We could tell by their expressions they were thrilled to have us back in the neighborhood.
Every couple years we try to get down here for at least a few days.
We’ve been doing this for about 25 years and thankfully, very little has changed.
“Here” is the East Cape of Baja California. Where the desert meets the sea, in dramatic fashion.
While there are a few reasons we keep coming back, this is the biggest one.
Warm, clear,and often empty waves…
Some years it’s pumping, some years it’s not, but there’s always something worth paddling for.
This years trip didn’t disappoint, as long as we got up and on it before the wind.
Which isn’t always easy when you’re up late enjoying the warm nights…..
The fact that there’s almost always waves also means there’s almost always some people.
But they’re usually a friendly crew, happy to be in the warm water and off the hot sand.
One of the great things about Mexico is they don’t have all the rules and regulations we have up here.
Lots of surfers make camp right on the beach and stay here for as long as they want.
Some folks come and decide they don’t ever want to leave. If they have the means, they buy a lot or a
house and start learning the hard lessons of the East Cape lifestyle. It’s not for everyone.
There are some quirky places down there.
Not sure if quirky folks are drawn to live there, or if the lifestyle made them quirky….
But quirky is better than busted. And there are plenty of places that show that result.
The American Dream can get lost in Mexico….
So we prefer to not tempt fate, and we just dabble in the life of Baja desert surfers.
Quick visits to comfortable rental houses, with rented cars and rented boards.
So even if we did get the Baja Bug, we couldn’t stay too long….
Its beauty is hypnotic, and it’s easy to see how you could become obsessed.
For us, the trip has become a tradition of sorts.
The same basic group of friends reconnect regularly to enjoy one of our favorite places, together.
And with that, come a handful of not so sacred rituals. Like the happy hour hike…
“Cabo Tacos”.
Canned tuna tacos constructed on a sandy surfboard.
Trust me, they’re damn good….
And they’re always best enjoyed on a completely deserted beach.
Fun with clippers….
One of our less popular rituals for some reason.
Talking to the burros is another favorite ritual.
Hanging out with Gus is always a welcome treat.
But most of all just being there, with no responsibilities for a few days,
is well worth the effort.
So until our next visit, let’s hope progress continues to overlook this stretch of rugged coastline.
Music: Mariachi El Bronx
