Camping Baja

We spent 87 nights in Baja, camping at 19 different campgrounds (4 of them multiple times) 87 nights. Nearly 3 months. Here is a list of where we stayed so match up with the stories of our time that have been flowing as we traveled. I’m working on a follow-up blog but the writing is coming slowly. Baja, although wonderful, took a toll on us in more ways than one.

Estero Beach RV Park ~ Ensenada, BC

We had stopped at Clam Beach en-route and planned to stay, but after driving on the toll road 40minutes into Ensenada and with darkness approaching, we opted for the closer option of Estero Beach. Pricey at $40 night (negotiated down), we were irritated at paying so much, and yet in our two nights there we recovered from our traumatic border crossing, spent a couple of hours streaming Netflix, and during a break in the storm on day two dipped in the steaming hot tub. Just what we needed. Close to downtown, it offers nice facilities, laundromat, pool, hot tub, beach walk, and even a museum. We ended up staying here again for our final night in Baja before crossing the border.

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Living Los Barriles

Never fear. We are not actually living in Los Barriles. We did, however, end up spending more time there than any other place in Baja. More than three weeks during three different time periods. So I guess, basically, we were living in Los Barriles!

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Hipmunk Hotels Northeast: Exploring Lancaster, Roanoke, Bar Harbor and Beyond

This post is in cooperation with the Hipmunk Winter hotel 2016 campaign

The Northeast of the United States is a perfectly location to delve deep into the history that built this country, all while experiencing the conveniences of modern life. Step back into history and explore this country’s deep roots, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and amenities.

Roanoke

Roanoke, VA. for instance, is now well-known as a major adventure area located scenically in the Blue Ridge Mountains. And yet many do not know that the city was a major hub for Great Wagon Road — one of the most heavily traveled roads of the eighteenth century. While there, consider the Hilton Garden Inn for your accommodations. After a day of touring the Virginia Museum of Transportation or taking the Blue Ridge Parkway scenic drive, relax in this hotel’s indoor pool and spa or dine in the top rated restaurant.

image by Flickr by jon_beard

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The West Side

We have spent little time on the West Side of Baja. The reasons vary but it seems like the pounding waves of the Pacific Ocean, making for often unswimmable beaches, is just a bit too familiar. Too much like our much loved beaches of the Pacific Northwest.

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The Appeal of the Old

San Ignacio, that lovely oasis of date palms. A wonderful respite from the surrounding desert landscape. It is easy to find you have lost several hours in the streets of San Ignacio. We wandered the grounds of the town plaza and Mision, once again extremely appreciative of the appeal of the “old”.

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Finding Beauty in Unexpected Places

I am now fully certain I am not a desert person. Although I can appreciate the stark beauty and dramatic contrast, a more lush foliage speaks to me and is where i feel at home. Driving down these many miles of dusty roads, with only cactus for company, I have begun to long for the tropical heat of the mainland. Imagine, in the middle of all of this desert the thought of finding beauty in unexpected places.

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