Well, everyone showed up at 1100 hrs just like instructed. At least I assume they all did, because I did not. I would not make the rendezvous due to factors beyond my control (no need to go into specifics). But since I was to be the lone-straggler, the appropriate phone calls were made to the authorities.
While finally south bound, I received a phone call at 1130 hrs saying they were crossing the border at San Ysidro. We were about twenty minutes behind…depending on how fast the 80 could go. (read: not very fast…fully loaded surfboards, gas, food, etc.)
Al was leading the convoy and had told me they would be traveling on the toll road, MEX 1D, monitoring CB channel 1 and 2M 146.535mhz. Great! My first chance to try out the range on the 2M installed only days earlier. Additionally they would be stopping at the viewpoint just south of Salsipuedes
We managed to make it through the crossing and Tijuana without incident, and were on our way south-bound. Smiles on our faces, Bella’s head out the window, anxiously awaiting what was to come. The day was beautiful one, with clear blue skies, and light breeze, just your typical San Diego type day.
Driving down MEX 1D, the viewpoint was south of Salsipuedes and north of Bajamar. Well, don’t you know, Bajamar came up on us much faster than anticipated. As Cat said something to the effect of there’s the viewpoint as I drove past the exit. While thinking to myself, “Yeah, I know, but I don’t see any trucks.” Just as we drove past the exit, what do we see…seven trucks all lined up in a row! We somehow managed to swerve off to the side and reverse up the exit ramp, luckily nobody was coming out.
We exited the 80 and got out to make quick introductions, as no sooner were we back inside driving south on MEX 1D. Al was in true form, answering our questions about the area before we even had a chance to ask (those rings out in the water are holding pens for tuna…mmmmm). Our next stop was Ensenada to have our tourist permits stamped. We caravanned into Ensenada and driving by the Tourist office, the gentlemen outside were so excited to see us, that they were waving us over! Talk about customer service! Well…of course we followed the laws, and stopped in and had our Tourist Permits stamped. They were even nice enough to make one for Bella! Permits in hand, we entered into the gauntlet called Ensenada. Like any metropolitan city, we got separated for a little while, but all managed to make it through without incident.
Now we were really on our way. Cruising down MEX 1, with thoughts of the song “convoy” running through my head. It was time to forget about the stresses back at home, take in the scenery, laugh with friends on the radio (Kurt, stay close so you can hear), and start developing mental pictures of what was to come.
We stopped off in Santo Tomas for a brief bano break, and a cold beverage or two from the tienda. The stop short lived, it was now time to get moving. Everyone one back on the road we pulled off just outside of Santo Tomas to find the dirt track that was to take us to Punta Cabras. This being a road Al had not traveled before, which is quite rare if you know Al. Our first try ended up at a small cemetery, a nice detour, but not the intended destination. I wondered why the nice-looking Mexican lady was waving her arms “no” at me when we drove by. With an apologetic wave as I drove by again, we were all soon on the correct road to Punta Cabras.
Driving through the coastal mountain range we stayed on the main graded dirt road. We pressed on avoiding the many temptations to “see where that road goes.” Our trucks becoming a part of Baja too, that always present fine, film of dust that seems to get everywhere, no matter how careful you are. We finally reached the left turn that was to take us to Punta Cabras. Believe it or not there was actually a sign! Although the sign read Erendira, which is actually the town a little south of Punta Cabras. This road eventually spit us out on the coast. But not before an optional descent, a steep hill, about a quarter mile long, and really silty in places. The kind where a big hood vehicle, (i.e. not a Jeep) limits your visibility and you can’t see much for the first couple of feet.
We continued along the coastline getting more & more rockier. The area was actually quite reminiscent of the Monterey coastline. Soon we past by Rancho Bates, and arrived at our destination, Punta Cabras. We traveled down to the point, which is lined with sand dunes to the north and a smaller sized beach to the south. Will was so excited that he got stuck, and had to dig himself out, much to the delight of a couple Jeep owners (there was a Honda Element that wasn’t stuck about 100 yards past Will). We all got out to check out the area and see where to set-up camp. Al & some others decided to go scout the point at the south end of the beach for a possibility. Our dilemma was going to be finding a spot not only big enough, but level as well for eight vehicles to camp.
The area was a picturesce setting looking into the setting just over Punta Cabras. The only drawback was the trash in the area, which wasn’t excessive, but still a reminder to pack-it-in & pack-it-out. But, we all managed to a decent spot for the night. And no sooner had most of us found a level spot and were contemplating our evening than did we hear, “the bar is open!”
With camp set-up, the bar open, and the silver-bullet in action (thanks Kevin, Will, & Wendy). Everyone settled in to enjoy the area: some tide-pooling, a short walk, photography, try to tire the dog out, a quick surf (water was about 63-64), snorkeling, or just kick-back and check out everyone’s trucks.
A fire was made, (Dave you rock!), stories were told, and games were played (name game is crazy!!!). Soon it was time to drift off listening to the sounds of the waves crashing rhythmically against the rocks. Contemplating the days events, and looking forward to TOMORROW…
:friday:
