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10-20 was marveling at the excellent road conditions from San Felipe to Puertecitos because the road was actually graded!!! It was nice to make such great time.
Unfortunately the trip back on Sunday the 22nd was unbelievable. A storm provided hail and rushing water that left many vehicles stranded. The trip took 2 and 1/2 hours and required many helping hands to pull those unfortunate travelers stuck in the middle of the "vados". The hail in one area made the surrounding terrain resemble the snow covered terrain I left behind in Utah many years ago ...
To my great surprise, the road was completely repaired by the time I drove back on the 3rd of November. It's nice to have the road conditions improving for a change!!
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The seasonal resident's have been a little slow in returning but everyone has been busy having a great time. The new restaurant at Bahia Cristina and the Cowpatty Loncheria has given everyone some new places to frequent and enjoy. Congrats to Richard Wilkes and Ricky Osuna for their perseverance in getting these much needed businesses off the ground. Thanks to all the locals for supporting them by frequenting their businesses.
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I've been gone most of November and will be gone until December -- My daughter has moved back from Texas and I'm busy catching up on a lot of overdue bookkeeping, car repairs, etc.. There's a great party planned New Years so I will definitely be there for that and report directly back!!! Best Wishes to all for a Merry Christmas season and a prosperous New Year ....
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Good News!! The road crew has starting filling the holes from Playa Christina to Puertecitos. It is still rough but it is much better. The last stretch to Puertecitos still rattles your teeth.
There are some rough spots between the checkpoint outside of San Felipe and La Ventana.
There is some road work in Mexicali as you head north to the old border crossing (just past COSTCO). You may want to consider using the new crossing when you go out.
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The seasonal residents are starting to filter in. The COWPATTY Loncheria is open Tues-Sun. Maria's restaurant hopes to open in two or three weeks. The Guzman restaurant has not reopened as of 10-9. I didn't see any activity at the Orozco establishment.
Had a rash of dead fish up and down the beach. The smell was not pleasant!!!
The weather has turned toward the cooler side--I even pulled a sheet up the other night.
Shrimp boats are everywhere and Panama has been bringing in some nice shrimp.
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Taller (pronounced Tah Air) Panama has started the move to a new location.
There has not been gas in town for the past few weeks (no surprise).
There has not been propane in town for the past few weeks (still no surprise).
I'll be updating more frequently now that there is a little more activity going on. Feel free to email me directly if you have questions!!! Hasta luego.
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I crossed at Tecate with no wait. A short "revision" and we were on our way. The toll road from Tecate to Mexicali is great. The tolls run about $5 at this time. The Cerveceria Tecate served an ice cold SOL this time.
The road from Mexicali to San Felipe is still in good condition. There are some rough spots between the Ensenada turn-off and San Felipe.
No new work on the Puertecitos-San Felipe stretch. Still 11 miles of slow-rough road from Playa Christina to Puertecitos.
Jim Prato had a little high center problem with his big Ford 4-wheel drive on the way back from Huerfenito to Puertecitos. Watch out for those big rocks in the road!!!The road is still rough and he estimates about 1 1/2 hours driving time to Huerfenito.
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There was a strong west wind that did some damage to a few houses. We're still assessing the damage. There are not a lot of people around right now.
A few break-ins have been reported. It is important to file a report with the policia if you have a break-in!!!
Mixed reports have been received about fire damage to Emilio Guzman's residence. The damage was limited to 2 rooms, smoke damage and loss of personal articles. Some of the American's have made generous donations to assist the family to make repairs.
The year-round residents are looking forward to cooler weather and better fishing. It's been a long, hot summer with little income and few tourists.
The Delegado, Francisco (Pancho) Borquez has been ill. Everyone sends their wishes for a speedy recovery.
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Two establishments, one at Campo Serena and one at Bahia Christina, have received the green light to open for business!!! Thanks to the Mexican Tourism Department and the Mexican and American Consulates for all their support!!!
Welcome to the new residents in the area--we look forward to meeting everyone this season. The COWPATTY will be hosting some events --watch for a new website in the near future.
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The border crossing at Mexicali was uneventful. The Americans were halting cars prior to the crossing which backed the cars up for a distance. No significant changes to report on the road to San Felipe.
The road to Puertecitos has been paved up to the Ejido Matomi sign. There are some rough spots but for the most part the road is OK. The last stretch to Puertecitos is still terrible.
We drove the road south to Gonzaga. The road is still rough, washboard with several really rocky turns. The only casualty was a shock mount on the VW bus.
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Stopped by Bahia Cristina and said hi to the Osuna family. The bay was crystal clear. Ricky has some nice palapas and great bathrooms there. He's still hoping to have the restaurant open in the near future. Manaña. Had a nice visit at Huerfenito. Lots of dolphins and a great place to swim. They had a little problem with their well but Pete and Jay got it back in order. Always a pleasure to stop by Cinco Islas and have a cold beer before tackling the washboard road to Punta Buffeo. Cesar (Delfina's son) is doing better after his long hospital stay last year--fish hooks and legs are not a good combination!! Lindo was there and even bought me a birthday cerveza to celebrate the day. Thanks to Lino and Pete for "phoning" ahead dinner and room reservations at Punta Buffeo. Gilberto and his two daughters prepared some outstanding seafood and Mexican combination plates. It's peaceful and quiet in that part of the world right now. The next morning we drove to Alfonsinas and had a nice time sitting under the ramada and sipping rum and coke. We had the campground pretty much to ourselves and spent a lot of time swimming. Rancho Grande had fuel and plenty of supplies. Another great ramada to spend time under..... The runways at Puertecitos, Punta Buffeo and Alfonsinas were all open. The temperatures are starting to climb and there's been quite a bit of humidity. No one has been telling any great fishing stories. The school held a very nice graduation ceremony on June 29th. The kids looked great and presented an entertaining program for everyone. Condolences to Maria Romo and her brother Jose, who has faithfully delivered our water for many years, on the loss of their parents. Sorry to hear about Art and Sara Montijo's unfortunate house fire. Glad too learn that they are ok. Caguama Mama has been called back to Ohio to care for her ailing mother. While she isn't too upset about missing the monsoon season, her heart remains in Puertecitos and with you all. It was a quiet 4th of July In Puertecitos. The Dotinga's and Jones' made it in for the holiday. It was nice to see Mobile Jack there also. Juan Pablo is busy building a new casa for our Delegado, Pancho Borquez. Chino has been promoted to Commandante....Congratulations. Our policemen have a large area to cover and they do a great job.
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p> Carlos Orozco has been taking care of the camp this month. Nice to see him around a little more ...Quitla (Carmen and Goyo's son) has a brand new taco shop on the north side of the Conosupo. The building is bright and airy, freshly painted and the only game in town during the summer season. His specialty is cucarachas that are not on the walls or the floors ... but are made of cheese and tortillas that taste wonderful.
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p> Had a real easy border crossing on Saturday. Lots of people from Mexicali were headed to San Felipe to continue the Mother's Day Celebration.The repair work from San Felipe south is slowly continuing. The road is in reasonable condition past Colorodito and half way up the hill ... Only about 15 miles of bad stuff now.
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I've been States bound for 3 weeks!!! I just moved to a new location in San Diego and seemed to be running into problems every time I turned around. Just as I was going into another "Puerteseizure", (it was touch and go for awhile ...) I found an extra day to head south!!!! The weather was great and it was really good to get home after being gone.
Visited El Vergel and enjoyed seeing friends there and hearing about their upcoming fund raiser. They will have a party and raffle on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend to raise money for their fire truck .... they have their own truck and make it available for other camps. They know how to throw a party so join them if you can ....
There were lots of reports of a great celebration on the Mexican Mother's day at the basketball court in Puertecitos. The band was reported to be excellent as well as the program and food.
The Orozco Family hosted their annual Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday. There were a lot of Mom's planning to be there. Unfortunately I had to return home and was not able to attend.
Goyo was a little under the weather but was reported resting up and doing fine according to his wife, Carmen.
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As I entered Puertecitos I saw that the new PEMEX was open, attended and pumping gas!!!! Also saw a sign that said TACO STAND >>> I now have a new neighbor cooking and selling tacos???? Didn't get the scoop on that but hope to get some information from the Orozco's soon.
Rumor has it that both the Bahia Cristina and Campo Serena establishments will be getting their petitions to sell alcohol approved in the near future .... (positive thinking is definitely more enjoyable than the doubting Thomas presumptions).
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The road has been patched and paved south from San Felipe to Los Morritos (near Colorodito). There are 18 miles of bad road from that point to Puertecitos. The road from Mexicali to San Felipe is good condition.
We took a trip south to Huerfenito in March. It took about an hour and fifteen minutes in the VW bus from Puertecitos. The road condition is washboard and rocky. Remember to let air out of your tires before you go!!!
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A lot of spectators enjoyed watching a SCORE 250 race as the racers came out of Matomi wash on to the pavement and on to the finish in San Felipe.
Puertecitos is having a Easter celebration with special activities for the kids. The delegation and locals are working together to present a program to educate the children about substance abuse. Please email me directly if you would like further info.
There has been a lot of good fishing days. The fishermen report some good catches of a variety of species.
There are a lot of Americans in town. Be sure to check in with the locals for information regarding the monthly potluck and other activities sponsored by the community center.
Gasoline is not always available in Puertecitos. The old gas station is still operating. No news as to when the new station will open -- it is still under construction. Please be sure to bring sufficient fuel along for your trip.
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The taller (Panamá) will be relocating to the main road just north of the conasupo in the near future.
The Puertecitos restaurant is open daily.
There is a new taco stand being built next to the conasupo.
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The potholes north of San Felipe seem to have been repaired. The road south to Puertecitos is fine until Playa Mexico where it is still full of potholes and a slow drive. There was gasoline in Puertecitos over Feb. 5 - 7.
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The Presidente of the Ensenada Municipal and company drove south to Bahia Cristina. Ricky Osuna gave the President a ride in his new big panga. The President stayed in Puertecitos at the motel ... needless to say, the gate remained open the night he was there.
DIF (Mexican Social Services) held a nice fiesta Feb. 4-5. There was some great music on the malecon.
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There are some new police vehicles and a new officer. Natividad (Nati) is now working at the police station. The new PEMEX is not open yet.
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Mexico 5 from Mexicali to San Felipe has major pot hole problems north of the Ensenada turn-off and in the El Dorado Ranch area. The road is narrow in some places and can catch you by surprise.
The military personnel at the Ensenada turn-off were taking driver's names and destinations on the 4th.
The soldiers checked under my hood and when they tried to close it there was a problem with the hood latch. Their mechanic patiently worked for about a half hour until it was fixed. The guys were friendly and helpful as always.
The crossing on 12-31-99 at 9:00 AM was quiet and short. The crossing at 4:00 into the US on 1-4-00 at the truck gate was quiet and shorter ....
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The Orozco family hosted the traditional New Years party at the restaurant. Reports from everyone indicated the food was good (tamales) and about 50 people in attendance.
There has been a nasty bug going around that has kept a lot of people at home. The wind has blown a lot in December and everyone is looking forward to nicer conditions.
The fishing reports haven't been good.
The wind didn't stop the party at Emilio Guzman's house. Everyone had a great time and danced until 2:30 in the morning on New Year's Eve.
Vayo con Dios .....
We were all saddened by the death of Ramon Osuna on December 20. Sincere condolences go out to his wife, Modesta, and children Ricky, Cristina, Selena and their families. He will be missed very much by his family, friends and neighbors.
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The old Pemex station is open and selling gas.
Ricky Osuna is now running a fishing/diving boat. Bahia Cristina is six miles south of Puertecitos and has camp sites with bathrooms and showers. He will charter up to six people for fishing trips. Email COWPATTY@CTS.net for additional information.
There is a AA chapter at Campo Las Chivas just north of Puertecitos. Look for the sign. Members are invited to stop in and say hi. David also has campsites and offers guided fishing trips.
Sr. Goyo at the Conasupo will soon be making ice!! When you live in the desert this is an exciting happening!
Rumor has it there might be a fire in the old pit at Marvin Gardener's place on New Year' Eve.
The airport is open ....
We had RAIN AND THUNDER on the 12th of December. Not much but a beautiful double rainbow appeared -- one ended over the Kruger's house and the other over the hot pools.
There is gas in Puertecitos. Gas is expensive.
Louie in Campo Colorodito lost his yellow lab. "JEFFE" is a docile dog and loves people. He had a collar on.
HAPPY NEW MILLENIUM!!!!