howat - 4-4-2008 at 04:57 AM
Wednesday we headed down to Marina La Salina at about 0830 from Rick's place in the Coronado Cays. It's at km 70 or so south of The Border. This was a
dry run via car for the May 12th fishing trip with the two of us driving my boat down via water. First stop was the Rosarito Beach Hotel for
breakfast. After looking the place over i realized I had not stayed there for over 25 years. The bungaloos on the beach are gone but overall the place
looked good, just not many people. Driving in even though it was early 0930 did not see many gringos shopping either. After an excellent machaca/eggs
plate with an ocean-view, we headed down the "free road" to La Salina. It was supposed to be a rainy day but it turned out to be just gorgeous. 9.5 on
a 10 scale. Took awhile to get to La Salina but enjoyed driving slowly thru all the little communities along the way. Some really nice pads. I do not
believe I've ever traveled this far on the free road. Finally got to the well guarded Marina La Salina, got access, then drove around it looking for a
5-day home for my 21' fishing boat. Found an area, Farallon Finger, that was real close for a car to unload from. Got a reservation for my boat at no
money down. They gave me the info on what to have when I arrive. Looks like a great place with an easy 42 miles drive by water from San Diego, safe
entrance and an underfished coastline, reefs and banks.
After exploring around the marina we went about 1/2 mile south to Wayne's "Flintstone's House" on a bluff overlooking the ocean. A million $ view from
his dilapidated outhouse. He and a few buddies have leased the land there for 25 years or more. We'll be staying there (7 people on and off) with me
& Rick bedding in an adjacent trailer to the main house. After looking at our potential lodgings we decided to check out the hotel next to the
Marina. To my surprise it was closed this wednesday morning and looked closed permanently. So traveled further north to La Fonda Hotel/restaurant in
La Mision. They had nice rooms there for $100 a night. So that's an option if the trailer is infested with things. Next we had lunch at the attached
restaurant before calling it a day. A spectacular view from the dining table. I had one of the best pan seared local halibut steaks ever with lots and
lots of garlic. Rick had stuffed calamari with lobster and asparagras. Both to-die-for lunches. The Golden Cadillacs did not hurt the cause either.
Followed the free road slowly back to Rosarito Beach, stopping once for another beautiful view. While there a cop truck pulled behind us. To our
surprize once he saw we were just a couple of old fat gringos he backed out and took off without saying a word, just a friendly wave of the hand.
I asked Rick to stop by Papas & Beer in RB to see the sights (spring break). Unfortunately, kids there were all my daughter's age so took another
refreshment break and departed for the USA.
From the very beginning of the trip from when we 1st went across the Border, on the free road, at the marina and everywhere in between including the
Border there were "professionally looking cops" everywhere. Military-style haircuts, neatly pressed uniforms, newer vehicles, they just looked like
pros. It was kinda spooky driving around my old haunts and seeing hardly any gringos. You get the run of the place without having gringos around, if
you know what I mean. However, the Border still sucked! Maybe slower than ever (90 min). Where did all those people come from at 2pm on a wednesday
with no gringos south of TJ? Of course there were a few gringos here and there but VERY few. Unfortunately for the locals you see lots of closed up
ma&pa businesses.
One of the most enjoyable afternoons I've spent in Mexico in awhile. Truely a beautiful part of their country. How lucky we are being so close yet so
far.
HH
DENNIS - 4-4-2008 at 07:23 AM
Sounds as though you had a good trip, in spite of the border. Next time, you may want to do the Blvd 2000 road out of Rosarito to Otay Mesa. It
will probably save you some time. Do a search here if you arn't familiar with it.
Your friends with the 25 year lease may want to research their position as well before they decide to dump a bunch of money into their dream home. It
looks like their learning experience is just beginning. I wish them luck.
DianaT - 4-4-2008 at 08:51 AM
Thanks for sharing a really nice day---except, of course, for that lousy border wait.
I agree, however, with Dennis. I hope your friends check out that 25 year lease and the legality of same for that many years.
Diane