page # 2 photos of Baja

Uninvited visitor under our palapa, just as we were preparing to go to sleep. This 2" scorpion which we were told was a big one, re-opened the discussion on using the tent or sleeping in the open as we had been doing. We stuck with sleeping bags only but maybe we kept our hands inside the bags a little more than usual, and yes, we doubled checked inside our boots in the morning and also looked more carefully, where we walked with sandals or bare feet after dark. Still Pete decided it needed a lesson and threw it in the fire. I say he either is very brave
or very foolish, just imagine I told him all evening before he fell asleep, when all the other scorpions around us, find out what you did to one of them, good thing... we never stay more than one night on the same beach...but still...Goodnight amigo, sleep well... All wasted effort on my part...he was snoring 10 minutes later.

Here Pete seems to have found a new friend...he probably recognized him...or did he just
want a sip of that TECATE beer.
There were loose dogs everywhere in large quantities usually just hanging around looking for food. We also noted there were no small dogs in those groups...I wonder why...

It seems that no matter what direction or how slow or fast I went, there was always this strange looking gringo always grinning, following me on a similar bike, could not get rid of him. It was simply demoralizing to see someone looking so sad all the time ( probably practicing for the sad photo you saw on the first page)

The back roads are what attracted us to Baja, (no shit...) We went through quite a selection of them, from occasional nice hard pack but always with a possible surprise waiting around the next corner (we learned fast that you can't take anything for granted in Baja) to all the other unheard of possibilities. Very loose gravel with giant potholes sprinkled with a good assortment of rocks of different sizes , washboards raised to a new level of depth, rythmh and efficiency, also well seasoned with rocks that you try to miss as you have double or triple vision from the washboard frequency. Let's not forget the ever present loose sand, which can appear anytime for a few feet or a few miles, and for which there is no agreed upon technique guaranteed. First you stand up on the pegs so you can see far ahead to pick your way, it also allows you to lean the bike quickly from side to side with your legs, then, cross you fingers, hang on and concentrate and depending on depth and density of the sand patch you just encountered, start looking for the softest looking landing spot. Now if you make it through without any sweat, you start thinking that maybe you have finally mastered the sand technique, that is until the next patch brings you back to reality. Luck plays a big part in it, and apparently, having led a good life until then, might not hurt neither. ( If so, some of us should probably stay away from deep sand, I guess... )