Just got back from three weeks in Loreto. Things have gone crazy there. I found houses on the beach with 1700 sq. feet going for $350,000 a copy.
Apartments down in Nopolo so small you would have to go outside to change your mind for $200,000. Lots in the Colonia (half lots) going for $20,000
to $30,000. Loreto must be the new Mecca for the half brained. I think every lot on the beach north of the Penthouse has a sold sign on it---sold by
Peneda Real Estate. The land at Punta Bajo is going for a mere $4 Million Dollars---just in case any of you are in the buying mood. Okay now on to
more important things. The malacon is being widened and the rocks piled up higher to ward off seawater during storms....this is another of Fonatur's
great ideas. If the marina rocks were tossed around like marbles during last years storm, what makes Fonatur think the breakwater along the malacon
will hold up? Over in the Colonia (Zaragosa) they are paving roads and putting in at least two blvds (with dividers and lots of really nice
lighting). Fonature still want to extend the malacon from Loreto to Nopolo. I talked with Alma at Tripui and most of the tenants had insurance with
Lewis and Lewis and it seems to be going to pay. She, unfortunately, was unable to get any at a reasonable price and Fonatur does not want to help
her in any way so far. But, she is a tough bird and will endure somehow. Fishing this year has been slow during the dorado season but the town seems
to be doing okay. The resturants all seem to be empty but Loreto is used to the bad years. Americans don't seem to be traveling anywhere these
days---probably the election, school starting and the economy. Not to mention our good friend Bin Laden and the war in Iraq. The election is coming
up for a new Presidente of Loreto---looks like a guy named Rury could be the winner. On the other hand, when is Loreto not having an election for one
office or another. The day after the President is elected they start campaigning for the next election. Kerry and Bush could learn a thing or two
about campaigning in Mexico. Why wait? Air Alaska is starting to fly into Loreto now...but I will continue to use Aeromexico as it has stood by
Loreto all these years and Terresa is always very helpful. I have a mexican friend that is wondering if anybody out there would be interested in a
You Store It type of operation for their stuff. He would put one in and it would be guarded 24 hours a day. If you might be interested, please
e-mail me so I can pass this along to Pancho (capn.sharky@verizon.net). The Loreto Bay sales force rides all over town in little yellow golf carts
(or are they gold colored?) I hear the same question coming from the mexicans as on the board---where is the water coming from? Where is the sewage
going? Now for the positive part---the town is still pretty much the same and the people (Mexicans) are still the same great people as always. Very
friendly and happy and alway eager to work. Too bad the Loreto Bay people insist on using Canadian workers as the Mexicans could use the work.
Loreto will survive. The question is will Loreto Bay survive or end up as another broken Baja dream? I, for one, still love the place and always
will. I admire the spirit of the people, the beautiful islands and the Mission.synch - 10-25-2004 at 08:14 AM
What has the weather been like? Our SCUBA club is flying down this week and with all my gear I'd like to hear that all the clothes I will need are
T-shirts and shorts.
I continue to have mixed emotions about the way all Baja is exploding with development. As with any place, not all will succeed, but I am positive
many of the newer ones will have a greater chance than those in the past. Many in the past were underfunded, banking on government dollars to begin
or grow the opportunity AND the average American's attitude (again, for better or worse... says the selfish side of me) towards Baja has changed to
one much less affraid of all of the bandito-like rumors... Bottom line, it is happening faster than any other time in my 40+ years affair with Baja
and only looks as though it will change even faster in the future. elizabeth - 10-25-2004 at 01:25 PM
Capn Sharky-
Are the prices you quoted asking prices, or prices that places actually sold for?
Another question: How could Fonatur or anyone extend the malecon from Loreto to Nopolo...they would have to destroy a lot of public beach...not to
speak of the structures in the way????
Welcome HOME!
Capt. George - 10-25-2004 at 02:50 PM
Glad your back healthy and (sane?).
talk soon........prices have gone nuts, postponed the sale of my lot, a long and disappointing story........
el Vikingo de Punta Abreojos
Much better idea
jrbaja - 10-25-2004 at 03:07 PM
to rob the wealthy who have caused those prices to be so high than the average citizen who just wants to enjoy what Baja once was. Dave - 10-25-2004 at 05:22 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by jrbaja
to rob the wealthy who have caused those prices to be so high than the average citizen who just wants to enjoy what Baja once was.
Yeah, that makes sense. How about this:
If Mexicans don't want rich Americans to drive up the prices maybe they should sell their property only to the poor. Or better yet, not sell at all.
This would guarantee that Baja would remain as it is/once was.
Think that would work?
Nice Update
LaTijereta - 10-25-2004 at 07:35 PM
First, this time of year in Loreto is always slow
Is Alaska flying in now, or after Feb
The Baja Mil next month should help the Loreto economy with all the pre running starting this month.
Great news on the malacon construction! They need to build a nice road down to Nopolo along the beach.
Naw, no stopping progress
jrbaja - 10-25-2004 at 07:43 PM
until everything connected to the u.s. is pink stucco houses, homeowners ass ociations and everyone is as miserable and medically challenged as all
those people trying to get out of wherever it is they come from.
Why bother protecting any of the LAST natural spots on the planet when there's money to be made eh ?
Viva las SUV's and boob jobs!!Dave - 10-25-2004 at 10:10 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by jrbaja
Why bother protecting any of the LAST natural spots on the planet when there's money to be made eh ?
JR, why do you always blame the gringos when Mexico makes the rules then gringos follow and profit by them?
As everyone likes to point out:
It's THEIR country.
Got a problem with the way they run it?.....Then take it up with THEM.
Please!
Malacon
capn.sharky - 10-25-2004 at 10:10 PM
Weathe is fine---slightly cool in the morning but shorts and tshirts are fine. How can they build the malacon to Nopolo. Easy, no homes are in the
way that I know of. Remember there is nothing to the high tide mark. Also, a better question is how to get over the Rio Seco. They are going to
build a bridge over it and will use concrete pointed posts to deflect the water and rocks (hopefully). As for the prices quoted--some are asking
prices. The two lots in the Colonia were actually sold for those amounts....I saw one of the checks. Hope this answers your questions.
Tijerita and Dave
capn.sharky - 10-25-2004 at 10:23 PM
Air Alaska is now flying into Loreto. How many times per week---I don't know. One day three flights came in. Dave---true, it is their country.
However, it is Fonatur that is doing this and not the mexican civilians. I don't think JR is blaming the Americans---only stating his opinion.
Someone once said, build it and they will come. Remember, we have a ton of baby boomers coming along with lots of bucks and a desire to get out of
the rat race. Most of the Mexicans I talked with are not quite so excited about all the building....especially in Nopolo where it really won't help
the people of Loreto. Of course, you are also entitled to your opinion. As I understand it, the Nopolo area was purchased by several of Mexicos
ex-Presidents and therefore, Fonatur will want to develop that area so they can profit from their investment. I was only posting what I was told and
what I personally saw....and certainly did not want to start an argument amongst our fellow posters here. Actually, it is the Canadians that are
developing the Nopolo area and not the Americans. I will be returning in a few weeks to Loreto and will try to keep the board up to date as much as
possible on whats happening in my beloved Loreto. Peace bros.Carol - 10-25-2004 at 10:37 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by capn.sharky
Air Alaska is now flying into Loreto.
Are you talking about Alaska airlines?? I checked their site but couldn't find anything about Loreto. Do you know what the airport code would be
there?
Half Lots
Capt. George - 10-26-2004 at 05:51 AM
in Colonial Zaragoza for that amount, ouch. Passed through Loreto on my way to La Paz, only got to see Barrett and Pancho at his restaurant....Looks
like a lot of work going on in Loreto....needed a face lift after chubasco.....Kris, did you get your book????E me:
vikingo1@prodigy.net.mx
Carol- airport code is LTO
capn.sharky - 10-26-2004 at 07:41 AM
I blame the "non Mexicans"
jrbaja - 10-26-2004 at 08:18 AM
for the same reason I blame the u.s. for it's own drug problem which many like to blame Mexico for.
Kind of like Lemmings basically.
First some smart Canadians came down and got great deals on property. Then their friends came and got pretty good deals. Then the gringos saw what
was going on and tried to follow suit but unfortunately, it was gringo realtors who showed up first.
Now the properties cost a fortune and can only be bought by the wealthy. This would be ok except for the fact that the wealthy have no respect for
anyone, especially the Mexicans. These a holes are scared to death of them so up go the walls!
As far as these projects helping the Mexicans, not a chance, other than a few weeks or months worth of work.
Big deal when all the prices have risen so high (because of the foreigners) that they can't afford to buy anything, even with their new short term
employment.
I have watched this process for years and it is now happening everywhere down here. movinguy - 10-26-2004 at 10:06 AM
I beg to differ with Capn Sharky - I was there from Thurs-Sun last week and the weather was CRAPPY. Overcast, mountain/island chubascos, rough seas,
etc. But everyone said, "Shoulda been here last week - it was great!"
We drove up the coast and found some sunshine at Concepcion though.
As for real estate, all I can say is I drove by Loreto Bay and can't for the life of me understand why ANYONE would want to buy there. They don't
even have one unit complete - just a half-finished duplex (or whatever) that no one was even working on.
P.T. Barnum was right.
Cruddy Weather
capn.sharky - 10-26-2004 at 02:52 PM
You are right, Movinguy. The weather was bad for two or three days last week. Overcast and a few scattered raindrops. However, I was there for
three weeks and except for those few days, it was georgous. In fact, when I first got there it was downright hot. P.T. Barnum was right---about
Loreto and also Monica Lewinski. One born every minute.OLDFEZZYWIG - 10-26-2004 at 02:59 PM
Geez Captain at these prices I either should buy a lot now or
think about retiring in the Philippines . I am stunned
at those prices . elizabeth - 10-26-2004 at 04:48 PM
About extending the malecon...
The areas I was questioning were those that have a small beach with structures behind...in front of the oasis, and to a greater degree, the area just
north of the rio, and the area in front of Villas de Loreto and the large parcel with a house next door to it...also the trailer park/cottages just
south...the beach is pretty narrow there. It seems if a seawall was built it could have a detrimental impact on the sandy areas.
If I wanted to see the grand future Loreto plan for the malecon extension, and whatever else is envisioned, where would I find the plans for all of
this?
Canada
jrbaja - 10-26-2004 at 04:54 PM
Now---thats funny, JR
capn.sharky - 10-26-2004 at 05:30 PM
Elizabeth---I don't know where the plans are. I only know what some of the Park Service people and some of the Mexican people told me. I think the
Malacon will be a walkway only and not paved all the way to Nopolo as a street---but I don't know for sure. I only know what I saw and that is that
they are widening the street along the existing Malacon and building the rocks up higher than before. In Loreto, if you don't see it personally, it
might not be true. JR, you do crack me up. ROTFLMAO.JESSE - 10-26-2004 at 06:38 PM
We can always expropiate all the properties from you
Rising Costs
Capt. George - 10-26-2004 at 06:43 PM
JR, the same thing is happening to my kids and many other middle class working Americans.....can't afford to buy a house and stay in the "old
neighborhood"....
My pension allows me to live in relative comfort here, in the states, fugedaboudit!
Capt. George aka el Vikingo
Us to George
jrbaja - 10-26-2004 at 06:47 PM
We just saw it coming about 10 years ago. Most of our friends can barely survive up there and as far as kids going out on their own after high
school? I just don't get it !
Do We Get It?
Capt. George - 10-26-2004 at 06:59 PM
I get some of it, for starters only 8 % of the working force in the U.S. is Union...
Less then before the great movement of the thirties....The "Robber Barons" are working hard at eliminating the middle class.....more for them. Look at
the disparity in wages...used to be a CEO received 30X's more then the average of employees, now three to four hundred times more......
"Let them eat Cake".....where will it lead?
el Vikingo
Sorry,
jrbaja - 10-26-2004 at 07:44 PM
got called to my nightly ration of beans and rice. Also had to chop wood for the hammering Jesse say's we are about to get.
In 1971 upon release from high school, I shared an apartment 1 block from the beach in Ocean Beach, San Diego. I was a surfer.
We planned on 1/4 of our pay checks going for rent and bills. The rest of the months pay went to well, I really don't remember
And that was pretty much the standard then. If you were smarter than I, you were able to save a good portion of your earnings for the american
dream.
When I started running construction crews a number of years later, you could get health insurance for about $40.00 a year.
If the costs of everything these days compared to the wages is a result of what modern technology has brought us, I say it was a big mistake!Carol - 10-26-2004 at 09:11 PM
Hmmm.. I still can't pull any flights up with Alaska Airlines, I wonder if it was a special charter deal?
loretto
DAWK - 10-26-2004 at 11:17 PM
capn sharkey-it is sad but true,loreto is on it's way to canadian...'rico gringoland' and i just read that the chinese bought-for 100 billion or
somthing like that...the 'oil shale' rights in the canadian north! imagine the 'OIL"bucks going 'south' to Baja and you can began to realize that
every rich dude in the world is seeking a safe 'haven' away from terror attacks and
the uncertainty of world turmoil.
i almost tried to buy a tripui space,but the 'fire' changed all that...and the 'fire' of really rich greedy migrants will continue to influx every
good Baja place with 'ideal' settings,but the fish will not sustain them or the water from the mountains-then a desaliniazation plant will be set
up-then all poor folks will be 'bused-in' to town-too expensive to live there anymore,and that includes me! Baja is no longer for the average
income-and you better bring lots of worthless 'dollars' as the dollar is sinking ti record levels of worthlessness.
About the dollar's worthlessness
Hook - 10-27-2004 at 10:34 AM
Dawk, I really agree with most of what you're saying.
The funny thing is that as the dollars has declined in value over the past few months, the peso has generally remained at the same or less in value.
Still at 11.5/dollar as of yesterday.
Compared to most all other currencies, the dollar is approaching historic lows.
Gee, I wonder if it has anything to do with the two lunkheads running for president up here? They both treat federal deficits like they are a good
thing.
Actually,
jrbaja - 10-27-2004 at 11:22 AM
I changed pesos yesterday at 11.35 at Citibank here in Rosariot.
Alaska..Loreto
LaTijereta - 10-27-2004 at 06:54 PM
I checked with Alaska, and they are "starting" service to Loreto on Feb 17th (if approved for the route)
Sharkey must has seen a large Tijereta bird flying over the airportelizabeth - 10-27-2004 at 07:42 PM
SEATTLE, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire -- Alaska Airlines today announced it has applied for authority to provide nonstop service from Los Angeles to Loreto,
Mexico. The service will be supported by a marketing partnership with The Loreto Bay Company. The twice-weekly flights will begin February 17, 2005,
pending U.S. Department of Transportation approval.
Guess what days? Thursday and Sunday!!!
Alaska Air and Loreto Bay
jrbaja - 10-27-2004 at 08:06 PM
Partnership run by a good friend of mine,
"Ben Dover"
Ben Dover?
Capt. George - 10-27-2004 at 08:24 PM
wait just one minute JR, that's my proctologist from Long Island, NY.....
I have witnesses
capn.sharky - 10-27-2004 at 10:00 PM
I saw what I saw. Maybe it was a special flight into LTO. I have a credible witness. I don't drink (and haven't for over 25 years) and have not
gone totally senile yet. Capt. George, you know you love it when Ben Dover reaches and touches someone (especially you). I don't mean to point
fingers here, butt.......did he have a hand on one shoulder or two shoulders. It makes a big difference.jrbaja - 10-27-2004 at 11:27 PM
sharkey
Capt. George - 10-28-2004 at 09:10 AM
I don't recall, I was too busy enjoying the examination.....for some reason Dr. Ben Dover always smokes after the exam, I just don't get it???
George
capn.sharky - 10-28-2004 at 09:39 AM
Maybe that is why he calls you his little humidor.
