CHRISTMAS EVE

We had some differences this year in our celebration because Ron, a long-timer, did not come to Baja this year. Every year he provided sacks and tea lights to line the beach with luminaires and he constructed a tree with star and the current year which he changed on New Year's.

This year many people brought sacks and candles, so we we able to line the beach again with them. As soon as the sun went down, we had a fireworks display over the water. And then to finish off the evening we had a charming Christmas ships parade (2 zodiacs and 2 kayaks).

This zodiac, decorated by blue lights, containing Bob and Patty Custer.The kayaks were paddled by the Simpsons.

Earlier in the day we had our New Year's potluck with close to 60 people taking part. The food was terrific and you could fill up as much as you wanted.

On New Year's day, we went to Hotel Serenidad for their buffet of the traditional turkey dinner. It was well-organized and very good food. Coyote Beach was well represented with a big long table for us.

FELIZ ANO NUEVO!

WHAT NOW?

Bob driving to San Javier

 One of the many booths along the main street.

 Loreto and the bay

From Coyote Beach~~John and Lori

A few weeks ago, because we have the car down here, we took a day trip to the south. This was to a small village called San Javier and they were having a 2-day festival in celebration  of their name day. This is also where the second oldest mission in Baja is. We were told that the mission itself is quite lovely and worth the trip. Unfortunately, the road through the mountains was awful due to the fall storms and the town was so crowded with  horses and people that we couldn't even get close to the mission!  We decided that when we are staying in Loreto at the end of our trip, we can drive up to San Javier when it is not crowded.

WHAT WE HAVE TO PUT UP WITH!

The hurricane which ripped across Baja in early October dumped an awful lot of rain on the peninsula. The result that is around us still is an incredible amount of green which is rare for a desert. Many
kinds of cacti are blooming while they can!!

Another consequence of water and green shrubbery is insects. In the morning are the Boboes (very

small biting flies). A solution of Skin-So-Soft sprayed liberally about oneself seems to repel most of the Boboes. Then we have gnats, no-see-ums and mosquitoes which require a different repellent~~most of us have OFF. Forsome reason, I have several  different lotions  for after being bitten, but nothing to prevent it. After a week and ahalf of being horribly bitten, I finally bought some OFF.

This stick insect (about 6 inches long) was inside our neighbors' tent. We were most thankful that it was not a stinging insect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's hard to believe that Christmas will soon be upon us. Our daytime temperatures have been
in the 80's. There are 4 young women 2 sites down from us who are going around topless. Has certainly perked up the men on the beach.