December 9-19

HOLA FROM MEXICO!
First off, we are safe and sound and having an absolute BLAST :)

Our first night we spent just south of San Quintin at an Rv Park called El Pabellon. We were surrounded for miles by sand dunes and ocean. We left early the next morning headed for Guerrero Negro, while approaching the town we decided to push on to Santa Rosalia, searching for warmer weather the further south we went.

We arrived at the small RV Camacho which sat right next to the water just before dark. We introduced ourselves to our nieghbors, ate some dinner and then climbed into bed. The next day Chuck our new friend took us into town to see the sights, buy some produce at the local markets and treated us to lunch at a very quaint and delicious taco stand. We marveled at the beauty and uniqueness of the beautiful town of Santa Rosalia. The next day Chuck took Ben fishing all morning while Sadie and Em played on the beach and visited with our new friends Betty and Len. That evening we enjoyed conversation, listened to Betty play her guitar and sing, and laughed while observing the interesting method the local fishermen employed to get their boats into the water. Its a whole different way of life down here! Chuck cooked up a delicious meal of fresh fish that we caught that day. After picking up several great travel tips from our experienced neighbors, we said our goodbyes and hit the sack.

We set off at dawn the next morning, destination - Juncalito beach, just south of Loreto. After much confusion and several wrong dirt roads we found the entrance thanks to a helpful local.We found a beautiful campsite next to a little lighthouse with beautiful rugged mountains and palm trees for scenery. We immediatly struck up conversation with our neighbors from Illinois, Albert and Marga. While discussing motorhomes, Albert mentioned a solar panel for sale, which immediately caught our attention (just that day we were kickin ourselves for not getting a solar setup!) We happily purchased the 75 watt panel along with a deep cycle battery for an extremely reasonable price..What a blessing! We killed the afternoon visiting with them. A very friendly and fun couple :)

The next morning we woke early and went for a stroll down the beach. Along the way we got caught in conversation with a couple from Washington. Peter and Mary Kay have an organic orchard, and during the down season, spend their time travelling.We joined them and their dog, Sisco, for a hike through the beautiful desert mountains. We took a break overlooking the beautiful Puerto Escondido Bay. On our way back to camp, we came across a fishermen who had just brought his catch to shore. He offered us a healthy cut of Yellowtail (a delicacy here) and that evening we joined Peter and Mary Kay for a delicious mesquite barbeque. What a feast! It was the best meal we've had yet.

The next morning we enjoyed freshly baked rolls that Albert had given us the day before, such a special gift from our new friends. We were amazed at the provision, within hours we received fresh fish and fresh bread :) Again we spent time visiting with Albert and Marga, listening to funny travel stories and then headed a few miles south to Rattlesnake Beach. Just before finding a campsite, we turned toward the mountains to fill our water tanks with fresh spring water (yet another tip from our friends). While driving the winding narrow dirt road looking for a campsite, we came across a small wash that looked harmless. However, our back end was way too long! STUCK....After pulling a cactus out of the ground with our come-along, Peter and MaryKay pulled up right behind us! What timing!!! After jacking and digging, the boys successfully drug Homey free. YAY!! We obviously couldnt go any further, so we set off walking looking for another way in. While searching the beach for an entrance, we came across another couple from Washington. The friendly couple asked if we'd cooked dinner yet, and offered us (yet again!) fresh Yellowtail. What a treat! We could hardly believe it, 2 nights in a row! Again, we had a delicous mesquite bbq with our friends, visited well into the night, and also got many more tips for camping on the mainland.

We set out at dawn for Tecolote Beach, just north of La Paz. A beautiful sight. The water aquamarine and a long white sandy beach. We enjoyed a soda and beer at the open air bar and relaxed on the beach. Feeling anxious to get online and contact our family and friends, we headed into the town of La Paz the next day. We parked at Casa Blanca Rv Park, in town, and road the local bus into the center. We journeyed up and down the uniquely uneven side walks, then hopped back onto the bus headed for the large grocery store CCC. We loaded up on produce, rice and beans and a few other essentials (for an incredible price!) then headed back to Homey. That evening we met 3 travellers from Santa Cruz, exchanged stories and shared travel tips. We utilized the hot water showers Casa Blanca offered and also were able to wash the heap of laundry we'd accumulated thus far. Ahhh very refreshing!

We are now heading south for Todos Santos (we hear theres reggae every friday night!), and a hot spot for surfing in Los Cerrillos, just south of Todos Santos. We plan on spending a couple weeks here learning how to surf and enjoying the warm weather.

We miss you all this holiday season and send all of our love :) We'll make sure to post another blog after the new year to share our holiday experiences. Feliz Navidad :)

Ben and Emily