zzzxxx - 10-8-2014 at 07:06 PM
So with quite a bit of trepidation, I headed down to LA to attempt to fly to the airport at Cabo San Lucas. The airport has been closed to
international flights since the hurricane hit, and my flight was to be the first international flight into SJD. I booked this flight on Alaska
Airlines 5 months ago - pure happenstance that this turned out to be the first flight into SJD.
Driving down the 405 through LA was all flocked up, and took me over 3 hours from Santa Barbara. I did not arrive at LAX until almost 9 AM for my
scheduled 10:10 departure. And, I had 5 boxes/bags and a damn dog to check! Alaska folks got it done, and I was at the gate with 10 minutes to
spare.
The flight down was as normal - beautiful views of the peninsula, with lots of stormy clouds mid way from the latest tropical depression.
As we approached SJD, the scenery was quite beautiful, with the desert and mountains vivid green. The arroyos are still flowing, lots lot water!
The mood on the plane was festive, conversations loud and boysterous. As we touched down, a spontaneous hooping and clapping erupted , obvious that
all on board were aware of the specialness of this first flight into SJD. Very cool, but the best was yet to come……
I was sitting on a left side window seat, and as we approached the jetway, I could see lots of ground personnel taking photos and clapping, with lots
of “thumbs up” directed to us. Very cool, still the best was yet to come…..
As we walked up the jetway, I could hear hoots and clapping… Upon reaching the terminal building, there was a long tunnel of airport employees
clapping and yelling, high-fiveing all the passengers as we departed. We were offered ice-cold coronas and water, all were handed a bag with a
t-shirt and other goodies, and a mariachi band was playing off to the side!!! It was truly a touching experience - I have never felt so welcomed.
The trip through customs was uneventful, with the red/green button functioning as usual. I will say that today was the fastest I have ever made it
though that process, but your results will vary I am sure…
I had arranged transport to Los Barriles 5 months ago on the eco-baja shuttle, but had not been able to contact them, and assumed a $100 cab ride was
on the agenda. Nope - the shuttle was there, waiting for me. Simple and easy.
Everything at Verdugos is good. My palapa is fine, needs a good cleaning (tomorrow, smokey’s tonight). Sat down with Martin for half an hour at the
bar, all good there.
Looking forward to fresh fish for dinner in the near future…..
Jack Whaley
sd - 10-8-2014 at 07:24 PM
Good to hear Jack, thanks for the first day, first hand report!
Very important to have tourism return, nice welcome for sure.
gnukid - 10-8-2014 at 07:29 PM
Great to hear. What a nice trip! Viva Baja
CaboSur - 10-8-2014 at 07:53 PM
Welcome back Jack,, Gringos have been few and far between.
From a Odile survivor
Bill Collector - 10-8-2014 at 08:11 PM
Jack, i copied your story to talkbaja.com.
Great story.
Barb
CaboMagic - 10-8-2014 at 08:22 PM
Jack I posted your note on our Facebook pages .. its wonderful to see. Thank you from all of us, and, I'll be so bold as to thank you on behalf of
everyone that loves CSL, SJD, LB, LP, PP, TS, EC and all of BSur .. please give Chris at Smokeys saludos ..
Thanks Doug for your ayuda to your tech challenged amiga me :-)
shari - 10-9-2014 at 09:30 AM
welcome to Baja Nomad Jack and your first hand account gave me "happy" goosebumps hearing how cool the whole scene was...I am sooooo very proud of the
Mexican government for the speedy response and rebuild down south....simply amazing.
Maron - 10-9-2014 at 09:49 AM
Great news and report.
thks
Jack Swords - 10-9-2014 at 11:28 AM
Thank you for posting.
BajaBlanca - 10-9-2014 at 01:56 PM
Welcome to the new folks!
That was an amazing story ... touching .... so inspirational.
Please entertain us with more of the same as you live your dream.
Bajahowodd - 10-9-2014 at 03:59 PM
Great news. There are so many locals who are dependent on tourism. Without the flights, they are fundamentally unemployed.