Puerto at Tupuli

We stayed just up the road from the Port. Will and I got up early at the crack of dawn--like we usually do--and walked down to the wharf to see the sunrise.

Some amazing yachts in port.

Turkey Vultures roosting in trees over our heads. Waiting for sun to warm them up!!

200 mile day

Big day driving, heading north again over same road we came down. That's because hiway 1 is only option. You are either on the main road or a dirt road. It's a scenic drive to be sure but no less challenging although we are all handling it a bit better. This part of the Baja is pretty much arid, cactus forests and mountain ranges with a bit of irrigated agriculture here and there.

Crested Caracara on top of biggest cactus around.

Although no irrigation on this ranch.

First glimpse of "del mar" off the ridge. 

Coming back to coast and Sea of Cortez.

We watched a guy build this rock wall and decided he was an artist and skilled engineer. 

Another night near LaPaz, today we hired a van to take us to boutique town of Santo Tomas across the peninsula to the Pacific side. An hour scenic drive to town famous for its "Hotel California." Urban legend connects it to song of same name from the 80's by the legendary Eagles but no real connection. The hotel doesn't do much to discredit the miss information, including playing the song and other's of the era over and over. Anyway it's a famous landmark of Totos Santos. Fun to visit, walk the streets, check out the many upscale shops and then late lunch back at Hotel California before heading back.

Inside the hotel and hotel lobby.

Old mission not quite restored. Raising money to replace stained glass windows.

Colorful Mexican televerde pottery everywhere.

I love these "Catarinas", the hostess of DeLasMuerto. I need to find out more information on her story. Loved this collection in a store.

Metal work by a Mexico City artist that I liked a lot. 

These creatures are made out of plant seed pods, wire and paint. Loved them.

Bead work. This guy attaching a gazzion tiny beads with beeswax to ceramics, bone cow heads, anything he could gather. 

LaPaz, BCS

Spent several hours exploring LaPaz. The city emblem so cool, it's a dove and a whale's tail. Look closely.

Every town has a mission church and this one no exception. Structure built in 1870 but mission dated back to 17 hundreds. In fact Father Kino was here and blessed this endeavor.

Interesting city to walk around, has large Malican, shops and interesting architecture, old and new together.

Murals everywhere. Who do I know who always says "Living the dream?"

More interesting architecture--The fish windows in the wall.

Will waiting in line for great fish tacos. We have eaten a ton of fish tacos, tried them all over. Some better than others but very few have disappointed.  Fried, grilled, fresh tuna, on menus in fine restaurants or street stands.  This one had a long line waiting so thought it might be good. Turned out to be a whole  small white fish fillet on corn tortilla with all the fixings. Am eating way too much.

When we were here in 2013 I bought some pieces from this pottery shop so Will and I made a point to find it again. It was a good walk from down town but we found it--only to discover that it was closed for a week STARTING TODAY.  Wouldn't you know it.

Dog on patio roof. 

Inside of that Cathedral.

Old government building now art museum that was also closed.  Shops and ice cream shops were all open, of course.

Three nights at Los Barriles

The waters here are incredibly blue. We are near where Sea of Cortez spills out into ocean. Is also very windy. Is a place where world class kite boarders come. The day we arrived there were dozens of kiters out there doing incredible moves! Too calm today to attract so many.

Needed to do laundry. The machine actually took American quarters and then you carried it outside to the dryer--a walled area with clothes lines! 

Breakfast at a local "Loncheria" that was pretty amazing for 100 pesos. Actually things are not as cheap here on the Baja as you might imagine. If it weren't for a really good exchange rate right now--20 pesos to the dollar--it would be almost pricy. But we re in tourist areas, too, and they know we are gringos!

Sunrise

A created Cordon cactus.

Remember Tang? It's alive and well here, all flavors.

Group photo. When we leave here we will be heading back north. One couple is dropping off here and staying for a month. They will pick up another caravan to come back later in February. We will miss them.