Santa Rosalia - Loreto, Baja, Mexico

Santa Rosalia is a mining town built by the French with a metal chapel designed by the Gustave Eiffel.  Yeap.  That's the Eiffel Tower designer.  We had a quick overnight here before continuing South and plan to see the chapel on our way back through.  If you are staying on the main roads of Baja it's basically the same way down as it is up.  Mulegé was next.  A small and rustic expat fishing village about 20 miles South.  A river runs through the settlement and into the sea.  From there you begin the gorgeous drive along the Bay of Conception.  This is where the snowbirds come to stay.  Miles of sandy turnouts take you down to sandy beaches and calm turquoise waters.  Large RVs and 5th wheels line the water's edge with thatched cabanas.  Locals come by daily selling their catch of the day, fresh juice, and water.  Other beaches have a local restaurant and more elaborate structures covering their RVs.  We scouted our camp spot for the return travels home.  

We made it to Loreto for the night.  While checking out one of the RV parks in town we met a gentleman riding his Vespa.  The RV park wasn't tent friendly and asked him if he recommended a place for the night.  He offered us his rental house  for half price and we followed him through town to check out.  2 blocks from the water sat an adorable thatched roof cottage!  The inside was just as cute as the outside.  We were thrilled.  It's for sale if anyone is interested.  

After unloading we walked down to grab an awesome fish taco for dinner.  The town is a nice size with all the conveniences and a large marine national preserve.  We liked the town and the cottage so much we stayed another night.  

During our morning run around town to scout the area we realized it was Carnival is this weekend.  Over an afternoon margarita we met 2 other couples that work seasonally in Yosemite.  We of course hit it off.  They are car camping the Baja as well.  We invited them over to our place for a free shower before heading to the evening festivities.  The street was lined with food vendors, games for the children, and live music.  Let me assure you the street food here is amazing.  The taco stands have fresh roasted veggies and meat.  Platters are brought to your table with fresh radishes, salsa, and cabbage.  Pitchers of colorful juices and flower blossom teas to pick from.  We were in heaven.  The large stage came alive with an announcer beginning to tell a story.  A crowd of people began to gather around what looked like a human piñata hanging from a crane.  The story continued for a while and everyone was listening intently.  At the end, 2 guys lit fuse and the piñata began exploding with fireworks.  If I had known, we probably would not have been standing so close to the safety fence.  Spinning and shooting and lighting up the sky.  Next was the king and queen of the carnival introduction.  20 boys and girls from around 6 to 16 paired off and escorted each other down the long and intimidating aisle between the crowd.  The elaborate and colorful costumes sparkled as they walked.  It was a wonderful evening in Baja