BajaNomad

Baja New Years 2005 Trip Report (Part 2)

David K - 1-4-2005 at 06:00 PM

We return to Highway One at Rancho Progreso and continue on. Just before the north arroyo crossing 2 miles from Catavina, we pull off to the left to park for the hike up to the colorful cave art. A cable blocks one from driving down to the arroyo at the base of the boulder hill with the cave, on top.

Another Tacoma pulls along side of us, it was driving north... I look over and see a familiar face: BajaGato (Denise)!!! She and driver, Bajaddict (Chris) were heading for Cielito Lindo from L.A. Bay and Pancho's at Bahia San Rafael where they caught ten halibut! Anyway, they spotted my gold Tacoma and knew I can guide them to the painted cave, as well. That was quite a surprise... and Elizabeth is impressed.

The four of us hike up the boulder path to the painted cave and enjoy a few minutes of conversation. I met Chris and Denise at M's BBBB-4 and they attended my Viva Baja-4 fiesta in 2003.

After our goodbyes, we drove into Rancho Santa Ynez for a late breakfast of Machaca and Chorizo... both meals were great. Matilda other ladies were planning for a party as some young lady was turning 15 the following day. They even hired a band to come play!

The boulders and desert is just beautiful to Elizabeth, as she never dreamed a desert could be. Coming from Lake Tahoe, she is used to giant pines not giant cardons and cirios!

We arrive at Bahia de los Angeles after a brief stop by the military at the top of the grade (where the view of the bay is so breathtaking).

We head right to Camp Gecko to get camp situated, and see Bedman & Emma's big new motorhome which we are given a tour of. Their dog Daisy likes it, too!

Doc has a deluxe cabin reserved for us, and we unpack. I have everything in large plastic containers and since we don't have to erect a tent, it takes just a few minutes to get settled. We learn that 4baja, Beth and the others from Morro Bay are on a ride to the copper mine. David A and Yvonne are there, Packoderm too. Doc is looking good, but Gecko III (Doc's boat) has some repairs still to be made after the winds smashed it onto the rocks a couple months ago. Sylvia and the girls are in Tijuana. Liz and I walk over to have a Pacifico with Beach Bob, who is looking good.

Bedman and Emma prepare a huge primerib as they have done in years past. We brought two large bags of Costco salad mix for the pot luck. Yvonne made clam chowder and as in years past, the News Years Eve feast was fantastic! Elizabeth is totally impressed with the people who camp at Gecko!

About 10pm, Liz and I head into town for the big dance at Casa Diaz. There, we find Paulina and Dern who have a place for us at their table! Elena la Loca was there with Wild Bill and we had a fun talking between dances. The dance was great fun and Elizabeth and I work off that prime rib! There was a great fireworks show at midnight even... A really great New Years... We had lots of fun.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Here's a photo in the painted cave near Catavina.
More photos will be in the web page of this trip, linked at the end of the last part.



[Edited on 1-5-2005 by David K]

David K - 1-4-2005 at 06:03 PM

Here's the hill with the painted cave at the top...

David K - 1-4-2005 at 06:06 PM

Our cabin at Camp Gecko http://www.campgecko.com ($25/ night) has a stove, fridge, sinks, private hot shower and flush toilet.

[Edited on 1-5-2005 by David K]

bajaandy - 1-4-2005 at 06:40 PM

Thanks for posting the pic of the hill with the caves! I plan to visit them next time I am down.
I know what you mean about the new rooms and the showers at the BajaCactus Motel.... VERY nice indeed.
Excellent report so far... and I am looking forward to more!

woody with a view - 1-4-2005 at 06:50 PM

hey david-

in your photo of the hill o' boulders, where is the entrance to the cave in relation to that cardon growing out the top right? i'm gonna be taking my son for a few weeks in baja at the end of may for his high school grad and want to show him some more historical/interesting places other than surf spots.

we've seen the mision's at mulege and san ignacio last time and he was having a hard time getting his head around being able to walk up to/ into a building that was 300 years old. i think he'll really enjoy seeing some art.

thanks....

David K - 1-4-2005 at 07:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody in ob
hey david-

in your photo of the hill o' boulders, where is the entrance to the cave in relation to that cardon growing out the top right? i'm gonna be taking my son for a few weeks in baja at the end of may for his high school grad and want to show him some more historical/interesting places other than surf spots.

thanks....


Hi Woody... That cardon is in front of the big boulder on top, a sign is up there too. GPS is 29?45.11'/ 114?44.53'. The foot tracks all lead up to the high point. The paintings are under that big boulder which is the roof of the 'cave'. GPS at the cave is in with the photos Sarah took last year: http://vivabaja.com/703/page5.html and in my GPS web page linked in my notebook and web site (link here, below)...

[Edited on 1-5-2005 by David K]

Chilly but fun!

Sallysouth - 1-4-2005 at 08:02 PM

Hi David, sounds as tho you had a wonderful trip with your new gal! Is she a mystery woman or will you tell us all how you two met?Inquiring mind wants to know! Wishing you the best, Sally:tumble:

David K - 1-4-2005 at 11:00 PM

Hi Sally,
It will be something we can discuss at Viva Baja 5... :lol:

Sallysouth - 1-5-2005 at 10:24 AM

Sounds like a plan! Any idea when or where the #5 will be? I'll be in B.C.S. for a month or so starting the end on Feb. Hope I can make this next one!

David K - 1-5-2005 at 10:34 AM

Nope, just wishfull thinking... You and Brandi helped so much at Viva 4, I will give everyone plenty of notice.

Do keep the middle of July open for Baja Cactus Cultural Fiesta-2, in El Rosario!!! That is very much like my event, but better!

David K - 1-5-2005 at 09:47 PM

Photo web site: http://community-2.webtv.net/boojum1/105

[Edited on 1-6-2005 by David K]