Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
Member Is Offline
Mood: Optimistic
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Day trip - SR Airport-San Bruno-San Lucas-Sta Rosalia
The other day an announcement came down from the Admiral.
A trip from Coyote Bay to Santa Rosalia (Cochenia) was on the roster.
She was to get her hair done again at Nadia's salon. (hmm..could almost swear we were just there a week or so ago?) Shaking off a suicidal urge to
question commands, I roll out of my hammock, click my heels, salute.. and off we went.
Naturally, I took some photos..which brings us to this post.
First, I took a couple of detours.. just because I could. (Yeah?..well, okay, so I asked.)
Detour 1
Santa Rosalia Airport (It's not exactly at Sta. Rosalia, but closer to Palo Verde, Pta. Chivato, and San Bruno.
Makes sense, it is a little hilly around Cochenia; but more to the point, more developments loom on this site's nearby sandy shorelines.)
The Sta. Rosalia Airport Terminal
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Amazing....you wouldn't think a little Cessna could carry that much fuel?
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A nice 'pista'..but not much used...so far.
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Long view of runway.
Now at the end of my Airport Tour, I proclaimed, "Well, Co-pilot, what did you think of that? Nice airport, eh?"
"Grazie, tesoro..it is not quite Rome's Leonardo de Vinci International, is it?.. or even your own Fargo Hector Field. It does remind one
of Sheepdip, Australia, though."
A little miffed, I rumble on out of there. Sheepdip? Wha...? Hey, I haven't been THERE in some time..who
told her about that...??
.
Detour 2
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SAN BRUNO
Cruising north up the Baja Road...I said, "Co-pilot, as long as we're this close, how about taking a look at SAN
BRUNO over there...for old time's sake?"
She turned to me, "Old times? What are you telling me? I've never been there in my life. Who were you with?"
"Oh, never mind, Co-pilot, I'll tell you all about it as we drive around the place.
A long time ago, in the early seventies, we used to come here a lot. A bunch of fishermen..just guys. Rather than run by boat all the way from
Conception Bay, we used to trailer up the highway and launch off San Bruno. We fished nearby San Marcos and Tortuga islands. Fabulous fishing then.
There wasn't much in San Bruno at that time. Our best beach-launching area was through an elderly senora's yard. She kept a loose rope across the
spot and we always donated a couple bucks for the 'priviledge of launching'...a welcome deal for us...and the senora."
"Ah..a Spa? With a boutique?"
"Hmmm...well, could be..you never know. We better keep moving or you'll be late for the hair appointment."
.
San Bruno has a nice waterfront marina. Good ramps and plenty of shade nearby.
"Ah..smell that fresh ocean breeze!"
"No, tesoro...your hair looks great blowing straight out in the wind like that....honest.
Hey, remember that airport that reminded you of Sheepdip?
I bet I could rent you out as a wind sock!"
.
My eyes took in all the new streets and additions, "Well, there's sure been a lot of changes...like most of Baja."
Co-pilot laughs and points, "Look on the beach..bambini! Che cosa carina ragazzi!
Those two are so cute! Bravo, boys, bravo!
Don't eat that..it is poison.
Ciao! Ciao!."
.
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Detour 3
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EJIDO SAN LUCAS
This small, well-stocked tienda is right on the main highway and is my spot for chichirrones and a beer. Sometimes you can also score a jar of fresh
oysters from the fridge. Just ask for ostiones..oh-stay-own-ay's
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Also home of Mario, a nice young fellow who can install satellite dishes for television and internet. He has been to my Coyote Bay home several
times..
...at first with his mentor, Nomad 'los frailes' Wayne Davies, who has regretably passed away. Wayne, you are missed by your many amigos.
Detour 4
SAN LUCAS COVE & CAMPGROUND
flashback warning
I show Co-pilot an old photo..circa 1996..of a camp we made at the Cove.
She gushes, "You are very handsome in this photo, tesoro...muy guapo."
Ouch!..."Uh..I took the photo, TESORO...sigh..."
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flashback warning
We also used to use this cove as our jumping off place when visiting San Marcos Island and the little village there. The gypsum mining was very
interesting to us and we took several tours there over the years. Here Blackjack joins me with some amigos for a looksee.
.
Now the GPS says, "**approaching destination..approaching destination..**"
===================SANTA ROSALIA=========================
Here is the new bridge completed after Hurricane Jimena destroyed the old one and washed out a large part of the highway. We got stuck with a 28ft
cargo trailer in that washed-out section last September on a relief run to Mulege from San Diego...and again 10 days later. Hey, is that my farmhand
jack down there?
Detour 5
We always enjoy stopping or staying at the El Morro. A nice hotel and cafe in Sta. Rosalia.
..and Co-pilot never fails to find an animal to pamper or save. Luckily, this one was the hotel mascot. I think the breed was Lobby
Labrador.
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I love the views....all of them...bella.
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We best get going again...don't want to be late.
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Highway scene coming in from the south...driving along the malecon.
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Weather changes FAST along the coastline!
1st bay view
10 minutes later....
Well..maybe not quite THAT fast ..but close...
A new coffee shop opened in November.....
Dang! Already closed...and the cheesecake was sooo delicious....sigh..
Glad I am not out fishing today...well, maybe just for one or two yellowtail?
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Question: Who actually gets gas at this place? Answer: Only those who have no other choice.
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The Ferry Terminal and Office. Take the ferry to Guaymas, anyone? Pull in right here.
flashback warning
Here an old photo (1976) of me and.. my sister.. about to take that ferry shown behind us. I think it's the 'Benito Juarez'. Was quite the
trip..thank God we survived.
.
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Next door to the ferry building, you will find some official government offices. Immagracion, Judicial, Social Services, Finances, etc.
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A little further north along the malecon, you will come to my favorite place in Sta. Rosalia...the Marina.
Boats - boats - boats...ah...
'Yo ho-HO...the wind blows free. Oh, for the life on the rolling sea!'
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"Yes, yes, amore mio...you will have the singing voice soon..soon if you practice, practice."
Now, we still have time for a delicious brunch before Nadia's. You must phone for a table?"
.
"Phone? I don't think Pepe has room for a phone, tesoro..and you can sit on that white bucket while I get the fish tacos. Maize or
harina?"
.
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After 'brunch' we drive towards the downtown area.
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flashback warning
1975 Downtown Sta. Rosalia . My new red/white El Camino with amigos from Coyote Bay. The Doves, Cliff & Kathy, JW Black (Blackjack from
Gardner's Baja expeditions) and wife, Lois. I think we had just finished some really good brunch at this cafe.
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Continueing on into downtown...lots of activity.
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The famous metal church. I believe Christian.
A stop at the metal church is always nice. Take the time to read it's colorful history and about it's engineer-designer, Gustave Eiffel. A very
interesting story.
In Sta. Rosalia all roads lead you to THE WORLD FAMOUS BOLEO BAKERY...or is it the wonderful fresh baking smells?...ahhhh. Come on, you know you
want one.
..
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THE HEIGHTS OF STA. ROSALIA
Now we climb the winding road up to the higher level of Santa Rosalia. Up past the Naval Hospital and enter the old homes and offices of the Bolea
Mining Company. Compagnie de Boleo
LOCOMOTIVE MONUMENT
Home of the HOTEL FRANCES
I remember meeting an architect named Carlos who supervised the restoration of this elegant old hotel around 1977 or so. Lots of South American
hardwoods went into this place..maghogany, teak, etc..very nice and well done. Co-pilot loves the decor today.
.
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flashback warning
Back in the day, Carlos invited me over to view the final results...and I brought some friends. We had our photo taken in the bar of the hotel.
Can you believe we wore those sunflower jeans back in the 70's? I sure wish I could fit into those today. Hey,I'm trying as we speak.
No Martini - No Party.
.
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BUZZ! BUZZ! BUZZ! The GPS alarm clock goes off..reminding me of Co-pilot's hair appointment.
We are running out of time to make it to Nadia's, so I rush down the streets...some cop blew a whistle at me...but this is life and
death...extraordinary excuses apply here.
Whew..made it.
I drop off Co-pilot at the front door...just in the nick of time.
shudder..that could have been real trouble.
.
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Well now...
That hairdo will take some time, so I have another taco and a beer at Pepe's.
Then off to see some more old sights of this strange Baja town. More of a French village with all the clapboard houses and stores.
Lumber!..lots of lumber. Brought over on the ships during the old mining days.
MY OLD SAT-TV GUIDE BOOKSTORE!
Just down one of the side streets a door or two sits a little bookstore....
..where many years ago I used to buy my highly prized tv guide book for C-band satellite tv..called 'Orbit'. Does anyone remember
that great magazine?
It was the Bible for tv viewing back in the day. You protected your copy with your life.
This little store was the only place in southern Baja where I could find it. Finding a copy was like looking for the Holy Grail. I spend some time
browsing in this old favorite store...ah, the memories.
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Cochenia's zocalo..main square..is a typically nice place to spend some time...or enjoy a public event.
I sit for a while to enjoy the tranquility ... dodge some pigeons in the tree above.
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I DROVE BACK UP ON THE HILL - VIEW FROM HIGH STREET - SMOKESTACK FROM THE OLD FACTORY OVERLOOKING THE SEA OF CORTEZ...
..ah, imagine what it was like back in it's heyday..I daydream for a bit.
.
The peaceful look of this scene was enough to make me silently take this reader's photograph. Gracias, senor, if I only had a book...
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I lazily drive around some of the back and side streets, looking for...?...
...nothing, nothing at all.
Kind of nice, just cruising..not a care in the.....
.
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OH MY GAWD!! What time is it? Sheesh..That hairdo must have been done for a while now!
Ay Carumba..time to make tracks to Nadia's! Andiamo! Andiamo!"
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..The cop blows his whistle really long and loud this time......
.
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Hmm...does she look mad or happy to see me? I'm betting on glad..and staying alive..
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"Ciao, tesoro! Come stai? How was the hair cut?
Oh..a pedicure, too..again? Yes...those toes look great. What color is that?
Hmm?..Oh yes, the hair, too...yes, indeed.
My-my, you look like a million fish...er..bucks.
Say.. how about we stop for some fresh fruit?
I know how much you like mangos and papayas. Maybe some pineapple, too?
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You really weren't waiting too long, right? Tesoro...tesoro...yoo hoo??"
.
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We drive away..taking the perimeter road...much quieter... and no harrassing traffic cops.
.
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"Here we are.....your favorite fruit market. Nice fresh stuff.
"Take your time, sweetheart. You pick it...I'll carry it."
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.
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And that's the end of another day in Baja...and this story.
Where's my martini?
[Edited on 6-24-2010 by Pompano]
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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Bajagypsy
Super Nomad
Posts: 1416
Registered: 8-31-2006
Location: BahÃa Asuncion BCS
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Mood: Living the dream
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Loved it!
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13048
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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ah rogelio...LOVED your sunflower pants....er....your sister eh...uh huh.
wonderful tour gracias...still think you should grow your hair long again.
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doradodan
Nomad
Posts: 162
Registered: 11-23-2006
Location: San Felipe
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Mood: boracho
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Don't get down there as often but you really brought some memories. I remember going to the centenario in Santa Rosalia, great food, and music.
Great time, I think it is pretty soon. Great little town, good accomadations.
\"The time spent off the water, I\'m thinking of ways to get back in\"
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9010
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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I think that brunch place is still Terco's Pollito.
Man, you just couldnt seem to keep your hands off your sister.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64855
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Very nice Roger!
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
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Mood: undecided
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Thanks for sharing your day.
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
Member Is Offline
Mood: Optimistic
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| Quote: | Originally posted by shari
ah rogelio...LOVED your sunflower pants....er....your sister eh...uh huh.
wonderful tour gracias...still think you should grow your hair long again. |
Well, okay..so she was not my sister. But that photo is over 30 years old and the statue of limitations has long since expired. That's my
story and I'm sticking to it. 
So you like guys with long hair, eh? And I should grow mine longer, eh?
Well, okay..but remember..you asked for it!
| Quote: | Originally posted by Hook
I think that brunch place is still Terco's Pollito.
Man, you just couldnt seem to keep your hands off your sister. |
Hola Hook, you are muy correcto..the chicken cafe is still there, still good.
Yeah..Sister Julie....those were some times back in the day.
It's ALL good!
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13048
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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Oh yeah baby...now we're talking guapo dude...and that shade of sombrero really looks great on you.
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
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Mood: Sling time!
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BS - that's Alan Jackson.
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
Member Is Offline
Mood: Optimistic
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Mike...who is Alan Jackson? ...or am I 'out of touch'?
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sling time!
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that pix of you looks like Alan Jackson a top C&W performer.
he has been entertainer of the year several times in recent years past. the CMA awards.
i am not a fan but my wife likes C&W and doesn't like my jazz, blues, R&B and classical bent.
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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Von
Senior Nomad
Posts: 961
Registered: 10-1-2006
Location: Poway-Rosarito
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Mood: getting ready!
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Love the sunflower jeans! Awesome pics!
READY SET.....................
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willyAirstream
Super Nomad
Posts: 1786
Registered: 1-1-2010
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WOW, ANOTHER GREAT STORY!
Thanks!!
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
Member Is Offline
Mood: Optimistic
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Our thanks to all who emailed and posted here. It was great fun for both Co-pilot and myself.
Now..help yourself to one of these:
[Edited on 6-24-2010 by Pompano]
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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