Sunday, December 23, 2007
Bus from Tijuana to Ensenada
Taking one of the ABC buses to Ensenada is easy and inexpensive (currently about $10 one way). They leave the bus terminal every half hour from early morning to 9:30pm at night. After walking across the border you will pass through the first border turnstiles, take a right at the intersection and walk through a second set of turnstiles. Cross the street, turn left, and walk past all the yellow taxis and the McDonald's towards the Plaza Viva sign. The station is easy to find, it's on the street to the right just past the Taxi Libre pickup behind the large building with mirrored windows. TIP 1: Don´t let anyone direct you to other buses, which may not be as nice and may take longer with frequent stops. ABC is the bus line you want. These buses are nice and comfortable with plenty of room and they usually show a movie on the way. If the bus is full you should take your assigned seat.
TIP 2: You can request to sit on the right side of the bus, which will give you a better view of the coastline.
TIP 3: The bus usually makes a stop before getting to the bus terminal near Ave. Juarez which is about four blocks from the main tourist street, which can save you several blocks if you are walking. You can ask the driver to identify the stop close to Ave Juarez. The ABC Bus terminal in Ensenada is located at the corner of Riveroll and Decima (10th street). A taxi ride between the tourist zone (Lopez Mateos/1st. street) and the terminal is currently $5, however if you don't have much luggage it isn't too long of a walk.
Thanks Margery.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
The Road
Since many of us will be venturing down to our favorite spot over the next week or so, Dallas sent a report on the road. He says that the lower road is passable though muddy in some spots.
There is more rain predicted in the upcoming week, though, so be sure to drive carefully and don't go into uncharted muddy waters!
There is more rain predicted in the upcoming week, though, so be sure to drive carefully and don't go into uncharted muddy waters!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
A Bit of Bocana History
Gordon and Opal (first American residents of La Bocana) recount finding La Bocana in the early 1960's:
At a party in Pasadena, we met Art Luczynski and casually mentioned our quest. He suggested looking at Puerto Santo Thomas, where he often camped. One sparkling April morning, Opal and I drove south on the San Diego freeway, bound for Baja and Puerto Santo Tomas.
Lightheaded, we breathed spring air and anticipated four days in new territory. The euphoria intensified as we passed Maneadero, ten miles south of Ensenada, into traffic-free country beyond the border influence. Only an occasional Mexican pick-up or aging sedan shared the two-lane road which turns off the highway and follows a fertile valley for seventeen miles
to the sea.
We were soon in an oak forest. Sunlight filtered through the leaves in dusty gossamer beams. Russet leaves were dappled with light. In a clearing, we passed the farm of our future friends Arturo, Maria, and Amalia. Their simple home appeared to have been built around an arched Window facing the road, as though the window had been there first and later the house had been built around it.
We left the oaks and bumped along the washboard road through green, yellow, and brown farm country in the valleys basin. The rich color was in sharp contrast to our preconception of a barren Baja. Small farms, corrals, and low farm houses complemented the rustic landscape. Overhead was blue sky and thick clouds.
In an hour or so, sea air cut through the road dust. From a knoll, we glimpsed ultramarine water and off-white sand The underground river running through the valley emerged to the surface, passing through the tulles to empty into the sea at La Bocana. Dense riverside growth ended on the brink of a sandy beach. Here, also, the road seemed to end. A road side sign in Spanish announced that this was Gomez country. Across the road from the sign was a small, unoccupied building which later was rebuilt to become Romulo’s store. Ahead, a hint of a road climbed straight up a steep, rocky hill. It looked formidable, if not impossible.
But where was Puerto Santo Tomas? Had we driven seventeen miles on the wrong bumpy road? After coming this far, we decided to chance the hill to see what lay beyond. A narrow
road at the summit followed the side of a precipitous mountain overlooking the sea. Further on, the road rose and disappeared over a mound.
"I'm not going over that hump without knowing what's on the other side,” I told Opal. "It might hide a drop-off to the ocean". I walked to the top of the mound. Ahead, near the tip of a distant point projecting far into the sea, were several buildings like rectangular, pallet-knife dabs of bright paint.
In between was a wide bay rimmed high cliff. "I think we've found our Port," I told Opal. In ten minutes we were there. As we drove in, two fishermen were repairing lobster traps and dogs dozed in the sun. An exuberant, weather smeared sign on the outside of the cantina read: "GOGE! GOGE! GOGE!" in elaborate letters bordered with giant musical notes. Loosely translated, they meant: "FUN! FUN! FUN!”
From the journals of Gordon and Opal - submitted by Marge. Thanks Marge!
At a party in Pasadena, we met Art Luczynski and casually mentioned our quest. He suggested looking at Puerto Santo Thomas, where he often camped. One sparkling April morning, Opal and I drove south on the San Diego freeway, bound for Baja and Puerto Santo Tomas.
Lightheaded, we breathed spring air and anticipated four days in new territory. The euphoria intensified as we passed Maneadero, ten miles south of Ensenada, into traffic-free country beyond the border influence. Only an occasional Mexican pick-up or aging sedan shared the two-lane road which turns off the highway and follows a fertile valley for seventeen miles
to the sea.
We were soon in an oak forest. Sunlight filtered through the leaves in dusty gossamer beams. Russet leaves were dappled with light. In a clearing, we passed the farm of our future friends Arturo, Maria, and Amalia. Their simple home appeared to have been built around an arched Window facing the road, as though the window had been there first and later the house had been built around it.
We left the oaks and bumped along the washboard road through green, yellow, and brown farm country in the valleys basin. The rich color was in sharp contrast to our preconception of a barren Baja. Small farms, corrals, and low farm houses complemented the rustic landscape. Overhead was blue sky and thick clouds.
In an hour or so, sea air cut through the road dust. From a knoll, we glimpsed ultramarine water and off-white sand The underground river running through the valley emerged to the surface, passing through the tulles to empty into the sea at La Bocana. Dense riverside growth ended on the brink of a sandy beach. Here, also, the road seemed to end. A road side sign in Spanish announced that this was Gomez country. Across the road from the sign was a small, unoccupied building which later was rebuilt to become Romulo’s store. Ahead, a hint of a road climbed straight up a steep, rocky hill. It looked formidable, if not impossible.
But where was Puerto Santo Tomas? Had we driven seventeen miles on the wrong bumpy road? After coming this far, we decided to chance the hill to see what lay beyond. A narrow
road at the summit followed the side of a precipitous mountain overlooking the sea. Further on, the road rose and disappeared over a mound.
"I'm not going over that hump without knowing what's on the other side,” I told Opal. "It might hide a drop-off to the ocean". I walked to the top of the mound. Ahead, near the tip of a distant point projecting far into the sea, were several buildings like rectangular, pallet-knife dabs of bright paint.
In between was a wide bay rimmed high cliff. "I think we've found our Port," I told Opal. In ten minutes we were there. As we drove in, two fishermen were repairing lobster traps and dogs dozed in the sun. An exuberant, weather smeared sign on the outside of the cantina read: "GOGE! GOGE! GOGE!" in elaborate letters bordered with giant musical notes. Loosely translated, they meant: "FUN! FUN! FUN!”
From the journals of Gordon and Opal - submitted by Marge. Thanks Marge!
Friday, December 14, 2007
How to take the bus
This site has some helpful information if you or your guests want to take a bus to Santo Tomas (or anywhere else in Baja):
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mexico-82/Bus-Cabo-San-Lucas.htm
There are four buses per day going down the peninsula from Tijuana. Just ask to get off at Santa Tomas and be sure to arrange a ride to La Bocana. This is also a nice way to send someone back to San Diego if they are going back before you.
Thanks Margery.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mexico-82/Bus-Cabo-San-Lucas.htm
There are four buses per day going down the peninsula from Tijuana. Just ask to get off at Santa Tomas and be sure to arrange a ride to La Bocana. This is also a nice way to send someone back to San Diego if they are going back before you.
Thanks Margery.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Directions to the San Ysidro Sentri Lane
These are from Carol and her friend Marie. Unlike the previous directions, they have actually used these directions successfully to cross the border:
Take the toll road north all the way to the light at Benito Juarez.
There are three lanes. Get in the far right lane labeled Colonial Federal (it used to be the carpool lane). All three lanes turn left and you want to stay to the right so go on the right–hand side of the K-rail divider.
Follow this lane past all the folks waiting in the border line and keep going over the hill to the traffic circle. You want to be in the far left lane.
Make a U-turn onto Avenida Frontera.
Go one block to the huge speed bump and stop sign. Turn right and take the second left onto Paseo Centenario. Follow it to the first stop sign.
If you look over your left shoulder you will see the big green Sentri sign. Make a U-turn.
Congratulations, you have made it to the Sentri lane. There are currently two lanes that expand to four lanes as you proceed.
Occasionally, when you look back and see the Sentri lane you will notice that there is a long line of cars past where you want to do the U-turn. These people are already in line and you do not want to cut in line. Instead, make a left turn and go one block. Turn right and go one block. (Sometimes this is closed off, so make the first available right). Turn right again and you will return to Paseo de Tijuana (traffic circle). Turn right onto Paseo de Tijuana and you are at the end of the Sentri lane. Even if the Sentri lane is this long, you will still get to the border in less than 30 minutes.
Here is a link to a map showing both border crossings
http://www.tijuanaonline.org/english/maps/tj_otay.htm
Thanks Carol and Marie!
PS. I won't guarantee it, but this just might be the last post on the Sentri lanes.
Take the toll road north all the way to the light at Benito Juarez.
There are three lanes. Get in the far right lane labeled Colonial Federal (it used to be the carpool lane). All three lanes turn left and you want to stay to the right so go on the right–hand side of the K-rail divider.
Follow this lane past all the folks waiting in the border line and keep going over the hill to the traffic circle. You want to be in the far left lane.
Make a U-turn onto Avenida Frontera.
Go one block to the huge speed bump and stop sign. Turn right and take the second left onto Paseo Centenario. Follow it to the first stop sign.
If you look over your left shoulder you will see the big green Sentri sign. Make a U-turn.
Congratulations, you have made it to the Sentri lane. There are currently two lanes that expand to four lanes as you proceed.
Occasionally, when you look back and see the Sentri lane you will notice that there is a long line of cars past where you want to do the U-turn. These people are already in line and you do not want to cut in line. Instead, make a left turn and go one block. Turn right and go one block. (Sometimes this is closed off, so make the first available right). Turn right again and you will return to Paseo de Tijuana (traffic circle). Turn right onto Paseo de Tijuana and you are at the end of the Sentri lane. Even if the Sentri lane is this long, you will still get to the border in less than 30 minutes.
Here is a link to a map showing both border crossings
http://www.tijuanaonline.org/english/maps/tj_otay.htm
Thanks Carol and Marie!
PS. I won't guarantee it, but this just might be the last post on the Sentri lanes.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
There's been rain and there will be more
Dallas sent this report about the recent storm and the condition of the road:
First the rains came. We have a real mess with mass erosion, mudslides, and changes in the road out of here. Emily and I went to Ensenada today and found that twenty-two areas of the road were flooded out of existence or or made impassable by the mud. There are three sections of new road which bypass impassable sections. The next time you drive the road will be a new learning experience.
Today, it was the high surf. We are seeing eight to ten foot waves and some even larger. The surf washed all the way to the fresh water pond, hit Romulo's store and moved all the kelp to under the footbridge. I suspect that we will have brackish water for awhile. I have attached pictures of the surf.
Thanks Dallas - keep us posted.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Directions
Hi Folks,
I put a new link to the right titled Directions. These are driving directions with some photos to La Bocana from the border. I made them to give a visitor coming for the first tme. Our friend made it just fine so I hope these directions also work for your guests.
Share them and if you have any suggestions for clearer directions, let me know. Please double check the directions before you send someone and have them bring a map as well - I'm not responsible for any lost guests! You'll have to direct them to your house.
I put a new link to the right titled Directions. These are driving directions with some photos to La Bocana from the border. I made them to give a visitor coming for the first tme. Our friend made it just fine so I hope these directions also work for your guests.
Share them and if you have any suggestions for clearer directions, let me know. Please double check the directions before you send someone and have them bring a map as well - I'm not responsible for any lost guests! You'll have to direct them to your house.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Photo from the fire in the valley
Thank you Marge for sending this photo of a burned area in the valley. I know we are all anxious about the conditions of that lovely valley.
(You can enlarge the photo by clicking on it.)
Friday, November 02, 2007
Spectacular Sunset
The fires in Baja did a lot of damage - an estimated 50 houses were burned. I suspect that our beautiful valley from the paved road to the coast will have a different look next time you drive down.
However, the smoke and the ash in the air did create some spectacular sunsets.
This was submitted by Marge.Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Update on the Fires near La Bocana
This just in from Dallas:
San Diego isn't the only place burning; I suspect that Baja has as much land burning as California, if not more. The hills on both sides of the valley on the way in to La Bocana are burning or have burned. We saw at least one of the houses burned to the ground, and most disturbing of all,many of the old Oak trees are gone.
Although we feel safe where we are located, we are watching the advance of the fire. Perhaps, from our prospective, the smoke and falling ash are the worst at this time. We have to keep the house closed up.
Update 10/28/07: Dallas reported that the fires are mostly out and stayed about 2 miles from the coast (east of the dump).
San Diego isn't the only place burning; I suspect that Baja has as much land burning as California, if not more. The hills on both sides of the valley on the way in to La Bocana are burning or have burned. We saw at least one of the houses burned to the ground, and most disturbing of all,many of the old Oak trees are gone.
Although we feel safe where we are located, we are watching the advance of the fire. Perhaps, from our prospective, the smoke and falling ash are the worst at this time. We have to keep the house closed up.
Update 10/28/07: Dallas reported that the fires are mostly out and stayed about 2 miles from the coast (east of the dump).
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Fires - So Cal and Baja
The Santa Ana winds and recent drought have joined forces to create terrible fires across Southern California and Baja California.
Our best wishes to all who live in the fire areas and who have been evacuated. We hope you, your families, your pets, and your homes are safe.
Dan Sedor, who owns the beautiful house with the octagon, reported that there are fires south of Maneadero. He found this map which shows lots of fire activity, perhaps near the road to La Bocana.
The two blue dots in the south represent La Bocana and the port.
If anyone has any information, please post on the comments section below and share with us.
Stay safe everyone.
Our best wishes to all who live in the fire areas and who have been evacuated. We hope you, your families, your pets, and your homes are safe.
Dan Sedor, who owns the beautiful house with the octagon, reported that there are fires south of Maneadero. He found this map which shows lots of fire activity, perhaps near the road to La Bocana.
The two blue dots in the south represent La Bocana and the port.
If anyone has any information, please post on the comments section below and share with us.
Stay safe everyone.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Directions to San Ysidro Sentri Lane:
I know people would rather go to the San Ysidro Sentri lane than to the Otay Mesa crossing if it was easy to get there. I found these directions on another website - I have not tried them out myself. The written directions do not have street names. I'll try to find them on my Tijuana map and add them in. If you try these dirctions, let us know how it worked!
Directions:
Because you are dealing with round-abouts, a primmer may be necessary: a right turn is 1/4 of the way around, straight ahead is 1/2 way around and a left is 3/4th of the way around.
I suggest getting off the toll road in Rosarito Beach (Norte) and proceeding north on the Free Road. At the first round about in Tijuana, go three quarters of the way around (you are, in essence, making a left).
Go a block. At the next roundabout, make a right (that's a quarter of the way around). GO ACROSS THE BRIDGE!
At the next round about, go 3/4th of the way around (essentially a left turn).
At the next round about, go 1/2 way around (or straight ahead). Right after you get beyond the roundabout, you'll see a sign straight ahead that says "SENTRI."
I found these maps, too: San Ysidro Sentri lane from the free road:
And here's one from the toll road:
Directions:
Because you are dealing with round-abouts, a primmer may be necessary: a right turn is 1/4 of the way around, straight ahead is 1/2 way around and a left is 3/4th of the way around.
I suggest getting off the toll road in Rosarito Beach (Norte) and proceeding north on the Free Road. At the first round about in Tijuana, go three quarters of the way around (you are, in essence, making a left).
Go a block. At the next roundabout, make a right (that's a quarter of the way around). GO ACROSS THE BRIDGE!
At the next round about, go 3/4th of the way around (essentially a left turn).
At the next round about, go 1/2 way around (or straight ahead). Right after you get beyond the roundabout, you'll see a sign straight ahead that says "SENTRI."
I found these maps, too: San Ysidro Sentri lane from the free road:
And here's one from the toll road:
Note: the blog editor is not resonsible for anyone who attempts to follow these directions and gets hopelessly lost in Tijuana, adding hours to their journey or inches to their waistline (due to the necessity of buying churros to stave off starvation)
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Transportation to Rosarito from San Diego
If you ever have friends or family who want to visit you in La Bocana and you don't have time or just plain don't want to drive across the border to pick them up, here is a very reasonable alternative:
Your guest(s) can take MexiCoach from Old Town in San Diego or the US side of the San Ysidro border to the Rosarito Beach Hotel. You can drive to Rosarito to meet them and drop them back there after their visit. I know it won't save oodles of time since Rosarito is only about 30 minutes south of the border but it does save the border crossing hassle and (bonus!) you have an excuse to have lunch in Rosarito.
The price for round trip transport from Old Town to Rosarito is $36. From the border to Rosarito, the round trip price is $24.
Here's the link for the details:
http://www.mexicoach.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=36
If anyone tries it, let us know if everything worked out ok. I haven't done it but it is nice to have this option.
Your guest(s) can take MexiCoach from Old Town in San Diego or the US side of the San Ysidro border to the Rosarito Beach Hotel. You can drive to Rosarito to meet them and drop them back there after their visit. I know it won't save oodles of time since Rosarito is only about 30 minutes south of the border but it does save the border crossing hassle and (bonus!) you have an excuse to have lunch in Rosarito.
The price for round trip transport from Old Town to Rosarito is $36. From the border to Rosarito, the round trip price is $24.
Here's the link for the details:
http://www.mexicoach.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=36
If anyone tries it, let us know if everything worked out ok. I haven't done it but it is nice to have this option.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
The Old Runway Gets Some Use
Now that there are mounds of dirt preventing planes from landing, the runway has a new use - as a motorcycle track. Photo: Father and son ride their motorbikes.
Submitted by Jennifer Smith.
Fishing in La Bocana - for all ages
And if you are wondering, yes, this fish
did weigh more than young Tristan!
Submitted by Jennifer Smith
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Friday, September 07, 2007
Kika (or Daisy or Chewy) has been adopted!
Every time we visited La Bocana, Kika would inevitably show up to say hi and hang out around our back door. She was so easy going and friendly. We tried to figure out if there was a way we could adopt her as I know other people did.
Well, Jerry and Susan stepped up and are now the proud parents of Kika. They have had her registered and made sure she has all her shots. Lucky for the rest of us, Kika will be visiting La Bocana with Jerry and Susan so we'll get many chances to see her again.
Thanks Jerry and Susan!
Monday, September 03, 2007
How Hot was It?
Hot enough to convince some of our fine friends to go in the water:
But in the big picture of heat, La Bocana was a great place to be this past weekend.
It was 111 degrees at the check point. These poor guys had it pretty tough:
But in the big picture of heat, La Bocana was a great place to be this past weekend.
It was 111 degrees at the check point. These poor guys had it pretty tough:
The guy inspecting us stuck his head in our air-conditioned window and just chit-chatted so he could cool off for a moment. He said in perfect English, "I'm melting."
Monday, July 30, 2007
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Your Turn to Write Something:
How did you first hear of La Bocana?
What (or who) led you here?
Please answer in the comments section. Click on "comments" just below this entry and that will lead you to a place where you can write a comments. Anonymous is fine or you may give your name.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Thursday, June 07, 2007
The Newest Full Time Resident
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
New Friendly Neighbors Needed
HOUSE FOR SALE
Elaine and JB are selling their place - help spread the word.
Two bedroom 900' casita plus a covered porch and 600' work shop/garage right on the Pacific Ocean in La Bocana, Mexico. Large, eat in kitchen with range and oven, microwave and reverse osmosis water filter. Hot water heater, wind generator, solar panel, 8 batteries, and a back up Onan 4000 kw propane generator. The house sits high looking down on a secluded beach. Lot is 60' from the ocean. Home only is for sale; the land is leased. The buyer will need to sign a new lease with the landowner. La Bocana is very secluded, 14 miles down a gravel road (well traveled). Other Americans homeownders are near by, some full time and some part time residents. Directions: Hwy 1 South from Ensenada, turn right when you see the Santo Tomas winery on your left. Go west until you see the ocean - the house is the first one on the left. For more information, e-mail: ecbjbb@msn.com
Asking Price: $$69,500.
For more photos and more information: http://www.viviun.com/AD-82994/
What was the weather like in La Bocana this weekend?
If you were sitting in the states, thinking about La Bocana and wishing you were there, here's some info on recent conditions:- Foggy most of the day
- Not too much wind
- Cool but not cold
- Calm seas
- Pelicans are starting to head north again in the evenings
- 2 dolphins were seen by this reporter
In other words, pretty darn nice!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Has Anyone Seen These Around La Bocana?
Special prize to the person who tells us who made this fish and why.
Write your answer in the comments.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Web Site is up and running again
Dear La Bocana Residents,
The web site was temporarily down for a few days. The technology staff which is my friend Bob, me, myself, and I had to be called in to fix a server routing problem.
It is fixed and up and running. Sorry for the inconvenience - you can post to your heart's content. Send us your photos and stories!
Joe Darrough
The web site was temporarily down for a few days. The technology staff which is my friend Bob, me, myself, and I had to be called in to fix a server routing problem.
It is fixed and up and running. Sorry for the inconvenience - you can post to your heart's content. Send us your photos and stories!
Joe Darrough
Monday, March 26, 2007
Report on the New Road from Rosarito to Tijuana
If you have seen that beautiful new road heading east from the Foxploration area just south of Rosarito and been tempted to take it, here's a little report. Indeed, it is a beautiful 4 lane divided highway that winds its way through farmland and scenic hills. No tolls, little traffic. But where does it go?
It meets up with the toll road to Tecate in the eastern part of Tijuana. We were hoping it was a faster way to the Otay Mesa border crossing but it actually takes much longer than either the toll road or the other free road out of Rosarito (described in the post about the Sentri pass in the comments). The distance is 31 miles. We do not recommend this road if you are going to San Ysidro or Otay Mesa. If you are planning to cross at Tecate, this might be a good way to get there. I think it is about 20 miles on the toll road to Tecate and this road is certainly easier driving than the free road from Ensenada to Tecate.
And speaking of going from here to there, the AM/PM near the Rosarito toll booth sells a great map of Tijuana. I highly recommend it. If anyone has any comments or suggestions about the road, please share!
It meets up with the toll road to Tecate in the eastern part of Tijuana. We were hoping it was a faster way to the Otay Mesa border crossing but it actually takes much longer than either the toll road or the other free road out of Rosarito (described in the post about the Sentri pass in the comments). The distance is 31 miles. We do not recommend this road if you are going to San Ysidro or Otay Mesa. If you are planning to cross at Tecate, this might be a good way to get there. I think it is about 20 miles on the toll road to Tecate and this road is certainly easier driving than the free road from Ensenada to Tecate.
And speaking of going from here to there, the AM/PM near the Rosarito toll booth sells a great map of Tijuana. I highly recommend it. If anyone has any comments or suggestions about the road, please share!
Friday, March 02, 2007
How cold was it?
Yes, that's SNOW! This photo was taken from the car on the road leaving Ensenada on January 13, 2007. Rumor has it there was also snow at Jorge Kemal's place that week.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Spring in La Bocana
After the rains. La Bocana has many faces, and of course, the local face that we all love!
These beautiful photos were submitted by Margery Buck. Please send your beautiful photos, too!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
THE KALEIDOSCOPIC SEA
From the journal of Gordon, first American resident of La Bocana. 1963
In Baja the sea was our theatre.
Recurrent inbound fog engulfed the bay, rising over cliffs and up the mountain side. Sea and merged indistinguishable. Fog cascaded over the mountain back of the Port like a massive waterfall. Wind-blown clouds cast moving shadows at sea. Shafts
of light, pouring through breaks in the clouds, illumined strips
of water near the horizon.
The bay reflected the rosy colors of dawn. At twilight, the sun, setting in mist, cast a pale-orange, Monet light on the water. On fog-free days, boats, rocks and whitecaps were as sharply defined as a Winslow Homer.
In Baja the sea was our theatre.
Recurrent inbound fog engulfed the bay, rising over cliffs and up the mountain side. Sea and merged indistinguishable. Fog cascaded over the mountain back of the Port like a massive waterfall. Wind-blown clouds cast moving shadows at sea. Shafts
of light, pouring through breaks in the clouds, illumined strips
of water near the horizon.
The bay reflected the rosy colors of dawn. At twilight, the sun, setting in mist, cast a pale-orange, Monet light on the water. On fog-free days, boats, rocks and whitecaps were as sharply defined as a Winslow Homer.
Violent winter storms drove waves against the rocks.
The outer sea was an opaque green with whitecap highlights.
Close to the rocks the bay was seething foam. In the summer,
the bay sparkled and the surf was quiet. Late one summer after noon, the setting sun struck widespread kelp beds. The kelp leaves in the wind and the ocean flashed with golden light. Rainbow spectrums appeared in spray blown laterally along the wave tops by a north wind.
V-shaped formations of pelican flew over the point at twilight hovering over the schools of anchovy below. Their dive was comical hodge-podge of wings, feet and joints spread in all directions. They hit the water with a splash that stunned the fish. Their dive was comical hodge-podge of wings, feet and joints spread in all directions. They hit the water with a splash that stunned the fish.
Submitted by Margery Buck.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
More Photos
If you have some photos you would like to share, send them to Sharon at Sharon.Darrough@gmail.com. Click on any photo to make it larger. Sunday, February 04, 2007
Fright Night?
I want to share my frightening New Years Eve experience with you. After our wonderful first annual New Years Eve party I said Good Night to Dallas and Emily and snuggled down in my trailer to read a little. I dozed off and was rudely awakened about 10:30 pm by someone pounding on the front of my trailer and shaking it violently back and forth. Needless to say, I was terrified. I was alone and had nothing to defend myself with except a small pepper spray canister. The closest house is Romulo and he was in town. I knew if I screamed, Dallas and Emily couldn’t hear me. All I could think of was the horror stories I had heard from all of my “do good” friends warning me to stay out of Mexico. I knew I would have to face my attacker or I would never get out alive.
So…armed with a flashlight and my little can of pepper spray and my heart pounding, I stepped out of my door and there HE was… a big cow scratching her back on the front of the trailer. After I regained my composure I chased her so far down the road screaming and yelling that I thought she would never return. Well…return she did. In the morning she had mowed down most of my flowers and some of Emily’s too! Dallas chased her through the gate about 5:30 am on New Years Day.
Submitted by Carol Snyder
So…armed with a flashlight and my little can of pepper spray and my heart pounding, I stepped out of my door and there HE was… a big cow scratching her back on the front of the trailer. After I regained my composure I chased her so far down the road screaming and yelling that I thought she would never return. Well…return she did. In the morning she had mowed down most of my flowers and some of Emily’s too! Dallas chased her through the gate about 5:30 am on New Years Day.
Submitted by Carol Snyder
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Only in La Bocana
Please share any entertaining/interesting stories! If you have a photo to go with it, send it to Joe or Sharon and we'll post it. Read below about the cow in the septic tank...
How did the cow get into the septic tank? It fell through the aging roof of the unused third stage of our tank.
When did it fall in? We're not sure but we didn't notice it until the second day we were there (you can't see it from inside the house and it was quite cold and rainy and we didn't go out much). I thought I heard a cow moo the first day but when I looked out the window, I didn't see one.
How did we get the cow out? Good question. Joe and I considered several scenarios, all of which ended with either one of us or the cow in the hospital. In the meanwhile, we fed the cow all of the cow-type food we had - lettuce, cabbage, grapes - and gave it some water. We lowered a beam with cleats and hoped the cow could walk up it. This did not work. We told Romulo and he agreed to spread the word throughout the valley - we hoped that the rightful owner would step in and help solve this problem. By late afternoon, worried that the cow would spend another night in the tank, we consulted some friendly neighbors. After a thorough inspection, it was decided that the only safe way to get the cow out was to break part of the wall of the tank.
No sooner had we made that decision did some relatives of the rightful cow owner show up. They proceded to help with the breaking of one corner of the tank and within minutes, the cow was free. Hungry, but free. At the least after 30+ years, this portion of the septic tank got some use.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Friday, January 05, 2007
Cathy's Page
Cathy knows everyone - this is her page to answer who what when and where of La Bocana.
Dallas and Emily Question Page
Dallas and Emily live at La Bocana full time and they are the experts on everything that makes life wonderful there.
Directions to the Sentri Lane at Otay Mesa
To get to the SENTRI Line at Otay Mesa:
From Ensenada, take the toll road to Rosarito and go through the first two tolls
Exit onto the free road just after the Commerical Mexicana (an orange pelican on your right) - the sign will say "Rosarito Norte". Follow that road - you will soon see a sign that says Tijuana Libre. There will be several traffic lights in the first little bit and then it opens up into a two lane highway.
Follow that until you see a Pemez on your right immediately followed by a Dico furniture store - you will then veer to the right. The sign will say "Mexicali".
Follow that road toward the airport. You will go through a lot of city traffic but just keep going on the main road following any signs that lead to the airport or Garita Otay. You'll wind up the hill to the plateau. DO NOT TURN where it says San Diego or the border or something like that. This is for the regular lanes - keep going.
Turn right at the large sign that says "Vehiculos Pesados" which is also Belles Artes.
Go a few blocks and then turn left into the SENTRI lane.
Good luck.
We did this on New Years Day and crossed the border almost exactly 3 hours after leaving the house in La Bocana.
Does any one have direction to the San Ysidro Sentri Lane?
From Ensenada, take the toll road to Rosarito and go through the first two tolls
Exit onto the free road just after the Commerical Mexicana (an orange pelican on your right) - the sign will say "Rosarito Norte". Follow that road - you will soon see a sign that says Tijuana Libre. There will be several traffic lights in the first little bit and then it opens up into a two lane highway.
Follow that until you see a Pemez on your right immediately followed by a Dico furniture store - you will then veer to the right. The sign will say "Mexicali".
Follow that road toward the airport. You will go through a lot of city traffic but just keep going on the main road following any signs that lead to the airport or Garita Otay. You'll wind up the hill to the plateau. DO NOT TURN where it says San Diego or the border or something like that. This is for the regular lanes - keep going.
Turn right at the large sign that says "Vehiculos Pesados" which is also Belles Artes.
Go a few blocks and then turn left into the SENTRI lane.
Good luck.
We did this on New Years Day and crossed the border almost exactly 3 hours after leaving the house in La Bocana.
Does any one have direction to the San Ysidro Sentri Lane?
The Sentri Frequent Border Crossing Program
Sharon and I have finish our extensive testing of the new express border crossing system, the Sentri program. We highty recommend it! $129 for a five year pass - the best value in the Dept of Homeland Security. There is a link to the Sentri system in the links section.
Directions to the Sentri Office - thanks to Carol Snyder:
805 south to the 905. Take the Siempre Viva off ramp and head East of the freeway and take the road between the Shell station and the Chevron station South. Go past the Carl's and the Burger King and go through the "Road Closed" sign and park in the second lot on your right - it says Sentri parking or something like that. The building is just a little bit south of the parking lot. Basically, the Sentri office is just east of the Otay Mesa Border crossing on the US side. Leave extra time to get there because it is a little confusing and mapquest won't lead you there.
Good luck!
Directions to the Sentri Office - thanks to Carol Snyder:
805 south to the 905. Take the Siempre Viva off ramp and head East of the freeway and take the road between the Shell station and the Chevron station South. Go past the Carl's and the Burger King and go through the "Road Closed" sign and park in the second lot on your right - it says Sentri parking or something like that. The building is just a little bit south of the parking lot. Basically, the Sentri office is just east of the Otay Mesa Border crossing on the US side. Leave extra time to get there because it is a little confusing and mapquest won't lead you there.
Good luck!
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