A journal in 100 images with text of the family holiday in Baja during December 2015
The metro in Los Angeles. We had all managed to get there from London in order to hire an RV (recreational vehicle) and somehow then meet up with Lucy, Scotty, Madeline, Caleb and Sidney. Rufus and I were on our way to pick up the RV. The plan was to meet in an area called Alpine near the Mexican border.
|
|
1. The Journey to:
Leaving Los Angeles
By the time we left, it was already getting dark and we had a fair way to get to Alpine to meet Lucy and Scotty
We finally met in a car park in Alpine and drove in the dark to a camp site nearby, awaking to the bright sun of Southern California:
There was an incredible excitement in the car park as we saw the other RV and swapped hugs and kisses! By this time some of the children were asleep, and so the following morning was full of their collective energy when they all met each other.
Scotty used the phrase 'high chaparral' to describe the terrain in this area as well as northern Baja. |
|
Having made an easy crossing into Mexico at Tecate, we discovered the magnificent Pacific on the west side of the Baja and soon arrived at the port of Ensenada.
We soon discovered that every decision needed careful and often complex negotiation to accommodate all the needs of each special individual.
Inside our RV Ripley & Theo pursued various activities (books, games, magazines, drawing, eating and looking out) with guidance from mum and grandma while the driver and his navigator did everything to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Also, Saz provided useful information from the 'Lonely Planet' Baja book.
We spent our first night parked alongside this vineyard. In the morning it was discovered the track led to a military base, but the soldiers were friendly.
There is only one main road that links the north Baja to La Paz in the south.
|
|
However friendly the cacti seemed at first sight, the children soon had mums removing minute but uncomfortable prickles.
|
Osprey build nests high to avoid being eaten by predators.
|
An old copper-based factory in Santa Rosalia.
Raumbraunt moment in Mulegé campsite.
2. The destination:
El Coyote Beach (20km south of Mulegé along main road to La Paz)
Live music at 'JCs'. The guitarist is the mayor of Mulegé.
These 4 pictures were taken by Sazzy and are of dolphins who came in close to the beach to feed.
'Pot Luck' - a Sunday occurrence for the beach inhabitants and their friends. This happened on Christmas day as well. Everyone brings a dish and a drink to share.
Christmas Eve story-time.
The full moon on Christmas Eve was so bright that this photograph didn't need a flash or daylight.
Christmas Day with beach neighbours - Rick & Mary.
Boxing Day dinner at JC's........................................... Farewells................................................. Sting-ray skeleton
3. The Journey back:
Last glimpse of the Sea of Cortez
Meanwhile, back on the Pacific side.....
Grey Whale watching from a lagoon just outside Guerrero Negro. The whales come here to give birth to their calves because it is safe from Orcas who cannot access the lagoon due to the narrowness of its mouth. The mothers have to teach the babies to swim. In the background are silver sand dunes (not snow!)
Guerrero Negro is the biggest salt producer in the world.
The Pacific - noticeably different from the Sea of Cortez !
Last night in Mexico at Santo Tomas.
THANK YOU MEXICO
