Road Trip

Last Friday we went on a road trip back to the Pacific side of the Baja to Bahia Magdelena. Our friends Sal and Gloria had their son in town for the week and wanted to take him whale watching. It sounded like a good time and we negotiated a pretty good price as a small group, so off we went.

In another lifetime, six months ago, we started our days at about 4:30 AM every workday. Well, let's just say that we've been sleeping in a bit since then. Anyway, this trip started by having to be in the parking lot, dressed, lunches made and packed, and ready to go at 6:30. OK. At least when the van pulled up it was a good looking late model Ford that had decent tread on the tires and everything. The driver was a very respectable looking Mexican man who spoke no English, but left us with the feeling that he would be a responsible driver - which he did prove to be. Traveling with us were a Mexican woman and young man, probably the driver's family, who also spoke no English. So, off we went at a high rate of speed along a narrow two lane highway. As we were in the back of the van, and the road had a wide variety of bumps and lumps, it was quite a thrill. For three hours, we traveled through the Baja desert with fantastic cactus and dirt poor small towns. Oh, how could I forget......about 15 minutes out of LaPaz, we pulled over for a traffic check. Those of you who drive in and out of California are used to the fruit inspection stops. The difference here was that we were inspected by several young men in uniform carrying automatic weapons. Actually, believe it or not, we're getting used to seeing Mexican Police, military, and who knows what else driving around in trucks with these armed men in the back. There really is a serious conflict here between the Government and the Drug Cartels.





Well, we did reach San Carlos on time about three hours later and were happy to exit the van and find clean bathrooms at our tour Hq. Then on to the boat which, of course, turned out to be a panga. I promise to get you a picture. These things are everywhere in Mexico, used by all the local fishermen, and they all look the same, as if by the same manufacturer. We've seen them as far out as 20 miles in good conditions and bad. An open fiberglass boat about 20 - 22 feet in length with a big outboard motor, white outside and blue inside. You haven't lived until you've ridden in a panga at 25 - 30 mph in search of whales in 3 -4 foot waves. Nuff said.

And we did see whales - grey whales I believe - some of them up close and personal. I thought our driver was getting a little close a few times, but the whales didn't seem to mind. Pretty exciting!! E