2/10/2017
Earlier, I dubbed us, the Baja Road Warriors after the 4RUNNERs trip odometer passed the 1,000 mile mark. This road trip began in Ensenada with our final destination of LaPaz. Sights encountered on this road trip include, the hot springs in Ensenada, the cave drawings, just off the road, petting of grey whales in San Ignacio and finally, swimming with the whale sharks in the LaPaz bay.
The scariest part of our trip however, was when we consumed 14 lobsters – all in one sitting. Today, I have no desire to ever eat another one, ever again!
The fog now engulfed us as I drove to our nighttime destination. Outside, the air was cold and damp. I should’ve pulled over a long time ago.
Finally, up ahead I spot our hotel in Santa Rosalia – we pulled in a little before midnight. I now begin wondering which was worse; our earlier lobster food fest, or nighttime driving in a Baja fog?
The first giants we encountered were not the whales but, the cactus’ of the Viscaino desert landsape. The unusually wet rainy season has also led to some amazing wildflower displays across entire hillsides.
In the desert anything can and on occasion does go wrong. People do die on these roads. When you drive these roads you can almost exactly see where. Mexican locals like to honor the exact location where their loved ones spirit suddenly departed the living. They do so, by building mini monuments marking their roadside demise. The cross on the road is meant to mark the exact spot.
The two lane road that I am driving on is just barely wide enough for two cars to pass side by side. One car and a semi truck will just barely fit. A slight miscalculation by either driver can quickly make you a part of the road kill scene.
Fuel is plentiful and I think it’s even more expensive for premium than back in California.
Yesterday, I had quite an experience with the desert. First, I dug a cat hole to take care of my morning constitutional. Those lobsters I consumed, along with the cervezas, the Mexican caviar (refried beans) and homemade tortillas continue to wreak havoc on my system.
As I squat down I encounter nearby, one of those Mexican cholla jumping cactus’. They are known as jumping cactus because the entire joint attachment is so loose, that if you even come close to looking at it; no matter how slight, the barbed spines will stick to your skin and tenaciously attach to your skin, toilet paper or even underwear. Ask me how I know?
The cholla has now also managed to penetrate my left bicep. Thank goodness for the leather man pliers I now carry on my belt.
Earlier Johnny Reb steps into a huge puddle as we continue exploring and looking for desert art. As he does an about face I watch him in slow motion fall into what we thought was desert quick sand. No, there is probably not such thing but, he still thinks there is.
As I continue watching him, from a safe distance, I also wonder at the type of cross I’ll carve for him – with my leatherman.
But, not today, like a human possessed he, quickly jumps out; like a guy that broke through an icy cold lake.
Neither one of us was on hand to assist the other today. We also wonder about the other solo riders now on the road; motorcycles, bicycles, and even solo backpackers.
The true baja adventurers!
94 degrees was our all time high this fine February 10th, 2017, Baja day.
Asta Luego!
PS:
We whale watched at San Ignacio. We couldn’t have gotten any closer unless we jumped in the lagoon waters. The one to three year old whales followed us like curious puppy dogs.
There was absolutely no waiting, just three guys on a panga with a tour guide boat driver. $50 US dollars for this adventure, $6 to camp, and $10 for an outstanding breakfast.
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