BajaNomad

Mulege Update?

Estrella - 10-15-2014 at 11:30 AM

We are heading to Mulege at the end of the month for clean up and to set things up for our winter there. We are hoping for information on how things are coming along. We hear that electricity and water are on. The condition of the Lighthouse Road, the tiendas and restaurants that are open etc. We have been returning to Mulege for 11 years, as was said earlier "Mulege is a decision of the heart".....our heart is still there....see you all soon.

Mulegena - 10-15-2014 at 12:05 PM

Nosotros Mulegin@s están en nuestros pies.
We Mulegin@s are on our feet.
Yes, we were hurt again, but we're better now.
You'll see the town cleaned up and spit-polishing.

The riverbank has changed course and the road to the lighthouse changed accordingly, but it's quite passable to all vehicles now. Paid crews are out cleaning up the river's edge of debris.

I understand funds are earmarked for fixing the road to Loma Azul-- don't know the details, but here's a link added below; scroll down and you'll see Mulege County - Loma Azul listed and a brief description, translated says, " access to Colonia Loma Azul, first phase ". This probably means they'll be working on the Lighthouse Road. Don't know if this is federal or state moneys. I'll report on a new thread when it begins to happen.

Lily's restaurant at the Lighthouse, El Patron, is presently closed. She will open later on and is certainly available for private gatherings arranged in advance.

All grocery stores are now stocked and open as are the other businesses & services.

All services are now restored to all the town's colonias - water, electrics, trash pickup, telephones and internet.

Bring mosquito repellent and your happy attitude for another season in this little village that keeps on keeping on.

Edited to add this link about community road repairs in the state of Baja California Sur: http://www.bcsnoticias.mx/invertira-gobierno-del-estado-500-...

[Edited on 10-15-2014 by Mulegena]

bajabuddha - 10-15-2014 at 02:47 PM

Bravo, and well said, Sra. Mulegena!! :dudette: Especially the last line; a true keeper.

Estrella - 10-16-2014 at 06:48 AM

Thanks for the updates. A friend is considering flying into Serenidad while we are there, has the landing strip been cleared for use? Also, was asked if Scotty and his Mom are back in town? What is working best for the Mosquitos? Our place is on the river, even though our landscape has changed once again, the Mosquitos and bulbos(sp?)-wee little face fly things-will be too happy to see us. Many thanks for onsite info. We will be there soon.

willyAirstream - 10-16-2014 at 07:02 AM

Mosquitoes are a major problem and many people are suffering from Dengue Fever. Off seems to work. Scotty is not here yet. South river road is slowly being repaired. Boat dock on south side is gone. Road to the Misson is still out, but there is a workable detour. Clean up crews are everywhere and thins are getting back to normal.

Russ - 10-16-2014 at 08:05 AM

Heard that $$ vouchers were passed out yesterday and Mulege was a complete zoo. It's good to hear the some folks will have some money for repairs and staples. I suspect the line at the bank will be long so I've put my supply trip in off another day. The boat dock is still on the beach North of me from last report. There are a lot of folks returning here now and fishermen are out but not getting great reports from them.

walters886 - 10-16-2014 at 08:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Russ
Heard that $$ vouchers were passed out yesterday and Mulege was a complete zoo. It's good to hear the some folks will have some money for repairs and staples. I suspect the line at the bank will be long so I've put my supply trip in off another day. The boat dock is still on the beach North of me from last report. There are a lot of folks returning here now and fishermen are out but not getting great reports from them.


Russ, We loved that dock, hugely functional and very convenient. Couple of questions for you:
1. Is the dock salvageable?
2. Is it worth towing back to the ramp?
tx ws

bajabuddha - 10-16-2014 at 10:31 AM

Has Rotary run out of funds yet? Let us know if more is needed. THX,
bb

mtnpop - 10-16-2014 at 11:55 AM

friends flew into Mulege (Serenidad) last week in a tail drager,,, must not have been too much of a problem... I think they are flying back out this next weekend.. They are working on there casas' in the Orchard.....
That's the only info we have heard on landing there...
Would also suggest anyone going down take some mosquito dunks or pellets to put in still standing water areas... try to abate as many of the skeeters as we can....
Home Depot has,, any farm and ranch store,, Amazon,, Gemplers on line....
have a good trip and stay safe....

KurtG - 10-16-2014 at 12:31 PM

I arrived in Mulege by motorcycle yesterday (almost exactly 40 years after riding here the first time) and was pleasantly surprised by the condition of the highway. Downtown Mulege looks pretty much same as ever and most all businesses are open as normal. The reports about the river roads were accurate, heavy damage on both sides. I went by the Serenidad a couple of hours ago, saw one plane land and another take off. Both tricycle gear Cessnas. 3-4 more planes on the ground. In the grocery store this morning I saw locals using what appeared to be vouchers in various denominations, also at the Bomberos a load of mattresses and a pickup full of food packages. Word is that the back country roads are rapidly being repaired but roads are still very rough.

willyAirstream - 10-16-2014 at 12:31 PM

$$ vouchers are passed out twice aweek, different days for different colonias. No problems at the atm. They get 1000 pesos for cleaning their casa, after an inspection. There are food vouchers too. This started only 3 days after the hurricane, take note Fema.

Estrella - 10-16-2014 at 03:01 PM

Is the Rotary in need of specific items that can be brought down?

Russ - 10-16-2014 at 03:11 PM

walters886 check you U2U

Marc - 10-16-2014 at 09:38 PM

Mosquitos are worse than ever. In fact I hardly remember them being a problem in the past 25 years. At least for me. Off does work well.

Estrella - 10-16-2014 at 09:46 PM

Thanks for the info on the mosquito dunks/pellets and various repellants! Our friend who is flying in has landed at Serenidad many times before but needs to know if the runway is ready for a Twin Commander to use now? Hoping to fly in the first of November if possible. Looking forward to enjoying our traditional gigantic Grande margarita at the Serenidad swim up bar.

Relief Funds

Subastador - 10-16-2014 at 11:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabuddha
Has Rotary run out of funds yet? Let us know if more is needed. THX,
bb


Rotary is trying to put together enough money to rebuild the road to the boat launch area in front of Serinidad. Right now the pangeros are driving across the runway, and BBP is working to finish repair of it, so when they get finished, No more traffic will be allowed across the strip. If we had a little more $ we could do the job ourselves, or we will have to partner with some other organization, which will slow down the job.

I must say the response to our earlier request has been really good. If we get about $2,000 more, we can get that road fixed pronto.

Bob and Susan - 10-17-2014 at 05:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Subastador

Rotary is trying to put together enough money to rebuild the road to the boat launch area in front of Serinidad. Right now the pangeros are driving across the runway, and BBP is working to finish repair of it, so when they get finished, No more traffic will be allowed across the strip. If we had a little more $ we could do the job ourselves, or we will have to partner with some other organization, which will slow down the job.

I must say the response to our earlier request has been really good. If we get about $2,000 more, we can get that road fixed pronto.


could I ask?
how much of the road by the ramp are you repairing and what is your cost to do that?

Ribbonslinger - 10-17-2014 at 05:57 AM

I am sure when people donated money to the Rotary they were under the impression the funds would go to charitable organizations to help local people in need. Fixing the boat ramp is probably low priority right now given the amount of local people that need help.

willyAirstream - 10-17-2014 at 06:16 AM

X2 Ribbonslinger
There are roads that people need daily that are completely closed. Mission road, the under the bridge road, etc. $2000 would go along way repairing these roads that many people use to get to work and to town.

chuckie - 10-17-2014 at 06:43 AM

BUT!If the Pangueros need it to go to work, aint it a judgement call? Just sayin....

bajabuddha - 10-17-2014 at 07:03 AM

Willy A, just a suggestion; have the Rotary guy start a new thread and re-post the sending information, stating the issue and what it's for, and hopefully your xmas will be early. Even though it sounds 'self-serving', the ramp is necessary for the economy and i'll shell out a little more for whatever they need. I've watched Rotary and their bunch for many years, and am proud to have known a few.

[Edited on 10-17-2014 by bajabuddha]

Rotary funds for the Donation Pier

Mulegena - 10-17-2014 at 08:16 AM

I feel that using Rotarian funds to fix the boat ramp is wrong under the guise of "helping the local fishing industry".

The Cacheno pangueros are launching and can keep their boats in the water. Then there is the issue of "helping" the Loma Azul pangueros on the other side of the river. How are they going to launch their boats? The Lighthouse ramp is gone, too.

Fact is, the pangueros on both sides of the river are launching and can keep their boats in the water once done so or take them out.

Let's be clear about this. Yes, the boat launching issue in Mulege may be an indirect concern to the local economic health in that it affects the vacationer's desire to bring their boats to Mulege waters. However, the local Mexican fishermen are not affected by the tourist with their own boat. Additionally, it seems wrong to dedicate funds to "help" one group of pangueros over another, Loma Azul vs Cacheno.

More specifically in question is the actual intent to appropriate funds that are from a local service organization to address this. It sullies the good name of that organization, imo.

Sorry, just my two cents; I'm not a Rotarian and so have no voice. However, I feel that using Rotary funds to fix the boat ramp might probably be seen by many as a thinly-veiled guise that will actually serve the winter vacationer crowd more than the local Mexican fishermen or the local economy at large.

This sends the wrong message, imo. Rotary is a service organization which, I believe, is charged with serving the community to which it is dedicated.

Perhaps a private funding of repairs of Donation Pier would be in order, yes?

alacran - 10-17-2014 at 08:53 AM

The whole town of Mulege is affected by the lack of a launching ramp. The town lives mostly by the tourist trade, hotels, restaurants and curios shops.
There are no other venues of income.
Tourists come to Mulege to fish from their own boats and with no ramps even the panqueros can not take tourists on fishing trips.
Yes I believe that the local economy will be very much affected by the lack of launching ramps, on any side of the river.

MulegeAL - 10-17-2014 at 09:30 AM

Local labor is really good with concrete and rebar, that is the way to go.

A boat ramp can be made of rebar-reinforced concrete, plank-style with rebar loops to connect the planks. These can be cast on site and rolled down sequentially to extend the ramp, avoiding a large scale concrete pour. Similar to this:

http://www.genestprecast.com/boat-ramp.html

Each plank weighs in around 1000#, easy to fab, rebar mesh for this is simple too. Dig a shallow hole near the ramp, build a box frame mold 144x15x8 inches.

I think the funding for material should come from those who would use the ramp, the ex-pat/local residential sportfishers (of which I am one once or twice a year.) I'm not sure how to do that, open to suggestions. Any of our good local contractors could provide an estimate to make these.

There may be sand and gravel that could be found/donated local, maybe some #4 rebar too, though I suspect that will have to be bought, as well as the cement.

A ramp like this can be chained to palmas in time of storm, and can be pulled from the water like a tank track to improve survivability too.

Sorry, I am not there to help until late this year, just offering up some ideas here that could be part of the solution.

Subastador - 10-17-2014 at 10:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabuddha
Willy A, just a suggestion; have the Rotary guy start a new thread and re-post the sending information, stating the issue and what it's for, and hopefully your xmas will be early. Even though it sounds 'self-serving', the ramp is necessary for the economy and i'll shell out a little more for whatever they need. I've watched Rotary and their bunch for many years, and am proud to have known a few.

[Edited on 10-17-2014 by bajabuddha]


OK, I HEAR YOU.

So here is the deal: If you want to help pay for the road and ramp repair, We are posting a new plea for donations earmarked for that purpose. SEE THE NEW THREAD.OK, I HEAR YOU.

[Edited on 10-17-2014 by Subastador]

100% correct

bigmike58 - 10-17-2014 at 11:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by alacran
The whole town of Mulege is affected by the lack of a launching ramp. The town lives mostly by the tourist trade, hotels, restaurants and curios shops.
There are no other venues of income.
Tourists come to Mulege to fish from their own boats and with no ramps even the panqueros can not take tourists on fishing trips.
Yes I believe that the local economy will be very much affected by the lack of launching ramps, on any side of the river.


You are correct! I spend 80% of my awake hours fishing out of Mulege, The other 20% is spent buying fuel, food, drinks, ice and of course- paying to have the fish cleaned. If Mulege does not have a useable ramp I will be forced to spend ten's of thousands of dollars a year elsewhere in Baja...

mulegejim - 10-17-2014 at 12:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by alacran
The whole town of Mulege is affected by the lack of a launching ramp. The town lives mostly by the tourist trade, hotels, restaurants and curios shops.
There are no other venues of income.
Tourists come to Mulege to fish from their own boats and with no ramps even the panqueros can not take tourists on fishing trips.
Yes I believe that the local economy will be very much affected by the lack of launching ramps, on any side of the river.


Ditto, I agree with Alacran on this one, also there have been in the past three fishing tournaments a year in Mulege that attract quite a number of entrants The proceeds support many local community services. These tournaments would not be possible without a serviceable launch ramp and dock. In addition, the entrants and their friends spend money in town for many things- food, beer and sodas, at restaurants, etc to name a few. A good serviceable ramp and dock helps a lot more people over the course of a year than just the occasional gringo fisherman. I know, I've been there. Just my two cents.

dorado50 - 10-17-2014 at 02:41 PM

In order to keep a lot of big spenders, at least the one's who have boats and homes in Mulege, HERE....a boat ramp and dock is imperative. Like others, if I can't fish here than I will have to take the monies elsewhere! My $1000.00usd donation to reconstruction is a start............ :yes:

Ok, I hear you too

willyAirstream - 10-17-2014 at 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabuddha
Willy A, just a suggestion; have the Rotary guy start a new thread and re-post the sending information, stating the issue and what it's for......


This is a perfect solution.
I understand what the lack of a boat ramp does to the Mulege economy, it is just at first glance, helping victims that earn $200 pesos a day and victims that spend 200 pesos for lunch seems a bit tilted. But, as Alcan says, it will benefit all in the long run. This will be self funding and won't take away from the hurricane relief fund. It's all good..

[Edited on 10-17-2014 by willyAirstream]

bajabuddha - 10-17-2014 at 05:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by willyAirstream
Quote:

Originally posted by bajabuddha
Willy A, just a suggestion; have the Rotary guy start a new thread and re-post the sending information, stating the issue and what it's for......


This is a perfect solution.
I understand what the lack of a boat ramp does to the Mulege economy, it is just at first glance, helping victims that earn $200 pesos a day and victims that spend 200 pesos for lunch seems a bit tilted. But, as Alcan says, it will benefit all in the long run. This will be self funding and won't take away from the hurricane relief fund. It's all good..

[Edited on 10-17-2014 by willyAirstream]

I totally agree, and have already sent in another Rotary donation. My intention was saying that I (and i'm sure others will ask) WHERE to send it to, this thread? No addy or info. My meaning and statement was to benefit, start a new thread intended for the ramp, great for the economy, great for Mulege. I don't fish there. My donation goes for my favorite village. If I ruffled any feathers it WAS NOT my intention, and i'm sorry if I did... I still don't see how and re-read it a few times. I guess we all have our pre-conceptions? Quien sabes? Anyway, great cause for the town; it's been re-stated here how much the economy is fueled by visitors as well as the pangeros. I hope it does some good.
bb

willyAirstream - 10-17-2014 at 06:11 PM

The WHERE TO SEND IT can be found here

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=75916

bigmike58 - 10-18-2014 at 06:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by dorado50
In order to keep a lot of big spenders, at least the one's who have boats and homes in Mulege, HERE....a boat ramp and dock is imperative. Like others, if I can't fish here than I will have to take the monies elsewhere! My $1000.00usd donation to reconstruction is a start............ :yes:


I agree with Dave and will match, I love it in Mulege and can't find a better location with the same amenities and luxuries, like A/C in July while fishing for Dorado, two gas stations, a mile drive to the free ramp with ample parking, 30+ places to eat, city water, Policia that help and protect our kids, and drive able in a day from SoCal.

I do take a little offense in W/A's remarks, Myself and many others either drove supplies- gave cash or assisted in other ways immediately after the Hurricane. I didn't even go in my trashed home and left immediately after delivering the supplies and cash as to not be an additional burden on the limited resources. Our thoughts and actions were focused on our friends(locals) in Mulege, insurance monies will fix our homes and provide jobs and money locally at a later date.

Now that the immediate problem of water-food and power are mostly repaired it is time to hire our friends to repair and clean our homes and build another ramp with a removable dock.

But, Please-let's do it right this time. The last Ramp and Dock were not adequate to launch or retrieve a 21' or bigger boat at low tide without dropping off the concrete. Three more feet of concrete doesn't cost much.

Many thanks to Dave and the others who are helping to rebuild Mulege with either their brains, money or sweat.

Estrella - 10-19-2014 at 06:35 PM

We are driving south to Mulege and hope to be there on the 3rd. How is the availability and cost of building materials? If the Rotary or Paws needs something specific please U2U us and we will see what we can do. We are heading down from the foothills of Northern Ca.