The River Crossings

We started the day with a one-of-a-kind view of the sun rising over the Sea of Cortez from the balcony of our hotel (see picture).  After a slow start, we set out to attempt to cross the Sierra right behind Loreto on our way back to the west coast.  Reports of the road conditions where inconsistent so we did not know what to expect.  All we knew was that it was paved all the way to Mision San Javier, a Jesuit mission built in the mountains in 1699, and then ...

Being in the mountains, on twistie roads, with beautiful views ... with the expectations of the unknown and the challenges ahead ... with your body experiencing a bit of joy, awe, fear, apprehension, excitement ... makes for a nice and powerful cocktail : )

The mission was nicely restored with a nice town around it.  Makes you wonder why people in the 1500-1600 would leave family and friends to go live and evangelize all around the new world in places like this to never return home. 

The road after the mission became challenging, especially the river crossings.  The road followed the river but had to cross it often when the banks were no longer able to support a road.  Some crossing were easy but others were deep, long, with big boulders, and slippery ... only one dunking of a motorcycle and a few close calls with the big bikes but we eventually made it to the other side. 

The west coast in these parts is very agricultural and flat. After getting some gas and food, we headed to where the whales hang out to camp for the night.  We didn't realize how this whole area is a big marsh - no real beaches.  We went off road on an increasingly sandy road looking for a remote place to camp but did not find anything so we decided to go back to town and stay in a hotel.

Andy and I went exploring around this very strange town at night ... dark, unpaved, wide streets ... with people hanging out, children playing ... we did manage to have the most amazing plate of sea food of the trip - lobster, shrimp, and fish, all freshly caught.

Tomorrow we go see the whales again and head to La Paz ... all paved : )