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 entrĂ©e 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!

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