Thursday, February 23, 2023

BAJA CALIFORNIA - Returning North to Bahia Concepcion

After reaching San Jose del Cabo at the southern tip of Baja, it was time to turn the Goldwing rig north, riding solo for the return trip.

How about some color photos from Baja? The Mexican people love their vibrant colors. Be it a modest casa or a storefront...


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The GoldWing rig is handling the trip with no issues. One of the objectives of this ride was to demonstrate that a cruiser bike or a long distance highway machine can handle the Mexican highways of today. A dual sport rig is not needed. On the long flat straightaways, the GW can hit speeds equal to any US highway. Am averaging about 30 mpg... except when I twist the throttle a bit too much. 

The artwork in AirBnB motels can be eye-catching... anyone know her name? Dolores...? or Maria...? or Miranda...?

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In the restaurant, more colorful paintings...

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Finally reaching Bahia Concepcion to meet up with Princess Jamaica and FlyingMonkeys. The view from the rooftop deck is impressive.

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Only three sailing rigs taking cover from the high winds these days. What is not seen in the photos is the cold winds blowing in from the northeast. Went up top to snap a quick photo then back down inside. In a few days, it will be warm again.

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For those who drove their RV down, finding a sandbar to set up on was easy, and crowded but there are many beach spots along here. The tide does not vary enough on the Sea of Cortez side to threaten those campers.

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Alas, FlyingMonkeys was sidetracked in California with food poisoning, ending his ride down to Baja. I thought that was supposed to happen drinking tap water in Mexico, not in the USA. Last word was, after recovering in Scramento for a few days in a very pricey motel, FM is back home in Washington. 

PJ and his wife put on a great food spread for four hungry motorcyclists and one sidecarist. Great food, cold drink, interesting conversation... was noted that among this well-traveled group, all of whom have ridden in numerous countries around the world, none could remember having an unpleasant experience with locals. In fact, most noted only help and good fortune was received from strangers everywhere.

Most people are the same as you and I, willing to help someone in true need. It's the tiny group that create the problems that dominate the daily headlines. If we believed all the negative news, no one would ever leave their homes.

Noting the cool weather here both this year and last year in early February, am thinking a mid-March trip down Baja might be a good idea. Not too hot, not too cold.

Monday, February 20, 2023

BAJA CALIFORNIA DAYS FIVE/SIX

As we reach the older southern sections of Baja, old Spanish churches are on the agenda. 
Churches over 300 years old that are still in use today, not just tourist magnets like in Europe.

In the town square in San Ignacio


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Due to the very thick stone walls, the actual interior dimensions of the nave are narrow.

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On the outskirts of MulegĂ©, another stone mission, 

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The thick stone walls keeps the interior cool in the desert heat.

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Of course in the evening in Baja, it's fish tacos and cold drinks on the plaza...
The San Ignacio church can be seen in the background.

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What is the waitress at the end of the table doing.... better enlarge that image to see

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Ah, pouring a row of tequila shooters...

Oops you blinked..., this is what a tequila shooter looks like... now!


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Saturday, February 18, 2023

BAJA CALIFORNIA DAYS: THREE/FOUR/FIVE

More photos from days 3 thru 5..

Long stretches of two lane highway, watch for potholes...


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Sunrise on San Felipe beach

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Tides out at San Felipe

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When there is no PEMEX, you do what you have to do...

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The Englishman in the group does not drink coffee, but insists on his tea everyday.
He was upset when I told him this restaurant had no "T".


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Sunrise the next day on the way to whale watching.

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One small boat for twelve persons...

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Getting in was a step

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But we got to see the grey whales up close.

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There is a small tent camp at the point overlooking the whale lagoon. Windy but could be an interesting spot to stay for a few days.

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Wednesday, February 15, 2023

NORTHERN BAJA CALIFORNIA - DAY THREE, or is it FOUR?

Arrived in Loreto this afternoon, after stopping to see Pricess Jamaica for a few minutes. He and I will have more time to talk next week.

Here are some photos from the first couple of days of the trip that could not be posted due to slow internet service.
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A rest stop for thirsty bikers

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What's Baja without fish tacos?

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Group gas stop

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San Felipe, shuttered hotel/club, lighthouse and waterfront shrine

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Tuesday, February 14, 2023

NORTHERN BAJA CALIFORNIA - DAY TWO


Today the ride south begins: woke to rainy overcast, streets wet, but riders are ready, let's go...

Riders gathered at MotoQuest to pack their bike, receive final riding instructions before heading out.
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Soliitary Honda GoldWing sidecar rig being outnumbered by BMW GS's and F's. The rig attracts more attention everywhere than all the Beemers put together, but we sidecarists are familiar with the SDF (Sidecar Delay Factor).

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Utilizing the HOV lanes, we are quickly out of the urban areas and into the well known rider's dream land of Southern Califonia foothills. First restroom break happens at Cook's Corner, a very well know bikers gathering spot.

Wonder why Cook's is famous? Here's the sign....

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Cook's was followed by miles and miles of twisting foothills, Sunday traffic but not too bad. Next stop for a late lunch was Josie's Hideout... another infamous motorcycle gathering spot.
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Bikes line both sides of the country road out front...

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And what is a biker saloon without live entertainment????

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Another hour or so riding the twisting roads before we reached out destination hotel for the night in Julian, CA.

Here we rest to prepare for the Mexican border crossing in the morning.

Monday, February 13, 2023

2022 Photo Review - Part B

Continuing on from the previous post, 
here is the balance of my culled photos from 2022.

Italy - Olive grove with San Gimignano skyline



Italy - San Gimignano, the locals pass time, tourist-watching
Looks like a jury deciding everyone's fate.



Italy - Arno River - Florence



Italy - Old section of congested Grand Canal - Venice



Italy - Foggy morning - Venice 



Italy - Dining alone with his book - Venice



Valladolid, Spain - Texting while riding



Spain - Santiago de Compostela
Resting Pilgram



Spain - Llanes country church



Spain - Llanes beach, tides out



Valladolid, Spain, Cobblestone street



Madrid, Spain - Juxtaposition



Texas - Three generations


Granddaughter


Mother


Grandmother


A Texas Cowboy


And that concludes most of my favorite images captured in 2022.

More travel, adventures, and images to come 
in 2023. Hang on to your hat friends, 
I have a few surprises in store.

Stay safe, be safe,

CCjon