walters886
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La Bocana and Mulege Visit and Photos
Our Baja Adventure – September 2-14, 2011
My wife Nina, our friend Chuck and I (Walt) took a trip south to Mulege a few weeks ago. Except for the road construction delays south of Ensenada the
ride was uneventful – but a lesson was learned. Airstream Willy had emailed me that a lightening storm rolled through two days earlier and had
temporarily knocked out electrical power at Cuesta Real RV Park. But, of course, I didn’t check my email enroute. So we arrived hot, tired and sweaty
to discover we had no electrical power to our travel trailer. Mmmm, no power, Mulege in early September, no AC, not good. The lesson here is to call
your intended destination before you arrive to ensure all is well and ship shape. Luckily, Willy told us that there was a wide open yellowtail bite on
the Pacific side so we headed over to the Baja Bocana B&B.
We had only intended to stay a couple of days at the B&B but we wound up staying for a week! Too many La Bocana highlights to put into a narrative
so here’s the short list:
- Hospitality at Les and Blanca’s was terrific. Our first time at the B&B and we were very impressed. They were very friendly and it was clean,
comfortable and very affordable.
- Fishing was excellent. Jaunchy (our fishing guide and friend) put us on the yellowtail immediately only a few miles from shore. Yellows weren’t too
big but were very plentiful. We limited out in only a few hours of fishing. Ideal conditions every day, the ocean was calm with only a slight
refreshing breeze.
- Nina earned a new nickname: “Capitana Doble”. When she was at the helm, we often had two fish on simultaneously. Lots of excitement, both Chuck and
I were very impressed.
- Dinners at Joaquin’s Baja Cactus were nightly feasts. We met lots of new friends, Vincent and friends played great music and there was spirited
boozy singing by everyone.
- We loved eating at Martin’s restaurant. Martina is a terrific cook. Each meal she prepared for us was a delectable treat. Her fish stew is a
specialty, wonderful spices blended perfectly to bring out the maximum flavor of fresh veggies and fresh fish. Bring a guitar and if you’re lucky the
whole family will sing traditional style Baja music in wonderful four part harmony.
- I’ve always been a do-it-yourself guy but I found out that the co-op will fillet, vac pac and deep freeze your fish quickly and cheaply. You can
pick it up the next day. It’s a great deal and you can also buy ice and canned fish there as well. Smoked bonita from a can? Yep, and you might find
this and other canned fish a very tasty and versatile treat.
We took a break from fishing and decided to take the coastal route up to Bajía Asuncion to see some good friends. We had a great time with Juan Arce
Marron and Shari Bondy and had lunch with our good friend Juanita at her restaurant. On the return trip my GMC Safari van suffered on the washboard
road and I lost a nearly new Michelin radial tire. Grrrrr! But a used tire was found on our return to La Bocana and all was well for the trip home.
Eventually we made our way back to Mulegé. I was going to put some labor into fixing up odds and end on the travel trailer but we detoured over to
Mateo Murillo’s place and asked if anything was going on fish-wise. He said that there were still a few dorado around a few miles from the point and
it would definitely be worth a try. So I put the tools aside and Chuck and I went out with Mateo the next day. We caught three dorado between us – not
too big, but very exciting none the less.
Summarizing, one of the best trips to Baja for us. I’m back at work but dreaming about our next Baja adventure. Oh yeah, you can see some good
time-wasting photos:
http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh212/walters886/Baja%202...
Adios (for now) or hasta pronto,
Walt Stolar
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Cisco
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4196
Registered: 12-30-2010
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| Quote: | Originally posted by walters886
Our Baja Adventure – September 2-14, 2011
My wife Nina, our friend Chuck and I (Walt) took a trip south to Mulege a few weeks ago. Except for the road construction delays south of Ensenada the
ride was uneventful – but a lesson was learned. Airstream Willy had emailed me that a lightening storm rolled through two days earlier and had
temporarily knocked out electrical power at Cuesta Real RV Park. But, of course, I didn’t check my email enroute. So we arrived hot, tired and sweaty
to discover we had no electrical power to our travel trailer. Mmmm, no power, Mulege in early September, no AC, not good. The lesson here is to call
your intended destination before you arrive to ensure all is well and ship shape. Luckily, Willy told us that there was a wide open yellowtail bite on
the Pacific side so we headed over to the Baja Bocana B&B.
We had only intended to stay a couple of days at the B&B but we wound up staying for a week! Too many La Bocana highlights to put into a narrative
so here’s the short list:
- Hospitality at Les and Blanca’s was terrific. Our first time at the B&B and we were very impressed. They were very friendly and it was clean,
comfortable and very affordable.
- Fishing was excellent. Jaunchy (our fishing guide and friend) put us on the yellowtail immediately only a few miles from shore. Yellows weren’t too
big but were very plentiful. We limited out in only a few hours of fishing. Ideal conditions every day, the ocean was calm with only a slight
refreshing breeze.
- Nina earned a new nickname: “Capitana Doble”. When she was at the helm, we often had two fish on simultaneously. Lots of excitement, both Chuck and
I were very impressed.
- Dinners at Joaquin’s Baja Cactus were nightly feasts. We met lots of new friends, Vincent and friends played great music and there was spirited
boozy singing by everyone.
- We loved eating at Martin’s restaurant. Martina is a terrific cook. Each meal she prepared for us was a delectable treat. Her fish stew is a
specialty, wonderful spices blended perfectly to bring out the maximum flavor of fresh veggies and fresh fish. Bring a guitar and if you’re lucky the
whole family will sing traditional style Baja music in wonderful four part harmony.
- I’ve always been a do-it-yourself guy but I found out that the co-op will fillet, vac pac and deep freeze your fish quickly and cheaply. You can
pick it up the next day. It’s a great deal and you can also buy ice and canned fish there as well. Smoked bonita from a can? Yep, and you might find
this and other canned fish a very tasty and versatile treat.
We took a break from fishing and decided to take the coastal route up to Bajía Asuncion to see some good friends. We had a great time with Juan Arce
Marron and Shari Bondy and had lunch with our good friend Juanita at her restaurant. On the return trip my GMC Safari van suffered on the washboard
road and I lost a nearly new Michelin radial tire. Grrrrr! But a used tire was found on our return to La Bocana and all was well for the trip home.
Eventually we made our way back to Mulegé. I was going to put some labor into fixing up odds and end on the travel trailer but we detoured over to
Mateo Murillo’s place and asked if anything was going on fish-wise. He said that there were still a few dorado around a few miles from the point and
it would definitely be worth a try. So I put the tools aside and Chuck and I went out with Mateo the next day. We caught three dorado between us – not
too big, but very exciting none the less.
Summarizing, one of the best trips to Baja for us. I’m back at work but dreaming about our next Baja adventure. Oh yeah, you can see some good
time-wasting photos:
http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh212/walters886/Baja%202...
Adios (for now) or hasta pronto,
Walt Stolar |
Enjoyed the report and the photos are GREAT Walt.
Thank you.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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looks like another great baja adventure. i can't wait....
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
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Good action shot from your collection.Thanks.
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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Nice report and photos---looks like a great time and we need to meet Blanca and Les in person!
We have driven through, but not stopped in La Bocana. A few years ago, we looked for a place to have lunch without success. We know that Joaquin's
restaurant is open only upon reservations, but is Martina's place open all the time?
Thanks
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rubencastillo
Junior Nomad
Posts: 26
Registered: 4-28-2011
Location: Lakeside,Ca
Member Is Offline
Mood: Baja lover
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Looks like an Awsum Time,,nice pic's Want to do the same,how's the weather like in Nov.. Anybody..I'll be going to the Baja 1000,but that does'nt
compare..Thank's
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rts551
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6699
Registered: 9-5-2003
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nice photos.Hope Chuy Arce was able to fix you right up at Llantera Arce. He has most of what everyone needs. and if he doesn't have it he can
usually get it quickly.
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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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it was great to see you all again and glad you had such a nice visit....great slideshow too.
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walters886
Junior Nomad
Posts: 50
Registered: 4-16-2008
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Thanks all. That particular dolphin photo was pure serendipity. As for the tire, Chuy Arce fixed me up proper. He actually had to hustle over to
Abreojos to find the replacement. Great service and good price.
DianaT - Martin's restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Don't know about breakfast there as we had complimentary breakfast each day at Les and
Blanca's. Martin's wife Martina is a very good cook and her style fit my simple pedestrian palate. We did bring our own drinks to Martin's after our
first visit as there wasn't much of a selection available.
Anyway, for smoked oysters, grilled dorado with fresh pepper flakes, and sashimi drizzled in brewed sesame soy sauce, Baja Cactus is the place. For
Baja style family style dining we three really enjoyed Martin's.
tx ws
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13197
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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So fun to see you here Walt and Nina !! Chuck actually called yus the other day ...so cute of him !!
We thoroughly enjoyed Nina's singing and your guitar playing with harmony singing - you are a treat and extremely talented !!
weather in November is warm all day and cool evenings. Sept thru November are the best months all year long -sometimes it heats up and gets humid and
sometimes the wind blows hard but most days are well ABSOLUTELY PERFECT.
And there is now a 3rd option for dining which is turning into a bustling place for breakfast, lunch and dinner: ANTOJITOS which is really close to
us - they actually deliver too which is a definite first for la bocana !! Try the nachos - really good. try the hamburgers. really good. and quite
reasonably priced which is a plus too. Their hours are from 8 to 3 and 6 to 10:00.
Can't wait to see you all again Walt and Nina and Chuck !!
PS I have decided to make 2012 the year for guitars and guitar lessons, so maybe the next time you come we can teach the teens some simple American
songs :)))))
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walters886
Junior Nomad
Posts: 50
Registered: 4-16-2008
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Thanks for the info. As for our caterwauling and git box strumming, you are too kind. It suspect it may have been the alcohol we consumed but I think
we all sounded great together. You’re quite the singer yourself!
Next visit we’ll bring you extra copy of Nina’s big binder song book complete with lyrics and chords. As for learning how to play songs you can’t beat
YouTube and the terrific site Chordie.com. I’ve got a couple of old but functional acoustic guitars around and I’ll happily donate to you for
teaching.
Sadly, don’t know when Nina and I be back in the area as I’m back at the grindstone, trying to make a living. Chuck, on the other hand, may be headed
your way before Christmas and if he does make the trip he can ferry the goods to you.
tx ws
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13197
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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wish Chuck were still flying - he could whisk you down for a long weekend !!
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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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Nice Trip Report.
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