After going through the corridor gate we are pulled over for the full inspection, including a sniffer german shepard dog, inside the rig and outside and the Jeep as well. We pass.
We are on our way to our first stop, Ensenada, by 1340 hours. We know there is a detour when reaching the last third of the toll road. (it fell away into the sea last December several days after we crossed it) The last part of the road, back on the old Mex #1 free road takes an extra 40 minutes.
Yes, we immediately know we are in Baja! And, reminded....time to start practicing that espanol!
What happened to the resolution to learn it over the summer? Dang! I forgot! Again.
We make three stops on the way down this year. The first is Estero Beach Hotel / RV just south of Ensenada. It's a lovely lovely place and we enjoy our first sunset south of the border here. We pull in, pay $10 USD less than last year?....and find a spot among one other traveler and two more permanentes.
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| Space # 1 |
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| Spectacular sunset....across the estuary |
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| Farm towns....lots of them....merging into each other...endlessly... |
The only thing to say about Mex #1 as a highway...is that the lane is narrow, but the shoulders are more narrow....ranging from WOW, great shoulder, to two tire width shoulder, to one tire width shoulder, to NO tire width....like that. Variety, yes.
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| Shoulder! Approaching inspection check point |
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| One tire width shoulder..... |
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| Two tire width |
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| No tire width |
So, yes, variety. None of these photos include the parts of the road where the asphalt has actually fallen away and you must swerve to the center to avoid "no road." At all. There are not many of these.
All in all, we find the road this year to be in better shape than ever before. There are no detours. No missing bridges. Not too many pot holes or really really rough patches.
Our second night brings us to Catavina, Santa Ines campground. There are four campers tonight, and Ralph makes his rounds on his motor bike. No dog Lucky this year. Lucky passed on to the campground up high in October, after 17 years on the earthly campgrounds. Such a good dog.
We leave the high country of Catavina, after a very starry night, full of desert smells...and head for San Ignacio.
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| Welcome to Baja Sur....the flag and the eagle sculpture greet you! |
We arrive at Rice and Beans RV site at about 15:40 hours. It's bright and sunny, and soon John and Stephanie from Posada pull in too! BTW, the turn off is now right up on the highway above the RV sites. It's a wide and easy turn down into Rice and Beans. Take it!
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| Our favorite spot at Rice and Beans....right in front of the "pool"... |
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| Rice and Beans margarita!! One of the best in the Baja! |
Within these three days of driving we share Mex #1 with.....12 bicyclers peddling, four horses running wild, five burros bucking, and a few big cows a munching. There are many trucks and cars, but only a few camper vehicles, and no motorhomes!
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| Running away from the pavement! Thankgoodness!~ |
On Tuesday morning we are off for the beach! It's an easy two hours up and over the "hill from hell"...mostly down going south.
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| Big guy heading up as we head down.... |
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| Mulege River-----after the big burn last summer |
We find ourselves in Mulege by 11:30, stop to diesel up, and get some water from the tienda...time to head for the beach. It is cloudy today, and as we round the bend to, Santispac, the first beach...the usual awesome bright blue color of the water....just isn't there. It's still beautiful.
Beach arrival is about 12:30 and now....the search for the winter settle-in spot.
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| Arte we there yet???? |
Looking forward to keeping up with your adventures!
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