This is part II of my adventures camping in my VW van through Baja, Mexico for two months……
After a short overnight stop in Loreto to reconvene, do laundry and get out of the wind, I continued South to El Pescadero to visit friends who had planned a rooftop concert on their ‘pizza oven’ home, for their live music starved friends! We gratefully soaked up the sun and the music! …….Loreto will get a bigger mention on the way back!
El Pescadero is a really lovely area on the south west Pacific side of Baja, near the trendy town of Todos Santos. I literally went from sunrise on the Sea of Cortez to sunset on the Pacific Ocean in one day! Here you can find everything from a good cappuccino (Baja Beans) to a Pickleball game, sip cocktails while watching whales frolicking with their young just off the coast in the sunset (the Green Room) , surf to your hearts content and walk for miles on sandy beaches. My only gripe is that the Pacific here is too dangerous for a good swim. I ended up going to Los Cerritos to swim in the gorgeously warm and shallow water there. It’s a kid friendly beach and a good beginners surfing spot. A visit to Sunset Restaurant at Cerritos Beach Inn is well worth the effort. The owner, Julie, is a gem and the food is excellent!
After driving too fast over ‘Topes’ (speed bumps), dipping into potholes and the relentless washboard roads leading out to the sea, my van started to rattle more than I felt comfortable with. I was extremely hesitant at first to find a mechanic in Mexico. My van is a 2003 VW Eurovan, so, I knew parts could be a problem along with anyone who knew anything about them. But low and behold, I was recommended a mechanic in San Jose del Cabo who I could trust to do the work and who specialized in VW’s!! I could hardly believe it! So, of I went in search of repairs.
I made my way to San Jose del Cabo. After sleeping in my van since the start of my trip, I treated myself and stayed at El Tropicana Inn. It’s in the old part of town; the Arts District, and it’s lovely! Restaurants in the area are spendy, but I was on a mission to fix my van. I had the place to myself as the pandemic was rife at this time. I couldn’t resist a morning visit to the French Riviera Bistro and Bakery for a freshly baked almond croissant and coffee! The sign outside the pharmacy made me giggle. What the heck is an Intelligent Pill?!
I received excellent service and work on my van at Frenos y Embragues! My van sounded great, and I felt confident for the rest of my trip! I guess I’ll be going to Mexico for car work and dental from now on! 😉
I was told the best place to snorkel was at Cabo Pulmo, and I have to agree! Well, just south at Playa los Arbolitos is actually the best! Definitely stop at Cabo Pulmo for Tacos and Beer and then drive the extra 10 minutes for fantastic snorkeling in the sea that Jacques Cousteau called the aquarium of the world! You can van camp at Los Arbolitos for 50 pesos or stay at Cabo Pulmo for a whole lot more. Both are amazing. You’re off grid here. The landscape and silence is intoxicating.
That’s part II….. stay tuned for Part III
