BajaNomad

Bye-Bye, Balandra?

Bajatripper - 5-17-2011 at 03:37 PM

Many of you familiar with the area of La Paz have been to Bahia Balandra, the popular local swimming beach north of the city. Balandra was recently in the news, which I thought I'd share.

A little background …
It is a rare sight to see a Paceños (residents of La Paz) swim in the waters off the the malecon. The people one sees frolicking in the water and enjoying those little round palapas the municipality has erected on the city's beaches in recent years are most likely tourists or recent immigrants to the city. When Paceños want to spend a day at the beach with family and friends, they have traditionally gone to the beaches north of town along the shores of the Bay of La Paz (La Paz is located at the entrance of the Ensenada de los Aripes, what is really a very large estuary where the beaches are not the nicest and stink a bit at low tide, a consequence of 200 years of loosely-regulated human habitation).

In the "good old days" Playa Coromuel, a beach about a mile north of town with facilities dating back more than a century, was the beach of choice for the city's residents. But in the early 1970s, that changed when the road that had previously ended at the ferry terminal at Pichilingue was extended north, reaching the tip of the small peninsula that separates La Paz from the open waters of the Sea of Cortez. Aside from bringing the sandy beaches and clear waters of Tecolote Beach within reach of the city's residents, the new road also provided access to Bahia Balandra, a picturesque cove and estuary ecosystem comprising almost 450 acres. Both places had previously been known only to boaters. Since the opening of the road, Paceños have made these places part of Sudcaliforniano tradition. For a glimpse of this, one need only visit Tecolote Beach during Semana Santa to see the campfest that takes place each year.

Although the new road also provided access to other beaches and estuaries that became popular among the citizenry, none of them captivated Paceños like Bahia Balandra. Its well-protected and very shallow inner bay is a favorite destination for local families. Kids can walk out for what seems like miles before encountering waters over their heads (save for the deep spot in the southeast corner of the cove), which has made it an ideal place for small children. Balandra also has an extensive mangrove estuary system, making it an important regional Ramsar-listed wildlife habitat. It is also home of the famous Hongo de Balandra (Balandra Mushroom), a rock formation in the tidelands of the bay that quickly became the city's unofficial symbol before the present pigeon/whale tail emblem was adopted.

In more recent years, Bahia Balandra has become a battle ground between local, national and international conservationists ("those crazy Sierra hippy nuts" as Skeet might refer to them) on one side and promoters of tourism enterprises on the other. During the last two decades, plans for developing the Tecolote-Balandra corridor have been proposed several times. They include hotels, residences, golf courses and a marina on Bahia Balandra.

So far, through a series of stalling actions that included a campaign to gather signatures of local people and forward a demand to the state legislation for protected status, the environmentalists have been able to stave off the developers. In March of 2008, Balandra was declared the Municipality of La Paz's first Protected Natural Area. The decree was celebrated as a great victory for Paceños in the local news and the people who fought so hard for such a ruling breathed a collective sigh of relief. It was short-lived.

Recent court actions issuing exceptions to the municipal legislation are eroding away that status. As so often is the case, money and family connections can be a powerful combination. A recent court ruling favoring lifting the protected status of tracts of land bordering Balandra that are owned by Miguel Aleman Magnani is a case-in-point. If the name Miguel Aleman rings a bell for some, it is because his father, Miguel Aleman Velasco is an ex-governor of Veracruz and his grandfather, Miguel Aleman Valdez, was president of Mexico from 1946-54. You might say that President Miguel Aleman knew a thing or two about tourism development. He was the one most responsible for making Acapulco what it is today when he pushed the construction of a highway connecting the old port city with the nation's capital, launching Mexico's first international resort. Locally, the president was so infatuated with our region that he ordered the constructed of a presidential residence at what use to be called El Caimancito (where the La Concha Beach Resort is presently), which later became the Governor's Mansion before being disposed of so the hotel could be built and the old mansion building converted into an aquarium and "salon de eventos."

So now, various organizations and citizens' groups are gearing up for battle once more. Few issues unite the local populace like the potential loss of Balandra does. Their purpose now is to gain a presidential designation as a natural protected area. Then, it is supposed, the corridor will have protection with some teeth in it. Although I'd love to see these beaches protected and preserved for the use of the people of BCS into the distant future, the cynic in me harbors little hope that this will happen. The beaches at Tecolote are just too valuable to not be developed as a "Zona Dorada," like the one at Mazatlan. Already there is a tourist residential housing project being built at the adjacent beach, and the view of Espiritu Santo Island is spectacular from Tecolote Beach. And as Tecolote goes, Balandra is likely to soon follow. A road about a mile long connects the two jewels, so it's hard to see how Tecolote could be developed and not have it spill down the road to Balandra.

But I'm sure some will think that the economic opportunities that will be touted are worth the sacrifice.

Bahia Balandra, taken from a hill that is now closed to public access.


The inner bay and mangroves of Balandra. The property to the right is what Miguel Aleman supposedly owns.


The view from Balandra looking out to Tecolote Beach and Espiritu Santo beyond.



Some relevant links on the subject:
http://beaches.uptake.com/blog/balandra-beach-la-paz-mexico....
http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2005/08/01/044n1soc.php
http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/493090.html
http://www.bionero.org/ecologia/politicos-de-la-paz-intentan...

[Edited on 5-18-2011 by Bajatripper]

BajaBlanca - 5-17-2011 at 03:59 PM

absolutely exquisite photos ..... so gorgeous it almost looks fake.

seems a shame that it will be developed and that the very hill one of the photos was taken from is already off limits ...

thanks for posting. and I guess mr aleman was a visionary.

longlegsinlapaz - 5-17-2011 at 04:16 PM

Balandra is THE most tranquil & beautiful cove I've ever seen, snorkeled in & explored around. What will it take for the residents of La Paz to not allow some self-serving, money-hungry person/people to sell another piece of it's soul & it's residents heritage?:fire::fire: I'm adding this to my list of concerns/issues for Esthela Ponce!

El Mogote Norte??

Bajahowodd - 5-17-2011 at 04:35 PM

History seems to tell us that given enough time, enough money and enough demand, development happens.

Perhaps the only saving grace for the current and near future is that the world economy is weak.

mtgoat666 - 5-17-2011 at 04:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by longlegsinlapaz
Balandra is THE most tranquil & beautiful cove I've ever seen, snorkeled in & explored around. What will it take for the residents of La Paz to not allow some self-serving, money-hungry person/people to sell another piece of it's soul & it's residents heritage?:fire::fire: I'm adding this to my list of concerns/issues for Esthela Ponce!


well, many nomads are examples of the problem. look at all the nomads living in waterfront houses -- prior to those houses, i am sure their beaches were accessible too!

it's a common theme. people develop an area, then want to ban any further development.

slimshady - 5-17-2011 at 04:46 PM

The beach of Playa Tecolote all the way are beautiful and would be a developers dream. Not just just any developer but one who would be building a resort that preserves the local environment. Leave the golf courses out as well as a marina and I think it will be doable. Balandra should be preserved and building homes around it would truly be a shame.

I would rather have a hotel in Tecolote than have peolple driving all over the beach leaving trash all over the place.

mtgoat666 - 5-17-2011 at 04:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by morgaine7
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
History seems to tell us that given enough time, enough money and enough demand, development happens.

WHAT demand?


communities that don't grow die.
fact of life, healthy communities grow and expand.
the temporary vacancies are just the residual gwb legacy (crashed economy plus failed war on drugs), the economy will recover and someday mexico will get a handle ongangs and violence

David K - 5-17-2011 at 05:05 PM

Excellently written post Steve!

My new bride and I spent some time at Balandra Bay in 1985 on our honeymoon.. the road down to it was pretty rough... it was a nice spot and we were the only ones there.

Is the mushroom rock still standing? That was what I thought your post was about when I read the title... that it fell over. I recall it had before, but was 'fixed' to look natural once again!

Progress happens... like paved roads... Instead of blaming the rightful owner for selling it to a developer, why don't all the people who want it left alone put up the money and BUY it themselves? Case solved?

Thanks again for a great post Steve!

capitolkat - 5-17-2011 at 06:26 PM

I've soaked may a time at Balandra. ejoyed its warm shallow water but I don't see anything here that says anything has been approved. No premits applied for or issued to the famous family.

I'm not of those guys who stick their heads in the sand but I'm also not an alarmist. I live across the bay from Balandra so what has changed from last month or last year to ring the alarm bell today?

Balandra

C-Urchin - 5-17-2011 at 06:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Instead of blaming the rightful owner for selling it to a developer, why don't all the people who want it left alone put up the money and BUY it themselves? Case solved?


Who sold it to whom?...Kind of like...Mogote???...:wow:

Bajatripper - 5-17-2011 at 06:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
it's a common theme. people develop an area, then want to ban any further development.


No, that isn't the common theme in this instance. In the case of Balandra, the people/organizations are trying desperately to stop the development BEFORE it happens--nothing to do with your gripe, which I'll agree is quite valid in most places.

Bajatripper - 5-17-2011 at 06:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Excellently written post Steve!

Progress happens... like paved roads... Instead of blaming the rightful owner for selling it to a developer, why don't all the people who want it left alone put up the money and BUY it themselves?


Funny you should mention the "rightful" owners, David. One of the items that received a bit of press when the "owner" was revealed some years ago was how did the Aleman family come to acquire what many of the region's residents always assumed was federal property. The paper trail documenting the acquisition was suspect at the time, if memory serves me. The same can be said of the some of the Rodriguez family's holdings in southern Baja--which seem to be as a result of the presidential term of Abelardo Rodriguez (the guy who built the nice house overlooking "his" fish cannery in Sauzal, just north of Ensenada). I would have no problem with the suggestion you make--provided that documentation for the ownership is legit. But, given the people involved, figure the odds on that.

Bajatripper - 5-17-2011 at 07:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by C-Urchin
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Instead of blaming the rightful owner for selling it to a developer, why don't all the people who want it left alone put up the money and BUY it themselves? Case solved?


Who sold it to whom?...Kind of like...Mogote???...:wow:


Speaking of the Mogote, I found out while researching Balandra that Cano (the Los Cabos developer who bought the Mogote) paid a little over 12 pesos per square meter for the sand spit. But now, he'd qualify as the "rightful owner," even though a strong case for official corruption could be made. When do residents get their say on THEIR patrimony under such a system? Too late for the Mogote, as most of us know.

And another point to make--these places are seldom put up for sale so that people interested in conserving them might have the chance to buy them. These acquisitions happen in secret and are then announced one fine day after it's too late to do anything about it. I would guess that, at 12 pesos a square meter, there could have been the local, national, and international support to buy the mogote had it been offered for sale. These same interests did, after all, buy the Espiritu Santo/Parida Islands in just such a fashion and both are now (supposedly) saved for posterity. But again, I have little faith that some future administration won't be able to find a way to sell them once more.

[Edited on 5-18-2011 by Bajatripper]

longlegsinlapaz - 5-17-2011 at 07:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
well, many nomads are examples of the problem. look at all the nomads living in waterfront houses -- prior to those houses, i am sure their beaches were accessible too!

it's a common theme. people develop an area, then want to ban any further development.


You're mistaken....even people who don't own waterfront property know that the Federal Maritime Zone is held in perpetuity for public use. There are very specific laws about beach access, vehicular traffic can be blocked, but foot traffic must be allowed access at regular intervals. In my personal experience, private residence development in this immediate area has not restricted beach use by the public, it's enhanced it because the residents remove the basura left on the beach on a regular basis, thus making it a cleaner & more pleasant destination.

Goat, have you even been to Balandra? Do you have any idea how isolated it is from any housing of any nationality? It's totally off-grid & well-isolated from town & shopping, medical. The only businesses near are a couple restaurants out at Tecolote, but no tiendas or other places to get supplies out there.

Do you think it was a total fluke that "Balandra was declared the Municipality of La Paz's first Protected Natural Area"? As Bajatripper clearly stated in his original post, it was public outcry that brought it about.

You want to lay blame on "many nomads are examples of the problem", try coming up with a defensible issue & location. Balandra doesn't happen to be it.

Bajatripper - 5-17-2011 at 07:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Excellently written post Steve!

My new bride and I spent some time at Balandra Bay in 1985 on our honeymoon.. the road down to it was pretty rough... it was a nice spot and we were the only ones there.

Is the mushroom rock still standing? That was what I thought your post was about when I read the title... that it fell over. I recall it had before, but was 'fixed' to look natural once again!


Thanks again for a great post Steve!


Thanks for the complement, David. Yes, the Hongo de Balandra is standing once again. I think it was knocked over the first time in the late 1970s--at the time I was told a Chilango tourist had done the dirty deed on purpose. But then, Paceños have always had a hard-on for people from the Capital, so maybe that was made up. At any rate, a grieving American widower supposedly placed the rock back upright to commemorate his deceased wife, who, if I recall, died in a shark attack or a swimming accident. There's a brass plaque at the base of the rock with her name on it.

Later, in the 1990s or early 2000s, a storm knocked the rock over again and it was stood up once more. I think the municipality paid for the second erection, but I'm not sure about that.

I would have posted a couple of photos of the rock and plaque, but they are on a storage drive that is refusing me access at the moment.

David K - 5-17-2011 at 09:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajatripper
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Excellently written post Steve!

Progress happens... like paved roads... Instead of blaming the rightful owner for selling it to a developer, why don't all the people who want it left alone put up the money and BUY it themselves?


Funny you should mention the "rightful" owners, David. One of the items that received a bit of press when the "owner" was revealed some years ago was how did the Aleman family come to acquire what many of the region's residents always assumed was federal property. The paper trail documenting the acquisition was suspect at the time, if memory serves me. The same can be said of the some of the Rodriguez family's holdings in southern Baja--which seem to be as a result of the presidential term of Abelardo Rodriguez (the guy who built the nice house overlooking "his" fish cannery in Sauzal, just north of Ensenada). I would have no problem with the suggestion you make--provided that documentation for the ownership is legit. But, given the people involved, figure the odds on that.


I got the 'rightful owner' part from you Steve, I personally have no idea of ownership of the place:

"A recent court ruling favoring lifting the protected status of tracts of land bordering Balandra that are owned by Miguel Aleman Magnani is a case-in-point. "

When a court rules on it, that to me makes the ownership legit (or rightful).

David K - 5-17-2011 at 09:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajatripper
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Excellently written post Steve!

My new bride and I spent some time at Balandra Bay in 1985 on our honeymoon.. the road down to it was pretty rough... it was a nice spot and we were the only ones there.

Is the mushroom rock still standing? That was what I thought your post was about when I read the title... that it fell over. I recall it had before, but was 'fixed' to look natural once again!


Thanks again for a great post Steve!


Thanks for the complement, David. Yes, the Hongo de Balandra is standing once again. I think it was knocked over the first time in the late 1970s--at the time I was told a Chilango tourist had done the dirty deed on purpose. But then, Paceños have always had a hard-on for people from the Capital, so maybe that was made up. At any rate, a grieving American widower supposedly placed the rock back upright to commemorate his deceased wife, who, if I recall, died in a shark attack or a swimming accident. There's a brass plaque at the base of the rock with her name on it.

Later, in the 1990s or early 2000s, a storm knocked the rock over again and it was stood up once more. I think the municipality paid for the second erection, but I'm not sure about that.

I would have posted a couple of photos of the rock and plaque, but they are on a storage drive that is refusing me access at the moment.


Very Interesting, thanks!:bounce:

Bajatripper - 5-17-2011 at 10:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
When a court rules on it, that to me makes the ownership legit (or rightful).


I wish it were so simple, David. But...well, I'd better not go there since I live here. I will agree that a court can make things legit, but what's "rightful" often has no bearing on the decision (Can you say "U.S. Supreme Court Decision on Stopping the Florida Recount in Gore vs. Bush"? :no: I'd put the laughing heads, but it's still no laughing matter for me)

David K - 5-17-2011 at 11:09 PM

Every time the vote was recounted, Bush won... enough is enough. As for the court in La Paz, you know better than I, I just presumed if the judge said it was his, that made him the rightful owner.

Is this where we bring up our late friend 'ESL' or 'Chopy Chavez' (Cornell Crawford) and his battle with the Castro clan over his land at Cabo Pulmo, they squatted on and took from him, with government support?

mtgoat666 - 5-17-2011 at 11:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Every time the vote was recounted, Bush won... enough is enough.


the recount results are unimportant. the bias of supreme court was shocking. was the end of democracy.

monoloco - 5-18-2011 at 06:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajatripper
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Excellently written post Steve!

Progress happens... like paved roads... Instead of blaming the rightful owner for selling it to a developer, why don't all the people who want it left alone put up the money and BUY it themselves?


Funny you should mention the "rightful" owners, David. One of the items that received a bit of press when the "owner" was revealed some years ago was how did the Aleman family come to acquire what many of the region's residents always assumed was federal property. The paper trail documenting the acquisition was suspect at the time, if memory serves me. The same can be said of the some of the Rodriguez family's holdings in southern Baja--which seem to be as a result of the presidential term of Abelardo Rodriguez (the guy who built the nice house overlooking "his" fish cannery in Sauzal, just north of Ensenada). I would have no problem with the suggestion you make--provided that documentation for the ownership is legit. But, given the people involved, figure the odds on that.


I got the 'rightful owner' part from you Steve, I personally have no idea of ownership of the place:

"A recent court ruling favoring lifting the protected status of tracts of land bordering Balandra that are owned by Miguel Aleman Magnani is a case-in-point. "

When a court rules on it, that to me makes the ownership legit (or rightful).
A decision in Mexican court can be bought, so they are not always legit.

Jack Swords - 5-18-2011 at 07:06 AM

To put credit where credit is due: the second time the mushroom rock had fallen over, Abel Berkovich (Berkovich Boatyard) installed scaffolding, winches, drilled out the rock, installed stainless rods and righted the rock. His efforts including photos were covered in the local press (Baja Insider).

bajafam - 5-18-2011 at 07:17 AM

this is a fretful situation indeed and such a beautiful place (though I have never personally been there). The idea of developing there hurts my soul, much like when I drove past Salsipuedes and saw the huge billboard advertising the next "latest and greatest development plans" for there. After spending many camping trips at Salsi and enjoying the graciousness of the owner Alicia and her family, it broke my heart to learn that she had sold. Of course, now the billboard is gone, the family may or may not still be in residence, but the access to this magnificent spot is barred.
money talks and LOUDLY. hopefully the voices of the "environment nuts" and concerned citizens will speak louder.
"progress is the root of all evil" as quoted from one of my favorite musicals ~ "Lil' Abner" ( a fun play with a relevant and important message )

wilderone - 5-18-2011 at 08:09 AM

"communities that don't grow die.
fact of life, healthy communities grow and expand"

Totally inapplicable here. Citizens of communities need places to recreate with their families, enjoy life. Their quality of life depends on places like Bahia Balandra - as it has provided for generations. To destroy this area - so unique in its present state - and turn it into something else - detracts from the actual community of La Paz. If La Paz NEEDS to grow and expand to be "healthy" (doubtful concept), then let the town of La Paz do that. We all know now, that SPRAWL is not a good thing. Keep the footprint small; conserve, preserve, cherish and protect natural resources - for a "healthy" community. Power to the Pacenos.

luv2fish - 5-18-2011 at 08:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by longlegsinlapaz
Balandra is THE most tranquil & beautiful cove I've ever seen, snorkeled in & explored around. What will it take for the residents of La Paz to not allow some self-serving, money-hungry person/people to sell another piece of it's soul & it's residents heritage?:fire::fire: I'm adding this to my list of concerns/issues for Esthela Ponce!


well, many nomads are examples of the problem. look at all the nomads living in waterfront houses -- prior to those houses, i am sure their beaches were accessible too!

it's a common theme. people develop an area, then want to ban any further development.


Very well said Goat. It's like I'm here on my private little beach or cove, now let's stop all developments. Kind of hypocritical. Pretty soon that region will look like Ensenada.

luv2fish - 5-18-2011 at 08:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by luv2fish
Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by longlegsinlapaz
Balandra is THE most tranquil & beautiful cove I've ever seen, snorkeled in & explored around. What will it take for the residents of La Paz to not allow some self-serving, money-hungry person/people to sell another piece of it's soul & it's residents heritage?:fire::fire: I'm adding this to my list of concerns/issues for Esthela Ponce!


well, many nomads are examples of the problem. look at all the nomads living in waterfront houses -- prior to those houses, i am sure their beaches were accessible too!

it's a common theme. people develop an area, then want to ban any further development.


Very well said Goat. It's like I'm here on my private little beach or cove, now let's stop all developments. Kind of hypocritical. Pretty soon that region will look like Ensenada.


In the words of Mrs. Palin, "Drill baby drill"

Heather - 5-18-2011 at 08:59 AM

My girls love Balandra...the "beach with no waves", as they call it!

The last couple of years we were there we had to leave early cause the bobos/no-see-ums came out as soon as the sun started to set, and were a real pain.

That area is pretty isolated, but one of my husband's tios has a ranch out that way. I forget what the name is (San Fernando?), but it's a beautiful place. Great big house, beautiful corrals for a wide assortment of animals; birds, goats, horses, etc., and a hill to climb with a view to die for!

I couldn't tell you who the land-owner is, or how Tio Juan got the place (political involvement?), but do think there is an American owner involved somewhere. It's always nice to visit, but I sure hope development doesn't set in!

Eli - 5-18-2011 at 09:00 AM

Bajatripper, Great pictures and much food for thought provoked by this thread. I for one acknowledge the uniqueness of Balandera, and do hope that the people of La Paz who wish to preserve it as is get their way.

ddawson - 5-18-2011 at 09:01 AM

I hope that Balandra gets to stay as it is. I spent time there over Christmas, and it was gorgeous!

Natalie Ann - 5-18-2011 at 09:24 AM

Balandra is my second favorite spot in all of Baja.
It is simply heavenly, a sweet quiet little bay especially frequented by many Mexican families with children.

The Rock:


The Rock from a distance (look closely):


nena

Natalie Ann - 5-18-2011 at 09:27 AM

The view:






nena

Natalie Ann - 5-18-2011 at 09:30 AM

And the water is always clear and beautiful.
Most of it is quite shallow, so a great safe place for kids.




nena

David K - 5-18-2011 at 10:35 AM

Thanks for the fantastic photos Nena!

luv2fish - 5-18-2011 at 10:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Natalie Ann
Balandra is my second favorite spot in all of Baja.
It is simply heavenly, a sweet quiet little bay especially frequented by many Mexican families with children.

The Rock:


The Rock from a distance (look closely):


nena


Are Mexicans allowed on this beach ?? Imho there seems to exist a certain amount of segregation in Baja, and I think that this segregation is more prevalent south of 28°N which divides Baja Sur and Baja california. We want Mexico without the Mexicans, kind of like developing Hawaii while excluding the Hawaiians or Alaska for that matter. Again IMHO

Heather - 5-18-2011 at 11:04 AM

Luv2fish,
This beach is predominately populated by Mexican families from La Paz. I don't see the pix here, but when I go, my little gringas are the only ones around! They always have a blast as they are generally accompanied by 10-12 of their Pacena cousins!

My ex-water safety instructor courses come in real handy at this beach, too, as I've given "classes" to many a young family member here. My 20 and 23 year-old step-sons are pretty good swimmers after my classes! I think there are a couple of 5 and 6 year old sobrinos/as thay will get some classes this summer! Salud

Bajatripper - 5-18-2011 at 11:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Every time the vote was recounted, Bush won...


Sorry, but just simply isn't true. I could go into details, but experience has taught me a long time ago that that would be a real waste of Internet space. But I respect your right to deceive yourself and will fight to the death defending it!:lol:

Ha, I'm hijacking my own thread. Enough said--by me, at least--on the subject.



[Edited on 5-18-2011 by Bajatripper]

tripledigitken - 5-18-2011 at 11:40 AM

one of the best beaches you can drive right up to


Skipjack Joe - 5-18-2011 at 11:58 AM

Nice images, Nena.

You waiting for the opportunity and opened the vault.

Eli - 5-18-2011 at 03:54 PM

Wonderful pictures Nena, hope that place stays that way.

Natalie Ann - 5-18-2011 at 04:33 PM

As I said before, it is a wonderful bit of heaven.
It is quite sheltered so that no big waves and very little wind (unlike Tecolote - a great beach but it does catch the wind).

Besides its natural beauty, one of the reasons I love it is because of the predominance of Mexican families. Lots of kids dashing around, splashing in the water, wading waaaaay out and still having their heads well above the surface. Often the families bring tables and grills and boxes of food to enjoy.... and almost always I've been invited to join these families for the feast. (I learned to take food contributions after my first visit there.) It is very safe.

What a shame it will be should this pristine spot become a tourista hang-out.

nena

Marc - 5-18-2011 at 08:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Natalie Ann
As I said before, it is a wonderful bit of heaven.
It is quite sheltered so that no big waves and very little wind (unlike Tecolote - a great beach but it does catch the wind).

Besides its natural beauty, one of the reasons I love it is because of the predominance of Mexican families. Lots of kids dashing around, splashing in the water, wading waaaaay out and still having their heads well above the surface. Often the families bring tables and grills and boxes of food to enjoy.... and almost always I've been invited to join these families for the feast. (I learned to take food contributions after my first visit there.) It is very safe.

What a shame it will be should this pristine spot become a tourista hang-out.

nena


I,ve spent a fair amount of time cleaning up on Baja beaches after the locals have left.

Natalie Ann - 5-18-2011 at 09:03 PM

Not this one, Marc. It is well loved and respected by its visitors.

nena

Hook - 5-18-2011 at 09:24 PM

We're all forgetting a THIRD option for Balandra, and it's the worst one.

Since something akin to a completion bond is rare or non-existent in Mexico, there's always the possibility that a development could be partially built, the development money dries up..............and then sit there for many years as an eyesore. We've all seen many of these, including the old Gran Baja in La Paz.

Given the three options, I'd opt for keeping it as is. Wonderful spot.

Bajatripper - 5-19-2011 at 11:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
We're all forgetting a THIRD option for Balandra, and it's the worst one.

Since something akin to a completion bond is rare or non-existent in Mexico, there's always the possibility that a development could be partially built, the development money dries up..............and then sit there for many years as an eyesore. We've all seen many of these, including the old Gran Baja in La Paz.

Given the three options, I'd opt for keeping it as is. Wonderful spot.


Don't know what's going on at the Paraiso del Mar project on the Mogote, but it would seem to fit this category at the moment. Any one of us live out there, or know anyone who does?

longlegsinlapaz - 5-19-2011 at 12:36 PM

Latest update I've heard about Paraiso del Mar is here, Morgaine7's post 3/28/11 @ 1:30 pm:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=51360&pag...

rob - 5-21-2011 at 08:08 AM

Heather and other Ballandra experts - every time I drive by Ballandra I get the cold shivers because it looks like stingray heaven! I have been hit twice now in the ball of the foot (San Basilio and Punta la Trinidad) and think I am getting rayophobia . . . .

Is Ballandra (relatively) safe for kids and heavy-footed adults?

David K - 5-21-2011 at 08:15 AM

Would wearing reef walkers be smart? It may be a seasonal thing... in L.A. Bay it is sting ray mating season is April and they are thick on the sandy bottoms.

Jack Swords - 5-21-2011 at 08:39 AM

We spend lots of time at Balandra when our grandchild is visiting. Walking around with Tevas, we have not encountered rays, yet. When we sail into an anchorage on the islands, after anchoring out, we swim and walk into shore. Lots of rays, but we do the stingray shuffle, sliding our feet over the bottom therefore not stepping upon the ray. I have been hit twice not following my own advice.

longlegsinlapaz - 5-22-2011 at 08:04 AM

rob & soulpatch, I gotta agree with Jack Swords....I've never seen or otherwise encountered any type of rays (other than rays of sunshine;)) at Balandra....that doesn't mean they aren't there, but too many little bare feet & bodies in the water there for me to believe that there's a huge presence of them inside the cove!

gnukid - 5-22-2011 at 09:19 AM

Tons of rays all over outside but not many inside balandra, perhaps the pacenos naturalists scare them away.

Hook - 5-22-2011 at 11:22 AM

Well, naturally.............he's got Ray-bans on.