BajaNomad - San Ignacio festival at end of July ?

San Ignacio festival at end of July ?

lesd - 7-8-2010 at 10:00 PM

I have seen references to a cultural event/festival in San Ignacio at the last weekend of July, which for 2010 looks like the weekend of the 31'st. Does anyone here know what this event may be like ? I'm a photographer and like events with people doing 'something'. I want to plan my truck camper road trip to be there, if it is indeed happening.

Bajame - 7-8-2010 at 11:38 PM

Will the dates and get back with you.

David K - 7-9-2010 at 07:29 AM

Yup, date festival (carnival) was going on in when we arrived on our 2007, late July trip and the place is a mad house! We left after a brief visit of the mission and museum.

shari - 7-9-2010 at 07:43 AM

hi Les and a big group hug for ya to welcome you to Nomadlandia!!
San Ignacio Fiestas are fun...but it's very hot and buggy so you'll be jumping in the river alot.

You are bound to catch more fiestas around that time. Almost each village has a fiesta in the summer that last 3-5 days and have similar events like horse racing, rodeo, queen crowning, fokloric dancing, car races, midway, beach events or sporting events, dances every night to live music etc. they are very colourful to photograph indeed and fun to attend...very festive.
Our fiestas in Asuncion are Aug.13-16
check your U2U box up in the right hand corner of the screen.

Bajatripper - 7-11-2010 at 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lesd
I have seen references to a cultural event/festival in San Ignacio at the last weekend of July, which for 2010 looks like the weekend of the 31'st. Does anyone here know what this event may be like ? I'm a photographer and like events with people doing 'something'. I want to plan my truck camper road trip to be there, if it is indeed happening.

The San Ignacio Fiesta is held each year to honor the town's patron Saint, San Ignacio.

While dates were an important commercial crop in the city's past, that is no longer the case. The dates they now sell in town are mostly grown a few miles out of town at some ejidos, so I wouldn't expect to find too many date-related events to photograph.

Instead:

During the festivities, they parade the town's statue of the saint around town with half the town following the procession.

At night, the town plaza is packed with food and beer vendors. Travelling caravans from throughout Mexico also show up to sell their wares. There is also a "feria," or mechanical rides and all of those games of stand-up-the-bottle, throw the dart, roll the marble, shoot the bb, etc. that accompany them.

While daytime temps can be pretty hot, nights usually cool off to an acceptable level that don't require a/c.

If you want to be in the center of the action--as I would think any photographer would want to be--might I suggest Casa Leree? It is the oldest "hotel" in town, just a short block from the plaza. The place has been tastefully updated and is currently owned/managed by Juanita, a resident American who is well-versed in the town's history and traditions. Several years ago, she started a project to conserve the town's photographic and oral histories and has a great collection of old photographs she gives anyone access to. You might want to figure out a way to make reservations since the modestly-priced places fill up fast.

[Edited on 7-11-2010 by Bajatripper]

bajajudy - 7-11-2010 at 03:12 PM

Saint Ignacio and I share the same birthday...July 31
I would suggest the yurts if they have room. Floating in front of the place is the perfect way to enjoy the heat. We went one year to celebrate my b'day and spent most of the time in the water. You could hear the music from the baseball field. Nothing really starts until 10pm, so we missed most of that stuff since after a full day of over 100degrees we were not awake at 10.
It is a terrific local festival. You will see dates in every form imaginable.
Have fun

sounds fun!

lesd - 7-12-2010 at 10:07 AM

This sounds great! I have read about the place on the water with the yurts, and would like to check it out. They have some camping spots as well, where I can park my truck camper. How far is that from where all the mechanical rides and other night activity happens ? I have a dirt bike I can get around on, but I don't want to push my luck with a non street registered bike around town, as it might look too Gringo or something. I am super keen on night time festival photography, so this all sounds wonderful !

bajajudy - 7-12-2010 at 12:32 PM

http://www.ignaciosprings.com/main.html

Bajatripper - 7-12-2010 at 01:52 PM

The two times I was there for the fiesta, the mechanical rides were just past the mission. It's perhaps 3/4 of a mile from where the yurts are to town, if that. There's a fair sidewalk most of the way, and the scenery is pleasant. But you won't be seeing too much along there at night. If you stay at the San Ignacio Springs (the yurts), they include a pretty decent breakfast to get you started on your day.

Good photos are to be had during the day by climbing up onto the mesa overlooking the town. Just look for the cement water storage tank overlooking the town and follow the trail up. If you take your vehicle out on the road to the Pacific Coast and turn off when you get to the town dump (left side of the road) and follow the road through the dump, you'll eventually come to a real nice view of the river and the highway beyond, with all of the palms to fill in the scene. On the way, you'll drive through what is left of an old American airbase that was in use during WWII, if I remember correctly.

Even if you don't stay at Casa Leree, I would recommend that you stop by and chat with Juanita. She might give you some valuable insight that you would otherwise miss. She also has maps of some of the trails in the region she gives away.

[Edited on 7-31-2010 by Bajatripper]

bajajudy - 7-12-2010 at 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper

Even if you don't stay at Casa Leree, I would recommend that you stop by and chat with Juanita. She might give you some valuable insight that you would otherwise miss. She also has maps of some of the trails in the region she gives away.

I couldnt agree with you more. A trip to San Ignacio without stopping in her place is unthinkable. Her rooms are nice and shady if she has any available, which I doubt.

Fiesta Time in San Ignacio

Juanita - 7-27-2010 at 07:06 AM

This was posted earlier and I am moving it into the appropriate thread, thanks to Steve's help. Tonight is the opening ceremony of the fiesta.

We are approaching the high point of the year in San Ignacio when for the last five days of the month we step aside from routine work and celebrate with family and friends. Everyone is already busy cleaning and repairing and good work has been done on that old crumbling adobe wall across from the mission.

Although Saint Ignacius of Loyola died on July 31st, processions for the saint begin nine days beforehand, with each neighborhood taking turns carrying the saint around the plaza, singing special songs heard rarely through the year. The traveling kiosks begin to arrive slowly and set up their display around the plaza. Then at night they let down the canvas sides and sleep inside.

The fiesta itself begins on July 27th. The children help me carry out the panels of old photos for display in the plaza each day. We have six new panels this year, with many new pictures from the ranches and the Pacific coast fishing communities. Then in the evening when the last light fades we remove the panels and the bands begin to warm up. Dancing in the plaza continues throughout the night for four nights, with the most expensive band on the last two nights. For a small sum you can rent a table around the plaza for your friends and family and have your beverages and food handy. When a couple first begins to dance, they will be approached to pay a fee for the evening, for the band.

The last, much longer procession on the 31st is the culmination. It takes place in the middle of the day and for the last few years has been let by the Matachine dancers from Santa Rosalia. They are Yaqui Indians and dance with great devotion for the saint. They do not accept tips. The procession pauses at the doors of the elderly, so they can be helped out to worship Saint Ignacius. The cabalgata of 100 and more horses joins the procession, after riding all morning from a place about 10 km distant.

Bright pieces of colored paper are released from the mission rooftop and flutter in the air as the procession returns to the mission, and all the bells are clanged at once by people whacking them directly up in the belfry, making a great cacophony. The saint is placed in front of the great doors. Then all the horses form up in the street to do honor to the saint and two brothers, who love to make people laugh, perform for a moment and the dancing horse shows its steps. The Matachine dancers lead the saint into the nave of the mission by the north side door and the singing continues. Thus, the Fiestas Tradicionales de San Ignacio, which I am looking forward to very much.

bajajudy - 7-27-2010 at 07:18 AM

Juanita
Thanks for the update
Y'all have fun ya hear!

shari - 7-27-2010 at 07:23 AM

Lots of people from our village heading over to San Ignacio this weekend for the Fiestas...have a great time everyone and please be safe!!!

San Ignacio road trip

SK-1 - 7-28-2010 at 02:17 AM

Hey Lesd,

I am headed down to San Ignacio this Friday July 30, We can possibly caravan down together depending on where you are located and if you can make it on the 30th. I will be coming throught he San Diego/San Ysidro crossing early morning,

Pescador - 7-28-2010 at 07:49 AM

I was there for the opening festivities and it was wonderful. This year they decided that they would add Mariachi music and the musicians were wonderful One group is from La Paz and the other group came all the way from Tijuana. All of the music is at the plaza which is directly across from the church while the carnival rides are by the lagoon and east of the plaza. There are numerous parking lots and they are attended by the owners so your car should be pretty safe. It was at least 10-15 degrees cooler than Santa Rosalia and one needed a light jacket or at least jeans and a long sleeved shirt to be comfortable. The parade of queens was very nice and they had two girls from Asuncion, one from La Bocana, and one from San Ignacio. The plaza is surrounded by vendors, taco stands, a great pizza stand, as well as two mixed drink vendors, and of course the big Tecate tent. If you are in the area, you may want to make sure to attend as things can only get better as it progresses toward the weekend.

Eli - 7-28-2010 at 10:28 AM

Although it was 47 years ago when I attended the festival in San Ignacio, I vote if you have a chance to do it, GO !

Must say that summer, being 13, staying at Casa Leree with Dona Beca, Dona Maria Y Dona Chela, attending Bequita's wedding, the dances behind Hercilia's store, Dad's typewriter set up under the grape arbor at Casa Leree, Promanading around the town square, falling in love for the first time, being chased by a turkey on the way to the outhouse at Casa Leree, oh my these memories are fresh and sweet, I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Paula - 7-28-2010 at 11:09 PM

Next year we have to time our trip north to make the festival!

Sara, although I'm sure that things have changed over time, your story is inspiring. And maybe Casa Leree has changed in some ways, but it is still the gateway to the past-- as close as we may ever come to seeing what we missed. To me it is heaven on earth!

Eli - 7-29-2010 at 10:33 AM

I expect you are right on it when you say that Casa Leree has changed, (I know I certainly have), but at the same time retains something of times gone by, (I hope, I hope).

Although I seriously doubt that I will ever make the festival again, ( it is way to hot for me in July), I know I am never going to be the Bell of the Ball again, or dance all night (not even), or dance the first dance in my Papa's arms unless it is in my dreams. The memories are good, good, good. Good enough!

Still, some winter I hope to make it over to the Lagoon to visit the whales and for sure spend a night or two at Casa Leree. Is the grape arbor still there? I would Love to sit under that grape arbor. I am sure the outhouse is gone, as is the turkey was tamales years ago. And well, Beca, Maria & Chela, I hope they have gone off into the white light, but it should would be nice if something of their spirits where there, along with Don Jimmy's, (it was after all his favorite place of all), a well they are in my heart and that is most certainly plenty good enough.

[Edited on 7-29-2010 by Eli]

shari - 7-29-2010 at 10:46 AM

thanks so much Eli for your wonderful memories of this special place. I feel the same way you do about the sweet memories of the past...i have a hard time letting go....I still have my outhouse for old times sake and it sure comes in handy when there is no water or when borachos are around!!!

Eli - 7-29-2010 at 10:51 AM

For sure, Hold on to your memories Shari, cherish them, savor them, they are one of our greatest gifts for being human, what we were has so much to do with who we now are, at least this is what I believe.

Also, good idea to keep the outhouse, for the obvious reasons you stated above!

David K - 7-29-2010 at 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eli
Although it was 47 years ago when I attended the festival in San Ignacio, I vote if you have a chance to do it, GO !

Must say that summer, being 13, staying at Casa Leree with Dona Beca, Dona Maria Y Dona Chela, attending Bequita's wedding, the dances behind Hercilia's store, Dad's typewriter set up under the grape arbor at Casa Leree, Promanading around the town square, falling in love for the first time, being chased by a turkey on the way to the outhouse at Casa Leree, oh my these memories are fresh and sweet, I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Sure enjoy reading about your youth in San Ignacio... In the days long before pavement!

Your dad's book is also 'must reading' for Nomads who haven't yet done so! (that's San Ignacio below his plane):

[Edited on 7-29-2010 by David K]

Copy of Jimmy-r.JPG - 40kB

Eli - 7-29-2010 at 11:44 AM

Thanks David, it has been awhile since I have connect with You. I hope you and yours are well and happy.

I agree, the Ol Man's book gives a vision of San Ignacio that only he could have had, a time long gone by before they paved the road. I remember that summer, it took us 5 flat tires and 4 days to just get from Mulege to Santa Rosalia.

And now, Don Jimmy is gone, and Dave Deal, the illustrator, to has passed, and even the publisher, Chuck is now gone, hummmm, I don't think that book will ever be republished. Anyway, those three certainly knew and loved San Ignacio.

shari - 7-29-2010 at 11:50 AM

Eli....ya never know...maybe that book will become a collectors item and someday be republished. I just read that some of Ansel Adams original glass photo plates from 1937 were found after supposedly they had been lost in a fire and they will be published and copies sold of the new images...cool eh!
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/100727/world/us_ansel_ada...

Eli - 7-29-2010 at 12:43 PM

Shari, thanks for the hopeful note. I just checked the Adams link and you are right no one knows.

Also, David is right on, "The Grinning Gargoyle" is a classic and should be read by any Baja affection-ado. I expect Dona Lupe still has some copies for sale. And if she doesn't, I have a few stashed in the back room of the gallery.

David K - 7-29-2010 at 05:07 PM

Discover Baja Travel Club may still have them... Bernie's company Caballero Publishing had a bunch, at one time.

It was a real pleasure to know all three men personally (Jimmy Smith, Dave Deal, Chuck Potter)!

Eli - 7-29-2010 at 06:26 PM

That it was David, knowing them was a privilege that You and I do share with a few people on this board.

Bajatripper - 7-31-2010 at 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eli
being chased by a turkey on the way to the outhouse at Casa Leree,

Heeey, that's MY memory from staying at Casa Leree in the 1960s! You didn't steal that out of Juanita's "book of memories," did you? :lol:

That turkey was certainly one ornery beast. And it wasn't just for show, he left me with a scar on my thigh that lasted years. I feared that bad dude and hated the call of nature since he seemed to consider the space before the outhouse his personal domain--at least when it came to kids.

Eli - 7-31-2010 at 04:00 PM

Holy Moly Bajatripper, now how often does that happen? Ain't it cool when your memories from so long ago are confirmed by someone of similar experience around the same time. Do you think it could have been the same turkey? I don't have a calculator in my hand and even less so in my mind, but I am guessing that since I am 59 now and I am pretty sure I was 13, (but maybe 14) when I was there, it would have been between 1962 & 1964? (I think). For sure it was the year that Bequita married. With the bubbies I had sprouted by than I hate to think I was 12, but I guess it is possible. Oh man, that was a long time ago. Although that Ol Turkey never nailed me, the midnight run to the outhouse was one trauma of my youth that I will carry with me till the day I die. Although it is more of a chuckle type memory than a trauma anymore.

[Edited on 7-31-2010 by Eli]

Bajatripper - 8-1-2010 at 05:40 PM

I'm sure it was the same turkey, since we passed through in 1963 on our way to La Paz. My mother, Bajalera, remembers meeting your father then.

Eli - 8-1-2010 at 07:03 PM

Small world. Hard to believe so many years have passed, yep, I am sure that was the same Turkey.

I hope Your Mom is well. Didn't I meet you had a Bajanomad gathering she held a few years back? One of the last times I have been to La Paz. It was well worth the trip to Meet Your Mom, she is one of the best things about this board.

Bajatripper - 8-1-2010 at 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eli
Small world. Hard to believe so many years have passed, yep, I am sure that was the same Turkey.

I hope Your Mom is well. Didn't I meet you had a Bajanomad gathering she held a few years back? One of the last times I have been to La Paz. It was well worth the trip to Meet Your Mom, she is one of the best things about this board.

Yes, we did meet at that party. As I recall, I gave you a ride to your hotel afterwards.

Paula - 8-1-2010 at 09:59 PM

Don and I were at the party too, it was a nice evening, still remember it well.

Wish we'd been around to be chased by the turkey.

edit: afterthought.

[Edited on 8-2-2010 by Paula]

Eli - 8-2-2010 at 05:07 AM

Bajatripper, yes you did give me a ride, that was a special evening, finally getting to meet your Mom, (she for sure is one of my hero's), and Paula & Don, Jesse was there that night also, I recall and a lot of nice folks from Bajanomads.

Paula, you are right it was worth being chased by the Turkey to have known San Ignacio before the roads were paved. But really, I was there less than 10 years ago, and it hadn't changed all that much, but I sure have, jeje, ni modo.

[Edited on 8-2-2010 by Eli]

shari - 8-2-2010 at 09:11 PM

I just heard that the fiestas were fantastic...more people than ever attended and they had a dramatic ending with a big fire in the palms by Rice & Beans!!! It appears that some people werent able to leave san ignacio because they were cut off from the road by the flames...wow.

Our guests havent shown up who were coming from there...hmmmm. Hope everyone is OK and there arent too many losses.

Eli - 8-2-2010 at 09:18 PM

Thanks for the up date Sherri. I too hope all had a swell time and that there was not any injury or damage.

I'm back from San Ignacio

lesd - 8-3-2010 at 01:19 AM

Well, I really enjoyed my trip, including the 3 days in San Ignacio. I arrived Thursday afternoon, because I was worried that there may be no good camping spots. I checked out the campsite that was listed in the books as being closer to the town square, but it looked abandoned ( the one near the basket ball court ). I camped at the lagoon, to the right as you cross the bridge. Nice site, clean, flush toilets, caretaker was there a lot doing things. I paid 250 pesos for 3 nights. Another place, to the left of the Yurt place, was right on the lagoon as well, but zero facilities. When I asked about WC , she smiled and pointed to the water, like I'm supposed to crap in it, I'm not kidding !
Food: Well, I'll write more in a general trip report, but I found few choices. Asada tacos at the festival were good, but it was very hard to get a seat after 9PM. Honestly, the Mexican food here in Los Angeles is *way* better than most anything in Baja. Something to do with > 2 million Mexicans here and a relative surplus of high quality ingredients and good hole in the wall taco stands.
Festival: Don't come for the festival if you expect 'old world' Baja quaintness. The semi trucks were there setting up a very 20th century stage complete with concert caliber speakers and lighting scaffolds. During the day I enjoyed the historical photos under the trees in the square. In the evening, the music picks up starting at about 10pm. Various stalls line the perimeter of the square selling everything from toys to handbags. Many people walk around and around this perimeter, because there isn't much else to do and it makes for good people watching. There is dancing in the square and the bands that play are really pretty good. I found it kind of odd that some parents with baby strollers chose to park themselves right near the most loud ( I mean vision blurring loud ) sub woofers. What were they thinking ?
The folk from the town were all there, and I could sense the joy and togetherness of the town. Lots of kids all dressed up, the boys often had on black dress shoes, even if it was a bit dusty for them.
The mechanical Carnival: This was just as interesting as the festival in the square. Lots of rides and music going. It was fun watching the young men with the cowboy hats and mega belt buckles get tossed off the mechanical bull that was manned by a 12 year old operating the beast with a remote switch panel. Many looks each time I pulled in with my dirt bike, they usually don't see a bike that is only a few years old, I guess.
Almost got a ticket: I used my dirtbike to get around, and it has no headlight. So I used my backpacking headlight on my head, works well enough.... until I pass about 30 stop and go cars waiting to get into the square at night, and one of said cars is a police car. He didn't like getting passed up I thing , because as I entered the square they nabbed me. "infraction" he kept saying. Well, I talked my way out of it, with the help of a drunk translator man who happened by.
The Lagoon: Fun to swim in. Dropped my inflatable kayak in and some kid noticed a tarantula crawl out of it. Just as this happened a bee stung me. Oh well, I think I prefer the bee, but my arm still itches something fierce as I type this.
Pictures to come.

Bajatripper - 8-3-2010 at 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
and they had a dramatic ending with a big fire in the palms by Rice & Beans!!!

That'll be tough to top next year!

Eli - 8-3-2010 at 01:51 PM

Ay que Bajatripper, I see You have inherited your Mom's sense of ironic humor.

Bajatripper - 8-3-2010 at 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eli
Ay que Bajatripper, I see You have inherited your Mom's sense of ironic humor.

But, did you laugh, or think me to be an A-hole, as someone suggested I am? Careful how you answer, as it would apply equally to Bajalera.

[Edited on 8-3-2010 by Bajatripper]

Bajatripper - 8-3-2010 at 02:20 PM

lesd

I really enjoyed your "trip report." You have a nice way with words and observations.

Eli - 8-3-2010 at 02:33 PM

Are You kidding, Yeah I laughed, and am still chuckling, that was what I call a 1st. class humorous observation.

Bajatripper - 8-3-2010 at 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eli
Are You kidding, Yeah I laughed, and am still chuckling, that was what I call a 1st. class humorous observation.

Thanks, Eli, you're too kind. I'll pass on what you said about Bajalera when I see her in a few days. Heading up north to pick up my daughter for the year. Can't wait to have her back.

David K - 8-3-2010 at 05:52 PM

Love the exchanges here on Nomad between people who actually have met in person and spent a bit of time getting to know each other... They are nice and friendly conversations, like around the campfire. :yes:

Bajatripper - 8-3-2010 at 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Love the exchanges here on Nomad between people who actually have met in person and spent a bit of time getting to know each other... They are nice and friendly conversations, like around the campfire. :yes:

I've got that CD with the photos from the Mission Santa Maria run I promised you at the campfire, David. I'll drop it off (con el favor de Dios) on my trip down from Washington. Give my best to Baja Angel.

[Edited on 8-4-2010 by Bajatripper]

bajajudy - 8-3-2010 at 07:15 PM

There was a fire the year we were there for my birthday, too. One of my friends asked me if my birthday candles had gotten out of control. He is singing soprano now.

Glad that you had a good time. It really is as Baja as you can get. People from miles and miles away come for it. That is IT for the year for many of them. Used to be even more so when they rode their horses in.

David K - 8-3-2010 at 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper

Quote:

Okay, done!

That would be great... Let's not miss the connection... Remember to ask your mom to autograph the copy of her book for me, as soon as it is published and I can then buy it! :light:

Eli - 8-4-2010 at 06:12 AM

Bajatripper, have a safe journey, I assume you are driving. I can imagine your anticipation about bringing your daughter home, I am very happy for you both. Our kids can pull our heartstrings like nobody else, and that's a good thing even when it is hard. Give my best to Your Mom. When does she come home to La Paz?

Eli - 8-4-2010 at 06:24 AM

lesd, thanks for the trip report, it is always good to hear about San Ignacio, I hope someday to return, although not for the festival, I like my memories better than the modern day booming speaker ones. I seldom go to the fiestas anywhere anymore, and that includes weddings, birthday parties, baptisms, etc. I can't handle the noise level or the crowds, or the late nights.

I do hope that I have the good sense to someday return to San Ignacio, spend a couple of nights at Casa Leree, visit my memories and go see the whales at the Lagoon, this is still on my bucket list to do.

shari - 8-4-2010 at 07:56 AM

the San Ignacio palmera fire is the talk of the town and I got to thinking about risks people are willing to take to live in gorgeous areas.

this is purely food for thought and I would be interested in your comments and opinions.

fires in the palm groves are very common and seem to happen every summer so it is not like a big surprise disaster...like a hundred year flood. It is part of the nature of living in a palm grove...but do expats understand and accept this. I got to thinking because we had some guests who bought land there and were going to build something. I guess one just accepst the fact that things could go up in flames...so build accordingly.

Kinda like living in an arroyo then...build for floods. I imagine it takes a special kind of person to build something they are willing to let go of in a disaster...or just fix up time and time again.

what disaster would you prefer to take a risk on ..fire or flood?

Tidal waves kinda freak me out living where we do...but they certainly arent common in this neck of the coast.

Eli - 8-4-2010 at 09:06 AM

Right off the top of my head; My home in L.B. is on high ground but not on top of a hill, it is located in as about a safe place as one can imagine for hurricanes. Still, every summer when I leave home, I worry about loosing my Palapa roof over the studio, (and I bet someday I will, dang, but I love that Palapa roof. I won't know until it goes if I replace it with concrete or palm again). I worry about water running into my bedroom via the windows etc.

Same at the gallery; It is located in a not to high not to low place, has a concrete roof, but still, I take down the Paintings on the East wall, store them and worry (but not obsessively) about what damages may occur to my belongings while I am gone.

When I lived in San Fransisco, and also Oaxaca, there was always concern about an Earthquake.

Where I am now on a tall hill over looking a beautiful meadow, there is concern of landslide, (as I write this, they are building a humdinger of a retaining wall below).

If I was going to live in a Palm grove, I would build with concrete roof, avoid wood, (easy to do in Baja) and hope for the best.

I think disaster can strike anywhere we live on the planet, We just do the best we can to deal with what issues are common where we live, one just never knows when it is going to be Your turn.

[Edited on 8-4-2010 by Eli]

Eli - 8-4-2010 at 08:39 PM

You know, upon reflection, I really am kind of full of it sometimes. There has been a lot of building going on at the edge or what I thought was right in the arroyo to the North of my home, and I really wonder what the heck these people are doing, are they nuts, are they asking for trouble or what. So there I go with a total contradiction to what I just said above.

So in the end, I can see your point Shari. I for sure wouldn't build in an arroyo and most likely not in the middle of a Palm Grove, nor on the edge of a river, nor beach front for that matter. I guess everyone has where they are comfortable.

Even so, Mother Nature could come along and wipe me out any minute and leave the guy in the Arroyo alone. Who knows?????

bajalera - 8-7-2010 at 09:53 PM

Thanks, Eli, for reminding me of the belligerent [sp?] turkey that went into an attack mode whenever anybody approached the outhouse. Talk about territorial!

*************
Oops! Somehow I overlooked page 2 of this thread and posted the above on 3, thereby missing a lot of related stuff.

Eli, I'm sure you remember the acequia that routed water on an angled course through yard of the Leree inn--Steve and his brother and sister floated paper sailboats in it. A nice respite for them--traveling all day on that old road at maybe 3 miles an hour didn't provide much in the way of entertainment for pre-teen kids.

Last time we stayed there, I was glad to see that water was running through the channel one day a week, and the little wooden bridge that now arches over it is a nice touch.

Although things have changed, I think most people who knew the old inn would agree that its spirit has survived-- thanks to Juanita's sensitivity and her dedication.

[Edited on 8-8-2010 by bajalera]

Eli - 8-8-2010 at 06:16 AM

Lera, There You are, I was wondering when I would catch one of your posts again. I've missed you.

Yes, I remember the channel very well. I had never seen anything like it at home in So. Cal. What an great way to remember it, with your kids floating boats. And yes I remember well, the 3 miles per hr. road that got us there.

Reading your post reminds me again of my promise to myself to someday return.