Los Barriles to San Diego

Feb 13

Laundry day! Found a most excellent lavanderia in Los Barriles and after dropping off our clothes we discovered a great store next door with all kinds of funny tee shirts and piñatas!  One of the piñatas, obviously left over from Christmas, was Santa!  Nothing would do but Buck and Ross had to have one each!  We also hit the grocery store, the chocolate shop and the guy selling fresh shrimp on the beach…Dinner!

Back to the beach.... we will be sad to leave Los Barriles…our favorite beach but we really want to get to Loreto to check out Carnival.

Feb 14

Happy Valentine’s Day and the flower sellers are out in force today

Back to La Paz and ready to explore some more of this fine city.  We are in a RV park near to the centre of the city so it’s not such a long drive.  Get settled into this park where we have another caravan of 4 rigs plus a couple of single rigs and we all got to the park at the same time!!!!  Then off to get some presents for Heather’s daughter and onto the pottery place. 

The woman at the pottery place explained that this is a family run operation and do they have beautiful  things!  We bought a couple of plates, a sun (imagine that!), a hot chocolate pot, and a couple of mugs.  Heather bought a few things while Buck slept on the husband bench.  Very excited young girls when they realized there were two Santas in the place, especially when one of the Santas offered them some candy canes!!! 

Our friends Larry and Gail in San Jose del Cabo have recommended an Italian restaurant to us: La Pazta just off the Malecon.  The food there was great….pasta, gnocchi, shrimp, and garlic.  We love all the Mexican favorites but it’s sure nice to have something different!

Had a little walk along the malecon (boardwalk) and watched while people scrambled to get their booths or rides up and running for the start of Carnival in a couple of days.  

A fast trip to Mega to pick up a few groceries.  Back to the RV and get ready to roll again tomorrow.  The RV park was right on the highway and we had +++ noise all night.  Not too conducive to good sleep.

Feb 15

Up early and hooked up……in fact we were one of the first rigs ready to go……..that is a first for this trip!!!  Off on Hwy 1 north and heading to Loreto.  Roads were for the main part straight with good shoulders………until we left Ciudad Constitucion.  Then the winding hills through the mountains started.  As we were coming into view of the Sea of Cortez we are on a steep, narrow, twisty road and as if we needed more adrenalin we hear on our CB that there is a VERY wide load coming up the hill and we should be looking for a place to pull over.  All well and fine most of the time but we are starting a series of hair pin turns at that moment.  However luck is our side and we find a wide spot in the road.  Sure as shooting not a couple of minutes had gone by when we see this behemoth of a transport tractor pulling a massive front end loader up the hill and as it passes our rig we have less than two feet  between us and IT!  Needless to say we took the next few miles carefully!

Finally arrive in Loreto, the original capital of Baja California when this area was being settled.  

The sculpted ficus in downtown Loreto

John, our intrepid leader has recommended a good restaurant – The Giggling Dolphin – for dinner.  The RV park is very small and we are jammed in like sardines.  There may be about 3 feet between some of our rigs.  Getting out will be twice as hard as we have had other people come into the park and it is now completely full.

Ross and Buck discovered this delightful little hotel right downtown off the main square.

We all pile into our car for a quick look at this very old town then decide to check out the Giggling Dolphin.  We had a great time.  The grill is placed under the hood of an old truck, the bar is the top half of a cabin cruiser (bar supplies are kept below decks), and there is a hatch door from the HMCS Yukon – a Canadian destroyer that was scuttled to be used as an artificial reef!  Buck is an old sea dog after serving 28 years in the Canadian navy so he is rightfully excited but this unusual find! 

Of course there are the inevitable Mariachis but these two are pretty good so (for a small fee) they perform ‘Coo coo, Roo Paloma’ a favorite and ‘La Cucaracha’ Heather’s new favorite!

The Mission at Loreto 

When we get back to the rig before we can settle in for the night we have visitors!  We never know how some of our parties start but we always have a great time……..and this is the same.  Before we knew it we were entertaining a few other couples…..and their dogs inside Prince Reindeer (it was too cold to sit outside.)

Feb 16

We are off to see the mission at San Javier.  It is a hour travel into the mountains on mostly paved twisty mountain roads except the last 10 miles which is washboard gravel/dirt road.

 The town may be old and now have only a few residents but the cobblestone streets are clean and the entrance is quite impressive.

Pillared gate posts leading onto a wide intersection – one way leads to the church, the other leads to the school. 

The church was built in the 1700s and is beautiful.  It is one of  the earliest mission church on the Baja – beautiful paintings, incredible woodwork, and gilt everything!  We are then invited to go on a tour of a local farm.  The weather had clouded over and the wind has picked up so Ross (in his t-shirt and shorts) decides to stay in Buck’s truck while everyone else goes off hiking. 

The working farm is quite amazing. Remnants of some of the work of the original Friars is still evident including a 300 year old olive tree that is still bearing!  Our guide, Guillermo, has lived on the farm all his 70 years…and he looks about 50!  Something to be said for the quiet lifestyle.

In addition to the 1000 olive trees there are grapes, radishes, peas, beans, squash, corn, fighting cocks, and his race horse! 

There is also an elaborate irrigation scheme which makes it all work.

We spotted this mother hummingbird sitting on her nest....look closely...

We spotted this classic example of Mexican wiring in the courtyard in front of the church...it's flat on the ground...maybe it never rains there??

After the tour we had Machaca burritos made by Guillermo's family and got to meet Guillermo’s granddaughters….

On the drive home we stopped off to view some small native cave paintings that are quite old...

Back to the RV and off to dinner at Giggling Dolphin (again).  Ross started feeling unwell halfway through dinner with cramping and some nausea.  This continued throughout the evening, so when Ed went to bed that night Ross stayed up for a while.  Only when Ross decided to go to bed did he have an unusual problem…….blood in his stool……lots of old blood.  For those of you who may be squeamish suffice it to say we were both very upset but decided to leave it until the morning.  Ross stayed up the rest of the night.

Feb 17/18……it’s kinda a blur!!

Ross did not have a good night and by 7:00 he again had another bout of blood in his stool.  We talked to Buck and Heather, then phoned our caravan leaders.  John Smith came right over and Heather and Ross jumped into his truck for a fast trip to the hospital.  Needless to say, nothing goes according to plan.  We were all slated to hook up our rigs and head back over to the beach in Santispac.  That trip was held up a bit while Ross was still being seen in the new hospital of Loreto…….actually more like a glorified clinic - limited equipment, staff who were very new to medicine, and an ever increasingly frustrating problem with the language.

Long story cut short, Ross was not given any definitive diagnosis but was given a prescription for pain pills and Ranitidine.  By this time the rest of the caravan has gone on without us, but dear friends Buck and Heather have stayed behind to help in any way they can. 

After blood work at an outside laboratory (no blood can be analyzed by the hospital – no equipment), and a return trip to the hospital, we phone the insurance company back in Ottawa to update them on the file (we had let them know when we originally went to the hospital).  They were not happy that nothing had been clarified and demanded that Ross be sent to a larger community hospital. They were talking about flying him home with either Ed or Heather and sending someone to drive the RV and car back to Canada!

So later in the afternoon………after the hospital has found a driver and escort…….Ross was taken to the General Hospital in Ciudad Constitucion.  This facility is right out of the 1950s with corresponding equipment………for example the IV pole Ross was given was rusted on the bottom 1/3, the wheels did not roll (you had to lift the pole off the ground if you wanted to go anywhere), and it had to be leaning against a wall otherwise it fell over!!!!!!! 

Ed and Buck arrived and tried to get some understanding of what was going on ……..all to no avail………the docs at this hospital were as confused as the staff  in Loreto.  Ross was kept overnight and released in the morning with the orders to take the pain pills and Ranitidine and get home ASAP for a possible colonoscopy.  So Buck, Ed, and Ross headed back to Loreto to consider the options.  We tried to get a flight out of the area but there was nothing available for another week.  Ed rationalized that in the time we sat around waiting to fly out we could be back on USA soil…………..so we decide to head out and drive as fast as we can for the border.

Feb 19

Ross is not feeling too well but we head out to the beach at Santispac near Mulege and arrive in good time.  Ross went to bed while Ed, Buck, and Heather went over to the beach bar for mega-strong margaritas.  Heather had one………the others had more than that and came home in a convoluted manner giggling all the way!!  When they could be a little more serious (without devolving into gales of laughter each time they looked at each other) we came to the decision to press on without the group as quickly as we could. 

Feb 20

The traveling grocery store began early this morning with three or four sellers walking up and down the beach.  One such seller had his 10 year old son with him so we gave him the last batch of “goodies” we had brought down with us……….a very excited Dad and son!!

Feb 21

On the road early. Left with the group but they were only going to Guerrerro Negro and we wanted to get further ahead. John suggested that we could make El Pabellon (The Pavilion) at San Quintin, and we drove like mad  but only got to El Rosario before it got too dark to drive.  We found an RV park that had questionable power, water, and sewer.  There were no other amenities except a pot holed parking area……….but they had room for us that night and no cucarachas!  We (Buck and Ed – my saviours) drove about 250 miles over the most horrible roads you can imagine this day!

We bid goodbye to Baja California Sur

Feb 22

Strawberry fields forever!

Ross is feeling a bit better and everyone is more relaxed.  We are headed for the border—about a 200 mile drive a snap on good roads! As we get closer to the crossing from Mexico into the USA we also find more military checkpoints.  Some are cursory and we are waved through, and others want to see everything in our rig…..and our car.  Found a group of soldiers checking out the radio while others were searching the trunk.  One young man found the reindeer antlers that attach to the car windows  during Christmas……..he was trying to attach them to his head, then tried to make like one of them was an older model cell phone!!!!

We spotted these two fellows catching the action on the roof adjacent to one of the  many  army inspection sites in Ensenada

We crossed over to US soil about 3:30PM at Otay having to wait in the amazingly long lineup 

for 1.5hours (that is apparently quite a short wait).  We saw two vehicles collide into each other

while trying to maneuver through the line.  Thankfully the Otay police and the border crossing 

guards held the rest of the cars at bay while we swerved around the accident (the two drivers

were still arguing and refusing to move) and we were escorted through a side lane that led to a 

gigantic X-ray machine.  We cleared customs easily  with little questioning and were on our 

way to the KOA campground in Chula Vista (near San Diego).

Feb 23

Ed and Heather headed off  to Trader Joe’s leaving Ross and  Buck to their own devices.

When we returned loaded with TJ’s goodies we realized Ross was feeling lousy and was 

acting “strange”.  On their insistence Ed and Ross went to the Emergency room of Scripps 

Mercy Hospital in Chula Vista. 

The attending physician was great…….a mother earth type who not only looked like our 

wonderful GP back home but also had a similar name! Dr. Bruder ordered a slew of tests

including TWO CAT scans!  Ross was poked, prodded, X-rayed, and a myriad of other tests. 

After 12 hours in Emergency Ross is released at 2:30AM with reports and everything on a 

couple of CDs (good idea for other hospitals to adopt).  Everything came back 

normal………..so looks like we are back to square one.

Ed was more than a little tired as he had been either with Ross or driving  back and forth from

the hospital (checking on the dogs, bringing Heather to see Ross, etc.).  We made it  back to

the RV at 0300 (3:00 AM) and collapsed. We will save the stories about the other patients in 

the ER for later!

Feb 24

A very late morning…not up til 9:00!

Bruce (a dear friend from Sooke and fellow Santa) and Buck had found the Family Pancake 

 House just up the road on our last visit before we left for Mexico.  Buck convinced us (not that 

difficult) to give it a try. 

What a find!  Delicious food, unbelievable portions and great servers (we saw one of them

carrying 5  plates down one arm and she had two more in the other hand!!!), and all for a great 

price.

We had planned on leaving the campground today but with the visit to ER etc. we are all 

bagged so we all feel it is best to wait another day.  We rescued Ross’ Santa stuff he had left 

at the KOA and found places to store it in the motor home…….the beast is getting full!!!! 

We grilled steaks and had roasted potatoes with  asparagus/beans/onions in a teriyaki

sauce………..good old American/Canadian food for dinner and sat around with some of the 

other travelers who had crossed the border the day before.  They had spent about 3.5 hours in 

the line at the border and had arrived late that afternoon.  Good evening with lots of laughs.

Feb 25

We hitch up the wagons and are back on the road…….But wait……..the roads are wide, there 

are paved shoulders, and the signs are in English…..HMM, must be America!!  The trip to 

Fresno is pleasant with a few stops for fuel and potty breaks.  We park in our regular RV park 

(Fresno) and get settled in. 

Took Buck and Heather for a quick tour of Fresno our second ‘home’ and introduced them to 

Five Guys restaurant.  This place is one of the best places for hamburgers……..and that’s 

good because at Five Guys Hamburgers and fries are the only thing they serve!!  Walked 

around River Park mall for a bit, then home for a nightcap and sleep.

Feb 26

We (actually Ed) made Eggs Fresno for breakfast for Buck and Heather.  He uses Trader 

Joe’s multi-grain frozen waffles toasted, tops them with ham slices, a fried egg, and TJ’s 

Hollandaise sauce…….his version of Eggs Benedict.  Very good and we only have those on 

 special occasions, just in case my physician reads this missive!!

Took Buck and Heather around Fashion Fair mall (Ross’ “Santa” mall) where Heather did a bit 

of shopping, then out to Kearney Park. 

Kearney was a visionary who arrived in Fresno at the turn of the previous century and bought 

up about 5000 acres southwest of Fresno. His first task was to plant an avenue of palm trees 

fom the center of Fresno out to his property….about seven miles…most still survive.

He then built a large house to live in and run his farms. Ultimately this house would be the farm

superintendent’s home while Kearney planned a much grander ‘Chateau’ to be built nearby.

The estate produced  vegetables, fruit, cattle, and grapes that were sun dried into raisins.  

Unfortunately Kearney died before he could complete his grandiose plans. The property was 

 willed to the University of California who farmed it until about 1949 when it was transferred to 

the County of Fresno.

The house sat vacant until the mid-1960s when the county transferred responsibility for it to the

Historical Society.  

We took a tour of the house (about 4600 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms--2 of them with ensuites), and 

contains about 80% of the original furnishings.  The park is popular with families who picnic 

under the spreading old growth landscaping. There are other events as well..including an 

annual renaissance fair and a civil war re-enactment.

Stopped at Trader Joe’s for groceries and then home.  Dinner was appys and 

salad………..just what we needed after eating our faces off for the last month!!!!

Tecolote to Los Barriles

Monday  February 6

Off from Tecolote and on our way to Cabo San Lucas.  We have driven this road in the past and are expecting little difficulties.  The road looks to be rather straight and being that it is a major part of the highway system we expect it to be wide with good shoulders………….WRONG!!!!  The road to Todos Santos is great, but just south of there we run into construction. 

It appears the engineers for this highway improvement have a warped sense of humour.  There are long stretches of dirt roads, potholes, dust, massive machinery, and flag people all skirting around the new portion of the road.  But then there is what appears to be an equally long stretch of pavement – straight, paved, and wide. 

Then, and this is where the twisted sense of humour comes into play,  when we get on the paved portion, there are topes (speed bumps) everywhere so again we have to slow down.  And these topes are not just little rough patches………….no, topes come in many forms – small serial bumps that can extend for ¼ mile, small speed bumps on either side of a township, or massively large bumps that can take out an undercarriage in the blink of an eye.  And of course there are the ‘phantom’ topes…these are ones that diabolical highway types PAINT on the road to aggravate hapless turistas!!

When  we finally reach Cabo and find the RV park  it is large, tiered, and has a great view of the ocean. After settling in we head out to that mecca for all RVers……….Wal-Mart/Costco.  And guess what?  Both stores look just like the ones in the US/Canada!!

We have contacted our friends, Gail and Larry and they are going to meet us for dinner  at the restaurant in the RV park which, it turns out is one of their favorite spots!

The development along the corridor between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas

The view from the restaurant attached to the RV park is breathtaking.  And the dinner was great.  First some margaritas all around, then appys of guacamole and chips, tortilla soup, then main course of tuna for Ross and Ed cannot remember what he had through the haze of too much tequila.  All we remember was the dinner was great and the company was even better. 

For desert  we, of course, had flan…….more margaritas (which were a little too tart for everyone so the waiter brought the bottle of Grand Marnier and the good tequila so he could free pour to get the sweetness up), a round of tequila shooters compliments of  the manager who realized he had two Santas at his restaurant. We stupidly topped the evening off with Spanish coffee au flambé – impressive but we didn’t really need the extra alcohol.  We poured ourselves home and passed out!  Like we said, great dinner!!!!

Tuesday  February  7

We took Heather to San Jose del Cabo so she could get her hair done, we could get our laundry done, and Ross could get his crown re-attached..but we could not find Larry or Gail.  We left the laundry at the lavanderia and took a tour around the town (my has that town changed – construction everywhere) then sat down for a coffee that turned into a lunch. 

Waiter was great and easy on the eyes (if you know what I mean).  The café had free Wi-Fi and that is how we found out our appointments were for the next day!!  So off to explore some more. 

The tiny town of La Playa San Jose (just east of SJDC on the estuary)  used to be difficult to get to through dry river beds, dirty, dusty roads and hair pin turns.  The village had a few permanent residents (usually all fishermen)  a couple of bars and two tiny grocery stores.  It was on the other side of the estuary from San Jose and people usually only went there to get a fishing trip in small pangas drawn up on the beach.  Today the road is four lanes over the arroyo with a massive marina housing multi-million boats, and a fleet of shining pangas!

The town still only has two stores but they have expanded and are now called super minis!!  After our expedition it’s back to the RV and enjoy the afternoon sun.  Some of the caravan have gone on a fishing trip to try to catch some tuna. 

Later that day we went back in to San Jose to pick up our laundry and show Buck a bit of the town.  Dinner was again at the same café and the same waiter served us.  He said that he usually works 12 to 15 hours a day , six days a week.  His English is great as he also said he used to work as a waiter in Seattle.  We asked why he left……….his answer…….”It wasn’t my choice.”  In other words, Immigration had probably asked him to leave!!!!

Wednesday February 8

Back to San Jose for Heather’s hair appointment and Ross’ dental appointment.  As some of you know Ross has a deep phobic fear of anything dental so he popped an Ativan in the morning and another closer to the time of his appointment………the rest of the day was a bit of a blur for him!!!!!  Met Larry at their beautiful home and he showed  us around the gardens…amazing.  There are papaya trees, plumeria, orange, grapefruit, tangelo, and lime trees, a sparkling swimming pool and a view out to the 7^th tee on the municipal golf course.  The house has 5 bedrooms (4 up and one down, a bedroom/office combo). 

No one in the beauty salon spoke English and Heather does not speak Spanish…a problem!  Thank God Larry was along and could explain what she wanted.  Then off to the dentist.  While Ross was filling in the forms Larry and the dentist started talking car races.  They race off road a number of times a year and were getting ready for a race near La Paz in the next couple of weeks. 

The dentist looked at the tooth, and then the crown.  He asked if Ross spoke Spanish……..”Enough to get myself in trouble” said Ross.  He then apologized for his English but explained that he could put the crown back on but only as a temporary solution and that Ross would have to see a dentist when he got back home. 

Some of you know that Super Glue was invented accidently and has been used for household purposes and in industrial applications for many years, so it should come as no surprise to hear that this intrepid dentist cleaned the tooth, cleaned the crown, then smeared Super Glue on both surfaces and bonded them together.  After a little bit of clean up, Ross was out of the chair and both Larry and the dentist were back talking car racing!!!  The cost…….$450 pesos (about $40)!!!!

After that bit of drama we picked Heather up (hair looks good and as she says she isn’t bald so it has been a good day) and we all went out for lunch.  Gail met us at the restaurant and the meal was great.  

When Ross and Ed first met Gail and Larry they had a B&B, also a restaurant (Salvador Deli), and were in the property management business.  They now have closed the B&B, sold the restaurant, and have cut back on the number of properties they manage.

The restaurant has gone through a couple of hands and is now a delightful space called Habaneros which is where we had  lunch.  Great times.  Explored a bit more of San Jose then back home.  

Thursday February 9

This was our day to ‘do’ Cabo San Lucas.  We wanted to connect with Chris MacClure and his partner whom we had met on previous excursions. He is a very talented painter and they used to own the Golden Cactus Gallery. We had heard through Gail and Larry that they were looking forward to seeing and that they would be in the gallery every day from ten AM to noon.

We got to the gallery about 11:15 to find it was locked up tight and there was no sign of Chris or Marilyn though we could see all his painting gear through the window.

What to do? Well we went shopping! Tee shirts and cigars and more other tourist stuff than you can shake several sticks at! Got tired of the very obnoxious salesmen and it was getting warm…ah, an iced coffee would hit the spot!  Of course not a Starbucks in sight but we did spy Baja Coffee Company and while enjoying a most excellent iced latte noted that they had free WiFi. The other clue was the half dozen or so other customers tapping away on laptops inside!

When we logged on after the obligatory email check we had a look at FaceBook and another friend in Cabo that we had been trying to get in touch with had sent a message.

Jenny sent her location and said she was in her office all day which turned out to be right next to where we parked the car!

On our way there we walked by the Golden Cactus again. This time the cleaners were there and made us understand that Chris and Marilyn were up in Todos Santos for the day. Of course we had completely forgotten about the big Todos Santos Art Festival.

We did find Jenny’s office in the beautiful building right on the harbor. She and her husband are the marketing reps for this huge development on the West Cape  called Diamante.  

After a good chat we headed back to the RV for guess what? More Margaritas and grilled the most excellent tuna that the one of our most excellent travelling companions (an intrepid fisherperson) had gifted us with!

Friday February 10

The beach right in front of Prince Reindeer at Los Barriles

Up early for the trip to Los Barriles.  We are supposed to be ready to roll by 10 but for some reason everyone is lining up by 8:30!!!  Anyway, we join the caravan only to discover that one of our group has developed a major  problem somewhere in the engine.  Large quantities of smoke being emitted when he accelerates or decelerates. 

We all pull over and the “mechanically inclined” huddle around the rig giving advice, etc.  They collectively suggest we proceed onto the rest of the tour.  Through San Jose del Cabo and onto the toll highway.  For 88 pesos we get to travel quite a few miles on wide paved highway!!!  Such a deal!!!  Just past the toll booth we pull over for a break and to have another look at the injured RV.  It is still smoking but the driver wants to continue.  Our (Ed, Buck, Heather, and Ross) opinion is that he should stay in Cabo and get professional help instead of travelling into parts unknown where mechanics can be scarce.

Again we hit the mountainous terrain and try to keep up with the caravan.  In about 3 hours we have reached Los Barriles.  Villa Serena RV park is on the beach by the Sea of Cortez.  This is the wind surfing/kite surfing capital of the world (so they say) and as we set up camp we see dozens of kite surfers on the water right in front of us.  Not my cup of tea but impressive nonetheless.  The scenery is breath taking and we all just stare out at the sea with mouths open and eyes wide.  This is heaven!!!

The view from Prince Reindeer just after sunrise

Dinner tonight is at Triny's, a local restaurant,  and everything is great.  The waiter looked at Ross’ hoodie, noticed the Fresno lettering, pointed at Ross and said “Go Bulldogs”!!  Bulldogs are the Fresno State football team.  Ed finally got his huachinango frito (whole fried snapper) the rest of us had shrimp of some sort or an assortment of Mexican food and of course guacamole and flan!

Saturday February 11

Sunrise over Bahia Las Palmas, Los Barriles, BCS, MX

Lots of talk about the crippled RV (too much oil and no transmission fluid – not a good combination) and lots of walking the beach or just sitting around enjoying the sun.  We buy some tamales and empanadas from  a travelling salesman and talk to a couple of people who stay here for 6 months at a time.

One of the trucks on the way to the pools got a little stuck

A small group of us travelled by our own 4X4 vehicles through an arroyo to a small waterfall and pond.  The water was not as cold as we thought it might be and the water is clear ++.  There has also been some major work done in the area as there are zip lines everywhere………..No, we didn’t try them!!!  Kind of a small amusement park of sorts!!! 

The pool and waterfall

Dinner tonight is at Three Dog Corner where the two main streets of Los Barriles split.

Chowing down at Tres Perros (Three Dogs) Buck had steak AND  papas rellena!

A family has “adopted” the corner and serves dinner every Friday and Saturday night. A fellow Canadian who lives here about 6 months of the year helped show us around, and understand how things happen here.  She and her husband have also been on our tour three years ago and know John and Becky very well. Heather had a hot dog and quesadilla.  The hot dog came loaded with onions, salsa, sauce, etc. and was a little spicy. 

The quesadilla must have been good because it was gone in a flash.  The rest of us had papas rellenas con carne………baked potato stuffed with beef. And Buck elected to have a steak as well.

Buck on his way to 'dress' his papas rellena (stuffed potato)

These potatoes were huge, wrapped in foil and piled high with butter, cheese, corn, onions, and about 1/2 pound of sliced beef.  VERY good.  There is a salad/condiment bar of sorts where you can add anything to your meal that you think it needs. Needless to say there were all kinds of vegetables and some sauces...a couple of which were fairly spicy!

We had to bring our own beer as they only have soft drinks. It is clearly a successful enterprise as every seat was filled with hungry gringos and gringas!!

Great evening and we toddled back to the RV for a nightcap under the amazing stars and moon!!

Sunday February 12

One of the road hazards when driving in Mexico!

Up bright and early for another spectacular sunrise and to get ready for a trip to La Trinidad RV Ranch in La Ribera for brunch.  

The owner of La Trinidad has a good sense of humor!

The buffet brunch had been arranged by the alternate wagon master we met in Cabo.  The RV park is not on the beach but still very clean and well organized.  The restaurant was packed and we were invited to find our own tables.  Buffet included one free Bloody Mary and had scrambled eggs, sausages, chorizo, bacon, potatoes, refried beans, chilaquilles ( a tortilla/cheese/pepper dish,)  ham slices, and cubed beef in a cream sauce.  There were also pancakes, toast, and French toast.  Not bad for 240 pesos each!!! 

Ross played Santa/Cupid and gave out candy roses to all the ladies…..shameless advertising.  And both Buck and Ross (the two Santas on vacation) had pictures taken with quite a few women….fun times.

The dining room featured a large number of bird feeders just outstide...all kinds of birds including Heathers favorite! A Cardinal!!!

After brunch we took the back road back to Los Barriles and saw a major new development in progress then on to El Triunfo to see the remains of the silver mines there.  

The chimney used at the smelter is massive and was built by Mssr. Eiffel…..the same man who built the Eiffel Tower in Paris.  Approximately 1000 tonnes of silver was taken from these mines by a consortium of English, French and German mining companies in the early part of the nineteenth century.

Met Jose Luis a local resident who for 200 pesos each took us around the smelter area, the cemetery, and showed us one of the mine shafts.  His English was not great but with Ed’s Spanish and his English we got to understand each other. 

The 'English' cemetery. No names or dates on the 13 tombs which appear to have been carefully rebuilt

Then into El Triunfo  where we found the museum of music.  

These buildings house about 40 pianos and other musical instruments.  We walked into a recital hall (very live acoustics).  Sitting in the middle of the room was a 10 foot Baldwin piano in pristine condition. 

This one dates from 1830

We are still blown away that in the middle of nowhere there is a music museum  with that many pianos just sitting there in the open, arid, air.  Unbelievable!!!

Back to the RV and walk the dogs.  

Just some of the California Brown Pelicans we are sharing the beach with

Then a quick nap and a late dinner………….it’s clean out the frig night!!!!

Teddy stressing.....

The 'other' side of our parking spots at Los Barriles...parked to maximize the view!

One of our neighbors....they towed the trailer in, and built the deck and  palapa around it....very nice couple from Maple Ridge who spend about six months a year down here!  Thou shalt not covet!