Well, we did it. After a tumultuous first week or so on the road, we are now at the beach and embracing San Felipe.
After our border crossing(I promise, a post soon!), we headed south to Ensenada but found more rain and chilly weather. A short two nights had us longing for the beach we were dreaming of and we crossed the mountains of Baja headed for the Sea of Cortez. In spite of dire warnings of the state of Highway 3 from some RV’ers in the Walmart parking lot, we found the road to be significantly better than half of the roads we encountered in California!
We headed right for Kiki’s, giving ourselves a stern budget talk en-route. We had splurged in Ensenada at Estero Beach park because we were just done in. We had started our border crossing day filled with excitement to finally get into Mexico. Instead, a long delay in Tijuana getting things sorted out caused a late arrival into Ensenada. After a stop at Walmart to stock up on groceries, we were in little frame of mind to barter and bargain for a camp spot, choosing one with decent facilities that was close to where we were! Not the best idea in any circumstances, but with the wind and rain, we knew we would be hunkered in for a day or so. We might as well have a hot tub too! A day spent streaming movies on netflix, walking the dogs on the beach in between showers, and a relaxing hot tub set our minds right so I’ll just consider Estero Beach a worthwhile expense.
But, the warmer seas of Eastern Baja were calling our name. Determined not to blow budget, we headed into Kiki’s bent on negotiating or heading to an alternate camp. Imagine Jim’s surprise when they immediately quoted us a discounted rate less than we’d planned on asking for. Guess this would be home for five days. Five days backed up to the beach. Five days to further decompress. Five days to do a temporary fix on the camper. Five days to get in the Mexico frame of mind.
It’s still chilly each afternoon when the wind picks up and there is no way in hell we’d consider going for a swim. But we are officially on beach time; eating when hungry, going to sleep when tired, waking with the sun. The malecon is a short 20-minute walk from camp. The campground and those around us mostly empty. A damn good start, or maybe second start, to our time in Baja.
In a couple more days we continue south in search of warmer weather and a new beach. I suspect it will be off the grid and certainly not walking distance to town:) And it, too, will be wonderful.
Thanks Kiki’s for getting us back in our Mexico frame of mind!
Oh, Hey! I’m here in Kiki’s looking at your RV right now…sort of.
I’m the one that stole your two front tires tonight!
Good times, good times.
Lol glad those tires were returned!!
What’s the purpose of the covered platforms? Inquiring minds want to know. 🙂
Hi Patti, they are sun shelter and, lol, in most cases for hanging laundry on top.
On our way down the Baja we did the same thing. Crossed at Mexicali and down to San Felipe stayed for 5 days to get a feel for it; then over to Ensenada and Estero Beach. Enjoy yourselves, if you would like any info about the Baja just email us. We had a great time. I actually did a blog if you’re interested in reading it.
Hey Susan. Yes would love to read your blog….please send us the link.
Patti, I would also love to have a link to your blog on the Baja. We are considering this trip next fall. Thanks
hi Patti.. .just follow along on the blog and you’ll get all the Baja updates!
Hi, here is the link to our blog of the Baja.
http://travelwiththehigginsinmexico.blogspot.ca/
Have a great trip. Susan
Great thanks Susan
looking for information on your trip the good and bads going in oct of 2016 for 6 months where are some great spots to park by beach and full hook up if can get thanks
Hi Dean… we’ll be blogging about the good, the bad, and the ugly so hopefully you’ll get lots of good info. Baja is fantastic.
So glad to read this and see the dogs and Jimmy- but Rhonda, we miss you too! I made scalloped potatoes that we were going to make together – good but better whenyou are here to cook with me.
Dad is feeling good and I am too. The weather is still cold but we are not snowed in. Toinight dad will be watching still another Oregon State basketball game – both the girls and the boys play – girls on Friday, boys onSaturday, then another something tomorrow – think it’s the Seahawks game. Wish we would all be together.
please give us an approximate date for Puerta Vallarta. We need to make reservations as early as possible to get something good.
Can’t wait – glad that you are having such a good time.
Thanks for the great blog
We got the catalogue today from your place, Ronda it was just really good. You would have liked it- more real pictures, easier to find destinations – but no really good writing about the trips.
Hope youare having a wonderful relaxing fun time.
We miss you, but thank you so much for keeping in touch.
Love, Mom and Dad
Hi mom and dad— we will get you dates for Vallarta soon so you can start planning. Talk soon
may I ask what Kiki’s charged for 5 days?
We are paying $25/night
I am so glad that you found a place to put 8 paws in the surf! Do relax and enjoy and track lots of sand in the camper!!
haha.. Geneva you are SO right! Sand, Sand everywhere and two very happy beach dogs. Even happier when we hit Bahia de los Angeles!!!
Do you know of more dog-friendly motels around San Felipe? I will be going through there in a couple of months. Thanks!
Sorry Mary Ellen… we were just concerned with the campgrounds but I do know Kiki’s does have hotel rooms and they allow dogs so that might be a good choice.