For a luxurious and relaxing vacation, explore San Jose Del Cabo resorts.

Our vacation from San Felipe to Cabo San Lucas (cont'd)

Previous page was from San Felipe to San Ignacio.

2/6/09 The road between San Ignacio and Santa Rosalia with its steep terrain and many curves is a thrill in itself. It’s only about a 45 mile trip, a flat stretch and then down a steep, narrow, 2 lane highway without shoulders, to the water level. Just around the corner somewhat we noted a full junk-yard with wrecks of vehicles which obviously didn't make it. We think the return trip might be even more hazardous threading our way uphill, as you do not have control over approaching traffic. Oh well!

Santa Rosalia, formerly a maining town.	A campground to the south of town.

2//6/09 Friday: KM 0: SANTA ROSALIA, with about 10,000 population, originally was an industrial town, boasted of its smelter which closed in 1990. They have placed an antique train engine in a plaza at the town entrance. This town was built by the French, with a church built by Gustave Eiffel (builder of the Eiffel Tower). There is only one camp-ground/RV park advertised, about 2 miles south of town. We entered and occupied 2 adjacent spaces with a large palapa between us where we could set our cook-stove and table and chairs for a lovely evening. Again this was a really quiet and off-the-highway park. Immediately we scrambled into the truck and headed for this famous little French styled and largest town we had yet visited. Many of the 2-story buildings had wooden balconies complete with patio roof and in some cases these created little fenced courtyards for the ground level below creating complete privacy from the busy street. Our companions have been looking for 2 lawn chairs since we started. Who would guess they would have them here. Why did we not buy some of their famous bakery goods to go with our wine?

2/7/09 Saturday: KM 135: MULEGE; A little history: In 1540 Pope Paul II set up the Society of Jesus [JESUITS] missionary but by 1708 Small Pox had almost entirely wiped out the Indian population. In 1773, the Dominicans came in and lasted till 1828. Under Jose Bonaparte came the expulsion of the Spanish from Mexico. The liberal republicans assumed power. In addition to being anticlerical they also wanted to remove any traces of colonialism such as were the mssions. In l1833 the new government decided to secularize the missions and placed a salarried priest in each.

The village of Mulege was founded in 1705. The mission church was originally built in 1766 on the banks of the Rio Santa Rosalia. From high above the hill behind the church we enjoyed viewing the acres of palms in which this little town is situated. First Mel and Joe chose the ‘Villa Maria Isabel’ campground so we could park the motor home. Then we piled into the truck to tour this famous little antique town. One campground, ‘Orchards’ RV park, said they had been twice nearly wiped out by floods, so they decided to build cute little condominiums; very, very attractive. On into town we spent hours enjoying the side streets and ate at a restaurant, not the least attractive on the outside, but behind walls, was set amongst a beautifully decorated lawn garden. Sandra, our little shopper, found some treasures here. However, like other towns, everything closes down from 1:00 to 3:00 for siesta. We headed back to set up our camp-site, visiting famous ‘La Serenidad’ RV park on the way.[The boys say they will stay there on the return trip north].Back in camp we enjoyed a large, palm-covered palapa all to ourselves. With a full moon and warm temperatures we could stay outside for a full evening. On Sunday we returned to Mulege just to pick up a few items, then headed south to the Bay of Concepcion.

2/8-10/10 Sunday/Tuesday: KM 114: Bahai Concepcion: Unbelievable beauty. Mountains become islands surrounded by the bay which has many campgrounds available. Listed are:

Playa Santispac is down there within the trees. From the sandy playa you feel tiny amongst those gigantic scenery completely surrounding you.
A flock of pelicans almost posed for us. Further around the bend this heron caught our attention. Notice the tree, one of those above, with its roots reaching down to the water.

KM 114: PLAYA SANATISPAC:The first most beautiful camping spot you come to in the Bahia Coyote area. We did not find the Hot Springs as advertised on the north western shore. But the beach was so beautiful we decided to stay another overnight and an extra day. If you look at the map, there is a jut along the highway dividing two groups of campsights.They are listed in reverse as such. We finished the first day of splendor and slept under the stars. We then arose to take some beautiful sunrise prictures.This second day was rather cool with north winds. so we spent much time inside the camper, cleaning and enjoying hobbies such as writing this diary. The third day was absolutely beautiful. No wind; a day of visiting amongst our camping neighbors. Many stories to tell. Fishing was not too good, so we didn't try it. But Sandra enjoys shelling while walking her dog. Mel and I did a little more hiking both north and south of our camping spot. Prices are still in the 70 pesos ($5.00) range. The next day we had to move on to

Km 112: Posada Concepcion, a residential subdivision
KM 110.5 Playa la Escondita, with palapas…but not recommended
KM 111: Los Cocos has palapas on a camping beach
KM 108: Playa el Burra, camping beach: permanent residents
KM 107: PLAYA EL COYOTE: Advertises hot springs, and trailer park. It has a difficult entrance, then a long beach front.
.......Hundreds of Pelicans catching plentiful fish along the shore. Many clam& small oyster shells litter the edge of the beach.

At El Requeson.we rested in nature all around us. Notice the clear water; great for shelling and fishing.

2/10-2/11 Tues/Wed KM91 El Requeson: Dry camping on an awesome inlet with a walkable spit. This is by far the most beautiful of beaches in this area..The mountains frame the background of the west over the highway. But the Islands are spectacular. The water is crystal clear with miles of shelling.. Many of the present campers have those rubber rafts with impressive motors that you can carry on your camper, go fishing or exploring, and retreat in no time. There are several couples who stay 2 weeks to months in this environment. They love to visit with you and stories are passed up and down of your adventures. Almost everyone has a pet dog or two. And the vendors who come every day almost get to know you. They will actually seek out your choice of blanket or ironwood products from other vendors and return the next day with just what you really wanted. Of course dickering for the best price is half the fun.. And don't forget the women vendors who return every morning with hot tamales or those little hot pies freshly baked through the night.

KM 90 Playa La Perla
KM 90 Playa Armenta
KM 79-87 Side trips to the South and East shores by backroads.
KM 77 Cardon [view of giant cardons]
KM 68 Sierra Giganta (spectacular view of the mountains.)
KM 60 Road to La Purisima and Ciudad Insurgentes.

Coming into Loreto on the malecon. Loreto did not expand as we had expected. We of course wanted to see the mission..

2/12 Thursday: On to Loreto: At first this was so disappointing. Actually the second mission, built in 1697, (the first started in San Bruno in 1683) Loreto became the first capital of all of California (which included Mexico at that time) But after .............. the capital was moved to La Paz. Nevertheless, the El President chain of hotels chose this place also. But it never seemed to get off the ground. Yes, it is a much larger town today, but not a wealthy man's resort. We stayed at a large RV Park, The Loreto Shores Villas Y R.V. Park, not fancy, but it had bathroom & showers, a laundry room and was situated on the beachfront (although it was a black lava sand).

The hidden beauty of the many inlets	This pelican stayed posed to within 3 feet of us.

2/13 Friday: Our next stop was El Junquito, another stop on the beachfront which turned out to be another beautiful location. They spoke of a time just 2-weeks ago that there were hundreds of Pelicans swarming this beach. Others bragged of catching triggerfish right off of the rocks. I know they catch YellowTail (Tuna) on the charter boats out yonder.The mountains seem to rise high off of the highway, or we are so low below. We found a spot, unmarked on the highway, and if you pick a spot hidden in the tree-line, it is actually free. This place was made for pictures. We wished we could stay another day.

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