in person by representatives of the BC state tourism office. At first they were not aware of what type of tour group we were - and when it was explained we were "seasoned" travelers to the peninsula - this gentleman gave us some information the importance of tourism and tourist in the future economy of BC, and knowledge that (I think this was the # he used) 98% of tourists - or USA tourists - arrive in BC by vehicle. So, they were out to alleviate the so-called "problems" of the past, that getting a ticket anywhere in the upper state (aside from Tecate) should be a bi-lingual ticket (and you should *ask for your ticket*) and could be paid when you return home to the USA. He also explained the local 078 phone number for tourist assistance. He let us know that they would not be able to tell us where the best bargains in town were however:



Baja Ken & SquareCircle (Roy):



On to a tour of the Museo de las Californias (they only gave us 30 mintues to get through this display today - which is not enough time to truly take this exhibit in:



Jonathan & Andrew back through time along the peninsula (somehow "Capt. Morgan" comes to mind in seeing Andrew here):



A brief interlude outside where there was a large Day of the Dead shrine to a local artist - here explained to us:



The artist being Danielle Gallois:


(photo by Jonathan)

Amo Pescar, Baja Ken & Neal Johns:



After leaving CECUT with a very full bus, and on our way to the winery, we went down a few blocks of Av. Revolucion - where the relentless "barkers" were even trying to coax our busload of people into their establishments. We drove by the historic (to Tijuana) zebras on Revolucion as well:



At the winery, BajaAndy and his lovely wife:



Before tasting, first the tour... and down into the "cave" we go. Look at GeoRock all stoked. You could here her whispering "bring on the wine & olives...":



Once at the bottom of the stairway, there was first this passageway:



That lead to a storage cellar of sorts (I'm lagging-back and taking pictures at the time - so, didn't hear the tour guide's explanation). Excellent atmosphere.... but where was the band? (j/k):







Ken, friend Chris, Ferna (fdt), Angel, David K & Phil:



I didn't really get a photo that well-represented the long tasting bar back above (I was obviously otherwise distracted by the wine available to taste - and food to "cleanse my palate").

Here, Antonio (guest pourer) fills a glass of "juice" for Andrew (and out of view, Jonathan). When Ryland (6) wants to know where *his* "juice" is, I find out that what was poured was akin to a wine cooler, and promptly dispense with the drinks the two older boys are now chugging (well, at least Andrew was). Antonio was not aware of the alcohol content in these bottles, so there are no worries... just humor to share. The winery then (thank you) supplied my boys with some real fruit juice to drink. Andrew - a food hog - is shortly thereafter seen with a high-stack of bread slices on his snack plate. Ay yii yii.



The bus outside with our waiting escort...



...who then take us to the Cerveza Tijuana brewery:



...where we first sit down, then are told it's tour time, so back downstairs....

..and here is the "bufadora" sample - little alcohol, but the "cream" of the beer, and those that tasted it said it tasted a little like honey and cream (or something along those lines):







A sample of the "Morena" - straight from the tank - and a willing volunteer in Amo Pescar (gee, surprise) to try it:



A little "Guera" straight from the tank:



And a "Guera" (GeoRock) to try it:





Mural on the wall inside the brewery's restaurant:



Now that we're all "liquored-up" - where else does our police escort take us, but to the police station, in this case for our VIP Nomads, the command and control center for the city:



(Kinda like Star Trek, dontcha think?):





And instead of being greeted by handcuffs, we're greeted with a formal presentation of Tijuana's - best in Latin America - security system, followed by a Q&A session:





Now, we've been to a lot of places... and even with a stack of bread, the boys are still a little restless now for some food... but ONE MORE stop first! The Tijuana Historical Society, where we most enjoyed some of the photos from years past (some of these can be found on the San Diego Historical Society's web site):




(photo by Jonathan)

And NOW it's off to the restaurant - the Los Arcos (the one in the LA MESA area of Tijuana, not the one near the Zona Rio). And if you're a seafood lover, wow! We first receive a welcoming Margarita and the second level to ourselves:













Baja&Back (Barry) and companion Vonda:



Looking great this evening were Jeans and her mother:



Ken's friend Chris, and Baja Ken:



This picture is just... just soooo David K. Perfect:



Baja Angel and Amo Pescar (sans handcuffs):



Graham clowning:







OH NO! Rattlesnake Tequila (Tequila de la Vibora). While I've seen - and sampled - such before (no, I'm not saying where or when), my boys were enthralled at the spectacle:






(photo by Jonathan)

GeoRock possibly "bitten" by the rattlesnake tequila????:


(photo by Jonathan)

And a little celebration for John M's birthday. Ole!:





And at the end of the evening, some door prizes:





David, myself Doug, and Antonio:


(photo by Jonathan)

Back on the bus - what a grand day:



Now, I'm still stunned at this - and the term that keeps coming to mind is that this is/was so "crazy".... but, THANK YOU all so very much for the special Baja Nomad "award" - a beautiful and handmade (by Antonio, none-the-less) plaque that I will place on the wall at my office. Very special - and thank you again.





As we entered the parking lot back in San Ysidro later that evening - Ryland (6) began to whine, "no, no, no..." When I asked him wasn't he ready to go home and see mom, he said "No, I want the bus to keep going and stop at more places..."

And you know what? Me too. Hopefully on another day in the not-too-distant future.

--
Doug Means






[Edited on 11-7-2006 by BajaNomad]

very nice report and photos Doug. I think you just filed the bus for next year.

Terrific travel log Doug! Thanks!

Quote:

Originally posted by grover Thanx for the report and all the cool fotos, Doug. Especially this one: Is that an Hugo Lopez original? I've seen a few others of his posted and they are so beautiful to me. I've gotta save up and make an attempt on one; soon.

After the tour ended, Chris and I took a Taxi Libre to Revoluccion and 8th where we attended a Quinceanera for the rest of the evening. Here is Chris with wife Miram and their daughter Nayelli:







[Edited on 11-8-2006 by BajaNomad]

So, you really liked the hand cuff part, eh Ken?

Yah, a great day for Nomads and other Baja enthusiasts who also joined us... Previous Viva Baja parties have all been great fun, too! Ken came to more as well... Photos are on vivabaja.com...

Quote:

Originally posted by David K So, you really liked the hand cuff part, eh Ken?

Anytime Baja loving people get together for fun, it seems to be a great time... See past Viva Baja parties, BBBB parties, Pyramid Booksigning events and Matomi group trips at http://www.vivabaja.com

After the fire storm is over, we may need some happy times!

I hear you on that...

I am wondering what our 4WD group will encounter as we travel Hwy 94 to Tecate and see what's left.