I'm going to be moving to El Cardonal in Sept, long term, and I'm curious to get a glimpse of the area. "Downtown" , houses, stores, roads, beaches
actually anything
Thanks
many more questions to followgnukid - 8-6-2010 at 12:26 PM
From Pescadero looking south, you can see the shape in the mountain called the pyramid, it also defines the land in shore from (tuna) pescadero canyon
heading out to sea and Palmas Canyon south. These are names used, I don't know if they are ubiquitous.
As you pass from the south into Bajada de la Mesa (some locals call it) the land turns to face the North and trees and bushes grow freely. Further
south the wind is sideshore, in cardonal the wind is often side on shore, which creates a change in climate and vegetation.
Drying laundry on the trees in Cardonal.
Much of the waterfront of Cardonal looks like this, the wind is strong, offshore and but gusty near shore and the beach is often a sand blast pit, but
you can sail and we do. There are wind waves and sea of cortez swell that make for a safe fun swim area but occasional shore break on rocks or reefs
so be careful of steep beaches. There are occasional rock outcroppings that can hurt you or your boat.
Looking north toward Punta Pescadero, the point is major landmark that influences the region. Fish gather off the point and out to sea.
As you head Northerly from El Cardonal past Boca Del Alamo the dirt road opens up over Bahia De Los Muertos toward Cerralvo Island.
Looking toward Cerralvo Island illusions.
Punta Pescadero looking south
Impromtu party with neighbors in Bajado de La Mesa (Next to Cardonal))
Cardonal Playa North
Cardonal Playa South
Friendly locals
Use google earth to view El Cardonal, BCS, MX aerial view
[Edited on 8-7-2010 by gnukid]Natalie Ann - 8-6-2010 at 12:58 PM
Gnu - Your very nice pix of that area make me long to visit it again, wind or no wind. Thanks.
nenawillyAirstream - 8-6-2010 at 02:32 PM
Thanks Gnukid!! I knew there was another Pompano down there Great pics and
very helpful!!gnukid - 8-6-2010 at 03:28 PM
I might guess you are interested in anchorages. Basically there is a little bay in central Cardonal where people do launch early and return early but
its not a good anchorage for any period of time. Anchoring is not so convenient anywhere. Further south below Pescadero there is a more protected
anchorage and some boats do anchor over Summer. Of course in Los Barriles boats anchor through Summer but not so much in Winter.
I have been boating there often, the best fishing is way off shore 6km or so, and yet launches are best on smaller boats with small engines or kayaks.
So, it's a bit of a conflict between big boats for longer days boating and short trips. I think kayaks and Stand up Paddle are a great fit for the
region.
Another big issue is that there are only distant gas stations, one in Los Plannes and the others in Los Barriles. So, you will need to carry gas or
return to the station in town. It's only about 15-20km or so to the gas in LB and about 30-40km I guess to Los Plannes if you are heading to La Paz or
Muertos. Very few mechanics or parts, but it's only 50km or so to the ciudad de yonke just outside of La Paz.
Also the sand at the beach is very deep and not packed so you need to plan on 4x4 or better a quad or large buggy for best transport. The road is
often very rough and bumpy, I go about 5mph max. A buggy can go much faster but its more dangerous.
For WillieAirstream, I would say use take your time and gather your own experience and try to find launches to meet your needs. Have a backup network
and carry handheld vhf since there are few phones.willyAirstream - 8-7-2010 at 06:49 AM
Anchorage was my next question. Looks like a kayak is the way to go. Will I be able to get to fishing areas in a kayak? I was hoping to tool around
the beach on a dirt bike, but that is sounding iffy. Is cell service poor there? Can you recommend a cell service? Is there a bank or atm in Los
Barriles? Thanks for your assistance.gnukid - 8-7-2010 at 07:47 AM
Considering Punta Pescadero is one of the oldest and most famous fishing resorts, there must be many experts with large boats to explore the offshore
canyon among those who live and visit there. Panga fisherman also work the region and local expats use beach launch wheels on aluminum and inflatable
boats and kayaks are an easy launch.
To head out in a boat will require enough strength to pull a boat up and down the beach with wheels, a typical boat with motor is more than #250lbs so
you need two people, plus gas is expensive. So Kayak trips are good choice and its a great simple way to start your day.
If you want a real fishing trip go with a charter from Pescadero or go with a real panguero who lives nearby.
There is some cell service, plus internet phone here and there on telcel or moviestar, but vhf is common for boaters and house to house there
Motorcycle is good but between sand and the road it can be dangerous if you just fall over unexpectedly, beach is soft and steep, the road is steep
too, so quads, those cool new 4 person machines or small trucks are common. A fun diversion is to take a drive to either Pescadero or Bahia de Los
Muertos for a drink with your crew.
One time, we call the greatest day ever, we were sitting on the beach and a morey eel came out of the water, up the beach and attacked our bag of
fish! I jumped a few feet into the air.
Kitesurfing and swimming is really fun too
Notice the dangerous swell woody with a view - 8-7-2010 at 08:12 AM
i didn't notice the dangerous swell as much as the steep curves.....BooJumMan - 8-9-2010 at 09:35 PM
Gnukid, why did you have to stop posting pictures?!!! gnukid - 8-9-2010 at 09:54 PM
el Cardonal-nice place with a special attitude, more fashionable than Los Barriles, more sophisticated than Cabo, and nothing else.
And don't forget to go to La Paz once every two weeks to get a hair cut!
[Edited on 8-10-2010 by gnukid]willyAirstream - 8-10-2010 at 06:48 AM
That first pic with the cactus and blue water is amazing. Is the 4th pic the beach road or the mountain road. I'm assuming coming from Los Barriles,
pulling a trailer, I should use the mountain road? Thanks for the pics again. Looks truly inviting!
Yikes Woody - more dangerous swells! Some Swells are good!jwylie - 8-10-2010 at 05:09 PM
I have had a house in El Cardonal for about five years. I am locaed on the beach, just East of the small store in town. I have a 21' center councel
boat (Triumph) with a 150 HP and beach launch it on a regular basis in front of my house. I enjoy fishing for all species of fish from as far South
as Cabo Pulmo to the North side of Cerralvo. As long as the wind does not pick up too much, it is easy to launch and retireve my boat on the beach.
You just need to put a tire on the front of the trailer that you can raise and lower. Use a rope to retrieve the boat and trialer up and onto level
ground. I hope that you enjoy the town and feel free to swing by for a c-cktial if you get a chance.mojo_norte - 8-10-2010 at 07:16 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
el Cardonal-nice place with a special attitude, more fashionable than Los Barriles, more sophisticated than Cabo, and nothing else.
PS- luv the pics
mojo_norte - 8-10-2010 at 07:19 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by willyAirstream
\ Is there a bank or atm in Los Barriles? Thanks for your assistance.
Great pics and
very helpful!!
