The Road to Asuncion

ASUNCION TRIP MARCH-APRIL 2013

1ST DAY. Co-Pilot and I had a very pleasant road trip from San Diego to the Tecate crossing via Hwy 94. Passed thru hamlets of Jamul, Dulzura, and Barret Junction. I changed a few hundred dollars to pesos at about 12-1 at a money kiosk on the US side.

We drove through the border entry at approximately 12:30 pm and entered Baja immediately with zero wait…never came to a stop. Got the green light with a fully packed pickup.

We then drove about 190 miles with a couple smell the flowers stops to overnight at JARDINES. No mishaps, no worries, no nighttime driving. Note: Co-Pilot’s tourist visa had been stamped two weeks earlier on a preliminary visit to Tecate immigration. Visa form & fishing license procurement courtesy of Discover Baja in San Diego.

The highway was in good shape with no major potholes on this first section of Hwy 1. Not at all what it was like...a long time ago...remember?


Images of Tecate March, 2013




For all hot dog lovers: I’m been enjoying some tasty hot dogs at this ‘Y’ stand for many years. Just north of the Guadalupe Bridge.




JARDINES

We arrive at our overnight stay at Las Jardines just a bit out of San Quintin. Truly an Green Oasis in an overwise dreary countryside.




Our gracious and smiling café hostess.


DINNER PICS


I liked this plaque décor.


For appetizers we choose SHRIMP c-ckTAILS….sooo good and almost a meal in themselves.


Our choices from a varied dinner menu were …. GARLIC SHRIMP, AND FISH VERACRUZ STYLE. Certainly no complaints here.


PRICES WERE….$33 ROOM, $34 DINNER (W/DRINKS, APPETIZERS, TIP) SAT TV, WI-FI, GOOD HOT WATER PRESSURE, COMFY BEDS AND PILLOWS. PLEASANT GARDEN SURROUNDINGS. COMP COFFEE MORNINGS.

End of Day 1.

I highly recommend a stay with dinner at Jardines!

To be continued:

[Edited on 4-10-2013 by Pompano]

I'll Bet You Are Happy to Be Back!

Bahia Jardines to Asuncion

Day 2 of Trip - March 28th, 2013

After getting some tiny go-cups of hot coffee…(slight grrr here)… from the Jardines office Mr. Coffee, we headed out on the bumpy road taking us back to Hwy…1000 yards distant for those like exact mileages.

Getting underway quite easily from Jardines handy parking area. Never stumbled once getting to mi truck.




”Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”


The day was sunny and warming up mile by mile, which was very okay with me, as I had plenty…and enough already… of chilly and wet weather this past winter on the Oregon Coast. The hilly landscape was showing some signs of an early spring. Being a romantic at heart, this pastoral scene made me want to lay out a blanket and open the picnic basket, pour some good vino, cue the violin players, etc..



As I looked upon this wonderful scene, I said to Co-Pilot, “Just look at that flowering hillside, tesoro! I’ll bet it would smell like a mustard field in bloom..am I right? And NOTHING is more memorable than a smell. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains. Ahhh…I love the country and it’s smells.”

To which she replied, “Yes, you are indeed so right, great thinker…and because you ate so many frijoles last night, would you please open your window? I would prefer the mustard, grazie.”

Cute. Well, we’ll just chalk that one up to brain smirking and drive on….

Early morning and rolling on the Baja Road. What could be better? Now was the time to repeat an old favorite Baja Road theme….“We’re burning daylight, Pilgrim!” So, not quite pedal to the metal, we buzzed right along, and soon came to El Rosario and the following familiar sights:

Mama Espinozas Café…we didn’t take time to stop as we were committed to making Bahia Asuncion before nightfall. Admittedly, even with the current trend of negative reporting about Mama’s old landmark café …the truth is I hate mayonnaise. Yuck…Pa-TOO-eee! But not to worry, Mama…we’ll pull in next time for a snack or a full-on feast.




Something new has been added to the El Rosario scene. There is now a Segundo’s market on the roadway heading south of town. Progress? I failed to spot a churros seller…dang…and Co-Pilot nixed the purchase of a baby crib.





Remember when the shooting happened at an El Rosario café like this one a few years back? Said to be drug-related, nevertheless it was…murder.




NO TIRE BASURA!

Just across the big new bridge south of El Rosario, I noticed that the large dumping ground still scars the countryside after all these years. Surely a job ‘waiting in the wings’, so to speak. Mucho basura marring the landscape. Lots of reasons for it happening and where, but it’s doable to clean up. Maybe Baja needs a Lady Bird Johnson or someone similar?



Climbing lots of tight curves into the nearby mountians, we come to a very familiar…Hector’s Memorial…dedicated to the trucker who lost his life at this spot so many years ago. May you rest in peace, Hector.




Shortly after that, with Hector’s demise still in our thoughts, we come rounded this curve to discover……Why You Do Not Exceed Your Driving Abilities.



Luckily nobody was a fatality in this rollover…except for a few hundred bales of fresh hay road kill...which was busily being loaded into another semi-trailer. A tow truck was standing by for it’s cue. Oddly, that wrecker reminded me of a patient vulture sitting in a tall palm tree above my hammock years ago…. Starve forever, you damn buzzard!



We came to our first Army checkpoint for arms and drugs. Luckily ours were of the legal prescription type…drugs, that is, I almost never carry my bazooka anymore.

The soldiers are getting more thorough every year and now work with some serious and highly trained sniffer dogs. And so….the handler of this one was a little miffed when Co-Pilot went ga-ga over him and mellowed it’s demeanor back to puppyhood.





My offer to throw a tennis ball was ignored but Co-Pilot taught the pooch to ‘shake’ before the soldier asked us to please leave.




LAND OF GIANT ROCKS AND STRANGE CACTUS

Now the terrain begins to change a bit, from mountain curves to rolling hills of huge rocks and all the various genre of cactus…like the famous boonjums…the cirios. I have my favorites, as do all of you, I’m sure.



Everyone knows this huge roadside rock near The Virgin of the Rocks. That rock is probably one of the most photographed on the Baja Road. (and the most graffiti painted!) I call it…’Big Boy’.




There was still some traces of recent rains in the arroyo just north of Catavina.



Catavina

When I stopped and let my loud Cummins diesel tell the story, this gasoline vendor was a mite disappointed.




And….GOTTA PESO was noticeably absent!




Jesus Maria…and Carmelita’s Tamales.

Now operated by Carmelita’s husband after her death a few years ago. Carmelita’s passing was a huge loss to Baja Road travelers and tourism. I am honored to have known her and called her mi amiga for many years.

These next 3 photos are from past trips and visits with Carmelita.













Carmelita’s husband and current operator of this famous tamale lady’s café.



Still the same order: ‘Three for the Road, por favor.’




The army depot at the GN stateline of Baja Norte and Baja Sur.



Going through the agricultural inspection station at GN, we were just waved on…no fee, no spray. We drove on with our contraband undetected….munch, munch, munch.




Straight stretch heading south from GN. A good place to watch out for a radar police car? Did not see a sign or any on this trip, though.



PEMEX AT VISCAINO. This is a great place to fill or top off your tanks..gasoline or diesel.



Viscaino’s windy streets. Dunno know why, but it’s always blowing around here. Dusty, too.




Whale skeleton at Asuncion turnoff/Viscaino.




Potholes on the Viscaino-Asuncion Road. Beware! 4 or 40 does not work here. My teeth are still chattering.



Sand drifts across the Asuncion pavement. Beware! Lawrence of Arabia would avoid these!



ASUNCION!

Aha! After a trouble-free, albeit slow, drive from Viscaino we arrive in Asuncion….our destination for the next month. What lies ahead of us, I wonder? New adventures in Baja…be still, my heart! (especially with my latest check @ 190/120)


Our Asuncion rental home for the next month. Courtesy of Udo and his decision to buy Jim & Laurie's beachfront casa. We get the honor of being the first renters. Nice digs, Udo. We'll take good care of it for you. DianeT's casa for sale next door is equally fine with some pretty landscaping.



Both have a million dollar view of the Pacific Ocean.




Stop by for a glass of vino or a cool brew.





The big sea lion island offshore of Bahia Asuncion.



At night in bed you can hear lots of barking from this island...along with the sounds of surf.

Speaking of night and sleep, I’m dead tired and am going to hit the hay right now with this nice sunset from the patio. Adios for now.



To be continued:



[Edited on 4-11-2013 by Pompano]

I was going to say the same as Mulegemichael, that there appears to be a new co-pilot going from brunette to blond!!

Quote:

Originally posted by bigjohn I was going to say the same as Mulegemichael, that there appears to be a new co-pilot going from brunette to blond!!

New discovery!...Great beachfront cafe in Asuncion!

Got your appetite all ready? It's time for breakfast.




Upon awaking at Udo's beach casa in Asuncion after a long road trip from San Diego, we decided to take a quick street tour around town and acquaint ourselves with the layout and locals.




We drive by the easy-to-find Campo Sirena.






We bought some quick essential goods at the largest supermarket we could find on the main drag...and being famished and not wanting to cook at home, asked for recommendations on a good breakfast café...with an ocean view if possible?


The nice senorita pointed and said, "Si, senor..there is one such place just over there. You turn right..derecha.. on the next street and there it is! Easy, you will have no problems."


Hey, sounds like a great tip...and very easy to find for us newcomers.

Let's see, like the senorita said:...down the street just a bit, then ...right...towards the water, look to the right...and YUP...that's it with the tables, chairs, and umbrellas. So easy. Gracias to that senorita!

We park and walk over to an empty table and seat ourselves, saving a hearty Buenos Días to the friendly-looking waiter coming out to greet us.

I asked him if he could please take this photo with my camera. Such a nice man he was... and did a great job with the snapshot.



Wanting to get to know Asuncion and some new amigos, we introduced ourselves and shook hands. He then introduced himself as...'Johnny'..and said he had worked in Cabo for some time but now much preferred to be back in his home town of Asuncion. We agreed that Cabo was a little too crowded for us, also, and that this village was muy tranquillo and better suited for our vacation reasons.

I then asked for a cold Pacifico, but Johnny said he had only Tecate Light. Well, I usually drink Pacifico, but this waiter seemed so accommodating that I did not press the matter and we said Tecate Light would be okay. He brought us two very cold and delicious TLs.

Then asked if we needed anything to eat?

"Heck, yes", I said, "We're starving! What do you have?"

"How about some fresh-made ceviche?", Johnny says.

Hmmm? Ceviche for breakfast?? Well, why not?, I thought.

"Sure, ceviche sounds good, we'll have two, gracias."

Making the fresh ceviche on our table and right before our admiring eyes, Johnny quickly serves us up two nice vasos de ceviche....mmm, damn good!








I think Johnny could see that I had inhaled my cup of ceviche very fast and that I was probable still hungry for more, so our genial host made me what he called his own favorite way of eating ceviche....and a special treat for me...on a crisp tortilla with mayonnaise. As with the cup ceviche, this was VERY TASTY...muy sabroso! Gracias, Johnny. He then introduced his charming wife, who sat and visited with us. Some other family members came out and Johnny introduced them all one by one. I loved the way each one, including the smallest, came over to shake hands.






Even their family dog wanted to meet us... which Co-Pilot goes over to pet. We are already loving this café and it's charm.





Johnny says if we are still hungry, we can wait a bit for this fresh-caught fish to barbeque. I said it sounded wonderful, but we were full now...Llena, Gracias!



Well, that turned out to be a wonderful breakfast and we met some new amigos, too boot!

Now I asked for the check. "Y ahora necesito el cheque, Johnny?



I got the surprise of my life when Johnny said, "Check? Why? There is no check, you are our guests at our home.



I turned red and gulped, "HOME!? Home? Oh No! You mean this is not a café? Carumba!



Johnny laughs and says, "No, Rogelio, this is our beach place where we are having a family get-together today...and you are most welcome."



Hoo-boy... What an embarrassing moment that was! We all had a great laugh that day at Johnny's family beachfront spot...and I'm sure Johnny and family will be laughing about it for many years to come!


Embarrassing yes, but just another reason to visit Asuncion! The people will feed strangers even if you make mistakes and sit down at their table without an invite!


MUCHAS GRACIAS, JOHNNY AND SU FAMILIA! NEXT TIME, JOIN US AT MI CASA?

Yes, Chemo is a good guy and I sure wondered what he was doing there! That is a GREAT story and yes, the locals are a very friendly group. It is not nice to laugh at someone else's embarrassment, but I just can't help it. But for Chemo and family I am sure they will just see it as an opportunity to offer up some great hospitality.


Thanks for sharing the story --- tis making me miss BA.

Classic Baja !

Hola Bajagypsy,

Funny thing, my new amigo, now called Chemo, told me about a good spot to open a new café with a great ocean view. We agreed a good name for the new spot would be...


Café Blue Castle







Bet this makes you homesick, eh?

Names in Asuncion are interesting. When we were first there, most, not all, of the locals introduced themselves to us by their given names and it was only after getting to know them that we started using their nicknames. Problem is that so many are known to the locals by ONLY their nicknames that if you mention someone by their given name, others might not know who that person is.

There is another problem, some of the locals do not like their nicknames at all even though that is who they are known as in the community. Then try to follow the family connections --- that will drive one crazy.

Well, not exactly free beer, Udo...although Chemo did not ask, I went across the street and bought an 18 pack of Tecate Light and left it as a 'house gift'.

One good deed deserves another.

edited to correct misquote...thanks.

[Edited on 4-14-2013 by Pompano]

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano Quote: Originally posted by Udo HEY...! Where else but in Bahia Asuncion can you get a free meal on the beach plus free beers for breakfast. You can probably do that in our place once we move into the house. Well, not exactly free beer, Udo...although Chemo did not ask, I went across the street and bought an 18 pack of Tecate Light and left it as a 'house gift'. One good turn deserves another.

Thanks mucho, amigo, but maybe best to save the vino for some other occasion, Udo, as Chemo and family were all drinking Tecate Lights con mucho gusto...hence my choice of libations.

'Sides, I had already poured all but one bottle of champagne to some fine senors y senoritas at another fiesta. Fiestas are pretty popular in Asuncion!

And speaking of wines, I have what's left of a case of fine 'Red' from Trader Joes waiting in the wings of your rental casa, so we were in no danger of going thirsty. I highly recommend that wine...along with some 'Red Truck' if you can find it.

Ah..viva the grape! With special thanks to shari for her posting this photo of bella Sarah being poured some mimosas on another Asuncion thread.



Note: My favorite place in Asuncion for drinking fine wine...or having a cold brew!



This Asuncion Trip Report will continue after this next cork has been pulled...



[Edited on 4-15-2013 by Pompano]

Ah, he was a good neighbor and we were sorry we were only there for a very short time while he occupied the premises. Last I heard, he is off chopping wood, carrying water and enjoying life.

Gracias to a great mechanic in Asuncion - "Pin"

'Pin', pronounced 'Peen' was recommended to me by shari y juan as a good mechanic who could fix a couple problems on my Dodge diesel.

Job 1. A worn-out heater core. When the fan started shrieking... like your cat does when your chair rocks over it's tail...I knew something was going south. I'm sensitive to any shrieking.

Short story here about mechanics, costs, & integrity in ND, Cal, and Mexico:

I had already had the problem diagnosed and bought the heater core part in ND for $90 before coming south this last fall, but had zero time to wait for the labor, which is huge at 8-9 hours or so.

Upon my arrival, I got estimates in SoCal ranging from $800 - $900 for labor only, with the heater core cost at another $230. Whoa, I already had the heater core... at my North Dakota cost of ...$90. $140 cheaper than a SoCal part? What's with that? And of course, the Cal mechanics told me that they would have to use a part they bought, they could not use mine. Adios to that. I refuse to become a victim of California's economic problems.

So I took the heater core with me to Pin in Asuncion and he installed it like the pro he is...for only $240 complete. It was a perfect fix and well done. I was extremely satisfied with the job...and the fee.

Job 2. To top it off, when Pin returned my truck while I was over visiting with Juan y shari, he told me that he had busted my windshield on a test drive. Apologizing, he said he was going to La Paz to get me a new windshield and replace it at no cost to me.

What a refreshing feeling to meet such an honest and caring mechanic. Reminded me of my hometown guys back in ND.

But...that window crack was not entirely all Pin's doing, as I had picked up a few chips here and there the last few thousand miles of gravel roads, and this looked to me like a normal small chip widening into a large crack on rough roads. Not his fault at all and it would have eventually happened when I was driving anyway.

I was very appreciative of his honest offer, but could not accept such a expensive gesture on his part. I told him to go get the window and I would gladly pay him for it, plus expense and labor to install.




Pin went out of his way to order and pick up that windshield in La Paz for me, and even came back a day earlier from his normal parts trip than he had planned because he knew I needed it soon. He reminds me of some tradesman still found in the USA ... if you look hard enough. Juan y shari tell me Pin has earned the respect of many trawler operators also, who bring their diesel engine boats from the mainland for repairs.

Here we are standing in front of the new windshield. Cost was an unbelievably cheap $140. (I forced him to take a tip) Gracias, amigo, it doesn't get much better that this!

(Note Pin musing about my imitation of a leatherback turtle trying to stick it's head back in the shell.)




Pin's shop is located downtown Asuncion. On Calle Abulone just off the main street of Avenue Benito Juarez.






Pin also showing me how to replace a hose leaking on my power steering box. And grinning, suggested helping me with tearing out the frayed hood insulation and getting some new installed!
Wow..Talk about ragged...but hey, it's only got 378,000 miles on it. Not quite broken in for a Cummins..



AND THAT'S MY EXPERIENCE WITH A GREAT MECHANIC AND HONEST MAN IN ASUNCION.

Sure hope some So Cal mechanics read this and take some notes.


To be continued: Next part of this Asuncion thread will be about some fine beaches.

[Edited on 4-15-2013 by Pompano]

Here's another good Asuncion mechanic, Abraham, who does four wheels or two. His place also does recycling by the beach down the hill from the Policia.

The Beaches of Asucion!

The is NO scarcity of wide, sandy beaches on either side of Asuncion. You can walk, drive, boat, or ride to miles and miles of beach heaven.

Once you are there, you will find your favorite ...activity.


Some just like getting comfy, then hiking and finding a souvenir shell...




...but I have yet to find a fresh lobster. Of course that does not stop the optimist from still looking.




...or even a couple of sponges. "Hey, now there's a useful find! And my truck is sooo dirty."



Find a whole mess of sea snaaaKES....WHA! No, thank God, these are just some ordinary kelp stalks. I knew it all the time...




Look for and enjoy all the various marine birds found on these lovely beaches.



And watch them fly...as if for no reason at all...just flying around like birds do.




Sometimes there is a very good reason for them to fly...



Malt Seafoam does weird things to Co-Pilot..


One can wonder at what lies on the beach surface?





"Hey Rogelio, what's all this stuff scattered around this spot?




"This? That would be birdchit, you whirling dervish. You scared it outta them when you stormed into them."




Additionaly, one can admire many rock formations and tide pools. What wonders await you?



"Hi ho, Hi ho..it's off to beachcomb I go...da da...hi ho...Hoo boy, what's that over there?!"




Yoo Hoo...you won't believe this!




"Neptune sent you some sign language!"




Hmm...looks more like Davy Jones work..and methinks Co-Pilot again drank too much sea foam.



Anyway, getting back to the activities...you can listen to the BOOM and CRASH....




Marvel at the forces of Nature that could create such a fine pair of arches.




"Arches? Ahem...excuse me? Could I get a pair of those nice arches?? I'm walking the perimeter of Baja and my feet are killing me. Plus I'd like to have a cold brew and find some chicks.






And in closing this post about Asuncion beach activity...

Me? My favorite beach activity is too walk very slowly into the wind.. and wait for a cold bottle of Pacifico to hit me in the mouth.





BUT HEY, YOU REALLY DON'T NEED ANY BEACH INSTRUCTIONS...RIGHT?


To be continued with some Asuncion café visits and what must have been a visit from a mermaid.

Nice beach pictures. Glad you had low tide so you could walk to the arches -- and really glad to see Co-pilot keeping those seagulls on their toes while Tommy and Maggie Dog are not there.

Looking forward to the next chapter.

Not to worry Amigo, Shari has been bragging about her nude beach for years.

Right on, fellas....Nudity runs RAMPANT in Asuncion

All you have to do is keep a sharp lookout around town.






Be advised that SOME are not as appealing as others....

SHORE FISHING REPORT - ASUNCION

FISHING


"Blessings upon all that hate contention, and love quietnesse, and vertue, and Angling."
Izaak Walton


Shore fishing opportunities at Asuncion are splendid and numerous…but some days are always better than others.


Acting on a hot tip, we went down the shore a ways to some likely looking rocky points on an incoming tide.

On an adjacent point, some local casting enthusiasts were trying their luck.






I try out a new surfcasting rig from a rugged position on some dangerous rocks with treacherous footing, risking my life to put food on the table.

After many casts with nothing biting, I’m slightly disappointed and came to a conclusion, thinking,

‘I’ve been misled and duped. Must be a fishless stretch here…and totally barren of all life, otherwise I’d be hooked up on every cast.’





Co-Pilot yodels from down the beach. “Hey, Rog! How’s the fishing? Like the new surf-rig? What are you catching us for dinner?”


To which I smugly inform her,

“Fishing is much more than casting and retrieving and playing your catch. It's the wind in your face, and the sound of wakening birds as the sun peeks over the horizon. It's discovering the magic in each new place and unlocking the mysteries that lurk there.” …



Co-Pilot shouts back….a little too loudly for my taste,

“WHAT!? So then, you’re not catching any fish at all!? Why not? Those guys right over there are piling them up!”


Okay... It was now time to instruct her in the fine truth of fishermen with quotes from wise men,

"Well, Co-Pilot, the supreme test of a fisherman is not how many fish he has caught, not even how he has caught them, but what he has caught when he has caught no fish.

I doubt those guys on that next point over there know that many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.

I’m catching a lot! It just ain’t fish. Hah! I will bet mucho pesos they don’t know that, right! “


Co-Pilot says, “So…We eat out again tonight, right, nimrod?”



Such is the life of a fisherman. Sometimes the fishing is good; but the catching is bad.”

yes indeedy...Pompano fit right in here...you make a lovely mermaid amigo! I spotted your truck at Don Ramon's shrimp taco joint...

San Roque, you say? Ah yes...the rest of the story.

SAN ROQUE

A Day Trip to the Village of San Roque.

If you feel the need to escape the hustle and bustle of metro-Asuncion you might consider taking a leisurely day trip to the nearby seacoast village of San Roque. It’s a sleepy little cluster of homes that are mostly there to house abalone fishermen and their families. The short dirt road from Asuncion is just a trifle bumpy, but you can smooth out the worst parts by simply lowering your tire air pressure. Trust me, it’s not bad at all…I never spilled a drop or lost a lime.

After a short drive past a sometimes horse racetrack, plus other exciting views of sand and dirt, you come to the abalone capital of Bahia Asuncion…namely San Roque. Not exactly Cabo San Lucas, it reminded me of the town nearest my childhood home in western ND, where my uncle Ole was fond of saying, “This burg is so dang quiet, you can fire a cannon down Main Street on Saturday night and not hurt a living soul.” Which also reminds me, Ole should be out on parole by now..



Well, it was a dusty ride and we had rinsed our throats with a couple cool brews on the way in, so naturally some of us had to…how do you say…’visit the facilities.’

Viola, yours truly, recognized ‘the facility’ from childhood and Uncle Ole days. Same style, same comfort, same ambiance, same flies.


“Okay group, who needs to go first?




Umm..It could use some air freshener….or maybe plant some lilacs.





Our first checklist item on things to see in San Roque was this church. I was told it had suffered a fire some time ago. Then some pews had another form of burning…as firewood.

Pretty forlorn and barren these days…not even a loft for pigeons to roost.





And then it was down to the beach near where all the abalone pangas were moored. The ab season was due to get started pretty soon and that would change the almost deserted village into a busy place …for a while at least.




For us and now, it was a great place to explore!

“If you’re lucky enough to be at the beach, then you’re lucky enough.”





There was some great curling waves to enjoy….





…and feel them CRASHING onto the beach…





…which had brought lots of ‘treasures’ to be found by our troop…






”Hey, is this part of a body?”






“Sheesh….doubtful that it was human.”






And that's it for San Roque for now. I'm getting hungry just thinking about the next Asuncion Trip installment....tacos at Don Ramons...dinner at Mari's. Can you hear my stomach growling?

our cabin was Juan's grandfather's place he built after a hurricaine destroyed his casa on Isla San Roque where Juan was raised!



We missed you at last week's little BBQ!

PICNIC TIME AT THE SAN ROQUE CABIN

With our new amigos from Asuncion we all had a great and relaxing picnic under shair y Juan's cabin roof. Perfect spot with a wonderful view of the ocean and island.

I could relax in this place for a spell....no problem.

ASSORTED CANDID PHOTOS FROM ASUNCION

Driving down the main street of Asuncion the other day, I found out THE REAL TRUTH.


Dogs have masters...Cat's have staff!

Thanks for the "ride along" ..... good deal

ASSORTED CANDID PHOTOS FROM ASUNCION

Photo 2

Udo's rental casa is conveniently located along a good surfing beach. The scene is easily viewed in comfort from the patio or just take a short walk over to the shoreline like I did. Note: I am not on any of those boards.





Photo 3


Another view of the ruined church at San Roque.




Photo 4

A handsome specimen indeed.




Photo 5


The most purplish casa I have ever seen. Made my cheeks pucker.




Photo 6


The blowhole next to shari/Juan's casa started to gurgle when I arrived. I thought that was rather rude, but I tried not to take offense.




Photo 6 1/2


If you're driving around the neighborhood in April...roll up the windows!





[Photo 7


Measuring fridge door clearances...hey, why not?







Photo 8


Clothes hung on a line dry in an instant. Did I mention the wind blows a bit here?








To be continued....and Pretty soon now I'm gonna get to some good café reviews in Asuncion.

[Edited on 4-18-2013 by Pompano]

“Never eat more than you can lift.” Miss Piggy

Miss Piggy is so right, as I have ...ah..'witnessed' on more than one occasion.

Another great thing I've seen about Asuncion is that folks like to get together often for fiestas. A lot like other places in Baja where people are happy with their surroundings and want to share that feeling.

And naturally these fiestas involve eating and favorite drinks. We were invited to a few and gladly accepted.

Here is a great sit-down taco café named Don Ramons. Note: I only mention 'sit-down' because “What you eat standing up doesn't count. “

Our first visit was early on a Saturday. Actually we were supposed to meet shari and others here for a NOON taco, but screwed up the time.

So..being Baja-vets, we adjusted rapidly and called it ... breakfast.






The tacos are deliciously made with only fresh ingredients, including a long line of relishes and condiments made before your watering mouth.



Operated as a second business, Don Ramons is open only on Saturday and Sundays, and it has become a regualr noontime lunch date for a lot of townspeople.




I saw somebody else has one of those old 'Singing Bass' hanging on their wall! Remember that crazy fish? Push the button and it sings, "Take me to the river..put me in the waa-ter..lah-lah"

Again, we had arrived ahead of the group..which gave me time to eat 5 tacos, rather the normal 2. “The only irritating thing about eating is that when you are done, you are no longer hungry.”

On a special Monday we were invited to another eatery.

A main street café named Loncheria Mari

We join some newfound Asuncion amigos and an old friend, shari for another great 'sit-down' feast. Gracias, Toni y Jim, for this fine dinner.



I had a delicious burger and beer(s), and others enjoyed the special 'domed' dinner...a seafood combination for which the chef is applauded. Congenial hosts, fine food, and great companions make for a truly enjoyable dining experience.



This is a wondrous café where a 'Forest of Pacificos' magically appear at your table....along with some scrumptious clam spread and crackers. Life is good.




I offered to be... 'Designated Driver'.

Everyone took a taxi.

Thanks for that, Rick, and all the good advice on what to do at the casa and in Asuncion. For any travel forum, I would plug this tranquil place on the Pacific side of Baja. (It's not quite Coyote Bay, but would rather be in Asuncion from June to November)

You will recognize the décor shown in the next and last photos from our trip to Asuncion...with attention to feasting!

We cooked many a good meal in Udo's kitchen, but one night we decided to follow up on a suggestion from shari and have our home dinner catered. This welcome catering service is performed by Juan's sister, who did just that. With fresh langosta, no less.


A delicious lobster dinner for two at a very reasonable price. We ate this delicacy con mucho gusto, believe me!




Here she is with her beautiful daughter. Mil gracias for a great way to get away from cooking!



A most pleasant & gracious woman whom I highly recommend. You will love her dinners!

"LIVE, LOVE, AND EAT! - good ol' Wolfgang Puck

sorry Ateo, i beat you to it again.....

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view Quote: Originally posted by Udo You too like naked, huh?? Quote: Originally posted by Ateo That stretch of beach break south of town looks so inviting. We drove by it last Summer -- it went on for miles and miles and miles. Desolate but close enough to town in case of emergency. Next time I'll have to take a trail down and check it out. Look like a good place to get naked. Sorry. Had to say it. sorry Ateo, i beat you to it again.....

Hola Vince,

Sorry I missed your post earlier, went to get some brake work done in preparation for the long haul Up North. Spring is in the air...and some friends in Fargo will flood to the treetops again...we'll be there to haul sandbags as usual and help things get back to normal quickly. FEMA need not apply.


That and the dang bp went up instead of down. 206/115 was a bit off my intended mark for recuperating in Asuncion. Too much fun, maybe? I know, I know...I'll be hitting the clinic real quick....if not then the floor.

Wish I could meet you for a good time reunion at The Pig BBQ. What truly great times we've had at that legendary place. Most folks have no idea what went on there every Saturday night for decades. And I can thank my lucky stars for that!

The old hangout is kind of quiet these days, I know....but then we've all slowed down a bit since then, right? Give my howdies to Don & Nancy.

I'd throw a snowball to you when shoveling my way thru South Dakota, but Coronado is a looonngg toss.

Have a great time in the Bay and say hello to Coyote for me. You guys, me, la co-pilots, and all the other wonderful neighbors love that place very much.

Hasta luego, amigo. Buen Viaje and my best to Pat.

Time for Sunset at Asuncion

"It is almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream."

- Bern Williams

I could not agree more, Bern. I have had more than my fair share of sunrise and sunset dreams in Baja.

In Coyote Bay I have seen some of the most beautiful sunrises on earth. And as the perfect Baja counterpart, here are just a few of the magnificent sunsets at sea we marveled at from our rental casa patio in Asuncion.

These are my favorites:

From the patio. No more words are needed from me.










"Give me the splendid silent sun. - Walt Whitman





edited to say...Opps! This is the END.

[Edited on 4-19-2013 by Pompano]

OK, this is one of those...where's Waldo...er Pompano...challenges...



Of course...there he is behind the bar...where else? He quickly immersed into Asuncion life all righty.

and ...hey, what's a few potholes amongst friends eh!!! hahaha

Hasta La Vista!

Had to cut my trip to Asuncion in half due to health problems and emergencies on the home front.

We had a good time in Asuncion and met many new Baja amigos. Thoroughly enjoyed the many fine get-togethers and also the quiet & peaceful nature of the village.

Sunsets and beachcombing were a huge plus. Wind and dust were a huge minus!

Surf fishing is usually good, although my timing was bad. Offshore fishing in April is not so good, as the water is too cold. Of course, that makes for lots of quality reading time on a patio lounge or cozy sofa, or some popcorn-and-a-movie nights. Oh yeah, we watched a ton of videos.

The broken pavement is what it is, and one can and should take precautions. Simple fix.

So...There are many good reasons to visit this place on the Pacific, and those far outweigh the bad. It's old-time Baja ...and that's very okay.

I'll be back someday...when the water is a mite warmer and the fish are jumping in Juan's panga.

ADIOS TO A SPECIAL PLACE!

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano Had to cut my trip to Asuncion in half due to health problems and emergencies on the home front. We had a good time in Asuncion and met many new Baja amigos. Thoroughly enjoyed the many fine get-togethers and also the quiet & peaceful nature of the village. Sunsets and beachcombing were a huge plus. Wind and dust were a huge minus! Surf fishing is usually good, although my timing was bad. Offshore fishing in April is not so good, as the water is too cold. Of course, that makes for lots of quality reading time on a patio lounge or cozy sofa, or some popcorn-and-a-movie nights. Oh yeah, we watched a ton of videos. The broken pavement is what it is, and one can and should take precautions. Simple fix. So...There are many good reasons to visit this place on the Pacific, and those far outweigh the bad. It's old-time Baja ...and that's very okay. I'll be back someday...when the water is a mite warmer and the fish are jumping in Juan's panga. ADIOS TO A SPECIAL PLACE!