BAJA OR BUST

This is pretty much the route we traveled on the way down and back. Unfortunately the Google map feature does not label any of the visited cities in the Baja. You can manipulate the map with the utilities at the left of the map (to enlarge the map or minimize it) Check the route here... read more

We made it to Lake Havasu last Monday and spent a week of fun and relaxation at Sue and Art's place again. Mike got to go golfing twice so that was good therapy for him. I got to sleep in, play on my computer, catch up on the news at CNN and sit in the sun at the pool! But we also did some touring in the area. Last night Sue was determined to find this desert bar that she had read about so we headed out to Parker, about 30 miles or so from Havasu, then down a dirt road into the desert for about 4 miles. We were really wondering how there could be a bar out in the middle of nowhere when lo and behold, there it was! The Nellie E. Saloon ... read more

Friday we left our little Barriles and headed to La Paz to catch the ferry across to the mainland. Taking the ferry will cut down about 5 days of treacherous driving up the Baja Peninsula. The drive is much easier on the mainland as well. As usual, getting ON the ferry was a very complicated process. Mike and I figured if we were in charge, this country could move along much more efficiently. Example…..We arrived at the boat dock at 10.30 am. First we parked and then were told that we first needed a temporary permit for the RV and the truck in order to enter the mainland. Of course, we needed all of the documentation on the vehicles as well as our passports, driver’s licenses etc. No problem. Now one hour later….Return to ticket ... read more

Here are some things that we have learned during our adventures here in the Baja , but they apply to all of Mexico! 1. Knowing some Spanish is very helpful. 2. Eat where the locals eat. 3. Patience is UTMOST in Mexico. Things that are usually done promptly at home are NOT done in that fashion here. 4. If you want something done, establish a kind and respectful relationship with the person with whom you are dealing! 5. Don't sweat the small stuff. The water or electricity go out? No hay problema. They will come on again...eventually. 6. Learn to slow down.....in EVERYTHING! Walking, eating meals, talking. 7. Drive OFFENSIVELY! Everyone else does. There are 2 rules when driving in Mexico: Don't hit anyone and don't get hit by anyone! 8. Everyone matters, from the beggar ... read more

Today we took a day trip to a nearby little village called La Ribera and then took a really bad road to a wonderful beach which is pretty much deserted and perhaps a "secret". Well, maybe not when one considers that the road to get there is washboard for a lot of miles. I am not even sure how many miles but it took about an hour to get there! But it really was worth it. We cannot imagine how anyone could even consider developing anything in that area because the roads are so bad. But there is develoment going on but not a lot. This development has a great location near the beach ! Mike now thinks that this beach area has been the BEST ever! It really was magnificent. There is a little light ... read more