return to Loreto

Dec 22 - 25
Decided to head back to Loreto, weather not as good anymore and getting bug bites somehow. While driving through town, every traffic light, stop sign and tope had police walking up to cars asking for "donations". Kind of weird, but not in an intimidating way. I later found out the city hadn't paid them for 3 months now, and they were hoping to salvage a Christmas season for their families. Back at my favorite RV park and taking walks all around town, almost everyday. The church and main plaza are about 7 blocks away. Lots to see and do, and getting some exercise.
Christmas eve a bunch of us went out to a fine lobster dinner. Then strolled down to the central plaza, trying to walk off the Margaritas and lobster. Accidentally wandered into a huge party, lots of people there, a live nativity scene, toy raffle, dancing and Santa Claus. Lots of free food getting ready to be served, am told it was sponsored by the mayor (now we know why the cops aren't getting paid). When things wind down about midnight, then it's off to Mass. These folks know how to party.

Loreto church

Main tourist area. About 500 yards of cobblestone walkway through here, with ficus trees forming  overhead arches all the way down the Avenue

back on the beach

Dec 18 - Dec22
Had gotten resupplied in Loreto, headed back to the nice beach at Santispac. At the military checkpoint just above Loreto, I got pretty thoroughly searched. All checkpoints I have been through were southbound, until now. They take the northbound traffic much more seriously. On the beach again, lots of people coming and going. Two bicyclists came in late one night. Next morning I talked to them, they were from Portland. I asked them how for they had been riding, from Portland. Asked them how far they were going, the answer was  "Patagonia". Quite the journey. Sometimes I think I have a little adventure going, then see what these guys were doing......... Well, I guess it's all relative. And then some Mexican hippies showed up. Two couples and a young kid, roughing it on the beach. Real Rainbow Family material, tie-dye clothes, kite flying and even a drum circle that evening.
Bought another kilo of shrimp, 180P, good stuff, never get tired of eating shrimp. Starting to notice I'm getting bit a lot. Fleas or no see-ums? Don't know, but it's getting bothersome.
Went clamming one evening at low tide, fun walking around in waist deep water digging holes everywhere, but no clams encountered.

another spectacular sunrise

in Loreto

Dec 14-18
Drove down into major regional city of Loreto (airport and everything). Short, pleasant and beautiful 2 hour journey. Spent two days at a weird RV park, caught up on email/news. Then moved to a different park, Riviera del Mar. Much nicer and cheaper. Restaurant onsite, full hookups, laundry and wifi. Rode my bike down Hwy 1 for about 12 miles, all the way to Nopolo. Humm, missed the turn off I was looking for. Back tracked a few miles and found it. Passing Mexican semi's head on at 55 mph on my little dirt bike is kind of scary. Turned off to go west towards my destination, San Javier mission. It was an all day ride, about 70 miles total, about 1/3 of it dirt road (trail). Beautiful oasis type place, cool mission made out of quarried rock (started in 1699)  and I was the only gringo in town. Also came across some ancient cave paintings down in the river bed. Beautiful spot where you could easily imagine an old band of Indians hanging out here, chillin and trying to do something creative.

coming into San Javier oasis

San Javier mission

site of ancient pictographs

       

friendly fellow

On the ride back I saw my first snake of the trip. Don't know the specie here, but it seemed friendly enough. Played with it awhile, then carried it a safe distance off the road and sent it on it's merry way.