Playa Balandra, La Paz, Baja California

 Balandra appears to be the main tourist attraction in La Paz.  

As far as I can tell, all the tours you can sign up for end up here.  Or, you can do as I did and just take the tourist bus from the tourist shuttle service for 140 pesos return trip. There is no cell phone service out there so you can't depend on taxis or Uber.

It's a protected beach. Access is limited. If you arrive at 8 AM, you have to leave by 1145. Naturally, there are stragglers.  Everyone wants to stay just a little bit longer.  Police show up with sirens whooping to chase people along. By 1PM, new visitors are allowed to enter and stay until 6.

The first bus of the day doesn't leave until 9 AM, leaving only a little more than 2 hours. I had to visit again.  So I'm wearing 2 completely different shirts in this post.

This is the trail for the panoramic overview

That last peak was just a bit too dizzying for me and you really wouldn't want to be there in a crowded situation.  There is a lot less standing room.  I changed my mind about climbing there and backed down once. But I took a deep breath, told myself to stop thinking so much and eventually made it to the top.

Proof I made it to the top.

Time to get wet.

A staring contest with some fish.

I went for the afternoon session for the 2nd trip.

Heading for the north side this time.

If you're not carrying anything,  just wade or swim around the rocks. Orherwise, wear crocs, water shoes or sandals. There's no good way to get safely around the rocks in bare feet. I tried, gave up and soaked my sneakers. Better that than soaking my Kindle. I'd been reading The Wolf's Hour by Robert MacGammon, and so engrossed the kindle was always within reach.

That's the main point of interest dead ahead.

Stay off the dunes. It's one of the rules.  

Mushroom Rock. Hongo.

Some signs shouldn't be necessary but really are.  Influencers, looking for that perfect shot, will disturb those dunes, collect natural souvenirs and climb where they're not wanted.

Sadly, tourists kept climbing the rock until it collapsed.  It has since been restored to its original place with steel cables.  The climbers must have been a bloody mess when it came down. Those rocks are hard and jagged.

It was a long walk before finding deep water.

One last note about the bus service.  At the terminal, the return times are all listed as 15 minutes on the hour. 11:15, 12:15 and so on but they arrive on the hour and sometimes a bit earlier. I think the times listed at the station are for when they actually arrive at the terminal, not the time they pick you up.

La Paz

 It felt good to be warm again.

20 minute walk through a residential area brought me to the shore just in time for sunset.  A band with violin and sax were playing The Girl From Ipanema

A one hour hike from the hotel took me downtown to catch a bus ride to Ballandra. Fortunately, the hotel was booked and I had to move out on Saturday. Next port of call would be in the center along the boardwalk (malecon).

Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur (Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur - MUABCS).  I haven't made it inside yet.

 

This hotel is all chained up but quite likely has a few hard luck residents inside.

 

 

Rosarito Beach and Professional Baseball with El Toros in Tijuana

 

The fun continues.

El Tijuana Toros take on El Tigres at the Tijuana Stadium and we were there to see them win on their home turf with a grand slam.  

First Michelada ever.

Next morning, off to Rosarito, an upscale beach town. 

Too cold for swimming but two surfers tackled the waves in wetsuits.

I found a warm sweater.

Isaac always finds a clever shot.  

Horseback riding is the main game in this cold weather.  I've been told it finally gets warm in July.

And kite flying.  The air currents are perfect.  His kite hovers effortlessly. The other day, in Playas Tijuana, we watched a young walking the beach with his kite following him the whole way, no tugging or adjustments necessary.

Love for this chair made from worn out skateboards.

There is more than a touch of R. Crumb here.

The Festival Plaza was easily the most intriguing building in town.  Closed until further notice.  Maybe July.