Loreto ... Lush Tropical Countryside

Who knew?! The recent concentration of rains has made this desert paradise more similar to Kauai, Hawaii than the normal comparison of Phoenix, Arizona.

This little town has seemed to awaken in the last week with last Sunday's flight bringing in more than 100 people. This is more seats on one flight than we have seen for many months. There are more cars in Loreto Bay and downtown, the restaurants are busier that we have seen since before the media craze of Swine Flu, and people are happy.

For those that have endured the heat and vast emptiness of the summer, we become euphoric and giddy when we see people we know. There is the irresistible urge to run up and hug them as though we were embracing long lost friends. In some ways, this is true. We appreciate the simple things such as passing time laughing at fish stories because we know what it is like to not have someone to share them with.

Sharing awesome experiences is another common pastime here. Although sometimes you must be ready, willing and available to go outside of your comfort zone. If you don’t leave the house, you won’t be around for the impulsive spontaneity of “let’s do it” ideas that crop up regularly.

There are so many things to do here; yet nothing at all. This depends upon one’s outlook and attitude. Not everyone must be a fisherman, golfer, hiker, or into water sports to be active. There are many people that enjoy leisurely walks at sunrise, getting together for Spanish lessons, or card games. You simply must leave the house and find like minded people. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes here.

This week we hiked Tabor Canyon which was spectacular. Take the highway south and when you get to the entrance of Pt. Escondido, take a right turn on the dirt road and go as far as you can. These are the photos taken in the mid afternoon, and I would recommend going in the morning. Wear good shoes and keep your hands free as there is a bit of navigating and rock climbing.

There were several small waterfalls, hundreds of baby frogs, but not another person when we were there. It takes a full day to get to the top, and some serious hikers will camp overnight and then come back the next day. I will not see this in my lifetime! However, even going into the canyon for an hour or two, you will see incredible beauty and it is well worth the effort of taking the path less traveled.

We came upon this waterfall and small lake that was well over 12 feet deep. In the middle of the afternoon, the water was far too cool and clear not to be tempted to jump in. Life doesn’t get any better!

Boys and their toys is why I love Baja! We took the road to Prima Aqua and I have never seen it so beautiful. Fields of mesquite and green trees that seem to have grown 4 feet in the last few weeks go as far as the eye can see.

The backdrop of the Sea of Cortez and Mountains are spectacular every direction you look. As we wandered along the arroyo, there is remaining water still running from the mountains creating life all around.

We saw baby cows, and hundreds of goats … I LOVE the goats! You can spend an entire day exploring and not see another person. There are several places to rent ATVs; you just need to ask around. La Mision Hotel has many different varieties for rent and you can see them parked along the malecon.

The rock formations are just as interesting as the different botanical varieties. Simply walking a little further, one finds the most wonderful spots such as this waterfall. This is a peaceful place to hang out and share the moment with friends.

The water is raging and it took a bit of effort for Mel to become part of the wall of water and stone. It doesn’t matter how old we get, we are never too old to play. Did I mention that life doesn’t get better than this?

Have a great week!
Miss Nellie

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