Life on a Big Green Bus

With Jimmie and Tom as our drivers, about 32 of us traveled to Baja on a two week whale-watching special. A good time was had by all...

This is our group, taken at midnight near the border on the way home. First stop was Ensenada, where we had dinner and a shower. Pelicans looking for a handout. Devin, Guy & Diego had their first margarita of the trip. One for the road? Early the next morning found us at the first whale-watching spot. Nice hat, Rory! We did see lots of whales, but none close enough to touch. Next stop was at San Ignacio, home of a mission built in 1794. Where Ken had a shot of tequila. Next morning found us overlooking the beautiful Sea of Cortez. Sharon, about to begin the 6-mile hike down to camp. Yayo took us on a fishing trip. Katie and Diego Several dolphins swam ahead the bow of our boat. Graceful, beautiful creatures. A lunch stop in the small fishing village of Agua Verde. A peaceful village but you probably wouldn't want to live there! Diego with some kids at the tienda. Tomas said there was no place on earth he would rather be. Lisa was the champion fisherman. Sunrise at camp, as seen from Diego's tent. Looking back toward camp. Kayaking trips were offered by Juanito. We had lunch and snorkled on a small island. This is Nancy, well prepared for the kinda chilly water. Back at camp, Tomas helps prepare breakfast. Nancy and Frank turned out to be excellent cooks. A natural hole in the rocks, leading to the Nude Beach. Devin headed for a swim. Diego was just relaxing in his tent. Katie & Jessie & Iz were welcome, happy members of the group. Steve, who was on my first GT trip, is now camping across the arroyo. Steve pointed out the prone "man" silhouetted by the sunset. Follow the shadow to the Pee Tree. Lisa and friend. All too soon, it was time to break camp. Sadly, there are signs of development of the area. On our way to the Goat Ranch. Patricia hamming it up. Ian, you're a lucky man... After a goat dinner, we headed back to the big green bus. Next stop La Paz, home of the best ice cream in Baja. Lana agreed. Did you eat BOTH of those cones? Nice hat, Chris! Several of us stayed at this most unusual Yeneka hotel. There was once a live monkey here, now stuffed and sitting in this car We were promised a key to the room, but never got one. The furniture and the bed were made of re-bar! Amazingly, the bed was quite comfortable. If you didn't find the juice bar in the market, I'm sorry for you! Ken heads back to the bus. This is one happy man! And one sleepy kid. We next arrived at Cabo Pulmo, an isolated, beautiful beach. This is the new taco stand. Hurricane John destroyed the old one The watertank is new. The old one blew away. The beach in front of the taco stand. Ahhhhh! Nancy has great margaritas. Cabo Pulmo destroyed beach houses. Same scene at sunrise Sunrise found Glen on top of the hill. Looking back towards camp. Note the full moon. Glen heads back to camp. Water bucket duties. Jessie and Katie at camp Sunrise, day three. About 100 pelicans were frenzy feeding on a school of fish. Sunset, day three. At Aqua Caliente we first swam in a cool water pool. And then retreated to the hot water. This is the life! That night the kids found this merry-go-round Powered by Glen. Did anyone get dizzy? At the second whale-watching location, Henry confers with the military A quick breakfast. Then off to do some "whales watching" Past these cafes and off to the boats. Many pongo boats waiting for passengers. These fiberglass hulls are ubiquitous in Baja. Thar she blows! You get incredibly close to the mothers and their young. If you're lucky you get to touch one. Back on the bus, Glen and Debbie hamming it up for the camera. Tomas and Jessie trying out the local ice cream. Katie and Jessie. Buddies. On the road again. Willie Nelson style. A final Ahhhh! If you get motion sickness, this is not the place to be. A fully loaded truck passing by the bus window. We set up our last breakfast at Catavina. A beautiful, desolate spot. Many small flowers are in bloom. Guy and Sharon. It was Guy's birthday! Chris at the cave opening. Inside the Painted cave. Sorry to hide you behind my hat, Debbie! I saw a cat here. Debbie and Glen Jimmie waking up. Nice hat, Russ! Jessie enjoying a front-row seat beside driver Tom. Super trip... see you next year? END