Blame it on Mulege

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By Lowell | April 30, 2016 | Category Baja 07, Baja2016

  

Wednesday April 27th

The photo left sets the stage for our day in Mulege. Perfect night in Chivato last night and we made the 7 mile leg into Mulege arriving mid morning with plenty on time to “Blame if on Mulege”. Hurricane Odile has been through Mulege since our last visit. The channel entrance is deeper than ever with 6’ as we passed over the shoal entrance and anchored near the lighthouse boat ramp. There not much wind as we came south but before we headed in to town there’s whitecaps and good winds coming into the anchorage.

    

The easiest way in to the city 2 miles up river is to head to the Serenidad hotel to enjoy a Bloody Mary, chips and salsa, then have them call us a taxi. Today we have Pancho who speaks no English but is a good sport with our Spanish. He takes us on the river road so we can check out the conditions after this latest hurricane. Surprisingly there’s lots of restored homes and lots of work in progress. This is much different from our last visit when there seemed to be a lot of abandoned homes. The river road still doesn’t go all the way to town and Pancho had to back track to the highway. There’s been 3 huricanes in 10 years and Mulege really needs to catch a break. Below are two photos of the river area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many times we say “Blame it on Mulege” but we should really say Blame it on Restaurant Los Equipales who serve high test margaritas. Today is no exception. We have 2 of our Santa Rosalia dock mate boats here having lunch. We are anchored in Playa Santispac and probably hitched a ride to Mulege from Conception Bay.

 

Lynnie has been looking at Trip Advisor and wants to stop by Hotel Los Casitas which has a great rating. We’ve stopped by and looked into the hotel in the past but never came in for service. The courtyard is a green garden and rooms are classic with plant’s everywhere. While there an older gentleman came in and walked all around. He indicated he was being nostalgic from many visits in the past..The beer is cold and the setting perfect. Jeffrey is sure he’s being beerboarded In the photo below.

Prison time

While waiting for the stores to open from siesta we walked up the stairs to the prison museum and to our surprise it is open. Monica is our host and anxious to give us a tour in Spanish of course. After our lunch margs our translation on the tour were pretty entertaining. Monica had a great time with us. Lynnie enjoyed giving the museum dog a little lovin.

 

 

 

Before heading back to the boat we stop by the watering hole near the plaza to meet the locals. Guy on my left lives in Punta Chivato near the Italian hotel (now closed). He has lot of scuttlebutt about the Italians that I won’t repeat and is sure the hotel won’t reopen. Jeffrey has a man next to him who explains the former owner sold the restaurant/bar to the employees who have done a great job with the place.

 

Back on the boat and the winds are still blowing into the river anchorage making it very conformable. I have to admit I need a nap after a full day on Mulege. An hour later and we’re off to “El Patron” on the north river shore. This place is the ultimate in beach ambiance with black sand floors, palm trees and beams supporting plywood walls and plants everywhere. They haven’t been open recently as they are in the direct flood path during hurricanes. I think they have to take the entire restaurant to higher ground during flooding. Probably the last they were open was when Dave Kelley and Randy sailed north with me.The food has always be good. Tonight we just here for drinks..

 

 

Back on board for the night we reflect on a awesome fun day in Mulege.

Winds have shifted to the west from the river and it’s going to be a cool restful night.

Heading south tomorrow.

All well on Gato Loco

Until the next update

Tags: Gato Loco Sea of Cortez Sailing