March 28, 2007

Los Barriles, MX (map)

Driving Baja

Leaving our beachfront hacienda at Tecote Beach yesterday, in a relatively short (65 miles) drive, we earned our merit badge for Baja driving. It took us nearly three hours, as we crawled along twisting mountain roads, slowing further when the call of “semi coming” was radioed over the CB. Work crews labored in many places to repair damage from last fall’s hurricane.

One of the Mexican driving ‘customs’ is to signal cars behind you if it is safe for passing. This is done by putting on the left turn signal. It doesn’t matter whether it is on a solid line, or a no passing zone, passing is a sport in Mexico…and a dangerous one. I suspect that passing fatalities account for the majority of roadside ‘shrines.’ As we turned into Los Barriles ("the barrels") off the main highway, I, of course signaled for a left turn. As I began to turn, I wondered whether I had just signaled a Mexican behind me to pass, in which case he would plow into me as I was turning. How do they know what you mean?? A Mexican mystery.

Los Barriles is a hodge podge resort town along the coast, made up of hotels, real estate offices , a couple of RV parks, residences (some quite nice), markets and restaurants. Paved roads are scarce. The population probably does not exceed 5000. Many are English-speaking, either snowbirds or transplants from the US or Canada. After enjoying a nice sunrise walk along the beach this a.m., followed by bacon and pancakes, we visited the nearby coffee peddler for our first hazelnut lattes in Mexico. Next time I must remember to tell them NOT to use the hazelnut syrup sweetened with Splenda. It has a la turista effect, if you know what I mean.

This park (East Cape RV Park) is pretty nice. Even has a pool and hot tub; the latter facility was quite crowded by some of our group last night. About 6 of us decided that today would include some snorkeling. Tomorrow it will be geezers on 4-wheelers, which should be quite interesting.