tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588433259632151742024-03-05T11:04:54.513-08:00Birch Bay Bikes BajaKen Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-47941375160968999192014-04-22T13:29:00.001-07:002014-04-22T15:11:12.864-07:00Baja 3 - Evergreen<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We had an early night, last night. Didn't even stay up for the line dancing. The plus side; there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Thus, today was an early morning. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Good thing too, we had miles to see. Our goal was to make it to the Tri-Cities in Washington. Almost 450 miles. One more day and we're home. We decided to stay on the east side of the cascades as the weather reports on the "wet-side" of the Cascades looked to be exactly that; wet. </div><div><br></div><div>We caught Highway 395 back in Nevada. We have been riding that road ever since. Glad we did. It crosses an ever changing terrain, through lots of charming small towns, each of which would be worth exploration on their own. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nBmi8R-xVD9f1txunQhBNLCdqLiinPt9ACAASLohyNe2QzAB7GsHk53LKmgz6xWDNdD-sPBHq_iwyGL5L4kzlKmYo7INEy-K21NcqPJ61fXMSaP0Sr15YBhqrKWTZHL6Vo-T4_yL0Vj8/s640/blogger-image-189894804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nBmi8R-xVD9f1txunQhBNLCdqLiinPt9ACAASLohyNe2QzAB7GsHk53LKmgz6xWDNdD-sPBHq_iwyGL5L4kzlKmYo7INEy-K21NcqPJ61fXMSaP0Sr15YBhqrKWTZHL6Vo-T4_yL0Vj8/s640/blogger-image-189894804.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3Q2_rIZlBvKfW9Vfb8ZRMegpOBIf6jgRmX_WBCnJPjO2_3wRhUFlIWe1yMdtkhthTEejVHfQpEixOww-In17L1VXs0RsrRKicoVYwIC5alS8jcRyyK-RkkD-YED6agwrN1hxb8iyJAUu/s640/blogger-image--1728789192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3Q2_rIZlBvKfW9Vfb8ZRMegpOBIf6jgRmX_WBCnJPjO2_3wRhUFlIWe1yMdtkhthTEejVHfQpEixOww-In17L1VXs0RsrRKicoVYwIC5alS8jcRyyK-RkkD-YED6agwrN1hxb8iyJAUu/s640/blogger-image--1728789192.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Small town people are 2nd to none. You'll never meet a more friendly and open people, anywhere. You can talk to anyone like you have been friends forever and everyone seems to have a genuine interest in you. I like that. A lot. </div><div><br></div><div>The GPS, being up to its usual hijinks, was unclear in its final destination as programmed. We had targeted Kennewick as an original end point for today's travels but found ourselves at a bar/restaurant in Pasco. Not a bad thing. </div><div><br></div><div>As we were quenching our thirsts, we struck up a conversation with a guy having a beer next to us. Harry. </div><div><br></div><div>Harry was lucky enough to have some free time as his wife and mother-in-law were out shopping. Dude! It was Easter!</div><div><br></div><div>We got to talking to Harry about our trip. It seems it is something he, and his wife have always wanted to do. He seemed surprised (maybe a hint of envy) to meet people that people actually have done the things he dreams of. He wants to head north (don't tell anyone, but that's in our non-specific plans too). We were talking about the issues associated with biking in the far north but he does seem determined. </div><div><br></div><div>Well, somehow his signals got crossed and he had missed his Easter dinner. We extended our condolences and set off to find a room. </div><div><br></div><div>Walking distance from the bar were suitable accommodations. Dropped our stuff off, cleaned up a bit and headed back to the restaurant for some dinner. </div><div><br></div><div>We walk in and assume the same seats we had previously occupied. Low and behold, Harry is still there but sitting with a lovely lady. It turns out to be his wife, Michelle. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBUitvEPbcJelBwHEXPP0Mi-vjUxVoe8tA1A2nkRk6mvzDDBbi4g41TEofoN23hMLkxdn96tQL8pUJ49I-huhI48LMEARt1Jn8dxFY6BPnf_Trq0cO2WRThK75W6Tr8tIlyiCZurAOjIY/s640/blogger-image-951172169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBUitvEPbcJelBwHEXPP0Mi-vjUxVoe8tA1A2nkRk6mvzDDBbi4g41TEofoN23hMLkxdn96tQL8pUJ49I-huhI48LMEARt1Jn8dxFY6BPnf_Trq0cO2WRThK75W6Tr8tIlyiCZurAOjIY/s640/blogger-image-951172169.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">An absolutely delightful person. She listens to the stories of our adventures, mixed with her husbands enthusiasm for similar adventures. It'd sure be nice to see them on the trail some day…</span></div><div><br></div><div>We closed the bar, but considering it was Easter, and Sunday, it was only 9:00. </div><div><br></div><div>---</div><div><br></div><div>We grab the complimentary breakfast in the hotel lobby at around 8:00 AM. Shortly after we are all loaded up and heading for home. </div><div><br></div><div>An uneventful trip home. Cold early on and through the pass. My fingers were blue and pretty well nonfunctional. We wave and part company at my exit. I head through Bothell to get home while Peter has another couple of hours to ride back to Surrey BC. </div><div><br></div><div>It was only a two week trip but it seems like more. This is the first time I can say that in a positive way. Usually it means you were bored. In this case, I think it means it was a very full two weeks. We learned a few things, took an ultralight ride, had some interesting experiences, saw some of the worlds most beautiful scenery and overall had another fabulous time in Mexico. </div><div><br></div><div>Time to go clean about 3000 miles of bugs and dirt off of my bike…</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqf91D8jh3ZLqth28clEWLEu2sU-Y4KAZjf667Z4bcf1VRbCB5rxELPmzY9xFS-flLbPxd4oqXB7KtkKSM_aPHfIQ-lJknkKnJVIJXZPbUUl3jmy0tJLCdqbyTaWbzGnFtXYN_Zmp795Fr/s640/blogger-image-1989312090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqf91D8jh3ZLqth28clEWLEu2sU-Y4KAZjf667Z4bcf1VRbCB5rxELPmzY9xFS-flLbPxd4oqXB7KtkKSM_aPHfIQ-lJknkKnJVIJXZPbUUl3jmy0tJLCdqbyTaWbzGnFtXYN_Zmp795Fr/s640/blogger-image-1989312090.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The End</div>Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-18747865158437423592014-04-19T19:17:00.001-07:002014-04-19T20:25:33.126-07:00Baja 3 - Seat Time<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We left our room today not knowing where we'd end up. </span></div><div><br></div><div>We were fairly close to Kingman Arizona. That's where they are supposed to stockpile a lot of airplanes. We thought it'd be worth a look as long as we were in the area. </div><div><br></div><div>Off the highway, we head toward the airport. There are a large number off planes sitting around but not nearly as massive as we had envisioned. After a tour of the small little WWII museum, listening to an old duffer telling us all sorts of interesting facts (and gripes), off we go. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65Qz-tMAf3et9RvIpueFyLmFNo18ZaP3ZDF3AeekxQJkXrubE3hqfOKVp8zz4ngnZ311E4QwDSRDBUXhFjPgc9RUEve9FVky9gpcu_EfkmbyGI8TlEL4FdahC9GLDNcU0yztMK3FTG8XV/s640/blogger-image-313218956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65Qz-tMAf3et9RvIpueFyLmFNo18ZaP3ZDF3AeekxQJkXrubE3hqfOKVp8zz4ngnZ311E4QwDSRDBUXhFjPgc9RUEve9FVky9gpcu_EfkmbyGI8TlEL4FdahC9GLDNcU0yztMK3FTG8XV/s640/blogger-image-313218956.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We head up Highway 95 looking for a town a reasonable distance away. At first Goldfield, Nevada looks like a likely candidate. However, by the time we arrive we feel the next town up puts us just that much closer. Tonopah, Nevada it is. </div><div><br></div><div>We checked in at the local casino/hotel and grabbed a room. In the bar (who woulda thought), we meet an interesting character; Hugh. It seems he is a palaeontologist and a geologist. He has lots of interesting stories. Things like Goldfield, up until the 1920's, was the largest city in Nevada. Throughout the course of the evening it is less clear that Hugh is the authority he says he is, but he's good company anyway. The three of us all dined together and the chit-chat continued. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBY70v8JsbUFmg7OX509zOPzg4zEv7gYTfPJjcYxkkWUJUtxzm_mWCOwV-THV_G9FmEIHPdfMc4unY97fHdbyRAxOTe7zAuaY20MRb2GfhE0bOjLzxClEIWnq8crglcsbnMJZYY9hmvLW/s640/blogger-image--1376087895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBY70v8JsbUFmg7OX509zOPzg4zEv7gYTfPJjcYxkkWUJUtxzm_mWCOwV-THV_G9FmEIHPdfMc4unY97fHdbyRAxOTe7zAuaY20MRb2GfhE0bOjLzxClEIWnq8crglcsbnMJZYY9hmvLW/s640/blogger-image--1376087895.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After dinner Peter and I stopped again at the bar, for a nightcap. Just as we were about to head back to the room, (no, really. We were going to stand up.) another drink is set in front of us. A lucky old boy named Tony, sitting at the far end of the bar, had just got a Royal Flush on the video poker machine (could have been up to about $4000). He buys the entire bar a round. Thanks Tony!</span></div><div><br></div><div>We finally get to call it a night; go over to thank Tony (who has just won another $147) and head to the room. BTW, their wifi was not working so I couldn't post the blog yesterday. </div><div><br></div><div>---</div><div><br></div><div>New day. Up early enough, we get ready, pack up and hit the road. </div><div><br></div><div>Nothing exciting thus far. A little chilly. It was a beautiful cruise until 11:00 AM sharp. At that moment, someone switched on the wind and it beat us to a frazzle for the rest of the ride. We're trying to cruise 70-75 and the wind is coming at us from the side at about 35 mph. It's gusting too and the wing hits differently depending on how the hill and valleys are cut. Tiring ride but I guess that's part of what makes those beers at the end of the ride, taste so darned good…</div><div><br></div><div>We were heading to Susanville but arrived too early in the day to call it quits. It was only another 100 miles to Alturas so we brave the winds for another stint. </div><div><br></div><div>We hole up in an older hotel in town. The Hotel Niles is 106 years old. Everything is here. Rooms, dining hall, dance hall (line dancing starts at 9:00, they have a DJ and everything!) and a cafe.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu18RIOg7liJ3N9dNlcFUReA65xwzbtFvmRlWggH0U-IGZ2_zz91bo-Tb3L0aKo4KYmMo5D8Qa6of4JYEIad_BwTPuSJhsJbofz7rXPfhQc9LaedZYyQVjBAM4s6Da39igDkTSkEobmMKz/s640/blogger-image--1343732076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu18RIOg7liJ3N9dNlcFUReA65xwzbtFvmRlWggH0U-IGZ2_zz91bo-Tb3L0aKo4KYmMo5D8Qa6of4JYEIad_BwTPuSJhsJbofz7rXPfhQc9LaedZYyQVjBAM4s6Da39igDkTSkEobmMKz/s640/blogger-image--1343732076.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aVkzYXSdh1nYeao-E-RMKTTY35W9iHgCP8-5AALlDQ_fN3pTuE3RBdJnqAFQN0OXj65ytfzq9dEsQD62xh3tXayz9_FIuSxRbQGMf276FaxcvZwWqlevbk60GIdfqeo1wp2Bdves9iCl/s640/blogger-image-1600212891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aVkzYXSdh1nYeao-E-RMKTTY35W9iHgCP8-5AALlDQ_fN3pTuE3RBdJnqAFQN0OXj65ytfzq9dEsQD62xh3tXayz9_FIuSxRbQGMf276FaxcvZwWqlevbk60GIdfqeo1wp2Bdves9iCl/s640/blogger-image-1600212891.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We're both pretty shot do it'll probably be an early night. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-90661420155198951022014-04-17T21:57:00.001-07:002014-04-17T22:09:36.808-07:00Baja 3 - No Mas Tacos<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Our Mexico trip is headed home. It's been a great "viaje" (voyage/trip). Once again we have met fantastic people, have seen truly awesome sights and have had many memorial experiences. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Great food too. The asada in tacos or whatever, is fantastic. They take a simple, fairly tough piece of meat and that's it on a grill. They work magic with it. The seasoning goes in the taco shell; salsa, lime, onions and maybe some cilantro. Can't beat it! We'll, except for the seafood. Mexican seafood cocktails use fresh lime and a type of clamato along with cilantro and onions. The seafood is whatever came right off of the fishing boat; octopus, squid, fish, clams, oysters. It's all there. Another cocktail we tried is called "Aguachile". Similar to the regular but slightly more spicy with a teriyaki or Worcestershire undertone. Of course you can have just camarones or almost any other seafood alone in a cocktail. Fish tacos; of course too! Darned good eats! (I'm making myself hungry.)</div><div><br></div><div>A little under 350 miles today and we rolled back into Lake Havasu City. This time, however, we got smart and found a motel close close to a few bars. No riding!</div><div><br></div><div>Interesting trip up. We first head to Sonoita, which is the closest border from where we were. </div><div><br></div><div>Going into Mexico, we bought Temporary Import Permits which are about $30.00 plus a deposit of about $400.00 to guarantee we will bring the vehicles back out. In order to get a refund for our deposit, we had to visit the same brand of bank where we made the deposit. Amazingly, that town didn't have a Banjercito branch. We learned that the closest town where we could get our deposit refunded was in San Luis Rio Colorado, some 125 miles west-northwest. Off we go!</div><div><br></div><div>We travel along Mexican Highway 2 and it instantly becomes a learning experience. This is a 2 lane road and one of the first we have ridden in Mexico with shoulders. Being a cost sensitive people, they are not ones to waist paved surfaces. </div><div><br></div><div>The yellow dividing line suddenly becomes the passing lane and the fog line is the driving lane. Everyone is straddling the fog line and you can pass virtually anywhere. The only trouble is, so can the oncoming lane(s). That explains why so many Yonke dealers exist (auto wrecking yards). </div><div><br></div><div>We survive that part of the trip and arrive at San Luis Rio Colorado. </div><div><br></div><div>Truth be told, at one point I didn't think Peter would survive! Just past the last checkpoint that we had to stop at, we notice a Federal Policia car going the other direction. They turn around in quick order, flip on the lights and pull him over. I pull over a little ahead just in case I have to make a fast get-away. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm kind of trying to mind my own business (ostrich thing) when I hear Peter call: "Hey, Ken!". I turn around to see, not a gun pointed toward his head, but them taking pictures with Peter's arm around the officer. What the hell? Okay, so I head back and now I'm in the picture too. The officers take out their own camera and take pictures for themselves.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Xlp3edDdDsP-Tt_UddnE49HClzTw5iL52SasIYA9YieSfN_GEtLwLTphl9Iyz-WMm0x09TZl7me2XiNrJy9D154AGUNR3q1lCDsoK0cmudmnuCebuPKYbmf4d-arU-bjn9_pcCecWHjS/s640/blogger-image-1815574206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Xlp3edDdDsP-Tt_UddnE49HClzTw5iL52SasIYA9YieSfN_GEtLwLTphl9Iyz-WMm0x09TZl7me2XiNrJy9D154AGUNR3q1lCDsoK0cmudmnuCebuPKYbmf4d-arU-bjn9_pcCecWHjS/s640/blogger-image-1815574206.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>About all that we can figure is that Peter looks enough like a Mexican that they thought he probably stole a gringo's bike. As soon as they found out he is American/Canadian, it was all fun and games. </div><div><br></div><div>In town, naturally, we have no idea where we're going. We happen to need gas by now too so we pull into a Pemex (the federal gasolina station). We be a lucky bunch at times! </div><div><br></div><div>There is a Policia car fueling up so we ask him where it is we need to go. He explains in full speed spanish, where things need to happen. Perhaps it was the blank look on our faces that gave it away, but a service station attendant steps in with good deciphering capabilities and explains the officer wants us to follow him and he'll show us where we need to go. Told you they were great people…</div><div><br></div><div>We did exactly as we were told. We parked along the street and walked around the building he was pointing to, to find a branch of the Banjercito we were looking for. </div><div><br></div><div>Proudly, we walk in, documents in hand. Finally, our turn, we proceed to the window and explain that we want our deposit back. "No problemo", the teller exclaims. Are we parked in the Banjercito parking lot? Ah…no. We're parked right next to the building! That's against the rules, we learn. We need to move our. vehicles to the Banjercito parking lot (some two blocks further away) so they can come out and take a pictures of our bikes to prove they are still in Mexico, but they take our word that we will then promptly take them back to the US. (Humm, I just spotted a loophole in their system!)</div><div><br></div><div>A nice lady translates the instructions from the teller, of where this essential parking lot is, into an understandable form so off we confidently go. </div><div><br></div><div>Good instructions. We find the lot, no problemo and head back to the bank. After another wait in line, we have all we need to complete our request. </div><div><br></div><div>The very teller that we talked to, and the only person at the window, shuts down his station, grabs a digital camera and an wireless receipt printer and off we head, those 2 blocks to the proper parking lot. He verifies that the VIN numbers do agree with those recorded on the permits and takes pictures to verify that he has done his job. </div><div><br></div><div>A receipt is printed wirelessly for my bike but they are unable to read the transponder chip on Peter's permit so back to the branch office we head. </div><div><br></div><div>Another teller had occupied another window so at least the throngs of other people waiting could have their issues dealt with. </div><div><br></div><div>The last receipt is finally issued so we're good to go. Bikes can bypass the cars waiting in line, according to the rules we have been told, so it's not a long time until we are back in the states. </div><div><br></div><div>Other than one immigration stop on the US, an uneventful, although warm trip. </div><div><br></div><div>Butts a little sore from the miles, we find a beer, a room, a beer with dinner and very soon, bed. </div><div><br></div><div>Until tomorrow…</div>Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-49274056061382359702014-04-16T21:42:00.001-07:002014-04-17T21:56:37.093-07:00Baja 3 - Research<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Last night, as Peter and I were unloading our bikes at the room we had just acquired, a couple of guys in a room just down from us say hello (hola) and start chatting about bikes and such. Manuel used to have a bike and Erbey currently has two bikes. They are working at a mining operation about an hours drive away.</span></div><div><br></div><div>Peter and I had planned on going to town and grab some dinner and maybe a couple of cocktails that evening. Our room is a little distance from the Malecon in downtown. We didn't want to ride and drink, so we thought we would catch a cab. Sounds easy. Thomas, the desk clerk at the hotel is only on his 3rd day and doesn't have, and can't find the answer to: "can you call a cab for us?" Even an internet search doesn't turn up a listing for cabs so it sure isn't Thomas's fault… We mention this to Erbey, just in conversation, and he says they too are heading into town in their car and they would be happy to give us a ride. Great guys!</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyp3o1zuuFUg-vIU39f_d5RxwBlHuIAp1pMN4Oz1nVj4dE1dqYFe7tn-4tOtzBknLR1DqjypcWxEvEFFoHKs4ds1aa7i5A7wDqaCkNi-vJaofOznpZ1UrmZ2-MMoQJBAwFYOm4bo-HMDX/s640/blogger-image--207681652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyp3o1zuuFUg-vIU39f_d5RxwBlHuIAp1pMN4Oz1nVj4dE1dqYFe7tn-4tOtzBknLR1DqjypcWxEvEFFoHKs4ds1aa7i5A7wDqaCkNi-vJaofOznpZ1UrmZ2-MMoQJBAwFYOm4bo-HMDX/s640/blogger-image--207681652.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Erbey even shows at our room with a couple of beers for us when they're ready to go. </div><div><br></div><div>A few minutes later we are pulling into a town just teaming with people on the Malecon. Music is playing, people are dancing. It's a party! </div><div><br></div><div>Easter, we find out, coincides with the Mexican Spring Break. Thousands of families head to the beach for a couple of weeks of fun and relaxation. There are about 10 brass bands all clad in their uniforms, from all over Mexico, along the Malecon. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSfcZME2zsVF9vCFP_XBmLKsDn1xdca-v3IjWU8Az0MEDDZFl8_y1QBS8T5xmNvRLkiobRT04Ayof86QgUQ6p0acccy1azDKOcV6N3z9XJlYTi63kUIDwlEb5nUcBMPp-jSB1CBr1DcMC/s640/blogger-image-1214456684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSfcZME2zsVF9vCFP_XBmLKsDn1xdca-v3IjWU8Az0MEDDZFl8_y1QBS8T5xmNvRLkiobRT04Ayof86QgUQ6p0acccy1azDKOcV6N3z9XJlYTi63kUIDwlEb5nUcBMPp-jSB1CBr1DcMC/s640/blogger-image-1214456684.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkagxs2HeiAOrPT0mpJUUyD_SQYznPxEWx0slNuIBbdiy5UsmehMN7Orsp6wy35cj85CfDh36BMM4bwGbfJc-WCDPMcKiQrn9TPDAQ-sup4osQRzmwN0gQzcbX_U_WTJRu8X65TBOdbqw/s640/blogger-image--1567987073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OyKG-Q4x0z6dc6z8xnZQdIQ17_UgPAfQlr7_5cmoogE6CXcTEMBVPnwIddNr94dPQFvlilUcs0rgkChb-FfIc37sIna_wc0sBnbVrerX1VAKNyVJU5WYuyoymzfcIfaKA-hSxjluLARi/s640/blogger-image-1865315735.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLj12DTeMu_1AuEm4WsuHrob1BhdBzeNIVfZUabAxIqFzCd-somAFbQQqBnFFPhSFs8eyyew8AJ8736BujYdiYMvP30_QBiXz2W8N8GwuPjDTVZ_tcvnGPV_KEUpxyGYduiBLII7stPrp3/s640/blogger-image-1987113191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLj12DTeMu_1AuEm4WsuHrob1BhdBzeNIVfZUabAxIqFzCd-somAFbQQqBnFFPhSFs8eyyew8AJ8736BujYdiYMvP30_QBiXz2W8N8GwuPjDTVZ_tcvnGPV_KEUpxyGYduiBLII7stPrp3/s640/blogger-image-1987113191.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpfMlJlppnaUYM8CetFLe3sdik6gBDrH6EXwiHyQ-aNgGsp-7KUubj0p6NJtVQbzC7algqEYth2aOl39hVWTx7002sjxL4Y-K6t3lvPwZAgMm6wz35fzcWdodWe5wDpw3sjBpcrj8wc-X/s640/blogger-image-1024150040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpfMlJlppnaUYM8CetFLe3sdik6gBDrH6EXwiHyQ-aNgGsp-7KUubj0p6NJtVQbzC7algqEYth2aOl39hVWTx7002sjxL4Y-K6t3lvPwZAgMm6wz35fzcWdodWe5wDpw3sjBpcrj8wc-X/s640/blogger-image-1024150040.jpg"></a></div><br></div>They are competing against one another to be recognised as the best. People are dancing to the music and having a great time!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0DD18C-ht-Eq2yb4r8QxOO1M3_LLgKd6hAE7nbqmDv-Y66SU1tHBtz_IsKMBco0_2sI5jHIpzy4t-B0P8l6troLKWuq-1Ek0ba1E1KAsjwVqNhvdDgntz7kX1k1rBbi-WbCkyL1MRqjJ/s640/blogger-image-1950974393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0DD18C-ht-Eq2yb4r8QxOO1M3_LLgKd6hAE7nbqmDv-Y66SU1tHBtz_IsKMBco0_2sI5jHIpzy4t-B0P8l6troLKWuq-1Ek0ba1E1KAsjwVqNhvdDgntz7kX1k1rBbi-WbCkyL1MRqjJ/s640/blogger-image-1950974393.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>We remained with Erbey and Manuel in the thick of all of the action, for the remainder of the evening and are probably responsible for keeping them up way too late. They had to be on the road by 6:00 AM to be to work by 7:00. A very nice time made possible by a couple of very generous people. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Since we pulled into Puerto Penasco late in the day, we thought we stay an additional day to give us a chance to look around. And that we did. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After breakfast at a little place along the Malecon, we set out to see as much as we could. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Puerto Penasco is broken up into a couple of different areas (probably more). We are staying in, and the Malecon is located in Rocky Point. On the other side of the bay is Sandy Beach. Sandy Beach has a long strip of Condos, RV Parks and Camping areas whereas Rocky Point has some hotels, shops, bars and restaurants-a-plenty. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMzthk6dg8wmk6CmjU6DX0fX27YMrQ0-QbTo6YO6DoKqCM3qfxJMn-WTXYFbQ8PDA7xmLDXDSDVIP0Adn8Jgeb8KEIroW3bWCTfvzkRIGTCQbq5AOsmAcFRKGS7HNTATxFt62mrd3G8bh/s640/blogger-image-147180525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMzthk6dg8wmk6CmjU6DX0fX27YMrQ0-QbTo6YO6DoKqCM3qfxJMn-WTXYFbQ8PDA7xmLDXDSDVIP0Adn8Jgeb8KEIroW3bWCTfvzkRIGTCQbq5AOsmAcFRKGS7HNTATxFt62mrd3G8bh/s640/blogger-image-147180525.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our exploring took us to some of the model condos available. Beautiful and appropriately priced. We did see some houses as well. Some priced reasonably. Every thing we saw had exquisite views. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fM1RnUNEghwsTBXqeqp6j5zsU5c1vVJQLuDj7PFYTzfR-zKiMxRXGGW6Go71xVvNG3BwcR83GJuOmymg3igocraxZZsuO5tlaTdzgSPZai90H8zpmaOA-PSEfG7snYJLqtLNDEMhGu59/s640/blogger-image--684723922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fM1RnUNEghwsTBXqeqp6j5zsU5c1vVJQLuDj7PFYTzfR-zKiMxRXGGW6Go71xVvNG3BwcR83GJuOmymg3igocraxZZsuO5tlaTdzgSPZai90H8zpmaOA-PSEfG7snYJLqtLNDEMhGu59/s640/blogger-image--684723922.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwulBiA0y6wyYrKutikvgARxaisvKaaNsfzIp8CYGc9y67Oz8dA3bZG761JVuQbOmw3YinecG6pRFLjQKNRXeghGkm1rytjWs15bjmNb6SyOnfeB5CrP1V42GQ3xjjPf2qmfU92kVMgbW/s640/blogger-image--109030398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwulBiA0y6wyYrKutikvgARxaisvKaaNsfzIp8CYGc9y67Oz8dA3bZG761JVuQbOmw3YinecG6pRFLjQKNRXeghGkm1rytjWs15bjmNb6SyOnfeB5CrP1V42GQ3xjjPf2qmfU92kVMgbW/s640/blogger-image--109030398.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibleanhkUHnoTU2pSVWl1BjSAT3sRqg8dLf62SJyH2pYR1aGnA7PymWn8355RxgqHO9XDj2BRebslyPSN6TGEbPpDlTG8CIe8INzo9gU2iDhQ59AXKm9J1UEulv-D2p3eOs-lNEX6BObVt/s640/blogger-image-1733411909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibleanhkUHnoTU2pSVWl1BjSAT3sRqg8dLf62SJyH2pYR1aGnA7PymWn8355RxgqHO9XDj2BRebslyPSN6TGEbPpDlTG8CIe8INzo9gU2iDhQ59AXKm9J1UEulv-D2p3eOs-lNEX6BObVt/s640/blogger-image-1733411909.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div>Exhaustive work, this exploring… We're calling it an early night as we'll be riding back to the U. S. tomorrow heading for home. </div></span></div><div><br></div><div>Fun trip. Great time and we have been warned; "be careful in the US, it's dangerous up there…". </div>Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-78743324396987843722014-04-15T20:36:00.001-07:002014-04-15T20:39:43.300-07:00Baja 3 - Norte<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Woke up a little foggy today. Of course, it was all in my head… Some coffee and a bite to eat and we get ready to ride. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Today we head north (Norte) to Puerto Penasco. A 350 mile ride to a pretty tourist and fishing town. It is located on the other side of the Mar de Cortez from San Felipe. It seems to be the town that San Felipe should be. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-O13V3SciKWT0a0r2pckyILoCXP5B4gF4JE0UfjzTPlXE36-hFmkkwDEPrjHRk9LTzebyjI-e9BhG0kvzlQ8up0Vgl5BTzUV16tKJCgg5OuUt_fhXqid9vpAVrjv-q9X_spC4H-KSqlob/s640/blogger-image-1624531876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-O13V3SciKWT0a0r2pckyILoCXP5B4gF4JE0UfjzTPlXE36-hFmkkwDEPrjHRk9LTzebyjI-e9BhG0kvzlQ8up0Vgl5BTzUV16tKJCgg5OuUt_fhXqid9vpAVrjv-q9X_spC4H-KSqlob/s640/blogger-image-1624531876.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The security checkpoints are a little more intense along the mainland. At one point we road past at least 3 miles of semi-trucks waiting to be inspected. Once we reached the checkpoint, we had to remove all of our bags and have them X-rayed. I've never felt more safe in my whole life…</div><div><br></div><div>We rode into town hot and thirsty. First stop, simply out of necessity, was for a much needed cerveza. A room was acquired next and now back to town for some dinner. We're going to stick around tomorrow and explore the area in greater detail. </div><div><br></div><div>More, as the story unfolds…</div><div><br></div>Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-12787048377949077672014-04-14T19:51:00.001-07:002014-04-15T20:35:49.226-07:00Baja 3 - We have arrived!<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Once the government officials had determined that two rickety old farts on motorcycles, coming off of an all night ferry ride, dazed and baggy-eyed, might not be the drug king pins they were looking for, they finally let us proceed. We headed off toward downtown Guaymas. As we rode around, we realised that it is very much a working town without much support for tourists. </span></div><div><br></div><div>All of the other travellers that we had talked to that we're heading this way, were destined for San Carlos, just a few kilometres outside of Guaymas. Guess what! Yep, we headed there. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwxNtZNEofZan_Vt7IrhFmBUGy4ie5UsXysN0bXqSzfS8UhpRKn_kak3B4vm7fsdjayKHaLCgqxoRnBSTvsu7pUJL6Tq_7GMtCnbSYfA-nBMF-OZAcdW_-CZLdhlRvpylDAY7MO_c6Vub/s640/blogger-image--1952332588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwxNtZNEofZan_Vt7IrhFmBUGy4ie5UsXysN0bXqSzfS8UhpRKn_kak3B4vm7fsdjayKHaLCgqxoRnBSTvsu7pUJL6Tq_7GMtCnbSYfA-nBMF-OZAcdW_-CZLdhlRvpylDAY7MO_c6Vub/s640/blogger-image--1952332588.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>A startling contrast to Guaymas. Completely geared toward the tourist and time-share community. Beautiful beaches, hotels, shops and naturally, bars and restaurants. Bay's full of boats and several exist around the area. Very nice place. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipz76J5eqNF5GOwuqNcdYNw7atAyDvzPKWigVcQdiMo33enoiLqcnAz03-9rG4NZv_glYpm0BP9la4ONQpNVSfn5JeW4abOuCyCn0aRPc3cKqaQ_oJEsJ3mJmasW5D-unvnaNARJ9wPHkJ/s640/blogger-image--1988629878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipz76J5eqNF5GOwuqNcdYNw7atAyDvzPKWigVcQdiMo33enoiLqcnAz03-9rG4NZv_glYpm0BP9la4ONQpNVSfn5JeW4abOuCyCn0aRPc3cKqaQ_oJEsJ3mJmasW5D-unvnaNARJ9wPHkJ/s640/blogger-image--1988629878.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>This whole area is located due south of Nogales and Tucson Arizona. The majority come from that area. </div><div><br></div><div>In our recent study's, Peter and I have determined that Pelicans are the modern day Pterodactyl. Just thought you would want to know…</div><div><br></div><div>We did visit the perla's farm at the university just outside of Guaymas. With the help of students, they have re-established what was the original and worlds first pearl farm. A rather tedious and interesting process to seed oysters depending upon type and results desired. The calm bays and crystal clear waters here are perfect for the process. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxkzTOQe6IbRHkz697msS4jDBUfBXiwgr4XAac7h1j-lWHTfPL0nFlsIIpZDltW_Vsuo2CuqkGn2UigcJRXnk7azFU-lLj0Mj-l2_gyTQDImI9MvXG9YdEMVoenyjx8zVRHUUo4vwNylm/s640/blogger-image--2057717285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxkzTOQe6IbRHkz697msS4jDBUfBXiwgr4XAac7h1j-lWHTfPL0nFlsIIpZDltW_Vsuo2CuqkGn2UigcJRXnk7azFU-lLj0Mj-l2_gyTQDImI9MvXG9YdEMVoenyjx8zVRHUUo4vwNylm/s640/blogger-image--2057717285.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We have cruised as many streets, avenues and roads within the area as we could find. Our research is paramount to uncovering the inner workings of these metropolis's. Not an easy job. It might be evident too, that cerveza e tequila are miracle drugs… </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-60943889626137300522014-04-14T12:12:00.001-07:002014-04-14T12:38:20.719-07:00Baja 3 - Afloat<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Although we didn't see any signs of whales out of Guerrero Negro, we did see some whales spouting about a 1/2 mile from shore off of the patio at our hotel this morning. At least we know the whales are somewhere. </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirka09oTdCQQRMk8Rrr-PjPRUhlnx2EmB2ZTRPooPJHwMiLgchyphenhyphenA6VvasAkxbfEN4v1Fv0v9E7-uQVYWAO_blcicIKYyMJ5A8aCpyHpjslfdqt7h8O1Fgr9fIykGV8w-XALrMV3PmkAp-K/s640/blogger-image--1103411593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirka09oTdCQQRMk8Rrr-PjPRUhlnx2EmB2ZTRPooPJHwMiLgchyphenhyphenA6VvasAkxbfEN4v1Fv0v9E7-uQVYWAO_blcicIKYyMJ5A8aCpyHpjslfdqt7h8O1Fgr9fIykGV8w-XALrMV3PmkAp-K/s640/blogger-image--1103411593.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><br></div><div>Our major mission today to is to catch the ferry to Guaymas over on the mainland of Mexico. The ferry doesn't leave until 8:00 PM and we don't need to be there until 6:00 PM. </div><div><br></div><div>We set out after breakfast (desayuno) to explore as much of the mining operation as we could. First, a ride up to where Boleo is attempting to restart the old operation. Not a whole lot to see as the site is visible from the road but far enough not to reveal too much. </div><div><br></div><div>A great deal of the original French mining operation remains as largely ruins of what used to be. Most of this is open and available to explore. So explore we did. Being built in the late 1800's to early 1900's it is unclear how it all worked but there is some pretty cool stuff here…. A huge operation at one time. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Do8Wn31GBnIAIwK2YA333fAJRgOIeNILqZlVL8GrwSmdspCBtpeRyuqt_NPvpzuijR67q5p_7IrDEhNLiG86Do4vbVZqddEE6xSET2Gqy-ilD-5eMv1q0F6GbE6sFrDACE7J4-myD9Rn/s640/blogger-image-506627294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Do8Wn31GBnIAIwK2YA333fAJRgOIeNILqZlVL8GrwSmdspCBtpeRyuqt_NPvpzuijR67q5p_7IrDEhNLiG86Do4vbVZqddEE6xSET2Gqy-ilD-5eMv1q0F6GbE6sFrDACE7J4-myD9Rn/s640/blogger-image-506627294.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDE2o3rD4Ky8UuG_T4c8pLgNi8NoCn_TYVRGP_BJTTGlH-s-9t86PmGUp2a6Awr7p_ecSVnRnTiSUydHCIvuBw6UatbwqxIfZEi0EMbJhAkfqK9u0QYo3FR1YosUi27U1bbzrW6340MTW/s640/blogger-image-1125224926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDE2o3rD4Ky8UuG_T4c8pLgNi8NoCn_TYVRGP_BJTTGlH-s-9t86PmGUp2a6Awr7p_ecSVnRnTiSUydHCIvuBw6UatbwqxIfZEi0EMbJhAkfqK9u0QYo3FR1YosUi27U1bbzrW6340MTW/s640/blogger-image-1125224926.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJpmS0BVO5RQY9HyspHR4ty3B5jF69ORxeHd9J3tHFgMxmwSaZ_5hb0pJf59SyGhFqFHk120Ri15pWAwAF_h_HtBTl66ZBl88tfATH7Kf7zyHQWyuVI0m5EcUaG1IhqVq6G02HNMgZTi2/s640/blogger-image--1853441662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJpmS0BVO5RQY9HyspHR4ty3B5jF69ORxeHd9J3tHFgMxmwSaZ_5hb0pJf59SyGhFqFHk120Ri15pWAwAF_h_HtBTl66ZBl88tfATH7Kf7zyHQWyuVI0m5EcUaG1IhqVq6G02HNMgZTi2/s640/blogger-image--1853441662.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>Driving around town you see lots of French architecture in the buildings that remain from those days. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1-C6bX7CGPF_D7yOaPK_s2MVvyrSjslx50_r5n0fT3-yfOPmqE_vWm6vTpeaPzur7P3l-2TsSc-UMKDJ1IxpjhBQAV8kTGcWOQkHwppTc9nq1ZVkWdLUI-eyhqdk7ltMvkFyTdp6Ph7P/s640/blogger-image--873306273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1-C6bX7CGPF_D7yOaPK_s2MVvyrSjslx50_r5n0fT3-yfOPmqE_vWm6vTpeaPzur7P3l-2TsSc-UMKDJ1IxpjhBQAV8kTGcWOQkHwppTc9nq1ZVkWdLUI-eyhqdk7ltMvkFyTdp6Ph7P/s640/blogger-image--873306273.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">While we were kicking back, just waiting for the ferry to begin loading, we decided to walk down to the ferry terminal to ask if they tied the motorcycles down during the voyage, so they wouldn't fall over. </span></div><div><br></div><div>The Helmsman for the ferry walked up and we posed the question to him. He assured us they would be tied down and safe. Then, he invited us on to the ship to show us the straps. We asked and he then proceeded to show us the entire ship from engine room to wheel house and everything in between. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvMxvx8t67_kHYNK0U0SozfljJgisFJRWNGneS-p_npP1MIM_dQ1fJVxg2cM7LIhgwsY_7JahmbyWZuE7jDD12Eb_IEK5IPd-2n6RV4hVaUzv1IfL5wckvEqRDoCVlXApVLwyL4fa5ONY/s640/blogger-image--780544133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvMxvx8t67_kHYNK0U0SozfljJgisFJRWNGneS-p_npP1MIM_dQ1fJVxg2cM7LIhgwsY_7JahmbyWZuE7jDD12Eb_IEK5IPd-2n6RV4hVaUzv1IfL5wckvEqRDoCVlXApVLwyL4fa5ONY/s640/blogger-image--780544133.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_szjj0pQHkt39p9Z57Mh8xIS_Bo_UV6sGMiS-68X3ONVOrjLwH-lYRxHLQQTVI2etygTYaeILY8sOongtSn07cRkKp6DgWs2yiTjiUOZty06pMLXfmK4LZUGObOS2WlzGEMHrUBE62yL/s640/blogger-image-633188284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_szjj0pQHkt39p9Z57Mh8xIS_Bo_UV6sGMiS-68X3ONVOrjLwH-lYRxHLQQTVI2etygTYaeILY8sOongtSn07cRkKp6DgWs2yiTjiUOZty06pMLXfmK4LZUGObOS2WlzGEMHrUBE62yL/s640/blogger-image-633188284.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Way cool! Extremely friendly people. Other crew members joked with us and even the captain is talkative and friendly. </span></div><div><br></div><div>It's a small ship. We had 8 cars and trucks plus our two bikes. There might be about 30 people on board. It's about a 10 hour trip across. We wondered how the economics work of taking this vessel, with such a small customer base and making this work?</div><div><br></div><div>It was windy last night so the water was pretty rough. The Helmsman showed the log book. They normally cruise about 9.5 knots. Last night, they could only manage 7.8 knots with waves crashing over the bow and passengers loosing their lunch. Let's hope for smoother sailing tonight. </div><div><br></div><div>It turned out to be a smooth crossing except for one minor hiccup. About 3:00 AM, the engine shuts down. So do the generators. We're dead in the water. Adrift!</div><div><br></div><div>Crew members scrambled down to the engine room to get things fired up again while Peter and I went up on deck to see what was happening. </div><div><br></div><div>We could see some lights in the distance but way too far to row towards, if that was even Guaymas. </div><div><br></div><div>Before too long, the Diesel engines begin to come to life and we get underway once again. </div><div><br></div><div>At that point I went back down below to the passenger area to try to get some more sleep. I was out until the ship was in the process of docking. </div><div><br></div><div>Peter, I came to find out, headed in a different direction. While stand along side the wheelhouse, watching the sea ahead, our helmsman amigo invited Peter into the wheelhouse for most of the remainder of the voyage. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyZiEi3d0vfdYJ8Xo_6aTaB_0gc3f1nis8ZeiNi_lRI2sDQ9kOtYSdIkXmckxnb6nYpbmvvCVDqJUzTgHsXLVJo5boMs-YXYbYkNfvtH40Ma-ljxLKRugKznD34CuIXhnfnm4GwL2LwPs/s640/blogger-image-262814143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyZiEi3d0vfdYJ8Xo_6aTaB_0gc3f1nis8ZeiNi_lRI2sDQ9kOtYSdIkXmckxnb6nYpbmvvCVDqJUzTgHsXLVJo5boMs-YXYbYkNfvtH40Ma-ljxLKRugKznD34CuIXhnfnm4GwL2LwPs/s640/blogger-image-262814143.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7BNkg3ZfpgTZxOlfs1nS2G4Veffd4aaAUvUkwPkQeJuMcq6JK1xvw7y4V_xGDwbDvfJz5KvZNI1M7nyrNF06YV8MyA_Drm9z75DK0FqzCHvP8QXMrjwYJqPak3GXyyHSeRbWGOua2nkn/s640/blogger-image-1728923021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7BNkg3ZfpgTZxOlfs1nS2G4Veffd4aaAUvUkwPkQeJuMcq6JK1xvw7y4V_xGDwbDvfJz5KvZNI1M7nyrNF06YV8MyA_Drm9z75DK0FqzCHvP8QXMrjwYJqPak3GXyyHSeRbWGOua2nkn/s640/blogger-image-1728923021.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Apparently he was issued a pair of binoculars to view the other ships in the area as well as taking a turn at the wheel! In spite if his efforts, we made it to the correct port!</div><div><br></div><div>Security is amazing at both ends of the operation. It took two hours to go through customs and have all of the vehicles and papers checked. Drug sniffing dogs surveyed each person and piece of luggage to make sure all was good. Ya'd think that would be good, but no! We had to go through the same process once we docked but this time two different government entities performed duplicate tasks again checking luggage, papers and sniffing. </div><div><br></div><div>Finally we're allowed to hit the streets of Guaymas. Off we go for the next phase…</div>Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-25632839230979792014-04-12T22:15:00.001-07:002014-04-12T22:27:23.528-07:00Baja 3 - Back Across<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Since we had an early evening, we had an early morning. Cleaned and dried with 40-grit towels, we were loaded and out by 8:30 AM. The restaurants and food vendors weren't even open yet. No coffee, but we head out anyway. </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJ8IQSCU9ClZ7a93f3xe95VaQRixsXacasLjP3ABSfZnoDqW1UcNlnX5OVoANgCIxF4gxxzl-9rD-Xc2tMSvLyOFrgcLCnKCRA1-bNlkZe7xd5qfa_XqiXVQ2JUDfOvWcWfQN2-UmITyL/s640/blogger-image--374384523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJ8IQSCU9ClZ7a93f3xe95VaQRixsXacasLjP3ABSfZnoDqW1UcNlnX5OVoANgCIxF4gxxzl-9rD-Xc2tMSvLyOFrgcLCnKCRA1-bNlkZe7xd5qfa_XqiXVQ2JUDfOvWcWfQN2-UmITyL/s640/blogger-image--374384523.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><br></div><div>Guerrero Negro is known for whales calving in it's bay every spring. March is supposed to be the height of the season so we figured there may still be a few whales around in mid April. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rayoUpj2Am9FWBjH7Kaja3bj38OXMChfconr1TG3Q3ftWp8pxt4D3eJFn0p3ud2JuGpHKhY-4lFu5FMO1AYpxx69Mrrdne787EhYefImb1XWtjU8IIBxqgxHTEKD3rNABc18kBdRytiC/s640/blogger-image-1448897501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rayoUpj2Am9FWBjH7Kaja3bj38OXMChfconr1TG3Q3ftWp8pxt4D3eJFn0p3ud2JuGpHKhY-4lFu5FMO1AYpxx69Mrrdne787EhYefImb1XWtjU8IIBxqgxHTEKD3rNABc18kBdRytiC/s640/blogger-image-1448897501.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>The road to Laguna Ojo de Liebre is just down Highway 1. It is supposed to be a great place for viewing the whales plus we were told that guides with their Panga boats will take you out for a closer look. </div><div><br></div><div>We turn off onto what looks to be a paved road. That dream was short lived however. About 1/4 mile in the road is now dirt, salt, sand and gravel. For 13 miles each way we navigate our way to and from the beach. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq42CrOgHLtiJ8Qj7K3F292m4QCeMu9TxuoHQM1nhINtmmsa2QsAt3vjxYOl-w9jvs6HddbEnTke2mizUJi8-zE8I38I82alUUN6Sptja99qJG_PvTdOMC5pKJ_4Km47baTk6cWK8kza0p/s640/blogger-image--431643206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq42CrOgHLtiJ8Qj7K3F292m4QCeMu9TxuoHQM1nhINtmmsa2QsAt3vjxYOl-w9jvs6HddbEnTke2mizUJi8-zE8I38I82alUUN6Sptja99qJG_PvTdOMC5pKJ_4Km47baTk6cWK8kza0p/s640/blogger-image--431643206.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>We arrive at the beach hoping to be one of the first tours of the day. Instead, we find the place vacated. No signs of life on the land or the sea. Apparently the whales have left for the season and so have the guides and what ever other inhabitants might have been there. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Al-9S0yA6A9YtBA5iPD_RJRqzr8fdj7__D0ZLF73Jt0ZBh1lTpukSvHHYgsUJD3-CKMpKxLbs3hVISLeb0hF2WIMUM0VpcLY7d3gC5CuGEpSl39xfxuIQ1wtRb5L4MPbhhAbxRbgJJBO/s640/blogger-image--1508782351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Al-9S0yA6A9YtBA5iPD_RJRqzr8fdj7__D0ZLF73Jt0ZBh1lTpukSvHHYgsUJD3-CKMpKxLbs3hVISLeb0hF2WIMUM0VpcLY7d3gC5CuGEpSl39xfxuIQ1wtRb5L4MPbhhAbxRbgJJBO/s640/blogger-image--1508782351.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Back on the bikes, we head toward Santa Rosalia. Here, we will be catching a ferry to Guaymas on the mainland. We have been warned that since Easter was approaching reservations on the ferry are very important. We hear stories about people waiting several days to catch a ride. </div><div><br></div><div>The weather is overcast and in the easy 70's as we cruise back over to the Sea of Cortez side. It slowly warmed up after we had arrived. </div><div><br></div><div>Heading into town, we pass the effort to re-establish the copper mining operation that was established and abandoned by the French many years ago. </div><div><br></div><div>We stop at the ferry terminal on our way in. After about a 1/2 of an hour, the ticket office opens and we easily make reservations and pay for our passage. Let's hope they don't tend to overbook like the airlines do…. It's also getting quite windy. We wonder if a storm is blowing in that might curtail our plans? </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUA1CJVhpA060DxRqPaVD6LdKZatb2VWk-vXsHIh9lx1_uEsY7v0TSDUf7k-h48zT5znysMgHeC3w487L4klReheqDvZS9fTyU9r-m6tCnXVXSlhoWWO2r3vrCnJwV9z9Qde2Utn5B0que/s640/blogger-image-1627727213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUA1CJVhpA060DxRqPaVD6LdKZatb2VWk-vXsHIh9lx1_uEsY7v0TSDUf7k-h48zT5znysMgHeC3w487L4klReheqDvZS9fTyU9r-m6tCnXVXSlhoWWO2r3vrCnJwV9z9Qde2Utn5B0que/s640/blogger-image-1627727213.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>We head out to have a little dinner and libation. First stop turns out to be a Chinese place. Had a couple of beers there and struck up a conversation with a guy from Whitehorse, down here working with the mining company. Interesting guy. </div><div><br></div><div>Afterwards we drop into town, have a decent meal and begin a search for a little Cantina to have a drink before returning to the room. It just so happens that Boxing is a really big deal around here and there happens to be a fight in progress. The couple of bars we do find are either charging a cover or are loud and "seedy". Oh well. Call it a day…. Lots of time tomorrow then a whole new adventure begins on the other side of the Mar de Cortez. </div>Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-45093547923921251462014-04-11T21:29:00.001-07:002014-04-11T21:30:22.266-07:00Baja 3 - South<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">What a day! </span></div><div><br></div><div>Up, cleaned and fed, we set out on the bikes. </div><div><br></div><div>Peter had spotted a possible project car a couple of days ago and we had learned that someone may be there today that we could talk to about the car. Back to Pete's Camp we go. </div><div><br></div><div>After all the information is exchanged, we set out for parts South. The first stop is Puertecitos.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Wawd-AnH-b8byAbarPKeheJZfMRawpe1hlU5W5OfLNOvuoo9NPOAxKDx1AOavZ0vfZa0G9dut3g_iUEA0yvkQGjJ8WKij7XnDnC1Pas3oupFnsr3ioGET0ycZmU31PQplH4AbOVrs8D_/s640/blogger-image-129050878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Wawd-AnH-b8byAbarPKeheJZfMRawpe1hlU5W5OfLNOvuoo9NPOAxKDx1AOavZ0vfZa0G9dut3g_iUEA0yvkQGjJ8WKij7XnDnC1Pas3oupFnsr3ioGET0ycZmU31PQplH4AbOVrs8D_/s640/blogger-image-129050878.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>It looked a little more rough than we expected. We kept on going. The next stop was San Luis Gonzaga, about 97 miles south of San Felipe. </div><div><br></div><div>It's hot out. A little over 100 in some places. When we stop at Gonzaga, Peter decides to hop in the Sea of Cortez and cool off a bit.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQoTLi1RjseEkuGg5BWUNnZUeAZN3mc1bXk03USWFXi3Gcbp-GRBiF8rcH-k7kjjHFEqlhsmyf3-2U8oqRyvre6i3ZfmEVB1yk1_6HyVdpciCdQdcGoZAqK_6kzGWBw98JdPMZUlBYtEr/s640/blogger-image-1229611589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQoTLi1RjseEkuGg5BWUNnZUeAZN3mc1bXk03USWFXi3Gcbp-GRBiF8rcH-k7kjjHFEqlhsmyf3-2U8oqRyvre6i3ZfmEVB1yk1_6HyVdpciCdQdcGoZAqK_6kzGWBw98JdPMZUlBYtEr/s640/blogger-image-1229611589.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>Looked inviting but I got stuck talking to a souvenir vendor instead. </div><div><br></div><div>All good pavement up until this point but we see that end and the dirt road start, just up ahead. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1Fr7zcHTVZg1FjGUN_FWgqjQEWlmq9nPvnRa5bQsR48UHr8oPYN2i_IANhIKt66k0w47rk5OWZ6RX_8LszlD8GnprhE4isJlWSi5_pT7b4Z98XjUrDd1dClq2SIAi22kvcKh00-TnIK8/s640/blogger-image--1387721747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1Fr7zcHTVZg1FjGUN_FWgqjQEWlmq9nPvnRa5bQsR48UHr8oPYN2i_IANhIKt66k0w47rk5OWZ6RX_8LszlD8GnprhE4isJlWSi5_pT7b4Z98XjUrDd1dClq2SIAi22kvcKh00-TnIK8/s640/blogger-image--1387721747.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>The road leads to Chapala, about 40 miles away, where we will find Hiway 1, the main north-south road in Baja (paved). </div><div><br></div><div>We had no idea that traveling this road would be so tough! It is made up of some dirt, but with lots of rocks of all sizes, gravel both compacted and loose and sand at the most inopportune times. </div><div><br></div><div>The sand is almost impossible to get through as the front wheel just plows in the direction of its own choosing while the rest of the bike tries to throw you off. We do manage to stay upright the whole way but it was no easy task. In places, you start to think: "hey, I think I'm getting this". So, you start to speed up from 19 mph to about 21 mph. Just then, you hit that patch of sand that wants to throw you every which way and you slow down and/or stop right quick! </div><div><br></div><div>There sure is some stunning scenery however. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBFVkDd15W0HixBDPLCIpvWZ4so9GoxSPk8_i8pGF-htpmku2H53RufeoCirW4JJWKBslgAwJOs7kjYTyVG2-2bCeCChvJGu1074rU9DZlKLOq8GbVy2Z5s4lV8udCwAxbXyGia6LjWf-/s640/blogger-image--2032848626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBFVkDd15W0HixBDPLCIpvWZ4so9GoxSPk8_i8pGF-htpmku2H53RufeoCirW4JJWKBslgAwJOs7kjYTyVG2-2bCeCChvJGu1074rU9DZlKLOq8GbVy2Z5s4lV8udCwAxbXyGia6LjWf-/s640/blogger-image--2032848626.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRx8vPHUbUVnh5P4EB0BqtlD80GmSHktbrZOGKrWcaLLrMWQeU5_lQeujmJGT9URYaYQF1nJN06S5bOhDNsi5adhD-rsye7h6m55MntoKVIMp-NXQw8JRwVhfQoY8Ui96OQL3aEvhuzd-/s640/blogger-image--1745127205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRx8vPHUbUVnh5P4EB0BqtlD80GmSHktbrZOGKrWcaLLrMWQeU5_lQeujmJGT9URYaYQF1nJN06S5bOhDNsi5adhD-rsye7h6m55MntoKVIMp-NXQw8JRwVhfQoY8Ui96OQL3aEvhuzd-/s640/blogger-image--1745127205.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We did stop for a beer at the world famous "Coco's Corner". </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGSeOJD7on7XGLgNsoM2fAhcPC4Vg2AF7uw6O6DMZ27I5EkmZ-CXJoCddDQUMaWZihkVaNKQjeQU5G9mmDCaz7y9dX6PtTpml6dgH3EnPa-bWh_57lg4T3y-Dm9B1ZiiZND5Idpo1kErW/s640/blogger-image--1113754504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGSeOJD7on7XGLgNsoM2fAhcPC4Vg2AF7uw6O6DMZ27I5EkmZ-CXJoCddDQUMaWZihkVaNKQjeQU5G9mmDCaz7y9dX6PtTpml6dgH3EnPa-bWh_57lg4T3y-Dm9B1ZiiZND5Idpo1kErW/s640/blogger-image--1113754504.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>This is about 12 miles from the hiway and is run by a guy named Coco. It is just him and his cat and some local coyotes at night. His place is a collection of everything imaginable from undergarments to wrecked auto parts. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgLHxSKPKqll-TVZFkA6KsTGTlu3nQ8M7enUKQyG_BTm3wXmA1-JNUPDSsyCNUjA8EeT6mGXucBvatlhjmopAUJ2Zw6mZYPzZPuUN0pSZo23sLk8IAqatTHtfgES9ifI5teY1vtFqJ08-/s640/blogger-image-1958786542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgLHxSKPKqll-TVZFkA6KsTGTlu3nQ8M7enUKQyG_BTm3wXmA1-JNUPDSsyCNUjA8EeT6mGXucBvatlhjmopAUJ2Zw6mZYPzZPuUN0pSZo23sLk8IAqatTHtfgES9ifI5teY1vtFqJ08-/s640/blogger-image-1958786542.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>BTW, Coco doesn't have any legs but skoots around on what's left. Nice old guy…</div><div><br></div><div>Once we find pavement again, we head toward Guerrero Negro. We had thought about Bahia de Los Angeles but that's about 40 miles in and we would have to come back out the next day. </div><div><br></div><div>A quick bite to eat, a couple of beers and we're calling it a night. </div><div><br></div>Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-9647208355209032932014-04-10T19:47:00.001-07:002014-04-10T20:45:58.050-07:00Baja 3. - Altitude<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We stuck around San Felipe for another day of fun and adventure. We might have to get our own place down here. Every time we visit, we find more reasons to stay. </span></div><div><br></div><div>So far a very relaxing day in San Felipe. Up early enough and on the street by 8:00 AM. We walked down the Malecon and found a nice breakfast at one of the local beachfront establishments. </div><div><br></div><div>There is lots of the "greater San Felipe metropolitan" area that we hadn't explored thus far. Still pretty cool out so we hop on the bikes and have a look around. </div><div><br></div><div>As is much of this area, we found a mix of nice houses and more "improvised" housing. Well worth seeing. </div><div><br></div><div>It was nearing 11:00 AM and we had been invited back to Pete's Camp to investigate a couple of things and see if we could set up the afternoon's entertainment. </div><div><br></div><div>The people that we came to see were out when we arrived so we might we well hang around at the bar for a bit. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmWoOwYlueL8L6hNC-HpU2eFv2pziPzOhyphenhyphenU8I5mfBJoUPDSumyQhge4s_nPd2FOfUdQ37Op-68iVC0Nei-98YDZ59hqJ3gXnLOXZSaBdS25LAdBK0fsjZ8Yts-GKtlGsZzHv8leSQ92tD/s640/blogger-image--156562713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmWoOwYlueL8L6hNC-HpU2eFv2pziPzOhyphenhyphenU8I5mfBJoUPDSumyQhge4s_nPd2FOfUdQ37Op-68iVC0Nei-98YDZ59hqJ3gXnLOXZSaBdS25LAdBK0fsjZ8Yts-GKtlGsZzHv8leSQ92tD/s640/blogger-image--156562713.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>We had met some of the locals the previous day and were greeted today as "good old friends". Good stuff!</div><div><br></div><div>Our Baja racer friend, Mickey, shows up and he remains as helpful as ever. </div><div><br></div><div>One of the people we met yesterday is Rafael. Rafael happens to have an ultralight and gives tour flights. That sound like fun and something we had to do! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATrb7Y366jR9qF-GaXHYRcAs328k478Ku-h2FiEIecx811-Hvg-vkqbsSfSEiLK5NPkaj8ErBCuIwDB-q3nhsdT_ReQrCEJd9yO8zqc6X6k-epfEihMnTg6iSAaaV6Nrckqmm2-zGeWdM/s640/blogger-image-1187926290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATrb7Y366jR9qF-GaXHYRcAs328k478Ku-h2FiEIecx811-Hvg-vkqbsSfSEiLK5NPkaj8ErBCuIwDB-q3nhsdT_ReQrCEJd9yO8zqc6X6k-epfEihMnTg6iSAaaV6Nrckqmm2-zGeWdM/s640/blogger-image-1187926290.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Mickey was nice enough to help hook us up with Rafael. Before we knew it Rafael had landed his rig on the beach in front of us. What's a couple of gringos to do but hop on and go for flight. </div><div><br></div><div>Both Peter and I thought flying in an ultralight would be a "butt puckering" experience. Quite the opposite! It was a terrific flight and you felt safe and secure the entire time. The view was great, as one might expect and the flight was over far too soon. I wouldn't necessary want to travel huge distances in an ultralight but for an hour or two on a nice day, heck yea!</div><div><br></div><div>Off to grab some dinner and we'll have to wait to see what happens tomorrow. We have several options…</div>Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-84856853838034726062014-04-09T21:47:00.001-07:002014-04-09T21:58:09.168-07:00Baja - 3 - Across<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">By the time we settled in to our room in Ensenada and got ready to head out for dinner, it was about 8:00 PM. </span></div><div><br></div><div>The cruise ship was just heading out to its next port of call. The snowbirds are in the midst of their northern migration so things were pretty quiet in town. So quiet, in fact, that our preferred restaurants had closed for the evening. It fact most every place was closed except the loud karaoke bar. If it wasn't that they serve one hell-of-a-good Caesar, we may not have stopped there either. </div><div><br></div><div>Back and settled in early, gave us an fresh start about 8:00 this morning. </div><div><br></div><div>We had checked the previous evening, at the restaurant where we first met "Elvis" (Miguel?). They told us he is now working mornings so we decided to make that our destination for breakfast. As luck would have it, they were not open when we arrived. Just across the street was a good meal. </div><div><br></div><div>On the road early, we topped off the tanks and hit the trail. It was a beautiful day for a cruise.</div><div><br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqecYRRzO5VoCpi89Im7CFvMxKYJdcdQKwkq5_9g_vJQMnas7jaQyEa1-Y7LWKrzs1RRHWqnIkLCcLhWR9OynnqyZbH7HIqk0KzGTusMBXIxPW4LykwEXDfF9kf7nOx-Exf-lpQYmJA6k/s640/blogger-image--1415228478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqecYRRzO5VoCpi89Im7CFvMxKYJdcdQKwkq5_9g_vJQMnas7jaQyEa1-Y7LWKrzs1RRHWqnIkLCcLhWR9OynnqyZbH7HIqk0KzGTusMBXIxPW4LykwEXDfF9kf7nOx-Exf-lpQYmJA6k/s640/blogger-image--1415228478.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div> We had a little over 150 miles of mostly twisty road to travel over to find the other side of Baja and the Sea of Cortez. </div><div><br></div><div>There are several resorts and "camps" along the road into San Felipe before you hit town proper. We had seen these on a previous trip down and since it was still early, we decided to stop and have a look around. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkot6QytOP6uaMcic-tC5VgH9fhtcMu8zGXUEQwHNAYPbFJoVEjXG8r9o2yHxIPgKoFh7kJh9aUSTC1sLR5yFBbkmnQaNYX9a2MA3vtI1yeN9dP37CszA1QH-fJZNzLh9BAQrhHqpKnp1A/s640/blogger-image-1141121954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkot6QytOP6uaMcic-tC5VgH9fhtcMu8zGXUEQwHNAYPbFJoVEjXG8r9o2yHxIPgKoFh7kJh9aUSTC1sLR5yFBbkmnQaNYX9a2MA3vtI1yeN9dP37CszA1QH-fJZNzLh9BAQrhHqpKnp1A/s640/blogger-image-1141121954.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>The first stop was at El Dorado Ranch. I huge development with condos, rentals, golf course and all of the rest of the facilities. A look around and a stop for a quick beer and we were off to the next stop. </div><div><div><br></div>This time we stopped at Pete's Camp. A rather large place that features a restaurant/bar with acres of houses of every description. Single wides under awnings to large homes. Quite an interesting mix. The whole place seemed to be teaming with lots of nice people. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB4298VIexBSxovDIYA7wLRqmXYBzhQGZ461ZfiMNz2tvPr_8ddV616r-ovI8nhpl8wZ9nnehorYkUEQb9IO8CycYWjLR26_hm4T4SFAnUQhDb-IGjpwSIbRxqMUw14v7ISatNI1jKEc5/s640/blogger-image-790066696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB4298VIexBSxovDIYA7wLRqmXYBzhQGZ461ZfiMNz2tvPr_8ddV616r-ovI8nhpl8wZ9nnehorYkUEQb9IO8CycYWjLR26_hm4T4SFAnUQhDb-IGjpwSIbRxqMUw14v7ISatNI1jKEc5/s640/blogger-image-790066696.jpg"></a></div>We saw a few interesting things and met some of the locals over a couple of beers. After a nice visit, it was time to saddle up and head into town to get a room, clean up and play tourist for the afternoon. </div><div><br></div><div>Peter went to hit the start button in his bike and nothing, nada, completely dead…. The bike showed no signs of life at all. A few checks of the obvious things and still nothing… Humm, a few hundred miles to the nearest dealer. Well nothing much better to do than to grab the tools we brought and tear into the beast. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyjfF0Wzo-WKos3H_OavUivKZu_cXfuRV9VwTkvuHmtwomFLZFlKyJuCeQT3-1_Au5U3qJMHdznYl0EBp0vynzWcjP8v-UET9lYiLQdW2ZcyU3OvePR5aLICDommXBKgNti35H_SPD5c_/s640/blogger-image-41440898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyjfF0Wzo-WKos3H_OavUivKZu_cXfuRV9VwTkvuHmtwomFLZFlKyJuCeQT3-1_Au5U3qJMHdznYl0EBp0vynzWcjP8v-UET9lYiLQdW2ZcyU3OvePR5aLICDommXBKgNti35H_SPD5c_/s640/blogger-image-41440898.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>They let us wheel the the bike into the shade of a carport to work on it. We were also directed to one of the local Baja racers and suggested that he would be glad to help. After tearing the plastic body panels off and digging into the innards, it seemed that the battery had up and died. </div><div><br></div><div>We took the battery to the Baja racer to see if he could check it. He was able to confirm that the battery had died and amazingly offered us a car to run into town to buy another battery. </div><div><br></div><div>You won't find any more friendly and helpful people anywhere. Perhaps it has something to do with an environment where you might need help someday yourself. It's pretty sparse around here and a helping hand could save your life. </div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, we hopped in the car and headed off in search of a battery. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkeQGjTeZjmhHct91PPRuztttbg15QBeSvQ4PHvXC5sSjImMebYfVPYiTuIXAasWaUivPUnG7eReR_M7bxdQFBbJ6QOz7PL_r3OpO_uyHB73av2WruexwWlABvv5h1tb73FRqXElIA_7D/s640/blogger-image-1666807730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkeQGjTeZjmhHct91PPRuztttbg15QBeSvQ4PHvXC5sSjImMebYfVPYiTuIXAasWaUivPUnG7eReR_M7bxdQFBbJ6QOz7PL_r3OpO_uyHB73av2WruexwWlABvv5h1tb73FRqXElIA_7D/s640/blogger-image-1666807730.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The first, and recommended auto parts store had a pretty good selection of batteries. Nothing exactly like what we needed, but pretty darned close. </div><div><br></div><div>We decided to shop around. The next stop was at a motorbike repair shop. They had several chickens, dogs and broken bikes and quads but no suitable battery. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzfVbz9btijbxDdy5uVNq9vqzLh6AaEeddlXPGk-OerbrXUs_RE-cgQuE6pj32iJ8Foa9mZH4IFp4tus_-cHRjzZGHR5g7-fpJYVlbX6RJuN7FRnFZA8fr5fv2EOzwbZ7FagstOC0EFVl/s640/blogger-image-1813360741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzfVbz9btijbxDdy5uVNq9vqzLh6AaEeddlXPGk-OerbrXUs_RE-cgQuE6pj32iJ8Foa9mZH4IFp4tus_-cHRjzZGHR5g7-fpJYVlbX6RJuN7FRnFZA8fr5fv2EOzwbZ7FagstOC0EFVl/s640/blogger-image-1813360741.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>The next stop was a beauty shop and alternator repair (in the same shop). Again, some options but nothing good enough. </div><div><br></div><div>Back to the first store to grab the best compromise. It was getting late by now and it needed to be fixed. </div><div><br></div><div>Things fired up when all was reassembled. Peter thanked the Baja racer with a bottle of tequila and were planning on stopping by tomorrow to say hi. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1B5KC28AEsP6CBJjzk37o4Seim7_7gc4-HoQO2b0_45-b4bFVI1RSrYhFF3Ir-60c4GvQMCWe3JiG7gW0VccJQ2DLMdm3p6iG0peN6-R5dt0WYF57H1lU5w-1va6oGGysGs3j6RiB6UY/s640/blogger-image--1638714748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1B5KC28AEsP6CBJjzk37o4Seim7_7gc4-HoQO2b0_45-b4bFVI1RSrYhFF3Ir-60c4GvQMCWe3JiG7gW0VccJQ2DLMdm3p6iG0peN6-R5dt0WYF57H1lU5w-1va6oGGysGs3j6RiB6UY/s640/blogger-image--1638714748.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>A great dinner at El Nido and a margarita on the Malecon. A full and interesting day. </div><div><br></div>Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-24774959859328544482014-04-08T22:03:00.001-07:002014-04-09T09:04:08.540-07:00Baja 3. - Hola Mexico<div>Up early this morning, we cleaned up our act, loaded our gear and headed for the BMW dealer. We were there before the service manager had arrived but it wasn't long before he showed up and got our maintenance underway. </div><div><br></div><div>Waiting for our bikes to be serviced gave us an opportunity to shop for a couple of essential items. After about 2 hours our bikes are ready for adventure! </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEcDd8-wwmf7xzyLDarKZCMzPwN88sHufe8afclL0yjh4pjQslZ8hDd5o_8RFLRtkDZVl9MST6Q78tQjVupr-gjsxGPNhoaK20ZTYjOXUgoKfwve8dsnV06eK3jgSkiI48rIMRWjsQU7Z/s640/blogger-image--1320381203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEcDd8-wwmf7xzyLDarKZCMzPwN88sHufe8afclL0yjh4pjQslZ8hDd5o_8RFLRtkDZVl9MST6Q78tQjVupr-gjsxGPNhoaK20ZTYjOXUgoKfwve8dsnV06eK3jgSkiI48rIMRWjsQU7Z/s640/blogger-image--1320381203.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div>The temperature had changed from about 70 degrees in the early morning to the mid 80's by the time we left and into the 90's in places. </div><div><br></div><div>It felt good to hit the road. Riverside is close to Los Angeles and due north of Tijuana. We decided to point our bikes toward Tecate instead of heading straight south. The intent was to then take an interesting looking road from there to Ensenada for our first night in Mexico. </div><div><br></div><div>The GPS was up to its usual hijinks and we soon found ourselves in Otay, just slightly east of Tijuana. That was fine as there is a Sentri office there so we stopped to see if we could get our bikes approved for the southern equivalent to NEXUS. The line was surprisingly short but the answer was "no such luck", just the same. Oh well, across the line anyway which meant we could now tackle our next task of getting Tourist and Vehicle permits for traveling on the mainland. </div><div><br></div><div>The United States employs hundreds of people to perform a single task. Mexico employs a single person to perform a single task. They work very effectively at performing that task. It may not make much sense, but they perform that task and do not deviate! </div><div><br></div><div>We were unable to get our required permits at the border crossing. We found this out after finally finding an acceptable parking place and visiting all of the people performing their single task. We did learn that we had to proceed into town to the Immigration Office. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7fu-o4HdR5_Xk3OMnMlR1xyrq-PRyPky5naxtO2yv5d15Tu6HLUn0vv0CMssaL4ZHcvPlXTBXT8SRKbL9T95rbwAxgbRY9lIRxun7_Vjh1KiXf4JbWNHtQEOuldQSWenJAfP2fsfMg1j/s640/blogger-image-574450768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7fu-o4HdR5_Xk3OMnMlR1xyrq-PRyPky5naxtO2yv5d15Tu6HLUn0vv0CMssaL4ZHcvPlXTBXT8SRKbL9T95rbwAxgbRY9lIRxun7_Vjh1KiXf4JbWNHtQEOuldQSWenJAfP2fsfMg1j/s640/blogger-image-574450768.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The Immigration facility is comprised of several people within government and non-government spaces. We first inquired at what later turned out to be a immigration fee collecting bank, about how to go about this process. We were told that we had to go and see the government immigration official next door and fill out a form to get a piece of paper that we could take back to them to pay the fee. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAmNoLhNsuZ1jNARCfxS3yj8ZF40_qitbC4e5Be46dl-UK46g5SEGW-OwstQ71jCdg8IylsD9GZdWrQ6B_10HlM3wIBvKL0o5dI_4FAKHdU86fLZ50YrZxsGYgNjdrWdHz4b66UXsgA40/s640/blogger-image-631776780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAmNoLhNsuZ1jNARCfxS3yj8ZF40_qitbC4e5Be46dl-UK46g5SEGW-OwstQ71jCdg8IylsD9GZdWrQ6B_10HlM3wIBvKL0o5dI_4FAKHdU86fLZ50YrZxsGYgNjdrWdHz4b66UXsgA40/s640/blogger-image-631776780.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Only after that, could we repeat the process and get a permit for our vehicles. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3K-_brxwt0YRT18yx1FXjjEVT0vDx6NSdc54S5C0QxbC_G60jub-lzt9Qw0c5_I3qzJiUEyWfN2ggqDDee6aV-IsgCxcbEN8e9SxvmIkl832NBu0XrupaUAzbwVXlbyd0n3z2G1YtGF43/s640/blogger-image--996091793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3K-_brxwt0YRT18yx1FXjjEVT0vDx6NSdc54S5C0QxbC_G60jub-lzt9Qw0c5_I3qzJiUEyWfN2ggqDDee6aV-IsgCxcbEN8e9SxvmIkl832NBu0XrupaUAzbwVXlbyd0n3z2G1YtGF43/s640/blogger-image--996091793.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Before the entire process was complete, we had to visit the copy shop next door in the other direction to have copies made of most, but not all of the paper. Seriously, this is the actual procedure! Ah, for the good old days of carbon paper, although that would put someone out of work…</span></div><div><br></div><div>Permits in hand, we see a taco stand across the street. Since we had neglected to eat thus far, a quick bite is in order. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwsuDyq8fu7vCb-YhLOiw5XdiJfKAnPaax9ixgW4qgJ9APBg-8TnOLF_K0TsoP-JTgJLygeuwKd3ef92DLqUHfBwBqorlnyC__FNHXSZA6wdlnt9Nlb7Gfs-Auom19pYASzJelu6PXi7P/s640/blogger-image--1884408634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwsuDyq8fu7vCb-YhLOiw5XdiJfKAnPaax9ixgW4qgJ9APBg-8TnOLF_K0TsoP-JTgJLygeuwKd3ef92DLqUHfBwBqorlnyC__FNHXSZA6wdlnt9Nlb7Gfs-Auom19pYASzJelu6PXi7P/s640/blogger-image--1884408634.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Rather than proceed to Tecate as we had originally planned, the now late hour suggests our time would be more wisely used heading directly to Ensenada. Off we go!</div><div><br></div><div>We have traveled the toll highway several times and are familiar with the ocean views from that route between Tijuana and Ensenada. This time we decide to travel the through-town road. A nice way to go if you're not in a hurry. Lots a stunning ocean view or ocean front property and casa's. </div><div><br></div><div>The through-town road finally heads away from the coast to go around a sizeable hill and finally into Ensenada. As we head away from the coast, we stop to chat about our route and decide the best views would be from the toll "1-D" highway. We turn around and pass through some interesting markers/barricades and signage (written in a foreign language) to access the 1-D. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6ru_A59zY2UQmOCihkxJ5HFLalpi3XFX0s3-ZwesgT0LovBgfcam8rPUx4cB8B33xKD5BwhlAOP3nQMPX6U-P3KybfA29BiHWX1N388O5353h1qlAAZEAYxipDmO43iUsAOzNNCOU81h/s640/blogger-image-2004059950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6ru_A59zY2UQmOCihkxJ5HFLalpi3XFX0s3-ZwesgT0LovBgfcam8rPUx4cB8B33xKD5BwhlAOP3nQMPX6U-P3KybfA29BiHWX1N388O5353h1qlAAZEAYxipDmO43iUsAOzNNCOU81h/s640/blogger-image-2004059950.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6ru_A59zY2UQmOCihkxJ5HFLalpi3XFX0s3-ZwesgT0LovBgfcam8rPUx4cB8B33xKD5BwhlAOP3nQMPX6U-P3KybfA29BiHWX1N388O5353h1qlAAZEAYxipDmO43iUsAOzNNCOU81h/s640/blogger-image-2004059950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a0vgzqtj55Vdl3euC_UrQI7TQDjFKP_UiC5TFEbl4Scbi1eLFKJ5P_E9_D3aUE02iTCgeR6LKQRUoNZ_CndYofJ6kDu1wTp61B7ubEHtZMS-0eVUMGW9_kpNC70Sb-dRF-yhbyZPtFP4/s640/blogger-image--298220489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a0vgzqtj55Vdl3euC_UrQI7TQDjFKP_UiC5TFEbl4Scbi1eLFKJ5P_E9_D3aUE02iTCgeR6LKQRUoNZ_CndYofJ6kDu1wTp61B7ubEHtZMS-0eVUMGW9_kpNC70Sb-dRF-yhbyZPtFP4/s640/blogger-image--298220489.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>I have found that the lessons are best learned the hard way. Peter and I had a quick lesson in Spanish today. It turns out that the sign, and the people trying to tell us something, we're saying that the toll road was washed out. After we had turned around on the coastal through-town road to travel the the toll road, we had to turn on that too and head back to the previous road. No problem since the only appointment we had was with a cerveza!</div><div><br></div><div>Off to San Felipe tomorrow. </div><div><br></div>Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-88403462323611250572014-04-08T07:44:00.001-07:002014-04-08T07:46:44.643-07:00Baja 3. Our journey begins!<div> This afternoon we flew from Birch Bay to Palm Springs. We were greeted at the airport by Dorothy and Rebecca, who along with Art, were at their place in La Quinta. It was lovely to see them and extremely nice of them to pick us up. We stored our bikes at their place and found them safe and sound upon our arrival. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMlMwd54OQbXODoANjd2MJms_QgH6TcJAwFknk6RnkyEYYXbQHTd4-lU58yiFfrz2p_3kDckoX3rSLuvkEPEmuH2POpVSFPKJ3wZpA-D6cLdlsaykLFfOAwXvG7ODOcjJ_8eMc6UlmBno/s640/blogger-image-152389969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMlMwd54OQbXODoANjd2MJms_QgH6TcJAwFknk6RnkyEYYXbQHTd4-lU58yiFfrz2p_3kDckoX3rSLuvkEPEmuH2POpVSFPKJ3wZpA-D6cLdlsaykLFfOAwXvG7ODOcjJ_8eMc6UlmBno/s640/blogger-image-152389969.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Peter and I had made appointments to get our bikes serviced at the local dealer before we head to the Mexican desert. We figured that we would try to give us the best chance possible of completing our intended journey. </div><div><br></div><div>The local dealer happens to be in Riverside, California, some 75 miles from where we were. After a short visit with Art, Dorothy and Rebecca, we set off to find a room closer to tomorrow's appointments. </div><div><br></div><div>Traveling California's freeways are always a high speed carnival thrill ride. Riding after the sun goes down, behind a tinted visor enhances the experience. Mix that with Semi's traveling 65+ and car going "fast and furious" and you start to feel like a ball in a pinball game. </div><div><br></div><div>We made to Riverside, found the dealer for tomorrow, found a room and a beer so we're good for the night. </div>Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-72170783687187857532014-03-30T15:35:00.001-07:002014-04-17T22:11:35.289-07:00Baja 3 - Sand and Cerveza<div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">T</span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18px;">he lure of Baja and the yearning for adventure have once again gained the upper hand. The storied adventures of Ken and Peter find us again heading eagerly for the sand and cerveza of Mexico. We have positioned our bikes in Palm Springs where they remain perched, awaiting the roads and trails ahead.</span></div>
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We didn't have to ride all the way to Palm Springs. Due to the often challenging winter road conditions of traveling the Siskiyou's, that trip may have been cold and slippery. Peter and I instead, took advantage of an opportunity to trailer our bikes from the northern reaches of Washington, to as far south as Oakland California. </div>
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It was rainy in Oakland when we arrived. A couple of days exploring the area allowed the weather to finally brake in Northern California. We then left for our ultimate destination, riding the bikes from Oakland to Porterville, over and through the Sequoia National Forest down through Barstow to Lake Havasu City Arizona, on to Surprise then Yuma and finally to Palm Springs. <br>
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We tried to stay off of major hiways as much as possible, which found us on a very scenic route with many way points that neither of us had seen before. </div>
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April 7th, Peter and I will travel back to Palm Springs to begin our bike trip across the border. Our plan this time is to navigate both paved and non-paved roads and trails on route from the border, through San Felipe to catch a ferry in Santa Rosilia across the Sea of Cortez to Guaymas on the mainland of Mexico. From there, if we don't turn south toward Mazatlan, we will find our way north toward Puerto Penasco, exploring as many small coastal towns as we can find. Much of our time will be out of cell phone service areas so Blog updates may be a bit intermittent but will be updated when possible.</div>
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Neither of us has any experience, at least any recent experience, riding bikes off road in the dirt, sand, rocks and cactus. We are "jumping in the deep end" by learning to ride on the job. Hopefully we'll come back yearning for more "off the beaten path" adventures. It should be an interesting trip no matter what…</div>
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Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-38868805945116696572013-03-15T19:52:00.001-07:002013-03-15T19:52:40.746-07:00Back to Baja, day 20We complete our last 459 miles from Roseburg, OR back to Birch Bay today. (Since this is being posted after the fact, we have completed those miles.) <br /><br />It's been a fun trip. Anne and Janet seemed to enjoy themselves. At least in Janet's case, she takes every opportunity to tell people about our trip. She is looking forward, already, to the next time. <br /><br />I think the motorcycles are a great way to tour such a beautiful and diverse part of that country. The scenery and terrain is astonishing and pictures can't do it justice. <br /><br />The roads are good, although much more challenging if you're trying to make all 3 wheels of a side car and bike avoid the inevitable bumps and pot holes on the minor roads. I think the experience would have been as good, just not quite as much fun without bikes. <br /><br />At every turn we met lovely people. In no way, at any time, did we find that any of the stories of drugs of violence are anything but fabrication.<br /><br /> We talked to many locals about this. It boils down to the US government has ruined a once vibrant tourist trade by needlessly frightening the American public. The locals explained that if you go looking for drugs and trouble, you can probably find it. Much in the same way you could find it in Seattle, Denver or any bigger city in the US. <br /><br />Having not burned up long miles, becoming saddle sore by sitting on a bike for way too long, I'd do another trip tomorrow. (Well, maybe I'd need a couple of days to get ready?)<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-84473055123446254982013-03-08T08:30:00.001-08:002013-03-08T08:30:14.042-08:00Back to Baja, day 19Sleeping at a rest stop, wedged between a freeway and railroad tracks doesn't offer the most peaceful and quiet environment. We did manage to get adequate sleep in spite of the constant traffic on both sides. <br /><br />Up a little after 7:00, it didn't take long to find the asphalt. <br /><br />The first stop we had planned was at Delicato Winery a good couple of hours north. That would put us there, shortly after opening. Purchases made, we continued on. <br /><br />About 11:00 or so, I received a text from my friend Dave. He was heading down to visit his daughter and son in law and family in Willows, California. He noticed we were about as far from Willows, south, as he was north. He suggested we meet for lunch as we would be crossing paths. Perfect!<br /><br />We both exited the freeway within <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/08/1034.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/08/s_1034.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br />seconds of each other. We had a great lunch at "The Last Standup <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/08/1035.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/08/s_1035.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Bar and Grill". The place is exactly as the name implies. It looks like an old drive restaurant that is now a bar and grill. Super nice to be able to visit for a while. Thanks buddy!<br /><br />I received an email from Mark who we had planned to meet in San Felipe. It seems that busy times at home kept him from heading south of the boarder, so it all worked out…. Mark even offered us a place to park the rig overnight at his place in San Jose, CA if we needed. Talk about an Amigo!<br /><br />The remainder of the day was spent heading north out of California and calling it good enough by the time we made Roseburg, Oregon. Most of the tough steep and twisty roads are behind us so it be a pretty smooth sail from here. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-51032129280068204452013-03-06T22:02:00.001-08:002013-03-07T15:27:55.205-08:00Back to Baja, day 18Up bright and early, we got ready and waited until it was time to take the ladies to the airport. <br /><br />It was quite a blustery day but most of the freeway time was spent facing a headwind. Buffeting but not too bad. The winds began blowing across our path and that made travel a little more interesting. <br /><br />Anne thought she was going to be blown off of the bike. I was tipping almost all the way over and still was just barely able to keep going somewhat straight. I was actually afraid to stop, figuring I'd be blown over. <br /><br />Finally off of the freeway, we made our turn toward the airport and were all pelted with blowing sand. <br /><br />Once parked, it was a simple matter to get the ladies checked it and off towards security. <br /><br />992 miles traveled, airport pick up to drop off. <br /><br />Back to bacheloring it! But what to do? We hadn't heard from Mark, nor were we able to get ahold of him so didn't know what his schedule was. <br /><br />We have been gone for quite a while so the first suggestion of "to heck with it, we could just head home", was met with an enthusiastic "lets go". <br /><br />We weren't on the road until 3:15 or so. It took a little time to retrieve the motor home, get it all packed and tie up a couple of loose ends. <br /><br />The winds are just as strong this afternoon and it is a real handful to only occupy one lane. Luckily the winds subsided once we were our of the desert. Of course a little later we hit some winds and twisty, hilly roads with a light sprinkle of rain thrown in. <br /><br />We press on until almost 10:00 PM, just shy of Fresno. Parked at a rest stop we'll hit 'er again in the morning. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><br />Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-4094412121894442652013-03-06T21:55:00.001-08:002013-03-07T15:25:02.977-08:00Back to Baja, day 17The only thing on our plate today is to return to Palm Springs so we could get the ladies to the airport on time on Wednesday. I was finally feeling human again so I could make the trip too. <br /><br />An easy day for the most part. About a 4 or so hour ride after breakfast and packing our goods. <br />The only hitch was crossing the border. Our NEXUS cards are now compatible with the SENTRY system used at the southern boarder. Peter and I had walked into Mexicali a few days earlier and verified that it does, in fact, work. This time the issue was our vehicles. They didn't have the SENTRY seal of approval sticker. Of course, how could they because we have NEXUS instead?<br /><br />After probably an hour of the CBP people ignoring us and/or scratching their heads, they let us proceed. We'll have to look into this short coming when were back home. <br /><br />Back to the house, we grabbed a bite and settled in for the night. <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><br />Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-45051104984648712642013-03-06T21:53:00.001-08:002013-03-06T21:53:29.579-08:00Back to Baja, day 16Our plans have changed a little. The wives were scheduled to leave Palm Springs next Saturday, March 9th. We spent a very frustrating 3/4 of the day trying to and finally changing the reservations with Allegiant to Wednesday the 6th. <br /><br />During the time Peter and I were hauling the bikes down to California, I sent an email to our old Tequila buddy Mark, asking him if he was going to be down in San Felipe for the Baja 250? Well, it is best to have Mark explain it, himself; his response is below:<br />----<br />Hello there my fellow beer and tequila lovin Amigos !!!<br />I am very happy to hear from yall.<br />I was not contemplating going to the next baja race, however , because you guys are comin all the way down from the far, far north, I simply wont have any excuse for not being there. Wouldnt you agree ???<br />Hell, it just wouldnt be right !<br />Im gonna check my calender and try to move things around so that we can hook up out there.<br />Be sure to bring your drinkin helmets on !!!<br /> <br />Your Amigo Valiente,<br />Mark<br />----<br />As you can easily see, how could we not go back to San Felipe? The wives, having seen the town and didn't have any desire to go see guys playing I'm the dirt. After discussions, they felt that they had enough pending business at home that needed their attention that they would return a little early and attend to it. <br /><br />We were having our new found friends visit this evening. We needed to pick up supplies to prepare some snacks. It seems that the major food store is at the opposite end of town. No problem, a cab ride got us there in a typically Mexican death defying manner. <br /><br />Supplies purchased, a little lunch and we were ready to return and prepare our offerings. Another death defying ride only this time the driver was falling asleep. He put his sun glasses on after Anne caught him the 1st time. <br /><br />About an hour before our guests were due to arrive, my stomach began telling me I had been stupid. I had purchased some smoked swordfish in Ensenada. Good at the time, but I drug it around in a bike bag, baking it in the sun for a few days. <br /><br />I served it to munch on the night before, had a piece that didn't taste quite right, and threw the rest away. Luckily I was the only one who ate it. <br /><br />I may have invented the next new diet sensation! Before long, I could keep nothing in, felt faint and anything but ready to play. I excused myself from the night's festivities and dealt with more pressing matters…<br /><br />The remainder of this blog is presented by combined efforts of the rest of the group, as follows:<br />----<br />Monday, March 4, 2013. Today we have guest writers for the blog Ken seems to of eaten something that has put him down for the day. Our guest writers for the blog today are Janet, Anne and Peter. <br /><br />Our day started rather casually went for a late morning lunch at the Mall. We hailed a taxi and had him bring us to the Mall when asked what his fee was, he stated give me what you think it was worth. we had asked at our Hotel and they recommended 35 pesos we gave him $4.00 U.S. and he said he would wait. After lunch we walked to the CaliMax grocery store to pick up appetizers for a party that Janet had decided to host for some people ( new friends) she had met in the Bar the evening prior. We hailed another Cab to take us back, as we drove narrowly missing cars weaving to get onto the coast highway Anne exclaimed the driver had fallen asleep, he turned and told Anne he was putting on his sunglasses so she could not tell if he really was sleeping. Once at the Hotel Ken decided he was not feeling well and went down for the day, and rest of the night. Janet's guests arrived around 7:00 P.M. Drinks, appetizers, and conversation ensued. <br /><br />Our guests suggested a restaurant called Suzanna's in Rosarito hailing another cab, (van) we all boarded. <br /><br />This restaurant was about to close, But welcomed us in anyhow. The atmosphere, cuisine, and staff were exceptional. Once finished the owner asked is to view the wine cellar, it was beautiful, and she was very gracious. <br /><br />We decided it was getting late and time to get home and see ken. Hailing another cab Peter, Anne, and Janet jumped in. The driver was finished for the day, as was very talkative and proud of his city, he told us about a few other great restaurants. Arriving at the Hotel we disembarked and asked his fare. He said on the house,. What a great evening, well except for Ken.<br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-9202544637365776722013-03-04T18:46:00.001-08:002013-03-04T18:46:41.175-08:00Back to Baja, day 15A very relaxing and low key day. We have been on the go, steady, for quite some time. It feels good not to have any big plans. At a leisurely pace we got up and ready, had coffee in the room and finally went down for some breakfast. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/04/2585.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/04/s_2585.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />We realized we hadn't even been down to the ocean right in front of our ocean front resort at this point. We set out to solve this issue. Very nice. Surfable waves and lots of sand. People walking, riding horses and ATV's. <br /><br />Town was not too far away. <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/04/2586.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/04/s_2586.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Janet, Anne and I decided to make the walk while Peter thought it would be more entertaining to watch. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/04/2587.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/04/s_2587.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />We entered town from the high pier. In town, we explored a number of nooks and cranny's, appreciating the creative ways they build and decorate their buildings. It is done with <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/04/2589.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/04/s_2589.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br />whatever material happens to be available. We found some very interesting places. <br /><br />We kicked back for a while upon returning and in late afternoon we made our way out again, but to go and look at some of the houses for sale close by. <br /><br />The neighborhood we wandered through had some attractive prices on not so attractive properties. If we get more serious later, we'll definitely have to dig a little deeper. <br /><br />It was getting close to dinner time by now, so we continued our walk into town and found a very unique place. El Nido is owned <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/04/2599.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/04/s_2599.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br />by Lupe, who also owns farms and ranches in the Guadalupe Valley where he grows and raises most of the items he prepares in his restaurant. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/04/2600.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/04/s_2600.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />We were asking our waiter, Manuel, about the woods used to decorate many rooms. At the conclusion of our delightful meal, Manuel offered us a tour including their new wine cellar that just about complete. Extremely nice and a fascinating place. <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/04/2601.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/04/s_2601.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/04/2602.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/04/s_2602.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We opted to go to the bar for a tequila before heading home. After a couple, we began talking to two other couples in the bar. They were husband and wife and the wife's parents. Dave, Kim, <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/04/2604.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/04/s_2604.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Judy and Ron. Great people! We talked for well over an hour and hit it off very well. So much so, we accepted their invitation to go out to dinner the following night and even invited them to come over for tapa's before hand. <br /><br />It was almost 1:30 am by the time we went to bed. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-75755993800331563622013-03-03T14:09:00.001-08:002013-03-03T14:09:06.391-08:00Back to Baja, day 14A pretty easy day, really. After partying with Elvis the previous night, we may have started a little slow today. No worries, our big goal was to move the 32 miles between Bajamar and Rosarito Beach. <br /><br />Never being people who take the easiest route, we opted to go back into the Guadalupe valley and sample some more wines first. Our room wouldn't be ready until the afternoon so we had some time. <br /><br />Actually, most of the wineries were closed for sampling on Friday, so we barely scratched the surface. Our drive took on the old highway where we first came upon a Russian winery. Apparently, a fair number of Russian families had settled in the area. Nice place. Talking to one of the shop owners, we learned of some other interesting wineries along with the wine museum, which we had seen but not stopped at the previous day. <br /><br />The museum was a new looking building and the displays were very nicely done. What the displays were actually depicting was a little hard to gleam, as they were, of course, in Spanish. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/03/2192.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/03/s_2192.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Off to the last winery stop of the day, Vinas de Garza. This was a beautiful estate originally settle by a Swiss immigrant. Once the ladies had finished their samples, we made our way to Playa de Rosarito. <br /><br />We had a little confusion finding <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/03/2193.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/03/s_2193.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br />the correct resort but the cerveza at the first stop helped clear our heads. <br /><br />Once checked in, a couple of cervezas and little dinner, and we called it a day. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-45304947321372890592013-03-02T22:36:00.001-08:002013-03-02T22:36:19.763-08:00Back to Baja, day 13After having been crooned by Sinor Elvis at last night's dinner, we decided to become groupies and follow him to his gig at Bajamar, a community about 22 miles north of Ensenada. Miguel was performing at the Bajamar Ocean Front Golf Resort in the clubhouse main room! <br /><br />Miguel's performance didn't start until 6:30, so that gave us all day to explore Ruta de Vino. The Guadalupe Valley is the area famous for Mexican wines, some quite renowned. <br /><br />Before venturing off, we did a <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/02/2852.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/02/s_2852.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br />little shopping, had a little breakfast and did a little shopping. In that order. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/02/2853.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/02/s_2853.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='211' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />All packed and off we go. It was a pretty short cruise to the beginning of the valley. To visit any of the wineries requires you to leave the pavement and navigate dirt, gravel and/or sand roads and some almost paths. A little tough on bikes built for the highways but doable with care. <br /><br />We attempted to visit quite a number of wineries and none were sampling the fruits of their efforts. After talking to other people on a similar mission, we learned that L.A. Cetto, at the far end of the valley, was open and sampling their wine. It was not all that far, so off we go!<br /><br />The valley is dotted with hundreds of wineries ranging from big to micro sized. We have been told of places so small that they don't even yet have labels. Just a piece of tape hand written with the pertinent information. As success has met the first wineries in the valley, many newer establishments have sprouted up to chase that same success. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/02/2854.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/02/s_2854.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />L.A. Cetto's wines were pretty <br />good and our server, Gilberto, made sure we sampled as many as possible, all while doing a nice job explaining the grapes and the process. Since we hadn't had lunch, we purchased a loaf of olive bread, a great queso (cheese) Gouda and a bottle of <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/02/2855.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/02/s_2855.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='211' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br />wine to accompany it. We snacked on the patio before heading off. <br /><br />While talking about other winery <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/02/2856.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/02/s_2856.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br />possibilities over our snack, Hector and Bernard at the next table, overheard the conversation and offered us a wealth of knowledge about the area and the best wines to visit. ...Mañana. <br /><br />The valley seems to have about as many olive trees as grape vines. We sampled some of those olives and the oil extracted from them, at the winery. Very nice. Top notch oil and olives. <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/02/2857.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/02/s_2857.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />We found Bajamar and cruised to the hotel. After checking in we headed toward the restaurant where we dined and were entertained by the velvet tones of Miguel (Elvis) Ray all evening. Boy was he surprised (and I think pleased) that we actually made the trip. <br /><br />Bajamar is a huge community populated, at least mostly, by retired Americans. <br /><br />We wined,dined and danced until closing, along with some very frendly locals. Nice times…<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-40138392019036329502013-03-01T08:49:00.001-08:002013-03-01T08:49:37.756-08:00Back to Baja, day 12Today was a day for touring the area around Ensenada. It has been a beautiful warm day. After getting ready, we wondered across the street for a terrific breakfast buffet. Everything under the sun was available. After eating too much, we decided to stress the suspension of the bikes and head down to Bufadora to see the world famous "blow hole". <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/01/1084.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/01/s_1084.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The little town is situated on some of the most picturesque hillsides that you'll find anywhere. Turquoise water and rugged volcanic cliffs support a smattering of nice looking restaurants and souvenir and food vendors packed tightly lining <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/01/1085.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/01/s_1085.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br />the street to the end where the blow hole is just a short distance from. <br /><br />All of the vendors enthusiastically line the street, encouraging you to visit their establishment because they happen to have the very best merchandise at unbelievably low prices. Boy, were we lucky to have stumbled into this Mecca of bargains!<br /><br /><br /><p align='center'><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/Aqnm3hl9S9s" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Aqnm3hl9S9s" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><!-- Fallback content --><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aqnm3hl9S9s"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Aqnm3hl9S9s/0.jpg" width="400" height="300" />YouTube Video</a></object></p>The blow hole is quite amazing. The lookout is perched at the very edge of the water spout. Larger waves would soak the viewers every so often. The power of the incoming waves helps to put in perspective how storms can do so much damage. You could feel the wave front of the spout. <br /><br />On the way in, we tried samples of a piña colada. It was so good the we had to stop and have one. It just doesn't get any better or fresher. The drink was served in <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/01/1094.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/01/s_1094.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br />a hollowed out pineapple, fresh coconut and your choice of tequila or rum. A little whipped cream garnished the top and a straw to make it all accessible. Yum! They were also barbecuing large clams garnished with tomatoes, onion, cilantro, Monterey Jack cheese and a little butter. Tasty little bite. <br /><br />After taking advantage of some of the fantastic bargains we were insured we were getting, we started headed back toward Ensenada. <br /><br />Along the way we stopped at Punta Banda to take a look around. We didn't have time to explore it all, but we did stop at a <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/01/1095.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/01/s_1095.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br />beautiful but unfinished hotel on the beach. The gardener opened the gate to the beach for us and even ran to the caretaker's house to fetch him so he could show us around. Again, more delightful people. We chatted for quite a while as he showed us around. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/01/1096.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/01/s_1096.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The hotel is built on the grounds of a formerly lovely but isolated single family house. The old house is included now as what will be a lovely bar off of the lobby. According to the model of the finished project, the hotel has been put on hold at about 80% complete. We promised to visit it as soon as it is completed. <br /><br />Back into Ensenada, we stopped at what used to be a casino that was built during prohibition and rumored to have been run by Al Capone. It is now a museum that also sports a still working bar where the original Margarita was created. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/01/1097.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/01/s_1097.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The bartender is a delightful fellow who made one of the best Margaritas I have ever had. We talked him for quite some time about the history, his job and everything else imaginable. Great afternoon!<br /><br />We parked the bikes back at the hotel just in time for Peter and go to wrap some business in town. The other 3 of us waited for him at a bar. We finally all hooked up <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/01/1098.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/01/s_1098.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br />again, finished our happy hour and headed off to a bar/restaurant that someone had recommended to Peter. It was 8:00 by this time and as luck would have, the grill was off. No food. <br /><br /><br /><p align='center'><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/ubbEsju1t8c" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ubbEsju1t8c" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><!-- Fallback content --><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubbEsju1t8c"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/ubbEsju1t8c/0.jpg" width="400" height="300" />YouTube Video</a></object></p>We wandered around a bit and decided on a taco place close by. Well, the Mexican Elvis (Miguel Rey de Ensenada) served the wine and graced us with a few songs. He's amazingly good. We might even head up the road tomorrow and watch him perform at his show. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-1994934839192541612013-02-28T10:02:00.001-08:002013-02-28T10:02:57.917-08:00Back to Baja, day 11We woke up this morning to blustery winds blowing off of the water and across town. The whitecaps on the water confirmed that it was a good day not to go fishing. Instead, we enjoyed a nice breakfast, packed up and hit the road. <br /><br />We pointed the bikes north to catch Highway 3 across Baja to Ensenada. The high winds slowed progress somewhat but seemed to largely be head winds so at least I, wasn't being blown from one lane to another. <br /><br />The desert varies greatly all across Baja. At some places rocks and cactus dominate the terrain. Other areas can be grass and sage brush while others are a mixture of any and all. Interesting and enjoyable. I had thought of stopping to cut some fresh aloe vera and prickly pear cactus but didn't take the time. I'll try to take the time at the next opportunity. <br /><br />One of the things Peter and I had been told about traveling in Baja and probably all of Mexico for that matter, is to fill up the gas tank when ever you see a gas station. The reason is, you never know when you'll see the next one. We left San Felipe with less than full tanks. Both of us remembered seeing a gas station at the junction of Highways 3 and 5. It turned out that it was just a store/taco stand instead. Should have topped off in town. <br /><br />We hit some curves and I decided to blast off and carve some of those corners. The side car can't perform anywhere near the performance of a bike designed for sport. After I had cleared the corners, I pulled over in front of a small store to wait for the rest of the troops. <br /><br />As Peter pulled in has was glad to <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/28/1105.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/28/s_1105.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br />see me, as he was almost out of fuel. If worse came to worse, I could run up ahead and bought some gas and brought it back. Me, having blasted off could have left Peter and our all important female cargo stranded. No need to worry. There was a truck, where I stopped, that was towing a desert buggy. They were filling the truck's gas tank from bottles of gas they had in the back of the pickup. Peter asked, and they were happy to share a little gas with Peter and wouldn't even accept any money for their kindness. Fantastic people everywhere we have been in Mexico. <br /><br />We arrived I'm Ensenada and were able to find the same hotel the Peter and I had stayed at, both north and south on our last Baja trip. <br /><br />Magically, it was cerveza time! Off to a favorite bar of Peter and mine. They serve the best Mexican Caeser complete with clams. A few of those, a few cervezas, maybe a vino or two and we were ready for the rest of the evening. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/28/1106.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/28/s_1106.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Down to the malicon and a walk through the fresh fish market and finally to a restaurant, Italian in this case, for dinner. Afterwards we went to a little bar down the street for an after dinner drink. We struck up a conversation with <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/28/1107.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/28/s_1107.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br />a most delightful couple from Mexico City, here on vacation. Great times!<br /><br />Just after 10:00PM, having deciding not to watch the pole dancing, we turned in for the night. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-458843325963215174.post-83884540410586379972013-02-27T09:15:00.001-08:002013-02-27T09:15:34.501-08:00Back to Baja, day 10Today we toured San Felipe and some of the surround area. After a nice breakfast we hopped on <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/27/1179.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/27/s_1179.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br />the bikes and set out to find the aeroporto road. I was sure I had seen a sigh for it on the was into town, the trouble is, I couldn't remember exactly where on on the road that was. We followed our previous route in, but the opposite direction and couldn't find a sign anywhere. When it was obvious we were now way too far north, we turned around and headed back. Low and behold, just as we entered the round-a-bout at the town's entrance, there was a sign pointing to a road leaving diagonally from intersection. <br /><br />The quality of the side road diminished substantially from the main road. Probably an old oiled gravel pavement but with rocks used instead of gravel. It wasn't so bad on my bike but the sidecar rides more roughly over the bumps. <br /><br />We pressed on and began to cruise the neighborhoods. Lots of houses ranging from small to down right stunning. Many signs too, of dreams and projects gone bust. Unfinished resorts and <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/27/1180.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/27/s_1180.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />hotels dot the area. We did stop at one condo complex that had some finished units and plans for many more to be completed in two additional phases. We were shown a number of the 2-4 bedroom units. Absolutely beautiful condos built on a terrific section of beach. They'd all be nice!<br /><br />Buy the time we were done with our tour, it was magically cerveza time! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/27/1184.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/27/s_1184.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We headed to the north end of the malicon and went to a nice place a little up the hill at the end of the bay. <br /><br />We met a few Americans there (even the bartender was from <br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/27/1188.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/27/s_1188.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Bremerton, WA). Some of the people spend months here and some just a week or so. Nice people and fun talking to them. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/27/1191.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/27/s_1191.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />We just relaxed the rest of the day. Wandering through some of the shops and a small bit of dinner. Back to the rooms early. <br /><br />We decided not go fishing in San Felipe. White Sea Bass is the local fish along with their famous shrimp fishery. A 1/2 day trip is only $30 per person. If you venture much further out, other species can be found. <br /><br />Instead, we have decided to head towards the wine country near Ensenada. We'll pack up and head towards the Guadalupe Valley tomorrow. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Ken Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353147544611124108noreply@blogger.com0