The wife and I headed down to Baja last week for a little rest and relaxation and that is what we found. Left San Diego Saturday afternoon with El
Rosario the destination. No problems on the drive down. We stopped at the torta stand in Santo Tomas for some excellent birria tortas (2 plus one
soda for 70 pesos.) Just before the road heads inland near El Rosario we pulled over to watch the sunset and enjoy a cold beer. We had a room
reserved at Baja Cactus, checked in, and walked up to Tacos Corona just north of the Pemex station. We enjoyed some fanstastic tacos al pastor (5
tacos for 35 pesos) and decided to retire for the night.
The next morning we packed up our bags and decided to explore a bit. We took the dirt road south of El Rosario towards Agua Blanco. The road is a
bit rough in spots due to recents rains but overall no problem in a high clearance vehicle. I had wanted to explore this area for some time and was
glad we did. The coast line is beautiful and desolate. We drove to Pt. San Carlos and then headed east arriving at Hwy 1 around Km 82. We continued
on to BOLA and grabbed lunch at Las Hamacas, stocked up on ice, and headed south to Playa San Rafeal.
The road from BOLA is in great shape and we enjoyed the green desert. We arrived at Panchos around 6:00 pm and said our hellos. I first met Pancho
in 1997. He lives at PSR full time and is a great man. He immediately said he had been building two palapas on the beach and wanted to show us. One
was about 75% completed while the other was completed. We decided we'd try it out.
I've camped at PSR a number of times and always enjoyed myself. Pancho is quick to deliver fire wood, offer fishing gear, or anything else he thinks
you might need. In fact, after seeing our fire pit, he decided that we needed a bbq. So, we proceed to build one out of metal water tubing from the
road. Anyways, Pancho wanted me to invite all Nomads down for a visit. He does not charge for his services or the palapas but does take tips.
I think our pictures tell a better story than I do about our trip and here they are: http://snipurl.com/1g9e8
Finally, stopped at a great little restaurant south of San Vicinte opposite the school called Cafe El Indio. I think they are open from 6 am to
12:00pm. Great food, nice owners, and very reasonable prices.
If you have any questions, feel free to post away or U2U me.
Zac
[Edited on 4-11-2007 by Bajaboy]
[Edited on 4-12-2007 by Bajaboy]
Martyman - 4-11-2007 at 03:54 PM
Pancho is a very cool and funny guy. Do you have any pics of the new palapas?
ThanksBajaboy - 4-11-2007 at 04:33 PM
Zac and Pancho in the palapa
Bajaboy - 4-11-2007 at 04:33 PM
and another view
bajajudy - 4-11-2007 at 04:58 PM
Cool
We spent 3 days with Pancho a few years back. The thing that is great about him is that he is not intrusive. He only joins in if invited. He
actually turned down a beer one morning when my husband had caught a bunch of cabrilla and flagged him over to offer him some....too early I guess.
The last day we were preparing to leave and, after everything was in the car, ready to go, we put the key in and got grrrrrrrrrrrr. We had a charger
but it didnt work either. All of a sudden we looked up and there came Pancho trudging down the beach with a battery on his shoulder. What a guy!
Are the new palapas close to his place, like up in those dunes? Is that wonderful shrine still there?
Thanks for the reportBajaboy - 4-11-2007 at 05:04 PM
Hi Judy-
The palapas are located on each side of the lagoon opening. the only shrine I'm aware of is the one on the hill above his home.
He plans on building two more palapas. If anyone is headed down, he can use wood, nails, etc. Also, he said he needed an inverter for solar to 110v.
One night, we told Pancho we were going to bbq some chicken and invited him to join us. A few hours before dinner he brought down a special hardwood
wood that made great coals and was excellent to cook over.
ZacNeal Johns - 4-11-2007 at 05:18 PM
Thanks for the info and trip report. Good stuff to know.shari - 4-11-2007 at 07:04 PM
NIce beach indeed Zac, were there any stingrays? Was it crowded semana santa? We'd like to check it out sometime too. Glad you had a nice vacation,
you deserved it...we miss youBajaboy - 4-11-2007 at 07:53 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by shari
NIce beach indeed Zac, were there any stingrays? Was it crowded semana santa? We'd like to check it out sometime too. Glad you had a nice vacation,
you deserved it...we miss you
Hey Shari-
We swam a few days and only saw a couple sting rays in the deep water. I'd guess the water temps in the mid 60s. We had our triathlon wetsuits. As
for the crowds, we had the place to ourselves until our last day. A man from TJ and his daughter set up camp down the beach. I guess they go there a
few times a year. As for Bahia, wow, there were a few people there. And then driving home on Friday was another story. I felt as if we were in rush
hour traffic (southbound traffic). We had to laugh because all the locals would camp right next to each other every place we saw even though there
would be space just around the bend.
Yes Shari, go to PSR. You and Juan would love it there.
Hope to see you soon!
Zaccabobaja - 4-12-2007 at 02:21 PM
Bajaboy, great trip report...great photos! When are you and Tracy coming further south to our neck of the woods??Bajaboy - 4-12-2007 at 02:24 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by cabobaja
Bajaboy, great trip report...great photos! When are you and Tracy coming further south to our neck of the woods??
We actually thought about a trip to Elias Calles but didn't want to face all the Semana Santa traffic. We're hoping to be down for Christmas/New
Years time-frame.
How's the neighborhood? Bajabus? Life in Elias Calles...give us the scoop....
zaccabobaja - 4-12-2007 at 03:26 PM
Zac, check your U2U and email.David K - 4-12-2007 at 05:54 PM
Remember???
cabobaja - 4-12-2007 at 06:03 PM
Thanks David K! Zac and Tracy's wedding was sooooooooo fun. Looking at this photo brings back great memories of the day. And if you look up the beach
about 3 kilometers....that is where I live. It is so nice to have miles of beach with nobody in sight!
