The “Real” Baja
Heading south again on the main highway, we stop in El Rosario. Mama Espinosa’s has been famous for years for its lobster burritos, so make sure you stop in. Be sure to top off with fuel at the 24-hour station because this is the start of the infamous gas gap. There will be no fuel available for the next 195 miles.
Here is where many people believe the “real” Baja begins. The plant life and desert scenery is some of the most unusual found anywhere in the world. The Catavina boulder fields are sometimes called the “devil’s bowling balls.”
Guerrero Negro marks the north/south border of Baja. The town has little to offer the tourist. Most of the residents work for ESSA, one of the world’s largest salt producers. Visitors might not stop here at all if it weren’t one of the best whale-watching spots on earth. Each winter thousands of gray whales migrate to the lagoons near here to have their calves in safety. Malarrimo RV Park is the best place for one-stop shopping. In addition to the park, there is a great restaurant and the best whale-watching tours in the area.
Heading inland, we stop in San Ignacio, home to one of the most impressive mission churches in Baja. It was built in 1782 and is largely in its original condition. Next to the church is a rock-art museum that features examples of the cave paintings done in the surrounding hills. The town is built around lagoons and is famous for its date-palm trees. Visit the Rice and Beans Oasis for a nice RV park with an excellent restaurant.
Heading east to the Sea of Cortez, the highway reaches the coast near the town of Santa Rosalia, a working-man’s town with a unique character. This important seaport was founded in 1885 when copper mines lured workers from Japan and China. The place is known for its French colonial architecture, a church built by Alexander Eiffel (better known for his tower in Paris) and the best bakery in Baja. Keep your rig outside of town and walk in to sightsee.
To be continued next Thursday ….
John Holod – RV Adventure Videos
John & Jodie will be leading a Born Free Caravan to Alaska this summer. For more information check out his website below.
John’s personal appearance schedule and videos can be found on his website where he can be reached via email at www.rvadventurevideos.com
February Show Schedule: 1st Merced CA – 4th Voyager RV Resort – 7th – 10th (Jodie) Minneapolis MN RV Show – 7th – 10th Seattle RV Show – 14th – 17th (Jodie) Milwaukee RV Show – 19th (Jodie) Yuma AZ – 20th Poughkeepsie NY – 22nd – 24th Fredericksburg VA RV Show – 25th Torrance CA – 26th Alhambra CA – 26th – 27th FMCA Rally Pomona CA – 28th – 2nd Phoenix AZ RV Show