Where In The World Is Nellie?

2009-12-06T20:15:00.004-07:00

Trouble Brings Experience, and Experience Brings Wisdom ... goodbye to 2009!

Another beautiful day in sunny Loreto! As I was enjoying the peaceful and tranquil Sunday, I become reflective when I think about my adventure over the past several years. It has been a Six Flags Rollercoaster ride. There is the anticipation and excitement of creeping up a steep hill not quite sure what is on the other side. The thrill of lifting your arms in the air and not holding on separates the players from the ones simply along for the ride. All the while no one is sure when the next moment of the sheer terror will happen as we free fall, screaming while our stomach finds its way to our throats until we safely land and come to a complete stop. Finally, the ride is over.

It has been an amazing three years, filled with the hope of meeting new challenges, making new friends, creating solid business relationships, daring to live each day outside of my comfort zone, and seizing every opportunity that would not be available unless you were right here, right now. When I wasn’t on the rollercoaster, I was in the Fun Palace ride and perhaps not alone, but certainly in the dark. There are doors in every direction and one can feel so lost and in despair trying to find the one that leads to the exit before something unexpected jumps out and makes us run towards another path.

My analogy of experiences at Loreto Bay may be likened to those of Fantasy Land, Tomorrow Land, or even Never Land; and sometimes It’s a Small World! Alas, it may be time to grow up and focus on the destination instead of the ride.

There is no doubt that 2009 was a very tumultuous year and no one knew when the oppressive fog of each of our own crisis would be lifted. I look back on the past twelve months and feel positive and more optimistic about the future than I have for what seems like a very long time. Life is always as good as we make it, but this time I think we may get some lucky breaks. Hope springs eternal.

Dorado Loreto Properties has 5 great sales associates who are active and preparing for when things change. Baja BOSS Property Management is running smoothly and getting more organized and efficient each week with our team of 6 people providing full services. I am busy and happy.

My blog has achieved exactly what I wanted it to, which was to share the beauty of Loreto’s community spirit with thousands of people each month. 2010 feels like a whole new chapter of my life in Loreto, and I need to pay attention so I don’t miss a thing! It is time to let go of what was, and move onto what will be … Future Land. Will I start writing again? Quien Sabe!?

Thank you to all those that tune in and have supported me through my many endeavors. When someone asks Where In the World Is Nellie? I will be in Loreto and looking forward to seeing you all soon!

I wish everyone Happy Holidays, Prosperity and Good Health for 2010.

Miss Nellie

2009-11-29T10:53:00.004-07:00

SANTA FE HOTEL and DALI DELI WINE ROOM Now Open in Loreto!

The new SANTA FE HOTEL opened last week, just 18 months after they started construction. As you enter town it is the largest newest building next to Domingo’s Steak House. The SANTA FE HOTEL offers 120 rooms, free parking, wireless internet, deli style internet café, ATM machine, large self service laundry facilities, and a huge wall of coolers for beer and wine.

The inside courtyard pool is very lovely offering Jacuzzi and lounging areas protected from the wind. This hotel will soon be a favorite among the fishermen and off road racing groups, as there is so much space both in the rooms and the facilities.

All rooms are Suites that are nicely appointed with one or two double beds. Included in each room is a kitchenette, with microwave, blender, coffee maker and toaster; dining table, TV, in room safe large enough for a laptop computer and nice bathrooms with showers. All rooms have sliding glass doors for added light and great for families and groups as many of the rooms have adjoining doors.

The rates are very reasonable and start from $56 USD for a suite with one double bed; and only $63 USD for a much larger room with two double beds. Prices are based on double occupancy. This is the headquarters of the Villa Group Ensenada Blanca Project, and they will be offering many great promotions for dinners and activities to further enhance your stay in Loreto. For more information visit www.hotelsantafeloreto.com or call 011 52 613 134 0400.

Fernando Pelayo is the General Manger from their Cabo division and looking forward to welcoming many guests and providing first rate customer service, offered at only a few hotels in the area. Many may remember Pablo from the Mediterano Restaurant and he is with Hotel Security. They ensure that your cars and valuables are looked after, and that only guests are roaming around the hotel.

Their internet café, deli and market should be open December 15, 2009, and this will be open to the general public. I am looking forward to seeing what types of sandwiches and salads they will be offering as any selection will be more variety than our current choices. Loreto has come a long way in three years and we welcome change.

A little hidden secret not known by many is the MUY MUY Café on Benito Jueves next to the Corn Tortilla Shop. Jose is the owner and baker, and has been in business for almost two years now serving fresh baked muffins and yes … real donuts! He makes apple fritters, bear claws, and several different glazes on his donuts including chocolate. He even has donut holes which are a great treat for the kids, or a nice light tidbit for those of us watching our calorie intake.

Many of my friends were not even aware that you could get fresh donuts in town. Drop by and say hello to Jose and support another entrepreneur trying to stay alive during these slow times. His shop is open Monday to Friday from 7 am to 11 am; and again from 12 noon to 2 pm. He is closed Saturday and Sunday. A dozen glazed donuts are 85 pesos and a nice surprise for your neighbors and friends while they are hot and fresh.

The biggest event of the week was Dali Deli’s grand opening of their Wine Room. Most everyone knows about Dali Deli located on Benito Jueves who have been offering specialty items and meats to keep us ex-pats happy for the past 3 years. Beatrice was at the door greeting customers, including Glen Mickowski who just sailed into town with his wife Joyce, for a few days to stock up for their next adventure.

It was a fabulous turnout and packed with friends all dressed up Loreto style to mingle and socialize, and enjoy the many different wines offered. Dali Deli will be the second distributorship for Los Cabos Wine Importers in Baja and everyone is excited about this new venture.

Juan Manuel Solis, is the Sommelier and Importer based in Cabo San Lucas. Juan Manuel has been working with the Villa Group in Cabo for many years, and now with their new Santa Fe Hotel, as well as the beautiful new La Mision Hotel, feels that this partnership with Dali Deli will be a win/win for all local residents and visitors.

Owner Jose Luis was running around attending to all the details and everything was perfect. Chef Felipe catered the appetizers and is quickly becoming known as the In Home Chef at Loreto Bay. His website is www.chefatloretohome.webs.com and I have been told that he will come to your home and cook dinner parties for 8 to 10 people, or cater large parties. Many cases of wine were sold this evening and it was a very successful fun event.

Pedro Lopez of Porto Bello Restaurant was sampling many new wines to consider stocking for his 2 locations. Pedro asked me to let you know that his airport restaurant is now only open on the days of the flights … Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from noon to 4 pm. Otherwise, you can visit him 7 days a week at the Puerto Escondido Porto Bello Restaurant from noon to 8 pm.

Build it and they will come … we in Loreto are ready and waiting!

2009-11-22T14:56:00.006-07:00

Fresh Starts in Loreto …

The weather has changed in the last week and has dipped below 80 degrees during the day with bright sunny skies. The storm season is over and now we enjoy putting on a sweater in the evenings. I can now actually be outside to enjoy the sunrises and sunsets, and greet the many walkers and workers in the early hours.

This week Baja Onsite General Store opened in the old Farmacia location in Loreto Bay. The store is owned and operated by Evan and Julie Fager. They stock all the convenience items we have been wishing for … beer, soft drinks, groceries, cleaning supplies, used books and video rentals. They have swifter mops, hoses, wireless door chimes … make sure you check with them for what you need before heading into town. They may just have it … and pick up a 6 pack while you are there! It is a leap of faith to take on the overhead of renting space and purchasing inventory, so please drop by and support them, both financially and with your appreciation. Please contact Julie@BajaOnsite.com for any inquires.

Another entrepreneur in Loreto Bay is Peter Boddy of PJB Design Studio. Peter and I have been friends since the beginning days of Loreto Bay when we shared an office in Scottsdale. No exaggeration when I say many of us worked 70+ hours a week for years, along with hundreds of others that would come and go to share the vision. For those remaining, we still love what we do, and are lucky to be able to live here.

PJB Design Studio can be found on the main boulevard in Loreto Bay just a few doors down from the Baja Onsite General Store. I am enclosing a photo because this is Loreto and there is no signage, and whatever numbers there are … do not make any sense! Drop by and say hello to Peter and find out more about his creative and innovative architectural design solutions.

This year more owners are take possession of their homes, furnishing them, and plan to spend more time here. Thinking of customizing your Village Home, both interior spaces and courtyard gardens … this is what Peter does best. Since Peter was involved with the Design process in Loreto Bay from the beginning, he truly understands the conceptual plans.

The finishing touches are what turn any house into a home. These include water features, ironwork, using color to create ambiance and dimension, landscaping and courtyards with cook centers and pergola shade areas. Unique outdoor living elements are what set Loreto Bay apart from other developments.

Peter is very responsive and has excellent communication skills. He and his wife, Ariel Klein, have been part of this project for six years and Loreto Bay is their home. When looking for someone to trust with your dream home, look at who is personally vested in Loreto Bay and who will still be here years from now when we are sipping margaritas and laughing about the good old times that we are creating today. You can contact Peter at peterb@pjbstudio.com

Back downtown at my office, they are busy tearing up the Loreto Municipal Square. This hole seems to be larger than most swimming pools I have seen here, but in fact it is for a new gazebo, with a semi circle fountain surrounding it. Why is it so deep?? Quien Sabe??
The plans look very nice, and these 3 palm trees have recently been replanted in a row. There will be curved paving stones leading into the Square from the different corners. The old wooden benches are being preserved for lots of seating areas. The workers are confident that it will be completed January 2010. Quien Sabe??

While they have the machinery here, they may as well tear up more streets while they are at it. Planning logic would not have made this the plan when they spent nine months tearing up the existing sidewalk in front of the Hotel Posado del las Flores and my office. What are they doing here and why??? Quien Sabe??

Meanwhile it gets dark about 6 pm now, so make sure you have the necessities of life in Loreto Bay … plenty of wine to share with friends, and a flashlight so they can get home safe. Friends came over with this flashlight, and I was suitably impressed. It gave off more light than many cars here! As I have said before… I amuse easily living la vida loca in Loreto!

On the social scene, many ex Loreto Bay VIPs and guests were in town to attend the wedding of Bob Toubman this weekend at the Hotel Oasis. Congratulations and good wishes to Bob and Elvira for a lifetime filled with happiness.

Happy Thanksgiving to my many American Friends!

Miss Nellie

2009-11-15T15:35:00.005-07:00

Dorado Real Estate Opens during Party Week in Loreto!

We had the Grand Opening for our new downtown location of DORADO LORETO Real Estate office on November 11, 2009. Many friends came by to say hello and give us good wishes for the future. The Sales Team of Brad Palen, Dee Wise, Drew McNabb and Ariel Klein were all very pleased with the turnout and it was great to see so many people returning for the winter.

It was also my First 49th Birthday, so there was a delicious cake made by Carol Boyd of the Mediterano Restaurant and plenty of cold cervezas and good cheer to go around. Guests were very complimentary about our new office and those that remembered the old abandoned building appreciated the complete renovation from top to bottom.

Dorado Loreto has opened this season with over 60 Listings in this area. In many instances, prices have dropped 20% to 30% from where they were in 2007. This is reasonable considering the rapid growth and over inflated prices that happened worldwide during the past several years. We have some great deals including a 2 bedroom, 2 bath Casa Chica with tower in Loreto Bay Founders neighborhood for $200,000 USD. Also, we have a large downtown property with boat garage, landscaped and paved yard, and rustic Mexican style home for $250,000.

It was a busy week socially with more residents and visitors arriving. The Alaska planes are full from now to the end of the year and many people are considering driving Baja, or flying to Cabo and then making their way here for the holidays. I enjoyed hanging out with my friend Steve Williams and his buddy Jim Miller who were down doing some repair work on Steve's home.

This weekend we hit another milestone … it was exactly 6 years ago that 52 lots and homes were sold in Cluster 1 of Loreto Bay in 2003. Many of the owners were in residence and we thought it was a great opportunity to get together with friends and pat each other on the back for surviving the worst and looking forward to the future.

Del Borracho Saloon had Mark Tyler, Bruce Wheeler, Jesus Cortez, and Roger Cortez entertaining with their excellent Rock & Roll band. These events only happen a couple of times a year and always get a standing room only turnout. It’s a Main Event to watch these guys play.

Greg Gordon was getting into the groove as he chimed in with his cowbell accompaniment. People were literally screaming along with some of the popular lyrics, throwing their arms in the air, and stomping the floor in time with the music.

It is great to see everyone having fun, laughing and happily mingling with old friends and newcomers alike. Girls just want to have fun! Lots of dancing anywhere people could find a spot … near the pool tables, outside on the deck, at the bar and in their chairs.

The cast of characters from all walks of Loreto come out to party. We have the Harley gang dressed in their leather uniform; long time ex-pats; Mexican locals of all ages; sidekicks in all shapes; and part time residents and visitors all experiencing the best of Loreto.

The most surprising highlight of the evening was the debut performance of a young trio consisting of Miquel, Eddie and Oscar As the startup band, they demonstrated amazing talent and skill as they entertained on drums, guitar, bass. All in the crowd were amazed by the dexterity and passion that these young men displayed. When they played their last set of the evening, all attention was focused entirely on them and they received many standing ovations of appreciation from the crowd.

There is no doubt that Eddie will be a star with the right opportunities. At the awkward young age of 14 years, he commands the drums and symbols with such natural skill that it can only be described as “awesome”. With his first performance this evening, all of Loreto will be watching his future performances.

We were told that Oscar is also14 years old, and has only learned to play the base eight months ago. He will be another up and coming talented musician to watch. Miquel is the most experienced at the ripe ago of 20 years old. He played a few solos and captured the audience’s completed and undivided attention.

Mike and Cholie’s next Rock & Roll party will be at the end of February, 2010. Mark it down on your calendars now to make sure you don’t miss it! The Del Borracho parties are the most fun events in the area! Great hamburgers, cold beer on tap, happy friendly people, and rock & roll…Life doesn’t get any better!

Their staff are all attentive and work very hard to make sure customers are served quickly and the place is constantly cleaned as people move around from table to table. They love the party as much as everyone else and are smiling all the time! Rock & Roll at Del Borracho crosses all cultural, social and economic perceptions and its just a Good Time!

Have a great week!
Miss Nellie

2009-11-07T19:34:00.017-07:00

25th Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at Madison Square Gardens, New York … too much fun!

I missed blogging last week because life was more of a whirlwind than normal. I left Loreto on Tuesday, Oct 26 at 4 am and drove to San Jose del Cabo for an 11 am flight. From La Paz I decided to take the San Jose road as there is a lot of construction on the Pacific highway towards Todo Santos. I saved myself an hour and my little Mercedes finally felt like a Baja Car as it took the curvy mountain roads at 120 km/ph, with the tunes blaring and the windows down blowing fresh 84 degree temperate air to start an exciting week.

I arrived at Cabo airport at 9:30 am and left the car at the terminal parking lot as there are really no other options. The car was very safe when I returned, and the cost is 320 pesos for the first day; and 150 pesos for each day thereafter; and more expensive by the hour for partial days. To park for 4.5 days, it was 890 pesos, which is expensive but worth the benefit of just having the car within steps of the terminal and safe.

I took the flight to Dallas Fort Worth and was greeted by my friends and Loreto Bay neighbors, Joe and Miki Mckenzie. I had never been to Texas and we have often talked about my visiting over many glasses of wine in Loreto. Dallas is an attractive city, very clean and modern, with lots of green spaces. I was amazed how friendly everyone was, from the minute I landed at Immigration and Customs, to meeting Joe and Miki’s friends at CRUSH the local wine bar near the exclusive Highland Park neighborhood. It is a place that would be fun to go back and wander through the many stores and enjoy the never ending restaurants.

The next morning I left for New York City for one of those very special weekends. My friend Ann had been the highest bidder at a Charity for Children Auction on VIP Box Seat tickets for the 25th Rock & Roll Hall of Fame performance at Madison Square Gardens on Oct. 29. She generously invited “the girls” and we had the most spectacular time. I flew into Newark Airport where you can take a private car to Manhattan for $75 or the subway for $15. Tanya flew from Halifax, and Lorraine came in from Toronto. Ann flew from Victoria and it was a truly international weekend.

I booked the New Yorker Hotel which is only a block away from the Gardens and about 8 blocks from Times Square. It is located in the Fashion District with lots of shops, restaurants, and always people on the street at all hours of the day and night. It is very reasonable by New York standards, only $350 a night for a standard queen room. The room is not large enough to swing a cat, but it is similar to all other quality hotels in size and amenities.

The main event of course was the concert and the only way it has been described is “legacy”. The first of two massive Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th anniversary shows had monumental moments that just keep coming on the stage starting with Tom Hanks opening the show, which last six hours – yes that’s right 6 hours! It was amazing to be in the private VIP box with catered food, endless drinks, and our own bathroom! Show highlights were:

Jerry Lee Lewis reminds the crowd of rock & roll’s ’50s roots by settling in at a white baby grand for “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.”

Crosby, Stills and Nash add another layer of perfect harmony when James Taylor joins in on “Love the One You’re With.” The capper: one of many awe-inspiring guitar solos by Stephen Stills.

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s voices mingle on “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The pair throw their arms around each other at the conclusion of “The Boxer.” Will the U.S. see this reunion again? Garfunkel admits their recent shows together “were a lovely falling back together again” but they have “no such plans,” after their set.

Stevie Wonder turns a technical difficulty into a hilarious quip: “Aw, shit … stuff happens, you know what I’m saying?” and changes his set before it even gets going to kick off with a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind.” He later pays homage to Michael Jackson with a stunning “The Way You Make Me Feel.” Not enough yet? Smokey Robinson emerges for a loose, warm rendition of “Tracks of My Tears.”

Moments later, John Legend arrives onstage to pay homage to Marvin Gaye with “Mercy, Mercy Me.”

B.B King is up next, earning Stevie’s praise as “the king of blues for every city in the world” with “The Thrill is Gone.”

Sting strides onstage popping the bassline to “Higher Ground,” and the song morphs into “Roxanne” and back again.

Two words: Jeff Beck. The guitar legend joins Wonder for “Superstition” and breaks into an otherworldly solo on the break, flinging his bare right hand at the strings and tapping away.

Springsteen hits the stage with his famous plea, “Is there anybody alive out there?” He gives even himself a jolt with guest Sam Moore, who he praises as “one of the all time great bandleaders.”

Springsteen welcomes John Fogerty for “Fortunate Son” and a pair of sweet covers for E Street: Fogerty’s own “Proud Mary” and Roy Orbison’s “Pretty Woman.”

The E Street Band make their own Wall of Sound as Darlene Love joins Bruce and the gang for “A Fine, Fine Boy” and “Da Doo Ron Ron.” “We’re in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame now,” Springsteen exclaims.

Tom Morello wah-s out a bone-crunching solo on a mind-blowing cover of “London Calling” with the E Street Band that nearly outdoes his earlier heroics on “The Ghost of Tom Joad.”

Springsteen delivers a brief and hilarious speech about how New Jersey and Long Island were once a connected landmass as a way of introducing the night’s final very special guest: Billy Joel. E Street keeps cranking through “You May Be Right,” “Only the Good Die Young” and Joel’s hometown anthem “New York State of Mind.”

Bruce Springsteen brings the house down with “Born to Run” and reluctantly leaves after wringing the last possible “higher” out of “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.” “That’s rock & roll!” he exclaims.

There was just too much to remember and it was a perfect evening among friends! Thanks Again Ann!!

HBO will broadcast four hours of highlights from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concerts on 29 November at 8 pm ET (US).

We also took in Broadway and the newest play that the town is buzzing about is MEMPHIS. We were able to secure great mezzanine seats for this show that had only opened Oct 19, 2009. This is a real song and dance musical. The lead vocalists were amazing and the music was very good. There is lots of R&B and the choreography is terrific. I highly recommend it as entertaining and many “in the know” say it will be nominated for a Tony next year. High energy, great story and terrific talent!

I could have stayed another week, but New York is expensive and I needed to save things to do for my next visit. It is easier to get from Cabo to New York and less expensive than to fly Loreto to Victoria. Although I visit my family often in Victoria, it’s nice to have a playground that is culturally, geographically and socially very different from Loreto for a change of pace occasionally.

News in Loreto is that Dorado Properties Real Estate is now 100% owned by me, and with five full time sales associates, we are the largest independent broker north of La Paz. We are opening our downtown office in the Loreto Plaza next to Hotel Posada del las Flores and near Mita Gourmet Restaurant. Our Grand Opening will be Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 from 11 am to 7 pm. Drop by and say hello to our team and see our inventory of reduced prices for properties in this area. I will be there from 4 pm to 7 pm and look forward to being back in business downtown!

See you in Loreto!
Miss Nellie

2009-10-25T17:11:00.002-06:00

Slow News Week in Loreto, Mexico

This has been another bright and sunny week in Loreto. Hurricane Rick was downgraded to a tropical storm and missed Loreto completely. We had some wind but no rain, and it is back to perfect warm days with gentle breezes. The community pool is always so inviting and at this time of year still a wonderful 80 degrees.

They did take down the thermometer that always displays minus 30 degrees C. I guess the joke got old after a long hot summer?! Loreto Bay has now posted Pool Rules, which can be viewed on my property management site at www.bajaboss.com for those that live here.

I have had my head down and focused on team meetings with both my Baja BOSS Property Managers and our Dorado Properties Real Estate team that are arriving back to Loreto for the winter. So, not much to write about this week …

The main buzz in Loreto Bay was around the Community Pool where people made new friends and met their neighbors. There was an impromptu happy hour on Friday which was nice to chat in a relaxed setting. The men left earlier as hunger set in, but the girls (Lindsay, Jennifer, Lorna, and Lorene) just kept drinking and telling naughty jokes.

Happy Birthday to Patti McNulty! She is looking radiant with friends Dale and Loretta at her side. There was much laughter and it was still early when I left, so not sure what the late night plans were. It was a very nice crowd and everyone was positive enjoying the beginnings of our community forming.

The party was at the home of Mike and Sue Matthews on the poolside. They had it catered complete with Sangria and Mexican appetizers. Tables were set up outside and people mingled in and out of their home, which has undergone some very nice renovations. People passing by were all invited to join in and it was an easy going atmosphere.

Many homeowners are returning for longer stays now that it is approaching winter in many northern climates. It is good to see familiar faces and hearty hellos. A few of us ventured over to the INN for dinner. There was a large table of 12 people who were on an off road racing tour, which was great to see. It kept the one waiter and cook hopping, but as long as the cervezas were flowing, no one seemed to mind.

My friend Alfredo Rosas, formally the GM of INN is now the Sales & Marketing Manager of La Mision Hotel. He called to let me know they were having a Halloween party on October 31st. Unfortunately, I will not in Loreto this week but it should be a lot of fun. Check it out!

Where in the World is Nellie? Quien Sable?!

2009-10-18T09:55:00.006-06:00

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

2009-10-11T15:52:00.007-06:00

Del Borracho in Loreto is Open for Business Again!

The highlight of my week was having lunch at Del Borracho Saloon located just off the main highway 5 minutes from downtown Loreto on the road to San Javier. Mike and Chole took the summer off to work on their guest cabins and marketing the Western Style Resort and we sure missed them! They have the best hamburgers, salads and soups north of La Paz! Great food, reasonable prices, friendly service, and a place where everyone knows your name! Drop by and see Mike’s newest Hedge Dragster ... before it takes off!

Many of you know my right hand person in business, Jeanny Pinedo. Over the past 3 years, Jeanny and I have lived and learned a lifetime of education about doing business in Mexico and specifically Loreto, Baja. We are still laughing, albeit much wiser. While I had a sabbatical this summer, Jeanny has been busy being a new mom and has a brand new baby girl named Lucile to keep little Pedro company. We had her Baby Shower at Del Borracho and there is not a better place for a party in a relaxed comfortable setting.

Jeanny is now doing business under her own company BCS Baja Consulting. She is sharing an office with my Accountant Adriana Drew, and their office is on H. de Independencia esq. Ignacio Allende near the Police Station. Adriana also owns the Stationery Store at Quatro Altos (4 stop corner at Independencia and Benito Jueves). It was great to see Yolanda who is looking great! She is the Director of DIF which is a government agency rehabilitating and helping those in need. Many of you helped out with contributions towards her home and I am pleased to say that it is “almost” finished and furnished. Yolanda and her family are enjoying it very much! Thanks!!

“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now”

Alan Lakein
Creator of Lakein’s Question: “What is the best use of my time right now?”

Congratulations to Bill and Julie Thompson on having the first custom home completed in Aqua Viva! Slightly more than a year ago, Bill and Julie took control of their fate and investment by hiring Finton Construction to build their custom home and Loreto dream. Now they have a beautiful reality that they can enjoy, even in the midst of organized chaos.

I was invited to view the home by Robin Donaldson. I commend Santa Barbara Architects Shubin & Donaldson on never giving up, continuing to promote, invest, and turn the Loreto Bay vision into solid quality homes for many custom owners. It has been five years that they have regularly come to Loreto, supported the local economy, and bought a Loreto Bay custom lot in 2005, to be a part of something great.

This is Finton Construction Mexico’s first completed home. Robin Donaldson, Russell Shubin, John Finton and Daniel Tontini are all equal partners in this construction company. Together they provide architects and builders with collectively well over 100 years custom home experience building in Loreto Bay. They are completely independent of any builders associated with Loreto Bay. They have their own construction crews and provide local training with US trained supervisors on the job to keep the highest quality standards.

The Thompson home was completed in thirteen months from start to finish, as promised by Finton. The 2600 sq. ft. home is simple in design with true courtyard living to bring the outdoors inside. It is open on two sides on the canal and designed to make the most of the views, yet maintaining privacy and practical living.

Having resided in Victoria, Seattle, Scottsdale and Loreto, I am not impressed easily. What I noticed immediately walking through the home was the quality of finishes and functionality that most people overlook. There is a 4000 gallon cistern that provides steady water pressurization. It is actually built in and properly plumbed to be esthetically pleasing and efficient.

The air conditioning units are Daikin which are recognized globally as top of the line … and again are built in and hidden from view behind these cabinet doors. All cabinet doors are well made and slide smoothly, with quality door handles that will not break or loosen within a few weeks. These extra touches are an indication of the quality that Finton maintains for its customers. Their contract price reflects their standards and is good value if you are looking for the very best.

I toured some of the other Finton homes under construction and was most impressed how clean and organized they were. Robin tells me that he has a night watchman on every home they have under construction for security. I have been through every home in Founders Neighborhood several times during construction and never have I seen one with so few flaws as the Finton homes.

The simple pleasure of appreciating the level door frame; smooth finished plaster; ceiling lights centered and all rough in plumbing and electrical is properly enclosed. This was a spontaneous tour, and still there was no garbage or debris anywhere on the site.

This custom home on the golf course has a grand rock wall that leads into a circular courtyard. They are using a special high end acrylic paint that is amazingly smooth to the touch, look and feel of the interior spaces. The circular fountain will showcase the backdrop of the mountain views beautifully.

We had more rain last week than during Hurricane Jimena. As a Property Manger, I appreciate the smooth clean finish of the membrane on this roof that goes up the walls so there is no water seepage between the joints. Anyways, the rain has made the mountains and surrounding areas more lush and green that I have seen for many years. There are many fat cows, horses and their babies feeding near the highway, so please slow down and enjoy the scenery.

Only Loreto Bay homeowners really know about the vision, lifestyle, and passion that evoked them to buy in the first place. It is easy to stand on the sidelines and offer comments, criticisms, and the ever abundant hindsight, if you never believed enough to buy here in the first place. It is not something that one can explain easily. Like many great things in life, you can not rationalize it. It is not for everyone, but the dream is still alive and well thanks to the sheer determination of many homeowners. We welcome everyone to our community.

Have a great week!
Miss Nellie

2009-10-04T09:01:00.004-06:00

It is raining in Loreto! Warm and Refreshing!

This has been a very busy week and so many things have been accomplished that my head is spinning. Yet, typical Loreto style, not much of this matters. It’s just another day in paradise and we enjoy the moment.

We had some beautiful weather earlier this week, and I was invited on a yacht to take photos of Loreto Bay from the water. You can see the many beach front homes taking shape and that is exciting. More people are now taking advantage of the downturn to build homes at realistic prices and without the many guidelines and burdens of dealing with Loreto Bay Company. We should see 4 more beachfront homes completed in 2009.

The INN is open to the public, but the operations are very sad. If you have very low expectations, then you will not be disappointed. There is a minimal staff, many of whom work from 6am to 11 pm for very little wages. They are short staffed since there are few visitors or guests at the moment. If they do happen to get a busy spell of 5 tables in the restaurant, do not be alarmed if you see the Head of Housekeeping or the Maintenance appear to be your waiter. Just smile, accept that they are trying to help, and tip generously!

The new airport is fully open and operational. My friend Jesus is the new airport manager and gave me a tour. He is very happy to be in Loreto and takes great pride that this will become an important part of the future of Loreto. This airport is much more beautiful than Cabo San Lucas, complete with areas for retail shops, car rental stations, and both domestic and international gates.

Pedro Lopez from Porto Bello Restaurant in Pt. Escondido has opened a new restaurant at the airport. It is beautiful and open 7 days a week from 8:30 am to 4 pm. This is a great place to meet friends for breakfast or lunch, or grab a quick panani sandwich to go for your flight. His menu is the same as Porto Bello and reasonable.

Pedro is getting much local support which is very important. It is a casual meeting place, elegant, and relaxing with a touch of class and fully air conditioned. There are a couple of couches that can seat groups of 8 comfortably for drinks or meeting friends before your flight. Please support Pedro and the airport, and tell him Nellie says Hi!

This week we had some magnificent thunder and lightening storms, which lowered the temperatures below 80 degrees. It was nice to see the rain and feel the tranquil ambiance that it brings. Everything seems to have been washed and clean. There is no dust flying about and it is very peaceful.

Our team was busy checking the houses, and we were amused about the many side gardens being flooded. So typical of Loreto Bay construction, which does no harm but doesn’t make a lot sense either. Luckily it only rains 8 days a year! There are many interesting things if one is only aware. I was checking this home where the side garden was under 6 inches of rain. It’s just water and will evaporate in a couple of days.

I saw out of the corner of my eye something large move very fast. On a closer look, I was surprised that it was a crab?! This is in a home behind a walled gate, on the other side of the paseo no where near the beach. How did it get here? Did the wind bring it over the wall… does it fly? Anyways, I left it alone and hopefully it will find its way back to where it belongs. Otherwise, we may have to go to the garden to pick crabs for dinner?

This is the season for bugs … the cockroaches grow to a couple of inches in size and actually fly! There are large spiders with spots that look like black widows, but they are not poisonous… however, you don’t want them laying hundreds of eggs in your home. There are crickets, ants, termites, and yes the infestation of mosquitoes, along with many other varieties of crawly things. The grasshoppers and butterflies will come soon. The absence of bats and dragonflies is noticeable as they feed on mosquitoes. Even with regular pest control spraying; it doesn’t seem to have much effect without Mother Nature’s predators.

The streets were deserted in Loreto Bay yesterday as most workers stayed home and took a rain day. However, it was good to see Security out in their rain gear patrolling the common areas. We see so few people in Nopolo these days that when we do, it’s always a cause to stop and greet each other with friendly smiles and take a moment to chat. Isn’t this why we all want to live here?

Have a great week!

Miss Nellie

2009-09-27T12:34:00.005-06:00

Good Signs for Loreto, Mexico … The INN is OPEN!!

The Inn at Loreto Bay opened in Loreto, Nopolo, yesterday without much fanfare or fuss. I believe only the Snack Shack is open at this time and there will be 30 hotel rooms available in October. The pools are filled with water and the lounge chairs available for use of Loreto Bay homeowners and guests.

It was great to drop by and see a few familiar faces of our waiters and friends. This group of diehard homeowners who braved the summer heat and lack of restaurant, gift shop or amenities, were out to share a meal and some laughs. We toasted to each other and all our friends for good times ahead.

People have wondered Where In the World Is Nellie as I vacated my Loreto office earlier this year and been taking a well deserved rest since the media frenzy of Swine Flu destroyed our tourism. I will be opening my new office in the Loreto Plaza in the next few weeks and more to come about that later.

In the meantime, Alan Axelrod and Michael Bartlett were in here last week and I am reserving one of their commercial spaces on the paseo in Loreto Bay for our Baja BOSS Property Management and Dorado Properties Loreto Real Estate businesses. It was a coincidence that we happen to be discussing this in my old malecon office which is now a quaint little breakfast and lunch spot! Great food, low prices, friendly service. Check it out!

There is still much positive energy and good news in this tranquil little town. The Villa Group’s new Santa Fe Hotel is nearing completion next to Domingo’s Steak House at the entrance to Loreto and scheduled to open in November. It will be their business hotel for guests interested in their newest resort Villa Del Palmar Loreto located 30 minutes south of Loreto in Ensenada Blanca.

The Villa Group, with its solid reputation for delivering vacation experiences to its thousands of clients in several Mexican destinations describes its newest resort the Villa Del Palmar Loreto as follows:

Loreto: Untouched. Unspoiled. Unbelievable.

You may have seen the color aqua before. But never like this.

The water is untouched. This earth is unspoiled. And this aqua is uncommonly brilliant. Bay of Loreto is one of the few remaining places on earth worthy of its most common description, pristine. The bay is blessed with enormous amounts of natural beauty, yet is is largely undeveloped. It seems the world is just now discovering how magical this setting really is. In the distance, the five islands that float on the horizon of the Sea of Cortez have formed an ecological barrier creating an underwater concentration of every spectacular sea animal one can imagine. And with the mountains reaching into the brilliant, sun-soaked skies, it is not only hard to believe it is real, it is nearly impossible to endure the moments before you arrive.

I completely agree as the magic of Ensenada Blanca takes my breath away each time I visit, and I get swept up to think "YES, I want a vacation place here". The Villa Group concept is a simple one. Build a resort of uncommon beauty and world class luxury on Mexico’s most dramatic beachside locations. Their master plan for Loreto will feature 1,800 acres of remarkable beauty, including restaurants, a Rees Jones golf course, up-scale timeshares, various ownerships, and grand hotels.

My friend and Loreto Bay neighbor, Brant Roshinsky is the Sales Manager for the Villa Group. Brant gave me a personal tour of the development this week and I was awed by the progress as they only seemed to break ground late last year. The site is very secure and access is only provided by invitation.

There are 3 large buildings under construction at the same time including Building 4 and 7 which are residential time share units and the Commercial Building that will house 41,000 sq ft of spas, retail shops and restaurants. They have a viewing platform which shows the views from a first floor unit and I can only imagine how spectacular the 5th floor would be!!

The master plan includes 165 time share units similar to the luxurious quality of the Estancia in Cabo San Lucas. I have stayed often at the Villa Del Palmar, Villa Del Arco, and Villa La Estancia and each new resort property is better than the last. I appreciate the tasteful furnishings, large open spaces, natural stone floors and countertops. There are plenty of large windows everywhere to enjoy the breathtaking view.

The Villa Group is offering some fabulous preconstruction incentives at this time which make it very attractive to get in early to enjoy the amenities and benefits that will be available as early as next year. Even for those local Loreto homeowners, this is a great place to have a unit for your extra guests or romantic weekend getaways. Brant tells me that they will allow owners to covert their full value into fractional ownership or custom golf course lots in the future when those become available.

The Villa Group has 25 years experience building resort properties in Mexico, and this project is fully funded. There is no risk involved in buying here. I was impressed by the clean and expansive worker housing and food service on site. They have their own construction company and cement batch plant.

The first floor you see is the underground parking and they are already working on the second floor of the buildings. Breaking ground and putting in the mechanical infrastructure is always the most time consuming and I am excited to see the progress from here on in.

Brant is a fellow Canadian and very friendly. If you see him by the Community Pool, say hello and tell him Nellie says hi! For more information on the Villa Group visit www.villagroupresorts.com or email brantb11@gmail.com

Have a great week!

Miss Nellie

2009-09-20T18:08:00.004-06:00

Loreto Nellie expands Dorado Properties and Baja BOSS

It is September in Loreto, which means the quietest month of the year. Many residents leave to escape the storms, heat and humidity; and the tourists are far away at home busy with their regular family routines of work and school. Many Loreto business owners take this month to close and vacation as well. All has gone quiet in the rumor mill and there is little discussion of what will happen to Loreto Bay.

We continue to have raining days … grey skies, slightly overcast and the occasional thunder clap, followed by a torrent 5 minutes of rain. If you blink, you just may miss it! However, even a few moments of rain can cause the homes to become saunas in just a few hours. Our Property Inspectors are all busy ventilating and airing out homes to avoid mold and mildew.

Loreto has certainly had its challenges in the last 6 months. First there was the media frenzy of Swine Flu in April; and just when people were realizing that it was not in Baja Sur ... Loreto Bay collapsed all its companies and closed the INN and Golf Course. These facilities remain closed today; however, Fonatur is maintaining both at bare minimum standards until a new buyer can be confirmed.

So many of our friends and business colleagues have left the area, and many have started new businesses. It can be overwhelming to understand all the different players, their roles and responsibilities.

As the owner of Baja BOSS (acronym for Business One Stop Solutions) we offer Property Management Services. There are several good Property Managers available and each differs in their value added services. What we offer that many do not, is that we are an independent company that will pay your Condo Regime Monthly Fees and actively participate in Annual General Meetings and decisions affecting the homeowners. We have no conflicts with other Construction Companies or Rental or Management Companies, so we can wholly act in your best interests. I live in this community and can make a difference.

Our mandate is to provide quick, responsive communication and expedient solutions. We have a program for unfinished Custom and AV Homes for only 600 pesos ($45 USD) per month. We will pay your Condo fees, property taxes, bank trust fees, utility bills, and more importantly you have access to me for all your miscellaneous queries about IRS Form 3520, Mexican Capital Gain taxes, Immigration and Customs, suppliers, vendors, and our concierge services. Visit our new Baja Boss Loreto Newsletter at www.bajaboss.com and see what we do for our clients on a regular basis. We thank all 80 of our clients for supporting us since July 1st, 2009.

Loreto Bay Realty terminated all its employees and closed its doors in June 2009 making Dorado Properties Loreto the ONLY real estate company handling Loreto Bay Resales. So, since I am not one to let an opportunity pass it’s time to get back on the treadmill, set the speed dial, and get ready to hang on! Hope you will join me. It will prove interesting, that I can assure you.

Dorado Properties Loreto Real Estate specializes in Loreto Bay and handles many different projects and individual properties. We are in negotiation with Gerardo Prieto Trevino, owner of Turistica Advisors, to establish a joint venture which will make us the largest broker north of La Paz in Baja California Sur.

Gerardo Prieto Trevino has served as Vice President-Tourism Division since April 2007. Mr. Prieto joined Homex from Grupo Questro, where he served as Sales and Marketing Director. He was also Sales Director at Fonatur from 2000 to 2004.

I am very excited about this new avenue as I have been friends with Gerardo Prieto for many years now. I admire his energy, enthusiasm, management style and am personally in awe of his skill and experience. Be the first to visit our beta site at www.turisticaadvisors.com/ and have a look around.

If you are thinking of selling or buying at the bottom of the market, contact me at Nellie@Doradoloreto.com and I will put you in touch with our experienced sales staff that resides in Loreto Bay. We are a team focused on supporting our community.

In the meantime, watch for our new pricing and announcements October 1st, 2009.

Have a great week!
Miss Nellie

2009-09-13T10:23:00.006-06:00

Nellie’s Back in Loreto, Baja California Sur

Time flies when you are having fun … and what a nice summer this has been. I spent much time away from Loreto visiting friends in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, and Halifax. I had vacations in Seattle, San Diego and New York and now feeling rested and with some semblance of balance in a place where time seems to stand still … Loreto.

I brought a 1998 Dodge Durango from my friend Albert Basil, who owns AJ Motors in Los Angeles. I gave the specifications of what I wanted (model, year, color, fabric type, a/c, 4x, miles, and other options) and he found the car at the auction. He drove the car for a month and replaced all the parts that he thought would be necessary so I could have a good safe Baja car. This included a new axle, tires, brakes, steam cleaning the engine, and a brand new radio for my long drive down Baja. The price was great and I feel very confident that the car is in good condition to last me a couple of years of hard off road driving.

I left San Diego about noon on Sunday, Sept 6, and decided to take the Tecate border. It was not that far from where I was staying and it was worth the extra hour drive to bypass Tijuana on a holiday weekend. The border crossing was very fast with no line up at all, and although I got the red light, the Customs Officer was very pleasant and did not search the vehicle too thoroughly, although I had brought very few things other than some food and gifts.

Driving from Tecate to Ensenada is a lovely drive along wine country. I was traveling on my own, so did not stop and visit L.A. Cetto and Santa Tomas vineyards but I always think “next time”. Ensenada is growing with a lot of construction on the main roads. It took much longer than expected to get through the town than I remembered, but I was not in any hurry. Most of the drive from Ensenada to Catavina is not very interesting. There are many small local towns, with as many topes (speed bumps) to slow speeding tourists passing through.

There is plenty of gas along the way, with the exception between El Rosario and Guerro Negro. This is 314 km and only a very small sign to warn you that there is no fuel in between. El Rosario has Mama Espinosa’s Restaurant famous for its lobster burritos and is a good place to fill up your tank and tummy. There is a makeshift gasoline station in Catavina where they will siphon fuel out of barrels into your car, but it is understandably twice the price of Pemex.

When buying gas in Baja it is best to have pesos as Pemex usually gives lousy exchange rates. Also, get out of the car and watch them start the fuel pump at $0.00. A common scam is to place the nozzle in the tank and wait for a few minutes. Then the attendant will ask you for 100 pesos and point to the meter. Many times, he never put any fuel in at all. You will say “no, I want it full”, so he will then start the pump and add the 100 pesos to the total bill. What can you do if you did not watch him from the start?? It’s not worth the altercation for 100 pesos, just remember caveat emptor – buyer beware.

I always am happy to get to Catavina as I know I am approaching Baja Sur which is very different in topography and socially from Baja California (norte). Catavina has the spectacular mountains of large boulders with forests of cactus scattered among them, and then flat plains in the distance. It makes one wonder “how did those giant boulders get there?” Quien Sabe?

I took my time from Tecate to Guerro Negro as I did not know the car well, and it was almost 9 hours. My usual place to stay is Malarrimo Motel because the rooms are clean and the restaurant is decent. For 350 pesos a night, it is all I need.

The next morning I headed off for Loreto, unsure what I would encounter along the way with the hurricane damage. Again, fuel is scarce between Guerro Negro and Santa Rosalia which is about 230 km, so it is recommended that you do not go below half a tank of gas when traveling along Baja.

We learn to amuse easily living la vida loca in Loreto. As I passed this single cow munching happily by the side of the road; I wonder – Why is the most succulent morsels of life always associated with the greatest risk? You can see from the prior photo that the surrounding area is covered with fresh greenery for miles, yet this cow makes his way to the dangerous road to enjoy his feed, totally oblivious to the cars that speed past at 100+ km per hour.

When approaching Santa Rosalia there were road crews working and many flag men directing traffic. It was reassuring to see the heavy equipment, bull dozers, and dump trucks making endless runs to move dirt and rock back to where it came from. I imagine that Road Crews, the Military, and CFE Electrical crews have been working non stop for the past 5 days to make the roads passable and safe.

It was slow going but everyone was in good spirits and very friendly. I had a cooler of water bottles in my car and was passing them out to those that looked a little parched in the hot sun. It’s the least I could do for safe passage thanks to their tireless efforts at minimal wages.

To see how Hurricane Jimena decimated the main square in Santa Rosalia was very sad indeed. Many parts of the town on higher ground seemed intact, but near the old railroad station and main square, there was an obvious mud slide and raging river of water that had left much destruction it its path.

Moving along to Mulege the damage was much worse. These photos were taken from the car as I was driving down the main highway through town. It was shocking just how much damage the storm caused. Luckily very few were hurt and anyone living in Mulege must know the risks involved with tropical storms of any magnitude.

I turned into town to take some better photos however, the roads were so backed up and there was still a lot of cleanup going on, so I backed up and decided not to be a curious tourist and let the crew do their job.

The homes along the river in the middle of town were the hardest hit. Many were just remnant walls of their former self and people were scattered around picking up the pieces. Every few years Mulege gets hit hard and yet the people rebuild and stay until the next bad one. There must be a magic in Mulege that I do not see? However, many people probably say the same about Loreto.

From the bridge you can see all the flatten palm trees and washed out roads. The famous octagon shaped home that was in the center of town under the bridge appeared as though it had been completely overtaken by the water current and although I could not get close enough to see, most windows had been blown out and there appeared to be little furniture inside.

Onto a lighter note, it was nice to get to Bahia Concepcion and see the beautiful Sea of Cortez again. With the Sierra Mountains as protection from the East, there was no damage or rock slides in this area as I drove south. The contrast of the lush green mangroves and hillside landscape compared to the rocky peninsula and still blue water is always amazing to me. It is like a breath of fresh air every time I drive this road.

For miles and miles there are no residences or commercial buildings. It is pure unadulterated natural beauty. The beaches are white sand and pristine. The road is good and curves the mountains like a rollercoaster ride. Only an hour away from Loreto, it is a great day trip to pack a picnic, swimsuit, and visit an undiscovered place that is new to you.

Along the way there are more cows, goats and horses feeding along the side of the road. When I pull over with my music blasting and roll down the window, they curiously look at me the same way I must be looking at them. I snap my camera and move on, before this guy decides to chase me away from his young herd.

Anyways, that was my third drive down in the past three years, and I would recommend it to anyone. There are about 6 military stops, but they are mostly checking cars for drugs heading north. As long as you are respectful and patient, there is nothing to fear but fear itself.

Stay tuned next week and see what I have been up to this summer when not vacationing. It’s a whole new chapter in Where In the World is Nellie? Soon to be a mini-series I am sure!

Have a great week!
Miss Nellie

2009-07-19T11:33:00.003-06:00

¡hasta luego! See you later!

As I had coffee on my deck in Loreto Bay this morning, I relished in the complete solitude and silence. Even at 7 am it is 84 degrees with 95% humidity with no relief of breeze or shade. There is no person, bird, or animal as far as the eye can see and not even the sound of crickets or bees to break the trance-like state of being. As I look out onto the lush green golf course and waves lapping against the beach in the distance, surrounded by the backdrop of mountains … I realize that this is a desert and it can be a lonely place.

It is a wonderful reprieve for a short vacation or even an extended stay for a month or more, to get away from reality and the worries of everyday life. No matter where you live it is the same juggling of priorities between family, finances, career, and pleasure. For those that chose to make Loreto Bay our home, it has become a revolving door of unfilled expectations.

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

The remaining employees of TSD Loreto Partners are gone and the company ceased operations last week. All Loreto Bay email addresses and phone numbers have been terminated, so no point in calling or writing. Elvis has left the building.

Sometimes I feel like the last person remaining, and it is no prize. There are many good friends and people that contributed to the dream over the years that have moved on and will always fondly remember being part of something great. There are a few who are choosing to stay and start new ventures in the hope of finding what they are looking for. To each it is different. This is definitely a rough patch for everyone. For some it appears subliminal and others feel the Fight or Flight Response. For me, it is more of an awakening.

Having absolutely no idea what to write about this Sunday, I checked out my horoscope. Not something I live my life by, but hey… sometimes clarity comes when we least expect it. Today it read …

You are a lover of the mystery of life, yet sometimes you long for straightforward answers. Unfortunately, there's no easy way out; you must be satisfied exploring for a solution to your questions, rather than finding exactly what you're looking for today. However, keep in mind that this is not about giving up; it's about letting go.

Ironically this is exactly how I was feeling. I am not giving up on my goals of community, prosperity, and quality of life. However, it is time for me to let the Loreto Bay vision go. The dream was not a mistake, or even a failure. It allowed thousands of people the opportunity to step outside the box and commit to an unknown promise, and I truly believe we are all better for it. Loreto Bay Company put this area on the map and helped many Mexicans with jobs and increase their land values and living standards. There are many positive signs for the future here.

The Loreto Bay Homeowners are united under the Condominium Regimes and are meeting their challenges together to create a great place to live. Remember all the issues that are surfacing now were here for quite sometime. The only difference is now homeowners are empowered with the knowledge to make a difference. It is my personal opinion that what has transpired over the last month should have happened a year ago when it was clear RePlay was not the white knight. However, it is difficult to convince people who want to continue to believe that the problems would go away or be solved by those that created them.

Since there is no more Loreto Bay Realty Company; DORADO Properties Loreto is now the only Real Estate Company able to adequately represent the true value of these homes. We are increasing our sales team for the fall when we expect to see increased activity, and it is important that we maintain stable pricing as we still believe there is terrific value in these homes and future development.

Several weeks ago FADESA the Spanish group developing San Bruno 30 kms north of Loreto, had an open meeting in Loreto to announce that it was again starting its plans to move forward. The discussion was mainly around changing their MIA (Urban Plan) and Environmental Impact Assessment to fit better with the limitations of the area. Their plan is still for hundreds of homes, golf course, and a multi million dollar development. It could be two years before they start construction and/or sales, but times passes quickly.

The group that own the old Whales Inn Hotel, which was doing sales under the J.W. Marriott flag, are still around. They are simply putting the project on hold until the economy improves.

The VILLA Group in Ensenada Blanca is continuing with its construction and already starting the second floor of their first building. They have quite a set up with their own cement plant, worker accommodation and are self contained. Their new Santa Fe Hotel downtown next to Domingo’s Steak House is expected to be open this October.

Dorado Properties Loreto represents a new project called Amala which is located at the mouth of Baja Concepcion and consists of 30 one acre parcels on the beach, starting at $400,000 USD. We are marketing this property to those that want space, a truly environmentally sustainable product, and common care services (ie. housekeepers, cooks, shoppers, gardeners, etc) living on the premises to take care of the residents.

Fonatur is busy putting in a new malecon in Zaragoza (between Loreto and the airport) and have many large trucks and heavy equipment in doing what it does best… build roads.

People know that I avoid rumors and misinformation whenever possible; however, the latest one seems to have merit from inside sources. It will be interesting to hear the announcement of the new owner and watch the reactions of both local and foreigners. Change is never easy, but it is necessary and usually takes us to a better place.

People visiting often want to know my opinion or what I know about the latest gossip. I tell them: "Any information more than 5 minutes old has expired". Living in the past or future doesn’t leave much attention for the present. I intend to live in the present and seize the moment.

Considering that I had writer’s block this morning, it appears that I have run on quite a bit. It seems inappropriate for me to comment further on past or future speculations in this public forum. It also feels uncomfortable for me to write about my adventures and trips away when there is so much angst around us. So, I will be taking a break from this blog for the summer to focus on ramping up my Property Management and Real Estate companies for the fall. Will I return to writing Where In the World Is Nellie? Quien Sabe?

Thank you for tuning in and sharing my journey. It has not ended, just taken a detour and respite. Have a great summer!

See you in Loreto!

Miss Nellie

2009-07-12T14:28:00.006-06:00

Only one way to go ... and that is UP!

It was overcast today and looked like rain. There was a bit of thunder and Mother Nature tried hard and it did rain for about 15 minutes, but mostly all we got was 74%humidity. The cloud cover and wind made it a cool 84 degrees, but when the humidity is this high, it always feels at least 10 degrees warmer. Last week my car registered 108 degrees and if it did not spend three years in Scottsdale, I would fear that it would melt.

In this heat, we crave fruit and vegetables and they are even more scarce in the summer months. The lack of refrigeration in the smaller stores means that the fruit ripens instantly and generally goes bad before it is sold. However there is the Juice Shop which has cold coconuts, fresh fruit, and can make any assortment of smoothies and freshing fruit shakes at your request.

The owner/operator is Gabriel and he is from Huatulco. He is open for business 7 days a week from 6 am to 8 pm and a very hard worker. Drop by for a cool one and light snack, and rest in the shade at the tables inside. It is located kitty corner to the Mision Church along the boulevard of shops. You can't miss all the green foilage and large coolers in the front. Tell him BajaBOSS sent you.

Another great escape from the heat is the Clam Shack (Vista Almejas)located on the highway between Loreto Bay and Pt. Escondido. It is rustic, with plastic furniture in the sand, but the naturales almejas (raw clams) are a sweet treat if you are not skimish that they are still moving when you squeeze lime juice on them! Brycen and Jared from Calgary were bold enough to try them ... are you?

Boys will be boys, and being in Loreto we can step outside the box just for a while. Live in the moment and be a little crazy. Never be too old to play!

During difficult times, communities come together. With so few people in residence in Loreto Bay, I find we stop more often to talk to neighbors that we ordinarily don't see or are too busy. Today my neighbor of the last 3 years called and asked to borrow an onion. I laughed and said that was perfect because I needed 1/2 cup of milk for a receipe tonight and didn't want to face my dry sauna car and drive to town.

The Community Pool is becoming a natural gathering place in the late afternoon. People are happy and chatting, and there is always a blender close by. It is the place to find your neighbors and future friends.

Things have settled down a lot in Loreto Bay. All LBC employees were paid their legal severance packages, and there is no longer the desparation of a few weeks ago. Many people have left the area for good; some have taken vacations; and some are investng their money to start new companies. People are working and staying busy, and have adjusted their expectations. All good.

I have had many inquiries regarding my private website for information on Loreto Bay. If you would like to view the same for a two months with no obligation, just send me a email to nellie@bajaboss.com with a note, and I will add you as a user. This is particularly good for AV and custom owners with no finished product and no one on the ground to turn to. Do you really want to trust the same management that put you in this predictment?

Call me at 602 628 2820 or email me at nellie@bajaboss.com

2009-07-05T18:15:00.003-06:00

First Rain of the Season in Loreto Mexico

We had a few drops of rain earlier this week which was quite refreshing but it has made it more humid than usual. I stood on my deck at 8:30 am on Monday morning and enjoyed the light sprinkle while we watched the golf course being watered. I got a few emails from friends that were concerned about the rain … but it really was non existent. However, a big deal for the desert and the local Loretanos who thought it was worth having a rain day!

All the LBC workers have been paid (except the construction workers – but there is a plan for them) so everyone is much more relaxed and happy. Many people are taking this opportunity of starting new businesses, getting new work, and there is a more positive feeling than a couple of weeks ago. Some prefer to take this time as vacation and wait out the perfect storm of LBC.

There are not many visitors this week and it is very quiet on the streets of Loreto Bay. The community pool is a wonderful 90 degrees and there are lots of chaise lounges to relax and mingle.

I hope all my American friends are having a good time this weekend celebrating their 4th of July! I would prefer to be in Napa at the LB Homeowner’s event tonight! Apparently Mr. David Butterfield will be making a guest appearance, and that is always interesting and entertaining.

I was very proud of myself for setting up a private site on blogspot.com for our Property Management clients, then realized 3 days later that some people were having difficulty signing on and there was a limit on the number of members allowed. Oh well. Another lesson learned.

So, I spent most of my Sunday working on a new site to host the Baja BOSS Property Management newsletter and ran into all sorts of computer glitches. I think it is now operational and I am feeling pretty good about how much time it will save for me and our clients in future.

There is not much to report this week as there has not been any news at Loreto Bay, and I have been buried in starting the new business. All work and no play for Nellie this week. I guess I deserve that after the last several weeks’ vacation!

Miss Nellie

2009-07-01T08:10:00.001-06:00

Happy Canada Day from Loreto Mexico!!

Formerly known as Dominion Day, this is Canada’s National day celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867 enactment of the British North American Act of 1867 which united Canada as a single country of four provinces. Wishing all my friends a fun day of picnics, gatherings and fireworks!

It is my third anniversary of living in Loreto full time. Where has the time gone? In some ways I feel ten years younger (I think it is the tequila), but mostly I feel I have aged about twenty years. When I moved into my home in July 2006, there were only 3 of us full time residents. Now, although there are 400 homes finished, I think we will see 6 home owners living in residence full time this summer. There are many homes with tenants and visitors, but it is still very quiet. Those of us that live here do not really mind and actually enjoy it for a few months until the snowbirds starting coming back in October.

Today we start Baja BOSS Property Management Services and it is very exciting! We now have 50 clients to get started and our entire team in place to provide the best responsive services available. I was aiming for a very high number of 140 by the end of the year, and I think with hard work and dedication we can achieve close to that. The good thing is that we are versatile and flexible to make plans quickly and are still operating in the black!

Our new office is located at FN411 on the Construction Road Entrance and our office hours will be from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday; and 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. Drop by and say hello if you are visiting and meet Daniel and the team.

I am setting up a private blog site for our clients with the latest news and information about Loreto. As things happen, our clients will receive notifications when there is something new to report and can go to the site to log on. As a homeowner, I know how frustrating it can be to be inundated with too many emails and sources of opinions. People have really liked this idea and it gives a more specialized level of communication on matters that people need to know specific to their Loreto Bay investment and homes.

I will continue writing Where In the World Is Nellie, but it will be a personal blog as it was intended. This is a creative outlet for me and a bit of fancy for my readers. I welcome guest bloggers, and if you have a great Loreto experience that you would like to share, please contact me and we can post a paragraph or a full story of your positive experiences. I am still working at building community. That much has not changed at Loreto Bay.

Have a great day,

Miss Nellie

2009-06-28T21:36:00.004-06:00

Welcome Home … It’s good to be back in Baja!

I remember in my Grade 12 graduation scrapbook, I wrote “you can do without people, but you can’t do without friends.” I had no idea what that meant at the time, but it is becoming clearer day by day as I approach middle age (okay … the number is relative!) and life in Loreto Bay. For those of you that understand … you will smile; for those that don’t … you are not old enough!

It was a whirlwind vacation that I can’t wait to share with you during the quiet of summer, but it is good to be back in Baja. I flew last minute from New York to San Jose Del Cabo for $213 USD including tax. Amazing, why I don’t get out more often!! Lots of construction happening in Cabo, but for me it was a pit stop to go to La Paz to meet the Notario #13 Nancy Hevia for signing Loreto Bay closing documents.

Nancy is a very good friend of mine, and it was great to catch up. Notarios in Mexico are similar to Judges in the USA. They remain neutral parties at all times and their role is to protocolize transactions and guarantee their security. There are only 19 Notarios in all of the State of Baja California Sur, and every corporate, real estate, and commercial transaction must go through them to be valid.

I met up with Elizabeth Maldondo of Loreto Bay Company, whom I have worked with for several years. She is one of the most organized people that I know and now is thinking of starting a settlement company, which I fully support. Elizabeth is Mexican but grew up in the USA and has the best of both worlds.

I took the public bus from La Paz to Loreto because there is no other mode of transportation available. It was a mere 410 pesos, but took 6.5 hours. It wasn’t bad once we got out of La Paz, which took 2 hours to make 4 stops during rush hour. The bus was clean and they showed movies in Spanish. It is what it is, and the first time is a little anxious. Everyone was very courteous and friendly and it was hassle free.

It is so quiet in Loreto Bay at the moment, a real ghost town. There are people in residence, but they are hiding inside from the heat. It is easy to be complacent and pretend that the situation is not as bad as it is, but that only prolongs the pain. I commend the people that have worked tirelessly on behalf of the Condominium Regimes over the last couple of weeks. They have stepped up and made decisions on behalf of us all that will only benefit our investment and dream. I appreciate all the passion, commitment and unity that our neighbors have shown. Thank you.

Baja BOSS Property Management has now secured our office at FN411 in Loreto Bay. This is the first house on the left hand side next to the golf course as you enter from the construction entrance near the INN at Loreto Bay. We were moving today and very excited to be operational July 1st… a milestone day for me personally as it is my 3 year anniversary on this incredible journey.

Our hours will be 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday; and 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. For emergencies or off hours, our clients will have our cell phone numbers and we will be available 24x7. Drop by at FN411 and say hello to Daniel and myself … we look forward to seeing you again.

For those custom lot owners and AV owners, we are offering a special program for 600 pesos (approximately $45 USD) per month. This would give you all bill payments (bank trusts, property taxes, electric, etc) and having us available for concierge services and advice. We only check your home once a month; however you can add on cleaning, general maintenance, and hurricane services upon request. Depending upon the status of your home this may be sufficient. This gives you the comfort on knowing there is someone on the ground looking after your interests, without the full service package of weekly inspections, landscaping, pest control, etc.

I am now back in Loreto and back to work … feel free to call me at 602 628 2920 to discuss your property management or real estate questions or concerns. I look forward to hearing from you.

Have a great week!

Miss Nellie

2009-06-24T09:09:00.004-06:00

Baja Boss versus Bahia Management … Competition is Good

Reporting to you live from New York City ... I was very pleased to see Bahia Management’s email yesterday quoting reasons why you should be using them. Competition is good and at the very least I am forcing the old Loreto Bay group to re-evaluate their costs by quoting in pesos and offering more personal services.

Rodolfo and his team, Jenny, Dahir, Arturo and Ramon, are all hard workers, and if you had responsive service at a good value, then they have nothing to worry about. There is enough business for everyone, including the several Independents now doing Property Management.

Many of you know me personally, and have watched me stand up for the homeowners throughout the years. My tenacity and integrity for doing what is right outweigh my ambitions. I could have quietly started a property management company taking on 50 homes and gone under the radar just like the Independents. Our prices and services are competitive, and really no different than what others are promising.

However, when I realized that Bahia Management could very well be the same type of monopoly organization than LBC was famous for, I simply had to force the issue and give homeowners a choice. Was I wrong? Is this a thankless task? I don’t think so.

There are two main differences between us and Bahia Management. Firstly, Baja Boss does not handle income for short term rental program, as we do not believe it will be economically feasible in the next 12 months. We can make reservations, clean and prepare the unit with hotel type toiletries, and offer concierge service to you and your guests, at no additional service fee other than the normal cleaning and supply costs. Bahia Management will handle receipt of funds, deduct their service fee and tax withholdings, and submit the net proceeds to you.

Secondly, we do not assume your voting rights at the SubRegime Annual General Meeting where budgets and committees, along with rules affecting the entire development are passed. We will attend these meetings at no additional cost to represent your vote; however, it will be with your instructions. Bahia Management’s contract appoints them to attend all meetings and exercise their vote “to preserve the reputation and value of the Property and of the Condominium Regime” which could be a conflict position depending upon the shareholders of the Bahia Management and Balandra Management (Condo Services).

Baja Boss Property Management does pay all your bills, including insurance, Bank Trusts, Property taxes, and we offer full services. We came out with a comprehensive Service Price List based on a sound business plan and real operating budgets. I have the advantage of having 3 years on the ground business experience in Loreto, with my own resources and capital. I have had to pay rent, telephones, maintenance men, advertising, salaries and benefits, without any support or backing from Loreto Bay Company.

It will be interesting to see how it plays out, but I am committed to this endeavor and Loreto. We now have enough homes to commence as of July 1st, and look forward to getting started. This is another decision and/or hurdle for the homeowners to get through, but at least this is not written in LBC stone. If you choose a service provider and are not happy, you can always change in a few months. Baja Boss only requires one full calendar’s months notice should you wish to terminate your services agreement. Competition is good for all.

I am having SO much fun, but alas will be leaving the BIG APPLE to fly to Cabo San Lucas tomorrow so that I can be in La Paz to sign documents Friday before there are no more authorized signatories available for TSD Loreto (Loreto Bay Company). When something needs to be done, or people are counting on me, I do whatever is necessary, including cutting my vacation short.

I will be back in Loreto this weekend … in case you are wondering Where In the World Is Nellie!

2009-06-21T08:44:00.003-06:00

Happy Father’s Day to Dads Everywhere!

Best Wishes and a great day to all men who have shown kindness, offered support, and made a small but significant difference to children’s lives along the path of growing up and life.

I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection. ~~By Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)~~

This week I vacationed in Seattle, New York and now Halifax (Canada), but that is another story for a less anxious time. Being removed and away from the day to day naval-gazing (useless or excessive self-contemplation) of Loreto Bay is definitely a recommended mental health break. The few of us that live there most of the time (about 20 great people) all become beacons for those that dream one day of doing the same.

I remember before I had my house finished, we talked of cool drinks and parties, community and neighbors. We did that for a while and had many good days. It was nice to make new friends and learn about their interests, travels, and family. Now the conversation almost always turns to Loreto Bay, the good, the bad and the ugly. I look forward to those happy days again when these uncertain times are behind us, and we can laugh at ourselves and celebrate a hassle free existence in this sleepy little paradise.

Before, I get onto business and my latest views on what is transpiring I want to take this opportunity to wish all men a Happy Father’s Day and hope you all are enjoying and celebrating the special person called DAD!

What a week! Emotions were high and sensibility took a back seat to the confusion coming to a climax this week in Loreto. Homeowners, investors, and interested parties watched while the story unfolds like broken fragments before our eyes. Other than the one day barricade set up by the construction workers in and out of Loreto Bay, things seemed very quiet and peaceful on the surface.

Most of the homeowners have now received my FAQ on Baja BOSS Property Management Services. We are setting up to be a full service agency to provide premier services to those homeowners that consider this to be their second home and want the home in prime condition along with personal concierge staff services.

Daniel and I, along with Roberto (Concierge) and a small staff of maintenance men and housekeepers, will be located on the paseo in Loreto Bay. We will be very hands on while we learn efficiencies of scale and what services the customer truly wants. This process we will learn together and we have the flexibility and versatility to make things happen quickly. After this initial tropical storm and transition of security period is over, we will review the option of less frequent inspections and/or other services requested.

With Bob Toubman’s (Condo Association Administrator) recent announcement yesterday that:

The Master Condominium Regime Committee and each of the Subcondominium Committees have unanimously approved the transfer of authority as Administrator to a new Condominium Regime Management Company named Balandra Management. This company is led by me and will be staffed by the existing Condo Management team in place at the current time. This company will replace the Loreto Bay entity Loreto Condominium Services. Bank accounts for the new company are expected to be open early next week.

Baja Boss Property Management will include as part of their service at no additional cost, the payment of monthly Home Owner Association Fees and the Security fee. It is my opinion that the Condo Association Management Company should be an arms length third party representing the homeowners’ interests before their shareholders or employees. By paying only authorized assessments and attending at the meetings with the homeowner’s vote, we can ensure that all information regarding upcoming changes are relayed as soon as they happen and things do not slip past while most homeowners are too busy to pay attention to all their emails. This is what we do … look after all your interests, not just your home.

The property management services themselves are fairly straight forward. In reviewing our Services Price List, you will find our ancillary costs for landscaping, pest control, air conditioning maintenance, and housekeeping to be much lower than previous charges set by Loreto Bay. With my three years of living in a Loreto Bay home full time, and Daniel’s hotel management of the Whales Inn and being Mexican, we understand what truly needs to be done and the most expedient way to accomplish it.

Competition is good and no matter which you property manager you choose at this time, it is good to know that there are other options and competitive services available.

I will be back in Loreto sometime next week and full time over the summer. See you soon!

Miss Nellie

2009-06-19T09:45:00.003-06:00

BAJA BOSS Launches Property Management Program

We are pleased to launch our Property Management Program and thank everyone for their support. We believe we can start with 70 clients and that over time, our reputation and services will allow us to continue to grow and be an intrical part of this community. Daniel Leal will be the Operations Manager and oversee all responsibilities on a day to day basis.

We are very happy to welcome Roberto Gonzalez, who continues from his role at the INN at Loreto Bay as our Lead Concierge offering excellent customer relationships with our many friends. Many of you know Verónica Salgado from the INN front desk,who will be our Office Administrator and looking after client invoices and bill payments.

Our housekeepers will be full time and in house. They have proven experience in meeting North American standards, and completely trust worthy.

Our property Inspectors are experienced maintenance men who can recognize small problems before they become large headaches. They are resourceful and take great pride in their work. When they see a light bulb burnt out, or a drain clogging, they can fix it immediately without the need of calling another team to quote, and then gain access on numerous occasions to repair. We keep it simple. The Inspector who sees the problem, can repair the problem, or they know enough who the correct tradesman is to fix it.

Desarrollo Chula Vista Landscaping Company will be taking care of gardens, irrigation systems, fountains, and pest control. Many of you know Juan Sais, formerly of Viverio Los Cabos. Juan was part of the initial team that finished all the common areas. Juan is taking this opportunity of starting his own company and providing competitive value to continue working with the many homeowners.

We have emailed out our Property Management FAQ and Services Price List. If you have not received it today, email nellie@bajaboss.com and we will send to you right away. Some sample questions are:

What Services does BajaBOSS offer?

We are a full service Property Management Company for all your residential needs Loreto Bay. Our itemized Services Menu includes landscaping, pest control, air condition maintenance, hurricane preparation and post cleaning, housekeeping, groceries, and concierge service for you and your guests. In addition, we have programs for Aqua Viva and custom lot owners with homes still under construction.

What is a Sample Cost of per month?

For a furnished Casa Chica, the average total property management and maintenance fees would be approximately $3000 pesos (@ 13.3 = $225 USD)
Property Management fee - 1300 pesos; Landscaping - 450 pesos; Cleaning - 500 pesos; Cost of Electric and Water bills for vacant home - 750 pesos

Does BajaBOSS Rent Properties?

We currently do not have a Short Term Rental Program, as we do not believe there will be a demand for this service for quite some time.

However, we can assist with scheduling your guest visits should you wish to rent on your own; and we will handle long term leases (more than 6 months). Should you wish to rent your property through a Rental Manager, we can still handle your property management requirements.

Our objective is to operate our services similar to a hotel service. We will schedule the home stays of owners and their guests and ensure that the home is fresh and the visit is hassle free. Whether you are coming for a few days or for a long term stay, we will take care of you and your home.

I look forward to hearing from you. This is a hectic time for me to be on vacation and now I am in Halifax, Nova Scotia on the Atlantic Coast, but I will be back in Loreto full time before the end of June. Where in the world is nellie, eh?

2009-06-17T08:58:00.001-06:00

Loreto Bay Updates … Project Manager for AV Construction now decided

There are so many meetings and negotiations going on right now, the anxiety on the surface pales by comparison to the frenzy going on behind the scenes. Life as part of the core of Loreto Bay means that we cruise along like a duck on the water… another calm sunny day. Meanwhile, underneath the surface our little legs are going a mile a minute and our heart is racing faster than the mind can keep up.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy … don’t you hate it when people say that during times when things seem so unstable? However, the old adage has some merit. It has been confirmed that Fonatur will not allow the golf course to deteriorate at any cost. Pressure has been put on Citi to make sure this does not happen. Our crown jewel will be preserved.

Secondly, there has now been a corporate decision that BECK Construction will oversee the completion of construction for Aqua Viva. BECK has been on the ground for quite some time now and is one of the world’s largest builders. They have the experience building the Loreto Bay Homes and the infrastructure already in place to mobilize by Friday.

This late breaking news has just happened and Beck will come out with communications to the homeowners very soon on how things will be handled. I have received many inquiries regarding TCC’s update and since I am not Loreto, I do not have all the information that they do. However, I can say that the information they provide about the contractors leaving is accurate and should not be dismissed. Let’s wait and see what BECK says… after all it is only Wednesday and things happen at lightening speed when they need to.

Thirdly, I have drafted Baja BOSS’s Property Management FAQ and Services List and will be posting the same tomorrow as promised, so people can make decisions this weekend about the management of their homes. If nothing else, we are responsive!!

Until tomorrow… as the stomach turns…

Miss Nellie

2009-06-15T05:06:00.001-06:00

ALASKA AIRLINES 48 hour SALE to Loreto, Mexico

Finally, some good news for Loreto Bay homeowners and visitors!

Alaska Airlines has announced 25% off its published fares for travel between June 16, 2009 and October 31, 2009. Some sample fares (before taxes) that I found were:

$452.00 Calgary to Loreto Return in October;

$331.20 San Francisco to Loreto Return in August;

$271.20 Lax to Loreto Return in September;

Use Discount Code:
ECBEACH09
for travel to and from Mexico Beach Destinations
Hurry! Offer expires this Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at 11:59 p.m. (PT)

Book now! Come and see for yourself what is going on and remember how wonderful this place can really be.

By the way, I am in Seattle today and heading towards New York. I will not be back to Loreto until July 1st, 2009, for those that want to see me.

Have a great week!

Miss Nellie

2009-06-14T08:28:00.001-06:00

Random Recollections and Reflections in My Spare Time

Which headline best depicts this image?
1) Swine in the INN at Loreto Bay Pool
2) Entrepreneurs - Time to Sink or Swim
3) Citi Babes deserting sinking ship

I would like to thank all the people who wrote to me in the last couple of days (has it only been 2?) with their support of my new property management company. There has been enough interest generated that we can now move to the next steps of finalizing our services and price list, which will be emailed out and posted here on Thursday, June 18.

It is a little risky to be the first out with actual prices as we open ourselves up to undercutting by the competition. However, competition is good because it keeps prices honest and there is a need to provide better value and services to keep client loyalty.

Baja BOSS Property Management Services will be a full service company and our objective is not only to exceed your expectations, but offer the experience of truly having your own Concierge to ensure that you and your home are well taken care of. Both Daniel and I understand what the client wants instinctively because we have been interacting with them here for the past five years in Loreto. BOSS is the acronym for Business One Stop Solutions and describes not only what we do, but who we are.

Our basic program will offer weekly home inspections, bill payment, and mail delivery. There will be a standard menu of options available including landscape (gardens, fountains and irrigation system), pest control, pool cleaning, A/C maintenance, regular housekeeping and thorough move in/out services, grocery service, etc.

What separates us from the competition is our Concierge Service that manages your stay in Loreto similar to staying in a hotel. Would you like chilled glasses, candles by the bathtub, or a party catered, just call in advance and we will be happy to make your arrangements. Our teams experience in hospitality makes this a natural fit for our program.

We also offer hourly consulting services related to your home and your enjoyment of it. Whether you wish to receive and place your furniture, to import a boat, oversee contractors and make progress payments, need assistance with legal or tax advice regarding your home, we can assist in hiring the right people at the right price and ensure the work is done to your specifications. This is a very small part of our business, but vital for those that need it. We have the contacts and the experience to get things done.

Baja BOSS will be an alternate choice for those clients that want to truly enjoy their home without having to work it. Many Independent Property Managers offer this personal service, but their client lists are getting full. This leaves plenty of room for the newest players in Loreto, us and Bahia Management.

One of the first people that I told about starting my own property management business was Rodolfo Guerrero, who has been my friend since he started with his first house Casa Warner back in 2005. I was already a seasoned manager with Loreto Bay Company by that time and we shared the nightmare experience together, along with the good nature and kindness of Mike and Dottie Warner. Through the years, we have shared many experiences, stories, and empathy for each other’s roles in a truly dysfunctional company. He has developed a very loyal and friendly team, and I fully support his efforts as he transitions from employee to entrepreneur. We will continue to build on our friendship and share similar stories along the way.

It is difficult to believe that I began this journey almost exactly three years ago with my first blog post July 1st, 2006. Since then I have developed a regular readership of 500 visits a week; and this week received a whopping 1408 visits. This is a labor of love of a place that I want others to enjoy as well. Occasionally I leave a small window open into the harsh realities of pioneering the Wild Wild West, but for the most part I try to remain positive and optimistic. The alternative is pretty damn depressing.

People are amazed I was able to open five different businesses (sushi bar, hotel, fishing charters, professional services, real estate) in one year, and employ 14 Loretanos. I did not read the Memo that said I was supposed to fail and quit. Although many did and tried to keep me down. I saw the economic downturn coming in late 2007 and voluntarily commenced shutting down some of these businesses even though they were just starting to break even. By the end of 2008, I had the fishing charters boat and my real estate company, with no more employees. Some of my staff continued to work for me on a contractual basis as needed and they are still with me today in this capacity.

I am often asked if it was difficult to close the businesses. This question always makes me quizzical … as the answer seems so obvious. It is like a relationship breakup. It may be better to have loved and lost, than not to have loved at all … but it still hurts a lot.

Of course it was hard, particularly letting go of my employees who had become friends. We had learned to rely on each other and help each other. Luckily at that time there were other jobs available for them. My heart goes out to all the employees of Loreto Bay that have been dismissed this week in such a devastating manner. Throughout the years with this project, I have seen many trying times, depression, anxiety, and panic. However, I have never seen such quiet desperation in so many at one time. Yet, they keep smiling and say hello and ask how you are, and really stop to listen.

I have already sought out a few familiar faces that you will all recognize to join our team. Regardless of which Property Management Company you decide to go with, you are supporting the local economy and people that have been providing you with valuable service for the past several years. This includes me, who has spent endless hours of my free time sharing Loreto through the blog, answering emails and phone calls in times of crisis, and sometimes just a drink to “get the scoop”. I tirelessly worked around the clock for 4 weeks solid to educate, inform and get people involved in the Condo Regime Annual General Meetings. On hindsight, thank god I did. I have helped homeowners on how best to get a solution or at least an answer from the amorphous Loreto Bay Company for the past three years without expectation of remuneration. It is not my intention to blow my own horn, simply a reminder that I need to earn money too.

One day I may write LBC – The Untold Story, but I am quickly losing interest in remembering all the battles that I fought to do what was right and for the good of many. There are scars that are better left unexposed. Ironically, I offered to pay property taxes in January 2007 and Mike Ravenhill immediately sent out an intimidating letter to homeowners that I was conducting property management services, and thereby quashing my simple effort to make a living. But here I am, still standing, and now truly opening a property management company.

Many of you know my battles about the right to have an Open House sign to represent homeowners trying to sell their investment. This was in direct retaliation to my company offering 6% commissions, when LBC was charging a non-negotiable 10% and had the first right to the listing. Through public support of the homeowners, together we have set the standard at a tolerable 6% and refuse to ever go back to the ridiculous demands of management that contributed to the downfall of a great project.

I remain 100% positive about this place; otherwise I would not be here. However, 3 years working at Loreto Bay and 3 years living la vida loca, I hopefully now the experience, wisdom and courage to make the next 3 years successful for many.

There has been a shift in my focus and perspectives, in part due to the realization that the dream was just that. In my beginning blog postings I described my first 15 minutes in Loreto when I had this intense sense of destiny that I needed to be here. I still do not know why I am here, or if it is a stepping stone to lead me to a better place. However, the reality is that I still have the Vision of Community and along with the thousands of others, both foreign and local, and a little time, luck and perseverance, we can make it our reality.

Miss Nellie

2009-06-11T22:46:00.003-06:00

Loreto Bay Property Management Ceases to Exist

Loreto Bay informed all its homeowners this evening that effective tomorrow, June 12, 2009; all Property Management services will no longer be provided.

Through the dream came the Vision of Community, and even though this is a very sad week for all of us, we need to keep the faith and believe that we will get through this together. I am at a loss of words for all the good friends that I will miss.

However, dealing with the immediate issue at hand, I feel that I need to make the best of the situation and create a positive solution.

There are only two ways to do business here. One is to be a sole proprietor and keep the business small; or to have a volume of business to warrant all the legal, tax, and labor commitments that a full business has. I am the exploring the option of the latter. Baja Boss is a legal entity and ready to start our Property Management Services commencing July 1st, 2009.

I have chosen Daniel Leal to be my Property Management business partner and Operations Manager. I have known Daniel for the last 5 years and he comes highly recommended by the Investment Group that brought the Whales Inn Hotel; as well as other developers in Loreto that have had business dealings with him. Daniel was the Operations Manager at the Whales INN (249 rooms) since December 2004 where he was responsible for all its areas, including Food & Beverage, Rooms, Sales & Bookings, Maintenance, and Security. After the Whales INN closed its doors in 2006, he continued on with the new investors in the same location to assist in operations, maintenance, security, and all local administration to launch the new project. As that project is now on hold for the time being, Daniel has now become available to explore Property Management opportunities with me. Timing is everything and all signs seem to be telling me this is the right thing to do.

We will be establishing our team from local Loretanos who we have known and trusted for many years. Daniel has extensive experience dealing with employees, business administration, tax and labor law in Mexico. There are many good people in Loreto that are willing to work hard for fair wages. We are happy to be able to offer the following services for $1300 pesos ($100 USD) per month which includes the following services:
• Maintenance Crew to check your home security, lights, flush toilets, run water, appliances, and general wear and tear EVERY week. We feel that it is important to check the homes at least once a week with the potential of weather or security problems at the current time. There will be a report on file for each inspection.
• Accounting Clerk to receive payments and pay electric and water bills regularly, and property taxes and bank trust fees annually.
• English speaking Receptionist/Concierge that is available to answer your telephone, email or personal inquiries.
Minor items such as changing light bulbs, removing mineral deposit build up from the toilet will be automatically done, and a nominal fee will be applied. If there is a concern, we will email you with photos and a quote for work for your approval. If you wish to have this work done, we will charge a 10% service fee to ensure that the work is completed satisfactorily.

We will have a small cleaning staff and a set price list for regular cleaning, pre and post move-in, and other services. In addition, there are many other good people that we can hire short term should the necessity arise, for example during a tropical storm. Both Daniel and I have been in Loreto for the past several years and have good knowledge of what needs to be done both before and after the rains come.

We are obtaining best quotes for air conditioning and landscape maintenance, as well as other services, which we will be pleased to pass along.

There are approximately 300 homes in LBC Property Management, so there is plenty of business for everyone. There are many good independents doing this business and they will continue to thrive. In order for me to actually take this step and commit the resources to make this happen, we will need 140 homes signed up for this program in order that we can have the staff required to provide the best value.

Please email me today at Nellie@bajaboss.com if you would like further information.

If you want me to accept the hard keys to your home from Loreto Bay Property Management before they close their doors at the end of the day, I will do this also, and hold them in safe keeping until you decide where you want them to go.

Another sleepless night in Loreto …

Miss Nellie

2009-06-07T16:13:00.004-06:00

Loreto Bay Company – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

By now anyone with an investment in Loreto Bay has received the following email sent last night

TSD Loreto Partners, S. en C. por A. de C.V. (the “Company”) regrets to inform its clients and stakeholders that, due to the challenging situation in the international real estate and financial markets, all operating and construction activities for Loreto Bay (the “Project”) will be suspended.

This is a prudent financial decision that is of little surprise to those involved in the project for the past year. However, in its normal inept communication style, Loreto Bay Company had total disregard of how this announcement was handled and how this decision immediately affects peoples’ investments, lives, and their families. I have been a strong advocate of this company from the beginning, even when I disagreed with management and their decisions. There is no justification that a hotel employee finds out he is out of a job today from a guest in the hotel or by an email from a homeowner who is 5000 miles away.

Many of these employees have come and made Loreto their home, and share in our vision of community. They have many friends in this development and downtown. How can they start making plans today, when they won’t know if they will be out of a job until tomorrow? How will we find them again even if it is just to say goodbye?

Perhaps this is big business and a corporate decision made by conference call. However, I made Loreto my home because I thought I could make difference. Yet, the more things change, the more they remain the same. It is discouraging and disappointing to believe that very smart people have such little compassion or lack of common courtesy to simply take an extra few hours to communicate effectively with the people that have been loyal for so many years.

This is my rant and it will probably come back to bite me, but at least I am not condoning the way this was handled by my silence. My friends know I care, and that is all that is important at the end of the day.

Anyways, my advice to homeowners is to not panic. Things will become much clearer in the following days. Just like the phoenix that must burn to ashes before it can rise to live again, I believe this may be what Loreto Bay Company needed to do in order to truly have a fresh start. There are silver linings in every cloud, and here is the positive …

Through the very hard work of many people, most Home Owner Association SubRegimes have now been formed and have an organized structure to move forward with their common concerns. More importantly, there should be adequate funds to keep the common areas, community pool, administration, security and other services going through our initiatives. The Administrator, Bob Toubman will be addressing concerns about Aqua Viva, Golf Course, and other questions as he gets the answers.

Property Management is still in effect and proper notice will be given to clients of any changes. Rodolfo Guerrrero is working very hard on behalf of his clients and friends to ensure that if there needs to be a transition, it will be seamless. Please do not make any rash decisions as it is not necessary. Information will be forthcoming.

Loreto Bay Company is reviewing options for those Village homes under construction. Very little has happened in the past few months, so waiting a few more weeks for the dust to settle will not make any difference. Your home is not going anywhere. For those custom lot owners that do not have a contact person on the ground, feel free to call or email me for some direction.

There is a Mexican quote that a friend told me applies to this current chaos:

En rio revuelto ganancia de Pescadores...

Literally translated it means: “to stir up the river, is a fisherman’s gain”
Basically, at this moment there are many people that will want to take advantage of the situation.

Hopefully, this is a new buyer for the development. This does not have to be our neighbors and friends. Take your time, gather your information, and make informed choices. Loreto is economically hurting due to the swine flu and drug cartel news which problems are non existent in Baja Sur. This also means that there are many local people looking for work and it is a good time to get better service at more reasonable prices. Mexicans are very entrepreneurial and resourceful people because there are no safety nets. I think we will see some good competitive business over the next several months which will be to the benefit of all.

The INN at Loreto Bay is closing today, and their registered guests are being met at the airport and taken to other beach front hotels in Loreto. After the initial shock that the staff had about the closing, most were in good spirits and the guests checking out today never knew the employees were turning off the lights behind them. Asi es la vida

The community pool is beautiful and most of the common areas are finished, and we still have the beach, mountains, and a community which includes Loreto itself. Not all is lost. Loreto is like the phoenix and has survived many broken dreams, but there are always new ones around the corner. This has always been and will continue to be a great place.

Although I will not be officially opening my new office until after Labor Day, Dorado Properties Loreto is still conducting Open Houses in Loreto Bay. With the diminished tourist activity this year, our team will be working remotely for much of the summer.

I will be communicating more information with my clients directly, but if you have any business interests, please feel free to email me at Nellie@doradoloreto.com or call me at 602 628 2920.

Stay tuned this week ... as the stomach turns ...

Miss Nellie

2009-05-31T09:37:00.004-06:00

Simple Pleasures in Loreto, Mexico

Life doesn’t get much better than a quiet day in Loreto, where you can expect the unexpected. It’s been another bright and sunny week to enjoy the golf course and natural beauty that surrounds us. Taking time from work to hang out with friends is my favorite activity. No doubt this will be a reoccurring theme of my blog this summer.

I went fishing with Randolpho and his son Patrick with Capt. Chino. It was such an amazing day and Randolpho was really lucky … it’s all about luck and of course, Chino’s skill as a master captain. We saw hundreds of baby dolphins playing without a care; a pod of a 10 pilot whales, manta ray, flying fish, seals, sailfish jumping and most importantly, the big dorado. It is always amazing to watch as Chino sees a sailfish or dorado miles off in the distance, turns the boat in full circle, baits the hook and casts the line right to the fish. Then watch as they bite within seconds!

Norma has a new Spa located on the main road just before leaving town towards the highway. This was my first time and definitely will become a regular ritual to even further relax me. What a life I have!! Here the receptionist and me are below the large Loreto Spa sign, so you know what to look for. She is English speaking and it’s easy to make an appointment by calling 613 135 0455.

The BEST way to end a busy week such as I have, is to go with a friend to Norma’s Salon and have a pedicure. We brought chilled wine, sat in massage chairs, caught up on the week’s Loreto news, while we were pampered for an hour. Lulu was terrific and the massage chairs were an added bonus.

We had a tour of the Spa afterwards and were very impressed with what Loreto now offers. They offer the usual treatments of manicure, facials, massages, nice bathrooms with showers for men and women (separate of course). The equipment is new and they even have an Exfoliating Body Scrub and Vichy Shower Treatment Room. If you have never had this, it is a wonderful way to get rid of all dust and dirt that seems to permeate our skin living in Loreto, while offering a completely tranquilizing experience.

Soon to be open is a whirl pool room which can be reserved for private groups to relax after their treatments, or for couples to enjoy some romantic time alone. I think this is the birthday party place for grown ups with discriminating tastes. Celebrating a special event in Loreto? Call Norma’s and be ready to be pampered. Call me if you need friends!

Contrary to popular belief, I do work full time in managing a real estate company in Loreto. On Saturday morning, I took Ariel Klein and Drew McNabb on a realtor tour to view some spectacular beachfront property south of Loreto. Although Ariel and Drew specialize in Loreto Bay, it is always good to see the comparables and realize that $600,000 can buy you 4 acres with 400 ft of sandy beach next to the Villa Group Ensenada Blanca project. Feel free to contact arielk@loretobay.com or drew@doradoloreto.com for more information.

All work and no play make us very dull. Loreto is all about relationships and we often take the time to mix business with pleasure. We drove off the beaten track and ended up at Pt. Escondido and Puerto Bello Restaurant. We shared a Chef’s Salad and large pizza with pepperoni, sausage and olives. It was ample and delicious. The service was quick, but we slowed things down with a few cervezas. Prices were reasonable, and view outstanding. Highly recommended!

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay watching the crews clean the nearby yachts, we all of sudden heard Carlos Santana’s music full blast. The rhythm brings back good memories and a smile to my face. Pedro feels it too and comes over to dance with me. So spontaneously and naturally, we are doing the salsa in the middle of the day for no reason other than we can. That is Living La Vida Loca!

Have a great week!

Miss Nellie

2009-05-24T19:45:00.004-06:00

Back in Beautiful Sunny Loreto

It was nice to be away, and even better to be back. Temperatures are in the mid to high 80’s, with 50% humidity which is great for the skin. The plane was half full, but I did not recognize too many people and there were few fishermen with coolers or reels.

What was immediately noticeable is how quiet the streets are downtown and in Loreto Bay. Walking several times from my home located near the 9th green to the INN this weekend, I did not come across another person. There are a few people in the Snack Shack for dinner, but mostly the place is deserted.

We blame much of this on the swine flu media craze, and there are still no concerns about this in Baja California Sur. People are still continuing to cancel their travel plans here and we are expecting a very quiet summer for tourism.

Coming from the lush greenery of Victoria to Loreto is a sharp contrast of tranquil beauty. The photos this week are taken at the INN at Loreto Bay today. There are a few homeowners in residence and the topic is usually how perfect this place is. The weather is wonderful, and it is safe, peaceful, and stunningly beautiful.

We sat under a palapa on the beach quietly visiting, reading, and just watching life as it should be. I am always amazed how much cooler it is by the water. Since I live and work here full time, I don’t always take time to smell the roses either. It really doesn’t get better than this!

Being away from Loreto, it is easy to put it to the back of our minds and forget about visiting. But remember why you bought here and come back soon to “live in the now”. Walk along the beach and watch the birds flying from dawn to dusk. Do some golfing on the 18 hole course and take in the beauty of the mountains course itself.

I know that as summer approaches, there are other family vacation destinations and the weather is good back home, but we all look forward to seeing you back in Loreto soon.

Have a great week!

Miss Nellie

2009-05-17T10:50:00.008-06:00

Stop and Smell the Roses in Victoria, BC

This has been a very relaxing week visiting friends and family. Temperatures range between mid 50’s to low 60’s degrees F. This is perfect weather for a nice brisk walk and stopping for coffee and pastries, which seem to tempt us at every corner.

I am in awe of the lush foliage every where and am happy to be sharing photos of ordinary roads and sights that one sees on a typical day if they are just aware. It is aptly named the “City of Gardens” because if you do not take pride in your landscaping and yard work, then you should own a condo!

Victoria is famous for its Butchart Gardens, Empress Hotel, and Parliament Buildings lit up nightly all year round. Another one of my favorite sites is the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and snow capped Olympic Mts. Victoria was ranked #16 of 100 Top World Destinations in the 2008 TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards.

I have wandered aimlessly through the busy shopping malls, browsing and enjoying the simple luxuries of having a varied selection of endless colors, sizes, and sale prices. I found myself being tempted on numerous occasions, but then I realized where I live … and what would I do with most of these beautiful shoes and clothes in Loreto? not much?

I also have enjoyed many of the wonderful restaurants and different cultural foods available. This is halibut and salmon season, mussels and oysters are also popular. Fresh baked bread never tasted so good! There are so many great patisseries where the goods look as beautiful as they are delicious. This is truly a wonderful place to visit. Just make sure you bring your warm clothing and umbrella. It rains often but not for long. This is a wonderful excuse to make a fire and try some good cottage wines of the area.

One of my favorite foods is fresh Atlantic lobster, and the Victoria stores carry live lobsters and crabs for the most discriminating tastes. I was invited as a surprise guest to a Lobster Party and it was fun to see the shocked faces of friends seeing me out of the Loreto context. Of course, as a ritual I had to play with my food … at least this time I waited until they were already cooked!

In addition to the gardens, beaches, snow capped mountains, and forests of trees, you will see very special Totem Poles. These are an art form unique to the Northwest Coast of British Columbia and Washington State. The commission for a modern pole ranges in the tens of thousands of dollars; the time spent carving after initial designs are completed usually lasts about a year, so the commission essentially functions as the artist's primary means of income during the period. This beautiful and unique carving is located at my friend’s home in Oak Bay, which was once known as “living behind the tweed curtain”.

This is also a popular Cruise Ship Port of Call. In the last four days, there have been TEN cruise ships visit our fair city, bringing 23,000 visitors. This represents tremendous tourist dollars for those foreigners on their way to Alaska and wanting to take home a “little bit of Britain” or at least something Canadian, eh?

Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Holland America, Princess Cruise Lines, and Norwegian Cruise Lines, all have ships docking this week, each carrying between 1440 and 3114 passengers. Although I have lived in Victoria most of my life, there are sights that continually amaze me, like these giant floating cities docked in our normally quiet sleepy harbor. It is best not to ever take these simple pleasures for granted.

Getting back to Loreto … this week I am showcasing our best priced Casa Bohemia FN167 at $429,000. It comes with $75,000 in furniture, electronics, house wares and artwork. The Bohemia was one of the most popular floor plans with 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, larger courtyard and several side gardens. This unit has never been lived in and shows well.

Adding on another rooftop pergola with curtains would expand the privacy and outdoor living area by another 500 sq. ft. or more. By taking advantage of the current market and status of unfinished construction in the area, you will be making a good investment for the future. Visit www.doradoloreto.com listing number 008-021 for more information.

Have a great week!

Miss Nellie

2009-05-10T15:19:00.007-06:00

Happy Mothers Day From Loreto To Victoria

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all women, regardless of whether they are mothers or daughters. Here’s a toast to all the women that nurture, care for, and take time from their own interests to encourage and support one another and all the men around us. These are photos from regular gardens around Victoria today. Enjoy!

This week I traveled from Loreto to Victoria, BC, without incident and very little hoopla about Swine Flu. Checking in at Loreto Airport, I was asked to complete a simple questionnaire about any symptoms of having temperatures in excess of 39 degrees Celsius (it’s hot okay), coughing (dirt and dust), sore limb joints (too much fishing, hiking or dancing), and irritable redness in the eyes (lack of sleep).

I imagined regular tourists being confused if they had symptoms of influenza or remnants of tequila nights? It was necessary to present my questionnaire to the airport doctor who took my temperature (in my ear) before giving me the okay to travel. It would be nice to always know that I wasn’t traveling with some infected carrier who was spreading a cold virus through the air ventilation system of airplanes!

LAX was the busiest that I have seen in a very long time. We landed at the same time as a couple of large flights from Cambodia, Korea, and other international destinations. The airport was amazingly efficient given the amount of people and bags that were moved through. As usual, I was impressed by simple things such as a large vending machine of expensive handheld electronics. Bored and have time on your hands? Simply swipe your credit card and choose your mode of distraction to twitter away the time. Yes, I am back to an instant gratification society based on credit and having our temptations fulfilled through flexible payment plans.

I am showing my age, as this is far too Star Trek for me! Ooops, that’s making a comeback now too. Haven’t we had enough of Capt Kirk for one lifetime without having to relive his youth and continuum of fighting Klingon warships for 5 decades! I admit being an avid fan of the banter between Kirk, Spock and Bones when I was a small child held captive in front on the TV babysitter, but I would like to think that my horizons have broadened. I guess the more things change, the more they remain the same. Our youth are still fascinated with travel and challenges of the dark side … To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before... How original, eh?

It is a cool 59 degrees in Victoria during the middle of the day. The air is fresh and the blossoms are starting to show their true colors. There is freshness in the air and everything feels like it has been rinsed off with rain. There is no dust and dirt to walk through and it is not necessary to look down as we can assume there is no uneven pavement or construction debris to trip us. Simple pleasures. It is a nice place to visit, but I admit that living in a small town like Loreto half the year still has much appeal.

Before the swine flu outbreak, Loreto was seeing a positive economic improvement, just like many other parts of the world. Tourism was stronger than 2008, and we had more sales in the first 4 months of this year than all of last year combined. Dorado Properties Loreto now has 30 resale listings in Loreto Bay. We encourage all our sellers to list at realistic prices in today’s market, and because of this we are seeing reasonable offers being made. It should be noted that there are over 400 Village Homes completed at Loreto Bay, and there are approximately 10% of them for sale. This is relatively low given that this is a second vacation home destination in these difficult times. Although we have a few people that must sell to meet other financial commitments, there are also those whose lifestyle has changed from when the purchased 4 or 5 years ago. All very normal and to be expected.

The home we feature this week is FN140 which is a 2 bdrm Casa Chica with extra large back garden. It shows well, and the garden adds another 300 sq. ft. of comfortable living space on the main level. It has just been reduced by $64,000 USD and now priced at $325,000 to sell.

This is less than 2004 pricing when you consider the upgrades, landscaping, full furniture package to Loreto Bay Rental Ready requirements. These include 3 TVs, central system phones in each bedroom and main living area; all artwork, house wares and linen package, including spa quality bath robes. The furniture package is valued at $50,000 alone.

You enter this Casa Chica home off a quiet paved lane, and yet it has easy access to the street to bring in groceries, water and beer. Centrally located and easy to find, this home offers many features and benefits to someone wanting the best investment value in Loreto today.

We will miss these great neighbors who are sad to give up their vision of community, but life is full of change. We can help those discover the benefits of living Loreto to make a positive change too. For more information, visit www.doradoloreto.com and view Listing Number 008-020. Email me at nellie@doradoloreto.com for more information.

Fishing season is upon us in Loreto, and there are signs that this will be another spectacular year. The yellow tail are abundant and running between 30 to 50 lbs. Even novices can catch these! So come on down, it is hot and humid, but nothing a few cervezas and afternoons lazing under the beach palapa listening to the gentle waves lulling you into a relaxed siesta won’t cure. www.bloodydecks.com/forums/ has some great blogging on fishing in Loreto.

We hope that people will not believe all they hear in the media, and realize that Loreto still remains the safe sleepy quiet haven it has for 300 years when the Jesuit Priests discovered heaven on earth. Tourism is down, all the local businesses are hurting, so be generous with your time and tips are appreciated more than usual. What goes around comes around, and we will remember your kindness more than anything else. Please Pay It Forward!

Have a great day, and hope to see you in Loreto!

Miss Nellie

2009-05-03T16:59:00.008-06:00

Swine Who? Everyday in Loreto is Another Day in Paradise!

One of the simple pleasures of living la vida loca is that I don’t miss the media hype and sensationalism of a slow news day. There are no fears in Loreto about being attacked by the angry H1N1 virus, no desperate search for face masks and no one avoiding the festivities of Loreto Days this weekend because they are afraid of public places.

On April 30, State Tourism Secretary Alberto Trevino declared that the State of Baja California Sur remains free of the swine flu virus. No confirmed cases neither have been registered nor suspected. The entity is virus free. NOTE: Baja California Sur is a different State than Baja California.

On May 1, Baja California’s Health Secretariat acknowledged that the state’s first four cases of swine flu, all of them in Mexicali the state capital. A spokesman said the patients have recovered and are in good health.

Please note that Mexicali is in the State of Baja California (which we consider Baja Norte) and a long way away from here. It is situated on the US – Mexico border with a population of 1.25 Million people. Come on folks, let’s put things into perspective. I feel safer in Loreto than Los Angeles for many reasons. The worst threat here is a cow jumping out onto the road when I am driving too fast … how bad is that?

I was astounded to learn that every year 36,000 people die in the United States as a result of standard influenza. Most of these fatalities are either in the very young or old, or otherwise medically compromised individuals. This was one of the initial concerns for H1N1 that seems to attack strong and healthy individuals in their prime. World Health Organization (WHO) is backing away from this concern now, as further studies have been made.

There was much panic last week created by media hype. As of today, it is not expected that any borders will be closed or that travel will be restricted to any region of Mexico or the world. It is true that Mexico closed many government offices, schools and businesses as of Friday May 1 through May 5. However, this is not terribly significant as the 1st and 4th are both national holidays and this will provide an extended weekend for many employees. Schools national wide are currently closed to May 6th … what a nice break for the upcoming Mother’s Day which is a revered holiday in Mexico.

Alaska Airlines has introduced some amazing seat sales for many of its destinations. You must book before May 14, and travel between May 15 and September 30, 2009. I may fly Seattle to San Francisco for $59 one way … just because I can! Flights to Loreto are still more expensive because it is not a high volume traffic run during the summer. However, flights from Seattle to Los Cabos are $290 return! If you have a large family or group, it almost pays to fly to Cabo and rent a car to enjoy the drive up for a longer stay.

So what is better than being in Loreto during the global economic meltdown; the threat of drug cartels 1161 kms away; and pandemic of influenza? A day on the water! REEL TROUBLE is back in business, just in time for fishing season. Tourism was down considerably last year and I fear that the same may happen this summer. However, we are forever hopeful that we may have quality business if not quantity.

Capt. Chino had a tough day touring Lynda Rutherford and all her girlfriends, including yours truly, on a 4 hour cruise around the Sea of Cortez. It was another incredible day in Loreto, 86 degrees and calm. The water was 73 degrees and perfect for playing in the water at Coronado Isle. We even ordered hundreds of dolphins to perform and wish Linda the very happiest of birthdays!

Have a great week, and no worries … we will all still be here when you return!

Miss Nellie

2009-04-26T21:22:00.008-06:00

Colors of Loreto – Whoa Nellie!

Loreto is full of color. There is a vividness and vitality here that turns the mundane into extraordinary experiences.

In the last several weeks, hundreds of strangers have discovered they are neighbors and have become friends. Loreto is about community, and I had the pleasure to be part of the team of volunteers that coordinated 500 homeowners in Loreto Bay Founders Neighborhood to become organized, cohesive, and for the most part, unanimously agreed on what was needed to move forward. The details are unimportant as the end result was that we still love this place, with all its foibles and frustrations.

Being totally exhausted and ready to celebrate the last of the 8 Annual General Condo Association Meetings held in the last 30 days, I was ready to blow off some steam. Del Borracho Salon had one of its famous parties complete with rock band and barbeque. Mike Patterson had the mechanical bull going … and what the heck … always a first time for everything! Mike was kind and started off slow, but in no time I was ready to step it up a few notches … and then the fun began! Not as easy as it looks, but I managed to hang on and dismount gracefully to an appreciative audience. What fun!!

There were the usual characters, long time residents, local Mexicans, visiting LBC homeowners and tourists, all meeting new friends. The music is always great, the food delicious, and the prices are perfect. $6 USD for a heaping plate of beef, chicken, salad and beans; and $1.50 for cold beer … this is the place to plan your trip around!

This week I would like to showcase one of our newest listings to demonstrate how colors can be used to create ambiance and culture. This hacienda style Mexican home with all the creature comforts of North American living is a hidden oasis in the middle of downtown Loreto. For more information visit www.doradoloreto.com and view listing number 001-003.

Casa Escondido, The Hidden House is truly a Secret Garden, completely walled and located in the middle of the town, easy walking distance to the beach, restaurants and commercial area. Only half a block from the ocean, it has water views from the second floor.

Once you enter through the gates of this large 12,150 sq. ft. lot, you will be enchanted by its charm and the outside world will disappear giving way to serene bliss. The transition from outdoor living to inside is seamless. This place draws me in and makes me want to explore each treasured space.

The 5 bedroom, 4 bath, residence offers natural entertainment areas with open kitchen that is a chefs dream including luxury appliances and propane professional stove. The décor is rustic and authentic that comes together like a breath of fresh air.

There are formal and casual dining areas, large outdoor patio that could seat 20 easily. Even a separate bar area, already stocked with glasses and liquor … now this is turnkey! Hunting and Gathering for food is a huge preoccupation here as written by my good friend Drew McNabb on his Living Loreto blog http://livingloreto.blogspot.com The result is to cook and share among new friends regularly.

I appreciate the high ceilings and bold colors of the main living area. The wall to wall French doors remain open almost all year long to give great cross ventilation and creating the indoor/outdoor living that Loreto climate permits.

The bathrooms are fun and colorful, with traditional talaverra stone. Each one is unique and to be appreciated. These colors would scare most North American decorators however, in Mexico they seem a natural fit.

For extra coziness on those cold winter nights when it gets to 55 degrees, there is an artesian stone fireplace. Most of the year it is a centerpiece that anchors the French doors that flow the tranquil quality of this home to the beautifully landscaped oasis outside.

On the second floor of the main house is a one bedroom suite with full kitchen, bath and living room, private balcony and separate entrance. I found this photo intriguing with the combination of different textures of stone, tile and color. Who could resist taking the stairs to find where this door leads?

The Master Bedroom is romantic and separate from the rest of the home. Its colors are subdued and relaxing. I imagine this as the quiet place to relax and enjoy the morning air in complete privacy. Also perfect for the necessary summer siestas to rest from the heat of mid day.

The solar heated pool with aqueduct and hand crafted mosaic is 18ft x 12ft perfect for cooling off and playing. The water is 86 degrees these days and the ideal place for happy hour, music and games. This is truly living and I hope you experience the Colors of Loreto in your own way and time.

Have a great week!

Miss Nellie

2009-04-12T11:18:00.004-06:00

Feliz Semana Santa – Happy Easter!!

For Mexico, Easter is a combination of Semana Santa (Holy Week - Palm Sunday to Easter Saturday) and Pascua (Resurrection Sunday until the following Saturday). Mexico is nearly 90 percent Catholic, so this religious holiday takes on a special meaning that the entire community shares and participates in.

This is Mexico’s second most important holiday of the year and there is very little business conducted during this two week period. It is one of the busiest travel periods with many Mexicans taking advantage of the holiday to go on vacation. Churches will be filled with those attending Mass on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and families will take this opportunity to be together.

From Cabo to Loreto this week, we saw people building palapas on beaches, setting up stages and party tents, complete with sound systems, food and drink kiosks, campers and cars all pulled up to spend the week camping together. Entire families come together to party, socialize, and play. This includes grandparents, babies, and teenagers all happy and sharing good times with few luxuries other than their companionship.

This is a sight and experience that is very different from what happens in North America today. We often joke about the fact that “you can not choose your family, but you can choose your friends.” We all want to feel comfortable and relaxed with no need to pretend, compete, or even be careful about our behavior with one another. We wish to discuss personal, family and health problems as well as reminiscing about the “old times” without fear of judgment or condescension.

We seek the warmth and closeness that is expected when family members re-unite, but not always the case. There are many reasons for this … distance, smaller families, rivalries, abuse, few common interests … so we seek friends to share memories with instead.

Friendship is sharing knowledge & helping others and developing mutually beneficial relations. Serendipity often happens in Loreto, where we are lucky enough to find interesting and valuable experiences by chance. I feel lucky in Loreto that I am surrounded by so many friends! I look forward to a fun and relaxing holiday after a very intense several weeks of making a difference to those that appreciate it. Everyone that spends time here, GETS IT, and people that visit want to be a part of it. Whatever “IT” is, is not easy to put into words, most baby boomers seek it as something they miss from their parents era and sense of traditional community.

"It is not so much our friends' help that helps us as the confident knowledge that they will help us."

- Epicurus (341 - 270 BC) Greek philosopher.

I share with you a little parable that many of us have felt in our lives; however I have comfort in knowing that in Loreto, we are not alone as we are developing community and our own sense of family.

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.

"What food might this contain?" The mouse wondered. He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, The mouse proclaimed this warning: "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."

The mouse turned to the cow and said, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap . . . alone. . .

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey.

The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it. It was a venomous snake whose tail was caught in the trap. The snake bit the farmer's wife.

The farmer rushed her to the hospital. When she returned home she still had a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup. So the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient: But his wife's sickness continued. Friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig. But, alas, the farmer's wife did not get well... She died.

So many people came for her funeral that the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them for the funeral luncheon.

And the mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and you think it doesn't concern you … Remember … when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another. Each of us is a vital thread in another person’s tapestry. Our lives are woven together for a reason.

Have a Blessed Easter!
Miss Nellie

2009-04-05T22:51:00.006-06:00

Where in the World is Nellie?

How apropros! I was filled with good intentions when I committed to start writing the blog again; but somehow Living La Vida Loca in Loreto gets in the way. This past month has literally been a blur of activity that I can not begin to recollect.

My wonderful new office is almost completed … with the basic exception of electricity! This is because the Town Square is undergoing renovation and they will changing to underground wiring, so when I ask when this will happen ... Quien Sabe (who knows)! Although, I am now Loretano and in no hurry… asi es la vida.
When the office is ready, it will be the right time. There are rumors all over town that I have packed up and left for Canada. I have been told that even Baja Nomad is asking if there have been Nellie sightings! I’m still here, pioneering the Wild Wild West. Where else would I be?

I have been house sitting a custom home undergoing some repairs, and becoming accustomed to my wake up call at 7:45 am six days a week, with workers showing up all bright and cheerful ready to start banging and chipping away for the next 8 hours. I have been working from home and enjoy the brief conversations while they come in to get more ice and water to quench their parched thirst.

The most time consuming and rewarding effort this month was being part of the volunteer team that helped to coordinate the Loreto Bay Homeowners Association Groups. The Mission was to create awareness of the new proceedings, invite and encourage owners who are spread across North America, to participate and join the community to have one united voice to express our concerns, questions and wishes for our investments and future. In less than 4 weeks we had 475 people join the group and dozens of volunteers came forward to spend hundreds of hours pouring through budgets and documents. What started as an unaware group that had the potential to be an angry mob, came together to be a unified and organized majority group that now share a common interest other than just a great vacation place. My apologizes for not writing sooner, but this Virtual Community took precedence.

The mood among homeowners is good and they are positive that things will improve. There have been several major investment groups negotiating to purchase Loreto Bay Company in the past couple of months. Rumors in Loreto fly around faster than the pelicans in a feeding frenzy. Most are based upon some fact; however, it is real estate and the deal is never done until the check is in the bank AND has cleared. People “in the know” believe an announcement will be made soon … 2 weeks Loreto time!

In the real estate business, we have been very busy for the past two months. This February and March, we have seen more interested parties looking at real estate than we have for all of 2008. I truly believe that we have hit bottom in Loreto. Prices are down to below 2005 pricing with fully furnished and solid homes. Potential buyers looking for a second home to escape the cold know that when there is an announcement that LBC has been sold, it should create a buzz of activity and now is the time to buy. Also, some owners believe that this is the time to sell so they can take advantage of using the money to pick up short sales and foreclosures in the USA.

In December 2008, we had 15 resale listings in Loreto Bay. Since then, we have sold 2, and two have taken their properties off the market. Now, we have 25 resale listings and it’s a good thing I have Drew, Dee, and great working relationships with the Loreto Bay Sales Agents to handle the buyers and showings. It makes such a difference to be on the ground and available 24x7 to assist the buyers and take care of the properties. Times are tough, the economy is bad, and now is the opportunity to work and build for the future. I am now pretty much dedicated full time to my listing clients, especially now that there is no requirement to list first with Loreto Bay Company. If you are thinking of listing with another broker … ask them how much time they spend in Loreto and what their working hours are? Then call me!

Serendipity often happens in Loreto. We had a wonderful story the last couple of weeks. I met Bob Ryder in November 2003 when he came for the initial Loreto Bay launch and purchased lines in the sand. I worked with him, as with all homeowners for over a year until we actually closed on the lots. Unfortunately, he had to back away from the deal for personal reasons in 2005. Someone recently told him about my website www.doradoloreto.com and he happened to see the exact unit for sale. He contacted me on Sunday and made an offer Tuesday which was accepted by the Seller; put down his 10% nonrefundable deposit on Wednesday; and Thursday flew to Loreto to see the lot he originally purchased five years ago.

Bob spent a week in Loreto, and found it difficult to leave his new friends, sense of tranquility and fresh start. He is excited to be part of this incredible community and will be back as soon as he closes to furnish and make his place home. He has a beautiful brand new home without any of the anxiety, frustration, and stress of dealing with the unknown construction timelines. As I often say in Loreto … things just work out. We decided that Casa Deja Vu would be an appropriate name of his new home.

My life is never dull, and I do make time to play too. Recently Adam and Tony of T&A Pools, along with several friends organized an incredible beach party at Honeymoon Bay on Danzante Isle. Everyone pulled up in their boats and there must have been 50 people enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon. The food was incredible, with steaks, ribs, chicken, clams, salads, 2 birthday cakes for our good friend Tom!

The weather has been perfect, mid 80’s with little wind. There is nothing better than being on the water in Loreto. No emails, No telephones, and especially No Questions! Fishing season has started and people are catching 40 to 50 lb jurel (yellow tail) and we should have Reel Trouble back in business in a few weeks. Tourism is still on the decline and the local people are feeling the pinch. Please remember that as residents we don’t spend tourist dollars like we used to, so tipping and frequenting local restaurants, bars and shops is greatly appreciated more than ever.

That’s it for now. I wonder what will happen in the next few weeks? Quien Sabe? I am sure it won’t be dull! Take care and have a great week!

Miss Nellie

2009-03-01T17:22:00.005-07:00

Nellie’s Blogging Again in Loreto, Mexico

It has taken me a while to get re-energized about this place again. The last few years were a whirlwind of hard work with benefits that outweighed the sacrifices. I reached the top of the bluff, when all of sudden the ground beneath collapsed and I was falling fast. At times, I grasped a tree root that would stop the fall but only momentarily until it gave way. There were many spectators watching and chatting amongst themselves, offering opinions that were of little value. What made me stay were the residents here, both local and foreign, that showed empathy, support and kindness. Because of them, I still continue to Pay It Forward.

There are big changes coming and thrill seeker that I am, I wish to ride the wave once more. Being on the front line of change, we not only feel but live those precious curve balls of unexpected intrigue, drama, and rollercoaster size dips to ensure life is never dull. So, here I am again ready to start a new year, wiser, stronger, and more focused to continue my dream and destiny. So what’s new you may ask …
I have given up the lease on my beautiful building on the malecon waterfront. There were so many fond memories of Nellie’s Place Sushi Bar and Hotel that my friends shared with me. It was not a mistake, but an opportunity of a lifetime to fulfill a fantasy most people only dream about. I loved being Miss Nellie of Loreto and perhaps one day again Naughty Nellie’s will be the local watering hole.

BajaBOSS has downsized its business objectives considerably We have learned 10 years of education in a very short time and I have no doubt that Jeanny and I know more about foreign investment law and foreigners doing business in Mexico than anyone within a 200 mile radius. Jeanny Pinedo has taken over the day to day operations of BajaBOSS and focuses on land title transfers, with limited corporate and FM3 work.

Velero Del Mar still exists with our 34’ Luhrs Sportsfisher. With the slow down in economy, we have not been getting many charters, but we see this changing with the Dorado season coming up in June. Currently, we are considering selling fractional ownership in our boat, complete with maintenance, captain, and legal charter business.

This leaves me lots of time to focus on Dorado Properties Loreto and writing this blog. I will be posting my blog entries on the 1st and 15th of each month. They will still have the same flavor, but now that I am truly established as an Independent Real Estate Broker and no longer an extension of the Loreto Bay original team (most of whom are now a distant memory) my blogs will be more informative about real information on the ground that affects our community. I know inquiring minds what to know the “nitty gritty” details, but some things are better left to the imagination.

I am very happy to announce that Drew McNabb has joined our sales team. With his eternal optimism and passion for Loreto Bay, combined with his realistic experiences of buying his home with his wife Cathy over 5 years ago, he is a tremendous asset and friend to me and other homeowners. He has taken up the torch of sharing these moments on his blog http://livingloreto.blogspot.com Please visit his site and you will not be disappointed.

We are also very excited about having Dee Wise join our team. Dee purchased in the initial launch at the same time as Drew and myself, and we are friends, neighbors and a team to all those considering moving to our community. Dee has been diligent in her Spanish lessons and traveled much of Mexico over the past 5 years learning, experiencing and loving the culture, people and environment we live. Dee wishes to focus on the downtown real estate and is committed to sharing the vast richness of culture with both locals and foreigners alike.

Did you know that LBC has released Homeowners from their 90 day listing obligation with Loreto Bay Realty? This was made public by Michael Coyle last spring, and we now have the team in place to handle all the listings and buyers. We have an attractive website for re-sales and working on more internet advertising. Our team lives in Loreto Bay pretty much full time and are here to work.

“It feels like déjà vu, all over again” … Yogi Berra

Here’s our new office located on the Town Square of Loreto. We have a magnificent location next to the Hotel Posada del Flores. The Governor of Baja Sur was here a few weeks ago in a ceremony to announce that the Town Square will be rejuvenated to be an open air square similar to other Mexican cities. This construction should start soon and take six months to complete. When it is finished, it will be a meeting place for locals and tourists, with benches and open areas for displays and ceremonies.

The building is a mess … we need new walls, new electrical, new bathrooms, new floor, new A/C, new lights, new signs, but now that I have the experience, we are able to gut this place and reopen … electricity and phones pending, in a matter of weeks. I have fabulous workmen and friends helping me, and their support has given me the fortitude and stamina to once again face the challenge of starting over. Like many of us, retirement has now gone from a few years away to Freedom 85.

Come visit our new office across from the Gazebo. It is good to be back and I look forward to leading the way in this small obscure frontier. I was told that “Pioneers are usually found face down with arrows in their back; and Settlers prosper”. Well, I was a pioneer and to those that threw arrows … all I can say is that they missed the vital arteries and my heart continues to settle in this little know paradise. Stay tuned, keep in touch, and See You In Loreto!

Miss Nellie

2008-12-26T20:00:00.008-07:00

Christmas for Kids in Loreto, Mexico

This has been a difficult year for everyone, everywhere, and yet people pulled together and dug a little deeper to give gifts to the children of Loreto. There were many toy drives and groups that volunteered their time and efforts for the general good of all local families.

Jim and Liz of FN383 Villages of Loreto Bay stepped up and raised money at the Golf Course among Nopolo residents for the Loreto Municipal Children’s Party. They drove to La Paz to shop for gifts with the money raised. Jim and Liz, (and Jeanny from BajaBOSS) are shown presenting over 100 small gifts to Yolanda, who now works at DEF which assists families in need.

Thanks to all the Loreto Bay homeowners who left toys with me during the last several weeks. All gifts went to Yolanda to wrap and distribute as appropriate. She assured me that all gifts were going to families in need, and there is much need in Loreto this year.

We attended the celebration on December 24, 2008, outside of the Loreto Mission. It was well attended by many families and lots of children waited patiently for their turn to see Santa and receive their new present. All gifts were wrapped, with the exception of several small bicycles lined up with ribbons for some very lucky children.

It was quite festive with a large decorated tree, an enormous Santa Sack and tables full of wrapped gifts, a few small fireworks, and Christmas music playing in the background. There was a pageant with actors in costume, and dinner was served to all who attended afterwards.

The Mission was well lit and decorated and ready for midnight mass, a time to be thankful and pray for good things next year. Many local Loreto residents including Rosa Castaneda (owner of Café Ole) organize and donate new presents for CARITAS which are distributed to the children in Miramar and Zaragoza, as well as outlying ranches and villages, such as San Javier, San Bruno and Luigi on Christmas Eve.

Jim Spano, representing the new J.W. Marriott, located at the old Whales Inn hotel site in Nopolo has been very generous with their Christmas party for CAM, the school for mentally and physically challenged children. This year’s party was held at their new building donated by the developers of this new luxury condominium resort.

Every student was given an appropriate gift by Santa. There were three piñatas and more candy than you can imagine for everyone including adults, siblings and staff. There was a 10 meter slide and bounce gym for the kids to play on. Several hundred people came to take in the festivities and food, which included families taking home entire grocery bags filled with sandwiches, salads, and more candy.

This is a very special charity for Mr. Spano which he fondly refers to as Miles of Smiles. The joy and excitement in the eyes and faces of the children at this event is something that the entire J.W. Marriott team looks forward to throughout the year. All the families of CAM very much appreciate the efforts and generosity shown by Loreto’s newest developer.

These are the children’s charities that I know of, and I am sure that many people in this community have contributed and given their time, money and goodwill to others. Thank you for Random Acts of Kindness and making each day a little brighter for someone else.

My very best wishes for a Happy and Prosperous 2009!

Miss Nellie

2008-11-20T20:48:00.004-07:00

Dorado, Dorado, Dorado!

This week on Fishing Ventures, Ronnie Kovach is fishing out of Loreto, Mexico for the Annual Loreto DORADO Tournament. Loreto is considered by many to be the Dorado capital of the world. And it is! But there is a lot more to this quaint, colonial town on the Sea of Cortez.

This week’s episode of Fishing Ventures is entitled “Dorado! Dorado! Dorado!.” And you don’t want to miss it. Angler educator, Ronnie Kovach, and friends team up to catch an abundance of huge Sailfish and Dorado!. Awesome fishing and a very exciting episode of Fishing Ventures.

It will air Sunday, November 23 at 9:30 A.M. and Tuesday, November 25 at 2:30 P.M. PST on FOX Sports West.

Don’t miss this exciting episode of Fishing Ventures on FSN West.

For more information visit:

http://www.fishingexpeditions.com/html/dorado_dorado_dorado.html

2008-11-19T09:18:00.003-07:00

Local News on Loreto, Mexico

Perhaps I miss my creative outlet, or perhaps I just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends that will be traveling next week. It is nice to have the blog to drop in and say hello when I get a thoughtful moment.

The last year has taken its toll on me living la vida loca; however, in my humble opinion I feel that we have hit bottom … or at least close to it. The global economic crisis has had its major affect on tourism, fishing, restaurants, bars, real estate and all businesses that boom from the domino affect of a thriving destination. There have been many layoffs and sad goodbyes to Mexicans and Americans that came to pioneer this Baja frontier.

Real Estate has not been this low since 2005 and list prices have dropped 25% or more with motivated sellers. Since most land owners in Loreto are mortgage free and there is little credit, I do not foresee things going down much more. This means that the next several months will be a premier buyers market, as we only need a little boast in this small town to see things stabilize and correct themselves. Poco y poco, the road to economic viability may be a few years, but step by step, little by little, we will see it happen.

There is a buzz around Loreto as more snowbirds return for the winter. People are reacquainting themselves with new neighbors and local businesses. They are here for several months and looking for ways to become involved and create community.

I have been approached by Mrs. Yuan Yee, wife of the Presidente of Loreto, to assist in a Christmas Toy Drive for the children of this area. She called to ask for my assistance in this worthy cause to help the many families and single parents of our community. So here I am, writing again to ask not for cash donation, but for volunteers in coordinating this effort which would involve putting out the word, gathering gifts, to wrap and distribute the same. There is little selection of toys in Loreto, and the costs are expensive compared to the USA. I am asking anyone interested in helping to please pack a gift or two in the approximate amount of $20 each to donate for this Toy Drive. The children range in age from babies to teenagers, so anything would be appropriate from coloring books, simple games, barbies, bubble machines, dvds, etc. Remember the children do not know English and will think of everything as novel and much appreciated. Cash is okay but buying a gift will go a lot farther for the children.

If you are interested in volunteering, please send me an email and I will coordinate a small committee that will work with Mrs. Yuan Yee, to assist in the collection and distribution of the gifts. I am in Loreto Bay every morning Monday to Saturday at FN314 doing an Open House and gifts can be dropped off there.

It is nice to write again but alas, I can not detour from my obligations in Loreto to do so on a regular basis. However, the good news is my friend, Drew, who was one of the original visitors to Loreto Bay with me exactly five years ago, has started a blog about his life and experiences Living Loreto. I encourage you to visit his blog to feel part of the community and spirit that we all desire and wish for. I commend his writing and commitment to this special secret place in Baja. Join him on his adventures at http://livingloreto.blogspot.com and you will not be left out in the cold.

Take care and see you in Loreto,

Miss Nellie

2008-10-12T21:32:00.006-06:00

Goodbye Hurricane Norbert in Loreto

Hurricane Norbert came and went without much ado in Loreto. There was tremendous excitement, some panic and a lot of nonchalance about the upcoming storm. Residents of Loreto prepared for the worst and hoped for the best. There was good probability that the Sierra Giganta Mts. would stop hurricane winds in their tracks and dissipate the torrential rains in their wake. This is exactly what happened in Loreto. We had 4 to 6 inches of rain and strong winds; power went out around 5 pm giving everyone in town enough daylight to prepare and get to safety for the evening. In all honesty it felt like a typical day in the Pacific Northwest … except the rain and wind was wonderfully warm and refreshing. The roads and airports are open and tomorrow will be back to business as usual.

Hopefully, this is the last tropical storm of the season. The oppressive humidity levels of 90% in the last couple of weeks have broken with the storm, and it is a refreshing 84 degrees with 62% humidity. Another week and we will be back into wonderful paradise weather, as more and more snowbirds return for the winter.

My passion is Loreto, not simply one development or neighborhood. There are so many good people here, but it takes a certain type of individual to reach outside of our comfort zone and embrace the unfamiliar and unknown. If the intention is to duplicate the community you have at home in a foreign country … then ignorance is bliss.

REEL TROUBLE had an important booking event on Friday for an American family to say goodbye to one of its members who loved and lived in Loreto. There was much concern about canceling or rescheduling around the imminent storm. My view was that we would just work around the circumstances. I said that nothing in Loreto is ever planned or organized, but it always works out… and it did. More often than not, the universe takes care of us and things happen as they should. This is why many of us come to Baja Sur, although we may not realize it.

I have received so many requests in the last few days to give updates on the situation in Loreto Bay, but that is not my job. There are good people that get paid to inform the homeowners about their investment, and it is not my place to comment. However, I do want to share the growth and excitement in this area that is coming albeit too slow for most conservative investors. I am going to continue writing regularly about real estate and the growth of this area on my real estate website … www.doradoloreto.com It may take a while to set up, but I will have local business information there regularly.

If you are not moving forward, then you are going backwards because it is impossible to remain stationary. I am excited about the future prospects. What is currently happening in the financial world may be difficult and uncomfortable, but not really new to those that have won and lost before. It is another challange to overcome. Loreto Bay is simply one project among many and no longer my passion, vision or life. I am once again facing my fear and stepping through an open door with no idea of where it will lead. If you are interested in the bigger Baja picture, stay tuned and I will inform you as things happen, on the ground, first hand.

The future is bright … life is short … make every moment a memory. What will happen next week? Quien Sabe? Does it matter if we are living in the present?

Miss Nellie

2008-09-21T17:39:00.003-06:00

A Time of Transition …

“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”

Alexander Graham Bell

This is a time of great transition and awakening for many of us. Everyone in the world is watching the USA and how it handles this economic crisis. In recent weeks Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed into conservatorship, the federal government bailed out AIG, Bank of America purchased Merrill Lynch, and Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy. The credit market appeared to be on the verge of collapsing and the presidential race is turning normally apathetic citizens into strong opinionated voters who need to make a difference.

Here in Loreto, a small innocuous little town located on the Sea of Cortez, in Baja California life goes on. The Mexicans have a saying that “When the US gets an economic cold, Mexico gets pneumonia”. The peso is strong and stable but we are affected by the downturn in tourism and people being much more conservative in their spending. Some major development projects in the area have been postponed until the beginning of next year, and the locals are hunkering down once again until the next economic wave.

When written in Chinese, the word “crisis” is composed of two characters – one represents danger and the other represents opportunity. History has shown us that this is now the time to invest. It has been said that Luck is when Preparation meets Opportunity. This is the time of hard work, goal setting with limited financial and manpower resources. Carpe Diem – Seize the Day! This is what I am doing.

This is the lull to take advantage of some great real estate buys in an area that will undoubtedly prosper. It’s just a matter of time. My energy needs to be succeeding in this business if I am to survive living in Loreto. Living La Vida Loca was great for a few years, but now its time to put away any altruistic ideals of creating a virtual community and be more focused and introspective. I have been looking at a closed door now for six months, denying the economic reality and hard living conditions here. I need to see the open door and step through it.

Writing the blog has been a wonderful experience for me. It is possible that one day again, I will continue the creative outlet of sharing my life journey on the internet, but not for awhile. I am grateful for the technology that has allowed me to capture and share part of my adventures with strangers who have become friends. I am constantly making a lot of new distinctions about my life. The key is find balance between them all.

Kelli McDill was a great inspiration and originally started blogging on Loreto with her http://watch-and-learn.blogspot.com/ She recorded her life living in Loreto with her husband and daughter, and then traveling around the US meeting all their new friends.

Clinton and Loni Stark will succeed me with their blog www.StarkSilverCreek.com which is a very upbeat and informative site. They have links to other social networking, Loreto Bay information and homeowner sites as well. They are making blogging a business and I wish them the very best.

This week we had the first Annual Dorado Loreto Fishing Tournament, and Ronnie Kovach from Fox Sports was filming the best sailfish and dorado fishing he has ever seen. His group caught and released over 27 sailfish in two days on our boat. The Sea of Cortez was literally scattered with jumping sailfish, dorado and a few marlin on calm blue waters. Conditions were perfect and everyone participating was happy and excited. REEL TROUBLE was the Tournament Boat and will be getting promotional videos of the show to give away. I will be writing an article for the monthly publication Loreto News, and perhaps this will be the next step in my journalism career? Quien Sabe?!

In the meantime, if you ever wonder Where In the World Is Nellie? Just drop me a line, it’s like fishing … sooner or later I will surface and bite! Take care and thanks for all your support and encouragement over the years!

See you in Loreto!

Miss Nellie

2008-09-14T18:42:00.004-06:00

Tropical Depression Lowell has little affect in Loreto

Loreto spent much of the week preparing for Storm Lowell which was anticipated to hit Loreto late Wednesday night dumping even more rain than Hurricane Julio, which we have just dried out from. Tuesday Loreto Bay was securing homes, sending out notices to batten down the hatches, stores and offices downtown were protecting their equipment and supplies from leaky ceilings and water seepage. The skies were grey and the barometer felt strangely oppressive for this desert town.

Tuesday morning we had some lightening and thunder followed by a few inches of rain in the afternoon. The Port Captain ordered all boats out of the downtown Marina and airports were on standby alert for possible closure. The streets were deserted while everyone huddled at home waiting and watching.

Wednesday morning I had Capt. Chino call me at 5 am with a weather report … the storm was a couple of hundred miles away, the water was like glass, there was little wind, and the clouds were light on the horizon. We decided to move REEL TROUBLE to the Loreto Marina and take out a homeowner who would probably never have the opportunity to be on the water of Loreto again. We picked up 6 passengers and chartered out for a 3 hour cruise. We caught lots of dorado and it was exciting and fun to see the dolphins play along side of the boat. There were only 2 other pangas out that day, as most preferred to wait out the storm. The wind started to pick up about 11 am so we cruised towards Coronado and anchored. The clouds broke, the sun came out and again the waters were calm. Many went swimming in the 84 degree water while some of stayed onboard for a picnic. It was a very special day for all, one that none of us will ever forget. It’s not the breaths we take - it’s the moments that take our breath away. This day, a group of strangers made a difference to a good man and shared a great moment with each other.

There are always some idiots that don’t know the fine line between adventure and stupidity. I have been accused of crossing the line more than a few times, but there is usually a backup plan. We saw this car decide to cruise the sand spit next to the water and actually into the waves. The strong current swept it off the land and it was floating for a while. Civil Protection was called to rescue them, but little they could do except get the people out of the car and wait and watch.

The airport was closed Wed night and the storm came and went, but all in all it was pretty anti climactic. For a few days, temperatures dropped to a wonderful coolness, but we are now back to sunny skies, 95 degree temperatures and high humidity. Everything is so green and the animals are out in full force again. The hillsides reminds me of Kauai and the beauty is stunning. I can’t wait to take time to explore off the beaten track again.

It was great to see Jane and Sharon of FN203, and Nancy and daughter Kimberly of FN423. We had a girls lunch at Porto Bello Restaurant at Pt. Escondido, and it was wonderful to share stories, laugh and have a three hour lunch overlooking the calm waters and palm trees. Salad and desert comes with every entrée and it’s a terrific place to relax and take your time with conversation and savor the ambiance, surroundings and food.

The USA Presidential Race is really getting interesting and it is the topic of many conversations among the Mexican business people here in Loreto. Everyone is curious what the foreigners’ opinions are as to the Democratic and Republican candidates. How quickly can the new Administration bring back confidence to improve the bleak economic outlook that always affects luxury spending and tourism destinations? Quien Sabe?

Alaska Airlines has scheduled another flight on Fridays from Los Angeles to Loreto starting October 31st. This will now be four flights a week and hopefully will continue as long we keep supporting them. This is in addition to the current flights on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

AeroMexico will stop its run from Hermosillo to Loreto at the end of this month. This makes the connectors from the East Coast a lot more difficult and lack of competition is keeping prices high. We will be entering high season soon, and hopefully when the residents and visitors return, we will see more economic movement in town.

Fishing is still wonderful and last week there was a 51 lb. dorado caught at the Governors Cup Tournament. Ronnie Kovach from Fox Sports Network West will be arriving this week with some sponsors for the First Annual Dorado Loreto fishing Tournament put on by the Hotel Association. If you are coming to town this week, you can still register for Sept 19 and 20 by emailing info@doradoloreto.com

Have a great week!

2008-09-07T16:29:00.007-06:00

Summer Fun Still Going Strong in Loreto

It is 93 degrees with 67% humidity and feels like 110 F. We have now cleaned up from Hurricane Julio which dropped our year’s quota of 8 inches of rain on Loreto. No real damage but a lot of water, dirt and mess to clean up. The hillsides and fields are beautifully lush and the cows are quickly fattening up from the green pastures. My camera has given up after 2 years of blogging … so hopefully I will be able to replace it soon and show you the wonderful sights of this magical place.

In the meantime, I will share with you the great times that we had on the water this summer aboard REEL TROUBLE. Capt. Chino and I have worked very hard to make sure this is MORE than a fishing trip and we will organize your day to make it memorable for your whole group experience. These are my friends from Calgary, AB … girls just wanna have fun!

FUN means “You’re the boss!” Whether it’s to chase the sailfish / marlin, catch your limit of Dorado, swim with the seals, snorkel, or just drink beer and hang out at the white sand beaches of Coronado with your favorite CD playing… just let us know beforehand … and we will make it happen. In the summer it’s generally very smooth so people prone to motion sickness don’t have a problem especially being on our bridge.

REEL TROUBLE is a luxury sportsfisher so it is very safe and comfortable. A great day on the water for all ages. We have had kids on board and there is nothing better than seeing their face when they catch their first fish or squeal when the dolphins come and play with the boat. Maya preferred to drive the boat … we’re grooming her to be first mate!

Here’s a testimonial from Robert Lopez, FN236 … “Cindy, Tyler, and I can’t thank you enough for all your help on our last trip to Loreto. The Velero del Mar boat was fantastic and Capt. Chino and his sons did a great job all three days. From the Dolphins hanging out with us, to diving with the sea-lions, to the perfect sunset cruise to honeymoon bay, it was an amazing vacation. I have to give you credit for picking the perfect, place, time, and setting up the boat with great wine and cheese to make the sunset cruise for our anniversary absolutely magical. And to think, we almost changed our plans because we were worried about going back to Loreto in the August heat…as long as you and that boat are there, we’ll be back every summer.”

Here’s a testimonial from Greg Wolfe, Los Angeles … “Chino Yee is the best captain and the owner - Nellie - is the best hostess in town! We limited on Dorado with great action in the morning, swam with the sea lions in the afternoon, and finished the day with great snorkeling on a nearby white sand beach in crystal clear water. An awesome day on the REEL TROUBLE with Nellie and crew….. Highly recommend!”

Albert from L.A. was busy catching, releasing and smiling among the schools of Dorado. It is our policy to release marlin, sailfish, and smaller female dorado so that we can maintain these waters as a prime fishing area for years to come. This is Albert's first time in Loreto although he has fished Baja California Sur many times. He will be back!

Jay’s a happy man from Chicago! They don't fish like this on the Lakes! You should have seen the "one that got away"! Capt. Chino fillets your catch and we deliver to your door for dinner or ready to freeze and take back home. We have not seen any yellowtail tuna yet but they should be here soon. I actually prefer them for eating and they can get very large as well. Fresh yellowtail sashimi … what a treat!! For a fishing chart on this area go to: http://www.doradoloreto.com/loreto_activities.php#fishing

Being from New York, Frank wanted to see how far we could take the adventure! Chino found more dorado as we were heading into port. The Port Captain had already radioed an alert and called all boats back as the storm was moving in fast. The group just HAD to get one more big one… so down went the lines and we had 3 Fish On at one time. All the while, Chino and I are watching the clouds get darker and move faster to overtake us. Get those lines in! Get the fish in the tanks and let’s move it!! We spent 45 minutes in the pounding rain and wind … it was Hurricane Julio and the perfect storm. Dark, exciting, unpredictable … careful what you wish for!

There are 10 day celebrations currently going on now for the Loreto Festival, which included the Governor’s Cup Fishing Tournament, live music and entertainment, amusement rides and other activities. September 16 is Independencia Day in Mexico and the celebrations will continue until everyone is exhausted. Flags of all sizes are being sold on every street corner and many businesses and schools will be closed during this time. More business next week … there’s no hurry … this is Loreto.

2008-09-04T15:18:00.007-06:00

Livin' Large In Loreto

Find out more information on Fishing in Loreto, B.C.S., Mexico. Ronnie Kovach's Fishing Expeditions Show this week is Livin' Large in Loreto. It will be telecast on FSN West on Sunday Sept 7 at 9:30 am and Tuesday Sept 9 at 2:30 pm PST.

Check Out the First Annual Dorado Tournament put on by the Loreto Hotel Association on the website: http://www.fishingexpeditions.com/html/livin__large_in_loreto.html

Join the tournament and meet Ronnie Kovach in Loreto! email info@doradoloreto.com for more information

See you in Loreto!

2008-08-31T16:58:00.009-06:00

Happy Labor Day - Back to Business; Back to Reality

Labor Day is an annual holiday all over the world to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers. The majority of countries, including Mexico, celebrate Labor Day on May 1 and it is popularly known as International Workers’ Day. In the USA and Canada this national holiday is over 100 years old and celebrated on the first Monday in September. Over the years it has evolved from a purely labor union celebration into a general “last fling of summer” festival.

What a great summer it has been. I spent 6 weeks in Southern California and Scottsdale doing absolutely nothing. I made no plans, had no agendas or objectives, did not multitask and only checked my messages every few days. I caught up on two years of sleep, read mindless fiction and watched TV for days on end. My only important decisions were what delectable food I would enjoy that is never available in Loreto. Mexican food and tequila never touched my lips.

I spent time reflecting on the past few years, and started a vision board for the future. It is difficult to know what we want unless we experience what doesn’t make us happy. Everything always works out … and what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. I still have my sense of humor, my health, my friends, and a wonderful canvas upon which to paint a happy picture.

I admit it was difficult coming back to Loreto. Getting things done in the USA is so quick and easy, and much less expensive than here. Things we take for granted like mail service, Kinkos, fast food, drive through ATMS, any and all information and business services are just a click away. Here you need copious notes just to make a phone call and that’s if you already have the number! Everyday it’s a scavenger hunt to do the most basic things as shop for food or find trades people to work. The worst thing we can do is to compare this place with where we come from.

Loreto is special and unique. Its beauty and tranquility continues to make me stop in my tracks. The roads are a mess with Hurricane Julio dumping hordes of rain upon us, but the mountains are incredibly green and inviting. The storm has passed with no damage but has brought cooler temperatures. Passing the cows on the boulevard and seeing the little children laughing all the time still makes me smile. It is good to be back and welcomed in a place that seems to have stayed still. The more things change, the more they remain the same. This is Loreto and this is my home.

There have been many changes in the last few months. Continental and Delta Airlines have both pulled out and we are down to three flights a week with Alaska/Horizon. Aero Mexico still flies regularly through Hermosillo to Loreto. All businesses have been hit hard by the US economy, but there is a subtle optimism in the air that we have hit bottom and things will be on the rise soon.

This is now the time to invest, make strategic changes to capitalize in a down market, and move forward to establish a strong foundation for the next economic wave that is coming. There are so many signs of this happening in Loreto and I will be sharing these with you as they happen. What we are seeing is foreign investors and local government working together to proactively make change. Also, the local Loreotanos are seeming to grasp that change is necessary and foreign investment is a long term commitment to work together towards a final goal.

Our boat charters are gaining momentum and this has been a great fishing season. We have had some fabulous trips with catching fish in the morning and then snorkeling with the seals on Coronado Island; and then anchoring off the white sand beaches in crystal clear waters. An amazing day that is “priceless”. The water is 85 degrees and being on the water is so much cooler than on land this time of year.

I was reminded of an interview I did with Lynn Ward on LifestyleYak in May 2007 when I was full of energy and enthusiasm. It never ceases to amaze me how things can change so quickly. I have now closed my hotel and bar, although it would be fun to start them up again when the economy improves. My focus has always been real estate and I think the investment of hard work and money in the last few years will pay off as we are well positioned to be the leaders in knowing ALL products in this general area. We have such a diverse inventory of land and products coming up … that no one else can touch. My dream of One Stop Solutions is still a hugely viable niche in this emerging real estate market. poco y poco, step by step … we are in this together. The link to the interview on OFF THE BEATEN TRACK can be found at http://lifestyleyak.com/?p=13

This week I just wanted to say hello and thank those that have kept in touch over the summer. As always, your friendship is the basis of our worldwide virtual community and I look forward to seeing you in Loreto!

Have a great weekend and let’s get back to business and having fun!

Miss Nellie

2008-06-29T22:05:00.004-06:00

Loreto Nursery School Director and Motorized Kayaks

I wanted to share with you the great news of our friend Yolanda. She is now the Director of the only Nursery School in Loreto, and oversees staff responsible for 100 children from babies to 5 year olds. The staff and children love and respect her, and we are so happy for her success. Thank you to all our friends that contributed to her family and gave her the confidence to take on this high level position.

Animalandia is a rapidly growing organization in Loreto. Although I do not know first hand much about their activities, Jane Lurie filmed this fundraising video for Animalandia on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E6K6h1TxSY

This week we had a traditional clam bake in the sand complete with roaring fire in 90 degree heat at the old Whales Inn site, across the street from the tennis center in Nopolo. Jim Spano and Darryl Jones are major investors in Loreto, along with realtor Javier Mercado and I are toasting great days to come.

I went out with Ron Thierfelder on his motorized kayaks, along with David Valera, professional photographer and digital cinematographer. David was vacationing in Loreto after finishing his work on Kung Fu Panda. We were hands free and doing about 5 miles an hour, for over three hours. It was a bit overwhelming being the object of the photo shoot, but we had lots of laughs and certainly it was the highlight of the week.

The morning was beautiful with scattered clouds creating a dreamlike quality for photographs. The water was as still as I have ever seen except for the occasional school of jumping fish. Being on motorized kayaks is truly an amazing experience as there is not a trace of splashing water and it is completely tranquil and silent. Check out David’s photo website at www.davidvalera.com to see some emotionally moving imagery.

It has been exactly 2 years since I started my life down to Loreto, Baja California Sur and recorded my journey with this blog. I scrolled through the archives and read what I wrote on July 1, 2006, and there was an excitement and sense of adventure that I no longer feel. The long hours, the daily unknowns and surprises from left field have made these past few years quite a ride!! So many experiences that I would have surely forgotten or doubted ever happened had I not recorded the events each week with photos and my thoughts at the time. What started as a creative outlet has become a reporting responsibility for me and my site has had over 42,000 visitors, many of whom have never been to Loreto.

Dorado Properties Loreto and BajaBOSS’s summer office hours will be Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. We are happy to meet you, by appointment only, on weekends and evenings to accommodate your travel schedule. I will be available to clients, but spending little time in the office during the summer. www.doradoloreto.com

Velero Del Mar Boat Charters run everyday, and you can always call me 24x7 on my US cell at 602 628 2920 to book your fishing trip. I plan on spending more time on the boat learning as much as I can, so hopefully we will see you on the water. www.velerodelmar.com

My plans are to enjoy Loreto, travel and spend time with family and friends. I will be taking the summer off from writing the blog and will restart after Labor Day Weekend in September. Thank you to all those loyal readers that tune in every Monday, and I promise to have much more news in the fall.

Take care, travel safe, and have a wonderful summer.

Miss Nellie

2008-06-26T10:41:00.003-06:00

Livin' Large In Loreto - Fishing Ventures Show

This week on FOX Sports West, Ronnie Kovach's Fishing Ventures show will be dedicated to Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico. It will be shown on FSN West 9:30 A.M., Sunday, June 29 AND 2:30 P.M., Tuesday July 1. Check out this link for more information:

http://www.fishingexpeditions.com/html/viva_loreto.html

Don't forget our Dorado Loreto Fishing Tournament September 19 and 20, 2008. $30,000 USD in cash prizes and $10,000 USD in raffle prizes. For more info go to www.GoToLoreto.com or email info@doradoloreto.com

Have a great week!

2008-06-22T21:00:00.012-06:00

Life in Loreto, Community Spirt, then and now…

In a few months, it will have been five years since I first came to Loreto. It was a regular vacation trip to a sun destination for a few days and I had no expectation that it would be anything more than some fun days of sun, drinking and a lot of laughs. Perhaps it was my subconscious that was seeking something more meaningful, perhaps I wanted to explore and take on a new challenge, and perhaps I was just simply ready for a change. In any event, I went with my gut feeling, listened to my inner child, and took a leap of faith and bought into the vision that Loreto Bay was offering.

A promise of community, of truly genuinely nice people, who did not intend to change the world, only to make a difference to where and how they live. The developer was in the business to sell homes, but their hook was to “tread lightly, live fully”. This was targeted at the environment, the local town, and our new community.

I found the simple pleasures of taking time to talk to people on the street very fulfilling. It would be rude not to take time to acknowledge friends, and everyone was a friend. The waiters, the new neighbors and the local business people. Life is good and I looked forward to coming to a place where I am not judged by the car I drive or where I live, rather on whether I am a “nice” person.

Everyone was always welcome and naysayers were shamed into silence. The early days of Loreto Bay were insane as we desperately tried to keep up with our own success. No one imagined that the team assembled by David Butterfield and Jim Grogan would become such a force of commitment and determination to gain worldwide attention and sell hundreds of millions of dollars of real estate in just a couple of years.

I had the honor of working with some of the most dedictated people anywhere. Everyone was was passionate about their area and believed in the future of Loreto Bay. This ranged not only from the traditional sales, design, and marketing departments, but down to Dr. Ken and “dirt guy” Jim Hallack. Team Loreto Bay was a family, and everyone gave 110% for the good of the company. It was a very special time that few people are ever lucky enough to experience. It can not be planned or orchestrated; it is like love … and just happens when we are ready for it.

There were so many young people that were part of the explosion that have gone onto other jobs in different places, and I know they will be forever changed because of their experiences that they do not talk about, as no one would ever believe the long hours and commitment for little personal gain. We will always share a bond and they can always find me for advice or guidance, but most importantly friendship.

Visionary Buyers sensed this and bought into all of it, hoping for the opportunity to be part of something great. The local Loretanos watched with careful optimism and hoped that the dream would finally become a reality for them as well.

I wanted to be in a place where I felt people cared, time stood still and people mattered. I follow my heart and try to live my life doing what is right. I speak the truth as I know it, and am passionate about my beliefs. My choices are black and white, but the people in it are grey because we are human and subject to responsibility, conscience and personal ethics. Asi es la vida. It is life.

I am friends with many homeowners, who have undergone far more than they bargained for, yet they are still here, believing and loving this place. I am now part of the local community, which has taken time and hard work to be accepted. I appreciate all of these people very much as their random acts of kindness in this Wild Wild West environment is all we have when this is our home.

I am on a path in the fields of Baja basking in the sunshine. There are abundant opportunities and choices, each with their own level of risk and enticement. As I encounter these forks in the road, I make my assessment, determine the consequences and chose whether I go left or right. Win or lose, it does not matter. The only thing important is that I continue moving forward. This pertains to business, financial, social interactions as well as everyday decisions. What could be simpler?

Many of the original Loreto Bay team have now gone and it is a different place. This is inevitable, and I am optimistic and look forward to Replay taking an active management role. It is not their responsibility to create community. It is their business to sell and deliver houses, making money should be their objective.

For us pioneers, we must remember that we wanted a simpler life with time to make a difference to who we were and the differences we could make, not just that our houses were perfectly complete and fully furnished. Doesn’t seem like a lot to ask, does it?

The purpose of me writing this at all is to give a gentle reminder to those that bought into the vision. Creating a community takes work. Life happens when we are too busy doing something else. In Loreto, there is nothing else … it is just Life.

I look forward to seeing my friends and neighbors again soon. This is our place, let’s enjoy it for all that it is and keep the dream of a better place alive.

I think I am too idealistic, perhaps somewhat naïve, but I do believe in karma and I sleep well at night. Next time you see someone on the street, stop and find out how they are, and really listen. Perhaps offer to share a cool drink or meal. It may make a huge difference to them, and in Loreto, you really don’t have anything more important to do anyways! Asi es la vida. It is life.

2008-06-15T20:40:00.005-06:00

Dorado Loreto Fishing Tournament with $30,000 USD cash prizes

We invite you to the First Annual Dorado Loreto Fishing Tournament to be held in Loreto, Mexico on September 19th and 20th, 2008. There will be $30,000 USD cash prizes PLUS over $10,000 of raffle prizes.

This event is sponsored by the Loreto Hotel Association and all are welcome to participate with the Tournament Entry fee being only $300 USD per person. Net Proceeds will go to a local community project. The Event will be hosted by Ronnie Kovach and televised on FOX SPORTS WEST NET and on Ronnie Kovach’s Fishing Ventures Show.

This is sports fishing at its best in Super Pangas for Dorado. Get extra bonuses for Grand Slams of Sailfish / Blue Marlin, Yellowtail and Yellowfin Tuna. Fish long hauls among the many islands in the Sea of Cortez and the World’s Aquarium! There will be 2 adults per panga, and one child allowed for free. This is a great way to spend time together among the beauty and wildlife!

REEL TROUBLE will be the tournament boat used for filming with the best captain, Chino Yee. Our own Josh Swift will be the Tournament Director to assist in organizing and ensuring that everything goes smoothly all weekend long. Josh caught this Dorado last week, and the anglers will be glad that he will not be competing against them! www.VeleroDelMar.com

The BajaBOSS offices will be the official headquarters for this exciting tournament and you can Skype “fishdoradoloreto” or call skype number 619 822 2186 or email info@doradoloreto.com for more information on hotel packages which include 3 nights hotel accommodation (September 18 to 21st), Welcome Cocktail Party and Prize Dinner, 2 days fishing tournament on super pangas, all licenses, permits, transfers, fishing rods and reels. For more information visit www.GoToLoreto.com

Loreto is very quiet now as we are in the shoulder season before the fishermen, and Italian and Mexican tourists come for July and August. Daytime highs are in the low 90’s and there are still wonderful breezes in the evenings. This photo was taken this morning and I thought summed up the general mood of the area. Another quiet, lazy day among friends.

Enjoy life to the fullest, no matter where you are or who you are with! Sometimes when we can’t be with family, we are lucky to get to choose new ones.

Happy Father’s Day!

2008-06-09T10:22:00.004-06:00

Nellie's Place Hotel and Tapas Bar now closed ... Owner gone fishing!

Michael Riley was the last guest of Nellie’s Place Hotel. I would like to personally thank ALL the Loreto Bay homeowners and travellers that have supported Nellie’s Place Hotel and Tapas Bar over the past 18 months. These two businesses started as a whim because “I could”. They were part of my Mexican business education, a great social network, fantastic promotion into my other ventures, and I have no regrets. When times get tough … the tough get going … and we need to focus our energies on our prime business objectives of Dorado Loreto Real Estate business and Baja BOSS services.

To keep my sanity, I am still involved in Velero Del Mar Boat Charters, which gives me the opportunity to spend time with members and make new friends. We were out with Tom Webber when he brought in a nice male Dorado within minutes of me handing him the line. Timing is everything!! It is true that a bad day fishing is still a great day on the water.

We caught several female Dorado and set them free. The fish counts have been down each successive year for the last few years and it is important that we release the smaller female dorado so they can go forth and replenish the waters with more Dorado! The female has a more rounded smoother head and easy to distinguish from the bull nose male. We saw many boats around us gafting females as the tourist fishermen love to take back as much fish as possible. There are plenty of fish in the water and it is a delicate ecosystem in the marine park. Please fish responsibly and treat these waters as you would your own backyard. Hopefully, this will be a good thing for all.

Another secret to Living in Loreto is to Get Out regularly. Brenda Calger, one of our sales associates has been working very hard lately, and I took her on a trip to Cabo San Lucas to get out of town. We turned off our emails, let all cell calls go to voicemail, and did not discuss anything pertaining to Loreto for 4 full days. We arrived at the Riu Palace Hotel with the expectation of being pampered, uninterrupted, and getting plenty of rest.

The Riu did not disappoint and I highly recommend it as a quick get away. It is an all inclusive resort, with premium liquors to satisfy the most discriminating tastes. They have 4 gourmet restaurants that require reservations in addition to the many buffets and snack bars open all day long. The pools and gardens surrounding this 660 room hotel located on a white sandy beach are magnificent and only surpassed by the friendly attentive service.

There were two large pools, one for activities and one for quiet, with large swim up bar and infinite pools between. Plenty of bars and seating areas to drink, relax and people watch. Napping in a chaise lounge by the pool is definitely NOT overrated! The pool waiters wheel a cart fully stocked with all your favorite refreshments so there is no anxiety waiting for them to walk to the bar and return. Yes, we were no longer in Kansas!

Cabo was 10 degrees cooler and no air conditioning was required. The junior suites were beautifully appointed, with small living room, lovely bathroom, full stocked mini bar and even room service for those that didn’t want to walk far. We preferred to start our mornings at the La Ventana Bar which had a full view of Los Arcos, the cruise ships, and Riu grounds below. A few Baileys and coffee to wake up, and then on to mimosas made with fresh squeezed lime juice. Yummy!

The main restaurant on the beach was a hub of activity all afternoon, where you could graze on a large variety of fresh fruits, cheese, deserts and ice cream, if you had enough fill of the seafood and meats continually being replenished by the team of non stop chefs. A great place to meet people and chat under the cool shade cover with gentle breezes blowing from the water.

Our most extraordinary meal was at the St. Lawrence Restaurant which offered gourmet cuisine. The vegetable ravioli was the best pasta I have ever had anywhere and worth the return visit for this one dish. I was most impressed with the first class service and presentation that was included in the package price. These restaurants require reservations and proper dress attire is required. This was a very nice change to the too often casual approach of “no shoes, no shirt, no service”.

There was nightly entertainment for the entire family, which included music, dancing, skits, and Brenda got up to show them how we party in Loreto! After hours there was a disco open until 2 am. I heard that the Cabo businesses were not very happy with the Riu because the guests arrived and never left the hotel again, and I can fully understand why. Loreto is full of “Corona” moments of tranquility listening to the stillness and gentle splashing of the sea. This trip to Cabo was full of “Champaign wishes and caviar dreams”. A wonderful contrast that is only a six hour drive away. Check it out at www.riu.com and search for Hotel Riu Palace, Cabo San Lucas. Best rates if you call their reservations line directly.

Now I am back in Loreto …. back to my current reality … until next week …

2008-06-01T20:25:00.002-06:00

A special thank you to my friend Deborah Scanlon for being my guest blogger and sharing her experiences …

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE WATER – Part II

These few weeks have been full of special moments and you'd pretty much be a sleep walking zombie to miss the intense natural beauty of this area. It's easy to see in the contrast of an azure sea with desert landscape and towering mountain-scapes. Light constantly shifts and presents mother nature's palette. The subtle hues on the Sierra de la Gigantas at morning light is a delicious time of day. Then the table is set once again as the setting sun brings Islas Carmen alive and dazzling, popping off the blue sky canvas. Kodak moments. This week has been full of them. Having worked for Eastman Kodak for 13 years, the phrase 'Kodak moment' has at times been quite literal for me. Of course, branding aside, everyone understands it means something very special, typically visually and emotionally. An image that evokes a feeling for us...something that draws us into a captured moment. So powerful that we seem to experience it as if we were right there. Hmmmm...back to that idea of being present (again and again).

I believe for many Loreto provides ample 'Kodak moments' that we individually get to define as our perfect moment. Perhaps, a moment that can last a lifetime. Last week Rafa loaded up the family, the kayaks, and us on his specially rigged panga for a trip to Danzante Island. A quick ride from the Villages of Loreto Bay. The plan was to paddle as far as his girls were inclined and mostly to be together for lunch and fun. Other friends joined in and his wife Margarita got a day off to herself at home.

Pulling up to a favorite spot, Honeymoon Cove, I didn't really expect to see what we did. Just about a dozen or so bottlenose dolphin were meandering around the entrance to the rather small cove. We typically see hundreds or even thousands of dolphin when we are adventuring out at sea. So in a way I wondered, "where is the rest of the gang?" And I certainly didn't expect to be graced with their presence 30 minutes later when we were unloaded and paddling close to the shoreline.

I wondered if they were just waiting to see if we would come play. And play we did! For almost an hour! They would dive and disappear then pop up just far enough to make us paddle to catch them. A new version of hide and seek I think. And many times coming within arms length of the kayak. What a glorious experience for all of us.

After an exciting hour playing we then inched along the shore staring at the fish and activity in the water and all around the rocks. This hardly qualified as 'paddling' since we drifted a lot, least we create ripples from the paddles and obstruct the window into our underwater performance. Rays, fish, fish, and more fish. Every time I do this I recommit to learning to identify the plethora of species and to buy that new guide. But hey, they are pretty and maybe that's all I need to know!

After a filling our bellies with lunch and filling our quenching our thirsty souls, we decided to change perspectives and mosey up the rocky path for a birds eye view. I think the photo says it all here....

I love the fact that the sea is just another surface to explore. Above and below. Octopus photo by Kristin Hawkins.

I have had so many uncaptured 'Kodak moments' these three weeks in Loreto. Just this morning, I kayaked around Punta Nopolo and watched a sardine launch into the air 4 times the way water squirts from a clenched fist. Obviously something was in pursuit and then...WHAM! Right before my eyes an airborne sardine being swallowed whole by an equally airborne triggerfish. Nature at work. Everywhere.

It's no wonder that Fonatur created the golf course along the sea. We are all attracted to the edge. To live, to play, to enjoy. And although as a non-golfer I can't experience the nuances of the game and the course... I can certainly appreciate the beauty of the course as it has been transformed before my very eyes. With holes like these I think I may take up the game!

Maybe it's gazing out on a seemingly endless blue horizon or the pastel colors of Carmen at sunset. There are those places and experiences that strike a universal cord. Regardless, everyone can relate by simply looking at an image. A static image that captures a moment in time forever lost. As much as I love the analysis of composition, color, and light, there is nothing that can replace putting yourself right there. Experience it!! What better way to create your 'Kodak moments' then by living them!

I hope and trust that I, and we, never take for granted all the wonder and awe of this place. Please send your "Kodak Moments" to share so we can all be reminded of how blessed we are to be here.

Best,
Deborah
deborah@casaloretobay.com

2008-05-26T00:32:00.007-06:00

Fishing, Giant Squid, and Film Crews in Loreto!

The Dorado have arrived!! The temperatures are getting hotter and the water is warm. Steve Lischka from Oklahoma chartered REEL TROUBLE for fishing and he certainly got more than he bargained for. He wanted to catch some yellowfin jurel but they are near the end of the season and we did not have much luck. We headed northeast about 35 miles and Chino found a school of dorado. We slowed down and watched excitedly as they were all around us.

Chino and Latcho quickly threw down 4 lines and we did not have to wait long. First Steve caught this nice decent fish to get warmed up. Latcho did not feel it was worthy of a photo, slightly larger than bait fish … so he quickly put it in the holding tank to get down to more serious matters.

I hooked a smaller Dorado, maybe 20 lbs., but rather than bring it in … we kept it on the line. Chino and Latcho said this was so that “granddaddy” would come. We got anther bite, so now we had 2 “Fish On”… and we waited. A few moments later, Steve got a huge pull and now we were fishing! Lots of activity as we pulled in the other fish and not get the lines tangled, and Chino maneuvering the boat so that Steve would not lose the fish he had on. After 30 minutes, it was a beautiful sight to pull our prize Dorado of the season. We continued to catch several large dorado until the client was happy, then we headed for home. In a few weeks, we will update the photos on the website www.velerodelmar.com

This boat is often moored in Cabo but the first time I have seen in Loreto, our little town is gaining attention. My sources tell me that it belongs to one of the original Microsoft Moguls, but it is not Gates or Bulmer. It has been in Loreto for over a week and the crew come into town to enjoy the local Happy Hours and buy their groceries. We see the helicopter doing some fly-bys and am sure scenic tours of the area, but no rich and famous sightings yet.

There was another 120 foot yacht in the harbor enjoying the Isles of Loreto, along with a variety of smaller luxury boats like this 50 ft cruiser. It is amazing how quickly we become accustomed to seeing these kinds of changes and no one objects to the wealthy using this as their playground. In fact, the locals kind of wish they would stay and spend more time (and money). As I always say … Be careful what you wish for …. You just might get it!

Last week, I met Troy Parkinson, Field Producer/Director, from Fargo, ND and Steve Olson, Director of Photography. They chartered our boat to film Dale Pearson and Rob Arrington, searching for the Giant Humboldt squid for Discovery Channel. They loved our boat and we like being associated with the film industry. Steve kept us in stitches of laughter as he talked about his other prime time TV show on the Travel Network … Bizarre Foods. It is aired on Tuesdays nights and now I will be tuning in to see the most delectable exotic foods around the world.

Today I am in Santa Rosalia, which is 200 kms north or Loreto, and Port for the Ferry to Guyamas on the mainland. Singular (Fonatur) has spent a lot of money in the last year improving this dock and its facilities and it is one of the steps on the Nautical Ladder.

The tranquility of waking up to the sound of the fish jumping in the water and the gentle rocking motion of the boat is hypnotic. After this trip, I really believe that the advantage to belonging to the Velero Del Mar membership program is to be able to take the boat out, with captain, for several days and explore the islands and abundant natural beauty. It’s a great thing for 2 people to do for 3 or 4 days. Cruise, fish, snorkel, eat and drink, snooze, while Captain Chino takes care of your safety and navigation.

The boat is reserved all this week for Eric Galler, Head of Operations for Creative Differences Productions, based in Washington, DC. They are also filming a segment for Discovery Channel. The star and celebrity is Scott Turel, who invented the technique of filming the Giant Humboldt squid. He is famous in this area as all the locals want to meet and see the crazy man that encounters these cannibals that can exceed 20 feet in length, face to face, and then deliberately makes them mad! Here’s a photo of Scott, his Manager Shauna, and myself, after a very long 11 hour day filming. Scott is highly respected in his field and after watching a full day, there is no doubt that he is the Master.

In closing, the Memorial Service for Dan Murphy was held at the INN at Loreto Bay this week and there were about 100 people in attendance to honor him. His beautiful wife Jeannie was there, and it brought tears to everyone’s eyes how much she missed him and made us realize the importance of love and life. There was a tree planted in remembrance of Dan Murphy at the INN near the back garden. Dan’s good friends and partners Rob Kater, Jose Ramon Noriega, and Randy Wagner were the first to add soil to the tree in final support of Dan and his new journey. Many of us are still here making the original vision of Loreto Bay happen … poco y poco, which is exactly what Dan would have wanted. We will miss you, our friend.

2008-05-17T12:46:00.004-06:00

In Loreto …. It’s All About The Water …

Deborah Scanlon is my guest blogger this week. Deborah has been coming to Loreto almost 15 years and initially discovered Loreto fishing with friends. She eventually bought a home here and looks forward to semi-retirement and more time in Loreto enjoying the activities and people she loves here. She enjoys photography, kayaking, hiking, fishing, snorkeling, exploring, and just enjoying the ever present sunshine and natural beauty of Loreto. "I feel blessed to have so many dear and interesting friends that share a love of Loreto and that participate in community" Deborah left a successful career in high tech and data security to work in Loreto which allows her more time there. While not in Loreto she makes her home in Huntington Beach, CA---Surf City USA. Three of many things she would love to do in life; Through hike the Pacific Crest or Appalachian Trail, Ride a bicycle from Tijuana to Cabo, and learn to surf.

What magic does Loreto hold for you? I often wonder what draws people to such a place. Sometimes I am curious how I ended up in Loreto and can't quite retrace the events clearly. It was just a place I came to fish almost 15 years ago. But I marvel at how things unfolded for it to have such a huge part of my heart and attention. I have always said Loreto has the most 'serendipity' of anywhere I've been....but that's another story for another day.

For a small town Loreto has a big appeal. I query folks often. "What do you think of our little slice of heaven"? I ask complete strangers. "Have you been out on the water?" For people I've known for more than a brief moment, I ask, "Why are you here?" Not what brought you here, but why stay? For many it is the natural beauty, the contrast of desert and sea. Others see in Loreto a place of calm and tranquility. A place to literally escape their hectic, time pressured, regret the past and worry about the future lives. I have tried to articulate with close friends why I can have the same 50 item to-do list in Loreto as in the States and it just feels different. We've come up with a theory...we think that culturally and innately, our Mexican friends have the ability to be present in the moment in a way that has escaped many of us. I mean really present. Present and engaged in the now. Maybe that's where 'manana' comes from too. Somehow so strongly protecting being in the moment and not worrying about the future. I muse sometimes how the very reasons I love Loreto are the very things that can sometimes frustrate me when I forget where I am. I forget where I am and how to be in the now. Appreciation lives in the now. Relationship lives in the now.

It's easy for me to sit and look out at the sea and have it bring me back to the present. To calm my mind. To breathe deep and appreciate the magnificence it holds. We all love to be on it, in it, and around it. We play with our dolphin friends that are so prevalent and marvel at the whales and other abundant sea life. The dramatic mountain and island backdrop fill our visual embrace. Yes...where the mountains swim to the sea...how appropriate.

As a photographer I have always been intrigued with capturing 'moments'. This is one I am most proud of from several weeks ago. A humpback whale waving to us.....

I love being on the water. I love the splendid reminders of Creation. I took this photo and others while out on classic panga with local Loretanos Rafael Murillo Pelayo and Pancho Ramero Alvarez. I think these two guys love being on the water even more than me. The make their livelihoods on the water. They depend on the sea. Pancho is a local independent fisherman with 30 years of experience and Rafa is a dive master at Dolphin Dive. They are very special and dear friends to us and a trip to Loreto is not complete without time together. After a hectic few weeks of all of us working, I offered up.."anything you guys want to do, anything at all". Their response, "why don't we go look for blue whales, fish a little for lunch, make fresh ceviche, and meander around Carmen Island?" Hmmmm...so that's what a day off looks for these two! Their passion inspires me. Their friendship uplifts me.

Pancho and Rafa are the embodiment of all things good Loreto. I am sure there are many, many ambassadors of Loreto. I just have the privilege of being close to these two and their families. If you want to have superior service and to support them, please do. Yes, a shameless plug for two deserving friends. Anything I can do to help. Maybe it's my way of trying to keep alive and well the soul of Loreto. We all want to keep things 'authentic', although I'm not exactly sure how to do that or even what it really means. I suppose ultimately if I am my authentic self and you are yours that is all we can count on. And practically speaking, maybe Pancho won't have to decide between finishing plastering his walls or putting up a palapa for summer shade on the house he has continued to build on his own. Maybe I am more attached to him having 'more' than he is. I need to always caution myself to make sure I am not trying to instill my definition of 'better' for him. Friends don't do that and Pancho is one of the happiest people on this planet and in my world. And he is my secret weapon for fishing. You can find him here; www.casaloretobay.com/pancho

Rafa takes conservation and protecting the sea very seriously. He has taken advantage of every opportunity to further his education about it both formally and informally. He tends to be my encyclopedia as we venture out onto the blue horizon. What's really fun is how excited he gets along with any visitor. This ray has about a 10 foot wing span. Unbelievable. All of our eyes were bugging out as it floated on the surface for what seemed like an eternity. Gently gliding around the boat it seemed to bask in all our accolades and shouts of amazement. Rafa had the presence of mind to grab his camera and video it. The sound track on the video is quite amusing with oohs and ahs and a couple of 'holy xxxx".

Rafa wants to remind all of us the importance of supporting the Marine National Park we get to call our playground. I didn't really know the rules and guidelines of the park. And I am sure many of us just aren't aware or educated. It is important to pay our 21 pesos for daily use to support the park. With it's meager budget it is very difficult to monitor and enforce the protections of the park. If you are standing on land fishing, you don't need a park pass (just a fishing license). But the minute you get on the water for any activity, you do. If PROFEPA finds you in the park without your wristband the fine is stiff. You can get your pass/wristband at the marina at the National Park Office. Some other important rules: No pets on the islands. Stay on paths on the islands and use designated camping areas only. Permits are necessary for camping also. Carmen Island is a private island and you must get permission to be beyond the 22 meter Federal Zone. You must stay 50 meters away from wild life (whales, etc.) There are "no fish" zones in the park and of course licensing and catch limits need to be observed. Jet-skis are allowed only around the coastal area of Loreto (200 meters from shore) and are not allowed around the islands. I don't know if there is anything other than a day pass, but if Nellie invites me back again, I'll try and get more details for everyone. Do ENJOY this marvelous resource that we are blessed with. Underwater photos compliments of Kristin Hawkins.

A little background on the park from Loreto.com --Due to the diligent efforts of the Loreto community, The Bay of Loreto National Marine Park was created by a Presidential Decree and approved by the Mexican Federal Congress on July 19, 1996. The Park covers 2,065 square kilometers in the Sea of Cortez ranging from Isla Coronado in the north to Isla Catalana in the south. On July 14, 2005, the Park was inscribed to the United Nation’s list of protected World Heritage Sites. With over 800 species of marine life inhabiting the Sea of Cortez and while many of them are currently endangered, the need for protection of these delicate ecosystems is great. More... http://www.loreto.com/marinepark/index.html

Even the rain is more interesting in Loreto. It's scarcity. It's way of showing up with unbelievable force on occasion. And it's importance to such delicate ecosystems. Even the rare rainbow in Loreto seems to hold more vibrancy, more magic...here's my photo of the only rainbow I have ever seen in Loreto observed last November.

Mix desert, water, and development and there will always be controversy and politics. We all need to be responsible in all of this. Water is essential to all life. It nourishes us, surrounds us, and reminds us of natures inherent strength. Like I said, "It's all about the water". And Pancho, and Rafa, and peace, and friends, and adventure, and making a difference! And you fill in the blank for you!

I'd love to hear what Loreto is for you. Drop me a line.

Blessings,
Deborah Scanlon
deborah@casaloretobay.com

2008-05-11T19:52:00.004-06:00

Happy Mother’s Day! New Hospital in Loreto, Mexico

We wrote this for Nellie because she told us she needed a break, and what a better time to give a gift than on Mother’s Day that she was able to spend with her mother and daughter in Victoria. This guest blog is about our tour of the new hospital that was given by Dr. Carranza, Director, to invited foreigners on April 22, 2008.

Here are a few pix from the tour. It was a fairly typical Mexican event, started late, was disorganized and everybody seemed to have a good time! The Director of the Hospital gave the tour, he looks to be in his 30's speaks better than adequate English and I was impressed by the responsibility he has at his age. Opening a new Hospital in Mexico is not an everyday event and it is obviously a significant honor to be chosen for this position.

My impressions include; the building is much larger than I had any idea of from the outside, I'm not an expert at this sort of thing but I would guess it could be as much as 15,000 to 20,000 sq ft. The Director made a big deal of telling us, many times, that all of the equipment was NEW, apparently not a common circumstance in his experience with the medical system. The quality of construction and finish were very good, ceramic tile floors in about half the building in high traffic areas, the inevitable stucco walls, suspended drywall ceilings, very bright and airy throughout with central A/C and emergency generators for the inevitable power failures. There are three consultation rooms, two for general medicine and one for a specialist, plus one for a dentist. There are 5 ward rooms each with two beds and a washroom plus one isolation room. There is plenty of room for expansion on the current site for adding more beds, which I gather are in the future plans.

There are two operating rooms, one for delivering babies, the other for all other surgeries. There is a lab for blood and other tests, an ultrasound and X-ray set-up and in-house laundry and kitchen as well as a small chapel (under the dome you can see as you drive past). The menu of services and related charges has not been released yet, but for all but the lowest income Mexican citizens (who receive their services free) the payment terms are simple, cash. No insurance of any kind is accepted, but the fees are supposed to be very low, by North American standards, e.g. an initial consultation with a Doctor is $110 pesos.

There is a pharmacy on the premises to distribute medication as well. I am sketchy on the details, but I gather there are supposed to be at least 3 general medicine Doctors and one Specialist plus Emergency staff. Two Doctors will be available in the morning and one in the afternoon, Emergency will operate 24 hours. There will be one general surgeon and one pediatric specialist staffing the two surgeries. The Hospital is open now as a sort of walk-in clinic, but is due to be completed, staffed, and in full operation by sometime in June, in time for the official visit by President Calderón for the Grand Opening.

In conclusion I was very impressed with the facility, acknowledging that I know very little about Hospitals, other than watching Grey's Anatomy. It will be a vital link in the future of all people who live in or visit Loreto and I am pleased to think that the Loreto Bay Foundation has contributed to making it a reality.

Drew and Cathy of FN49 wish all Mothers’ a Great Day today!

2008-05-05T00:23:00.003-06:00

Where In The World Is Nellie??

Quien Sabe??!!

Nellie was last seen working at the office on Dais de Trabajo, Mexican Labor Day Holiday ... and then she's gone.... MIA

Here's a hint... she is 4400 miles away from Loreto.

Let us know if you see an sightings....

Have a good week ...

2008-04-27T23:13:00.007-06:00

Goodbye Dan Murphy, We will miss your pioneer spirit!

Loreto lost a very good friend this week. Dan Murphy was the face of Ecoscapes here in Loreto for many years. His positive attitude, always friendly smile and greeting would warm all who encountered him on a day to day basis. He was a Can Do kind of guy who had truly lived fully. From professional race car driver, to diplomat, to traveling and living worldwide, he and his beautiful wife Jeanine made Loreto their home for the past several years. It was impossible not to love Dan, and we will all miss him greatly. All the employees of Ecoscapes and all those that are part of Loreto Bay will remember Dan’s kindness, humility and take this moment to celebrate his life. Our most heartfelt condolences to Jeanine, who we hope will always consider Loreto her home as well as San Diego.

They have finished paving Benito Jueves Street right to the malecon and it was a beautiful bright red color for about 1 day before the dust blew in an embedded itself in the colored concrete. This has taken almost a year for them to be working on the sewer and water pipes on this one block and many are relieved it is finally finished.

The Municipal staff have been out painting curbs, pedestrian crosswalks and white lines with yellow stripes to resemble topes or speedbumps. Going from a town with one stop light that doesn’t work and Alto (stop) signs that are merely a suggestion to the other extreme of crosswalks very 20 meters is a little overkill. Also note that the Police have been told to issue tickets for cell phone use while driving. You can drink and drive, but you can’t drive drunk; it is recommended that you do not drive with a baby in your arms, and seatbelts are not mandatory. However, talk on your cell phone and you will be fined!

This is another example of progress and how the pendulum needs to swing radically from the right to the left before it can land in the middle where life makes sense. The weather is wonderful this time of year and I never quite understand why there are not more people here in April and May. High 80’s in the daytime with a gentle sea breeze and 70’s at night. This was the first bicycle cab I saw for those that find it too hot to walk around town in the midday sun. I think the driver will quickly lose wait or give up once the temperature reaches high 90’s in another few months. Let’s see if this idea is a flash in the pan or the start of a profitable enterprise! Timing is everything.

The donkey drawn carriages have moved up to horses and this is an easy way to slowly enjoy the malecon boardwalk and streets of Loreto. I think the ride is 30 pesos per person and the driver is very friendly. Holland America comes to port regularly this time of year and many entrepreneurs are walking around with portable ice cream freezers, sticks loaded with bags of cotton candy, and trinkets galore.

On our way to La Picazon Beach Restaurant, we saw wild horses grazing the little vegetation they could find. Not sure who these beautiful horses belonged to but they were free to roam and laze about. They were accustomed to the fast speed of cars racing past and hardly gave us a second look. On the way back, they were sleeping and resting a little further north in front of a large tree in someone’s yard.

We keep REEL TROUBLE at Pt. Escondido and they close the gates at dusk, I always assumed for security. But actually, when I saw the cows at the gate trying to get in, I realized it was probably to keep them out. They came by the gate and when no one let them in, this mama and baby turned around and headed back towards the highway. We saw a herd of about 10 just making their way and not in a hurry to get off the road or avoid us.

Nellie’s Place Hotel is offering our standard rooms with one queen bed, good clean rooms with great hot water, and wireless internet for $150 USD per week from now until mid September. We have 3 of these rooms available, and thought it would be a great promotion for all our friends who want to give their family the Loreto experience at a cheap price. This is great for young people, fishermen, or people wanting to just hang out in town and explore the area. We have a great roof top deck, but no pool, TVs or minibars. Just a great friendly place steps from the beach and waterfront.

Abril has worked for BajaBOSS for almost a year now and an excellent employee. It was her birthday Friday night, and she had a big celebration at Baja Salon. There were many friends, lots of hugs, food and plenty of dancing and drinks all night long. It’s probably been six months since I have been out dancing until 3 am and the next morning I know why! A good time, but I swear it takes me more than 24 hours to recover. The price is still worth it a few times a year.

I really like Baja Salon as it is a great mix of people. I always see many Mexican friends, some local characters, and my friends from Nopolo. Brenda Calger was among the many friends there to offer best wishes to Abril. Darryl Jones, Dana Peers, and even John and Felicia Brooks were dancing up a storm until all hours! Sergio does a great job on the music and Camilla is the most beautiful bartender in all of Loreto!

Capt. John Cashman dropped by to see a different side of Loreto, as he normally is cruising past here either by highway or sea as fast as he can on his way between San Diego and Los Cabos. John is a boat broker from San Diego and is a professional boat captain to bring any size boat down the Baja in 3 or 4 days. If you have any questions on buying and/or delivering your boat here, give him a email at captjcashman@hotmail.com

Here's the latest photo this week of the new bridge progress just outside of Nopolo. The amount of rebar that has been constructed by hand in 90 degree temperature is astounding and a reason for all of us to have a greater appreciation of the manual labor involved to make our lives so much easier and convenient in times of natural disasters. Last year when the relatively mild Hurricane came thought, it left tourists and visitors stranded in Nopolo unable to make their way to the airport. This little bridge will ensure that there are no similar future delays of 24 to 48 hours of being stranded in paradise. This is progress.

Have a great week!

Miss Nellie

2008-04-20T20:37:00.004-06:00

Buying Ejido Lands in Loreto, Mexico

I stopped to enjoy coffee on my deck on this lazy Sunday morning and it was a beautiful sight to see the progress of Aqua Viva. Somehow without me noticing, these homes with towers sprang out of nowhere, when it seems that they were just going vertical only a few months ago. This is another example how life happens when we are too busy to notice. The sight of these large cranes towering over new construction is like a heavy metal oasis out of some Mad Max “gone urban” movie. A beautiful sight to behold if you were here in the early days only 4 years ago when lines in the sand were paced out and chalked in the most rudimentary manner.

Another example of how fast things change is the progress on the new bridge just outside the gates of Nopolo. They have equipment coming and going and men working from early in the morning until late at night. They have assembled a lot of the rebar and laid footings in this past week. The weather is starting to get warm reaching high 80's during the days, and there is still a breeze in the air. April and May are my favorite months here for weather.

The US market has affected our sales in Loreto. There are still plenty of people with money interested in having second or third homes in this area; there is just not the urgency to do so. This is unfortunate, because often the best time to buy is when the market is at its lowest. There are some very motivated sellers that can not or do not want to wait out this current low trend and are willing to sell their homes for much below fair market values. How often have we said “would have, could have, should have”? I know myself … too many times!!

Many people I know are buying real estate from “friends of friends” and thinking they are getting good deals because they do not have to pay realtor commissions. There is a term here called “coyotes” which refers to people who take advantage of both the buyer and seller. For example, the seller may not know what his land is worth and need money. The “coyote” slash “friend” tells him that he can get $50,000 for the land; then turns around and sells it for $100,000; and takes $50,000 as his commission. In some cases, the buyer could have negotiated $70,000 for this land if he had done his homework. This is unethical, immoral and disturbing when you think that the seller has known and trusted this individual for years before greed was involved. The presence of coyotes is much less now than 5 years ago because people talk and everyone knows who has cheated them. Every friend that sells a piece of property is making a commission usually in the range of 5% to 15%. This is strictly for the transaction but they take no responsibility for the paperwork or land transfer.

There is little or no legislation governing real estate sales in Mexico. None of the rules, regulations, ethics standards, and disciplinary committees, provisions for disclosure or agency rules that we are accustomed to apply here. My bartender can sell real estate. He is not a bad guy and will probably not rip anyone off… it’s just that he does not know about comparable values; land entitlement and transfer; and rights of the foreign investor.

There is a new realtor organization emerging in Mexico over the last several years and it established a branch in Loreto last year. It is called AMPI - Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios, A.C. It is a self governing body of realtors in Mexico that understand the importance of working together and lobbying with the Mexican Government to create standards and policies that are recognized by both people working in the industry and our clients. All reputable realtors in Loreto belong to AMPI and work together cooperatively to share information and protect the buyers and sellers as best as we can. Beware, just because someone displays an AMPI sign on their window, does not necessarily make them a “member”. Ask around, it’s a small town and if people do not say something good, it is usually a sign to make another inquiry.

99% of land in this area belongs to Ejido Associations (Ranchers). In the last several years significant land reforms have been made to the Ejido so that the members can sell and transfer land outside of the Ejido Association. Constitutional Rights to new Ejido land has been eliminated, reducing the threat that newly private lands would be appropriated by the government. Limitations on ownership are greatly reduced. Foreign investment has been encouraged and foreign corporations can own Mexican agricultural land.

This is all good news and it is relatively safe to buy Ejido land PROVIDED that you understand the complex process of transferring land out of Ejido membership and into private ownership. Most Mexicans do not fully understand the legal complexities required for foreign ownership; and why would they? If a foreigner (Canadian) asked an American what they need to buy land in the USA – would most Americans know? Probably not as the American has no requirement for immigration, foreign investment, or foreign credit status. They just go buy the house. The same holds true in Mexico. As an Ejido member and as a Mexican national, there are inherent rights of protection that the government offers them. However, as a foreigner, you can not assume you have the same rights or protection. This holds true in any country.

I recently had some Loreto Bay friends come and tell me they wanted to purchase some Ejido land with no road access or utilities. I knew the area and title status of this particular Ejido Association. The land was relatively inexpensive and I advised them that I felt it was a good opportunity for a 10 year buy and hold investment. I explained the pros and cons of the transaction and offered BajaBOSS services to ensure they actually got title to the property in 6 to 8 months. However, if they chose to pay their new “friends” directly and come to me after the fact, I would have to charge them triple to clean up the mess.

They did come to me after they were escorted to the Notario’s office and paid him $300 USD for what their friends told them was a Power of Attorney, since it was in Spanish, and then handed over the money to the seller in exchange for the original Certificate, which they were told was the Title. I asked them “why didn’t you call me” and they said they felt that they were pressured and had no choice. You always have a choice. Anywhere, Anytime.

The facts are that no one really did anything wrong. We followed up with the documents, and the Notario was paid to protocolize the signatures and agreement between the Seller and Foreigner, which he did. The Seller signed and gave dominion power to the Buyer over all right, title and interest to the land. The friends exchanged money for the original Certificate, and since they were Mexican they assumed this was all that was required and the Buyer could take care of the rest.

However, since the Buyer is a foreigner, he has no rights under Ejido law, and even with the Seller granting him dominion power to the land, he can do nothing with it until it comes out of Ejido. No one has the rights other than another Ejido member to apply for title and they can not do so without the dominion power. So, the Buyer has the original Certificado Parcelaro, which is NOT title, in the name of the Seller and can do nothing to transfer it on his own. The seller now has the money, and as time goes on, will have less and less incentive to apply to Mexico City for the Title.

We offered to remedy the situation immediately, since it is fresh in everyone’s mind and no real harm has been done as everyone had good intentions. However, the buyer is choosing to let it slide and deal with it later. Oh well. Perhaps, when it comes time to correct the problem and obtain title, our fee again will increase threefold. It’s similar to when you hire a good plumber to do the job in the beginning, you pay extra for value. However, if you try to go cheap or do it yourself without qualification, you end up paying a whole lot more later to fix the mess.

Not all situations are like this as there are a few good people in Loreto who know how to handle the Ejido transfer process. However, we are watching carefully for those properties that have been purchased several years ago for very small amounts and those buyers still do not have any rights to the land. This is what will be very interesting. They can not make cries of unjust government or swindlers because Cavet Emptor – Buyer Beware applies universally.

Buying titled land in town or part of a development community like Loreto Bay, is very safe and all due diligence is done by the Notario Publico and Bank Trusts at the time of transfer. I do not mean to scare anyone, just offering a little advice. If it sounds too good to be true, sometimes it is. Just get good advice before you hand over the money. In Mexico there is little documentation and contracts surrounding land purchases. Deals are done by handshake and 90% of the time both parties are honorable. It is what it is. If you would like BajaBOSS to review your documentation, we will do so for a nominal fee and let you know if it is satisfactory or if you should do something to protect your rights to the Ejido land that you think you own.

DORADO PROPERTIES LORETO is focusing on the large parcels and working directly with the developers interested in building housing, retail, community, or high end projects. These deals take a lot of time, requires a lot of patience and working with group decisions sometimes scattered across several countries, but we persevere. Qualifying the buyer, understanding their objectives and outcomes, knowing your product and all the legal complications associated with title and development in this area, and having the staying power to not only finish the deal, but assist them to the next stage of development and sales, is the task we have at hand. It’s a very good thing that we have years of experience in this area already, otherwise, the challenge would be near impossible to start from scratch. There are many people in the Wild Wild West who talk the talk, but few who walk the walk. Sometimes it just takes time to recognize the difference.